1. Privacy and trust
- No-logs policy: read what the provider says it does not record (browsing, DNS requests, connection timestamps, source IP addresses) and what it does keep, such as payment records.
- Independent audit: look for a recent audit by an outside firm, and check what was in scope: the policy, the server setup, the apps, or all three. See no-logs VPNs explained.
- Ownership and jurisdiction: who owns the company and which country’s laws apply. Several big VPN brands are owned by the same parent groups, so “comparing” them may not compare different companies.
- Transparency reports and warrant canaries: some providers publish the legal requests they receive and how they responded.
2. Security features
- Protocols: WireGuard (or a provider’s own protocol built on it), OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec are the mainstream, well-studied choices. Avoid PPTP, which is outdated. Read WireGuard vs OpenVPN.
- Kill switch: blocks traffic if the VPN connection drops. Check it’s available on every platform you use.
- Leak protection: DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC leaks can reveal your real location. You can test for leaks in a few minutes.
- Extras: multi-hop, obfuscation for restrictive networks, RAM-only servers and built-in tracker blocking. Useful, but secondary to the basics. See VPN features explained.
3. Speed and server network
Every VPN slows your connection a little, because traffic is encrypted and travels via an extra server. How much depends on your own connection, the protocol, the distance to the server and how busy it is. Published speed tests can’t predict your results, so test during your refund window: run a speed test without the VPN, then with a nearby server, then with a server in the country you’ll use most.
Look at where servers are, not just how many. If you travel, you’ll want servers in your home country; for gaming, servers near the game’s servers.
4. Apps and devices
- Native apps for every device you own: iPhone and Android, Windows, Mac and Linux, browsers, and Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs and routers.
- Simultaneous connections: count every device in your household.
- Ease of use: auto-connect on untrusted Wi‑Fi, clear server lists and helpful support.
5. Price and terms
- Renewal price: long plans often have a discounted first term. Check the price after the first term ends.
- Refund window: many paid VPNs offer a money-back period. Read the conditions, and note whether app-store purchases are refunded by Apple or Google instead.
- Payment options: some privacy-focused providers accept cash or cryptocurrency, and account numbers instead of email addresses.
- Free plans: can be fine for light use, but understand the trade-offs first. See free vs paid VPNs.
Well-known VPN providers to compare
These are some of the most widely used consumer VPN brands, listed alphabetically, not ranked. Use the checklist above on each one, and check its current audits, apps and prices on the provider’s own site.
- CyberGhost
- ExpressVPN
- IPVanish
- Mullvad
- NordVPN
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Proton VPN
- Surfshark
- Windscribe
Ownership note: NordVPN and Surfshark are part of the same group (Nord Security), and ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and Private Internet Access have shared a parent company (Kape Technologies). Group ownership can change, so check the provider’s “About” page.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
