Selecting the optimal VPN software that aligns with your requirements is a crucial decision.

To uphold complete transparency in our evaluation process and the methods guiding our selection of the best VPN programs for 2024, we'd like to share insights into our testing criteria.

We utilize five distinct factors to formulate an overall score and determine which VPN software earns a place in our top 10 list. Although all these factors contribute, their importance varies.

The relative weight assigned to each factor influences the final score, and here's a breakdown of the 5 main factors:

1. Security (Weight: 35%): Paramount in our evaluation, we prioritize VPNs equipped with military-grade encryption, diverse protocols (OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, etc.), DNS leak protection, and a reliable kill-switch.

2. Number of Servers and Locations (Weight: 25%): Crucial for swift and anonymous surfing, this factor contributes 25% to our overall score.

3. Additional Features and Device Compatibility (Weight: 20%): Encompassing features like a no-log policy, multi-platform apps (PC, Mac, iOS, Android), split tunneling, and more, this factor holds a 20% weight in our evaluation.

4. Value for Money (Weight: 10%): Recognizing the correlation between cost and quality, we assign a 10% weight to this factor, acknowledging that a reasonable price should reflect the features and benefits offered.

5. User Reviews (Weight: 10%): Acknowledging the significance of user feedback, we assign a 10% weight to user reviews from TrustPilot, the Google Play Store, and our own user reviews.

For evaluating additional features, device compatibility, and value for money, we scrutinize the offerings of all tested VPN providers directly from the source. User reviews are sourced from TrustPilot, the Google Play Store, and our internal reviews.

The information for user reviews come from TrustPilot, the Google Play Store and our own user reviews.

In terms of pricing, our primary focus is flexibility and value. We prefer VPN services offering diverse plans rather than a single, expensive option. Our evaluation also considers the average monthly fee for the top 10 VPNs, which currently stands at approximately $9.80. While some fall below this figure, others may exceed it, justifying higher costs with added features.

We believe a valuable VPN subscription should include coverage for at least five simultaneous devices, work across various platforms, and offer cross-platform functionality. Avoiding complex pricing structures ensures users get the best value for their investment, aligning with the modern trend of à la carte services and monthly fee preferences.