How we judge a VPN matchup

TunnelClash is an independent VPN versus desk. We don't publish a single ranked list; we run brand-versus-brand matchups and settle each one on the same tale of the tape. This page explains how we judge a bout, what we will and won't claim, and how we make money — because for a privacy tool, that last part matters.

How we judge a matchup

Every matchup runs an identical set of rows: jurisdiction, the latest independent no-logs audit and its date, RAM-only servers, the fastest protocol shipped, open-source status, simultaneous devices, the money-back window, the pricing model, and the best-fit use case. We mark a row a win only where published, dated evidence favours one side, and the verdict names a winner for a use case rather than an absolute champion.

What we won't do

We do not publish speed-test numbers we didn't measure. VPN speed depends mostly on your connection, server distance and load, so we describe it by the protocol each provider ships and by reputable, dated third-party testing. We treat 'no-logs' as an unproven claim until there's a recent independent audit to cite, and we never promise 'total anonymity' — a VPN shifts trust from your internet provider to the VPN company; it does not erase you.

We also flag corporate ownership on every matchup. When two 'rivals' share a parent — as NordVPN and Surfshark do, or ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and Private Internet Access under Kape — you deserve to know before you read the verdict.

How we make money — and how we don't

Some outbound links to providers are affiliate links: if you subscribe after clicking one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Those links never change a verdict or a matchup result. To prove it, we recommend Mullvad and Windscribe where they honestly win, even though they run no affiliate programs and pay us nothing. Full detail is on our affiliate disclosure page.

You can see the whole field and jump to any matchup from our VPN comparisons hub.