⚡ Quick Summary
The most common VPN buying mistakes: focusing only on price, ignoring jurisdiction, not checking device limits, and skipping speed tests. Use this checklist to avoid buyer's remorse.
Why You Need This Checklist
VPN marketing is full of exaggerated claims and meaningless jargon. Every provider claims to be the "fastest" with "military-grade encryption." This checklist cuts through the noise with specific, verifiable criteria.
Before comparing VPNs, get clear on your priorities:
Streaming
Prioritize: Server locations, unblocking ability, speed
Privacy
Prioritize: Jurisdiction, audits, no-logs policy
Remote Work
Prioritize: Reliability, kill switch, split tunneling
The 12-Point VPN Checklist
🛡️ Security Essentials
1. Verified No-Logs Policy
Has the provider been independently audited? Look for audits from Deloitte, PwC, Cure53, or similar. Court cases proving no logs (like PIA and Mullvad) also count.
2. Kill Switch Available
Does the VPN automatically block internet if the connection drops? This prevents accidental IP exposure. Check if it works at system level, not just app level.
3. Modern Encryption Standard
Look for AES-256-GCM encryption and support for WireGuard or similar modern protocols. Avoid any VPN still using PPTP or L2TP without IPsec.
🔐 Privacy Factors
4. Favorable Jurisdiction
Where is the company legally based? Avoid Five Eyes countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ) if privacy is critical. Panama, BVI, and Switzerland have stronger privacy laws.
5. RAM-Only Servers
Does the provider use diskless (RAM-only) servers? Data is wiped on every reboot, making it impossible to seize historical data. This is becoming the industry standard.
6. Anonymous Payment Option
Can you pay without linking your identity? Look for cryptocurrency, cash, or gift card payment options if maximum anonymity matters to you.
⚡ Performance & Usability
7. Adequate Device Limit
How many devices can connect simultaneously? Count your devices: phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, router. Most people need 5-6 minimum. Some providers offer unlimited.
8. Server Locations You Need
Does the provider have servers where you need them? If you want UK streaming, verify UK servers exist. If you travel to Asia, check coverage there. Quality matters more than quantity.
9. Apps for Your Devices
Verify native apps exist for all your platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, router, Fire TV, etc. Browser extensions are a bonus but shouldn't replace full apps.
💰 Value & Support
10. Money-Back Guarantee
Most reputable VPNs offer 30-day refunds. This gives you time to test speeds, streaming compatibility, and app quality. Avoid providers with short or no refund windows.
11. True Monthly Cost
Calculate the REAL price. VPNs advertise "$2.99/month" but require 2-3 year commitments. Monthly plans typically cost $12-15. Decide if you want flexibility or savings.
12. 24/7 Live Support
When something breaks at 2 AM, can you reach a human? Look for live chat support, not just email tickets. Test response time during your trial period.
📊 How Does Your VPN Score?
Click each checkbox above as you verify features. Here's how to interpret your results:
Quick Comparison: Top VPNs vs. Checklist
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Audit | ✓ 4 audits | ✓ 2 audits | ✓ 1 audit |
| Kill Switch | ✓ All platforms | ✓ All platforms | ✓ All platforms |
| WireGuard Support | ✓ NordLynx | ✓ Native | ✓ Native |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Netherlands | Sweden |
| RAM-Only Servers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Anonymous Payment | ✓ Crypto | ✓ Crypto | ✓ Cash |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited | 5 |
| Server Countries | 111 | 100 | 43 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Lowest Monthly Cost | ~$3.39 | ~$2.19 | €5/mo flat |
| 24/7 Live Chat | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Email only |
| Checklist Score | 11/12 | 11/12 | 10/12 |
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
"Lifetime" Subscriptions
VPNs cost money to operate. Lifetime deals often mean the company will disappear or severely degrade service.
No Clear Ownership
If you can't find who owns the VPN company, that's concerning. Many free VPNs have opaque ownership structures.
"100% Anonymous" Claims
No VPN can guarantee complete anonymity. Honest providers acknowledge limitations rather than making absolute claims.
Free With No Business Model
If a VPN is free and you don't see how they make money (ads, premium tier), you're likely the product being sold.
Testing Your VPN During the Trial Period
Once you've picked a VPN that passes the checklist, use your 30-day trial to verify everything works as advertised:
Speed Test: Run speedtest.net with and without VPN. Expect 10-30% speed loss with WireGuard, more with OpenVPN.
Leak Test: Visit ipleak.net while connected to check for DNS or WebRTC leaks.
Streaming Test: Try accessing the specific streaming services you need from multiple server locations.
Kill Switch Test: Disconnect from VPN server while downloading something to verify traffic stops.
Support Test: Contact customer support with a question to gauge response time and quality.
Ready to Choose?
Based on our testing, these VPNs score highest on the checklist and offer excellent value.
Both include 30-day money-back guarantees
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most important item on this checklist?
It depends on your priorities. For privacy-focused users, verified no-logs policy and favorable jurisdiction are critical. For streaming, server locations and speed matter most. For families, device limits are key. Start by identifying your primary use case.
Should I get a monthly or annual VPN plan?
Start with monthly if you're unsure about the service—even with the money-back guarantee, testing for a full month helps. Once you're confident in your choice, annual or multi-year plans offer significant savings (typically 60-80% off monthly rates).
Are free VPNs ever worth using?
Free tiers from reputable paid providers (like ProtonVPN Free) can be legitimate for basic use. Standalone free VPNs are risky—they typically monetize through ads, data selling, or worse. If a VPN is completely free with no apparent business model, avoid it.
How often do VPN providers get audited?
Leading providers conduct audits annually or after major infrastructure changes. NordVPN has completed four audits since 2018. Look for recent audits (within 2 years) from recognized firms like Deloitte, PwC, Cure53, or VerSprite.
Can I share my VPN subscription with family?
Yes, within the device limits. Most VPNs allow simultaneous connections from different locations on the same account. Surfshark's unlimited device policy makes it ideal for families. Just note that all users share the same account credentials.