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About VPN Vertex

About VPN Vertex

Honest VPN recommendations based on verifiable data, not marketing claims. Run by Simon Phillips, a VPN research analyst with 10+ years in cybersecurity and IT support.

10+
Years IT & cyber
9
VPNs researched and analyzed
$0
Sponsored content

The editor

Meet Simon Phillips

SP
Editor & founder

Simon Phillips

IT specialist with 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, computer networks, and help desk support. Based in California. Specialized in VPN research: analyzing independent security audits (PwC, Deloitte, Cure53), tracking public benchmarks (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives), and synthesizing user reports across Trustpilot, Reddit, and AppStore. All recommendations are based on independently verifiable data, with no provider sponsorship influencing editorial decisions.

Methodology

What we research, what we publish

Every VPN recommendation on this site is based on research across independent audits, public benchmarks, and verified user reports. We synthesize, contextualize, and cross-check claims rather than duplicating testing that established labs already do well. We do not accept payment from VPN providers in exchange for positive coverage.

Independent audits

We read every independent no-logs and security audit (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Cure53) and verify attribution against current public records.

Public benchmarks

Independent speed benchmarks sourced from AV-TEST, Cybernews, and Tom's Guide. Streaming unblock data synthesized from public reports and user community feedback.

Verified user reports

Aggregated user sentiment from Trustpilot, Reddit, and the App Store, weighted by sample size and recency.

Editorial independence

Zero sponsored content. Zero provider press access. Every claim on this site traces to a verifiable source.

Want the full protocol? See our complete research methodology: sources, audit tracking, benchmark references, update cadence.

Transparency

How we make money

VPN Vertex earns affiliate commissions when readers purchase a VPN through our links. This costs you nothing extra. Our editorial decisions are independent of which providers pay higher commissions.

Full disclosure on our affiliate disclosure page.

Affiliate partners
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN via Impact.com. Commission rates do not affect rankings.
Direct relationships
None. No provider has paid us for placement, given free hardware, or had pre-publication access to our content.
Outside work
Simon Phillips has no current or past employment with any VPN provider, no consulting engagements, no investments in publicly listed VPN parent companies.

Contact

Get in touch

For tips, corrections, or partnership inquiries. We read everything and respond to most of it.

Related

VPN Vertex · Edited by Simon Phillips · California, US

FTC-compliant disclosures
Research-based analysis
10+ years cybersecurity
$0 sponsored content

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FTC-compliant disclosures
Research-based analysis
10+ years cybersecurity
$0 sponsored content