VPN Buying Checklist
15 things to verify before you subscribe. Print it, check it, decide.
📋 Ready to Use
Use this checklist to evaluate any VPN before subscribing.
🔒 Security Essentials
1. Audited No-Logs Policy
Has the VPN been independently audited to verify they don't log your activity? Look for audits by reputable firms (PwC, Deloitte, Cure53). Marketing claims aren't enough.
✓ NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN have been audited
2. Kill Switch Available
Does the VPN have a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects? This prevents accidental IP exposure. Should be available on all platforms you use.
3. Modern Encryption
Does it support WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2? Avoid VPNs that only offer PPTP or L2TP. AES-256 encryption should be standard.
4. DNS Leak Protection
Does the VPN route DNS queries through its own servers? Without this, your ISP can still see which domains you visit even with VPN connected.
👁️ Privacy & Trust
5. Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction
Where is the company legally based? Ideally outside Five Eyes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ) and 14 Eyes countries. Panama, Switzerland, and Sweden are common choices.
6. Transparent Ownership
Do you know who owns the VPN? Many VPNs are owned by larger corporations (Kape, Nord Security, Ziff Davis). Research the parent company's history and practices.
See our ownership exposé
7. No History of Breaches/Logging
Has the VPN ever been caught logging when they claimed they didn't? Search for "[VPN name] logging scandal" or "breach." Past behavior predicts future behavior.
⚠️ IPVanish was caught logging in 2016 despite "no logs" claims
⚙️ Features & Compatibility
8. Apps for Your Devices
Does the VPN have native apps for all your devices? Check: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, smart TVs, browser extensions. Manual setup is acceptable but less convenient.
9. Simultaneous Connections
How many devices can connect at once? Standard is 5-6, but Surfshark offers unlimited. Count all devices in your household that need protection.
10. Server Locations You Need
Does the VPN have servers in countries you need? For streaming: US, UK servers essential. For privacy: diverse global options. For speed: servers near your location.
11. Works for Your Use Case
Does the VPN work for what you need? Streaming: test with Netflix/Disney+. Torrenting: verify P2P allowed. Gaming: check ping to gaming servers. China/censorship: verify obfuscation.
💰 Pricing & Value
12. Know the Renewal Price
What's the price AFTER the promotional period? Most VPNs advertise first-term prices that double or triple on renewal. "$2.99/mo" often becomes "$12.99/mo" at renewal.
See our renewal price exposé
13. Money-Back Guarantee
Is there a refund period to test the service? 30 days is standard. Verify it's "no questions asked" and check for exclusions (some exclude crypto payments).
14. Payment Options
Can you pay the way you prefer? Credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency? For maximum privacy, choose a VPN that accepts crypto or anonymous payment methods.
15. No Shady Upsells
Does the checkout aggressively push add-ons? Watch for auto-checked boxes for "cloud storage," "password managers," or extended warranties that inflate your bill.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
- "Lifetime subscription" — VPNs have ongoing costs. Lifetime deals often mean the company will fold or degrade service.
- "100% anonymous" — No VPN can guarantee this. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying.
- "Military-grade encryption" — Marketing buzzword. AES-256 is standard; this phrase means nothing.
- No clear ownership — If you can't find who owns/runs the company, don't trust them with your traffic.
- Free with no clear business model — If it's free, you're the product. See our free VPN exposé.
- Only positive reviews — Real products have some criticism. All-positive reviews suggest manipulation.
Quick Reference: VPNs That Pass Our Checklist
NordVPN
Best overall. Passes all 15 checks.
- ✓ Multiple independent audits
- ✓ Panama jurisdiction
- ✓ $3.39/mo (renews ~$5/mo)
Surfshark
Best value. Unlimited devices.
- ✓ Audited no-logs policy
- ✓ Netherlands jurisdiction
- ✓ $2.19/mo (renews ~$5/mo)
Mullvad
Best privacy. No email required.
- ✓ Anonymous accounts
- ✓ Sweden jurisdiction
- ✓ €5/mo flat (no renewal trap)
Summary: The 15-Point Checklist
The Bottom Line
A VPN you trust with your entire internet traffic should pass basic scrutiny. Use this checklist to evaluate any VPN — including ones we recommend. If a provider fails multiple checks, find a better option. Your privacy is worth the extra research.