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Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting (27%)

1. At the very least. The VPN works with top streaming platforms like Netflix, lets you play first-person shooter games with minimal lag, and has some servers that support P2P traffic.

2. At best. It also works with lesser-known sites for seamless streaming. Have specialty P2P servers or torrent support across its entire network.

A VPN's ability to work seamlessly with streaming sites is another important factor when we review VPNs. We have a global team of dedicated testers who conduct tests twice weekly across dozens of streaming services (available in their respective countries) using dozens of VPNs. For example, we'll connect from the US to a VPN server nearby to determine if it works with US Netflix, Hulu, and Max.

We also frequently test Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+, ITV, Peacock, and more. We have subscriptions with all these platforms to test them in the associated locations. Once we verify the VPN works, we test the streaming quality the VPN allows. If we can stream consistently in HD without any interruptions, then it improves the VPN's score.

We also test the VPN's ability for secure online gaming without compromising speed. The tester will usually play a popular fast-paced game, like Counter Strike 2, with the VPN connected to servers nearby and far away. Your character's immediate reactions are vital when playing competitive online games. So, if a VPN gives us a ping rate of 85ms or less, it gets a better score.

P2P support for torrenting is another feature we test. Our minimum requirement is that a VPN enables P2P sharing on its servers so you can torrent as much as you want. When we download a torrent, we always pay attention to speeds and how long downloads take with the VPN connected compared to how long it takes without the VPN running. This is tested on both local and long-distance servers.

A VPN's privacy and security features are essential, as torrenting can expose your identifiable information. Examples include strong encryption, IP leak protection, and a kill switch. If a VPN has all of these, it scores very highly for torrenting. We also look at extra features that can boost torrenting performance, like port forwarding and split tunneling.

Speed (9%)

1. At the very least. The VPN should be able to load websites quickly and stream HD content without buffering (it should provide speeds of at least 5Mbps).

2. At best. A speed loss of no more than 20% on short-distance servers and 40% on long-distance servers.

Having fast speeds is crucial as it significantly impacts user experience. This is particularly true when streaming videos, downloading, or playing games. It’s normal for a VPN to slow your speeds because of the extra encryption and longer distances — the smaller the drop, the better.

We conduct speed tests from a single location using the same internet connection for consistent and reliable results. Before connecting to a VPN, we record the speed of our non-VPN connection to use as a baseline. Then, we connect to the VPN and test many short and long-distance servers worldwide. We also do tests at different times of the day. This level of variety and depth is the best way to gauge actual speed results.

We consider the following when speed testing:

• Download speeds. This is how fast it takes to receive data, which you do when streaming and torrenting. It's measured in Megabits per second (Mbps).
• Upload speeds. It refers to how fast it takes to send data, such as uploading videos or sending emails, and is also measured in Mbps.
• Ping. This measures how responsive the connection is (latency) and is recorded in milliseconds (ms). This is essential for fast-paced gaming. The lower the ping, the better.

Once we’ve collected the results, we determine the percentage differences between the non-VPN speed and the speed of each location. Since VPN speeds can vary (depending on your location, time of day, bandwidth caps, etc.), this percentage lets you know how the VPN could affect your baseline internet speed. A VPN should not produce a speed loss of more than 20% on short distance servers and 40% on long distance servers.

Server Network (9%)

1. At the very least. A vast network of servers worldwide to access your international accounts when traveling.

2. At best. Includes city-level servers to quickly find one near your location for the best performance and rotating IP or dedicated IP addresses to avoid VPN use being detected and blocked.

A global server network enhances a VPN's ability to access online services and websites when traveling abroad. Premium VPNs offer thousands of servers worldwide; some even let you choose a city-level server. The closer a server is to your location, the better your connection speed for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Switching servers effortlessly also aids in maintaining consistent connectivity, even if some servers are compromised or experiencing downtime, ensuring uninterrupted service. Our testers review each VPN's list of servers and connect to various ones to score their reliability and consistency.

A VPN will also get a better score when it owns its server infrastructure vs renting servers. Ownership gives the VPN greater control over hardware, security protocols, and data management, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Some VPNs use virtual locations, meaning the physical server is located elsewhere. This is only really beneficial when needing an IP of a country with restrictive internet policies, like India.

A bonus is when the VPN offers dedicated IPs, which provide you with a unique IP address that's not shared with anyone else. This is beneficial for remote work access, secure logins, and reduced risk of blocklisting. You also won't have those annoying captchas.

Ease of Use (9%)

1. At the very least. The VPN should have a native app that’s easy to install and set up.

2. At best. The above, plus an intuitive interface that makes it straightforward to navigate.

No one enjoys using a poorly designed, clunky VPN app, so we test each one to see how user-friendly it is.

First, we test how easy downloading and installing the VPN is. Ideally, the VPN has a native app for all the most popular operating systems. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes to install it and connect. We test this on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. But we also test out what can sometimes be more complicated setups on home routers, Linux, streaming devices like Amazon FireStick and Roku, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.

If we ever run into problems during installation while referring to a VPN’s online instructions, we use that as an opportunity to test out how accommodating the customer support team is and whether they have the know-how to solve technical issues. We install (or re-install) each VPN app we review with every new article we write, so we’re always on top of the latest software updates and any changes made to the setup process.

Most importantly, we consider compatibility and how each VPN performs depending on the operating system you use it on. Whatever OS/device a VPN is compatible with, we test it out. We carefully navigate the layout of each app and see how easy it is to find servers, connect to them, and adjust settings. There shouldn’t be any need for manual configuration, and changing settings or servers should take no more than a few clicks.

Customer Support (9%)

1. At the very least. The VPN should have a library of online resources and prompt email support.

2. At best. The above, plus 24/7 live chat with knowledgeable staff.

There will likely be a time when you’ll need help using your VPN, so knowledgeable support should be readily available. VPN support teams are often just individuals reciting from a script (or bots). The best VPNs put you in touch with tech experts or sometimes even the actual developers of the product.

We start by testing the email/ticketing system of a VPN and how long it takes to respond. If we get a reply within 24 hours, we consider it satisfactory. Once we get a response, we’ll see how well the question is answered and if the tone is friendly and informative.

But the biggest points go to VPNs with a live chat feature, especially if it operates 24/7. We’ll usually test this by asking several questions and assessing the response times and the quality of responses.

Other factors we look for include an FAQ page with detailed answers to common questions, tutorial videos, setup guides, and other online resources. The more comprehensive the resources, the better, as it means we can troubleshoot independently and quickly without relying on customer support.

Value (9%)

1. At the very least. A budget-friendly service that can keep you safe online.

2. At best. Various affordable subscription options with a money-back guarantee or free trial to test the feature-rich VPN risk-free.

The pricing structure of VPN subscriptions (short- and long-term) is critical in assessing its overall value. Short-term plans offer flexibility and a low-commitment option if you only need a VPN for a short while, such as traveling. While long-term plans are often more cost-effective. We review each VPN's pricing model to determine if the cost aligns with the features and benefits offered.

A money-back guarantee or a free trial period allows you to test the service's features without financial risk. We test the refund policy of each VPN to determine if it holds up and how easy it is to get your money back. A VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee of at least 30 days receives a higher score.