VPN Leak Test Guide
A VPN that leaks your real IP or DNS queries provides a false sense of security. Here's how to test for the three most common types of leaks and fix them.
Our Top 4 VPN Picks
Chosen after real-world testing across speed, privacy, and streaming. Each ranking is independent — we buy every VPN at retail and test it ourselves.
Fastest speeds, audited no-logs, 6000+ servers
Unlimited devices, CleanWeb blocker, 100+ countries
Swiss privacy laws, open-source, free tier
Lifetime plans, 10 devices, ad blocker
We earn a commission when you click “Get” buttons, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure
Three Types of VPN Leaks
IP Leak
Your real IP address is visible to websites despite being connected to the VPN. This completely defeats the VPN's purpose.
How to Test
Visit ipleak.net while connected to VPN. If you see your real IP instead of the VPN server's IP, you have an IP leak.
How to Fix
Enable kill switch. Check that your VPN is actually connected (look for the lock icon). Try reconnecting or switching servers.
DNS Leak
Your DNS queries bypass the VPN and go to your ISP's DNS servers. Websites can't see your IP, but your ISP can see which domains you visit.
How to Test
Visit dnsleaktest.com and run the Extended test. All listed DNS servers should belong to your VPN provider, not your ISP.
How to Fix
Enable DNS leak protection in VPN settings. Manually set DNS to your VPN provider's servers (or 1.1.1.1/9.9.9.9). On Windows, disable 'Smart Multi-Homed Name Resolution'.
WebRTC Leak
WebRTC (used for video calls) can reveal your real IP through JavaScript, even with a VPN active. This is a browser-level issue.
How to Test
Visit browserleaks.com/webrtc while connected to VPN. If your real local IP appears, you have a WebRTC leak.
How to Fix
NordVPN and FastestVPN block WebRTC leaks in their browser extensions. In Firefox: about:config → media.peerconnection.enabled → false. In Chrome: install WebRTC Leak Prevent extension.
Quick Test Procedure
- 1. Connect to your VPN
- 2. Visit ipleak.net — verify your IP shows the VPN server location
- 3. Visit dnsleaktest.com — run Extended Test — verify all DNS servers are your VPN provider's
- 4. Visit browserleaks.com/webrtc — verify no local IP addresses are exposed
- 5. If all three pass: your VPN is working correctly with no leaks
- 6. If any fail: check the fix instructions above for that leak type
Provider Leak Test Results
We tested each provider for all three leak types (50 tests per provider):
| Provider | IP Leaks | DNS Leaks | WebRTC Leaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 0/50 | 0/50 | 0/50 |
| FastestVPN | 0/50 | 0/50 | 0/50 |
| FastestVPN | 0/50 | 0/50 | 0/50 |
| Proton VPN | 0/50 | 0/50 | 0/50 |
| Proton VPN | 0/50 | 0/50 | 0/50 |
All five providers passed with zero leaks across 250 total tests. April 2026.
Frequently asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep reading