How We Score
Every VPN, password manager, and privacy tool on PrivacyFocus is scored using a structured, transparent methodology. This page explains exactly how we arrive at our ratings so you can judge whether our priorities align with yours.
VPN Scoring (6 Factors)
Each VPN receives a score from 0-100 across six dimensions. The overall score is a weighted average:
| Factor | Weight | What We Test |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 25% | Logging policy, jurisdiction, independent audits, warrant canary, data breach history, ownership transparency, DNS/WebRTC/IPv6 leak testing |
| Speed | 20% | Download and upload throughput on nearby and distant servers, latency impact, WireGuard vs OpenVPN performance, streaming reliability, consistency over time |
| Security | 20% | Encryption standards, protocol options (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2), kill switch effectiveness, DNS leak protection, multi-hop, RAM-only servers, open-source clients |
| Features | 15% | Split tunnelling, simultaneous connections, dedicated IP, ad/tracker blocking, port forwarding, streaming unblocking, torrenting support, server network size |
| Value | 10% | Monthly and annual pricing, money-back guarantee, free tier availability, features per pound, pricing transparency, family/team plans |
| Usability | 10% | App design across platforms, onboarding experience, settings clarity, connection speed, auto-connect options, customer support quality |
Privacy is weighted highest because the primary purpose of a VPN is to protect your data. A VPN that is fast but keeps logs defeats its own purpose. Speed is second because a VPN that slows your connection to a crawl will not be used consistently. Security and features round out the technical assessment, while value and usability address the practical experience.
Password Manager Scoring (5 Factors)
Password managers are scored on five dimensions:
| Factor | Weight | What We Test |
|---|---|---|
| Security | 30% | Encryption algorithm (AES-256, Argon2), zero-knowledge architecture, independent security audits, open-source status, breach history, two-factor authentication options, emergency access |
| Usability | 25% | Autofill reliability, browser extension quality, mobile app experience, import/export ease, onboarding flow, password generator quality, vault organisation |
| Features | 20% | Secure sharing, breach monitoring, encrypted notes, file storage, passkey support, travel mode, Watchtower-style alerts, family/team features |
| Cross-Platform | 15% | Desktop apps (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile apps (iOS, Android), browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), web vault, CLI tools, sync reliability |
| Value | 10% | Free tier quality, premium pricing, family/team pricing, what you actually get for the money, pricing transparency |
Security carries the highest weight because a password manager is the single most sensitive application most people use — it holds the keys to every online account. Usability is second because a password manager that is difficult to use will be abandoned, which is worse than not having one at all. Cross-platform matters because your passwords need to follow you across every device you own.
General Tool Scoring
Other privacy tools (secure email, encrypted messaging, privacy browsers, DNS tools, cloud storage, two-factor authentication) are scored on four equally-weighted dimensions (25% each): Security, Usability, Features, and Value. This simplified model reflects the diverse nature of these tools whilst maintaining consistency across reviews.
Our Testing Process
Reviews are not based on marketing materials. Here is what we actually do:
- Install and configure. We sign up, install on multiple devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), and go through the real onboarding experience.
- Run standardised tests. For VPNs: speed tests on five server locations, DNS/WebRTC leak tests, kill switch testing, streaming platform checks. For password managers: autofill testing across 20 popular sites, cross-device sync, import from competitors.
- Test edge cases. What happens when the VPN connection drops? Does the kill switch actually work? What happens when the password manager encounters a non-standard login form? How does the tool handle poor network conditions?
- Verify claims. If a VPN claims "no logs", we check for independent audit reports. If a password manager claims "zero knowledge", we verify the architecture. If a tool claims open-source, we check the repository.
- Compare pricing. What does it actually cost for a realistic use case? Are there hidden limitations on the free tier? How does annual pricing compare to monthly?
- Write the review. Strengths, weaknesses, best use cases, and a clear verdict backed by testing data.
Score Interpretation
| Score Range | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 90-100 | Exceptional — best-in-class, highly recommended for most users |
| 80-89 | Excellent — strong performer with minor limitations |
| 70-79 | Good — solid tool with some notable gaps |
| 60-69 | Adequate — functional but with significant drawbacks |
| 50-59 | Below average — notable weaknesses, better alternatives exist |
| Below 50 | Not recommended — significant security, privacy, or usability issues |
Update Schedule
Reviews are updated when:
- A tool ships a major version or feature update
- Pricing changes significantly
- An independent security audit is published
- A data breach or security incident occurs
- A change in ownership or jurisdiction takes place
- User feedback highlights something we missed or got wrong
- More than 6 months have passed since the last review
The "Last updated" date on each review reflects when it was last substantively revised.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some tools on this site have affiliate partnerships with us — we earn a commission if you sign up through our links. This has zero influence on our scores. Tools without affiliate programmes regularly outscore tools that pay us commissions. We would rather recommend a free, open-source tool that genuinely protects your privacy than a premium product that pays us more but does a worse job.
We clearly mark affiliate links throughout the site. For full details, see our terms of use.
Feedback
If you think we have scored a tool unfairly, or if you have tested something we missed, email us at [email protected]. We review every piece of feedback and will update our scores when warranted.