5 Best No-Log VPNs in 2025 That Take Privacy Seriously

Many VPNs advertise a no-logs policy, but only a few can actually prove it. Without third-party audits, court records, or technical transparency, there’s no guarantee your data stays private. A true no-logs VPN shows proof it doesn’t track or store your IP address, browsing history and connection data. If that proof isn’t there, your data privacy might be an illusion.

Because of this, we extensively tested over 60 providers to find the best no-log VPNs. We examined independent audits, court documents, and technical implementations to separate genuine no-logs VPNs from those making empty promises. Our research also focused on providers' transparency about necessary operational data collection and whether they operate from privacy-friendly jurisdictions where governments can't demand user data.

Best No-Log VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Trustworthy No-Logs VPN With the Most Independent Audits

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested August 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN offers the strongest privacy protection of any VPN we've tested. It doesn’t store any data that could be traced back to you, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified multiple times. Since 2018, top firms like KPMG, PwC, Cure53, and F-Secure have audited nearly every part of its service — including server infrastructure, mobile apps, browser extensions, and its proprietary Lightway protocol. These audits consistently confirm that ExpressVPN lives up to its privacy promises.

The list of ExpressVPN audits goes on to 2018, so it can't be captured in one screenshot

Its TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers) automatically wipes all data during each reboot, so your information isn’t stored on its servers either. Being based in the British Virgin Islands adds another layer of privacy, as the jurisdiction has no data retention laws. More importantly, its privacy claims have been proven in real-world situations. When Turkish authorities seized one of ExpressVPN’s servers in 2017, they couldn't extract any user data.

Our speed tests showed impressive results across ExpressVPN's server network. For example, we only lost 6% speed on nearby servers and 17% on long-distance connections. This performance is largely due to its 10Gbps servers and speed-optimized Lightway protocol. These fast and consistent speeds make it perfect for torrenting large files, streaming in UHD, and playing competitive games privately from anywhere.

Admittedly, ExpressVPN is more expensive than other VPNs on this list. However, it offers generous discounts throughout the year, which can make your purchase affordable. For added privacy, you can also pay with cryptocurrency. Plus, you can test it risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee*. If you’re not satisfied with the service, getting a refund is easy.

Useful Features

• Bug bounty. ExpressVPN even has a bug bounty program to demonstrate its confidence in its technologies. It offers a $100,000 bonus to security researchers who can identify certain types of security vulnerabilities in its systems.
• Dedicated IPs. Get a consistent IP address that's still protected by ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy — ideal if you need stable access to certain platforms and services like bank accounts without sacrificing privacy.
• Private DNS servers. Every server runs its own encrypted DNS, so your requests never leave the VPN tunnel or pass through third-party DNS services. This helps keep your browsing private and protected from DNS leaks or manipulation.
• Ad, tracker, and adult content blockers. These optional features help protect your privacy by blocking invasive ads, tracking scripts, and adult content. They also speed up page load times by cutting out resource-heavy elements — creating a faster, safer, and more private browsing experience. You can find them in the Advanced Protection menu.
• Robust security features. In addition to military-grade encryption, ExpressVPN includes a built-in kill switch (Network Lock) and DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protection to prevent accidental data exposure. It also supports Perfect Forward Secrecy, which regularly assigns you new encryption keys.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Court-Proven No-Logs Claims and Open-Source Apps for Maximum Transparency

Works With:

ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix Disney+

APV More

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www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has some of the strongest real-world proof to back its verified no-logs policy, where it really counts. In multiple court cases, including a 2016 FBI subpoena, PIA had nothing to hand over because it doesn’t store any logs. The same thing happened when Russian authorities seized some of its servers — no data was found. These legal incidents are publicly documented and offer rare, concrete proof that PIA genuinely doesn’t log what you do online.

PIA is also one of the few VPNs that make their privacy policy clear and understandable

I appreciate that PIA publishes detailed quarterly transparency reports showing exactly what legal requests it receives. Each report breaks down DMCA complaints, malicious activity flags, and law enforcement requests by type, and explains how PIA responds to each type. Unlike many VPNs that are vague about legal pressure, PIA provides specific numbers and demonstrates transparency about government interactions.

All of PIA's apps are also open-source, which means anyone can inspect the code to verify privacy claims. My team and I examined the code ourselves and found no concerning tracking functions. This level of transparency builds trust and allows independent experts to review the apps for security flaws, backdoors, or anything that could compromise your privacy. It’s a strong signal that PIA has nothing to hide.

My only complaint about PIA is that it's based in the US, one of the founding members of the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, it’s also reassuring that all of its servers are privately owned and RAM-only. So, not only is your data regularly wiped from its servers, but the threat of third-party interference is minimized. Even better, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you time to test it out without commitment.

Useful Features

• Customizable security. You can choose between AES 256-bit and AES 128-bit encryption to balance security and speed. While 256-bit offers maximum protection, 128-bit encryption provides faster speeds for streaming and torrenting. Plus, its MACE feature also blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites while you’re connected for additional privacy.
• Advanced kill switch. PIA's kill switch can be configured to block you from going online without the VPN connected, which helps you avoid accidentally exposing any sensitive data.
• Multi-hop connections. PIA lets you route your traffic through both a VPN server and SOCKS5 proxy, adding an extra layer of privacy protection that makes it even harder to track your online activities.
• Unlimited device connections under one account. PIA doesn’t limit how many devices you can connect at once — so you can protect your entire household or all your personal devices without ever worrying about caps.

3. CyberGhost — No-Logs VPN With Servers Managed by Its Own Team for Safer, Private Connections

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost was one of the first VPNs to ever launch a transparency report back in 2011, setting an early example for accountability in the industry. It continues to publish detailed quarterly reports outlining DMCA complaints, malware activity flags, and police requests. This level of openness highlights CyberGhost’s ongoing commitment to its no-logs policy, showing that your data isn’t collected, stored, or shared.

CyberGhost has been open about its requests for over a decade

Deloitte backs this up with two independent audits, in 2022 and 2024, confirming that CyberGhost’s no-logs claims hold up. On top of that, its NoSpy servers take privacy a step further — they’re housed in CyberGhost’s own data center in Romania and managed exclusively by in-house staff. This helps eliminate the risk of third-party access to the infrastructure.

I found it a bit concerning that CyberGhost collects non-personal data, such as what type of device you’re using, your OS version, screen size and resolution, and so on. Other VPNs, like ExpressVPN and PIA, don’t log this kind of information. However, even the small amount of data CyberGhost does collect is anonymous and can’t be linked back to you.

The VPN’s automatic WiFi protection kicks in whenever you join a new network, instantly securing your connection without you having to lift a finger. It’s a handy layer of hands-free privacy, especially for those times you might forget to turn the VPN on when using public WiFi. Unfortunately, its monthly option is a bit expensive, and it only comes with a short refund period. However, its long-term offers include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost for free.

Useful Features

• Based in Romania. Romania is outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, so it’s not obliged to share information with any organization or government.
• Privacy Guard. This feature is available on Windows, and it helps protect your privacy by disabling Microsoft's data collection tools and personalized ads. It gives you control over Windows' privacy-invasive features.
• RAM-only servers. CyberGhost also runs all of its servers on volatile memory (RAM), which automatically wipes all data with every reboot. That means nothing is written on a hard drive — so even if someone tried to access the server, there’d be nothing to find.
• Ad, malware, and tracker blocker. CyberGhost’s Block Content feature can block ads, trackers, and malicious sites before they even load. It’s an easy way to cut down on digital noise and stay more private online.

4. NordVPN — Based in a Privacy-Friendly Country and Backed by Audits From Independent Firms

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no data retention lawsand isn’t part of international intelligence-sharing agreements (the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance). That’s a big win for privacy, since there’s no legal pressure to collect or share your data. Its privacy policy states that it doesn’t collect any personal information, like your IP address or traffic logs. And just like CyberGhost, it also regularly publishes transparency reports showing all legal requests it receives and how it handles them.

Its no-logs policy has been verified multiple times by two Big Four firms — PwC in 2018 and 2020, and Deloitte in 2022 and 2023. Each audit confirmed that the VPN doesn’t store any sensitive data. Around the time of the first audit, a third-party data center in Finland was breached. While no user logs were exposed, the incident prompted NordVPN to strengthen its infrastructure. In 2020, it started moving to colocated servers, and today it fully controls and manages its entire server network.

The audits show specifics, like which features or policies were examined

The VPN also stands out for its advanced security features, including Double VPN servers for dual-layer protection and Threat Manager Pro — a malware, ad, and tracker blocker that even works without an active VPN connection.

Connecting to some servers can be a bit slow at times. Still, once linked to any location, speeds are impressive — largely thanks to its speed-optimized NordLynx protocol. It also offers its NordWhisper protocol, designed to maintain stable and secure connections on networks with restrictive policies. And if you’re on the fence, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can take it for a spin without pressure.

Useful Features

• Dark Web Monitor. This feature scans the dark web and alerts you if your credentials linked to your email address are leaked. However, it’s a shame it's now only available on the Plus offer or above.
• Meshnet. Use it to build your own private, encrypted network across devices to share files or access data securely without exposing anything to third-party servers.
• Post-quantum encryption. NordVPN already uses post-quantum encryption to stay ahead of future threats — currently available with the NordLynx protocol. While today’s algorithms are secure, the rise of quantum computing could change that fast — and this tech helps keep your data protected for what’s next.

5. Surfshark — Verified No-Logs VPN With a Public Warrant Canary

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark has a Warrant Canary on its website, where you can see if it has received any legal orders to share user data. To date, it has received no National Security letters, gag orders, or warrants from government organizations. This gave me peace of mind that my data wouldn’t be shared with unwanted third parties.

I was relieved to find out that Surfshark hasn’t been forced into sharing any user data

The VPN collects no personally identifiable information. In 2022, it commissioned and successfully passed its first independent no-logs audit by Deloitte. In 2018 and 2021, cybersecurity firm Cure53 carried out audits on Surfshark browser extensions and server infrastructure, respectively, and no major vulnerabilities were found.

The only thing I didn’t like about Surfshark is that it’s based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes intelligence alliance. That said, its strict no-logs policy means there’s nothing to hand over, even if authorities came knocking.

Like PIA, Surfshark supports unlimited device connections on a single account. Plus, all offers are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without any risk and get a refund if it’s not the VPN for you.

Useful Features

• Camouflage mode. This feature hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. It boosts your privacy and allows Surfshark to work on restrictive networks, like at school or work.
• Alternative ID. Surfshark’s Alternative ID generates a brand new online identity and email address to use online that’s linked to your real email address to protect your identity.
• Rotating IP. This feature changes your IP address every few minutes, which helps to cover your footsteps if someone is tracing you.

Quick Comparison Table: No-Log VPN Features

The table below compares key privacy features of our recommended no-logs VPNs. I focused on crucial factors like jurisdiction, real-world privacy proof, and transparency reports. And if you’d rather limit the info you share when signing up, each one supports cryptocurrency payments too.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Analysis of the Best No-Logs VPNs

Here’s a more in-depth analysis of the specific data I found that each VPN stored. Each of the VPNs stores your email address, along with payment information, as it needs this information to create your account.

Some VPNs collect aggregated data — in short, this is a data summary created from a range of information, so it doesn’t contain individual data points. It’s required to maintain customer support and improve their service, but this data cannot be traced back to you. I’ve also considered whether your bandwidth data, browsing data, and IP address are stored.

Our Methodology for Testing No-Log VPNs

We carefully evaluated each VPN’s logging policy to confirm that no identifiable data is stored. Our review also looked at whether those claims are backed by independent audits or proven in real-world situations like court cases or server seizures. We prioritized VPNs that with recent third-party audits, use RAM-only servers, and publish transparency reports. We also assessed encryption standards, kill switch reliability, DNS/IP leak protection, and whether the VPNs are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.

The most reliable no-logs VPNs are those that back up their promises with audits or legal tests, not just marketing. Features like a kill switch, leak protection, and support for anonymous payment methods further reduce the risk of your data being exposed. Transparency reports and open-source apps are also great signs that a VPN takes privacy seriously.

Types of VPN Logs (And Which Ones You Should Be Concerned About)

VPNs collect different types of logs, and it's important to understand what each means for your privacy. Some logs are necessary for maintaining service quality, but others can expose your online activities.

Here's what different VPN providers might collect:

• Usage logs (most concerning). Your browsing history, websites visited, files downloaded, and search queries. These logs can reveal everything you do online and should be avoided at all costs.
• Connection logs (moderately concerning). Your IP address, VPN server IP, connection timestamps, and bandwidth usage. While less invasive than usage logs, this data could still be used to identify you and your activities if handled and stored incorrectly.
• Diagnostic logs (least concerning). Basic information like app version, device type, and successful/failed connections. This data helps VPNs maintain their service and usually can't be traced back to individual users.

The best VPNs either collect no logs or only gather minimal diagnostic data that's immediately anonymized and regularly deleted.

While not technically a log, all VPNs will collect some personal information for account management purposes. This is usually data like your email address, username, password, and payment information. However, there are ways you can minimize the information you hand over. You can use a “burner” email address that you only use for this account, a unique username and password, and some providers support cryptocurrency payments.

VPN Services That Are Known to Keep Logs

While researching the best no-logs VPNs, I came across a few services that have been known to collect and store user logs. Here are a few.

• Hola. A popular service that’s actually a peer-to-peer proxy network — and that comes with serious privacy concerns. Its privacy policy openly admits to collecting your IP address, the websites you visit, how long you stay on each page, access times, dates, and more.
• BolehVPN. It admits to storing logs when it detects suspicious activity or as a last resort for troubleshooting. Without more detail about when this occurs, I find it quite concerning.
• ThunderVPN. Another free VPN service that admits to logging your OS version, device manufacturer and model, connection times, and more.
• Betternet VPN. Its no-logs policy is vague at best. Betternet claims it doesn’t log your browsing activity, but it holds onto some personal information “if required by law or for our legitimate interests.” However, it doesn’t say what data it collects, nor does it give much information about where it’s stored.
• VPNBook. VPNBook’s privacy policy is short and vague. It confirms that it collects your IP address and the time the connection was made and stores this information for one week.

FAQs on the Best No-Log VPNs

How do I know if my VPN keeps logs or not?

The most reliable way to verify a VPN's no-logs claims is through independent audits and real-world proof. Look for VPNs that have undergone third-party audits by reputable firms like KPMG, Deloitte, or PwC. These audits examine the VPN's infrastructure and confirm whether it actually collects logs.

Court cases and server seizures provide even more substantial evidence. When authorities can't extract user data from a VPN's servers, it proves the service truly doesn't keep logs. You can also check if the VPN publishes regular transparency reports showing how it handles government data requests.

Always read the VPN's privacy policy carefully. Legitimate no-logs VPNs are transparent about any data they need to collect and explain how they protect it. You should be wary of vague privacy policies that don’t provide any meaningful explanations.

Why do some VPNs need to keep minimal logs?

Some operational data collection is technically necessary for VPN services to function properly. This includes monitoring server performance, managing user accounts, processing payments, and troubleshooting technical issues. Reputable no-logs VPNs are upfront about this minimal data collection and regularly conduct audits to show that nothing they collect can be linked back to your online activity.

Will a no-logs VPN keep me anonymous?

We cannot guarantee that any VPN will keep you completely anonymous. A no-logs VPN can significantly enhance your privacy online by not keeping records of your internet activity. However, most VPNs will require your email address and payment information to create your account. To keep your information more private, consider signing up with a disposable email address (if the company allows this) and paying with cryptocurrency.

Are no-logs VPNs legal?

Yes, no-logs VPNs are legal in most countries. Using a VPN that doesn't keep logs is a legitimate way to protect your online privacy. Many people use no-logs VPNs to secure sensitive data and maintain confidentiality.

However, some countries restrict or ban VPN use entirely. In China, you can only use government-approved VPNs, while other countries like North Korea and Iraq have outright bans. Be sure to check your local rules and regulations regarding VPN use to ensure you’re staying compliant.

Can I be tracked or hacked while using a no-logs VPN?

No-logs VPNs significantly reduce tracking and provide strong protection against many security threats. Securing your connection with one takes just a few steps, but connecting alone doesn’t eliminate all risks — you can still be vulnerable to malware, phishing attacks, browser fingerprinting, and tracking through other methods.

For instance, if you log into your social media accounts or accept browser cookies, websites can still track your activities. Hackers could also compromise your device through malware or phishing attacks — the risk is higher when your VPN doesn’t have a malware blocker. Take a look at our guide to online privacy to learn more about these techniques.

The best way to stay safe online is to combine a no-logs VPN with strong antivirus protection and smart security habits. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, keep your software up to date, run regular antivirus scans, and avoid clicking unfamiliar links or downloading suspicious files.

Are no-logs VPNs safe?

Yes, no-logs VPNs with proven track records are safe to use. The best providers protect your privacy through multiple security measures — they use military-grade encryption, run regular security audits, maintain RAM-only servers, and operate from privacy-friendly jurisdictions. However, not every VPN that claims to be “no-logs” actually lives up to it, so it's important to look for proof, like audit results and transparency reports.

Are there any free VPNs that don’t keep logs?

It's very rare to find genuine no-logs free VPNs. Running a secure VPN service requires significant resources. That's why most free VPNs collect user data to cover operational costs. A premium no-logs VPN with a money-back guarantee is a better option instead — this way you can test all features risk-free and get a refund if you're not satisfied.

Our recommended free VPNs are all from reputable providers and only keep minimal logs that can't identify you. These tend to be “freemium” services that provide a free service supported by a paid tier. However, they come with major limitations, like data caps, restricted servers, and slower speeds. Plus, they rarely undergo independent audits to verify their privacy practices.

What's the difference between activity and connection logs?

Activity logs record what you do online (websites visited, files downloaded, searches made), while connection logs track when and how you connect (timestamps, IP addresses, server usage). Both types of logs can pose a threat to your privacy, but activity logs are more invasive because they create a detailed picture of your online behavior. Reputable no-logs VPNs avoid storing either type, or only retain minimal, non-identifying connection data for essential maintenance, and discard it immediately.

How often should VPNs undergo privacy audits?

There’s no universal rule, but reputable VPNs typically get independently audited every 1–2 years to prove they’re not storing or leaking user data. Some top providers like ExpressVPN take it even further by auditing not just their privacy policy, but also almost every part of their service.

Get the Best No-Logs VPN

When looking for the best no-logs VPNs, always pick one that collects no personally identifiable information. After all, the main purpose of a VPN is to keep your online activity hidden from your ISP. If it stores and shares data that can be traced back to you, it’s simply not worth purchasing.

ExpressVPN is our go-to no-logs VPN for good reason. Its audits don’t just cover the privacy policy — they extend across its entire ecosystem. The service also runs on memory-erasing servers and reliably maintains fast, secure connections on any network. On top of that, it’s based in a privacy-friendly country and comes with a built-in ad/malware/adult content blocker. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it completely risk-free.