Methodology

Our methodology is designed to make VPN reviews consistent, transparent, and easy to compare. Every provider is evaluated using the same core criteria, so a high score reflects performance across several important areas rather than one standout feature.

How We Score a VPN

Every VPN review follows the same evaluation framework. We focus on five main areas: security and privacy, pricing and value, platform coverage, ease of use, and customer support.

Security is one of the most important parts of the assessment. We look at encryption standards, available VPN protocols, kill switch functionality, split tunneling, and other privacy features. We also examine the provider’s no-logs policy and whether its privacy or logging claims have been independently audited.

Pricing is considered alongside what the service actually provides. A cheaper VPN does not automatically receive a higher score, just as a premium price does not guarantee better results. We consider subscription options, included features, device limits, and overall value.

Platform coverage also matters. We check which operating systems and devices are supported, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, browsers, and other platforms where relevant. Ease of use and the quality of customer support are considered as part of the overall experience.

How the Score Is Calculated

Each provider receives a score out of 10 based on our evaluation criteria. The final rating is not an average of scores or star ratings collected from other review websites.

Affiliate relationships do not determine how a VPN is scored or ranked. A provider is evaluated using the same methodology whether or not VPNdrift may earn a commission from referrals.

Scores can also change. If a VPN improves its apps, introduces stronger security features, changes pricing, updates its privacy policy, or completes a new independent audit, we may adjust its rating. The same applies when a provider removes important features or experiences a significant security or privacy issue.

Update Policy

VPN services change regularly, so reviews are not treated as permanent assessments. We revisit them when providers make meaningful changes to pricing, apps, protocols, security features, privacy policies, or no-logs audit status.

Reviews are also checked at least once a year. The “updated” date shown on a review represents the latest substantive review of its underlying information rather than a minor formatting or copy edit.