10 best no-logs VPNs to use in 2021 | Zero-logs and no tracking

Looking for a VPN that won’t track and store data on you? Many VPNs claim to keep no logs on their users, but what does that really mean? In this guide, we take a look at VPN zero-logs claims and which VPN services truly keep no logs.

What are the best no-logs VPNs?

These are the best VPNs that do not keep logs or track users:

1. 
   ExpressVPN
   
   – The best no-logs VPN. This top-tier provider takes security seriously, combining zero-logs, strong encryption, & privacy features.
2. 
   NordVPN
   
   – is a great no logs VPN that is cocked full of security features
3. 
   CyberGhost VPN
   
   – A no-logs VPN that is really easy to use. It offers great mobile apps that provide the same great protection for Android and iOS.
4. 
   Private Internet Access
   
   – One of the most secure no logs VPNs on our list. PIA has proven its zero-logs claim in court, repeatedly!
5. 
   ProtonVPN
   
   – A secure VPN that promises to keep no logs. From the brains behind ProtonMail, this VPN has a privacy pedigree, so you’re in safe hands.

Try ExpressVPN our #1 no-logs VPN pick

See full list & analysis

VPNs are extremely versatile tools that are useful for many things. This includes things like watching US Netflix from abroad, defeating state censorship, overcoming blocks at work, and preventing tracking by websites and commercial WiFi hosts.

But, most importantly, VPNs are primarily used to provide privacy while online. And if you value your privacy, then you’ll want a VPN that doesn’t keep logs.

Unfortunately, the term “no-logs VPN” and “zero-logs VPN” are often abused by VPN providers as a marketing gimmick and cause misunderstandings with customers. The term has regrettably been watered down so much over time that it’s become difficult to know which VPN providers truly uphold their no-logs claims.

For this reason, we have put this guide together to examine what VPN providers really mean when they say they keep no logs and discuss why and when such claims can be trusted. We have also included in this guide our list of recommended no-logs VPN providers that we know can be trusted to never keep logs of what their users do online.

For a provider to be eligible for recommendation in our top no-logs VPN list, we first have to confirm that the provider is truthful in its no-logs claims. After we have confirmed this, we also check that the service provides:

• Privacy and security
• Speeds fast enough for streaming, gaming, and downloading
• Good value for money

Now that we have covered the criteria for our list, let’s take a close look at our top no-logs VPN recommendations.

The best no-logs VPNs in 2021

Want to know which VPNs offer the best no-logs service in 2021? Look no further! Below, you’ll find our in-depth analysis. Keep reading for all the details, or visit our comprehensive VPN review pages for even more information.

ExpressVPN is our #1 no-logs VPN provider. This service has your privacy built into it with excellent features designed to protect your privacy online.

• Pricing

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  ^$6.67 –
  ^$12.95

• Independently audited?

ExpressVPN leads the pack when it comes to being no-logs, keeping only minimal anonymous usage statistics. It’s worth noting that no timestamps or IP addresses are included in this data. This makes ExpressVPN a no-logs service for all intents and purposes – and a superb one at that!  The ridiculously fast performance is ExpressVPN’s headline act, but fantastic 24/7 live chat customer support, 5 simultaneous connections, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing support certainly sweeten the deal.

If privacy is your main concern, rest assured that ExpressVPN offers robust encryption standards to keep hackers at bay. This, in combination with what is, in effect, a no-logs policy, means that the company will have nothing useful whatsoever to hand over to authorities, should it ever be forced to.

ExpressVPN has servers in a whopping 94 countries around the world – and they all provide lightning-fast connection speeds, ideal for streaming, and a huge draw for anyone looking to bypass pesky geo-restrictions. Users in China will particularly appreciate ExpressVPN’s “stealth” servers in Hong Kong. There’s also a free Smart DNS service included with all subscriptions that’ll ensure your Netflix binge-watching runs smoothly!

Features are easy to navigate using the desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, the sleek apps for Android and iOS, or the custom router firmware. It’s pretty easy to see why ExpressVPN impressed our experts and remains one of our most popular providers to date, but don’t just take our word for it; try ExpressVPN today with a 30-day, no-quibble, money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is ideal for anybody wanting a no logs VPN that is feature rich

• Pricing

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  ^$3.71 –
  ^$11.95

• Independently audited?

NordVPN is a no-logs VPN provider based in Panama. This alone makes it one of the best VPN choices available for privacy fanatics, as it puts it comfortably outside the direct influence of both the NSA and copyright holders. It backs up this privacy-friendly stance by using great encryption and accepting potentially anonymous payment in bitcoins. 

Alongside peer-to-peer (P2P) permission and obfsproxy technology to defeat censorship, one thing that sets NordVPN apart from the competition is its all-inclusive feature-set. The newly-launched NordPass helps you keep track of your passwords, even generating stronger ones to replace debatably weaker, memorable variants. Although I have to be convinced of its utility, many also value NordVPN’s support for “double-hop” VPN chaining (which essentially routes traffic through two servers rather than one).

Try it now, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost is a no-logs VPN that is a joy to use. If you want a truly secure VPN service combined with a sleek, easy to use app, look no further.

• Pricing

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  ^$2.81 –
  ^$13.47

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

CyberGhost VPN combines fully-featured software with incredible ease-of-use, and you’ll be able to enjoy up to 7 simultaneous connections with just one subscription. What’s more, CyberGhost employs military-grade encryption to keep its users’ data and VPN sessions secure. The unflinching combination of AES 256-bit encryption and the OpenVPN protocol means any sensitive information disclosed online will remain completely private.

Being based in Romania is another huge draw for CyberGhost VPN, as well as its robust no-logs policy. Some minimal statistics are kept, like are with ExpressVPN, but again, no timestamps or IPs are ever recorded, presenting no threat to a user’s privacy.

We’d recommend making the most of CyberGhost’s generous 45-day money-back guarantee. During this trial period, you’ll be able to check out all the most in-demand streaming services without restrictions, speedy servers in 90 countries, and a whole host of security features – kill-switch and P2P support included! Additionally, 24/7 live chat customer service is at hand if you have any burning questions.

Private Internet Access is the best no-logs VPN as voted by Reddit. What’s more, it has even had to opportunity to prove it no-logs status in court! Not many VPNs can make that claim.

• Pricing

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  ^$2.84 –
  ^$11.00

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is based in the US, so it is not a provider for the more NSA-phobic out there. However, it keeps no logs, which is a claim that it has proven in court! It is not common to have such definite proof that the VPN does what it says it does when it comes to logs, so well done PIA!

And although optional and highly customizable, its security can be first-rate when set to its maximum efficacy. Its desktop software supports multiple security options, a VPN kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and port forwarding.

PIA permits up to 10 simultaneous connections and has thousands of servers located in over 76 countries worldwide that all boast excellent connection speeds. You can give PIA a shot completely risk-free thanks to its generous 30-day money-back guarantee. 

ProtonVPN is a secure no-logs VPN from the developers of ProtonMail. Built with privacy and security in mind, this service has somehow managed to balance this out with great speeds.

• Free option

  Yes

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  ^$3.29 –
  ^$5.00

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

ProtonVPN is a superb no-logs VPN that is run by the same people behind the popular secure email service, ProtonMail. As well as having a free version with limited bandwidth, ProtonVPN has a full unlimited premium service. Servers are located in 44 countries, and they all provide fast speeds for streaming and completing other data-intensive tasks.

The software is available for all platforms and can be used on 5 devices simultaneously. The VPN is also fully-featured with a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, Tor through VPN, and a Secure Core network. When it comes to logs, Proton keeps no usage logs whatsoever, no IP logs, and the last login time is overwritten on each new connection. All of this makes Proton an excellent VPN for privacy, and truly one of the best no-logs providers on the market today.

VyprVPN is a zero-logs VPN service with an audit to prove it. If privacy is your #1 concern, you might like to know VyprVPN runs its own server network & offers unique Chameleon obfuscation technology.

• Pricing

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  ^$2.50 –
  ^$12.95

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

Previously, VyprVPN was based in the US, and well known for owning its own server network infrastructure, as well as its Chameleon stealth technology – a reportedly effective method of unblocking the internet in China.

There was a problem, however. VyprVPN kept quite detailed connection logs, and despite being a highly competitive service, it was difficult to recommend it because of this. Everything changed in 2018, however, when VyprVPN and its parent company, Golden Frog, physically relocated to Switzerland.

At the same time, VyprVPN went fully “no-logs”. This would be good but fairly unremarkable in itself, as there are plenty of no-logs VPN services out there these days. What makes VyprVPN stand out is that it is one of the only VPN companies we know of to have its no-logs claims (not just its software) independently audited by a third party. 

You can check out Levitation’s detailed VyprVPN No Log Assessment report for yourself, and VyprVPN says that it will commission more of these to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to keeping no logs. 

VyprVPN otherwise uses robust technical security and, because it wholly owns its entire network of servers, there is no need to worry about logs kept by third-party server centers.

Surfshark is a relative newcomer to the list, but this provider knows the value of a no-logs policy. What’s more, this VPN is packed full of features that will help keep you secure online.

• Pricing

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  ^$2.49 –
  ^$12.95

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

Surfshark is a provider that has only been around for a few years. However, in that short amount of time, it has quickly risen to be a consumer favorite in the VPN world. This is due to the fact that this VPN is a superb all-rounder that caters to everybody’s needs.

The VPN provides a watertight no-logs privacy policy, and it implements robust OpenVPN encryption across all platforms. To ensure you never leak data to your ISP, this VPN has a kill-switch and DNS leak protection. And, thanks to its obfuscated servers, this VPN is well-suited for torrenting. Plus, Surfshark unblocks some of the most popular streaming services around the world, such as Netflix US and BBC iPlayer.

An incredible VPN that can be installed and used on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Well worth testing using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

IPVanish is a trusted no-logs VPN provider. It earned a spot on our list by balancing fast speeds with genuinely impressive levels of privacy and security.

• Pricing

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  ^$6.49 –
  ^$10.00

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider that is trusted by consumers worldwide thanks to its watertight no-logs policy. This ensures that even if it is approached by copyright holders, government authorities – or any other third party – it never has any records about what its users did online on its network.

With IPVanish, you get solid apps for all platforms that have useful advanced VPN features such as a kill-switch and obfuscation. This makes the VPN suitable for sensitive tasks such as torrenting. And because this provider has servers in over 75 countries, you can easily use it to bypass government censorship or to access geo-restricted content from all over the world.

We love how easy this VPN is to use, and the fact that you can test it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Hide.me keeps zero-logs and is based in Malaysia with an advanced feature set, so you know you’ll be in safe hands with this choice.

• Pricing

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  ^$2.43 –
  ^$12.95

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

Hide.me is a VPN provider from Malaysia that is perfect for anybody who cares about privacy and security. The VPN has a lot of advanced features that ensure your data is always protected.

And you know this VPN never stores any records of what its users do online thanks to the robust no-logs policy. Hide.me has apps for all platforms with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, and full IPv6 compatibility. Plus, Hide.me provides port forwarding for torrenting. Admittedly, though, Hide.me does not unblock some sought-after streaming services – such as iPlayer and Netflix US. That means that this a VPN that is primarily useful for privacy and security rather than for unblocking content.

That said, for those who need that added privacy, this is a service that comes heavily recommended. You can compare it against any other service yourself, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

StrongVPN is a service with a solid no-logging policy. It is based in the US, which may concern some, but with a strong emphasis on privacy, there are no alarm bells here for us.

• Pricing

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  ^$5.83 –
  ^$10.00

• IPv4/6 leak detected?

• Independently audited?

• Website tracking?

StrongVPN is a secure VPN provider that implements a trustworthy no-logs policy. It has apps for all platforms that have the features you need to stay secure online. This includes a kill-switch and DNS leak protection.

With StrongVPN you’ll also get access to a free Smart DNS service thrown in for free, which can help you unblock even more geo-restricted content from around the globe. We love that this VPN lets consumers run the software on up to 12 devices simultaneously, which makes it an ideal no-logs VPN for larger families or users with lots of devices.

And StrongVPN provides amazing speeds for downloading torrents or streaming in HD. Well worth testing using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

What are VPN logs?

Simply put, VPN logs are a record of customers’ activity while using a VPN service. But not all logs are necessarily bad, or harmful, to users, and the reality is that it’s all but impossible for a VPN to keep no logs at all. Even the strictest no-logs providers need a way of knowing when customer subscriptions have expired and when they require renewal, for example.

We take a closer look at the different types of logs that  VPN service might keep, below. We’ll also discuss whether these logs are normal and necessary to keep the service functioning, or if they are, in fact, a risk to a users’ privacy.

Types of VPN logs

The kinds of logs either an ISP or VPN service can keep about users’ internet usage (not including customer account information) can be broadly divided into two types of VPN logs: usage logs and connection logs.

Usage logs

Usage logs make up a record of the websites you visit, basically. ISPs frequently keep these sorts of records and are often even required by law to do so – though these requirements will usually come with a set time limit for how long the logs should be kept.

No VPN services openly admit to keeping usage logs, despite the fact that the claim sometimes contradicts the laws of the country in which they’re based. For example…

Connection logs

Connection logs are also known as metadata logs, although the UK government abuses this term by classing web browsing history as “metadata”.

A full set of connection logs includes the following information:

Crucially, these logs do not include websites you connect to (unless you are the UK government). Though they provide more than enough information to risk compromising your privacy.

The danger connection logs pose should not be underestimated. Every known case where somebody was caught performing criminal activities while using a VPN to conceal the fact, was because of VPN providers analyzing its connections logs and handing over the results to the police.

Note: Unscrupulous VPN services can claim to be “no-logs” providers because they do not collect usage logs. However, they actually log a lot of connection information, and we consider these claims entirely misleading.

Real-time logs

It’s important to understand that all networks generate logs in real-time as a necessary byproduct of their operation – VPNs included. However, these logs still exist even if they’re instantly deleted (e.g. are sent directly to a /dev/null file).

This means they can always be monitored as they are created (i.e. in real-time). Even the strictest no-logs VPN service will monitor logs in real-time when network issues need to be resolved or abuse identified. 

Most “no-logs” VPNs keep these real-time logs for a short time, which is understandable since having some information about their own systems help VPN companies provide the services they provide.

We consider this to be perfectly acceptable within reason. If real-time logs are only kept for a few minutes or deleted the moment a session ends, then it only poses a negligible risk to a users’ privacy, and shouldn’t really be cause for concern.

Server Logs

Almost all VPN companies rent servers from third-party server providers. So, even if the VPN provider keeps no logs, it is likely that the server centers in which the VPN servers are located do. Unlike VPN companies, server centers have no obligation to protect users’ privacy.

This isn’t ideal, regardless of how you view the situation. A good VPN company that truly cares about the privacy of its users can still do a great deal to mitigate the problem, though.

Server logs are an issue that certainly needs consideration, but it’s the logs that are kept (or that can be kept) by a VPN provider that pose the greatest privacy threat to its users. Therefore, the jurisdiction in which a VPN company is based can have a huge impact on its ability to protect your privacy.

What is a no-logs (zero-logs) VPN?

So, we’ve come to the burning question – and there’s indeed a great deal of disagreement surrounding it! Can a VPN truly call itself no-logs if it deletes all logs a few minutes after a session ends? What about if it logs timestamps and bandwidth, but does not associate any of this data with users’ IP addresses or account details? Do anonymized and aggregated usage statistics count as logs? These questions are by no means simple to answer but must be considered carefully when establishing what actually constitutes a genuine no-logs VPN service.

As far as ProPrivacy.com is concerned, a no-logs VPN is a VPN service that keeps no identifiable logs that can be used to tie a customer to their internet activity when using the VPN service. 

Similarly, if some logs are kept, but for so short a time that we can’t really see how they could be used to compromise a user’s privacy, then we are also happy to classify a VPN as “no-logs.”

Why should I use a no-logs VPN?

Your internet provider (ISP) keeps detailed records of how you interact with its service. When you use a VPN, your internet provider is blocked from seeing the content of your data (because it is encrypted), and what you get up to on the internet (as this is shielded by the VPN server, which acts as a proxy).

Your VPN provider, however, can now see this information instead. This includes the IP addresses of individual web pages and even the contents of your data on sites that are not protected by HTTPS. 

Unlike ISPs, which are often required to hand over their logs to the government, almost every VPN service promises to protect your privacy, at least to some extent. But only a no-logs VPN can really be trusted to keep such a promise when push comes to shove, simply because it cannot hand over information that it plainly doesn’t have…

Will a VPN that keeps no-logs make me anonymous?

No. A VPN provides its users with privacy, not anonymity. This is a crucial distinction that needs to be made, and it’s actually a common misconception that VPNs offer anonymity. That’s not what they’re actually providing. No matter its usual logging policy, a VPN can start logging at any time and begin matching users with their internet activity. Unfortunately, many VPN services are not always entirely honest about the logs they keep when it comes to historical data, too.

A good VPN will provide a high level of privacy and protection against a wealth of blanket internet surveillance with the least impact on your own personal experience. A VPN will also keep you out of trouble when torrenting, but you should not rely on them to protect you if you commit a serious crime.

Journalists, political dissidents, whistleblowers, and those whose life or liberty relies on true anonymity should use Tor instead.

Logging can always be turned on

A VPN provider may be forced to begin keeping real-time logs, instead of discarding them, no matter how fanatical it is about privacy. And if put under enough pressure, it will. Nobody working for a VPN provider will want to risk going to jail just to protect your criminal activities, after all!

So why all the fuss about using a no-logs VPN?

Generally speaking, a VPN’s no-logs policy is more concerned with professionalism than an absolute guarantee that you’ll never get into trouble.

If a VPN service has promised to improve its users’ privacy, then it should be designed from the ground up to do just that. Keeping no logs that can compromise users’ privacy is one of the most basic building blocks of any such design.

Logs are the antithesis of privacy. A VPN that keeps logs has no business claiming it can protect your privacy when using the service.

How to be sure your VPN doesn’t keep logs

At the present time, we simply have to take providers at their word or pay attention to the increasing number of independent audits that set out to test this. Here at ProPrivacy.com, we hope such audits become common throughout the industry as they have the potential to establish a level of transparency that frankly does not exist today.

Always read the VPN’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policies

Checking the ToS and Privacy Policies of any VPN you consider using is an important step. A lot of VPNs will be happy to make bold and generalized “no-logs” claims on their home page, but will be quick to qualify these claims in the small print.

Take a look at our full VPN reviews, in which our experts review each VPN providers’ ToS and Privacy Policies so you don’t have to!

Warrant Canaries

Warrants and court orders requiring companies to hand over customer details are usually accompanied by gag orders, which prevent the company from alerting its customers that something is amiss.

In order to reassure customers that something like this has not happened to them, some VPNs operate warrant canaries. For a detailed discussion on what these are and whether they are effective, please see Are Warrant Canaries Useful?

Are there free no-logs VPNs?

You’ll find a lot of zero-logs VPNs offering a free option. Be wary, though. These services often come with limitations that their premium counterparts lack. Expect sluggish speeds and a reduced selection of servers. Unfortunately, this means unblocking videos abroad, torrenting and online gaming is off the table.

However, if you are just after a VPN to keep you secure while browsing the web, then a free VPN might be the answer.

The best free no-logs VPNs

Below we have listed some free VPN services that we know don’t keep any logs. But, if you decide to pick another free service, we recommend you exercise extreme caution. Many free services claim to be secure, but they are often anything but.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a no-logs VPN from the makers of ProtonMail, so the company has pedigree when it comes to privacy. The company is based in Switzerland and it operates a fast service with servers located all around the globe. Although, on the free plan you may find speeds become restricted at peak times.

To learn more, check out our ProtonVPN review.

Try ProtonVPNs free plan >>

Hide.me

Hide.me is a Malaysian-based zero-logs VPN provider that offers feature-rich apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. So, it’s the perfect pick if you want to protect several devices at once. On the free plan, you get a 10GB allowance each month and the choice of 5 free servers.

To learn more, check out our Hide.me review.

Try Hide.me free plan >>

Windscribe

Windscribe is a Canadian provider with easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, including a browser extension for Chrome, making everyday browsing a real breeze. On the free plan, you get a 10GB monthly data allowance and 11 free servers.

To learn more, check out our Windscribe review.

Try Windscribe free plan >>

No log VPN overview

There are no guarantees, but you can generally assume that a no-logs VPN cares a great deal more about your privacy than a provider that does keep logs. No-logs VPNs will go the extra mile to protect your privacy – which is more than can be said for your ISP – and most will go even further in this regard than necessary.

A key part of which, when it comes to VPNs, is keeping no logs that can compromise its users’ privacy. If you need a very high level of anonymity, then use Tor, but the rest of us are spoiled for a choice when it comes to great no-logs VPN services…

Conclusion

Now that you are armed with all the information you need about VPN logs, and which providers promise not to keep any, let’s review our top picks:

1. 
   ExpressVPN
   
   – The best no-logs VPN. This top-tier provider takes security seriously, combining zero-logs, strong encryption, & privacy features.
2. 
   NordVPN
   
   – is a great no logs VPN that is cocked full of security features
3. 
   CyberGhost VPN
   
   – A no-logs VPN that is really easy to use. It offers great mobile apps that provide the same great protection for Android and iOS.
4. 
   Private Internet Access
   
   – One of the most secure no logs VPNs on our list. PIA has proven its zero-logs claim in court, repeatedly!
5. 
   ProtonVPN
   
   – A secure VPN that promises to keep no logs. From the brains behind ProtonMail, this VPN has a privacy pedigree, so you’re in safe hands.

FAQs