Why we exist
Most VPN advice online is written to sell a subscription, not to answer a question. We started VPN Target to do the opposite: test VPN providers ourselves, explain what the results mean in plain language and tell you when a cheaper plan, a free plan or no VPN at all is the better choice.
If you are new to the topic, start with our explainer on what a VPN is and how it works. It covers encryption, tunnels and protocols before you spend any money.
What we publish
Everything on the site falls into one of four formats, each with a clear job:
| Format | What it answers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | Is this one provider good, and who is it for? | NordVPN review |
| Comparisons | Which of two providers wins, round by round? | Free Proton VPN vs NordVPN |
| Best VPN guides | Which VPN fits a country, game or device? | Best VPN for Warzone |
| How to guides | How do I set up, test or fix a VPN? | How to check your VPN is working |
What makes us different
- Hands on testing. We install every app we review on real devices and run speed, leak and streaming checks instead of copying spec sheets.
- Clear winners. Our comparisons always name a winner and explain the cases where the loser is still the right pick for you.
- Honest about free plans. When a free VPN is good enough, we say so, even though it earns us nothing.
- Kept up to date. Prices, server counts and audits change often, so we revisit published articles and show the last updated date on every page.
How the site is funded
VPN Target is reader supported. When you buy a VPN through some of our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide rankings or scores. Our affiliate disclosure explains exactly how this works, and our editorial policy sets out the rules that keep money and verdicts apart.
Who is behind it
Our articles are researched, tested and edited by a small group of privacy and networking writers. You can read about their roles and review process on the editorial team page.
Learn more about online privacy
A VPN is only one part of staying safe online. For independent, non commercial advice we recommend the Surveillance Self Defense guides from the EFF and the UK NCSC tips for staying secure online.