How We Tested & Chose the Best VPNs

Choosing a reliable VPN isn’t just about speed or pricing—it’s about trust, performance, and how well a service protects your privacy across various use cases. At CleanVPNs, we developed a testing framework that reflects what users actually care about.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors we use to evaluate and rank each VPN, along with how we test them.

1. Privacy (20%)

Privacy is our top priority. We analyze each VPN’s logging policy to determine whether it truly respects user privacy or merely makes marketing claims. Our evaluation includes:

  • Reviewing the privacy policy and terms of service in detail
  • Checking for third-party audits or independent no-log verification
  • Investigating the company's jurisdiction and data retention laws
  • Researching the company’s ownership and track record

VPNs that retain any user activity or IP addresses lose significant points here. We only award high scores to services that provide strict no-log assurances, backed by either legal precedent or independent audits.

2. Streaming (15%)

Many users turn to VPNs to unlock geo-restricted streaming content. We test VPNs across major platforms to see which ones consistently work, including:

  • Netflix (US, UK, JP, etc.)
  • Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
  • BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and other region-specific services

We assess how reliably each VPN bypasses geo-blocks, whether there’s buffering or lag, and if dedicated streaming servers are offered.

3. Speed (15%)

Speed is a critical factor—especially for streaming, video calls, and large downloads. We test each VPN under realistic conditions using:

  • Multiple devices (desktop and mobile)
  • Speed test tools (e.g., Ookla, Fast.com) across various servers
  • Locations including North America, Europe, and Asia

We measure download/upload speeds, ping/latency, and performance during peak traffic hours. VPNs that offer stable, high-speed connections across global servers perform best.

4. Security (15%)

Security is at the core of what a VPN should provide. We evaluate:

  • Encryption standards (AES-256, ChaCha20, etc.)
  • Protocols supported (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2)
  • Kill switch reliability
  • DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection
  • Vulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks or poor app design

We test each VPN using tools like IPLeak.net and Wireshark to ensure traffic is fully encrypted and no data leaks occur—even during unexpected disconnections.

5. Server Locations (10%)

A wide and well-distributed server network helps improve speed, access, and reliability. We assess:

  • Number of countries and total servers available
  • Server coverage in key regions (US, Europe, Asia, Middle East)
  • Availability of virtual vs. physical servers
  • Specialty servers (e.g., obfuscated, multi-hop, P2P)

6. User Experience (10%)

A secure VPN is only useful if it’s also accessible and stable. We evaluate:

  • Installation process on desktop and mobile
  • App design, interface clarity, and navigation
  • Stability and ease of switching servers
  • Support options (live chat, knowledge base, response time)

We prioritize VPNs that are beginner-friendly without sacrificing advanced functionality for power users.

7. Torrenting (5%)

We check whether a VPN supports secure, anonymous torrenting. This includes:

  • Whether P2P is allowed on all or only specific servers
  • Whether speeds remain consistent during large downloads
  • Support for port forwarding (if applicable)
  • Privacy protections while using BitTorrent clients

VPNs that throttle traffic, restrict P2P access, or expose IPs during file sharing lose points here.

8. Device Compatibility (5%)

A good VPN should work across all your devices. We test:

  • Desktop platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Mobile platforms: Android, iOS
  • Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox)
  • Additional devices: routers, smart TVs, Fire Stick, and gaming consoles

VPNs with custom apps, manual setup guides, and full feature parity across devices earn higher scores.

9. Additional Features (5%)

We also account for features that enhance security or usability beyond the basics. These may include:

  • Ad/tracker blocking
  • Split tunneling
  • Multi-hop/VPN chaining
  • SmartDNS
  • Dedicated IP options
  • Threat protection tools

These features are not essential for everyone, but they add value—especially for advanced users or specific use cases.