VPNs, or virtual private networks, are widely advertised, particularly on platforms like YouTube, where countless promotions for these services can be seen. Engadget conducts tests and reviews of VPNs to simplify the selection process for users.
A VPN is designed to provide privacy by masking a user’s IP address and device identity. It achieves this by routing internet traffic through a remote server, allowing websites and services to detect a different IP address rather than the user’s own. This means that internet service providers can only observe the connection to a VPN server, not the specific websites being visited. Consequently, a VPN is a valuable tool for maintaining data privacy, particularly when connecting to unsecured networks such as public WiFi. However, it’s crucial that the VPN provider is trustworthy. It should be noted, though, that using a VPN should not be the sole measure for securing one’s online activities. Employing complex passwords, multifactor authentication, and other basic security measures are essential priorities.
VPNs also claim to offer features like evading geoblocking, enabling access to content restricted by region. Users can connect to a remote server to alter their perceived location, potentially allowing access to content available in other countries, such as another country’s Netflix offerings or region-specific services like BBC iPlayer. Within the European Union, VPNs can provide access to sites blocked due to stringent data protection regulations. Historically, VPNs have been used to circumvent political firewalls established to control internet access.
Some VPN providers make grand claims about offering military-grade encryption, digital anonymity, and high speeds, which can blur the line between reality and marketing exaggeration. To address these claims, Engadget began assessing VPNs in 2023, considering factors such as security, speed, latency, usage limits, and price. While more extensive testing is expected by 2025, Engadget’s best VPNs guide serves as a resource for ongoing VPN coverage. The current testing methodology is outlined as follows:
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Background Checks: Before testing VPN services, Engadget examines each product’s origins by reviewing privacy policies, transparency reports, and publicly available security audits. The history of security incidents, like data breaches, is also investigated, with some reliance on existing studies from organizations like Consumer Reports and VPNalyzer.
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Setup: The review process includes evaluating the setup experience on various platforms, from web browsers to Smart TVs, to understand usability. The ease of initiating a VPN connection is also considered, as some services connect automatically while others require additional steps.
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Usage Limits: Engadget scrutinizes the terms of service for each VPN provider’s plans to grasp the specifics, such as device connection limits, "fair use" traffic caps, and availability of advanced features in higher-priced plans.
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Speed and Latency: Initial tests establish a connection baseline prior to VPN usage. The "quick connect" feature is employed to connect to the fastest available provider, followed by speed and ping tests using Ookla and meter.net. Results include average speed, ping, and comparisons against the baseline without a VPN.
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Geoblocking: In the US, tests involve connecting to servers in Canada and Hong Kong to access region-specific content, such as Netflix and YouTube channels. Additionally, gaming tests on UK servers are conducted to assess access and performance.
- Checking for Leaks: DNS and WebRTC leaks are evaluated using tools like NordVPN’s IP address lookup and ExpressVPN’s leak tests both before and after VPN connection. This ensures the VPN effectively encrypts data and prevents exposure of the user’s IP address.
This process ensures that Engadget thoroughly evaluates VPN services for reliability, security, and performance.
