Our VPN Speed Test Methodology 2026: How We Measure

Last updated: · By WatchlyGuide Team

Here is exactly how we speed-test VPNs: we measure a base speed, connect to nearby and distant servers, re-test, and record the percentage of speed retained — repeated over several days, at different times, on real TV devices. We publish this so you can judge our figures for yourself. This page explains the line, the tool, the number of tests, the timing, the devices, and how we calculate speed retention.

A diagram of the VPN speed testing process from base speed to retention percentage
How we measure VPN speed — base test, server tests, and a retention percentage.

Why We Use Speed Retention

We report speed retention — the percentage of your base speed that survives the VPN — rather than raw Mbps. Here is why: raw numbers depend on our own line, which tells you nothing about your connection. Retention is independent of line speed, so if a VPN retains ~88%, you can apply that to your own speed. It is the fairest, most portable way to compare VPNs, and the figure we quote in every VPN review.

The Test Setup

Element What we use
Base line A fixed European broadband connection, measured before each session
Tool A consistent, reputable speed-test service, same server each run
Protocol Each VPN’s fastest (WireGuard-based) protocol
Servers Nearby (in/near country) and distant, per VPN
Devices Computer plus real TV devices (Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV)
Timing Several days, including busy evening hours

Keeping the line, tool and test server fixed means the only variable is the VPN itself.

The Steps, in Order

  1. Measure the base speed with no VPN, several times, and average it.
  2. Connect to a nearby server using the fastest protocol, and re-test.
  3. Connect to a distant server and re-test, to capture the worst case.
  4. Record the connection time — how long from tap to connected.
  5. Repeat over several days and at different times, including peak evenings.
  6. Test on TV devices for real streaming smoothness, not just raw speed.
  7. Average and calculate retention as (VPN speed ÷ base speed) × 100.
A worked example showing base speed, VPN speed and the retention calculation
Retention = VPN speed ÷ base speed × 100 — a worked example.

What Else We Assess

Speed is not the whole story, so alongside retention we record:

  • Connection time — how quickly the app connects on a remote.
  • Consistency — how much speed varies across servers and sessions.
  • Streaming smoothness — whether 4K plays without buffering on a TV.
  • TV-app quality — is the native app easy to use with a remote?
  • Effect on ISP throttling — does encryption restore throttled video?

Honesty and Limitations

We're transparent about the limits: VPN speeds depend on your own connection, location, server load and time of day, so your results will differ from ours. That's exactly why we publish the method and use retention percentages — so our figures stay meaningful regardless of our line speed. We re-test periodically as VPNs update their apps and networks.

The Bottom Line

Our VPN speed figures come from a consistent, repeatable method: a fixed base line, the fastest protocol, nearby and distant servers, multiple tests over several days, and real TV devices — expressed as a retention percentage you can apply to your own connection. We publish it in full because trustworthy recommendations require a transparent method. It underpins every number in our VPN reviews and the fastest VPN guide.

See how we test everything on our how we test page, compare the results in the best VPN for streaming guide, and look up any term in the streaming glossary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test VPN speed?

We measure a base speed with no VPN, then connect to nearby and distant servers and re-test, recording the percentage of speed retained and the time to connect. We repeat over several days at different times and test on real TV devices. This gives a real-world retention figure rather than a single best-case result.

What is VPN speed retention?

Speed retention is the percentage of your base connection speed that remains after connecting to a VPN. If your base speed is 100 Mbps and you get 88 Mbps through the VPN, that is 88% retention. It is the fairest way to compare VPNs, because it is independent of how fast your own connection is.

How many times do you test each VPN?

We run multiple tests per server across several days and at different times of day, including busy evening hours, then average the results. Testing once gives a misleadingly rosy or unlucky figure, so repetition over time is essential to capture how a VPN really performs under varying network conditions.

Do you test VPNs on TV devices?

Yes. Because our audience streams on TVs, we test the native apps on devices like the Fire TV Stick, Android TV and Apple TV, checking connection times, stability and streaming smoothness — not just raw speed on a computer. Real living-room performance is what matters for streaming, so we measure it directly.

Why do your VPN speeds differ from other sites?

VPN speeds depend on your base connection, location, server load, time of day and test method, so results vary between testers. We publish our exact method so you can judge it, and we focus on speed retention percentages rather than raw Mbps, which makes our figures comparable regardless of our own line speed.