How We Test VPNs
Our testing approach focuses on real-world usability, security features, and everyday reliability — not lab-grade benchmarks.
Last updated: December 2025
We evaluate VPNs using real-world scenarios that matter to everyday users, such as public Wi-Fi usage, travel reliability, and ease of setup. Our testing focuses on usability, security features, and consistency rather than synthetic speed tests or controlled lab conditions.
What We Test
Public Wi-Fi & Travel Usability
We test VPNs on airport Wi-Fi, hotel networks, and coffee shop connections to see how they perform on shared, untrusted networks.
- Connection reliability on busy public networks
- Compatibility with captive portals and login pages
- Stability during email, browsing, and banking sessions
- Automatic reconnection after network switches
Security Features & Privacy
We review what security features are enabled by default and how transparent providers are about their policies.
- Encryption standards (AES-256, protocols used)
- Kill switch availability and reliability
- DNS leak protection and IP masking
- Privacy policy clarity and jurisdiction
Ease of Setup & Daily Use
We install and configure VPNs on real devices to assess how easy they are for non-technical users.
- Installation process on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
- Interface clarity and navigation
- One-click connection experience
- Customer support responsiveness
Streaming & Content Access
We test whether VPNs can reliably access popular streaming services without constant troubleshooting.
- Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ accessibility
- Sports streaming reliability
- Connection speed adequate for HD video
- Server availability in key regions
Value & Transparency
We evaluate pricing, refund policies, and whether promotional claims match actual service.
- Money-back guarantee legitimacy
- Pricing clarity (no hidden fees)
- Long-term subscription value
- Honest marketing vs. actual features
How We Test
Our testing process is hands-on and real-world focused. We don't rely on automated tools or synthetic benchmarks.
We Install & Use Each VPN
We create real accounts, install apps on multiple devices, and use the VPN for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and streaming.
We Test on Real Networks
We connect on home Wi-Fi, public networks (airports, cafes), and mobile data to see how VPNs perform in typical use cases.
We Verify Security Claims
We check that advertised features (kill switch, encryption, no-logs) are actually enabled and working as described.
We Monitor Long-Term Reliability
We don't just test for one day. We use VPNs over weeks to catch issues like connection drops, slowdowns, or inconsistent performance.
We Compare Current Deals
We track pricing changes, promotional offers, and refund policy enforcement to ensure our recommendations reflect current value.
What We Don't Test
We focus on practical usability, not technical extremes. Here's what we intentionally skip:
✗ Synthetic Speed Tests
Speed test results vary wildly by time, location, and server load. They rarely reflect real-world browsing or streaming performance.
✗ Extreme Technical Audits
We're not a security research lab. We rely on third-party audits when available and focus on features that matter to everyday users.
✗ Exhaustive Server Testing
We don't test every server in every country. We focus on major locations (Canada, US, UK, EU) and typical use cases.
✗ Corporate or Enterprise Features
Our reviews are for individual users and families, not businesses or IT departments.
Our Transparency Standards
- ✓We disclose affiliate relationships on every comparison page
- ✓We update our testing when VPN providers make significant changes
- ✓We don't accept payment for rankings or editorial content
- ✓We clearly label promotional content and sponsored placements
- ✓Results may vary by location, network conditions, and device
⚠️ Important Disclaimers
VPN performance depends on many factors: your internet connection, location, device, time of day, and the specific server you connect to. Our testing reflects our experience under specific conditions and may not match your results. We recommend using free trials or money-back guarantees to test VPNs in your own environment before committing to a long-term subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Do you accept payment from VPN companies?
We earn affiliate commissions when readers purchase VPNs through our links, but we do not accept payment for rankings, reviews, or editorial content. Our testing and recommendations are independent.
How often do you update your testing?
We monitor VPN services continuously and update our comparisons when providers make significant changes (pricing, features, performance). Major reviews are refreshed quarterly or when prompted by user feedback.
Why don't you publish speed test numbers?
Speed test results are highly variable and depend on your location, ISP, time of day, and server load. Publishing specific numbers would be misleading. Instead, we focus on whether speeds are adequate for typical tasks like streaming, browsing, and video calls.
Do you test every VPN on the market?
No. We focus on established VPN providers with proven track records, transparent policies, and consistent service. We prioritize VPNs that are relevant to Canadian users and travelers.
Can I trust your recommendations?
Our methodology is transparent, our testing is hands-on, and our affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed. We recommend VPNs we would use ourselves, but we always encourage readers to test services using free trials or money-back guarantees before committing.