VPN Buyer Checklist
Score a VPN shortlist before you buy. Check privacy, security, streaming, travel, device limits, refund terms, and renewal-price traps in one place.
Privacy basics
Check audits, logging claims, ownership, kill switch, and DNS leak protection before trusting a VPN.
Real use case fit
Score the pick differently for privacy, streaming, travel, gaming, family, or everyday use.
Price and refund traps
Avoid judging only by the advertised monthly price. Check renewal terms and test during the refund window.
Interactive buyer checklist
Build a safer VPN shortlist
Pick your use case, then tick the evidence you have checked. The score is not an audit — it is a practical way to avoid weak VPN picks before buying.
Evidence checked
* Essentials you should confirm before trusting a VPN with private activity.
How to use this checklist
Start by choosing your main reason for buying a VPN, then only tick items you have actually verified. A marketing claim is weaker than a policy page, audit report, app setting, refund term, or real device test.
This checklist is deliberately cautious. It does not guarantee that any VPN is perfect, and VPN services change over time. Use it to narrow the field, then compare providers and test your final choice during the refund window.
Next steps
- Open the VPN comparison tool to compare leading providers side by side.
- Use the VPN cost calculator before buying a long plan.
- Read the Free VPN Risk Report if you are tempted by a free VPN.