For the testing on Microsoft Windows, we base the speed tests on an Ookla free speed test tool. You can find it at https://www.ookla.com/speedtest-custom.

As a VPN client for conducting our tests, we use a virtual machines with Microsoft Windows 10 professional operating system. To eliminate possible performance issues, we choose a high-end virtual machines located in tier three and four data centres with at least four virtual CPU cores and 16 GB of RAM. Each machine must have at least one dedicated network uplink with a minimum of 1 Gbps but preferably 10 Gbps speed to conduct all of our testings.

Tests are repeated at least three times for each VPN provider, with a control test without a VPN connection in between of each test. Results are published in the summarised but detailed video review for every type of testing of each VPN provider separately.
For the purposes of ranking, we use the best result achieved in the test.

Testing is done using highest available paid subscription of the VPN provider. Tests typically include ping, latency, download and upload speed.

1. Installation of the latest Windows updates published until the day of testing.
2. Installation of the latest version of the VPN client application available on the website of the particular VPN provider that we test on the day of the testing.
3. Control tests without active VPN connection to find the fastest testing server on Ookla and to establish the speed test baseline.
4. The beginning of the recording of the speed test video.
5. 1st speed test without active VPN connection.
6. Connecting to the VPN server in the test country using VPN application with the standard automatic setting. We do not change any configuration settings apart of selecting test country.
7. 2nd test with active VPN connection established with provided VPN application.
8. Disconnecting from VPN server.
9. 3rd speed test without active VPN connection.
10. Connecting to the VPN server in the test country using VPN application with the standard automatic setting.
11. 4th test with active VPN connection established with provided VPN application.
12. Disconnecting from VPN server.
13. 5th speed test without active VPN connection.
14. 6th test with active VPN connection established with provided VPN application.
15. Disconnecting from VPN server.

With this last step, the we conclude the speed testing.

We will then edit the recorded videos in post-production in such manner that all six test are presented at the same time with a focus on the fastest achieved test.

Additionally, we are testing mobile VPN applications on Android and iOS phones in a similar manner as we test desktop VPN applications.