Best for Privacy Purists

4.3

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On Mullvad's website

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Mullvad

• Anonymity features, such as cash payments and no email required
• Never-changing price of about $5 per month
• Struggles with non-Netflix streaming platforms

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Best All-in-One VPN

4.9

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On Proton VPN's website

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Proton VPN

• Easy to use
• A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

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Best for Affordable Security

4.9

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• VPN technology offering stability and speed
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

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In search of the best no-log VPN for ultimate privacy online? We’ve scrutinized an array of no-logs VPNs for you and found Mullvad, Proton VPN, and Surfshark all have solid features that maintain your privacy and security on the web.

No-logs VPNs such as these provide exceptional security and privacy that ensures no one, not even your internet service provider (ISP) or advertisers, can see your online activity or browsing history.

Stay tuned to find out why we’ve chosen these three as the best no-logs VPNs. We'll even spill the tea on why PIA, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN almost made the cut and why PureVPN and CyberGhost didn’t.

The best VPNs that don’t keep logs

We tested CyberGhost, PIA, Surfshark, Mullvad, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PureVPN, and Proton VPN. And guess what our top three picks were? (Drum roll, please.)

Voila! Mullvad, Proton VPN, and Surfshark were our hot winners. These anonymous VPNs have strict no-logs policies to protect your privacy, and their advanced security features are a sweet bonus.

• Mullvad: Best for online privacy purists
• Proton VPN: Best all-in-one free and premium VPN
• Surfshark: Best for affordable security

Top 3 anonymous VPN services compared

VPN	Mullvad	Proton VPN	Surfshark
Starting price	Starts at $5.45/mo	Starts at Free	Starts at $1.99/mo
Headquarters	Sweden	Switzerland	The Netherlands
Latest security audit	2022, Assured AB	2022, Securitum	2022, Deloitte
Learn more	Get Mullvad	Get Proton VPN	Get Surfshark

Why should you use a no-logs VPN?

Navigating the internet anonymously can be tricky for people who still wish to roam the cyber jungle freely. That’s why it’s crucial to use a private VPN that encrypts your data. Only use VPNs that don’t keep logs as well and back up their zero-logs policy with audits and transparency reports. This is especially true for privacy evangelists and those with the following occupations:
Journalists

• Activists
• Whistleblowers
• Government employees
• Celebrities and influencers
• Military personnel
• Healthcare workers
• Finance and banking professionals
• IT and cybersecurity specialists
• Remote workers

VPNs are legal in most countries and are a great option for anyone who wants ultimate privacy on the internet. There are a variety of noteworthy reasons why using the best no-log VPN, which places privacy and security on a high pedestal, is essential for privacy-conscious individuals and those in sensitive lines of work.

• Conceals your IP address to maintain anonymity
• Keeps your browsing activity hidden from ISPs
• Stops malicious hackers from intercepting or snooping on your data
• Secures your online activity on public Wi-Fi networks (e.g., coffee shop, airport)
• Unblocks geo-restricted content and bypasses censorship
• Shields you from DDoS attacks, swatting, and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks
• Protects against targeted ads and tracking
• Evades government surveillance and censorship, such as the Great Firewall of China

Mullvad: Best for online privacy purists

4.3

Mullvad VPN Preserves Your Anonymity

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On Mullvad's website

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Mullvad

• Anonymity features, such as cash payments and no email required
• Never-changing price of about $5 per month
• Struggles with non-Netflix streaming platforms

What we liked

We verified that Mullvad is the best VPN for privacy purists thanks to its unwavering commitment to a strict no-logs policy and dedication to preserving user anonymity. Mullvad does this by enabling you to generate an account number without requiring your email address or username details when you sign up for its VPN. Pretty cool, right?

It also accepts privacy payment methods, such as sending cash through the mail (accompanied by a note with your private token), and accepting cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Monero.

One of Mullvad's standout features is its transparent pricing model, which offers a flat rate of €5 per month (about $5.45 per month at the time of writing) for all users, regardless of what payment method they choose. And the good news is you don’t have to commit to a monthly subscription and can pay as you go.

Also, Mullvad has strong security features, such as AES-256 encryption, WireGuard support, a kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, port forwarding, Shadowsocks proxy, and more.

Mullvad has some skin in the VPN game with its long history in the industry since 2009 and remains committed to privacy.

Mullvad has been around for more than a decade, has never handed over user information to authorities, and continues to perform regular security audits. This is a sigh of relief for many users. For instance, their latest security audit was performed by Assured AB in 2022, and shows the company’s commitment to user security.[1]

Finally, its no-logs policy means that Mullvad does not store any information about you or your online activities, nor does it share them, which allows you to browse the internet without leaving a digital footprint.

What we didn’t like

Even though Mullvad is highly rated for its privacy standards, there are a few drawbacks to its features. One of its biggest drawbacks is its smaller server count with a limited number of countries compared with other VPN services, which can impact its connection speeds in certain areas.

Additionally, its pricing is higher than that of Proton VPN (slightly) and Surfshark. It also lacks split tunneling for macOS or iOS, which can be a dealbreaker for some Apple users. Third, mobile users on Android and iOS don’t have multihop support or access to a Shadowsocks proxy.

Another downside to consider is that our testing showed that streaming works only with Netflix and not other streaming services, such as Hulu, Disney+, HBO, and more.

Plus, Mullvad supports up to five devices simultaneously, which may not be ideal for large households or those with several devices.

Furthermore, Mullvad is based in Sweden, which is a part of the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes alliances, and can be a concern for some even though the VPN service has never handed users’ information to authorities.

Lastly, Mullvad isn’t exactly your go-to knight in shining armor when it comes to 24/7 customer support. Email seems to be the only way to contact the company. Checking the help center is the only way to get answers to your questions.

Mullvad specs

Proton VPN: Best all-in-one free and premium VPN

4.9

Free or Paid, Proton VPN Protects Your Privacy

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On Proton VPN's website

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Proton VPN

• Easy to use
• A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

What we liked

We selected Proton VPN as the best no-logs VPN with high-speed servers (up to 10 Gbps) for those who seek a comprehensive VPN solution that prioritizes privacy.

Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a country notable for having the strongest privacy laws around the globe, and isn’t a part of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances. Also, in 2022, a third-party cybersecurity company, Securitum, conducted an independent audit of its no-logs policy, which it passed with flying colors.[2] But that’s just the icing on the cake.

There are more layers to Proton VPN’s benefits, such as its robust security features. It offers 10 Gbps high-speed servers in 67 countries for those on its Plus plan, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, Tor over VPN support, and Secure Core VPN servers that can prevent man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks by routing your traffic through multiple servers to ensure the highest level of security.

Proton VPN also shows its dedication to full transparency by openly sharing details about legal orders it’s received and allowing third-party independent audits of its no-logs policy. It also participates in a bug bounty program.

Another feature we appreciated about Proton VPN is that it lets you watch Netflix and supports other streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, which Mullvad lacked. This gives you more access to geo-restricted content.

Finally, the Proton VPN app is provided for a medley of platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, which makes it a versatile option if you own multiple devices.

What we didn’t like

Despite its many strengths, there are a few areas where Proton VPN falls short. One concern is that the free version comes with limitations, such as slower speeds, access to servers in only three countries (the U.S., the Netherlands, and Japan), and no specialty servers for streaming. These restrictions might make the free version less appealing if you require more versatility and faster speeds.

Additionally, some users reported slow speeds as well as inconsistent connection speeds on long-distance servers, which can be frustrating, especially for those who rely on VPNs for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming and gaming. (Even so, Proton VPN is one of our top picks for gaming VPNs.)

Although Proton VPN offers a robust set of features for both free and premium users, these drawbacks are worth considering when choosing the best no-logs VPN for your needs.

Proton VPN specs

Surfshark: Best for security without a hefty price tag

4.9

Surfshark Is Budget- and Privacy-Friendly

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• VPN technology offering stability and speed
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

What we liked

We took a deep dive into Surfshark, and we couldn't help but be impressed by the value it offers in terms of its security features and support for unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it excellent for budget-conscious people and large families who can’t afford to spend a fortune.

Surfshark stands firm in its commitment to a strict no-logs policy, which ensures users' digital footprints remain safely hidden. In fact, Surfshark's adherence to this policy was independently verified by Deloitte, a renowned auditing firm, adding another level of assurance.[3]

When it comes to security-rich features, Surfshark doesn't disappoint. It comes packed with powerful features such as AES-256 encryption, WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec protocols, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop for double-encrypting your connection (also called a double VPN). It also uses only RAM servers, which means each VPN server runs on the most recent software version, doesn’t store any data, and is consistently wiped clean.

Surfshark's extensive network of global servers helps you bypass geo-restrictions and seamlessly browse the web or stream content around the world. Plus, it accepts cryptocurrency payments via CoinGate for those who value privacy even when paying for services, and provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. With an ocean of great features, Surfshark has sailed its way to earning another privacy brownie point from us.

What we didn’t like

Despite its impressive balance of security and affordability, Surfshark isn't without a few minor drawbacks. It’s based in the Netherlands, which means it is part of the 9 Eyes alliance. But although it is part of this alliance, there have been no reports that its users’ data has been collected, stored, or shared with other governments that are affiliated with the alliance.

We also wish Surfshark’s antivirus and identity theft monitoring features didn’t cost extra as an add-on when you purchase a VPN plan.

Moreover, while Surfshark offers a strong lineup of features, it may not be the ultimate choice for every use case. For example, hardcore privacy purists might lean toward a provider like Mullvad, which goes the extra mile in terms of account creation and privacy-oriented payment options.

Nonetheless, for the average person seeking a rich blend of privacy, security, and affordability, Surfshark remains a smooth and sound option.

Surfshark recently updated its privacy policy to note that it processes your email address when you use its dedicated IP service. This means certain online activities are traceable back to your account info — but you can avoid this. by choosing the anonymous dedicated IP option after you complete the installation process.

Surfshark specs

VPNs that didn’t make the cut

Although Mullvad, Proton VPN, and Surfshark were chosen as our top three picks, other VPNs such as Private Internet Access (PIA), ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PureVPN, and CyberGhost vied for the top spots but didn’t quite make the cut. A few were close runners-up, however. The rest of the contenders fell short for a few reasons, which we’ll cover below.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access was a close runner-up with its robust security and privacy features, high-speed servers, and affordable pricing. It also has a good reputation for adhering to its strict no-logs policy and was named one of our top VPNs.

And yes, it was a tough call for us, but we decided to pass the torch to Surfshark instead because PIA didn’t have as many features as Surfshark. It also lacked advanced features such as multihop and SecureCore servers, which were offered by our top picks.

Also, PIA is headquartered in the U.S. and part of the 5 Eyes Alliance, which raises some concerns regarding data privacy. Although it has a long history of not handing over users’ information to authorities, the company may be required to share user data with authorities if prompted to do so.

Additionally, Kape Technologies (previously Crossrider), which has a history of involvement in adware and browser hijacking, owns it. This may make some of us uncomfortable using this VPN.

Read Our PIA Review

NordVPN and ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN and NordVPN were close runners-up too due to the robust security features they both offered, such as military-grade encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and more. Both VPNs are also headquartered in privacy-friendly countries — ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and NordVPN is based in Panama.

Unfortunately, they didn't quite make the cut due to being limited to five or six devices and reaching as high as about $16 per month (NordVPN) and about $13 per month (ExpressVPN). (Both offer discounted one-year and two-year plans, however.) Furthermore, Kape Technologies is also the owner of ExpressVPN, which may raise some privacy concerns for some users.

It’s worth noting that ExpressVPN offers the largest variety of VPN apps, including apps for Linux, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even your router.

Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Read Our NordVPN Review

PureVPN

PureVPN, a well-known player in the VPN market, touts itself as a provider of robust security features and privacy protection. With more than 6,500 servers in more than 70+ countries, it certainly has the network to back up its claims.

PureVPN also offers 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, WireGuard support, and more, which help protect your privacy and enhance your security.

However, PureVPN didn't make it into our top three list for a couple of reasons. Despite the company's claims to maintain a no-logs policy, there was a reported instance in 2017 where user logs were provided to authorities, creating doubts about the integrity of those claims. Additionally, it was headquartered in Hong Kong before moving to the British Virgin Islands in 2021, which might be a concern for users who are wary of potential surveillance from Chinese authorities.

Read Our PureVPN Review

CyberGhost

CyberGhost, a Romania-based VPN provider, offers users notable privacy features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. With more than 7,000 servers in overn 90 countries, CyberGhost provides an extensive range of connection options. However, not all aspects of the service are as impressive as they may seem.

Despite Romania’s non-involvement in the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes alliances — and the fact that CyberGhost recently had a privacy audit conducted by Deloitte Romania — it still didn't make it to our top three VPN list.

Our tests showed that the service's connection was unreliable and that its server speeds were slower than those of our top picks. Additionally, we had trouble connecting to Netflix on different servers, and streaming speeds were subpar. Finally, the acquisition of CyberGhost by Kape Technologies might also be a deal breaker for some.

Read Our CyberGhost Review

Best no-logs VPNs FAQs

Bottom line: The best anonymous VPNs

We’ve evaluated several VPNs and determined that the best anonymous VPNs that adhere to a strict no-logs policy for utmost privacy are Mullvad, Proton VPN, and Surfshark. They offer top-notch features for security and privacy, are located in privacy-friendly countries, and have had audits of their no-logs policy to verify their claims.

Although some contenders like PIA, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN were close runner-ups, and PureVPN and CyberGhost fell further behind, they didn’t make our top three list due to slightly higher prices, limited device support, past privacy issues, or slower speeds.

3 best VPNs for privacy

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
Mullvad	$5.45/mo	Best for online privacy purists	Get Mullvad Read Our Mullvad Review
Proton VPN	Starts at Free	Best all-in-one free and premium VPN	Get Proton VPN Read Our Proton VPN Review
Surfshark	Starts at $1.99/mo	Best for affordable security	Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review

How we tested the best no-logs VPNs

We spent hours evaluating several VPNs to come up with our conclusion on the best VPNs with a no-logs policy that keep your online privacy as safe as a hidden vault and security as strong as a wall of bricks. We put our contenders to the test and determined the best no-logs VPNs by checking if they met the following criteria:

• Adheres to a strict no-logs policy
• Conducts independent audits
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
• No history of breaking privacy
• Strong encryption standards
• Speed and reliability
• Advanced security features (e.g., kill switch)
• Multiple devices supported
• Reasonable pricing

In summary, after testing several VPNs and evaluating their no-log policies and audits, we have determined our top picks are Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and Surfshark. Each of these VPN clients offers robust privacy features, great security, and is reasonably priced.

To learn more about alternative VPN options, read more about the best VPN services.

4.3

Learn More

On Mullvad's website

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Mullvad

• Anonymity features, such as cash payments and no email required
• Never-changing price of about $5 per month
• Struggles with non-Netflix streaming platforms

Author Details

Mars Groves

About the Author

Mars is a cybersecurity professional and writer based in California. He serves as an Advisory Board Member for WEBGAP, specializing in browser isolation.