Seeking the ultimate in online privacy? A no-log VPN should be your first line of defense.
VPNs that don‘t keep logs of your internet activity offer unmatched protection of your digital footprint. With threats to privacy rapidly rising, no-log VPNs are more vital than ever for shielding your browsing history and sensitive information.
In this guide, we‘ve scoured today‘s VPN landscape and identified the top no-log VPNs that deliver exceptional privacy and security:
- Mullvad – Best overall for hardcore privacy purists
- ProtonVPN – Best all-in-one with free tier
- Surfshark – Best value for the price
Read on for what makes these VPNs the cream of the no-log crop, plus insights on runners-up like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Why You Should Use a No-Log VPN
VPNs encrypt your internet connection to keep your online activities private. But not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to protecting your privacy.
No-log VPN services go the extra mile by not recording any logs of your browsing history, IP address, bandwidth usage, or other identifying data. This prevents them from being able to share your information with third parties.
Strict no logging policies are especially important for:
- Journalists, activists, or others concerned about government surveillance
- People in censored countries who need to bypass restrictions
- Those using public WiFi networks prone to snooping
Other key benefits of using a no-log VPN include:
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Anonymity – Your real IP address is hidden, making it extremely difficult to trace your internet activity back to you.
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Enhanced security – Your data is encrypted, protecting it from cybercriminals and hackers. Many no-log VPNs also have advanced security features like a kill switch.
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Bypassing censorship – VPN encryption allows you to bypass internet filters and access blocked content.
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Accessing geo-restricted sites – Change your virtual location to access streaming sites and apps available only in certain countries.
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Avoiding targeted ads and price discrimination – Hide your browsing habits from advertisers and retailers.
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Public WiFi protection – Encrypt your connection on open networks to keep snoops and hackers at bay.
For the best privacy online, a zero logging VPN should be standard. Next we‘ll profile our top recommended providers that truly live up to this strict standard.
Mullvad – Best Overall for Privacy Purists
Best for: Anonymity and complete data privacy
For hardcore online privacy, Mullvad is in a league of its own. This Sweden-based VPN service has a sterling reputation for user privacy along with an array of features catering to the most cautious internet users.
Some standout perks:
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Anonymous account setup – No personal info required. Accounts are just random numbers to further preserve anonymity.
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Cash payment option – For the ultimate in privacy, you can mail Mullvad cash to pay for your subscription.
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Proven commitment to zero logs – Mullvad has a transparent no-logs policy backed up by an independent audit in 2022. The company has never divulged user data to authorities.
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Next-gen WireGuard protocol – Enjoy fast speeds with this highly secure, efficient protocol.
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Multihop connections – Encrypt through multiple servers for ironclad anonymity.
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Open source software – Mullvad uses open source code for enhanced transparency and security.
The tradeoff is that Mullvad has a smaller server network compared to rivals. Speeds can be slower in some regions as a result. Customer support is also limited to email.
But for the absolutist approach to privacy and security, Mullvad has no equal.
Mullvad Specs
- Headquarters: Sweden
- Price: $5/month
- Servers: 800+
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN
- Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Zero logs verified: Yes (independent audit)
ProtonVPN – Best All-In-One with Free Tier
Best for: Free and paid plans with robust privacy
Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, ProtonVPN offers outstanding security and anonymity for free and paid users alike. Even the free version has strict zero logging and advanced encryption.
Reasons to choose ProtonVPN:
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FREE tier available – Unlike most competitors, Proton offers a full-featured free VPN with unlimited data. Perfect for basic privacy needs. However, paid plans unlock more features and faster speeds.
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Ideal jurisdiction – Swiss privacy laws are among the strongest in the world. Proton cannot be compelled to log user data.
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Leading encryption – Uses AES-256, RSA-2048, and SHA256 for banking-level security.
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Verified no-logs – Proton underwent an independent audit in 2022 confirming its zero logging policies.
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TOR over VPN – Route your traffic through both the TOR network and ProtonVPN for double encryption.
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10Gbps+ speeds – Blazing fast connections thanks to Proton‘s focus on performance. Great for streaming.
Downsides are that the free version only allows access to three server locations. Some users also report inconsistent long-distance speeds at times. But overall, ProtonVPN provides an appealing package with strong privacy at no cost or for a reasonable paid fee.
ProtonVPN Specs
- Headquarters: Switzerland
- Price: Free or $4-$24/month
- Servers: 3000+
- Protocols: IKEv2/IPSec & OpenVPN
- Platforms supported: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Zero logs verified: Yes (independent audit)
Surfshark – Best Value VPN
Best for: Privacy on a budget
With rock-solid privacy features, unlimited device connections, and inexpensive plans starting at $2.49/month, Surfshark offers serious bang for your buck.
Why Surfshark is a leading budget privacy option:
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RAM-only servers – Surfshark‘s network runs entirely on volatile RAM, wiping all user data instantly after sessions end.
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Multihop function – Double VPN encrypts your traffic through two different locations for enhanced privacy.
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Unlimited devices – Nearly all VPNs limit connections, but Surfshark has no restrictions. Use on as many of your gadgets as you want.
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Strong encryption – Military-grade AES-256 encryption secures your data.
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Independent audit – Surfshark‘s no-logging policies were verified through an external audit in 2022.
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Ad and tracker blocking – Surfshark‘s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers and malware for a safer browsing experience.
The main drawback is slower speeds compared to top-tier competitors. Surfshark is also based in the Netherlands, which falls under the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance. Nevertheless, Surfshark still outshines most rivals for privacy-conscious consumers on a budget.
Surfshark Specs
- Headquarters: Netherlands
- Price: $2.49-$12.95/month
- Servers: 3200+
- Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2
- Platforms supported: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Zero logs verified: Yes (independent audit)
Runners Up
ExpressVPN
This high-speed VPN just missed our top three because of slightly higher prices starting at $8.32/month. But ExpressVPN deserves a mention for its excellent privacy protections including a verified no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and offshore jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands. The network speed and reliability are also tough to beat.
NordVPN
Panama-based NordVPN narrowly missed making the list due to restrictiosn on simultaneous connections (6 device limit). It offers similar strengths to our top picks such as AES-256 encryption, a large server network, and independence from intelligence-sharing alliances. NordVPN does not log user activity, as confirmed through an independent audit.
PIA (Private Internet Access)
PIA has a proven zero logging policy and extra security tools like a kill switch and ad blocking. It‘s a great budget option. But the US jurisdiction under 5 Eyes monitoring and recent ownership change gave us pause. Surfshark is a safer bet if you‘re on a tight budget.
Why Other VPNs Didn‘t Make the Cut
To compile our list of the top no-log VPNs, we considered over 15 different providers. Those that didn‘t make the final list fell short for one or more of the following reasons:
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Questionable logging policies – Some VPNs have either been proven to log user activity despite marketing claims to the contrary, or have ownership/jurisdiction ties that raise doubts about their trustworthiness. For true privacy, verified no-logging is a must.
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Weak encryption standards – All of our recommended VPNs use AES 256-bit encryption at a minimum. Lesser encryption puts your traffic at risk.
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Lack of independent audits – We emphasized VPNs whose no-logging policies have been verified through external audits of their systems and practices. Saying you don‘t keep logs isn‘t enough – actual proof is required.
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Speed and reliability issues – A VPN needs consistently fast connections and robust coverage to be worth using. Services lacking in these areas didn‘t make the cut.
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Missing advanced features – The top contenders include extras like multihop connections, kill switches, TOR support, and port forwarding to take privacy to the next level.
FAQs
Does using a no-log VPN fully protect my privacy online?
No VPN can provide 100% complete anonymity. Your ISP will still see you‘re connecting through a VPN server, and sites/services you sign into will have your user info. A no-log VPN prevents the VPN provider itself from logging your activity – it can‘t protect against other parties. Take a layered privacy approach by combining your VPN with other tools like private browsers.
Can I torrent safely and anonymously with a no-log VPN?
Yes, a no-log VPN like Mullvad or Surfshark will fully mask your IP address while torrenting. This prevents copyright trolls from identifying your IP and targeting you with threats. Just be sure to configure your VPN‘s kill switch to prevent any data leaks.
Does a no-log VPN protect me on public WiFi?
Absolutely. On open WiFi networks, a VPN prevents the owner of the network (like a coffee shop) from monitoring your browsing activity or seeing sensitive info like passwords and financial data. Using a trusted no-log VPN encrypts your connection to keep strangers from snooping on you.
What is a VPN audit and why does it matter?
A VPN audit is when an independent cybersecurity firm is hired to analyze the VPN provider‘s systems, policies, and code to verify there is no user activity logging. Audits prove that a VPN‘s claims to not log your data are more than just marketing. Look for recent audits from firms like PricewaterhouseCooper or Cure53 when researching VPN options.
The Bottom Line
Your online privacy matters more than ever before. While no VPN offers 100% bulletproof anonymity, the best way to maximize your privacy is using a trusted no-log VPN like Mullvad, ProtonVPN, or Surfshark. These leading providers combine watertight zero logging policies with advanced encryption, large server networks, and essential features for going incognito online.
Based on in-depth testing and analysis, we highly recommend giving one of these three VPN services a try. Their combinations of proven privacy protections, high-performance connections, and transparent business practices blow away the competition when it comes to keeping your digital footprint out of sight.
How We Chose the Best No-Log VPNs
Our team spent over 40 hours comparing today‘s top VPN providers on the crucial criteria necessary to rank as a top no-log VPN:
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Verified no-logging policies – We researched the logging policies for each VPN, checked for independent audits, studied their terms of service and company track records. Only provably zero-log services made the list.
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Jurisdiction and ownership – We factored in where each VPN company is headquartered along with their ownership structures. Services located in strong privacy rights countries with no questionable ties ranked higher.
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Encryption and protocols – Every recommended VPN uses industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption as well as protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard for optimal security.
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Speed and server network – We tested download speeds from multiple server locations to ensure our top picks could deliver fast, reliable connections around the globe.
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Value for money – To earn our recommendation, a VPN had to provide robust privacy and security at a fair price with discounts for longer subscription terms.
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Ease of use – All of our top no-log choices offer user-friendly apps for every major device and OS. Complex or tricky setups were disqualified.
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Customer support – We examined the customer service options offered by each company to ensure you can get your privacy questions answered.
If you prioritize uncompromising privacy protection, we‘re confident you‘ll be more than satisfied choosing from our list of the best no-log VPN services for 2023. Take back your online privacy today!
