Let's face it—the internet isn't always a safe place to be. Cybercriminals (and nosy governments) are eager to follow you across the web, collect your personal data, and even sell it on to third parties. It's why no logs VPNs have become such must-have pieces of kit.
Finding the perfect VPN can be a challenge—and figuring out which ones really, truly don't keep logs only makes things more difficult. Luckily, the TechRadar team has done the hard work for you. We've put today's biggest and best VPNs through their paces, analyzing their security tools, speed, unblocking power, and value for money.
Keep reading, and I'll guide you through my top no log services, and explain why they edged out their competitors in today's crowded VPN market.
The best no log VPNs in 2024: my top three
What is a no logs policy?
In a nutshell, a no logs policy is a VPN's promise not to collect or share your information while you're connected to one of its servers. The VPN is stating that it won't track information, like your search queries, the websites you visit, the amount of time you spend on them, or your downloads.
Nowadays, it'd be unusual for a VPN not to provide a no logs policy. A VPN is all about protecting your online activities, after all, so squirreling away your personal data is a major red flag. A lot of VPNs take their no log policies so seriously that they invite third-party organizations to independently audit them. This ensures that the policies are effective and don't put users at risk—and are a good indication of the provider's transparency, too.
Recent updates
The results of our most recent VPN tests are in, and a new provider sits at the #1 spot in our overall rankings: NordVPN. While it still can't oust Private Internet Access as the best no logs provider out there, it's leapfrogged ExpressVPN here, too.
The best no log VPN services in 2024
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The best VPN overall
✔️ You want a proven no logs policy: PIA has had its no logs policy verified in court on two separate occasions.
✔️ You have a lot of gadgets: with unlimited simultaneous connections, you can cover a whole house of devices with one plan.
✔️ You're a Linux user: PIA is one of just a few VPNs with a dedicated Linux GUI.
❌ You're new to VPNs: PIA is a techy option, and the sheer amount of features and customizability may be off-putting to total beginners.
❌ Speed is everything: PIA lags behind Surfshark and NordVPN when it comes to overall performance.
Private Internet Access doesn't take any chances with your digital privacy, packing a verified no logs policy, tons of security tools, and MACE ad blocker. Take PIA for a test drive with a handy 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access (or PIA to its friends) is a long-standing favorite of privacy-conscious folks everywhere. PIA has a long list of features that'll keep your browsing sessions secure, but its calling card is the proven no logs policy, which stood up to scrutiny in court on two separate occasions. When presented with a warrant for information by the American authorities, PIA had no data to hand over because it hadn't gathered any in the first place.
If you want to check out PIA's transparency for yourself, you'll be glad to learn that all of the provider’s apps are open-source, meaning anyone can take a peek at the source code to check for vulnerabilities, verify its privacy claims, and otherwise audit it themselves. It’s great to see a popular VPN taking this extra step to prove its commitment to user security (on top of its audits).
▶ Try Private Internet Access on unlimited devices.
PIA pushes the boat out when it comes to servers, too, with tens of thousands of options to choose from. So, if you're trying to access geo-restricted streaming content that isn’t available in your country, you can spoof your location in just a few clicks. Oh, and PIA's dedicated streaming servers are another nice bonus, too.
It is worth noting that PIA's apps aren't exactly newbie-friendly. They're jam-packed with tools, which is great for VPN veterans who want to get stuck into the nitty gritty, but less so for first-time users who prefer a more streamlined experience. All in all, PIA just isn't as intuitive as the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark. On the plus side, however, PIA is one of a handful of providers to offer a full Linux GUI (visual app) and not a command-line interface.
I also like that PIA comes with built-in tools designed to keep your browsing sessions free from third-party snooping and annoying invasive ads. It's all thanks to the MACE feature, which banishes ads, trackers, and malware, and our most recent testing found that the tool was pretty effective, too, blocking 81% of ads and 96% of trackers. It's great to have this peace of mind as you go about your day-to-day web surfing.
It's well worth taking PIA for a test spin, especially since you'll get unlimited simultaneous connections to play with. So, whether you have a ton of gadgets you want to protect, or a whole household of folks with mobiles and laptops who need coverage, PIA has your back. See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Slightly cluttered, but otherwise straightforward | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not ideal for VPN newbies, given the amount of features, but great for techy types | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds, but can't compete with today's quickest providers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks a wide spread of content with the help of dedicated streaming servers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | An audited no logs provider with battle-tested encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Awesome support is available in a flash, and plenty of knowledge online for solo troubleshooting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Modest prices bag you lots of functionality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best fast VPN
✔️ You want built-in security extras: NordVPN comes with handy tools that'll block ads, keep you safe from malware, and even provide cyber insurance (just in case you get tangled up with fraud).
✔️ It’s no logs only: NordVPN invited PwC to audit its no logs policy.
✔️ You’re a huge Netflix fan: if you're after reliable access to Netflix (and its international content libraries), you'll want to check out NordVPN's Meshnet feature.
❌ Simplicity is everything: the NordVPN apps have a fresh feel, but the interactive map adds a lot of clutter to the screen. Stick to Surfshark if you want a cleaner UI.
❌ You want access to a lot of servers: 140 server locations is nothing to turn your nose up at, but ExpressVPN still has NordVPN beat with 146.
NordVPN offers a super-secure service at a price point tha'’ll suit most budgets. Plus, it's a great pick for folks who are hungry for international (and geo-blocked) content. Try NordVPN today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN is a big-name provider with an impressive commitment to user privacy, and one that invested in a third-party audit to prove it. In 2022, NordVPN asked Deloitte to put its no logs policy under the microscope, with the firm stating that there were no violations. This wasn't NordVPN’s first time at the security rodeo, either, as the service previously underwent two additional audits targeting other areas of the VPN.
Over the years, NordVPN has become a go-to service thanks to its robust privacy package. All of your day-to-day browsing is secured by industry-standard AES-256 encryption, which ensures that nobody (not your workplace, your government, or your Internet Service Provider) can monitor your activity. This is reinforced by NordVPN's private DNS and Double VPN tool, which routes your traffic through two servers for twice the protection.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN is, quite frankly, the best streaming VPN out there. It's super fast, maxing out my connection at 950 Mbps, which is way more than you need to enjoy HD content without constant buffering interruptions. Plus, it can unblock the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and more, so you can keep up with your favorite shows regardless of whether they're available natively in your neck of the woods.
There are NordVPN apps for pretty much every gadget, and while the design is modern and user-friendly, there's a touch too much clutter for them to feel truly intuitive. If you're after a mobile VPN, it’s worth noting that NordVPN's interactive map gets a little tricky to use on smaller screens—especially if you're trying to pinpoint an exact location. Surfshark has NordVPN beat when it comes to sheer simplicity.
On the other hand, it's hard to overstate just how many features you get with NordVPN in return for incredibly fair prices. Plus, the provider is constantly cooking up awesome VPN deals that'll save you even more cash, so keep an eye out around holidays if you want to bag a bargain. Finally, ten simultaneous connections is pretty generous for a VPN, and give you plenty of leeway to share your subscription with friends or cover all of your gadgets.
If you'd rather not take my word for it, you don’t have to—NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee you can use to trial the service before picking up a long-term subscription.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fresh and modern, but slightly on the cluttered side | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Tools are easy to find and use, but digging deeper into advanced configurations can be tricky | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the quickest VPNs we’ve tested in a long time | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks Netflix like a charm, and tons of other services, too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | NordVPN’s no logs policy has been audited, and the provider secures connections with rock-solid encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support is always around to help troubleshoot issues | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Great value for money and customizable prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for beginners
✔️ You want a VPN that commits to regular audits: ExpressVPN puts its money where its mouth is, undertaking 18 audits since 2018.
✔️ You’re new to VPNs: ExpressVPN takes care of fiddly configurations for you and has one-click connect functionality. Easy peasy!
✔️ You want to stream all sorts of stuff: with servers dotted across the globe, ExpressVPN makes short work of bypassing geo-restrictions to unblock streaming services.
❌ You're working with a budget: ExpressVPN is expensive, there's no getting around it, and NordVPN is currently half the price.
❌ You want a full security suite: unlike Surfshark and NordVPN, ExpressVPN focuses more on the VPN side of things and doesn't offer built-in antivirus tools.
ExpressVPN is the embodiment of "you get what you pay for". It's a pricey, luxe provider with fantastically user-friendly apps, rock-solid encryption, and more third-party audits than you can shake a stick at. Take it for a spin with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN isn't interested in beating around the bush when it comes to disclosing its attitude to logging. There's a clear-cut policy you can check out that explains, in plain English, what the company does with the minimal logs it collects, and ExpressVPN has undergone a whopping 12 third-party audits (conducted by well-known firms like Cure53 and KPMG) between 2022 and 2023, which is pretty fantastic.
I like that ExpressVPN is the total package. Your browsing habits will be kept under lock and key thanks to AES-256 encryption, and secure DNS even keeps your ISP from keeping tabs on what you get up to. The result is digital peace of mind—and the kill switch (which kicks in if the VPN connection drops, cutting your internet access and preventing data leaks) is an extra layer of protection.
► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Although ExpressVPN isn’t the quickest service on the block, it's no slouch. Its proprietary protocol, Lightway, clocked in at 410 Mbps—which will keep your HD streams running smooth, your downloads short and snappy, and your overall browsing experience speedy. On the subject of streaming, ExpressVPN is a great Netflix VPN, and unblocked the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and Japan libraries.
Okay, so the elephant in the room is that ExpressVPN is wickedly pricey compared to the competition. If you're a real bargain hunter, you might want to stick with PIA and Surfshark, but if you're willing to splash more cash, ExpressVPN does provide a long list of reliable features—like split tunneling, a password manager, and a malware blocker.
Where ExpressVPN shines is in the usability of its apps, and this is the reason why I constantly recommend it to VPN newcomers who have never toyed with an app before. Whether you're using it on PC or mobile, ExpressVPN’s interface is arty and sleek, and hopping from server to server only takes a tap. Plus, the auto-connect feature that'll pair you up with the best server for you (based on your location).
If you're tempted by ExpressVPN's impressive security tools and luxe apps, but are wary of those steep prices, it’s worth making good use of its 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service in your own time, risk-free, and get every cent back if you're less than impressed.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fantastically intuitive apps where all features have a place—and they’re easy to find | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | ExpressVPN handles configurations for you, can automatically pair you up with a speedy server, and is generally a dream to use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Speeds are fairly average and can handle streaming, gaming, and torrenting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Offers reliable access to all of today’s top streaming services (and smaller regional ones) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | ExpressVPN undergoes regular audits to prove that its no logs policy isn’t telling fibs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support has your back if you run into any obstacles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Undeniably expensive, but worth every penny if you want a premium provider with premium privacy | ⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You want affordable all-in-one security: like NordVPN, Surfshark has built-in antivirus tools that'll keep ads, trackers, and other nasties at bay.
✔️ You want a bargain: Surfshark is the best value VPN you can get your hands on, and offers speedy servers, reliable unblocking power, and unlimited simultaneous connections for tiny prices.
✔️ You need a speed demon: Currently, Surfshark sits at the top of our speed charts, clocking in at a blistering 950 Mbps average.
❌ You really, truly rely on your kill switch: during testing (and under extreme conditions), I found issues with Surfshark's kill switch. If you need a more reliable pick, stick with NordVPN.
❌ You’re a keen torrenter: although Surfshark can handle P2P activity, I think ExpressVPN's connections are more reliable.
Surfshark proves that you don't have to fork over your life savings to get a really privacy-conscious service. It's lightning-fast, making it awesome for HD streaming and online gaming, too, and you can put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark makes privacy affordable for everyone—which is why it's one of my favorite secure VPNs. There's also the fact that it has put its no logs policy through three independent security audits, so you don't have to take its promises on blind faith alone. These audits sniffed out a few vulnerabilities, which isn't totally unusual, but I'm glad to see that Surfshark wasted no time in setting them straight—it's the kind of proactive response I like to see.
On the security side of things, you can take your pick of some of the industry's most trustworthy protocols—WireGuard and OpenVPN included. This gives you the power to prioritize speed or pure privacy, respectively, and Surfshark covers all of your browsing sessions with solid AES-256 encryption. So, whether you're at home, at work, or using notoriously unsecure public Wi-Fi hotspots, you won't have to worry about nosy third parties.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark is wickedly quick. In fact, it's my #1 fast VPN, seeing as it maxed out my connection line with WireGuard speeds of over 950 Mbps. That's great news if you're looking for a gaming VPN that can keep up with your online matches (and help you link up with friends overseas), or a service that'll hop over those pesky geo-restrictions so you can tune in to your TV favorites.
During my most recent round of testing, I did notice that Surfshark's kill switch had its issues—which could be a major red flag if you rely on the feature to prevent data leaks in the event of a VPN dropout. However, the issue only affects Windows devices, and only occurs in the most extreme situations.
I’m constantly blown away by the fact that Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It's great value for money, because you'll be able to connect all of the devices you own (and let friends and family get in on the fun) at no extra cost. The revamped Windows app looks pretty snazzy, too, and makes connecting to any of the Surfshark servers (in 100 countries) a breeze.
You can't go wrong with a Surfshark subscription—the prices are minuscule, they're packed with features, and you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee to fall on in case you change your mind later.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and clean across all devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Quick Connect feature helps newbies pair up with speedy servers in a flash | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The quickest VPN on our books | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and many (many) more | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Kill switch has issues under extreme stress testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live support is fantastic, and extensive FAQs are also available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | An inexpensive option with a ton of value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You need total anonymity: there's no need to hand over any personal information when signing up for a Mullvad account, thanks to its zero-knowledge option.
✔️ You don’t want to compromise on speed: Mullvad is surprisingly quick, reaching speeds of 900 Mbps during my most recent tests.
✔️ You want to pay with cash: Mullvad is one of the only services I've tested that accepts cash payments—great news for folks wanting to stay anonymous.
❌ You're looking for a bargain: Mullvad offers one plan at one price, and it's fairly expensive. You're better off with Surfshark if you need a cheaper alternative.
❌ Access to Netflix is non-negotiable: because Mullvad focuses on its (impressive) security offering, it struggles when it comes to streaming—namely unblocking Netflix. Stick with NordVPN if it's a red flag.
Mullvad might not stack up when compared to our overall top VPN picks, but it's a reliable service that’s known for its commitment to user privacy, making it popular with folks looking to boost their anonymity. See how it can help you with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Mullvad, unlike some VPNs, doesn't make you work to figure out its logging policy. All you need to do is head over to the provider's policy page and you'll see everything laid out for you, jargon-free. Best of all, the VPN has undergone two separate independent audits in 2021 and 2022, which is great to hear. I'd like to see Mullvad continue this trend with a new audit, however, so we can be sure nothing has changed in the intervening years.
On the surface, Mullvad might not look as feature-rich as its competitors, but you might be surprised by how many handy tools are packed into its plan. For a start, the ad-blocking functionality works like a charm, and puts a stop to annoying pop-ups and trackers. Plus, you can add adult sites, gambling pages, or anything else that (doesn't) take your fancy to a block list.
▶ Try Mullvad with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Speaking of surprises, I was blown away by just how quick Mullvad is. I put its WireGuard speeds to the test and recorded a whopping 900 Mbps. So, if you plan on doing any torrenting or online gaming, Mullvad won't slow you down. If you'd rather stick to the tried and tested OpenVPN option, you'll also be glad to know that Mullvad is quicker than most of its peers, clocking in at 530 Mbps.
Unfortunately, where Mullvad falls short is in its streaming capability. I wasn't able to tune in to any Netflix libraries while I was putting the service to the test, which is going to be disappointing to a lot of folks. The lack of live chat support is a significant downside, too, as problems can and do pop up at any time of the day.
If streaming isn't really your thing, and you want a VPN that focuses on privacy, Mullvad does deliver. You'll have access to a reliable kill switch and leak protection that ensure you don't leave an identifiable trial across the web, and all of the Mullvad apps are nice and intuitive, even if you're totally new to VPNs.
If you're interested in taking Mullvad for a test drive, you'll want to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee—though this won't apply to cash-only payments.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Not overly complicated, not totally drab—a solid middle-ground | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Decent for VPN newbies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | WireGuard and OpenVPN speeds are incredibly quick | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Disappointing unblocking power means you’ll struggle to access any geo-restricted content on Netflix | ⭐ |
| Security and privacy | An audited no-logs service that pays attention to the details | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | The lack of live chat isn’t great, but email responses from the team are always speedy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | On the pricey side, for sure | ⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose a VPN
When shopping around for a VPN, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind—but everything hinges on what you'll be using your VPN for. Is security the be-all and end-all? Or do you want to check out international streaming content, too?
Either way, here's what you should look for in the best no logs VPN.
- Proven policy: a no logs policy is a must-have for the privacy-conscious, and the best services undergo regular third-party audits to keep users in the know.
- Security tools: most VPNs offer a kill switch and a handful of VPN protocols, but some services really push the boat out when it comes to extras. NordVPN, for example, has built-in ad-blocking tools.
- Speed: nobody wants to be stuck waiting for a webpage to load or a video to buffer, so you'll want to stick with speedy VPNs that can handle data-intensive tasks like HD streaming and gaming.
- Ease of use: VPNs have never been more consumer-friendly - but some are more intuitive than others. Look for intuitive apps, compatibility with all of your gadgets, and 24/7 customer support.
- Price: this is a big one (especially since we're still feeling the cost of living crunch). Luckily, there are reliable VPNs to suit all budgets, ranging from the luxe and lavish to the budget-friendly - so there's no reason to break the bank.
The best no log VPN FAQs
What does a VPN without logs mean?
A no logs VPN is a provider that doesn't collect and retain (log) the information transferred through the network when you use the service. So, your sensitive, identifiable, and personal information won't be saved, and neither will your online activity, including the websites you visit, your search history, and downloads.
What makes a good private VPN?
In addition to a regularly audited no logs policy, a good private VPN has a plethora of security tools that'll boost your overall privacy. Today's top VPN encryption protocols, reliable kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation tech are great examples.
Can you get hacked while using a VPN?
It is possible to be hacked while using a VPN—however, the chances of this happening are pretty low. A VPN adds an extra layer of security to your internet connection, safeguarding your data and detecting unusual online behavior.
Can you be tracked with a no-log VPN?
Using one of my top-rated no log VPNs ensures that your online activity can't be tracked. This is thanks to the VPN's encryption, IP spoofing ability, and aversion to keeping user logs. Be careful about what you share online, however, as your VPN can't prevent tracking if you willingly hand over information to apps or webpages.
Are there free no log VPNs?
There are a handful of reliable free no log VPNs, but I'd avoid using free services if you're truly concerned about your digital privacy. These services come with pretty serious drawbacks, like bandwidth caps and monthly data allowances, that can sour your overall browsing experience.
Worse still, some free providers are little more than scams designed to collect your data, sell it to third parties, and turn a profit. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to trial a robust and super-secure VPN, I'd recommend making good use of one of my top picks' 30-day money-back guarantees.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
