BestVPN.co’s VPN Test Process
As you probably know, BestVPN.co utilizes a 9-components VPN scoring system for ranking different providers in the marketplace. However, what most do not know is that these components have several sub-components too.
In this guide, I’ll be discussing the various VPN tests conducted to simply assess the “performance” of a provider. This is to assure our audience that no service makes a fool of them by claiming to offer something but then failing.
After all, nobody else gets affected in the process but you, when you have to attach yourself as a leech just to get a refund (because you did not get what you were promised). For the less informed though, let’s go into the basics first…
What Does a VPN Service Do?
Virtual Private Networks, abbreviated as “VPNs”, are services that allow for the secure and anonymous browsing of the internet. They keep the identity of a user protected by adding a layer of encryption the incoming/outgoing traffic.
This allows all your information to pass through a secure tunnel, which hides your online activities from the prying eyes of copyright infringement hunters, government agencies, and cybercriminals. Without a VPN, anybody can trace your IP back to you!
Who Needs a VPN Service?
In today’s fast-paced, highly-invasive regimes, where mass surveillance is ever increasing, leading to human rights violations (according to the U.N.), pretty much everyone needs a VPN service!
However, the use-cases of a VPN service are plenty, and are not only limited to leveraging online privacy/security. For instance, these tools provide to be incredibly valuable for;
- Engaging in Safe p2p/file Sharing
- Unblocking Netflix/Hulu/BBC iPlayer
- Accessing Geo-Restricted Websites
- Bypassing the Great Firewall in China
- Receiving Protection on Public Wi-Fi
- Leveraging Amazing Deals/Discounts
- Getting Whitelisted for Banking
VPN Comparison: This Is How We Test VPNs
VPN provider tests means more than just evaluating their pricing, servers, compatibility, and other general information. They should be able to cater to all your needs, as listed above, which include streaming, torrenting, unblocking, gaming, etc.
As such, we determine the capability of each provider by first conducting a VPN leak test. This process involves checking whether or not a provider leaks your IP/WebRTC/DNS through a number of tools, including IPX, IPLeak, DNS Leak, and Browser Leaks.
Next, we assess usage of virtual locations using the CA App Synthetic Monitor Ping and Trace route tools, along with the BGP toolkit. A good provider would have more physical servers and less virtual, as they offer greater speeds and allow for proper user distribution.
After this process, BestVPN.co conducts a VPN speed test, which analyzes the upload/download/ping speeds of different VPN services, across 5 different locations around the world. This gives us a better idea about high-performing VPNs for streaming and torrenting.
The next and final step involves analyzing a VPNs capability to bypass bans on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and various other VoDs. Usually, those with strong encryption and obfuscation features successfully manage to unblock these streaming platforms.
VPN Services at a Glance
After assessing/testing a VPN on all these sub-components of our performance-testing criteria, we plot the results in this detailed VPN comparison chart.
The goal of this VPN test comparison is to amass information into a summarized form, as to enable internet-literate individuals, to find a VPN that best works for them. So, we hope this helps you guys out!
The Best VPN Services 2019 Tested for You
All the provider tested and reviewed by BestVPN.co undergo the same review process highlighted above, involving the 9-components VPN scoring system and 4-step user satisfaction rating mechanism. Based on the results, here is a list of the most reliable VPN providers for 2019:
- Surfshark – Priced at $1.99/mo.
- NordVPN – Priced at $3.49/mo.
- ExpressVPN – Priced at $6.67/mo.
- PureVPN – Priced at US$ 3.29 /mo .
- CyberGhost – Priced at $2.75/mo.
People Also Ask
Have you conducted an Avast SecureLine VPN test?
Yes, we have reviewed and tested the provider. Unfortunately, our Avast VPN review test concluded that the service is not worth the money, as it fails in unblocking Netflix, bypassing the Great Firewall in China, and has only 55 servers. You can get more from Surfshark at a lower price!
Does your review process factor in VPN router tests?
Not all VPNs offer preconfigured DD-WRT or Tomato routers. You can take a look for supported VPNs from the experts at FlashRouters. According to our analysis, the Express VPN test on their routers delivered the best performance in comparison to other providers.
What process does BestVPN.co follow for VPN Android tests?
The same 9-components VPN scoring process and the testing that goes with it is replicated for VPN app android testing. To go the extra mile, BestVPN.co even analyzes the app permissions of different Android VPNs to ensure you select a safe provider!
What VPN test tools does BestVPN.co manage?
Not counting the third-party tools we use, BestVPN.co has an assortment of their own tools available. You can find them here for analyzing VPN speeds, comparing VPNs, finding dedicated IPs, selecting a VPN in a safe jurisdiction, and gaining information on your IP address.
