Internet privacy concerns are at an all-time high, and VPNs are being touted far and wide as the one-stop solution to keep internet providers, governments, hackers, websites, and advertisers out of our online lives. Believe the hype; a VPN can secure your internet connection from all of those entities and more.

It does this by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server before it goes on to its destination. Your ISP can only see that traffic is passing through its network, but not its contents or final destination. After your traffic leaves that server, websites and apps can’t trace the source of the traffic back any further than the VPN server.

But what about the VPN providers themselves? What’s stopping them from mining your data, recording your online activity, selling it off to third parties, or using it for other nefarious purposes?

In short: nothing. A VPN provider has the power to record each of their user’s browsing data and metadata. But reputable VPNs all tout an important policy: no logging.

If you don’t want to read the full article, here’s a brief summary of the best VPNs with no-logs policies:

Best No Log VPNs:

  • NordVPN Our #1 choice for a logless VPN. Superfast speeds, easy-to-use app, and a stringent no-logs policy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark Low-cost VPN with an independently-verified no-logs policy. Allows unlimited connections and boasts a fantastic security offering. Generally high speeds.
  • ExpressVPN Retains no logs that contain personally identifiable information. Servers are great for streaming and downloading.
  • IPVanish  True zero logs policy, with no traffic or metadata logs recorded of any kind.
  • StrongVPN Torrent-friendly VPN that doesn’t keep logs and uses strong security. Even works well in China.
  • Private Internet Access Keeps no logs. Policy survived a court challenge as they had no identifying information to meet information request.

What is a no-log VPN?

Logless VPNs don’t keep a record of their users’ activity–at least not with any personally-identifiable information. Unfortunately, the term “log” isn’t entirely clear cut. There are two main types of logs, and many VPNs lay claim to a “no logs” policy while really only adhering to one.

Traffic logs, sometimes called usage logs, are the ones users should be most concerned about. They contain the contents of all your internet traffic–what websites you visit, emails, search queries, etc. A VPN provider that records this information isn’t doing its job and should be avoided at all costs.

Then there are metadata logs. These are also referred to as session logs, connection logs, or diagnostic logs. Metadata logs don’t contain the contents of your internet traffic, but instead, record details about how you use the VPN. Sometimes, metadata logs are harmless and only contain non-personally identifiable information like how much bandwidth or data you use, timestamps of when you use the service, and which servers you connected to.

The type of metadata log we’re most concerned with are those containing users’ source IP addresses. If a VPN records your source IP, then there’s a good chance your activity can be traced back to your device.

If you’re using a VPN to maintain your privacy–and you should be–then providers that store traffic and/or source IP logs should be avoided. This information can usually be found in the provider’s privacy policy.

If you’re short on time take a quick look at our shortlist of the best logless VPNs below. We’ll go into more detail on each of these later.

The best no-log VPNs – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for no-log VPNs.

The best no-log VPNs

We’ve listed what we think are the best logless VPNs based on the following criteria:

  • A strict logging policy with no traffic logs
  • No source IP logs
  • DNS leak protection
  • Shared IP addresses
  • Accepts Bitcoin as payment

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for a logless VPN. It operates with a strict no-logs policy meaning that no traffic or metadata logs are stored. Those who don’t want to leave a paper trail can pay with Bitcoin. NordVPN is incorporated in Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws. For the extra-cautious, users can connect to privacy-optimized servers featuring Tor over VPN and double VPNs. Torrenting is allowed and NordVPN can securely access a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and more. Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST LOGLESS VPN:NordVPN is our fist choice. It has incredible speeds for streaming and torrenting, keeps no logs, and allows up to 6 simultaneous devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Enjoy complete anonymity with no activity logs and cryptocurrency payments
  • Operates a network of more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries
  • Works with most streaming services
  • Excellent speeds for streaming and downloading
  • Top-notch security and privacy protection
  • Customer service available via 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Desktop app can take some getting used to

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that keeps snoopers at bay with 256-bit encryption, multi-hop servers, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. It also has a strict no-logs policy that means Surfshark doesn’t keep any activity logs. Additionally, it accepts Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum payments, just in case you’d like an extra layer of anonymity. Given Surfshark’s NoBorders mode can even bypass China’s Great Firewall, streaming platforms like Netflix don’t pose any kind of a challenge.

This VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections and provides apps for MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is required for supported routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a budget option that has a proven no-logs policy. It’s fast too, and boasts a solid set of security tools, making it ideal for anyone looking to surf the web in private. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Impressive security offering, accepts several cryptocurrencies

  • Speedy VPN with great unblocking ability

  • Connect any number of devices

  • Excellent security and encryption standards

  • Some servers are much slower than others

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN doesn’t record or store any web traffic contents or personally identifiable information on its users. If you want to sign up anonymously, you can even use a burner email address, pay in Bitcoin, and register on its .onion website through Tor. Some diagnostic information, such as dates (not times), server, and the amount of data transferred is recorded but not associated with a specific IP address or any other personally identifiable information.

The company is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data retention laws. Torrenting is allowed and ExpressVPN is also great for streaming Netflix and Hulu when traveling abroad. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux (command line), and certain wifi routers.

BROWSE ANONYMOUSLY:ExpressVPN holds its own. A fast and reliable choice. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. Great for all major geo-restricted streaming services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Strong no-logs privacy policy and high-grade security built into apps

  • Fast connections with no bandwidth or data restrictions

  • Large network of servers can securely access just about any popular streaming service

  • 24-hour live chat support, 7 days a week

  • Not as cheap as some other services

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish maintains a true zero logs policy, meaning no traffic or metadata logs of any sort are recorded. The company is based in the United States, which might put off some users wary of the NSA and FBI, but the truth is that the US has no mandatory data retention laws. The company owns its global network of physical servers rather than renting, giving maximum control over who has access. Customers can pay in bitcoin and even hide the fact that they’re using a VPN using a special traffic obfuscation feature. Torrenting is allowed. Apps are available for Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android.

BEST LOGLESS VPN:IPVanish is our top choice. Keep zero logs. Own network of super-fast servers and score top marks for privacy and security. A favorite with Kodi users and torrenters. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Keeps zero logs of user activity and metadata

  • Owns and operates all the servers on their network, providing good speeds

  • Strong encryption and privacy protections

  • Scramble obfuscation toggle helps get around bandwidth throttling

  • Operates over 1,900 servers in over 75 countries which includes over 40,000 IPs

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Apps don’t work in China

Read our full review of IPVanish.

5. StrongVPN

Website: www.StrongVPN.com

StrongVPN claims it keeps no logs of any sort, traffic or metadata. The US-based provider owns its own servers, accepts bitcoin, and allows torrenting. Traffic obfuscation is available to those who want to hide the fact that they are using a VPN from their ISP. We’ve had decent luck with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu in web browsers when using StrongVPN. Torrenting is allowed. Apps are available for Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android.

VERY RELIABLE:StrongVPN confidently overcomes geo-blocking. Good on privacy and they retain no internet browsing logs. Ample security. Manual configuration can challenge some users. 45-day money back guarantee.

  • No logs policy protects your privacy

  • Even bypasses China’s Great Firewall and favored by frequent travelers to Asia

  • High-grade encryption and authentication settings

  • Some users might find minimalist design limiting

  • We found customer support to be somewhat lacking

Read our full StrongVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access, or PIA for short, keeps no logs of any sort. It even once published a court order to hand over customer records to prove it. Because it doesn’t log, it had nothing to give up. The company is based in the US. It accepts payment in bitcoin. Torrenting is allowed. Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It’s not the most user-friendly but is a good low budget option.

GOOD PERFORMER:Private Internet Access has top security, low price, rich security features, and great customer service. Speeds can be inconsistent. 7-day money-back guarantee.

  • Keep no logs, DNS leak protection and kill switch are activated

  • Can connect up to 5 devices at the same time

  • Impressive security features and privacy protections

  • Be prepared for troubleshooting in community forums

  • Streaming speeds can be inconsistent

  • Can’t unblock as many streaming sites as other providers on this list

Read our PIA review.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs that don’t keep logs

While many VPNs claim to be logless, this isn’t always the case. Our methodology for finding the best logless VPNs involves looking for the following:

  • Privacy: First thing’s first, a VPN must operate a no-logs policy in order to be included in this post. We looked at over 140 VPN logging policies to determine those that best protect your privacy. Ideally, the VPN won’t require much personal information for signup and may even accept Bitcoin as anonymous payment.
  • Servers worldwide: Some VPNs offer thousands of servers in dozens of countries. This makes it that much easier to bypass restrictions while traveling overseas. We look for the VPNs we recommend to provide you plenty of choice with servers in countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
  • Speed: A VPN shouldn’t dictate what you can or can’t do online. Indeed, you should still be able to stream and torrent, albeit with improved online security. We have carried out speed tests on each VPN’s servers. As such, not only are these the best logless VPNs around, they’re also among the fastest VPNs available.
  • Unblocking: While a VPN can help you access geo-blocked content, not all VPNs excel in this area. As part of our testing, we use each VPN with streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Disney+. Having access to such strong unblocking is particularly useful if you regularly travel abroad.
  • Security: It’s little good if a VPN is logless but doesn’t encrypt your data. This would simply leave it exposed and vulnerable to cybercriminals. For this reason, any VPN we recommend must offer 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. If that’s not enough, NordVPN and Surfshark also have Double VPN servers.
  • Ease of use: Some logless VPNs weren’t included here because they’re simply not easy enough to use. Rest assured that whichever VPN you choose from this list, it will have beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile. Better still, 24-hour live chat and email support will be at hand to help should you have any issues.
  • Value for money: Even though the best logless VPNs all offer the above, they remain affordable. You can opt between a month-to-month, annual, or multi-year deal (you’ll pay less per month the longer you commit), while the VPN discount coupons listed in this post allow you to get an even better deal.

We have a VPN testing methodology which starts by looking for the above. We then test each VPN in areas including server speed and strength of security.

VPNs with a history of logging

HideMyAss

HMA was implicated in the arrest of a Lulzsec hacker due to its poor logging policy. HMA complied with a court order to hand over data related to one of its users, Cody Kretsinger. Kretsinger was involved in a cyber attack on Sony Pictures and used HMA to conceal his identity. HMA says it never stores the contents of users’ internet traffic, but it does record detailed metadata logs that contain users’ real IP addresses, which was enough to eventually land Kretsinger in jail.

VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a solid VPN save for one thing: it logs source IP addresses. This has led many users to complain about receiving letters demanding they stop torrenting, even though they only do so when connected to the VPN.

VPNBook

VPNBook logs source IP addresses and connection timestamps, which are deleted weekly. In early 2013, however, hacking collective Anonymous accused VPNBook of being a honeypot for law enforcement. Anonymous stated user logs “appeared in the court discoveries and indictments of some Anons facing prosecution for their involvement in #Anonymous activities.”

How to decide if your VPN is trustworthy

No matter what their privacy policies say, using a VPN that claims to be logless still requires a certain degree of trust. There’s simply no way to know whether a company stays true to its word or how it will respond when confronted with a court order. VPN providers are also vulnerable to internal abuse and external coercion.

But for the most trusted VPN companies, it’s simply not in their best interests to keep logs. It opens them up to government demands, requires time and resources to collect and store data, and can irreparably damage their reputations, resulting in a loss of business.

While you can never be 100 percent confident that a VPN won’t log, there are a few key signs to look for in those that don’t. Below is the list of the key policies and services you should check out before signing up with any VPN provider.

Here’s what to check to see if your VPN is secure:

  • Torrenting Policy
  • Country of incorporation
  • Physical servers
  • Shared IP addresses
  • DNS Leak protection

1. Torrenting policy

A VPN provider’s torrenting policy is often a good indicator of whether it stores any identifying logs or not. When a VPN user downloads copyrighted content illegally using BitTorrent, there’s a good chance someone working on behalf of the copyright owner will notice and take action. This could come in the form of a settlement letter asking for compensation or a DMCA takedown request.

Depending on the VPN provider’s country, they might be legally obligated to forward these letters and requests to the user. But if the provider has no log of who downloaded what, they can’t possibly know who to forward that information to and the request is dead on arrival. A VPN that does log, however, might forward those letters or requests to their customers or send its own cease-and-desist notice.

2. Country of incorporation

Some countries require all types of internet service providers, including VPNs, to record and store logs for a specified period of time and make those logs available to law enforcement upon request. This was the case with HideMyAss, a UK-based VPN provider now notorious for its logging practices, which are mandated by the UK government. HMA’s logs allegedly led to the arrest of a UK-based Lulzsec hacker using its service.

This is the reason why many VPNs are incorporated in seemingly odd locations. ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (not part of the UK), and NordVPN in Panama, for example.

The United States has no such data retention laws that apply to VPNs, but a healthy dose of skepticism should still be applied. It’s not unprecedented for US law enforcement and intelligence agencies to work with tech companies to spy on customers behind closed doors, as we now know thanks to Edward Snowden.

3. Physical servers

All of the VPNs on this list either rent or own physical server hardware. This gives them maximum control over who can access the information on that server. Some VPN companies cut costs by using virtual servers, which can add another undesired player into the mix. If a provider only owns a virtual server, then the physical operator could plausibly install some sort of network analysis tool to capture traffic and metadata.

So physical servers are a must for those concerned about privacy. But whether those servers should be owned or rented is up for debate. There are arguments to be made for both. Obviously, owning a physical server gives the greatest amount of access control. Renting a server could allow intruders to plant backdoors before the VPN company leases it, or steal user data left on the server after the lease ends. However, if a data center suddenly changes its policy on traffic logging, it’s much easier to end the lease for a server in that data center and switch to a new one.

4. Shared IP addresses

Shared IP addresses have become the universal default for most commercial VPN providers these days. A shared IP address works like this: when you connect to a VPN, your outward-facing IP address is changed to that of the VPN server. There may be dozens or even hundreds of other VPN users also connected to that server, all of whom are also assigned the same IP address. That makes it almost impossible to trace any of those users’ activity back to a single person, unless the VPN is storing logs.

VPNs also tend to use dynamic IP addresses, which means these shared IP addresses change periodically. Shared IP addresses are a win-win for both users and VPN providers because they not only increase privacy but are cheaper to maintain for the VPN provider.

A handful of VPNs offer dedicated IP addresses. These are usually static, meaning they don’t change, and might be assigned to a single user. This is useful for a handful of cases, such as setting up a peer-to-peer gaming network or repeatedly logging into a banking website that requires a specific IP. But for most users, shared, dynamic IP addresses are the way to go.

5. DNS leak protection

When you load a website, your browser first sends a DNS request that resolves the website domain (“www.comparitech.com”) into a numerical IP address. Sometimes these requests are sent outside the VPN tunnel and instead go to your ISP’s DNS servers. That means even with the VPN enabled, your DNS requests can still reveal what websites you are visiting to your ISP.

That’s why all of the VPNs we recommended on this list have apps with built-in DNS leak protection. They ensure that DNS requests are sent through the VPN and go to the provider’s private DNS servers instead of your ISP’s.

Sometimes, however, this doesn’t always work. In particular, Windows 10 computers have an issue with IPv6 DNS requests being sent over the unencrypted ISP network even while connected to VPNs that claim to have DNS leak protection. To resolve this, we recommend disabling IPv6 in your network settings.

It’s possible that a VPN could lie about logging in its privacy policy. But many of the VPNs we recommend have a proven track record of not logging. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and PIA have all had their servers raided by authorities on various occasions. None of them had contained any identifiable data about users.

The second priority are identifying metadata logs. These include information that can be used to identify you and corroborate online activities. Your IP address, the IP address of servers you connect to, and connection timestamps all fall into this category.

Lastly, there’s diagnostic logs. These are not much of a concern because they cannot be used to track you or your activity. Dates (not times) connected, the last location you connected to, and amount of data transferred are not privacy concerns for the vast majority of users.

Here’s an example: if you log into your personal Facebook account using the VPN, Facebook will record your IP address, effectively proving that you were using a specific VPN server at a specific time. Additionally, all of your data still has to pass through Facebook’s system, which means Facebook could also tell law enforcement how long your session lasted, which pages you visited, whether you posted anything, what your messages said, and so on.

In short, a VPN’s encryption protects your activities from snoopers such as hotspot owners and hackers. However, there’s no way to fully conceal your activities from whoever owns your favorite website.

Most free VPNs limit the amount of data you can use each month. This requires them to record how much you’ve already used, which counts as a log (albeit not one that could personally identify you). If they still claim to be a no-logs provider despite this, they are burying the lede and may be trying to avoid telling you data they actually store.

Generally, we advise against using free VPNs because of their limitations and the high number of Trojans masquerading as legitimate services. However, if you’re really intent on trying one, we’d suggest ProtonVPN. It’s free, has no bandwidth cap, keeps no logs, and offers a fantastic paid plan.