How We Rank VPNs

At FindCheapVPNs.com, our mission is to provide clear, accurate, and trustworthy information. Our ranking methodology is built on a foundation of core principles to ensure we serve our users' best interests.

• Objectivity: Our analysis is based on objective, repeatable testing and research. We strive to be impartial in our assessments.
• User-Centric Focus: We rank VPNs based on the factors that matter most to the average user: security, privacy, speed, and value.
• Transparency: We believe you have the right to know how we operate. Our business model and its potential influence on rankings are explained below.
• Continuous Improvement: The digital landscape is always changing. We are committed to regularly updating our testing methods and rankings to reflect new technologies and threats.

Each VPN we review is subjected to a rigorous testing process. We evaluate them across the following critical categories:

• Security & Encryption: This is our highest priority. We examine encryption standards (AES-256 is the minimum), VPN protocols offered (OpenVPN, WireGuard), leak protection (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC), and the presence of a reliable kill switch. We also look for advanced features like RAM-only servers, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Speed & Performance: We conduct regular speed tests on servers across the globe (including the UK, US, and Asia) to measure download speed, upload speed, and latency. We look for consistency, minimal speed loss, and a large, well-distributed server network.
• Privacy & Logging Policy: We scrutinize the provider's privacy policy and terms of service. A strict, independently audited no-logs policy is essential for a high ranking. We check the company's jurisdiction, its history regarding data requests, and whether it offers anonymous payment options and a warrant canary.
• Features & Functionality: We assess the range and quality of features, such as split tunneling, ad blockers, dedicated IP options, and the number of simultaneous connections allowed. The ease of use of the apps across different platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) and support for streaming and P2P are also major factors.
• Price & Value: We compare subscription costs across different plan lengths, looking for the best overall value for money. Transparency in pricing and the availability of a money-back guarantee are key considerations.
• Customer Support: We test the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer support, prioritizing services that offer 24/7 live chat and comprehensive knowledge bases.

Each of the factors above is assigned a weight based on its importance to the overall quality of a VPN service. For example, Security and Privacy are weighted more heavily than Customer Support.

Our team scores each VPN in every category based on our tests and research. These scores are then compiled into a final rating. This data-driven approach allows us to create a balanced and objective ranking system.

AI-Assisted Analysis

To process the vast amount of performance data we collect, we utilize AI-powered tools to analyze speed test results, identify trends, and perform initial data aggregation. This allows us to process more data with greater accuracy. However, the final analysis, scoring, and written review are always conducted by our human experts to ensure real-world context and usability are properly assessed.

The Human Element

Technology is a tool, not a replacement for expertise. Our team of cybersecurity professionals brings years of experience to every review. They test VPNs in real-world scenarios, from unblocking streaming services to checking for usability issues that automated tests might miss. This human oversight is crucial to our process and ensures our recommendations are practical and reliable.

To keep our site running and our content free, we have financial relationships with some of the VPN providers listed. These relationships can take several forms:

• Affiliate Commissions: Our primary model. If you click a link on our site and make a purchase, we may receive a commission. This does not affect the price you pay.
• Direct Partnerships: In some cases, we may enter into a direct partnership or sponsorship with a provider. Any such sponsored content will be clearly and conspicuously marked as a "Partner" or "Sponsored" post.

Commission rates and financial partnerships can be a factor in our rankings, primarily by allowing us to dedicate more resources to in-depth testing and analysis of a particular service. However, they do not buy a positive review or a higher ranking. Our commitment is to our readers first.

We are entirely transparent about how we operate. While our business model is a reality of running a modern review site, it will never compromise our core principles. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the most accurate and unbiased information possible to help you make an informed decision.