For countless online consumers, the best VPN for privacy is quickly becoming a must-have. As data leaks, phishing scams, and other security issues become more prominent in the digital world, defending your personal information has never been more important.
VPNs aren’t just useful tools for bypassing geographic restrictions on streaming tools. They’re also fantastic resources for enhancing your online security. By altering your IP address and encrypting your traffic, the best VPN for privacy and security helps to protect your data.
However, not every VPN is as private as it claims to be. There are many options out there that lack adequate protection against the leak of personally identifiable information (PII). Plus, some are subject to auditing and compliance rules which require them to log your information for government bodies and other entities.
We’ve scoured through some of the most reputable VPNs on the market to bring you this list of the top performers in terms of privacy and security.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Privacy and Security
To find the best VPN for privacy and security, you need to know exactly what you’re looking for. Various factors can influence just how “private” a VPN solution is. For instance, VPNs located in countries like the US and Europe are subject to data retention laws, which means they’re more likely to manage logs of your data and track your browsing history.
There are also some simpler VPNs that lack crucial features designed to protect your privacy, such as advanced security features and protected servers. To select our top picks for the most private VPN options, we examined the following:
- Logging policies: A proven no-logs policy is a must if you want a truly private VPN experience. Some tools, such as ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, have demonstrated their commitment to their no-logging policy in court cases and investigations.
- Auditing practices: Independent audits show a VPN stands by its policies and keeps its apps as secure as possible. Most leading VPN providers will share information on their auditing policies on their websites, along with insights into fixes and patches.
- Location: As mentioned above, some VPNs are hosted in countries subject to the “14 Eyes Alliance” compliance rules, which means they’re required to store some of your data. Choosing a VPN in a privacy-friendly location can help to enhance your security.
- Security features: Advanced security features are crucial for protecting your information. The best solutions should include AES-256 bit (military-grade) encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and kill switches to keep your data safe.
- Secure servers: Even the best VPN can’t deliver exceptional privacy if it doesn’t operate through secure servers. Powerful servers help to keep your data safe and can even erase your data from any log during automatic reboots.
- Anonymous payment: If you really want to keep your information secure, the ability to pay for your VPN with cryptocurrency means you won’t have to share any private credit card information or personal details.
Of course, on top of all this, you’ll also want to ensure your VPN still delivers fantastic performance. All VPNs can slow your connection speeds a little, but the best tools will keep your services running smoothly. It’s also worth looking into the customer support offered by the VPN company, so you can quickly access assistance if anything goes wrong with your service.
The Best VPN for Privacy: Our Top 10 Picks
Ideally, the best VPN for privacy should protect your data, give you excellent control over your browsing history, and still deliver a fast and effective service. We carefully examined the features of some of the top solutions on the market to bring you this list of our favorite options.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has some of the most incredible security and privacy features of any solution on this list. The company promises a double-audited, verified, and proven no-logs policy backed up by plenty of evidence. In 2017, for instance, an ExpressVPN server was seized by Turkish information, and no information was recovered because all data was removed from the server.
ExpressVPN never collects logs of your activity, browser history, DNS queries, data content, or anything else. It also undergoes various independent audits, with the help of leading companies like PWC, to prove its commitment to keeping user information safe.
In 2022, KPMG and Cure53 also validated ExpressVPN’s commitment to privacy. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which means it’s not subject to any data retention laws. Plus, it allows users to pay for services via cryptocurrency.
Key features:
- Extensive leak protection with 256-bit AES encryption
- Network locks (kill switch) technology to defend against issues.
- Built-in protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks
- Dedicated DNS servers to protect your requests from views by third parties
- .Onion site access for Tor browser solutions
- Lightway technology for split tunneling and P2P-friendly file sharing
- Exceptional speeds for all connections
To ensure no data is stored accidentally, ExpressVPN even employs a “TrustedServer” mechanism, which means all servers run on RAM, wiping data with every reboot.
Pricing:
ExpresVPN pricing starts at $8.32 per month for a 12-month plan, $9.99 for a 6-month plan, and $12.95 for a one-month plan. You can choose to pay via credit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin, to further protect your personal information.
Pros:
- Exceptionally fast speeds and excellent torrenting tools
- AES 256-bit military-grade encryption
- Obfuscated servers to scramble your metadata
- Reliable no-logging policy audited by third parties
- Strong leak protection
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some rivals
- Limitations on simultaneous connections
2. FastestVPN
FastestVPN might not be as well-known as some of the leading tools on this list, but it takes a phenomenal approach to privacy and security. It’s one of the best VPN for privacy options on the market today, as well as one of the most reliable, with 99%+ uptime guarantees and 10 GBPS ultra-high-speed servers.
Like many of the top VPNs for privacy and security, FastestVPN promises a no-logging policy. The company doesn’t store logs in any way, and its privacy policy has been audited by Altius IT, earning certification as a true no-logs provider. They’re based in the Cayman Islands, which means there are no mandatory data retention laws to adhere to.
FastestVPN utilizes military-grade 256-bit AES encryption on every one of its more than 550 servers and comes with its own NAT firewall for an additional layer of protection. It also comes with a handful of other useful features other VPNs don’t offer, such as a password manager and an ad blocker to protect you against spam.
Key features:
- Simultaneous streaming for up to 10 devices at once
- Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption for all servers
- NAT firewall protection and malware protection built-in
- Internet kill switch to protect your IP if your connection drops
- No logging policy audited by third-party professionals
- Ad blocker to protect against spam
- Fantastic for unblocking Netflix, Disney, and other streaming tools
FastestVPN also offers 24/7 live chat support, so if you do encounter any problems with your connections, you can reach out instantly. Plus, it posts information about its no-log policy and audits regularly on its website.
Pricing:
Prices for FastestVPN start at $5 per month for the basic plan, or you can purchase a 1 year plan for $2.08 per month or a lifetime plan for $40. There’s a 15-day money-back guarantee on all purchases, and there’s a range of payment methods to choose from.
Pros:
- Ultra-fast speed, even when torrenting content
- Unlimited bandwidth on all connections
- No-logging policy confirmed by auditors
- Military-grade encryption for every server
- Ad blockers, malware protection, and firewalls
Cons:
- No cryptocurrency payment options
- Slightly clunky mobile apps
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the better-known solutions on the market today and one of the most popular choices for online privacy. It’s based in Panama, where there are no data retention laws. Additionally, it promises a no-logging policy, which has been audited by PWC and Deloitte.
It never stores any identifiable information, such as device data, connection timestamps, and IP addresses – it only holds your email and payment details for necessary transactions. You can also choose to pay with cryptocurrency and use a temporary email address if you want more protection.
NordVPN has a suite of excellent security features to explore, too, including 256-bit AES encryption using the OpenVPN protocol, SHA384 authentication, and kill switch solutions. You’ll also get protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. You can even choose servers for special applications and use a double VPN option or obfuscated servers for extra privacy.
Key features:
- Threat protection features for blocking ads, and trackers
- Comprehensive DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection
- Automatic Wi-Fi protection to defend you when connecting to unsecured networks
- 5500 servers in more than 50 countries worldwide
- Fast speeds with exceptional NordLynx performance
- Obfuscated servers to work on restrictive networks
- Double VPN for routing traffic through two servers
- Torrent-friendly for Amazon Prime, Netflix, and other tools
Pricing:
Pricing for NordVPN starts at $3.99 per month, depending on the length of your chosen subscription and your required plan. You can also choose to pay for your plans using cryptocurrency if you want to keep your personal payment information secure.
Pros:
- Absolutely no data logging
- Lots of extra security features like Threat protection
- Exceptional global server network with fast speeds
- Automatic Wi-Fi protection and ad blocking
- Double VPN for double the security
Cons:
- Has suffered from data breaches in the past
- Server connection times can sometimes be slow
4. CyberGhost
Another excellent option if you’re searching for the best VPN for privacy and security, CyberGhost is based in Romania, which means it can deliver on its no-logging policy. It keeps no traffic or connection information and secures all of your data using 256-bit AES encryption via the OpenVPN protocol. SHA256 authentication is also included.
CyberGhost offers kill switch technology on all of its platforms and comes with built-in protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC links. You can also verify CyberGhost’s security by reading its quarterly transparency reports. The company underwent an independent security audit with Deloitte in 2022 and even offers users the option to pay with Bitcoin for an extra layer of security.
Aside from keeping your information safe and secure, CyberGhost also offers a fantastic user experience. The apps are intuitive and straightforward, making it easy to find the best server for torrenting, browsing, and streaming.
Key features:
- Dedicated P2P servers optimized for the fastest speeds
- NoSpy servers with extra security for all of your data
- AES 246-bit military-grade encryption and leak protection
- Built-in malware blockers and threat protection
- Easy-to-use applications for finding ideal servers
- Great speeds for torrenting and streaming
Pricing
CyberGhost offers a fantastic 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans for additional peace of mind, and prices start at only $2.19 per month. The service even supports multi-device streaming, allowing you to connect up to 7 devices at once.
Pros:
- Fantastic for rapid simultaneous connections
- Privacy-focused no-logging policy with independent audits
- Military-grade encryption and malware protection
- Easy-to-use environment for beginners
- Bitcoin payment options available
Cons:
- No smart DNS options
- Lacks some advanced features for configuration
5. Surfshark
If you’re looking for the best VPN for privacy but you don’t want to spend a fortune on your service, Surfshark could be the perfect solution. It’s a budget-friendly option that offers most of the same privacy and security tools as the top contenders on the market.
Surfshark’s no-logging policy has been independently audited by Deloitte in 2023, as well as a variety of other companies in the past. The browser extensions are air-tight and secure, and Surfshark is located in the British Virgin Islands, so it’s not subject to any data retention policies.
Surfshark offers 256-bit AES encryption, kill switches on all apps, SHA512 authentication, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It even comes with an adblocker and a split tunneling option for extra security.
Key features:
- Excellent for secure streaming with over 3,200 servers
- Desktop apps and mobile apps on all plans
- Unlimited device connections on any plan
- Camouflage mode with obfuscated servers
- Leak protection, malware blockers, and kill switches
- Multi-hop features for routing traffic through 2 servers
- Automatic IP rotation
Pricing
Surfshark is one of the most affordable solutions on the market today, starting with a price of $2.49 per month for the 2-year plan. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Intuitive security features such as multi-hop and camouflage mode
- Unlimited connections on any plan
- SmartDNS support
- Leak protection and malware blockers
- Automatic IP rotation
Cons:
- Limited features on iOS apps
- Some issues with customer support
6. IPVanish
A strong contender in the secure VPN landscape, IPVanish combines exceptional privacy features with ease of use and convenience features. There’s a split-tunneling feature, which allows you to control which of your apps uses your VPN connection. Additionally, IPVanish owns all of its own servers, so there are no middlemen to worry about.
IPVanish has a strict no-logs policy, which means it never stores any of your identifiable information. This policy has been audited and verified by numerous security groups over the years. The security measures in place include kill switches, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against IPv6 leaks. There’s also a traffic scrambling option available.
IPVanish offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, Amazon Fire, and other tools. Plus, it’s great for content streaming, with around 2000 servers in 75 locations worldwide.
Key features:
- Strict no-logging policy verified by third parties
- 256-bit encryption, and SOCKS65 proxies
- Leak protection for IpV6
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 2,200+ servers in 75 locations worldwide
- Apps for virtually every operating system and smart tool
- Fast connection speeds
Pricing:
Subscription plans for IPVanish start at around $2.96 per month, making it another phenomenal option for beginners with a low budget. You’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee on any plan, which means you can try the service risk-free.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connection options
- No logs stored from any device connection
- Excellent encryption and security features
- Powerful tools for split-tunneling
- Audited and verified by third parties
Cons:
- Some servers won’t work with certain streaming platforms
- IPVanish did provide information to US authorities in 2016
7. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a slightly smaller VPN provider than some other contenders, but it’s based its entire USP around privacy and security. The company uses the “Stealth VPN” solution to hide your VPN use from bots for additional privacy. This can help you bypass a range of firewalls and torrents safely, even if you’re using restrictive networks.
PrivateVPN’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, as well as protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. It stores absolutely no logs and retains only the bare amount of information required to process transactions. You can even pay with cryptocurrency if you want to keep your payment details secure.
There are PrivateVPN apps available for the majority of Android, Linux, iOS, MacOS, and Windows devices. Additionally, the solution supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections, allowing your entire family to browse at the same time.
Key features:
- Comprehensive leak protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks
- No logging of any private information
- Cryptocurrency payment options
- 6 different security protocols for VPN protection
- Port forwarding for speeding up torrents
- 256-bit AES military-grade encryption
- Shadowsocks and SOCKS5 proxies
Pricing:
Prices start at $9.90 per month for PrivateVPN if you opt to pay one month at a time. However, you’ll only pay $6 per month for 3 months at a time or $2 per month for 12 months. Bitcoin payments are available for extra security.
Pros:
- Exceptional leak protection
- Support for most major streaming platforms
- Excellent port forwarding capabilities
- Several security protocols for managing data
- Cryptocurrency payments available
Cons:
- Smaller network of servers than most contenders
- The customer support team isn’t always available
8. Private Internet Access
Otherwise known as “PIA,” Private Internet Access is an ideal option if you’re looking for the best VPN for privacy. The company has a network of over 3,300 servers in more than 80 countries, and it promises not to retain any personally identifiable information. PIA has also undergone a number of security audits in the past, including one from Deloitte in 2022.
Private Internet Access owns all of its servers and uses only RAM-based configurations. PIA also allows you to set up multi-hop connections, which route your traffic through the VPN, followed by another SOCKS5 proxy. It also supports port forwarding to improve download speeds.
PIA is a lightweight and nimble solution that doesn’t require a lot of system resources. It also supports AES 256-bit encryption and dedicated IP address solutions. You can even set up 10 simultaneous connections with PIA for full-family streaming.
Key features:
- Built-in ad and malware blockers to improve the browsing experience
- Wireguard VPN protocols supported
- Open-source VPN apps for code due diligence
- Customizable security with different encryption levels
- Advanced kill switches to block your IP
- Wireguard compatibility
- No logs stored
Pricing:
Prices for Private Internet Access start at $11.95 per month if you pay monthly, but you can access significant discounts for the 7-month plan ($7.50) or the 2 year plan ($2.37). The solution also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Excellent Next-gen servers in over 84 countries
- Unlimited device protection with customizations
- 24/7 customer support
- Free email breach monitor and malware tools
- Wireguard VPN support
Cons:
- Some potential streaming app issues
- Based in the US
9. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is another excellent VPN provider committed to defending your data. The solution has nearly 3,000 servers in 67 countries and a proven no-logs policy. ProtonVPN adds an extra layer of security to your browsing sessions by sending all of your internet traffic through multiple servers. This means that even if one of your servers is compromised, your online activity stays safe.
ProtonVPN is located in Switzerland, so it’s not subject to the 14 Eyes Alliance. What’s more, ProtonVPN has had its privacy standards put to the test numerous times and has always proven itself. Protons Secure core servers allow you to connect to ultra-secure locations before you connect to another server and help you to minimize data leakage.
The solution is also brimming with excellent security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. ProtonVPN even has its own ad-blocker, called NetShield, which removes trackers, malware, and ads from your devices.
Key features:
- Absolutely no logging, proven by third-party audits
- Streaming support for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other tools
- AES-256-bit encryption and leak protection
- Built-in blockers for ads, malware, and trackers
- Open-source technology, audited by the SEC consult
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Secure core for an extra layer of privacy
Pricing:
ProtonVPN has a free service, but we wouldn’t recommend this for security purposes. Pricing plans start at $9.99 for one month, $5.99 per month for a year, or $4.99 for a 2 year plan.
Pros:
- Excellent ad blockers and DNS filtering
- Swiss privacy for secure no-logging policies
- Secure core for VPN hopping
- VPN accelerator for extra-fast performance
- 10 simultaneous device connections
Cons:
- Slightly expensive compared to some options
- No live chat function
10. Hide.Me
Featuring an independently audited no-logs policy, Hide.Me offers online browsers an excellent way to protect their privacy online. The solution was audited by the Defense Code company, the same encryption experts that helped NASA to eliminate its security risks in the past.
Hide.Me takes a variety of steps to keep your information safe. It’s located in Malaysia, which means it’s not subject to any data logging rules. Additionally, the company uses anonymized connections and erases any logs every few hours. Plus, you get access to a range of great security features.
Alongside leak protection and military-grade encryption, the VPN supports kill switches and torrenting. One slight issue is the company does say it may need to share data with authorities if it’s issued with a court order, but you can still protect yourself with a temporary email address, and you can pay for services using cryptocurrency.
Key features:
- Audited and verified no logging policy
- More than 2000 servers in 79 countries
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- AES 256-bit encryption and leak protection
- P2P-friendly servers for streaming
- Cryptocurrency payments supported
- Kill switches
Pricing:
Prices start from as little as $2.34 per month on Hide.Me, with absolutely no restrictions on unlimited traffic. You can also pay using cryptocurrency.
Pros:
- Excellent no-logging policy
- Lots of servers and locations to choose from
- Unlimited data traffic
- Fixed IP address and IP protection
- AES 256-bit encryption and leak protection
Cons:
- May be required to share some data at times
- Limited customer service
Choosing the Best VPN for Privacy and Security
Finding the best VPN for privacy can seem challenging at first. Not all VPNs are as secure as they claim to be, and it’s often difficult to access transparent insights into a company’s security standards. However, all of the VPNs mentioned above have delivered excellent results to customers when it comes to keeping their private data safe.
Additionally, since many of these solutions come with a money-back guarantee, you can test the functionality of each app before you sign up for any long-term subscriptions.
FAQ:
Which VPN is better for privacy?
ExpressVPN is one of the most powerful tools on the market for privacy and security. It has excellent performance speed and a range of features to keep you secure. However, there are still plenty of other great options on the market.
Are VPNs good for privacy?
VPNs are designed to keep your information safe, secure, and private. They can help you to defend your IP address and personal data, so you can browse the internet securely. However, some VPNs are more secure than others. Make sure you check for logging policies and security standards.
Which VPN can’t be tracked?
All of the options mentioned above have a no-logging policy in place. However, the best VPNs will always provide insights into their audits and transparency reports, so you can validate the credibility of their policies. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and FastestVPN are all excellent no-logging options.
