VPNFind

Our Methodology

How VPNFind tests and scores VPN providers. Our evaluation criteria, testing process, and scoring weights - fully transparent.

Every VPN review site claims to be independent. We back that claim with a published methodology, transparent scoring weights, and disclosed affiliate relationships. Here is exactly how we evaluate VPN providers.

How We Buy and Test

We purchase every VPN subscription with our own money. We do not accept free accounts, review copies, or sponsored access from VPN providers. This ensures that our testing experience matches what you would get as a paying customer.

Test Environment

  • Baseline connection: 1 Gbps symmetric fiber (measured at 100 Mbps for normalized comparisons)
  • Test location: New York, USA
  • Test targets: New York, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Sydney
  • Speed tool: Speedtest CLI by Ookla
  • Runs per test: 5 per server per location, median value reported
  • Protocol: Provider's fastest recommended protocol (WireGuard/NordLynx/Lightway)
  • Frequency: Monthly retesting of all VPN providers

What We Test

  1. Speed performance across 5 geographic locations
  2. Streaming unblocking against 12 major platforms
  3. Kill switch reliability under forced disconnection
  4. DNS leak protection using multiple leak testing methods
  5. App quality on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
  6. Cancellation experience including dark pattern assessment
  7. Refund processing by actually requesting and timing refunds

Scoring Categories and Weights

Each VPN is scored across 10 categories. The overall score is a weighted average:

| Category | Weight | What We Evaluate | |----------|--------|-----------------| | Privacy | 15% | Audit history, jurisdiction, data collection, no-logs verification | | Security | 15% | Encryption, kill switch, DNS protection, protocol security | | Speed | 15% | Download/upload speeds, latency across 5 locations | | Streaming | 10% | Number of platforms unblocked, consistency over time | | Server Network | 10% | Country coverage, server quality, specialized servers | | User Experience | 10% | App design, onboarding, settings clarity | | Features | 10% | Feature breadth, unique capabilities, add-on value | | Torrenting | 5% | P2P support, port forwarding, kill switch reliability | | Device Compatibility | 5% | Platform coverage, simultaneous connections, router support | | Value | 5% | True multi-year cost, renewal pricing, free tier quality |

Scoring Scale

  • 9.0-10.0: Exceptional. Best-in-class for this category.
  • 8.0-8.9: Very good. Minor limitations that most users will not notice.
  • 7.0-7.9: Good. Noticeable weaknesses but still a solid choice.
  • 6.0-6.9: Average. Significant limitations in this category.
  • Below 6.0: Below average. Not recommended for this use case.

How We Handle Affiliate Relationships

Most VPN review sites earn commission from affiliate links. So do we. Here is how we ensure this does not corrupt our reviews:

  1. We publish commission rates. Every review page shows what we earn if you buy through our link. You can see our affiliate rates page for the full breakdown.

  2. We review VPNs with no affiliate program. Mullvad and IVPN have no affiliate programs - we earn nothing if you choose them. We include them because they deserve coverage based on merit.

  3. Affiliate income does not influence scores. Our scoring methodology is published and applied consistently. A VPN that pays us more does not get a higher score.

  4. We disclose conflicts. If a VPN provider's parent company also owns other VPNs we review, we state this clearly (e.g., Kape Technologies owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and PIA).

What We Get Wrong

No review process is perfect. Our limitations:

  • Single test location: Our primary testing is from New York. Your speeds from another city or country may differ.
  • Monthly snapshots: We test monthly, but VPN performance can vary day to day.
  • Desktop bias: Our primary testing is on desktop platforms. Mobile app performance may differ.
  • English-language focus: We primarily evaluate English-language apps and support.

We are continuously working to address these limitations with broader testing infrastructure.

Updates and Corrections

All reviews include "Last Tested" and "Updated" dates. We commit to:

  • Monthly speed test updates
  • Monthly streaming compatibility checks
  • Immediate updates when security incidents or ownership changes occur
  • Transparent correction notices when we get something wrong

If you find an error in our reviews, contact us. We take accuracy seriously.