VPN Reviews & Comparisons

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a remote server operated by the VPN provider, masking your IP address and encrypting all data transmitted. This protects your online privacy, prevents your ISP (Internet Service Provider) from tracking your browsing activity, and shields you from hackers on public Wi-Fi networks. VPNs also allow you to bypass geo-restrictions by making it appear as if you're accessing the internet from a different country, enabling access to region-locked content like Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services.

Key Factors to Consider

• Encryption protocols — Look for AES-256 encryption with modern protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. This ensures your data remains secure and unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.
• Server count and locations — More servers in more countries means better speed, more reliable connections, and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions. Quality server infrastructure matters more than sheer numbers.
• Speed and performance — VPNs inevitably slow your connection slightly, but top services minimize this impact. Look for unlimited bandwidth, no data caps, and optimized servers for streaming and torrenting.
• Streaming capability — Not all VPNs work consistently with streaming platforms. The best VPNs maintain dedicated servers for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other major streaming services.
• No-logs policy — A strict no-logs policy means the VPN provider doesn't collect or store information about your browsing activity. This is crucial for true privacy, especially if the provider is based in a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws.

Why Trust SoftDecider?

At SoftDecider, we don't just read feature lists — we test VPNs in real-world scenarios. Our team spends weeks with each VPN, measuring actual speeds on multiple servers across different countries, testing streaming unblocking reliability, and verifying security claims through independent audits. We connect from various locations, test on different devices, and monitor for DNS leaks, IP leaks, and connection drops. Our reviews are updated quarterly to reflect changes in pricing, server infrastructure, and feature updates. We maintain editorial independence: our VPN recommendations are never influenced by affiliate partnerships or promotional placements.