FAQs

What is VPNalyzer?

VPNalyzer is an interdisciplinary research project from the University of Michigan that aims to analyze the VPN ecosystem via crowdsourced data-driven investigations into commercial providers. The project consists of three parallel efforts: user studies (to understand the needs, considerations, and motivations of VPN users), the VPNalyzer Tool (to evaluate the actual performance of VPN providers, collect active measurements, and empower researchers and VPN users), and VPN-provider surveys (to understand the main challenges, design and business decisions made by VPN providers).

Why are VPNalyzer’s efforts necessary?

Far too little is known about the actual impact and reliability of today’s commercial VPNs, while far too much is promised by providers. As a result, consumers are routinely left in the dark—hoping they are getting the security and privacy they need (and was advertised), but unable to know for sure. VPNalyzer is committed to shifting this information imbalance by learning about the needs of users and empowering them with a tool to test the security and privacy features of their own VPN providers. Crowdsourced data into actual VPN performance, along with a better understanding of user needs and provider mindsets, will help spur reform and address systemic issues across the industry.

What is VPNalyzer’s goal?

Commercial VPNs are now a multi-billion dollar industry—yet their booming ecosystem remains critically understudied, unregulated, and opaque. It is time for that to change. VPNalyzer’s investigation into the commercial VPN ecosystem aims to advance the public interest, inform practical standards and regulations, and enforce overall accountability and transparency.

How do my results compare to the services offered by other VPNs? (i.e., my results came back with an issue—is there a better provider for me?)

We do not provide result comparisons or blanket provider recommendations. However, our tool was used by Consumer Reports to analyze the performance of 16 popular commercial VPNs—and this is what they found. Please note: regardless of which VPN you use, it is always wise to run an individual test with the VPNalyzer Tool and ensure that the VPN provides the features you are expecting to see. Everyone's threat model is different and we recommend that you test the VPN products yourself to ensure it is useful to you. (individual results will always vary to a certain degree based on factors such as location and ISP).

If I have questions about my test results, how can I contact the VPNalyzer team?

For more feedback, please reach out to the team at vpnalyzer-tool@umich.edu and mention the UUID of your test in the subject.

How will you use my data?

For more information on how we handle your test data and how we will use it, please read our privacy policy.

How do I stay informed about VPNalyzer?

If you would like to stay up-to-date about this project and our future releases, please fill out this form to join our mailing list.