About VPN Verdict
VPN Verdict is an independent research site publishing hands-on VPN reviews and buying guides for U.S. readers. We started in 2019 as a side project and have been testing full-time since 2022.
Independent testing
We buy every subscription at retail price and never accept free accounts. Providers do not know when a review round is starting.
Editorial firewall
The commercial team has no input on rankings. Affiliate relationships are disclosed on every page they appear.
Small, senior team
Four full-time editors with backgrounds in network engineering, security research and consumer tech journalism.
Editorial policy
Rankings on VPN Verdict reflect our own testing. When a provider improves, its rank goes up; when it regresses, its rank comes down. We do not hold rankings hostage in exchange for higher commission rates and have declined several such offers on the record.
If we make a factual mistake, we correct the article and add a dated correction notice at the bottom. If you notice an error or want to challenge a finding, please email hello@vpn-verdict.example.
How we make money
Most of our revenue comes from affiliate commissions when a reader signs up for a VPN through one of our links. Commission rates do not vary by ranking position on this site, and we frequently link to providers with lower payouts when they earn the spot.