6 Best Anonymous (No-Log) VPNs for 2024 – Source: www.techrepublic.com

• NordVPN: Best for all-around security
  

• Mullvad VPN: Best for overall privacy
  

• ExpressVPN: Best for security audits
  

• ProtonVPN: Best against government surveillance
  

• Surfshark: Best for those on a budget
  

• CyberGhost VPN: Best for large server and location network
  

When a VPN provider claims to have a “no-logs policy,” it means that they won’t store or “log” users’ online activity and data. This includes sensitive information such as browsing history, IP addresses, files downloaded and other data that could potentially be tied back to you.

VPNs are primarily used to secure online traffic and help users remain anonymous to avoid targeted ads, hide their location or ensure the security and privacy of their personal data.

Though many VPN providers may advertise having a no-logs policy, not all follow-through with their promises. Some providers don’t have independent security audits that confirm their policy, leaving it all to trust. Much worse, some VPN providers have been caught logging data despite claiming not to do so.

In this article, we’ll explore VPNs that truly help you browse anonymously and conduct third-party audits to prove they don’t log user data.

Anonymous (No-Log) VPNs compared

Below are some of the key features to look for in an anonymous, no-log VPN. The differences between these will highlight how each VPN can suit your needs best on top of providing high quality security.

Features

• 6,033 servers in 61 countries.
• Threat protection against malware, ads and trackers.
• Supports up to six simultaneous connections.
• Dark Web Monitor.
• Encrypted file-sharing feature.

Pros

• Specialized servers for security and privacy.
• Fast and reliable VPN speed.
• Independently audited no-logs policy.
• Intuitive desktop application.

Cons

• No free version.
• Priced relatively high.

For more information, read the full NordVPN review.

Features

• Anonymous user account numbers.
• 651 servers across 40 countries.
• Split tunneling.
• Built-in kill switch.

Pros

• Independently audited no-logs policy.
• Affordable monthly subscription.
• Decent speed and performance.
• Easy to use desktop app.
• Lets users pay in cash or vouchers.

Cons

• Small server network.
• Longer subscriptions can be expensive.
• No free trial.

For more information, read the full Mullvad VPN review.

Features

• RAM-only server technology.
• Browser extension that acts as remote.
• Up to eight simultaneous device connections.
• Servers spread across 105 countries.

Pros

• Intuitive and well-designed app interface.
• Fast and reliable speeds.

Cons

• Not as affordable as other VPNs.
• No two- or three-year subscription option.

For more information, read the full ExpressVPN review.

Features

• 3,097 servers in 71 countries.
• Has a free version.
• 10 GBps capable servers.
• Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros

• Free version has no data limit.
• Independently audited no logs policy.
• Open source.
• Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.

Cons

• Live chat is only available for paid users.

For more information, read the full ProtonVPN review.

Features

• 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
• 24/7 live support and guides.
• Unlimited device connections.
• RAM-only servers.
• Antivirus and data breach monitoring.
• Multihop.

Pros

• Affordable pricing.
• Intuitive user interface.
• Fast speeds and performance.
• Can protect multiple devices with one account.

Cons

• No free version.
• No Windows free trial.
• Monthly subscription is pricey.
• Some features may be buggy at the start.

For more information, read the full Surfshark review.

Features

• 11,529 servers in 100 countries and 126 locations.
• Specialized servers for anonymous torrenting.
• Regularly published annual Transparency Reports.
• RAM-only servers.
• Customizable Smart Rules panel.
• Supports up to 7 simultaneous connections.

Pros

• 24-hour free trial with no credit card required.
• Affordable two-year plan.
• 45-day money-back guarantee.
• Independently audited no-logs policy.
• Specialized servers for gaming and streaming.
• Extensive server and location network.

Cons

• No annual plan.
• Monthly plan only has a 14-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read the full CyberGhost VPN review.

VPNs that have logged user data

There are a few VPN providers that advertise a no-logs policy but were found to have been logging data or had privacy policies that contradicted their claims. While some of these VPNs have since changed ownership or implemented relevant changes, you should be aware of these logging incidents.

• IPVanish VPN: In 2016, IPVanish reportedly gave user logs to the United States Department of Homeland Security to track a child pornography suspect. While it initially claimed to have no logs, it was eventually reported that the VPN did in fact hand off data to authorities.
• Hotspot Shield VPN: Back in 2017, the Center for Democracy and Technology accused Hotspot Shield of selling sensitive user data collected via its free version.
• Norton Secure VPN: While it has a no-logs policy, Norton’s Global Privacy Statement shows that it collects more data than users would prefer. Some examples of such are users’ device names, IP addresses, sessions within cookies and URLs, just to name a few.
• Speedify VPN: Speedify’s privacy policy explicitly states that they store users’ IP addresses, browser types and pages accessed when visiting the Speedify website, despite having a no-logs policy.

While we don’t know what intentions certain VPNs have in possibly logging user data, possibilities may include: selling user data to marketing companies and third-party advertisers or aiding government agencies that are members of surveillance agreements, such as the Five Eyes or 14 Eyes alliances.

It’s essential to choose a VPN service that has an iron-clad no-logs policy backed by strong security features and independent security audits.

Methodology

Choosing the best anonymous (no-log) VPNs for this list involved a holistic analysis of how each VPN protected user data. We took a look at each VPN’s no-logs policy and confirmed whether or not they collected any sensitive user data. We also took into account a company’s willingness to be independently audited and how recently they were audited. Finally, we looked at other relevant VPN features, such as included VPN protocols and security-focused features like RAM-only servers and pricing.