Editorial Guidelines

Editorial independence is non-negotiable. VPN providers cannot pay for better rankings, influence our reviews, or edit our content. Our scores are based solely on objective testing criteria: speed, security, privacy, features, and value.

We maintain a clear separation between our editorial team (who test and review VPNs) and business relationships. Affiliate partnerships never influence which VPNs we recommend or how we score them.

We disclose all affiliate relationships prominently. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our testing operations but does not impact our editorial decisions.

Every VPN we review undergoes hands-on testing using standardized criteria:

• Speed Tests: We measure download/upload speeds, latency, and connection stability from multiple Canadian locations using 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps connections.
• Security Audits: We verify encryption protocols, kill switch functionality, DNS leak protection, and review third-party security audits.
• Privacy Analysis: We examine logging policies, jurisdiction, transparency reports, and legal/warrant canary disclosures.
• Streaming Tests: We test access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and other platforms from Canadian connections.
• Usability Reviews: We evaluate app interfaces, setup ease, device compatibility, and customer support responsiveness.

Tests are repeated quarterly to ensure rankings reflect current performance, not outdated data.

All technical claims are verified. We cross-reference VPN provider specifications with our own tests. When we cite speed tests, server counts, or security features, those numbers come from our direct testing or official sources we've verified.

Pricing and deals are updated regularly. VPN pricing changes frequently. We update promotional offers, pricing tiers, and money-back guarantees at least monthly to ensure accuracy.

Corrections policy: If we discover an error, we correct it immediately and note the update at the bottom of the article with a timestamp. Material errors (like incorrect pricing or security claims) are flagged prominently.

Last updated dates are always visible. Every review and comparison page displays the last update date prominently. This ensures readers know they're viewing current information.

Material changes are disclosed. When VPNs change ownership, implement new logging policies, or experience security incidents, we update reviews immediately and note the change.

Our testing process is public. We document our methodology on our How We Test VPNs page, explaining exactly how we score speed, security, privacy, and features.

Balanced reviews. Every VPN review includes both pros and cons. We don't write promotional content—we write honest assessments based on testing data.

Real-world context. We test VPNs in scenarios that matter to Canadians: streaming US Netflix, accessing UK content, protecting data on public WiFi, and maintaining privacy from ISPs.

No fake reviews. All reviews are based on hands-on testing by our editorial team. We never publish reviews from VPN providers or third parties claiming to be users.

Clear language. We avoid jargon when possible and explain technical concepts in plain language. When we use terms like "WireGuard," "AES-256," or "kill switch," we define them for readers unfamiliar with VPN technology.

Affiliate disclosures. We disclose affiliate relationships on every page with VPN purchase links. These disclosures are clear, visible, and honest about how we earn revenue.

No sponsored reviews. VPN companies cannot pay for reviews, rankings, or coverage. All reviews are initiated by our editorial team based on reader interest and market relevance.

No preferential treatment. Higher affiliate commissions do not result in better rankings. Our scoring is based purely on testing performance across speed, security, privacy, features, and value metrics.

Report errors or concerns. If you spot an inaccuracy, outdated information, or have concerns about our content, please contact us. We review all feedback and correct errors promptly.

Questions about our process? Reach out if you have questions about how we test VPNs, score features, or maintain editorial independence. We're committed to transparency.

Last updated: December 29, 2025