How we review

We do not review anything we have not installed and used. No exceptions.

What every review states

• What was tested, on what system, and for how long.
• A “What’s wrong with it” section — every product has weaknesses, and we name them.
• Affiliate disclosure above the body.
• Where relevant (VPNs especially), independent leak and speed testing performed on Linux — which most reviewers never do.

Rankings are independent of commission

Our rankings are not for sale. A higher affiliate payout never buys a higher placement. This is stated because in this category it is routinely violated — and it is true here. If we ever cannot test something adequately, we say so rather than guess.