Virtual private networks (VPNs) are among the most trust-dependent digital services, as all online activity passes through their servers. While the best VPNs encrypt traffic, hide IP addresses, and allow access to home streaming services abroad, a poorly designed service can pose serious risks. Cybersecurity firm Cleafy revealed in September 2025 that malware disguised as a free VPN app could take control of devices and access bank accounts, one of hundreds of similar cases identified by Kaspersky in 2024.
Given these dangers, The Independent's tech and security journalists hold VPNs to a higher standard than most products. The review process goes beyond marketing claims, scrutinising usability, performance, speed, features, no-log policies, and independent privacy audits. A VPN must demonstrate security, transparency, and trustworthiness before earning a recommendation.
Every VPN is subjected to hands-on testing across multiple devices and platforms, including Fire TV Stick, iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows PC, and routers. The team uses each service in daily life over several weeks, with monthly revisits to check new features and re-run speed tests. Installation and setup are also assessed for ease and accessibility.
Security and privacy checks come first. Testers verify whether a provider has a no-logs policy backed by recent independent audits, examine company ownership and jurisdiction, and look for any history of court cases or data breaches. They confirm AES-256 encryption and a reliable kill switch, and test split tunnelling, multi-hop routing, ad and tracker blocking, Tor compatibility, and RAM-only servers.
Speed and stability are measured using WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, with download and upload tests conducted via servers in the UK, the US, and elsewhere. Average speeds are recorded during peak and off-peak hours, and monthly retests ensure performance remains consistent. Only after passing all these checks does a VPN receive The Independent's approval.
