Do all VPNs keep logs?

There is no entirely no-logs VPN. Most providers will store unidentifiable information such as data usage and connection timestamp. This data cannot be used to identify you or trace your browsing activities. Instead, providers use it to run operations and improve services. Therefore, you should only be concerned if your VPN keeps identifiable information like your IP address and the sites you visit. Luckily, the VPNs featured on this list have a no-logs policy. Some even support anonymous payments through cryptocurrency.

What is the benefit of an independent audit?

As mentioned, some VPNs use independent auditing firms to verify their security features and privacy policy. The firms thoroughly assess and examine the VPN for leaks and weaknesses. They then release an unbiased report about the VPN service.

How will we know whether the VPN is keeping logs?

Check if your VPN is keeping logs in its privacy policy. It should clearly state the information the provider stores. The downside is that many VPNs lie about their logging practices and might be storing your data. Fortunately, the VPNs we recommend in this guide have a proven record of the no-logs policy.

What types of logs should I be concerned with?

Your online activity logs are the ones you should be worried about. They include search queries, web history, etc., that can be used to monitor your activities. You should avoid any VPN that logs any of your identifiable information. The other logs you should consider are the metadata. These include your IP address, connection timestamp, and IP address of the server you connect to. The information can be used to identify you and trace your online activities.Last but not least is the diagnostic logs. That is the information the VPN provider uses to run the network and improve the services. The data collected include the date (not time), amount of data transferred, and the last location connected.

Do free VPNs keep logs?

There are thousands of free VPNs on the market, but we advise you to avoid them altogether. First of all, many of them don't have a clear-cut logging policy. Some have been caught red-handed collecting and selling users' information. Moreover, they use inferior security features, exposing your data and activities to all sundry.

Will I get in trouble with authorities for using a VPN?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries around the world. Not unless you live somewhere like China and Belarus, where you can get into hot waters by using a VPN. These countries ban VPN usage and have heavy internet surveillance. That said, a VPN will not protect you from doing illegal activities, no matter where you live. It should be a way to maintain your online security and privacy, but not for unlawful purposes.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

Although VPNs are privacy tools, they are helpful in many other ways. Connecting to a server in another country can bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite content. For instance, you can connect to US servers to unblock Netflix US. In addition, a VPN will also offer protection if you use a public Wi-Fi hotspot frequently to access the internet.

Are no-logs VPNs legal?

Yes, they are entirely legal in all countries where VPNs are permitted unless the providers are headquartered in a country with mandatory data retention policies. Since most no-logs VPNs are based in privacy-friendly regions, they are not bound to retain data and fall into legal controversy.

Why do VPNs keep data logs?

VPN providers usually need to maintain user logs for service performance and maintenance issues. For instance, they must log the subscribers' payment information for subscription processing. Likewise, they need to collect general browsing patterns and other non-identifiable information for service improvements and marketing purposes.

Is it safe to use a no-logs VPN?

Yes, VPNs with a demonstrated and strict no-logs policy are safe. They ensure that your information and browsing data remain private, keeping online trackers, hackers, and surveillance entities at bay.

Can I get hacked with a no-logs VPN?

VPN isn't a fool-proof anti-hacking solution. So, even when using a no-logs VPN, you may face a hacking attack. However, using a VPN minimizes the risk of such attacks via IP tracking since it masks your real IP. Moreover, it encrypts your data in transit, alleviating the sudden exposure of your sensitive details to prying eyes. However, it cannot protect you from cyber threats happening via other means, such as malware attacks or phishing.

The 10 Best No-logs VPNs to Use in 2023 (Goodbye Tracking)

Sneak peek at no-logs VPNs

Though VPNs should protect your online privacy, their entire purpose fails when you fall for a data-logging VPN. And unfortunately, that’s what most VPNs (primarily free VPNs and some paid VPNs) do today for monetization. So, if you want to genuinely enjoy a private internet experience without fearing online tracking, intrusive ads, and government surveillance, you must use a VPN that implements a strict no-logs policy. That’s what this detailed guide elaborates on – the best no-logs VPNs.

The internet is unsafe, with threats emerging from every direction. A VPN is a one-stop solution as it will protect your data and activities from internet providers, hackers, and governments.

Almost all VPNs work by encrypting your traffic and routing it through secure servers before it reaches its destination. So even if your connection is intercepted, the traffic will seem to originate from the VPN server rather than your device.

Nothing stops a provider from logging your data and recording your activities. Therefore, choose a VPN with a no-logs policy if you value your privacy. We thoroughly researched over 50 services to find the 10 with a valid zero-logs policy.

Short on time right now? These are the top 3 logless VPNs

ExpressVPN – Our top recommended no-logs VPN. Strict no-logs policy, fast speed servers, robust security, incredible unblocking capability.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Double encryption mode, automatic kill switch, does not keep logs of users’ data, largest server network.
NordVPN – Strong emphasis on privacy and security, budget-friendly, 30-day money-back guarantee.

And 7 more | The evaluation criteria | FAQs

What is a zero-logs VPN?

Is there an utterly no-logs VPN? It is a very controversial question with varied answers. For example, can a VPN service provider be truly zero-logs if it stores logs for a few minutes before deleting them? Or else, what about keeping data on bandwidth and timestamp and not identifiable information like IP address? Also, do aggregate and anonymized usage data count as logs?

These are some critical questions you should ask yourself when choosing a VPN. Dig deeper into its privacy policy to see whether it is a genuinely no-logs policy. Some providers have undergone independent audits by reputable firms to verify the no-logs policy. For example, ExpressVPN has recently published its audit by renowned cybersecurity firm Cure53.

Advantages of anonymous VPNs

Without a VPN (Virtual Private Network), your internet service provider can see and record your online activities. However, a VPN will encrypt your traffic and route it through protected servers. As a result, it will shield your ISP from accessing your private information and what you do on the internet.

While the VPN will protect you from your ISP and other third parties, the provider will see your information instead. That also includes identifiable data such as your IP address, the web pages you visit, and more.

Fortunately, many providers guarantee to protect your privacy, unlike ISPs that must surrender logs to government authorities. However, you can only trust a no-log VPN to maintain security. That is because there will be no information to hand over when push comes to shove.

Best no-logs VPNs today – Detailed list

1. ExpressVPN

This veteran BVI-based VPN is known for ensuring users’ security and anonymity. It had a rigid no-logs policy since beginning, which it now has jazzed up with a RAM-only network.

Visit ExpressVPN

More than 3,000 VPN servers spread in 94 countries

Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption

Stealth protection for DNS leak

P2P sharing allowed

Boasts Network-lock feature

No data retention at all

Reliable TrustedServer technology

Tor compatibility

Owns Split tunneling feature

Allows up to ten device connections

Money-return policy of 30 days

Pros

Strict zero-logs policy
Easily bypasses geo-blocks
Reliable customer support

Cons

Slightly pricier than rivals

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN with a truly no-log policy. To verify its no-logs claims, it performs independent audits by renowned audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and reputable cybersecurity company Cure53.

The only data the company stores is the information you provide when signing up, like your email and payment information. You can even pay with cryptocurrency if you require more privacy since the transaction will not be traceable. Also, you can create a new email account instead of your personal email address.

ExpressVPN has TrustedServer technology for improved security. It ensures that the servers run on RAM and cannot store any data.

The VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption on every connection to ensure no one will tamper with your information. On top of the stealthy protection, it employs 4096-bit encryption, SHA-512 HMAC authentication, and perfect forward secrecy for additional security.

ExpressVPN offers multiple protocols. It has made OpenVPN UDP the default, but you can also opt for OpenVPN TCP, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP depending on your connection. Want to know more? Check out our VPN protocols guide.