SurfsharkVPN

How we test connection speed

We test VPNs on a high-speed internet connection to see how likely they are to slow down your browsing experience.

How we test features and streaming

Whether the VPN has all the features you could need, plus whether it was able to connect successfully to streaming services.

How we test ease of use

How easy it is to install and configure the software.

How we test impact on computer performance

VPNs can be quite performance-hungry as they have to encrypt and decrypt all the data that leaves and returns to your device. We see whether it's likely to slow your computer down. A higher score means a lower impact.

How we test security

We check for common software bugs that could open up security holes, and we also ensure that data is not leaked between your computer and the VPN company's servers.

How we test privacy

We check whether VPN software connects to third-party services and which data is transmitted. 5 stars means data may be transmitted but is not uniquely associated with your device. 3 stars means data may be transmitted that can be traced back to your device, but not your individual VPN account. We also ensure there are no inappropriate permissions that allow VPNs to access more parts of your device than they really need.

How we test subscription clarity

How easy it is to disable automatic renewal and how clear the wording is when you attempt to cancel your subscription.