Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how BestVPNs uses them, and how you can control them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to website operators. Cookies are not programs — they cannot execute code or deliver viruses to your device.
Similar technologies include web beacons (also called tracking pixels), local storage objects, and fingerprinting — we refer to all of these collectively as "cookies" in this policy.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for BestVPNs to function. They cannot be disabled without breaking core website functionality. They do not store personally identifiable information.
- Session management: Keeps your session active while navigating our site
- Security cookies: Helps protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
- Preference storage: Remembers whether you've dismissed the sticky offer bar
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with BestVPNs by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use this data to improve content relevance, navigation, and user experience.
- Google Analytics (GA4): Tracks page views, session duration, bounce rate, and user flow. IP addresses are anonymized. Data is retained for 14 months.
- Internal analytics: First-party tracking of which VPN cards, CTAs, and FAQ items are most engaging
Affiliate / Performance Cookies
When you click an affiliate link on our site, a cookie is set by the VPN provider's affiliate network. This cookie attributes any subsequent purchase to BestVPNs so we receive the appropriate commission. These cookies do not reveal your personal identity to us — they only confirm that a referral originated from our site.
- Duration: Typically 30–90 days depending on the affiliate program
- Operated by: The respective VPN provider's affiliate platform
- Purpose: Commission attribution only
Preference / Functionality Cookies
These cookies remember choices you've made on our site to provide a more personalized experience.
- Dismissed offers: Remembers if you've closed the sticky bottom bar so it doesn't reappear immediately
- FAQ state: May remember which FAQ items you've opened (session only)
3. Cookies Set by Third Parties
When you interact with certain features or follow links from our site, third parties may set their own cookies on your device. We do not control these cookies. The main third-party cookies you may encounter include:
- Google Analytics: Google Privacy Policy
- VPN affiliate networks: Set when you click through to a partner's site
4. How Long Do Cookies Last?
Cookies have different lifetimes:
- Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (days, months, or until manually deleted)
- Affiliate cookies: Typically 30–90 days, as set by the affiliate program
- Analytics cookies: Up to 14 months (Google Analytics default)
5. How to Control Cookies
You have several options to manage cookies:
Browser settings: All modern browsers allow you to view, delete, and block cookies. Note that disabling all cookies may affect how our website functions. Instructions for major browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Opt-out tools:
- Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
- Industry opt-outs: Visit Your Online Choices (EU) or NAI Opt-Out (US)
6. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites you don't want to be tracked. Currently, no universally accepted standard exists for responding to DNT signals. BestVPNs does not currently alter its data practices in response to DNT signals, but we respect your privacy choices made through the controls described above.
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy as our practices or applicable laws change. The date at the top of this page indicates when it was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at privacy@bestvpns.io.