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In a Hurry? Here's the Best No Log VPN for 2023

If your VPN logs personally identifiable data, there’s nothing hiding your online activities from your ISP, hackers, and the government. These logs can be used to discover your true identity and trace your online traffic back to you.

To ensure your online privacy and security, we’ve created a list of the best no-logging VPNs:

  1. NordVPN: The best no-logs VPN overall
  2. ExpressVPN: Independently audited VPN with the best speeds
  3. VyprVPN: First no-logs VPN to ever be publicly audited
  4. PIA: Proven no-logs VPN with a focus on privacy
  5. CyberGhost: Transparency-minded VPN for streaming and gaming
  6. Proton VPN: Privacy-oriented no-logs VPN and productivity suite
  7. OVPN: No-logs VPN that defended the privacy of its users in court
  8. Perfect Privacy VPN: No-logs VPN that survived server seizure

NordVPN offers the best combination of privacy and security. It protects you from itself as well as malicious third parties. On top of this, the company has proven its commitment to user privacy with three independent audits.

Keep reading to find out how we compiled this list and learn more about our individual picks.

Increased surveillance icon

Virtual private networks hide your IP address and online activity to enhance your online privacy. However, VPNs could — theoretically — see all these sensitive data. So, how do you ensure that your information is safe? Enter the no log VPN: an independently verified VPN that doesn’t collect, study, or sell user data.

After testing dozens of VPNs for our reviews section, we can confidently say that not all VPNs are created equal. Some providers share user data or fail to protect data from getting leaked. Certain VPNs, like Malwarebytes Privacy VPN, claim to follow a “no log” policy, though they collect quite a bit of information. Others, like HotBot VPN, have a “no log” policy but will collect data through marketing partners.

Thankfully, independent audits provide insight into which VPN providers genuinely keep zero logs. And in this article, we spotlight eight VPNs that are trustworthy. Keep reading to find out which best no log VPN caters to your speed and security needs.

Top 8 Best No Log VPNs

Best zero-logs VPN icon

We at VPNOverview believe that commitment to user privacy can be proven and verified. The best no logs VPNs on this list have proven themselves through court documentation, real-world activity, independent audits, and full transparency.

With all that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best no log VPNs that can back up their privacy claims. Here’s a brief overview of the first five:

FeatureNordVPNExpressVPNVyprVPNPIACyberGhost
Number of servers5,500+3,000+700+35,000+9,000+
Number of countries60+90+60+80+90+
LocationPanamaBritish Virgin IslandsSwitzerlandUnited StatesRomania
No logging policy✔✔✔✔✔
Independently audited✔✔✔✔✔
ProtocolsOpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynxOpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, LightwayOpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, ChameleonOpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSecOpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec
Price$3.49/month$6.67/month$5.00/month$2.19/month$2.19/month
PurchaseGet NordVPNGet ExpressVPNGet VyprVPNGet PIAGet CyberGhost

After this short introduction, let’s take a closer look at each of our top eight no log VPNs.

1. NordVPN: The best no log VPN overall

Screenshot of NordVPN homepage, February 2023

NordVPN is renowned for its security and dedication to privacy. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Switzerland audited NordVPN on two separate occasions: in 2018 and 2020. And, in 2022, NordVPN was reaffirmed as a privacy powerhouse by another “big four” auditor called Deloitte.

Their final reports confirmed that NordVPN strictly adheres to its no log policy. These auditors had total access to NordVPN’s server infrastructure, databases, and employees. Among other things, they tested Nord’s standard VPN servers and security features (obfuscation, double VPN, onion over VPN, and P2P servers).

Screenshot of NordVPN, Client disconnected

Why NordVPN?

We recommend NordVPN for users who need a VPN that can do it all. Nord’s vast server network means it can give you an IP address from over 60 countries. It also has features that support torrenting, gaming, and unblocking streaming content. Coupled with a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN is more than likely to fulfill all your VPN needs.

NordVPN: Privacy and security features

  • Location: NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a privacy safe haven. Panama doesn’t have data retention laws like the EU, UK, or Australia. Panama also isn’t a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance.
  • Security: NordVPN offers 256-bit AES military-grade data encryption. This, along with their excellent firewall and well-protected servers, makes NordVPN’s safety top-of-the-line.
  • Speed: Speed used to be NordVPN’s weak point, but not anymore. It’s becoming one of the fastest providers available. It also offers very good torrenting speeds. It’s even able to unlock sites like Netflix US.
  • Account: All you need is an email, a payment method, and a password to create an account. So if you use an anonymous email service like ProtonMail and a secure payment method like Bitcoin, NordVPN can provide total anonymity. If you use another form of payment, like a credit card or transfer, you’d have to provide your personal banking information.

How to access NordVPN audit reports

To read NordVPN’s no logs policy audit reports, you have to be a NordVPN user. If you’d like to dive into the findings, follow the instructions below.

  1. Visit NordVPN’s website.
  2. Log into your NordVPN account.
  3. Under “Services” on the left side click “Reports“.
  4. Click on the report you wish to read.
Specifications NordVPN
đź’µ Price From $3.19 a month
📱 Operating systems Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
đź’» Connections 6
đź’ł Payment methods Other, Credit card, Cryptocurrency
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee 30 Days
đź“‹ Logs No Logs
🎬 Works with Works with Netflix Works with HBO Works with Disney+ Works with Kodi Works with BBC Works with Torrent Works with Gaming

2. ExpressVPN: Independently audited VPN with the best speeds

Screenshot of ExpressVPN homepage website

ExpressVPN is best known for its speed and big server network. Those servers run on its TrustedServer technology and never write to a hard drive. This means all data is wiped with every reboot, as they run on RAM only.

On top of that, ExpressVPN has proven itself repeatedly when it comes to privacy and its no log policy. ExpressVPN was also independently audited by PwC, Cure53, KPMG, and many other auditors. All their results show that ExpressVPN strictly adheres to its privacy policy and commitment to anonymity.

ExpressVPN also showed its dedication to privacy in a high-stakes, real-world scenario. An ExpressVPN server was seized following the 2016 assassination of Russian diplomat Andrei Karlov.

Turkish media reported that Facebook and Gmail messages relevant to the investigation were deleted by an unknown individual using ExpressVPN. However, ExpressVPN was unable to help with the investigation, because there simply weren’t any logs to hand over.

Screenshot of ExpressVPN, client connected

Why ExpressVPN?

We think ExpressVPN best suits users who need a large server network and impressive speeds. ExpressVPN performs almost as well as NordVPN when we compared them, but ExpressVPN’s higher price point is a clear disadvantage. Of course, users can still try the VPN, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN: Privacy and security features

  • Location: ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands. These Caribbean islands have different laws than Great Britain. There are no data retention laws, no 5 Eyes Alliance, and they aren’t required to cooperate with international investigations.
  • Security: ExpressVPN offers military-grade, 256-bit AES data encryption, and well-protected servers. ExpressVPN provides its own DNS servers, so all requests are run through the same encryption and tunneling services.
  • Speed: This VPN is also well-known as one of the fastest VPN providers, with the largest number of servers around the globe. It works especially well for streaming and torrenting.
  • Account: All you need is an email and a password to create an account. So if you use an anonymous email service like ProtonMail, and a secure payment like Bitcoin, you could be completely anonymous.

How to access ExpressVPN audit reports

You can read ExpressVPN’s no logs policy reports on their official website. Follow the instructions below.

  1. Visit the ExpressVPN website.
  2. Scroll to the very bottom of the page.
  3. Under “About ExpressVPN“, click “Security Audits“.
  4. Click on the report you wish to read.
Specifications ExpressVPN
đź’µ Price From $6.67 a month
📱 Operating systems Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
đź’» Connections 5
đź’ł Payment methods PayPal, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, iDeal, Bitcoin, Sofort, UnionPay, MINT
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee 30 Days
đź“‹ Logs No Logs
🎬 Works with Works with Netflix Works with HBO Works with Disney+ Works with Kodi Works with BBC Works with Torrent Works with Gaming

3. VyprVPN: First no log VPN to ever be publicly audited

Screenshot of Vypr VPN website

VyprVPN is another one of our verified no log VPN services. VyprVPN might be smaller than the other VPNs on this list, but it thinks big when it comes to security.

Vypr was the first no logs VPN to be publicly audited. In 2018, VyprVPN’s strict no-logging policy was independently audited by Leviathan Securities. Leviathan auditors confirmed that VyprVPN doesn’t save any identifiable logs without user permission.

The provider has a proven history of transparency, starting back when their privacy policy clearly stated that they indeed collected user data. As security standards changed through the years, so has Vypr improved its services, such as turning its provider into a no log VPN.

VyprVPN Software

Why VyprVPN?

VyprVPN has everything you need from a VPN: a kill switch, multiple VPN protocols to choose from, and a decent server network. Although it lacks the flashier features offered by NordVPN, its track record provides many users with peace of mind. If you need a simple but trustworthy VPN (with a 30-day money-back guarantee!), then VyprVPN is our recommendation.

VyprVPN: Privacy and security features

  • Location: VyperVPN is located in Switzerland, long-known as a safe haven for privacy advocates.
  • Security: VyprVPN owns its own server network, including its DNS servers. This allows them to ensure optimal safety and privacy. With no third parties involved in their services, the chances of DNS leaks are slim to none. VyprVPN is able to guarantee more online anonymity. It uses 256-bit SSL encryption and advanced protocols.
  • Speed: This provider shows relatively good speeds for a VPN, but isn’t quite as fast as the providers above. Our testing showed a slight lag with downloading and gaming.
  • Account: VyprVPN might ask you to share personal data, including your name, email address, phone number, payment information, and address. It offers credit cards and Paypal as payment options, so it might be harder to stay completely anonymous.
Specifications VyprVPN
đź’µ Price From $5.00 a month
📱 Operating systems Android, Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS
đź’» Connections 30
đź’ł Payment methods PayPal, Other, Credit card
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPsec
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee Money-back-guarantee
đź“‹ Logs Zero logs
🎬 Works with Works with Netflix Works with HBO Works with Disney+ Works with BBC Works with Torrent Works with Gaming

4. Private Internet Access (PIA): Proven no log VPN with a focus on privacy

Screenshot of PIA website

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a very strict zero-log policy and has proven itself in real-world situations several times. The FBI subpoenaed PIA for logs in 2016, but PIA testified that there weren’t any to provide. Authorities called on PIA to provide logs in 2018, to which the provider again testified that it had nothing to show.

PIA maintains a strict no log policy and regularly provides updated transparency reports on subpoenas, warrants, and court orders. The logs produced from all legal process requests were zero. Furthermore, the entire service was also audited by Deloitte in 2022, and the results confirmed PIA’s dedication to user privacy.

To ensure privacy, browsing data is never stored on hard disks. It goes through a special null device. This is a virtual device that automatically treats any data sent through it as if it doesn’t exist. Once the information has been written to the null device, it becomes unretrievable. This is how PIA can guarantee its no logs policy.

Private Internet Access' Software

Why PIA?

PIA has a proven reputation of upholding privacy and security, as seen when they had no data to turn over to authorities in 2016 and 2018. This is in addition to an impressive suite of features, such as its over 35,000 servers to choose from and 30-day money-back guarantee. We recommend PIA to those who want a VPN with a stellar track record.

PIA: Privacy and security features

  • Location: PIA is located in the United States, a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance. This makes some privacy advocates nervous. Also, in theory, pushy agencies like the FBI or NSA could use a court order to monitor American users they deem suspect. However, there are no data retention laws in the United States. This means PIA isn’t obligated to store information for a specific period, as is often the case in Europe. And their track record proves they’ve got no logs to show.
  • Security: PIA works with various strong protocols, including OpenVPN. Recently PIA has ensured that all of its VPN servers now support the new Wireguard protocol. It also supports SOCKS5.
  • Speed: This VPN hasn’t performed as well on our speed tests, though it still ranks fairly high. Our testing showed a slowdown when using faraway servers.
  • Account: All you need is an email and a password to create an account. So if you use an anonymous email service like ProtonMail, and a secure payment like Bitcoin, you could be completely anonymous. PIA provides you with an “Order ID” after payment which allows you to communicate with the company.
Specifications Private Internet Access (PIA)
đź’µ Price From $2.19 a month
📱 Operating systems Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
đź’» Connections Unlimited
đź’ł Payment methods PayPal, Other, Credit card, Cryptocurrency
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee 30 Days
đź“‹ Logs Zero logs
🎬 Works with Works with Netflix Works with HBO Works with Disney+ Works with Kodi Works with BBC Works with Torrent Works with Gaming

5. CyberGhost: Transparency-minded VPN for streaming and gaming

Screenshot of CyberGhost VPN website homepage with added logo in the corner

CyberGhost is another VPN provider that makes the list because of its focus on privacy. Every three months, CyberGhost releases transparency reports. It’s also the first VPN to produce these kinds of reports, having started in 2011.

The company even regularly updates its users on police requests, abuse, and malicious activity complaints. For example, they had 25 international police queries during the first quarter of 2021 after criminal activity was tracked to CyberGhost IP addresses. However, since they have no data to show, CyberGhost has not complied with any requests from authorities.

CyberGhost was confirmed as a no log VPN by Deloitte in March 2023. The audit report is not shared publicly on the site, but you can request it by emailing CERORomania@DELOITTE.com.

Screenshot of Cyberghost VPN, client open

Why CyberGhost?

CyberGhost has all the hallmark features of a good VPN, but what sets it apart are its streaming, P2P, and gaming servers. These servers are configured specifically for these purposes, and naturally, CyberGhost is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch devices. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost: Privacy and security features

  • Location: CyberGhost is located in Bucharest, Romania, outside of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes alliances. Though they are a member of the EU, they don’t follow the same privacy laws as the rest of Europe. Romania has twice repealed data retention laws it deemed unconstitutional.
  • Security: CyberGhost uses various strong protocols, including OpenVPN and the new, innovative protocol WireGuard. It’s one of the best VPNs for Iran or other censorship-heavy countries.
  • Speed: It’s a fast VPN, though not as fast as our top 2. Our speed tests showed some slow down on downloading and streaming speeds, as well as when using faraway servers.
  • Account: You’ll need an email and password to sign up. You can pay anonymously with Bitcoin, but all other payments are made through a third party, Cleverbridge. Cleverbridge is reputable when it comes to privacy. CyberGhost will have you activate a customer serial number so you can anonymously sign up.
Specifications CyberGhost
đź’µ Price From $2.19 a month
📱 Operating systems Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
đź’» Connections 7
đź’ł Payment methods PayPal, Other, Credit card, Cryptocurrency
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee 45 Days
đź“‹ Logs No Logs
🎬 Works with Works with Netflix Works with HBO Works with Disney+ Works with Kodi Works with BBC Works with Torrent Works with Gaming

6. Proton VPN: Privacy-oriented no log VPN and productivity suite

Screenshot of Proton homepage, February 2023

Proton VPN was independently audited by a Swiss company called Securitum in 2022. The audit report reflected Proton’s dedication to user privacy and security. Securitum didn’t find any harmful logging practices, and the auditors confirmed Proton’s no-logging status.

Apart from this, Proton VPN keeps regularly updated warrant canary and transparency reports. Here you can see all data requests sent to Proton, as well as the company’s responses to them.

Proton had some privacy issues in the past when its email service had to hand over user data to the authorities. The company held that they were acting in accordance with their privacy policy, which allows them to log IPs if there’s suspicion of fraudulent behavior. However, this privacy policy doesn’t apply to their VPN service, which can never log IP addresses.

Screenshot of Proton VPN, client connected/disconnected

Why Proton VPN?

We recommend Proton VPN for those who need more than just a VPN. Proton also offers a secure email service (Proton Mail) and secure file hosting (Proton Drive). You can test out both Proton Mail and Proton VPN as there are free (but limited) versions available. Proton VPN Free provides secure servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan.

Proton VPN: Privacy and security features

  • Location: Proton VPN is located in Switzerland, which is considered a safe location for VPNs. Switzerland is outside of the Eyes Alliance and has no mandatory data retention laws.
  • Security: Proton VPN uses OpenVPN and WireGuard on Windows, which are the best protocols out there. Other apps also use IKEV2 and their proprietary Stealth protocol. It supports perfect forward secrecy and comes with a solid permanent kill switch.
  • Speed: During our speed testing, Proton VPN performed quite well, without any major speed drops, lag, or sudden disconnects.
  • Account: You’ll need to provide your email and payment details during registration. You can buy this VPN anonymously by using Bitcoin or even cash payments. If you’re using the free version, you don’t have to share any billing info.
Specifications Proton VPN
đź’µ Price From $3.99 a month
📱 Operating systems Android, Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS
đź’» Connections 10
đź’ł Payment methods Cryptocurrency, PayPal, Other, Credit card
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee Money-back-guarantee
đź“‹ Logs Zero logs
🎬 Works with Works with Netflix Works with HBO Works with BBC Works with Torrent Works with Gaming

7. OVPN: No log VPN that defended the privacy of its users in court

Screenshot of OVPN website homepage with logo added in the corner

OVPN might not be independently audited, but it managed to fight off a court order demanding information about one of its users. Standing up for your customers always gets a huge thumbs up from us. Having said that, OVPN couldn’t have provided the requested info anyway, as they never logged it in the first place.

Apart from its commitment to user privacy, OVPN is also very transparent about the info requests it gets every month. On its website, you can find a full transparency report dating back to 2014. Furthermore, OVPN owns its entire server infrastructure so you don’t have to worry about unreliable rented servers.

Screenshot of OVPN, client connected

Why OVPN?

OVPN is great for users who want a company that’s proven to care about user privacy. We like OVPN as it’s always had privacy at the core of its product, but objectively, it doesn’t perform as well as top VPNs. OVPN has a 10-day money-back guarantee for those who want to try its services.

OVPN: Privacy and security features

  • Location: OVPN is located in Sweden, which does have some mandatory data retention for ISPs but not for VPNs. As such, it is considered to be a safe VPN location.
  • Security: OVPN supports OpenVPN and WireGuard. This translates to military-grade encryption and an excellent speed/security balance. The company’s own DNS servers also prevent any potential DNS leaks.
  • Speed: OVPN is super fast on nearby servers, but you might experience some speed drops and ping increases on faraway locations.
  • Account: OVPN doesn’t require your email address during registration, just your username and password.
Specifications OVPN
đź’µ Price From $4.22 a month
📱 Operating systems Android, Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS
đź’» Connections 6
đź’ł Payment methods Cryptocurrency, PayPal, Other, Credit card
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, Wireguard
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee 10 Days
đź“‹ Logs Zero logs
🎬 Works with Works with HBO Works with Disney+ Works with Torrent Works with Gaming

8. Perfect Privacy VPN: No log VPN that survived server seizure

Screenshot of Perfect Privacy, website homepage with added logo in the corner

Perfect Privacy is a no log VPN that has yet to be independently audited. However, when their Dutch servers were seized, the authorities couldn’t find any private data on them. This means that the company doesn’t log any info that could identify its customers.

Apart from this, Perfect Privacy also keeps a regularly updated warrant canary on its official website, though it doesn’t show any data requests at the moment. The page is updated at least once a month.

Screenshot of Perfect Privacy VPN, Connected and disconnected window

Why Perfect Privacy?

Similar to OVPN, Perfect Privacy has yet to outperform top VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. We recommend this provider if, for some reason, the others on this list don’t work for you. Perfect Privacy offers a 7-day money-back guarantee for those who want to test it out.

Perfect Privacy VPN: Privacy and security features

  • Location: Perfect Privacy VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, which is a good VPN location, as indicated in our Proton VPN analysis.
  • Security: Perfect Privacy uses OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. Notably, it doesn’t employ WireGuard. It comes with an excellent firewall and a number of stealth protocols.
  • Speed: This is not a fast VPN and you might experience problems on extremely slow networks.
  • Account: The registration process requires only your email and billing info. You can also pay with Bitcoin for optimal privacy.
Specifications Perfect Privacy
đź’µ Price From $8.95 a month
📱 Operating systems Android, Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS
đź’» Connections Unlimited
đź’ł Payment methods Cryptocurrency, PayPal, Other, Credit card
đź”’ Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2
đź“Ą Torrent options Torrenting allowed
đź“… Money-back guarantee 7 Days
đź“‹ Logs No Logs
🎬 Works with Works with Netflix Works with Torrent

Best Free No Log VPNs

Being on a budget doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your online privacy and security. If you can’t afford a regular subscription, take a look at these free no log VPNs:

Proton VPN (Free)

ProtonVPN logo icon with transparent background

We’ve already sung praises about the premium version of Proton VPN in this guide — and its free version is the best no log VPN when you’re on a tight budget. Although limited, it’s still a fully-functional VPN. And unlike other free VPNs, Proton VPN Free has no data or traffic caps.

Here’s what you’ll get with Proton VPN Free:

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • One VPN connection at a time
  • 3 available countries (the US, the Netherlands, and Japan)
  • Medium speed

Note that you won’t be able to torrent, block ads, or unblock any streaming services. Having said that, paying zero dollars for complete online anonymity is still an excellent deal in our book.

Proton VPN
Deal A solid cybersecurity and privacy package for just $3.99/month!
From
$ 3.99
8.3
  • Strong encryption
  • Specialized servers
  • Free subscription available
Visit Proton VPN

hide.me

Hide.me

hide.me is an independently audited VPN provider located in Malaysia, which is an excellent VPN location. Free users get all the benefits of hide.me’s strict no-logging policy.

Here’s what hide.me free has to offer:

  • 10 GB per month
  • 8 server locations (The US, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, Spain, Germany, France, and Singapore)
  • One connection at a time
  • WireGuard protocol only
Hide.me
Deal Try Hide.me for just $3.00 per month and get three extra months for free!
From
$ 3.00
7.4
  • Free subscription possible with servers in the Netherlands, Canada, and Singapore
  • Torrents possible
  • User-friendly software and apps
  • Free subscription has a speed limit and a data limit
Visit Hide.me

Atlas VPN

AtlasVPN logo icon with transparent background

Atlas is a freemium VPN that uses WireGuard as its default protocol and keeps an up-to-date warrant canary. Atlas VPN is located in the US, but that doesn’t matter since the company doesn’t keep any dangerous logs.

The free limited version comes with:

  • Access to 3 VPN locations (Los Angeles, New York, and Amsterdam)
  • Military-grade encryption (meaning AES-256 cipher)
  • 5 GB of data per month
  • Streaming-optimized servers in New York and Los Angeles
Atlas VPN
Deal 85% discount on a three-year subscription ($1.83 per month)
From
$ 1.83
7.3
  • Free servers
  • Access to Netflix with Premium version
  • Has some technical issues
Visit Atlas VPN

Types of VPN Data Logs

No log VPN icon

Simply put, VPNs provide online anonymity to their users. A VPN that logs, reads, or sells user data fails at providing anonymity, as users are identifiable to the VPN provider.

To fully understand how data logging can harm you, we first have to go over the types of logs your VPN provider might keep. Along the way, we’ll also differentiate between safe and dangerous data records.

VPN connection logs (Metadata)

No VPN can function without collecting some amount of connection logs. This data is used for server loading, traffic and network management, and other technical demands.

Connection logs can also track your bandwidth usage (for VPNs with limited bandwidth) and make sure you’re not using more devices than your subscription allows.

VPN connection logs usually include:

Infographic showing what VPN connection logs usually include
  • Connection timestamps: The start, finish, and duration of your VPN sessions
  • Bandwidth: The amount of data spent during your sessions
  • Connection frequency: How often you connect to VPN servers and which ones
  • Protocols: Which VPN protocols you’re using

Connection logs are usually harmless on their own since they can’t be traced back to you as an individual. However, when paired with IP logging, they become extremely dangerous.

Access to your real and assigned IPs allows third parties to connect you to your traffic and, as a result, identify you. This can lead to anything from hack attacks to full-blown identity theft.

Additionally, cross-referencing metadata from different services can be used to identify you. For example, a cyberstalker was unmasked by comparing their VPN metadata with logs obtained from their Gmail and Spotify accounts, Chrome browser, and various websites they used in their stalking campaign.

So, you should always inspect the privacy policy of your VPN provider to check what types of connection logs they’re keeping. If they’re logging IP addresses and connection timestamps, then we don’t recommend using that VPN.

VPN activity logs (Usage)

Usage logs record the activities you perform while connected to a VPN, which makes them much more invasive than connection logs.

Usage logs usually include:

Infographic showing what usage logs usually include
  • The sites you visit
  • Your search history
  • App usage
  • Your social media profiles
  • The files you’ve downloaded

These data can be used to spy on you and create a psychological profile based on your search history. When paired together, connection and usage logs reduce your online privacy to zero. So, if you see a hint of activity logging in your VPN provider’s privacy policy, we suggest taking your business elsewhere.

What is a “No Log VPN”?

VPNs have to keep some data in order to function properly. This data is usually considered safe to retain. The “no logging” part refers to the absence of records that could endanger you.

Here’s a list of logs that could put you in harm’s way:

Infographic showing what records no-logs VPNs cannot keep records of
  • IP addresses: Either your real IP or the ones assigned by VPN servers
  • Connection timestamps: In conjunction with your IP, this data can be used to determine your traffic patterns and identify you.
  • DNS requests & traffic data: The websites you visit and your interaction with them
  • Online communications: All types of messaging, video conversations, and other forms of communication

On the other hand, VPNs can keep anonymized data or info that has nothing to do with your identity or activities. Here are some examples of information that VPNs can log safely:

  • Statistical data: For example, server loads, server performance, RAM/CPU usage, number of installations on certain devices, number of connections over a certain period of time, connection errors, etc.
  • Device info: Your OS, model of the device, language settings, and similar data
  • App settings: Enabled features to prevent unnecessary notifications

As you can see, none of this can be used to determine who you are and what you’re doing online. This is what differentiates the so-called no log VPNs from services that record dangerous data. So, even though they’re not literally “zero logs”, the VPNs on this list don’t record any data that could be of any use to hackers, spies, or government agencies.

How to Choose a No Log VPN?

During our research, we used a set of criteria to identify the best no-logging VPNs out there. Some of them were closely related to their logging practices while others were general must-haves. Here’s our full list of ranking factors:

Infographic showing how to choose a No Log VPN
  • Strict no logging policy: We were looking for VPNs with a strong proven commitment to user privacy. This proof can come in the form of independent audits, court cases, or sheer transparency. NordVPN, for example, was audited three times, PIA had nothing to show in two court proceedings, Proton VPN was independently audited AND proven in court, etc.
  • Jurisdiction: We were primarily interested in VPNs located in countries with non-invasive privacy laws. We also wanted to avoid the Eyes countries whenever possible. However, most Eyes members don’t have mandatory data retention laws, so we had to identify trustworthy VPNs even in these insecure locations. For example, CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, which is an excellent GDPR-compliant VPN location. However, Atlas VPN is located in the US, but it’s still on our list thanks to its solid privacy policy.
  • Security: Ideally, we wanted to see the best VPN protocols paired with RAM-only servers, good IP/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Additional security features like malware protection, dark web monitoring, and private DNS servers were also welcome.
  • Anonymous billing options: Paying for your VPN with Bitcoin or cash is infinitely more secure than using your credit cards. That’s why we were after VPNs that support these anonymous payment methods.
  • Performance: Apart from Perfect Privacy, all VPNs on our list are very fast. We were also interested in solid server networks, potential connectivity issues, sharp speed drops, geo-unblocking capabilities, and torrenting.
  • Usability: We wanted VPNs that can be used by both complete beginners and power users. All of our picks are easy to install and use, and they come with excellent customer support that can solve all your problems.

When choosing a no-log VPN, ensure that all or most of the above apply to the VPN service. For example, during our PandaVPN tests, we discovered that this provider keeps no logs and doesn’t even require your email for registration. However, there were other serious issues with it regarding performance and the lack of a kill switch.

Hot to Install a No Log VPN

Installing your no log VPN is very simple, no matter which platform you’re using. We’ll use NordVPN to explain the installation process.

Here are the steps you’ll have to go through:

  1. Go to NordVPN’s official website.
  2. Click the “Log in” button in the top-right corner.
  3. Sign up with your chosen credential.

    Screenshot of NordVPN, Create account
  4. Use your login info to access your personal dashboard.
  5. Click on “Downloads” and find the app for your device.

    Screenshot of NordVPN, personal dashboard, Downloads section
  6. Click on the app to start downloading the setup file.
  7. Wait for the download to finish.
  8. Click on the downloaded file.
  9. Follow the instructions.

If you need more resources to help you choose, we compare the top no log VPNs in these reviews:

After or during installation, you might get additional offers and bundled software. None of these are mandatory, and you can simply install the VPN and ignore the rest. With NordVPN, you’ll be prompted to install NordPass, their excellent password manager.

Screenshot of NordVPN Setup Wizard, NordPass offer

As we mentioned, you can ignore this suggestion since you don’t need NordPass to install and use NordVPN. All VPNs on this list follow the same installation pattern, so you’ll have no trouble getting off the ground, no matter which you choose.

Conclusion: Protect Your Privacy with the Best No Log VPN

Best VPN icon

We tested dozens of VPN services and considered many factors, including jurisdiction, security, billing options, performance, and utility. The eight no logs VPNs in this article will serve all your basic needs. Top VPNs like NordVPN will even have special features for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Our personal pick? NordVPN. This VPN can handle all your heavy browsing and downloading, and its 5,500+ servers mean you’ll never run out of servers to choose from. NordVPN is independently audited and proven to keep zero logs from its users. Learn more about NordVPN by visiting its website through the link below.

The Best No Log VPNs: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about no log VPNs? Click on one of the FAQs below to find the answer.

Which VPN does not keep logs?

We’ve found five great VPNs that have proven they don’t keep logs:

  1. NordVPN: The best no log VPN overall
  2. ExpressVPN: Independently audited VPN with the best speeds
  3. VyprVPN: First no log VPN to ever be publicly audited
  4. PIA: Proven no log VPN with a focus on privacy
  5. CyberGhost: Transparency-minded VPN for streaming and gaming
Is a VPN totally private?

It depends on the provider. Some VPN services claim a no logs policy, though they’ve cooperated with law enforcement and government authorities by turning over records, which means they had to have kept logs. Find out which providers have proven themselves through independent audits and real-world action.

Can police track a VPN?

The police can’t track a VPN if the provider truly has a no logs policy. Some providers are situated in countries and territories that have no data retention laws and aren’t required to cooperate with law enforcement and authorities. Find out which ones in our full article.

Can you be tracked using a VPN?

If your VPN does not adhere to its no logs policy, then yes, it can be tracked. In the past, VPN providers have submitted logs of certain users after inquiries from law enforcement and court subpoenas. The VPN services on our roundup, however, simply had no logs to provide when they were put in these scenarios.

What is a no log VPN?

A no log VPN is a provider that keeps no records of its users’ online activity. This could be connection and disconnection times, DNS queries, local and assigned IP addresses, and traffic and browsing data. Check out the rest of our article to find out our top picks for the best no log VPN providers.

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