We test every VPN on real Windows hardware so you don't have to guess.
We install every VPN on a clean Windows 11 VM connected to a dedicated 1 Gbps line. No synthetic benchmarks, no browser extensions — just the actual desktop app under real-world conditions. Each provider goes through 100+ speed tests, a 15-point security protocol, and streaming checks across 12 platforms, then repeats monthly.
Each VPN is scored on a 10-point scale across six weighted categories. Weights reflect what actually matters to Windows users day-to-day.
Security & Privacy is a hard floor — a failing grade cannot be offset by scores in other categories.
15-point security protocol: DNS/WebRTC/IPv6 leaks, kill switch, Wireshark encryption check. Privacy: no-logs audit, jurisdiction (5/9/14 Eyes), ownership transparency, transparency reports.
100 tests per VPN per location across 15 server locations. WireGuard (primary) and OpenVPN (secondary) at peak and off-peak hours. Median download speed, upload, latency, and packet loss.
20 connection attempts per platform across 5 server locations. Netflix (4 regions), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, DAZN. 4K resolution tested.
Native Windows 10 and 11 desktop app (not browser extension). Install time, RAM at idle, cold-start connection, kill switch UI, split tunneling, protocol switching, and 72-hour stability.
Total server count, country coverage, server density per region, dedicated IP availability, and specialty servers (streaming, P2P, obfuscated).
Price per month on the best-value plan, free plan availability (data cap, device limits), money-back guarantee length, and simultaneous connection allowance.
No VPN provider can buy a ranking, a score, or a review outcome on this site. We participate in affiliate programmes to fund our testing infrastructure — but every editorial decision is made on test data alone. If a recommended VPN drops in performance, its ranking drops at the next testing cycle. Full affiliate disclosure is always visible on the site.
Every VPN on this site has completed the full six-category test suite. We do not award scores based on marketing claims, press releases, or sponsored submissions.
Security: 15-point protocol on the Windows app — DNS leak (ipleak.net + dnsleaktest.com, 10 queries), WebRTC leak (Chrome and Edge), IPv6 leak, kill switch verification (physical adapter force-disconnect, traffic check during 5-second reconnection), and Wireshark encryption validation.
Privacy: No-logs policy with independent audit verification; jurisdiction — 5/9/14 Eyes assessment; ownership transparency — corporate structure, parent companies, historical incidents; transparency reports and warrant canaries. Providers without an independent no-logs audit are capped at 8.5 in this combined category.
We use a dedicated 1 Gbps test server to eliminate congestion as a variable. For each VPN we run 100 connection tests per server location across 15 locations: US East, US West, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Canada, Brazil, India, UAE, and South Africa. Tests run at two time windows — peak hours (8–10 PM local) and off-peak (3–5 AM local). Metrics: download speed (Mbps), upload speed (Mbps), latency (ms), packet loss (%). Protocols tested: WireGuard (primary) and OpenVPN (secondary).
12 platforms tested: Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Germany), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, and DAZN. 20 attempts per platform from 5 server locations. A platform is marked ✓ only if 18/20 attempts successfully stream content at 4K where available. Tests repeat monthly because VPN blocks change frequently.
Native desktop app (not a browser extension) on clean Windows 10 and 11 installs. Criteria: install size and time, RAM at idle, cold-start connection time, kill switch configuration options, split tunneling implementation, protocol switching UI, auto-connect on startup, system tray integration, and stability over a 72-hour connected session.
Total server count and country coverage; server density per region; dedicated IP availability; specialty server types (streaming-optimised, P2P/torrenting, obfuscated); and server uptime reliability over the 30-day test window.
Price per month on the best-value plan; free plan availability and data limits; money-back guarantee length; and simultaneous connection allowance relative to price.
VPN For PC participates in affiliate programmes. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no cost to you. This funds our testing infrastructure and keeps the site free. Rankings are determined by test scores only — not commission rates. We do not accept payment for placement.