How We Rank
Our scoring methodology for VPNs — transparent, consistent, and applied the same way to every brand.
Every VPN is scored against the same five criteria so the comparison stays fair, consistent, and independent.
What We Score
Speed
25%We measure real-world download, upload, and latency across nearby and distant servers. A VPN you'll actually keep on has to be fast.
Privacy & No-Logs
25%Jurisdiction, a strict no-logs policy, and — crucially — independent audits that verify it. Privacy claims must be proven, not promised.
Streaming & Unblocking
20%How reliably each VPN unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more, from multiple regions, without constant errors.
Servers & Apps
15%Server count and spread, plus the quality of the apps across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers.
Price & Value
15%What you pay over the full term, how many devices you can connect, and the strength of the money-back guarantee.
Our Process
- 1
Test speed in the real world
We benchmark download, upload, and latency on nearby and long-distance servers, on the fastest available protocol, across multiple test runs.
- 2
Verify privacy claims
We check jurisdiction, the no-logs policy, and whether it has been confirmed by an independent third-party audit — not just promised.
- 3
Check streaming, servers & value
We test unblocking across services and regions, review the server network and apps, and compare true full-term pricing and device limits.
Editorial Independence
Scores are editorial and independent. No provider can pay to rank higher or to be included.
Sources We Consult
External links are provided for research reference only and do not constitute an endorsement or medical advice.
Alex Carter
Lead VPN Analyst & Editor
Alex leads VPN testing and editorial at Top5 VPN. He and the team benchmark every provider on the same criteria — real-world speed, audited privacy, streaming, and value — so the rankings stay consistent and independent.