When a VPN provider claims to have a “no-logs policy,” it means that they won’t store or “log” users’ online activity and data. This includes sensitive information such as browsing history, IP addresses, downloaded files, and other data that could be tied back to you.
VPNs are primarily used to secure online traffic and help users remain anonymous to avoid targeted ads, hide their location, or ensure the security and privacy of their personal data.
Though many VPN providers may advertise having a no-logs policy, not all follow-through with their promises. Some providers don’t have independent security audits that confirm their policy, leaving it all to trust. Much worse, some VPN providers have been caught logging data despite claiming not to do so.
In this article, we’ll explore VPNs that truly help you browse anonymously and conduct third-party audits to prove they don’t log user data.
Anonymous (No-Log) VPNs compared
Below are some of the key features to look for in an anonymous, no-log VPN. The differences between these will highlight how each VPN can suit your needs best while providing high-quality security.
| Servers and Countries | Most Recent Security Audit | Security Protocols | Device Connections | Annual Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 7,067 servers in 113 countries | December 2023 by Deloitte Lithuania | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLyx (based on WireGuard) | 10 | $4.59 per month |
| Surfshark | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | December 2023 Mobile App Security Assessment (MASA) | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 | Unlimited | $2.99 per month |
| Proton VPN | 9,586 servers in 117 countries | July 2024 by Securitum | OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth (Mac) | 10 | $4.99 per month |
| Mullvad VPN | 649 servers from 48 countries | December 2024 by X41 D-Sec representatives | OpenVPN and WireGuard | 5 | $5.20 per month |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000 servers (reported) in 105 countries | June 2024 by Cure53 | OpenVPN and Lightway | 8 | $6.67 per month |
| CyberGhost VPN | 9,000-11,000 servers (reported) in 100 countries | May 2024 by Deloitte Audit Romania | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 | 7 | $6.99 per month (6-month plan) |
NordVPN: Best overall
NordVPN provides an extensive suite of privacy and security-focused features that make it one of the top VPNs today. It boasts double VPN capabilities, obfuscated servers, strong AES-256 encryption, and built-in protection against malware and ads. This is on top of having an intuitive application and fast internet performance.
In January 2024, NordVPN announced that it had commissioned a fourth third-party audit confirming its no-logs policy which states that no data of users’ online activity is ever stored or recorded. In particular, Deloitte Lithuania audited NordVPN from the period of November 30 until December 7, 2023.
This is on top of its other audits, such as a third-party evaluation conducted by Cure53 back in February 2023 on NordVPN’s architecture and mobile app security and a similar no-logs audit by Deloitte back in January 2023.
Why I chose NordVPN
I have NordVPN as my best overall for its strong mix of security features, large server fleet, and verified no-logs policy. It not only has a no-logs policy that’s been recently confirmed by an independent security audit, but it also brings fast performance and a modern user interface as well.
Pricing
NordVPN has three tiers: Standard, Plus, and Complete. Of the three, I feel NordVPN Plus offers the best balance of features and price. It includes the VPN, malware protection, data breach scanning, and ad blocking.
- NordVPN Plus 1 month: $13.99 per month.
- NordVPN Plus 1 year: $5.49 per month.
- NordVPN Plus 2 years: $3.89 per month.
Features
- 7,067 servers in 113 countries.
- Threat protection against malware, ads, and trackers.
- Supports up to six simultaneous connections.
- Dark Web Monitor.
- Encrypted file-sharing feature.
NordVPN pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specialized servers for security and privacy. | No free version. |
| Fast and reliable VPN speed. | Priced relatively high. |
| Independently audited no-logs policy. | |
| Intuitive desktop application. |
For more information, read our full NordVPN review.
Surfshark: Best for those on a budget
Surfshark provides a secure VPN solution at a very low cost. Surfshark’s one-year and two-year plans are some of the most affordably priced in the market. You also get unlimited device connections with all Surfshark plans, allowing you to protect multiple devices at no additional cost.
On the no-logs front, Surfshark’s no-logs policy was confirmed by Deloitte in January 2023. Its most recent audit was in December 2023, when Surfshark’s Android mobile app passed an independent Mobile App Security Assessment (MASA).
Why I chose Surfshark
I picked Surfshark for being one of the best VPN options for those on a budget. It has a slew of subscription options that offer flexibility to different users, provides an intuitive desktop application, and has been audited by an independent firm.
I particularly like how it allows for unlimited device connections, making it an even better choice for users who don’t want to purchase an additional subscription to protect more devices.
Pricing
Surfshark has three tiers: Starter, One, and One+. I recommend going for Surfshark One since it still offers lower fees without losing out on features such as antivirus protection, breach alerts, and data security reports that are not found in Starter.
If you want Surfshark’s most affordable plan, I suggest choosing Surfshark Starter for one year at $2.99 per month.
- Surfshark Starter 1 year: $2.99 per month.
- Surfshark One 1 month: $17.95 per month.
- Surfshark One 1 year: $3.39 per month.
- Surfshark One 2 years: $2.49 per month.
Features
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
- 24/7 live support and guides.
- Unlimited device connections.
- RAM-only servers.
- Antivirus and data breach monitoring.
- MultiHop.
Surfshark VPN pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing. | No free version. |
| Intuitive user interface. | No Windows free trial. |
| Fast speeds and performance. | Monthly subscription is pricey. |
| Can protect multiple devices with one account. | Some features may be buggy at the start. |
For more information, read our full Surfshark review.
Proton VPN: Best against government surveillance
Users worried about government intervention or data requests should try Proton VPN. It has the unique advantage of being based in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. This helps alleviate any concerns that authorities may seize user data from the VPN for surveillance purposes.
Proton VPN is also open-source, which means that its code is publicly available to be inspected for vulnerabilities or risks.
In terms of its no-logs claims, it was most recently audited back on July 12, 2024 by Securitum. The third-party audit confirmed that Proton VPN did not keep logs or commit anti-privacy practices. Securitum was also the firm that audited Proton VPN’s no-logs policy back in April 2023.
Why I chose Proton VPN
I selected Proton VPN for its unique value proposition of operating in a privacy-friendly country — Switzerland. In the realm of VPNs, there have been instances where surveillance-heavy countries have ordered VPNs to hand over user data despite no-logs claims. With Proton VPN, you have less to worry about since Swiss privacy laws are some of the toughest in the world.
Pricing
Outside of having a free version, ProtonVPN has two tiers: Plus and Unlimited. Plus, it includes the VPN itself, while Unlimited includes Proton’s other services such as Proton Mail, Pass, and Drive.
- Free.
- Proton VPN Plus 1-month: $9.99 per month.
- Proton VPN Plus 1 year: $4.99 per month.
- Proton VPN Plus 2 years: $4.49 per month.
Features
- 9,586 servers in 117 countries.
- Has a free version.
- 10 GBps capable servers.
- Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Proton VPN pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free version has no data limit. | Live chat is only available for paid users. |
| Independently audited no logs policy. | |
| Open source. | |
| Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland. |
For more information, read our full Proton VPN review.
Mullvad VPN: Best for privacy enthusiasts
Privacy enthusiasts have long-recognized Mullvad VPN for its big focus on anonymity and privacy — and it lives up to the hype. Mullvad uses a unique and anonymous account number system that eliminates the need for users to share their personal email to create an account.
Additionally, the VPN also lets users pay for the service through cash, cryptocurrency, or physical vouchers. This allows users to forego the usual credit card or PayPal payments, removing any need to hand over sensitive payment information.
Its no-logs policy has also been confirmed by Assured AB in June 2022, with their most recent infrastructure audit by Radically Open Security being published just last August 2023.
In December 2024, Mullvad VPN shared its most recent security audit that evaluated its VPN app’s security level. Conducted by professionals from X41 D-Sec, the audit concluded that Mullvad VPN’s application and source code had a “high-security level” overall.
Why I chose Mullvad VPN
I chose Mullvad VPN for its proactive efforts to ensure the utmost privacy for its users and customers. Its randomized account numbering system and anonymous payment methods are underrated features that I know bring a lot of value to people who value their privacy online.
Pricing
- Flat rate of €5 or $5.20 per month, regardless of subscription length.
Features
- Anonymous user account numbers.
- 649 servers from 48 countries.
- Split tunneling.
- Built-in kill switch.
Mullvad VPN pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Independently audited no-logs policy. | Small server network. |
| Affordable monthly subscription. | Longer subscriptions can be expensive. |
| Decent speed and performance. | No free trial. |
| Easy to use desktop app. | |
| Lets users pay in cash or vouchers. |
For more information, read the full Mullvad VPN review.
ExpressVPN: Best for security audits
If you’re looking for a VPN provider that’s shown a strong commitment to third-party testing, check out ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has a total of 19 third-party audits for their whole suite of products, which include their VPN desktop apps, privacy policy, browser extensions, and mobile counterparts. This shows us that ExpressVPN is not afraid to test their security claims across their services.
Fortunately, these audits complement a very solid VPN service that provides a large server network, a well-designed user interface, and fast overall speeds.
ExpressVPN’s most recent audit was in June 2024 by Cure53, which assessed their VPN browser extension, particularly for Chrome and Firefox. Per the report, Cure53 praised ExpressVPN’s browser extension for its “well-implemented security measures.”
Why I chose ExpressVPN
I picked ExpressVPN for its impressive portfolio of third-party audits. As of December 2024, ExpressVPN has 19 security audits evaluating various aspects of its service. I especially appreciate how ExpressVPN has had its app undergo extensive independent testing since 2018 — a testament to how serious they take the overall security of their VPN.
Pricing
ExpressVPN has straightforward pricing, offering a monthly, one-year, and a two-year plan for its VPN application. Below is the pricing for each:
- 1 month: $12.95 per month.
- 1 year: $6.67 per month.
- 2 years: $4.99 per month.
Features
- RAM-only server technology.
- Browser extension that acts as remote.
- Up to eight simultaneous device connections.
- Servers spread across 105 countries.
ExpressVPN pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive and well-designed app interface. | Not as affordable as other VPNs. |
| Fast and reliable speeds. | |
| Independently audited VPN. |
For more information, read our full ExpressVPN review.
CyberGhost VPN: Best for large server and location network
Those looking for a large server network spread across many locations should consider CyberGhost VPN. Right now, it reportedly has 9,000-11,000 servers in 100 countries and 126 locations — allowing users the flexibility to mask their location from several regions. CyberGhost also lets you safely and anonymously access torrenting sites through their optimized torrenting servers.
CyberGhost VPN has a strong no-logs policy that was confirmed by Deloitte in September 2022. CyberGhost VPN also regularly publishes yearly Transparency Reports that contain information on the number of data requests they receive from legal authorities and company holders. This practice they’ve been doing since 2011 is a laudable show of transparency from the VPN provider.
In May 2024, CyberGhost VPN announced that Deloitte Audit Romania had conducted a second audit of its server network and management systems. In that report, it was found that there was no evidence of any system or configuration that was not in accordance with CyberGhost’s no-logs policy.
Why I chose CyberGhost VPN
I have CyberGhost VPN on this list because of its sizable server fleet, which comprises thousands of servers spread across 100 countries. This is perfect for users whose primary use for a VPN is to unblock region-locked content online. I also appreciate how CyberGhost VPN’s app automatically categorizes servers that are best optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Pricing
- 1 month: $12.99 per month.
- 6 months: $6.99 per month.
- 2 years: $2.03 per month.
Features
- 9,000-11,000 (reported) servers in 100 countries and 126 locations.
- Specialized servers for anonymous torrenting.
- Regularly published annual Transparency Reports.
- RAM-only servers.
- Customizable Smart Rules panel.
- Supports up to 7 simultaneous connections.
CyberGhost VPN pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24-hour free trial with no credit card required. | No annual plan. |
| Affordable two-year plan. | Monthly plan only has a 14-day money-back guarantee. |
| 45-day money-back guarantee. | |
| Independently audited no-logs policy. | |
| Specialized servers for gaming and streaming. | |
| Extensive server and location network. |
For more information, read our full CyberGhost VPN review.
VPNs that have logged user data
There are a few VPN providers that advertise a no-logs policy but were found to have been logging data or had privacy policies that contradicted their claims. While some of these VPNs have since changed ownership or implemented relevant changes, you should be aware of these logging incidents.
- IPVanish VPN: In 2016, IPVanish reportedly gave user logs to the United States Department of Homeland Security to track a child pornography suspect. While it initially claimed to have no logs, it was eventually reported that the VPN did in fact hand off data to authorities.
- Hotspot Shield VPN: Back in 2017, the Center for Democracy and Technology accused Hotspot Shield of selling sensitive user data collected via its free version.
- Norton Secure VPN: While it has a no-logs policy, Norton’s Global Privacy Statement shows that it collects more data than users would prefer. Some examples of such are users’ device names, IP addresses, sessions within cookies and URLs, just to name a few.
- Speedify VPN: Speedify’s privacy policy explicitly states that they store users’ IP addresses, browser types and pages accessed when visiting the Speedify website, despite having a no-logs policy.
While we don’t know what intentions certain VPNs have in possibly logging user data, possibilities may include: selling user data to marketing companies and third-party advertisers or aiding government agencies that are members of surveillance agreements, such as the Five Eyes or 14 Eyes alliances.
It’s essential to choose a VPN service that has an iron-clad no-logs policy backed by strong security features and independent security audits.
Methodology
Choosing the best anonymous (no-log) VPNs for this list involved a holistic analysis of how each VPN protected user data. We looked at each VPN’s no-logs policy and confirmed whether or not they collected any sensitive user data. We also considered a company’s willingness to be independently audited and how recently they were audited. Finally, we looked at other relevant VPN features, including VPN protocols and security-focused features like RAM-only servers and pricing.
