5 Best No Logs VPNs: Audited and Verified in 2025

You’ve probably noticed how almost every VPN promises to be “no-logs.” The problem is, most of them can't prove it. Without independent audits, court-tested cases, or real transparency reports, you just have to take their word for it. I don't know about you, but that’s not a risk I'm willing to take.

To find truly no-logs VPNs, we looked beyond marketing claims when reviewing 50+ VPNs. We read audit reports, dug into transparency hubs, and cross-referenced real-world cases where governments tried to obtain data. We then identified which VPNs could prove they keep no logs, not just say it.

Compare the Best No-Log VPN Features for 2025

The real test of a no-logs VPN is whether its promises hold up under outside scrutiny. That’s why we compared providers based on independent audits, their legal basis, how their servers are built, and whether they’ve faced real-world pressure, such as subpoenas or seizures.

Note. Baseline refers to our tester's speed without a VPN connected.

What Does “No-Logs” Actually Mean?

When a VPN truly follows a no-logs policy, it means it doesn’t store anything that could link you to what you do online. It won’t store your browsing history, connection timestamps, or server choices in any way that would allow them to be identified. In a strict sense, your session data vanishes as soon as your session ends, leaving no traces.

However, even the most privacy-focused VPNs can retain minimal operational data. Account credentials, payment confirmations, and even basic app diagnostics all help keep the VPN and your subscription running smoothly. A trustworthy VPN provider will be transparent about these details and undergo regular independent audits to prove its claims.

Will a No-logs VPN Keep You Anonymous?

A no-logs VPN hides your IP and traffic from third parties, but it doesn’t erase your footprint online. Websites can still identify you with cookies, browser fingerprinting, or linked accounts. If anonymity is your goal, you’ll need more than a VPN — think privacy-friendly browsers, cookie blockers, or Tor.

Best No-Log VPNs Reviewed in 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 November 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN backs its no-logs promise with a long audit trail (now at 23), the most recent in 2025, with KPMG re-auditing its privacy commitment. PwC, Cure53, and F-Secure have also 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 (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes data-sharing pact) 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.

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is built from the ground up to address the bloat of OpenVPN and the rigidity of WireGuard. In our tests, average download speeds dropped by only 1% testing nearby servers, the fastest of all the VPNs we tested. ExpressVPN has made it open source and brought in Cure53 and Praetorian to conduct multiple code audits (2021 and 2023). Even better, it’s now been rewritten in Rust, a memory-safe language that eliminates vulnerabilities like buffer overflows and use-after-free bugs.

Admittedly, ExpressVPN is more expensive than other VPNs on this list. However, it offers generous discounts year-round, making your purchase more affordable. For added privacy, you can also pay with cryptocurrency. Plus, you can test it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee*. If you’re not satisfied with the service, getting a refund is easy using its 24/7 live chat.

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. For a small added fee, you can get a consistent IP address that's still protected by ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy. This is ideal if you need stable access to specific platforms and services, such as 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.
• Threat Manager suite. Blocks trackers and malware across apps and browsers, with optional parental filters baked in for households.
• 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 — Court-Proven No-Logs Claims and Open-Source Apps for Maximum Transparency

Works With:

ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix Disney+

APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has some of the most substantial 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 that show exactly which 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 its interactions with governments.

All of PIA's apps are open source, meaning 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 14 Eyes Alliance's founding members. However, it’s 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 a SOCKS5 proxy, adding an extra layer of privacy protection that makes it even harder to track your online activities.
• Unlimited devices 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. 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 laws and 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. While reviewing the VPN's audits, we found that NordVPN's Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions passed Cure53's recent penetration tests (pentests) without any security concerns.

Its no-logs policy has been verified multiple times by two Big Four firms — PwC in 2018 and 2020, and Deloitte in 2022, 2023, and at the end of 2024. 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.

In 2024, Cure53 also assessed NordVPN's app security and found no client-side vulnerabilities

While all that’s very impressive, NordVPN doesn’t publish a formal warrant canary, a public statement some companies use to signal they haven’t received secret government requests for user data. But NordVPN publishes monthly transparency reports covering inquiries and DMCA requests, so I wasn’t too bothered about it.

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.
• Anonymous sign-up options. You don’t have to use your personal email or credit card. NordVPN lets you pay with cryptocurrencies and sign up using burner details.
• NordLynx with double NAT. Built on WireGuard, NordLynx adds a double-NAT system that assigns you a dynamic IP address without logging it.
• Open-source Linux apps. NordVPN made its Linux apps fully open source so the code can be inspected for hidden tracking.

4. Proton VPN — Open‑Source Transparency and Even Its Free Option Has Been Audited

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN offers absolute transparency, with its apps' entire source code publicly available for anyone to inspect (open source). This gives me confidence that Proton VPN won't collect sensitive information because if it did, the code would reveal it. Even its free plan has been audited and confirmed for its privacy claims, and it comes with unlimited data, no ads, and the same no-logs policy as its paid tiers. That said, in our tests, the free version was slower compared to the incredible speeds of the paid option.

In 2025, Proton VPN completed its fourth independent audit by Securitum, which confirmed that it doesn’t log activity, connection, or metadata logs that could potentially identify you. It also earned a SOC 2 Type II certification, which basically means an external auditor reviewed how the company manages security and privacy over time, rather than just a quick one-day look.

Similar to ExpressVPN, Proton VPN also has a bug bounty program

I was a bit skeptical when I learned that it doesn’t use RAM-only servers. However, Proton uses full-disk encryption instead, achieving the same privacy outcome (no one can access your data without an encryption key). Proton VPN argues that using full-disk encryption provides equivalent protection without operational trade-offs such as slower hardware reboots. However, if you're on the fence, try it out with the free app first.

Useful Features

• Secure Core routing. This sends your traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland or Iceland before exiting to the broader web.
• NetShield ad and tracker blockers. Proton VPN’s built-in filter strips out ads, malware domains, and online trackers before they even reach your device. It reduces clutter while also protecting you from sneaky data-harvesting scripts.
• Stealth protocol. When you’re in places with aggressive internet restrictions, Proton’s Stealth protocol disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, which helps you stay connected to a free internet from anywhere.

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 that shows whether 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

In 2025, Deloitte again verified Surfshark’s no-logs policy through an independent audit (twice now in total). In 2018 and 2021, Cure53 reviewed its browser extensions and server infrastructure and found no significant flaws. Having its first no-logs audit only in 2022 makes Surfshark a latecomer in completing verification, but given it was founded in 2018, that's not bad.

While all that is reassuring, Surfshark’s Netherlands base might worry you, being in the 9 Eyes alliance territory. However, its strict no-logs policy means there’s no data to hand over, even if authorities requested it. You can also test it without risk (it's backed by a 30-day refund policy) on unlimited devices simultaneously.

Useful Features

• Camouflage Mode. Disguises VPN traffic as regular internet activity, which helps your VPN stay hidden on restrictive networks, such as schools, offices, or hotels.
• Alternative ID. Surfshark can generate a completely new online identity with an alias email address tied to your real account. It keeps your personal details safe while still letting you sign up for services or newsletters without exposing your data.

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.

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:

• Activity/traffic logs. These contain your actual web behavior, URLs visited, files downloaded, and apps used. A true no-logs provider confirms it stores none of this data and shows recent audit reports verifying that claim.
• Connection/session logs. These records show when you connect, which server you used, and how long you stayed. They don’t track content, but still build a timeline. A top provider either avoids them entirely or anonymizes them and verifies via an independent check.
• Metadata logs. Things like device IDs, app versions, location hints, or language settings seem harmless, but they can identify you. The best VPNs keep telemetry optional, aggregate data, and publish audits that prove the scope remains minimal.
• DNS query logs. Even when traffic is encrypted, domain lookups reveal browsing intent. Look for VPNs running their own encrypted DNS servers, and confirm they log none of those resolutions.
• Account/payment logs. Linking your real email or credit card to your account can reduce your privacy. Opt for services that accept crypto, cash, or anonymous options, and clearly separate account data from usage data.
• Server/infrastructure logs. These are the behind-the-scenes host logs, such as access records and system logs. RAM-only servers or full-disk encryption help reduce exposure, but make sure the VPN you choose explains its backup and wipe procedures.
• WireGuard/session-key logs. Modern protocols like WireGuard rely on key/ID mapping. The providers that care use double NAT or ephemeral keys to prevent linking users with sessions. Check whether your provider mentions these safeguards.

It’s also worth remembering that a “no logs” claim can have its limits. Even the most airtight VPN won’t stop websites from tracking you through cookies, browser fingerprinting, or account log-ins. A good VPN removes your ISP and snoops from the picture, but you’ll still need smart browsing habits to stay private online.

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.

Our Process for Evaluation No-Log VPN Claims

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 settings, such as court cases or server seizures. We prioritized VPNs with recent third-party audits, RAM-only servers, full-disk encryption, and 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.

FAQs on the Best No-Log VPNs

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.