{ "reviewed_on": "2026-11-06", "publishers": [ { "id": "techradar", "name": "TechRadar", "source_group": "future", "group_label": "Future", "method_url": "https://www.techradar.com/vpn/how-we-test-vpns-methodology", "ownership_url": "https://futureplc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FINAL-FY-2025-results-for-upload.pdf", "method_summary": "Documents speed, leak and usage tests. Retain article dates separately from actual test dates.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising.", "ownership_note": "Same corporate group as Tom’s Guide. Treat shared or overlapping testing as one evidence family, not two independent votes.", "review_summary": "The captured reviews highlight NordVPN’s streaming results, Proton VPN’s WireGuard performance and the value of several budget services. Recurring caveats concern missing features, platform differences and protection issues in particular test setups.", "summary_written_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "toms-guide", "name": "Tom’s Guide", "source_group": "future", "group_label": "Future", "method_url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vpns/how-we-test-vpns", "ownership_url": "https://futureplc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FINAL-FY-2025-results-for-upload.pdf", "method_summary": "Documents VPN tests and its test environments. Check for measurement overlap with TechRadar before combining results.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising.", "ownership_note": "Same corporate group as TechRadar; distinct bylines do not establish independent measurement data.", "review_summary": "The captured reviews emphasize NordVPN’s broad feature set, ExpressVPN’s ease of use and Surfshark’s introductory value. Renewal increases and differences between desktop and mobile apps are recurring drawbacks.", "summary_written_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "rtings", "name": "RTINGS", "source_group": "rtings", "group_label": "RTINGS", "method_url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/learn/how-we-test", "ownership_url": "https://www.rtings.com/company/about-us", "method_summary": "Publishes testbench versions and category scores. Describes repeated VPS-based speed tests across four destinations with rolling three-month averages.", "funding": "Membership, affiliate revenue, advertising and licensing; publisher says it buys its subscriptions.", "ownership_note": "Describes itself as an independent company. Grouping is provisional, based on published disclosures; not a beneficial-ownership audit.", "review_summary": "These reviews separate protection inside an active tunnel from privacy policies and company practices. Their PIA and Surfshark tests report kill-switch failures during restarts or crashes, while Proton VPN and NordVPN receive stronger technical findings.", "summary_written_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "top10vpn", "name": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "group_label": "Top10VPN", "method_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/about/how-we-review-vpns/", "ownership_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/about/", "method_summary": "Publishes weighted editorial ratings. Describes a fixed 100 Mbps speed baseline and repeated testing. Free and paid ratings can share one article.", "funding": "Methodology describes self-funded subscriptions and no paid reviews. Its website terms separately disclose compensation and possible commercial influence on comparison ordering and scores. These are attributed disclosures, not an independence certification.", "ownership_note": "Says it is separately owned from VPN providers. Ultimate beneficial ownership has not been independently established here.", "review_summary": "The captured verdicts favor ExpressVPN’s usability, NordVPN’s versatility and PIA’s value for torrenting. PureVPN receives more criticism for upselling and privacy assurances. Free and paid assessments need separating in several articles.", "summary_written_on": "2026-11-07", "disclosure_sources": [ "https://www.top10vpn.com/about/how-we-review-vpns/", "https://www.top10vpn.com/terms-conditions/" ], "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "pcworld", "name": "PCWorld", "source_group": "pcworld", "group_label": "PCWorld", "method_url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/2238286/how-we-test-vpn-pcworld.html", "ownership_url": "https://www.pcworld.com/about", "method_summary": "Describes download and upload tests across six countries on multiple days, compared with speeds without the VPN. Review summaries report percentages of baseline retained, not absolute Mbps.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising, disclosed by the publisher.", "ownership_note": "Provisional publisher family. The full current ownership chain and overlap with other publishers’ test data have not been independently audited here.", "review_summary": "The captured reviews highlight CyberGhost’s network, hide.me’s customization and PrivadoVPN’s free option. Variable performance, missing newer features and pressure to buy extras explain reservations about some services.", "summary_written_on": "2026-11-07" } ], "supplemental": [ { "id": "privacy-guides", "name": "Privacy Guides", "kind": "Qualitative privacy criteria", "url": "https://www.privacyguides.org/en/vpn/", "providers": [ "protonvpn" ], "date": "2026-11-06", "date_label": "Source checked", "summary": "A different lens: documented privacy, security and trust criteria. Includes Proton VPN among its recommendations. No numerical rating imported; this is not an extra editorial vote.", "funding": "Page states no sponsors or ads. No numerical rating imported.", "score_eligible": false }, { "id": "av-test-2025", "name": "AV-TEST · 2025 comparative report", "kind": "Commissioned laboratory report", "url": "https://www.av-test.org/fileadmin/pdf/reports/AV-TEST_Kaspersky_VPN_Comparative_Test_Report_October_2025.pdf", "providers": [ "cyberghost", "expressvpn", "nordvpn", "protonvpn", "surfshark" ], "date": "2025-02", "date_label": "Main campaign testing month; report issued 2025-10-18; timing qualifications apply", "summary": "Commissioned performance and security-feature comparison. The report describes differing test timing/reference conditions for the commissioning vendor, so a shared report is not proof of a matched cohort. Selected listed providers are covered; chart values are not transcribed.", "funding": "Commissioner: Kaspersky, which also has products in the comparison.", "score_eligible": false }, { "id": "amtso-performance", "name": "AMTSO · performance assessment guidance", "kind": "Testing-method reference", "url": "https://www.amtso.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AMTSO-VPN-Testing-Guidelines-Performance-Assessment-FINAL-2025-02.pdf", "providers": [], "date": "2025-02", "date_label": "Guideline edition", "summary": "A reference for defining comparable performance observations. This is guidance, not a provider review or certification.", "funding": "Standards-body guidance; contributes no provider rating.", "score_eligible": false } ], "metascore_status": "Provisional provider-level editorial consensus published under editorial-1; held performance/category/privacy evidence excluded.", "source_group_note": "Corporate/source families are a deduplication aid, not a certification of independence.", "reviews": [ { "id": "expressvpn-techradar", "provider": "expressvpn", "publisher": "TechRadar", "title": "ExpressVPN review 2026 – packed with security and notably quick, if at a cost", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/expressvpn", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.1", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:34.705584+00:00", "capture_sha256": "1e02488ba8b2d78cc88142db7565f2ad4dae50d0e55705babffb8c6306d1e3b7", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:00:36+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-04-22T15:55:49+00:00", "publisher_id": "techradar", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar favors the straightforward apps, streaming access and strong Windows performance with Lightway Turbo.", "caveat": "It finds the service expensive for its feature set; standard Lightway performance is weaker, and port forwarding is absent.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:34.705584+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "expressvpn-toms-guide", "provider": "expressvpn", "publisher": "Tom’s Guide", "title": "ExpressVPN review", "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/expressvpn-review", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.45", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:36.675871+00:00", "capture_sha256": "c7de33be352a71b2d355fc45bec0241f42e36015344b4b6309b249bfba4914ee", "published_at": "2022-10-24T10:07:22+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-04-22T13:35:15+00:00", "publisher_id": "toms-guide", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "Tom’s Guide presents ExpressVPN as an approachable service with helpful support, broad device coverage and strong streaming results.", "caveat": "Its fastest results depend on Windows-only Lightway Turbo. The review also flags missing iOS controls and no multi-hop feature.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:36.675871+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "nordvpn-techradar", "provider": "nordvpn", "publisher": "TechRadar", "title": "NordVPN review: still the pinnacle of VPNs", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/nordvpn", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.5", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:39.114382+00:00", "capture_sha256": "89a87db8e5ff7fea42b2b0487b0443660638bcf943aa16eb4dce2f4f145c6041", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:04:38+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-11-04T16:36:03+00:00", "publisher_id": "techradar", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar’s verdict emphasizes dependable speeds, streaming access, phishing protection and a consistent app design.", "caveat": "Features differ between operating systems, and keyboard-only navigation is limited. These are platform-specific judgments, not a promise for every device.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:39.114382+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "nordvpn-toms-guide", "provider": "nordvpn", "publisher": "Tom’s Guide", "title": "NordVPN review", "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/nordvpn-review", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.45", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:39.794904+00:00", "capture_sha256": "912f20d31f5926e290a583664070fac7996999a7a878fe90c66c04ac40fbe754", "published_at": "2022-10-28T11:42:12+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-10-20T16:03:27+00:00", "publisher_id": "toms-guide", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "Tom’s Guide praises the breadth of the security suite, streaming performance, server coverage and live support.", "caveat": "Renewal increases and paid upgrades weaken the value proposition. It also finds the mobile layout cramped and some macOS features missing.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:39.794904+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "pia-techradar", "provider": "pia", "publisher": "TechRadar", "title": "Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN review - a standout choice for niche audiences", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/private-internet-access-vpn", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "3.95", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:40.257843+00:00", "capture_sha256": "5ff67c20f656dadd5b5de7bd4aeda6e6612c9623dc1c2e81fd226e7d4d134207", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:12:51+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-07-03T10:07:08+00:00", "publisher_id": "techradar", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar highlights configurable VPN controls, repeated no-logs audits, Android automation and published transparency reports.", "caveat": "Its negatives include uneven support responsiveness and weak phishing protection. It sees less recent innovation than in some rivals.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:40.257843+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "pia-toms-guide", "provider": "pia", "publisher": "Tom’s Guide", "title": "Private Internet Access review", "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/private-internet-access-review", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.05", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "last_attempt_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:43.208370+00:00", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T06:02:05.421553+00:00", "capture_sha256": "a3c24a864fcb7545e916ec618518bd572a409544d6ee30d8f4ae16982af34ec7", "published_at": "2022-11-07T15:04:16+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-08-20T13:46:36+00:00", "publisher_id": "toms-guide", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "Tom’s Guide favors PIA for inexpensive plans, device flexibility and advanced settings that suit experienced users.", "caveat": "It reports less impressive speeds and some streaming difficulties, with a learning curve in the apps. Its captured feature list also flags an Android split-tunneling gap.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T06:02:05.421553+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "protonvpn-techradar", "provider": "protonvpn", "publisher": "TechRadar", "title": "Proton VPN review – Swiss privacy pedigree and undeniable security", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/protonvpn", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.2", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:43.360486+00:00", "capture_sha256": "22852c983b9f332309aa789f1e8b2d8664c34e15361db6f5019a100996063730", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:18:05+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-10-23T10:52:28+00:00", "publisher_id": "techradar", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar recommends Proton VPN’s privacy-focused design, clean apps, torrenting support and WireGuard performance.", "caveat": "It reports weaker OpenVPN speeds, streaming trouble with NetShield and some kill-switch compatibility issues. Protocol and settings matter to these results.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:43.360486+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "protonvpn-toms-guide", "provider": "protonvpn", "publisher": "Tom’s Guide", "title": "Proton VPN review – Powerful, private, and increasingly accessible", "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/protonvpn-review", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.35", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:43.717529+00:00", "capture_sha256": "c04b00e63de2033d25512c99ae483ab432035415cd5fe48a083e0e80774a7927", "published_at": "2022-11-02T12:47:21+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-10-28T13:04:42+00:00", "publisher_id": "toms-guide", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "Tom’s Guide highlights open-source apps, expanded server coverage and strong streaming results, alongside the separate free tier.", "caveat": "It finds standard pricing less competitive and the apps and help material potentially daunting for beginners. Free-tier praise does not describe paid-plan features.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:43.717529+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "surfshark-techradar", "provider": "surfshark", "publisher": "TechRadar", "title": "Surfshark VPN review 2026 – a fully-featured, low cost privacy solution", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/surfshark", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.25", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:44.487808+00:00", "capture_sha256": "6a1e44851810d950b106e7abe4a07c88a3fed41cab45bd5b1dfc36c612747ffc", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:08:58+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-10-06T20:18:13+00:00", "publisher_id": "techradar", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar sees Surfshark as an easy-to-use value option, praising customer support, security tools and unlimited simultaneous connections.", "caveat": "The review warns about high automatic-renewal charges and finds stronger streaming alternatives in its comparison set.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:44.487808+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "surfshark-toms-guide", "provider": "surfshark", "publisher": "Tom’s Guide", "title": "Surfshark VPN Review", "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/surfshark-vpn-review", "kind": "editorial", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4.45", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "disclosure": "External publisher; may earn affiliate commissions.", "last_attempt_at": "2026-11-06T05:54:47.010235+00:00", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T06:02:06.651839+00:00", "capture_sha256": "2fef50c830768a7fa8ac791dab69934b54af3aa37cf2e01eb9cf675a7ceac7b9", "published_at": "2022-10-28T16:44:31+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-04-10T15:11:40+00:00", "publisher_id": "toms-guide", "source_group": "future", "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "test_period": null, "plan": "Not captured", "collection_mode": "automatic", "summary": { "takeaway": "Tom’s Guide praises the polished apps, connection speeds, streaming results and introductory value of Surfshark.", "caveat": "It flags steep renewal increases and a kill-switch issue under stress testing, while saying the IP address did not leak in that test. Port forwarding is absent.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T06:02:06.651839+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "expressvpn-top10vpn", "provider": "expressvpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "ExpressVPN review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/expressvpn/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "9.4", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-09-22", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "Top10VPN strongly favors ExpressVPN’s simple apps, streaming reach and fast connections across its tested locations.", "caveat": "It considers the service relatively expensive and less feature-rich for advanced users, with neither multi-hop nor port forwarding.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "expressvpn-rtings", "provider": "expressvpn", "publisher_id": "rtings", "publisher": "RTINGS", "source_group": "rtings", "title": "ExpressVPN lab review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/expressvpn/expressvpn", "kind": "lab-review", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": null, "rating_note": "Category ratings only; no overall score imported.", "category_ratings": [ { "category": "Private Browsing", "value": "6.2", "best": "10", "worst": "0" } ], "plan": "Paid service; see source for tested tier", "published_at": "2025-03-31", "modified_at": "2026-07-13", "publisher_date_label": "Test bench update", "testbench": "0.11", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Membership and affiliate-supported publisher. Category score manually checked. A retest or writing update does not date all measurements.", "summary": { "takeaway": "RTINGS reports effective IP/DNS protection while connected and a kill switch that held up during its restart and crash checks.", "caveat": "Its Private Browsing assessment is less favorable because of policy and business-practice concerns. That category is separate from technical security and overall buying value.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored usage verdicts and security findings; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "nordvpn-top10vpn", "provider": "nordvpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "NordVPN review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/nordvpn/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "9.2", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-10-22", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "Top10VPN describes NordVPN as a capable all-rounder with strong streaming, fast NordLynx connections and useful advanced controls.", "caveat": "It finds the apps less approachable than some competitors and warns about renewal costs, paid feature upgrades and briefly retained connection timestamps.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "nordvpn-rtings", "provider": "nordvpn", "publisher_id": "rtings", "publisher": "RTINGS", "source_group": "rtings", "title": "NordVPN lab review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/nordvpn/nordvpn", "kind": "lab-review", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": null, "rating_note": "Category ratings only; no overall score imported.", "category_ratings": [ { "category": "Private Browsing", "value": "6.4", "best": "10", "worst": "0" } ], "plan": "Paid service; see source for tested tier", "published_at": "2025-03-31", "modified_at": "2026-07-13", "publisher_date_label": "Retest", "testbench": "0.11", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Membership and affiliate-supported publisher. Category score manually checked. A retest or writing update does not date all measurements.", "summary": { "takeaway": "RTINGS finds NordVPN’s connected-session IP/DNS protection and retested kill switch effective in its technical checks.", "caveat": "Its weaker Private Browsing verdict reflects concerns about policy clarity, registration privacy and business practices. Passing technical checks does not settle those questions.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored usage verdicts and security findings; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "pia-top10vpn", "provider": "pia", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "Private Internet Access review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/private-internet-access/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "8.7", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-10-14", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "Top10VPN favors PIA’s value, configurable encryption, US location coverage and port-forwarding support for torrenting.", "caveat": "It finds international streaming less consistent and the many settings demanding for beginners. Its favorable privacy verdict differs from RTINGS’ assessment.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "pia-rtings", "provider": "pia", "publisher_id": "rtings", "publisher": "RTINGS", "source_group": "rtings", "title": "Private Internet Access lab review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/private-internet-access/private-internet-access", "kind": "lab-review", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": null, "rating_note": "Category ratings only; no overall score imported.", "category_ratings": [ { "category": "Private Browsing", "value": "5.6", "best": "10", "worst": "0" } ], "plan": "Paid service; see source for tested tier", "published_at": "2025-03-31", "modified_at": "2026-07-13", "publisher_date_label": "Test bench update", "testbench": "0.11", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Membership and affiliate-supported publisher. Category score manually checked. A retest or writing update does not date all measurements.", "summary": { "takeaway": "RTINGS reports that PIA kept IP addresses and DNS queries inside the connected tunnel and offers useful port forwarding for torrenting.", "caveat": "It reports unencrypted traffic escaping after a system restart in its kill-switch test. Policy, audit-scope and ownership concerns also lower its Private Browsing assessment.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored usage verdicts and security findings; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "protonvpn-top10vpn", "provider": "protonvpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "Proton VPN review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/protonvpn/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "9.1", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-10-14", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "For the paid plan, Top10VPN highlights privacy protections, Secure Core, port forwarding and improved streaming access.", "caveat": "It reports variable download performance and some playback frame-rate drops. The article also reviews the free tier, whose streaming and torrenting restrictions are different.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "protonvpn-rtings", "provider": "protonvpn", "publisher_id": "rtings", "publisher": "RTINGS", "source_group": "rtings", "title": "Proton VPN lab review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/proton/vpn", "kind": "lab-review", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": null, "rating_note": "Category ratings only; no overall score imported.", "category_ratings": [ { "category": "Private Browsing", "value": "7.5", "best": "10", "worst": "0" } ], "plan": "Paid service; see source for tested tier", "published_at": "2025-03-31", "modified_at": "2026-10-14", "publisher_date_label": "Retest", "testbench": "0.11", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Membership and affiliate-supported publisher. Category score manually checked. A retest or writing update does not date all measurements.", "summary": { "takeaway": "RTINGS praises Proton VPN’s leak protection, functioning kill switch, privacy-preserving registration options and port forwarding.", "caveat": "It is less positive about policy readability and subscription-retention practices. Its Private Browsing score combines policy judgments with technical findings; it is not an overall rating.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored usage verdicts and security findings; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "surfshark-top10vpn", "provider": "surfshark", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "Surfshark review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/surfshark/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "9.0", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-09-14", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "Top10VPN favors Surfshark’s budget positioning, streaming access, broad network and support for many devices at once.", "caveat": "The reviewer finds day-to-day usability friction and some performance gaps compared with its leading alternatives. Introductory value is not the renewal bill.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "surfshark-rtings", "provider": "surfshark", "publisher_id": "rtings", "publisher": "RTINGS", "source_group": "rtings", "title": "Surfshark lab review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/surfshark/vpn", "kind": "lab-review", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": null, "rating_note": "Category ratings only; no overall score imported.", "category_ratings": [ { "category": "Private Browsing", "value": "5.4", "best": "10", "worst": "0" } ], "plan": "Paid service; see source for tested tier", "published_at": "2025-03-31", "modified_at": "2026-07-13", "publisher_date_label": "Test bench update", "testbench": "0.11", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "disclosure": "Membership and affiliate-supported publisher. Category score manually checked. A retest or writing update does not date all measurements.", "summary": { "takeaway": "RTINGS finds that Surfshark protects IP addresses and DNS queries during an established connection and offers substantial VPN features.", "caveat": "It reports kill-switch leaks after crashes or restarts and raises concerns about retained connection metadata. These findings explain its less favorable Private Browsing verdict.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored usage verdicts and security findings; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "cyberghost-top10vpn", "provider": "cyberghost", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "CyberGhost review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/cyberghost/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "8.3", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-10-14", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "Top10VPN considers CyberGhost a dependable, inexpensive all-rounder, with useful streaming support and broad server coverage.", "caveat": "It reports uneven long-distance speeds, a dated interface and missing advanced options such as multi-hop.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "cyberghost-techradar", "provider": "cyberghost", "publisher_id": "techradar", "publisher": "TechRadar", "source_group": "future", "title": "CyberGhost VPN review", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/cyberghost-vpn", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "3.9", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "See publisher for tested plan", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:30:27+00:00", "modified_at": "2026-02-26T16:41:49+00:00", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:39.947832+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-funded publisher. Manually checked metadata; publisher update dates do not date all tests. Free and paid scores remain distinct.", "capture_sha256": "e794499295806a4c546103eba0fb826fea1bfeb6d8809feb01d1ba508bbea66d", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar praises CyberGhost’s streaming-oriented servers, fast test results and inexpensive long-term subscriptions.", "caveat": "It finds the feature set less innovative, the device limit awkward and port forwarding unavailable.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:39.947832+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "hideme-top10vpn", "provider": "hideme", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "hide.me review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/hide-me/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "8.3", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-07-10", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "For the paid service, Top10VPN highlights speed, torrenting, advanced controls and native support for both IPv4 and IPv6.", "caveat": "It warns that the kill switch is not enabled by default and finds international streaming and app design less convincing. Its separate free-tier verdict is much weaker on speed.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "hideme-techradar", "provider": "hideme", "publisher_id": "techradar", "publisher": "TechRadar", "source_group": "future", "title": "Hide.me VPN review", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/hideme-vpn", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "See publisher for tested plan", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:39:37+00:00", "modified_at": "2025-12-08T10:33:44+00:00", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:54:48.698973+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-funded publisher. Manually checked metadata; publisher update dates do not date all tests. Free and paid scores remain distinct.", "capture_sha256": "01ebd669d657a93f41b4d8b18ca1cd0d7ef2781f95f313826d81591bd37ee83f", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar favors hide.me’s configurable apps, IPv6 support, streaming access and strong Windows/OpenVPN results.", "caveat": "Its captured negatives flag small kill-switch issues, dated no-logs audit coverage and unclear virtual-location disclosure. Beginners may find the desktop apps complicated.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:54:48.698973+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "purevpn-top10vpn", "provider": "purevpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "PureVPN review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/purevpn/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "6.5", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2024-11-25", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "Top10VPN regards PureVPN’s basic plan as a low-cost way to encrypt traffic, with apps for major device types.", "caveat": "It is critical of upgrade prompts, paid extras, inconsistent streaming and privacy assurances. Its tests also raise a concern about kill-switch reliability.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "purevpn-techradar", "provider": "purevpn", "publisher_id": "techradar", "publisher": "TechRadar", "source_group": "future", "title": "PureVPN review", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/utilities/purevpn-1325640/review", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "See publisher for tested plan", "published_at": "2022-10-24T09:51:51+00:00", "modified_at": "2025-03-07T04:20:45+00:00", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:40.741678+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-funded publisher. Manually checked metadata; publisher update dates do not date all tests. Free and paid scores remain distinct.", "capture_sha256": "cdbee5105c1aa92842203515d24e53f4ad66ee36791154fa6ea44719a9f962f0", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar highlights streaming access, optional dedicated IPs and port forwarding, alongside the provider’s audited no-logs policy.", "caveat": "It reports uneven app behavior, particularly on Android, and only average connection performance. Some highlighted extras require an additional payment.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:40.741678+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "privadovpn-top10vpn", "provider": "privadovpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "PrivadoVPN review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/privadovpn/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "7.3", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-08-27", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "For the paid plan, Top10VPN highlights low prices, fast downloads and access to several major streaming platforms.", "caveat": "It finds limited server coverage, no independent audit and few advanced privacy features. The article’s stronger enthusiasm for the free version should not be read as a paid-plan verdict.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "privadovpn-techradar", "provider": "privadovpn", "publisher_id": "techradar", "publisher": "TechRadar", "source_group": "future", "title": "PrivadoVPN review: a solid all-rounder that's very low cost", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/privadovpn", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "3.7", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "See publisher for tested plan", "published_at": "2022-04-13T07:07:02+00:00", "modified_at": "2024-12-18T13:56:10+00:00", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:41.726575+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-funded publisher. Manually checked metadata; publisher update dates do not date all tests. Free and paid scores remain distinct.", "capture_sha256": "f349cd98722f121771a10a86a2780a0b53965707e5beb8bd0b445e8613536a02", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar highlights inexpensive multi-year plans, per-app kill-switch controls and the included SOCKS5 proxy.", "caveat": "It finds the network small, the mobile apps less polished and streaming access inconsistent. Its separate free-plan comments do not establish what the paid subscription includes.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:41.726575+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "privatevpn-top10vpn", "provider": "privatevpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "publisher": "Top10VPN", "source_group": "top10vpn", "title": "PrivateVPN review (paid service)", "url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/privatevpn/", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "manual", "status": "curated", "rating": { "value": "7.4", "best": "10", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating · paid service", "plan": "Paid service; exact subscription not captured", "published_at": null, "modified_at": "2026-08-19", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-supported. The publisher’s methods describe self-funding/no paid reviews; its terms also allow commercial influence on ordering and scores. This verdict is not treated as an independent extra vote or a StealthVPN test.", "summary": { "takeaway": "Top10VPN favors PrivateVPN for simple apps, low long-term pricing and access to a range of streaming services.", "caveat": "It reports congestion on distant connections, no in-app WireGuard support and limited external evidence for the logging policy.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-07T06:01:16.783741+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored verdict and paid-plan pros/cons; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." }, "disclosure_checked_on": "2026-11-07" }, { "id": "privatevpn-techradar", "provider": "privatevpn", "publisher_id": "techradar", "publisher": "TechRadar", "source_group": "future", "title": "PrivateVPN review", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/reviews/privatevpn", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "2.5", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "See publisher for tested plan", "published_at": "2022-04-14T16:54:31+00:00", "modified_at": "2023-08-15T10:07:32+00:00", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:42.985508+00:00", "disclosure": "Affiliate-funded publisher. Manually checked metadata; publisher update dates do not date all tests. Free and paid scores remain distinct.", "capture_sha256": "0b9d58bbd3898ca68c1455720738cb928ccfa940d72c6964cd9259c01a226107", "summary": { "takeaway": "TechRadar praises PrivateVPN’s streaming results, responsive support and its kill switch in the reviewed setup.", "caveat": "It reports DNS exposure with some protocols and no security audit. WireGuard requires manual configuration rather than the reviewed apps.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:42.985508+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "cyberghost-pcworld", "provider": "cyberghost", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "publisher": "PCWorld", "source_group": "pcworld", "title": "Tested: I'm blown away by CyberGhost VPN's vast server network ", "url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/394108/cyberghost-vpn-review-2.html", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "Paid service", "published_at": "2026-01-22T15:00:00Z", "modified_at": "2026-01-22T15:01:09Z", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:45.234175+00:00", "disclosure": "Publisher may earn affiliate commissions. Original methods and dates apply; StealthVPN has not rerun these tests.", "capture_sha256": "82a8f8a24205bbf5d56f7f51e3697f009222dddffe6f92a01d1a343b98385344", "summary": { "takeaway": "PCWorld highlights CyberGhost’s large network, externally checked no-logs policy and generous refund window.", "caveat": "It reports variable server performance and fewer extra security features than some competitors.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:45.234175+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "hideme-pcworld", "provider": "hideme", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "publisher": "PCWorld", "source_group": "pcworld", "title": "Tested: Hide.me is a feature-packed VPN that rewards tinkering", "url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/393346/hideme-vpn-review-3.html", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "Paid service", "published_at": "2026-03-17T14:00:00Z", "modified_at": "2026-03-17T14:00:29Z", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:54:47.334345+00:00", "disclosure": "Publisher may earn affiliate commissions. Original methods and dates apply; StealthVPN has not rerun these tests.", "capture_sha256": "c7efd1851e63edf1aac6e1f661462c5fff69f71e07a813df56a050f094aeb51b", "summary": { "takeaway": "PCWorld favors hide.me’s privacy practices, extensive customization and inexpensive long-term options.", "caveat": "It reports inconsistent speeds and a learning curve for beginners. Its unlimited-data free version is assessed separately and was slow in the review.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:54:47.334345+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "purevpn-pcworld", "provider": "purevpn", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "publisher": "PCWorld", "source_group": "pcworld", "title": "I like PureVPN, I just don't love it", "url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/2781072/purevpn-review-3.html", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "3.5", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "Paid service", "published_at": "2025-05-19T14:30:00Z", "modified_at": "2025-05-19T14:30:00Z", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:46.710332+00:00", "disclosure": "Publisher may earn affiliate commissions. Original methods and dates apply; StealthVPN has not rerun these tests.", "capture_sha256": "a354bc2f3491eaed20e4e9edefdbce7d05d885cb224211423738635f7b104829", "summary": { "takeaway": "PCWorld sees a capable basic feature set, broad server coverage and plenty of optional upgrades.", "caveat": "Its verdict is held back by the historical privacy record, uneven streaming access and persistent sales prompts for additional features.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:46.710332+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "privadovpn-pcworld", "provider": "privadovpn", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "publisher": "PCWorld", "source_group": "pcworld", "title": "PrivadoVPN review: Come for the free VPN, stay for the premium features", "url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/2455337/privado-vpn-review-2.html", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "4", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "Mixed free/premium article", "published_at": "2024-09-27T14:30:00Z", "modified_at": "2025-06-18T14:39:58Z", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:46.849085+00:00", "disclosure": "Publisher may earn affiliate commissions. Original methods and dates apply; StealthVPN has not rerun these tests.", "capture_sha256": "dce3854799da4560a42cb9a11d84ff6b3586d8b9ad14b7fd586d674eaac764c1", "rating_note": "The article discusses both free and premium tiers; this is its overall verdict, not a separately scored paid-only result. Its older Swiss location description predates the 2026 operator transfer.", "summary": { "takeaway": "PCWorld considers PrivadoVPN a useful general-purpose option, highlighting streaming compatibility, solid speeds and its separate free version.", "caveat": "It identifies the small network, limited advanced features and lack of an independent audit as drawbacks.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:46.849085+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } }, { "id": "privatevpn-pcworld", "provider": "privatevpn", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "publisher": "PCWorld", "source_group": "pcworld", "title": "PrivateVPN review: Simple and likeable", "url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/401880/privatevpn-vpn-review.html", "kind": "editorial", "collection_mode": "automatic", "status": "collected", "rating": { "value": "3.5", "best": "5", "worst": "0" }, "rating_scope": "Overall editorial rating", "plan": "Paid service", "published_at": "2024-03-25T13:00:00Z", "modified_at": "2025-06-19T08:23:34Z", "publisher_date_label": "Article updated", "test_period": null, "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:48.872906+00:00", "disclosure": "Publisher may earn affiliate commissions. Original methods and dates apply; StealthVPN has not rerun these tests.", "capture_sha256": "1b8281324396e09635d1b3f3ce943620c59369548605e70fed3693a791538819", "summary": { "takeaway": "PCWorld finds PrivateVPN suitable for straightforward browsing and streaming, with a simple Windows app and low long-term pricing.", "caveat": "It sees the service falling behind on newer features, with a small server network and no WireGuard support in the reviewed app.", "written_on": "2026-11-07", "source_observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:57:48.872906+00:00", "basis": "Publisher-authored review verdict or structured pros/cons in the dated source capture; original paraphrase by StealthVPN." } } ], "performance": [ { "id": "expressvpn-rtings-performance", "provider": "expressvpn", "publisher_id": "rtings", "source_group": "rtings", "source_url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/expressvpn/expressvpn", "review_id": "expressvpn-rtings", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "testbench": "0.11", "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher rolling multi-route mean; not a local peak speed", "download_mbps": 247, "download_baseline_mbps": 1078, "upload_mbps": 290, "upload_baseline_mbps": 948, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Publisher method describes a rolling three-month average; exact bounds not captured." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": "Publisher method: Linux VPS; Windows fallback where required. Per-provider platform not captured.", "routes": "Publisher method: US East Coast, US West Coast, London and Sydney. Per-route values not transcribed.", "statistic": "Publisher-reported mean; rounded values retained as displayed", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Publisher says performance testing is ongoing. Exact rolling-window dates, per-provider protocol and sample count are not captured.", "funding": "Publisher membership and affiliate revenue; subscriptions self-funded according to publisher.", "cohort": "rtings-rolling" }, { "id": "nordvpn-rtings-performance", "provider": "nordvpn", "publisher_id": "rtings", "source_group": "rtings", "source_url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/nordvpn/nordvpn", "review_id": "nordvpn-rtings", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "testbench": "0.11", "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher rolling multi-route mean; not a local peak speed", "download_mbps": 233, "download_baseline_mbps": 1057, "upload_mbps": 274, "upload_baseline_mbps": 1016, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Publisher method describes a rolling three-month average; exact bounds not captured." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": "Publisher method: Linux VPS; Windows fallback where required. Per-provider platform not captured.", "routes": "Publisher method: US East Coast, US West Coast, London and Sydney. Per-route values not transcribed.", "statistic": "Publisher-reported mean; rounded values retained as displayed", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Publisher says performance testing is ongoing. Exact rolling-window dates, per-provider protocol and sample count are not captured.", "funding": "Publisher membership and affiliate revenue; subscriptions self-funded according to publisher.", "cohort": "rtings-rolling" }, { "id": "pia-rtings-performance", "provider": "pia", "publisher_id": "rtings", "source_group": "rtings", "source_url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/private-internet-access/private-internet-access", "review_id": "pia-rtings", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "testbench": "0.11", "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher rolling multi-route mean; not a local peak speed", "download_mbps": 145, "download_baseline_mbps": 1018, "upload_mbps": 185, "upload_baseline_mbps": 1017, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Publisher method describes a rolling three-month average; exact bounds not captured." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": "Publisher method: Linux VPS; Windows fallback where required. Per-provider platform not captured.", "routes": "Publisher method: US East Coast, US West Coast, London and Sydney. Per-route values not transcribed.", "statistic": "Publisher-reported mean; rounded values retained as displayed", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Publisher says performance testing is ongoing. Exact rolling-window dates, per-provider protocol and sample count are not captured.", "funding": "Publisher membership and affiliate revenue; subscriptions self-funded according to publisher.", "cohort": "rtings-rolling" }, { "id": "protonvpn-rtings-performance", "provider": "protonvpn", "publisher_id": "rtings", "source_group": "rtings", "source_url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/proton/vpn", "review_id": "protonvpn-rtings", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "testbench": "0.11", "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher rolling multi-route mean; not a local peak speed", "download_mbps": 238, "download_baseline_mbps": 1043, "upload_mbps": 305, "upload_baseline_mbps": 1016, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Publisher method describes a rolling three-month average; exact bounds not captured." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": "Publisher method: Linux VPS; Windows fallback where required. Per-provider platform not captured.", "routes": "Publisher method: US East Coast, US West Coast, London and Sydney. Per-route values not transcribed.", "statistic": "Publisher-reported mean; rounded values retained as displayed", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Publisher says performance testing is ongoing. Exact rolling-window dates, per-provider protocol and sample count are not captured.", "funding": "Publisher membership and affiliate revenue; subscriptions self-funded according to publisher.", "cohort": "rtings-rolling" }, { "id": "surfshark-rtings-performance", "provider": "surfshark", "publisher_id": "rtings", "source_group": "rtings", "source_url": "https://www.rtings.com/vpn/reviews/surfshark/vpn", "review_id": "surfshark-rtings", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "testbench": "0.11", "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher rolling multi-route mean; not a local peak speed", "download_mbps": 233, "download_baseline_mbps": 967, "upload_mbps": 321, "upload_baseline_mbps": 1012, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Publisher method describes a rolling three-month average; exact bounds not captured." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": "Publisher method: Linux VPS; Windows fallback where required. Per-provider platform not captured.", "routes": "Publisher method: US East Coast, US West Coast, London and Sydney. Per-route values not transcribed.", "statistic": "Publisher-reported mean; rounded values retained as displayed", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Publisher says performance testing is ongoing. Exact rolling-window dates, per-provider protocol and sample count are not captured.", "funding": "Publisher membership and affiliate revenue; subscriptions self-funded according to publisher.", "cohort": "rtings-rolling" }, { "id": "expressvpn-top10vpn-local", "provider": "expressvpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "expressvpn-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/expressvpn/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-09-22", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 98, "download_loss_percent": 2, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": "Lightway", "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby / same-city server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Local result on publisher’s fixed baseline. Actual dates, raw sample count and exact endpoints are not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "nordvpn-top10vpn-local", "provider": "nordvpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "nordvpn-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/nordvpn/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-10-22", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 96, "download_loss_percent": 4, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": "NordLynx", "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby / same-city server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Local result on publisher’s fixed baseline. Actual dates, raw sample count and exact endpoints are not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "pia-top10vpn-local", "provider": "pia", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "pia-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/private-internet-access/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-10-14", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 96, "download_loss_percent": 4, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": "WireGuard", "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby / same-city server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Local result on publisher’s fixed baseline. Actual dates, raw sample count and exact endpoints are not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "protonvpn-top10vpn-local", "provider": "protonvpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "protonvpn-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/protonvpn/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-10-14", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 88, "download_loss_percent": 12, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby / same-city server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Local result on publisher’s fixed baseline. Actual dates, raw sample count and exact endpoints are not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "surfshark-top10vpn-local", "provider": "surfshark", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "surfshark-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/surfshark/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T12:58:55.968120+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-09-14", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 96, "download_loss_percent": 4, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby / same-city server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Local result on publisher’s fixed baseline. Actual dates, raw sample count and exact endpoints are not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "cyberghost-top10vpn-local", "provider": "cyberghost", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "cyberghost-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/cyberghost/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-10-14", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 95, "download_loss_percent": 5, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test dates, sample count, protocol, platform and endpoints not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "hideme-top10vpn-local", "provider": "hideme", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "hideme-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/hide-me/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-07-10", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 97, "download_loss_percent": 3, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test dates, sample count, protocol, platform and endpoints not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "purevpn-top10vpn-local", "provider": "purevpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "purevpn-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/purevpn/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2024-11-25", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 82, "download_loss_percent": 18, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test dates, sample count, protocol, platform and endpoints not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "privadovpn-top10vpn-local", "provider": "privadovpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "privadovpn-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/privadovpn/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-08-27", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 93, "download_loss_percent": 7, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test dates, sample count, protocol, platform and endpoints not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "privatevpn-top10vpn-local", "provider": "privatevpn", "publisher_id": "top10vpn", "source_group": "top10vpn", "cohort": "top10vpn-local", "review_id": "privatevpn-top10vpn", "source_url": "https://www.top10vpn.com/reviews/privatevpn/", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T14:32:28.323739+00:00", "article_updated_at": "2026-08-19", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Local download result; publisher paid-service comparison table", "download_mbps": 96, "download_loss_percent": 4, "download_baseline_mbps": 100, "baseline_basis": "Fixed baseline described by publisher methodology; matched per-run baseline not captured.", "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Exact test dates not captured; article update is not a test date." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Nearby server according to publisher; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher local download summary; raw samples and spread not captured.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test dates, sample count, protocol, platform and endpoints not captured.", "funding": "Affiliate-supported publisher; says subscriptions are self-funded." }, { "id": "cyberghost-pcworld-performance", "provider": "cyberghost", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "source_group": "pcworld", "cohort": "pcworld-multi-route", "review_id": "cyberghost-pcworld", "source_url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/394108/cyberghost-vpn-review-2.html", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T15:03:51.108939+00:00", "article_published_at": "2026-01-22T15:00:00Z", "article_updated_at": "2026-01-22T15:01:09Z", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher multi-country download/upload percentages of no-VPN speed retained", "download_mbps": null, "download_baseline_mbps": null, "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "download_retained_percent": 51, "upload_retained_percent": 87, "download_qualifier": "Just over", "baseline_basis": "No-VPN baseline; absolute Mbps and matched per-run values not captured.", "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Actual test dates not captured. Publication and metadata updates do not establish the test window." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Publisher describes testing across six countries; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher average percentage of base speed retained; rounded summary and any qualifier preserved.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test window, raw baseline speeds, sample count and exact endpoints not captured. Historical article evidence, not a current retest.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising disclosed by PCWorld." }, { "id": "hideme-pcworld-performance", "provider": "hideme", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "source_group": "pcworld", "cohort": "pcworld-multi-route", "review_id": "hideme-pcworld", "source_url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/393346/hideme-vpn-review-3.html", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T15:03:51.108939+00:00", "article_published_at": "2026-03-17T14:00:00Z", "article_updated_at": "2026-03-17T14:00:29Z", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher multi-country download/upload percentages of no-VPN speed retained", "download_mbps": null, "download_baseline_mbps": null, "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "download_retained_percent": 45, "upload_retained_percent": 67, "download_qualifier": "Just over", "baseline_basis": "No-VPN baseline; absolute Mbps and matched per-run values not captured.", "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Actual test dates not captured. Publication and metadata updates do not establish the test window." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Publisher describes testing across six countries; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher average percentage of base speed retained; rounded summary and any qualifier preserved.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test window, raw baseline speeds, sample count and exact endpoints not captured. Historical article evidence, not a current retest.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising disclosed by PCWorld." }, { "id": "purevpn-pcworld-performance", "provider": "purevpn", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "source_group": "pcworld", "cohort": "pcworld-multi-route", "review_id": "purevpn-pcworld", "source_url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/2781072/purevpn-review-3.html", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T15:03:51.108939+00:00", "article_published_at": "2025-05-19T14:30:00Z", "article_updated_at": "2025-05-19T14:30:00Z", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher multi-country download/upload percentages of no-VPN speed retained", "download_mbps": null, "download_baseline_mbps": null, "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "download_retained_percent": 61, "upload_retained_percent": 79, "download_qualifier": "", "baseline_basis": "No-VPN baseline; absolute Mbps and matched per-run values not captured.", "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Actual test dates not captured. Publication and metadata updates do not establish the test window." }, "protocol": "WireGuard", "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Publisher describes testing across six countries; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher average percentage of base speed retained; rounded summary and any qualifier preserved.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test window, raw baseline speeds, sample count and exact endpoints not captured. Historical article evidence, not a current retest.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising disclosed by PCWorld." }, { "id": "privadovpn-pcworld-performance", "provider": "privadovpn", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "source_group": "pcworld", "cohort": "pcworld-multi-route", "review_id": "privadovpn-pcworld", "source_url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/2455337/privado-vpn-review-2.html", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T15:03:51.108939+00:00", "article_published_at": "2024-09-27T14:30:00Z", "article_updated_at": "2025-06-18T14:39:58Z", "testbench": null, "plan": "Premium speed section", "metric_scope": "Publisher multi-country download/upload percentages of no-VPN speed retained", "download_mbps": null, "download_baseline_mbps": null, "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "download_retained_percent": 68, "upload_retained_percent": 79, "download_qualifier": "", "baseline_basis": "No-VPN baseline; absolute Mbps and matched per-run values not captured.", "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Actual test dates not captured. Publication and metadata updates do not establish the test window." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Publisher describes testing across six countries; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher average percentage of base speed retained; rounded summary and any qualifier preserved.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test window, raw baseline speeds, sample count and exact endpoints not captured. Historical article evidence, not a current retest.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising disclosed by PCWorld." }, { "id": "privatevpn-pcworld-performance", "provider": "privatevpn", "publisher_id": "pcworld", "source_group": "pcworld", "cohort": "pcworld-multi-route", "review_id": "privatevpn-pcworld", "source_url": "https://www.pcworld.com/article/401880/privatevpn-vpn-review.html", "observed_at": "2026-11-06T15:03:51.108939+00:00", "article_published_at": "2024-03-25T13:00:00Z", "article_updated_at": "2025-06-19T08:23:34Z", "testbench": null, "plan": "Paid service", "metric_scope": "Publisher multi-country download/upload percentages of no-VPN speed retained", "download_mbps": null, "download_baseline_mbps": null, "upload_mbps": null, "upload_baseline_mbps": null, "download_retained_percent": 37, "upload_retained_percent": 65, "download_qualifier": "", "baseline_basis": "No-VPN baseline; absolute Mbps and matched per-run values not captured.", "test_period": { "start": null, "end": null, "description": "Actual test dates not captured. Publication and metadata updates do not establish the test window." }, "protocol": null, "sample_count": null, "app_version": null, "platform": null, "routes": "Publisher describes testing across six countries; exact matched endpoints not captured.", "statistic": "Publisher average percentage of base speed retained; rounded summary and any qualifier preserved.", "status": "provisional", "score_eligible": false, "limitation": "Actual test window, raw baseline speeds, sample count and exact endpoints not captured. Historical article evidence, not a current retest.", "funding": "Affiliate links and advertising disclosed by PCWorld." } ] }