What is a no-log VPN? 7 examples of the best no-log VPNs

What is a no-log VPN?

A no-log VPN means that the virtual private network provider does not collect, or ‘log’, information transmitted through the network. That means that the VPN provider doesn’t save information about where you go online, what you download, or what you search for. With a no-log VPN, your online activity and the data you send and receive is shielded from everybody, even your VPN provider.

More specifically, a no-log VPN means the provider doesn’t keep logs of your browsing history, connection timestamps, IP addresses, data usage, or any other personal data that could be used to trace your online behaviour.

Types of VPN logs

VPN logs are records of what users do while they’re connected to a VPN service. There are four main types of VPN logs, and VPN providers may collect and store all, some, or none of them. While much of the user data that VPN providers collect can be categorised into the first two types (activity and connection logs), there are other types that are important to mention.

Here’s an overview of the VPN log types:

• Activity logs: Providers may store a user’s browsing history, the websites and services accessed, and the files downloaded while connected to the VPN.
• Connection logs: This log type stores metadata specifically about a user's connection to the VPN, such as connection duration, IP address (both original and assigned), VPN protocols used, and overall data usage.
• Identifiable information logs: This data may be a combination of online activity logs and connection logs. Identifiable information is any data that can be used to identify a user, such as their device type, general location, and IP address.
• Aggregated logs: This is typically anonymised data that VPN providers compile from many users to address bugs and improve performance issues.

Why should I use a no-log VPN?

The main benefit of a no-log VPN is enhanced privacy — your activity will be hidden both from third parties like your ISP or online snoops as well as your VPN provider. That ensures that even if the company running the VPN suffers a data breach, or is legally required to disclose user data, there's nothing to leak or divulge relating to online activity.

Other reasons you should use a no-log VPN include:

• Anonymity: A no-log VPN ensures your online activities remain anonymous, as no data that could link back to you is stored.
• Reduced data vulnerability: By not storing logs, the potential for data about your online activity to be breached or misused is significantly reduced.
• Profile blocking: Without logs, VPN companies and other third parties cannot easily create a detailed profile of your browsing habits to sell to data brokers.
• Peace of mind: VPN providers with a strict no-log policy demonstrate a commitment to user privacy.

The 7 best VPNs with no-log policies

A no-log policy is always an encouraging sign — the best VPNs on the market generally have them. But a VPN is only as secure as its weakest link, and there are plenty of other factors to consider.

Here’s our detailed list of the best VPNs that include no-log policies, in alphabetical order:

CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly service known for its extensive server network and strong privacy features. It offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and enhanced security, making it a versatile option for various online activities.

It provides robust encryption with good connection speeds and represents a cheap and solid option for those seeking an easy-to-use, no-log VPN with diverse server options.

• Price: AU$3.04/mo (2-year plan)*
• No-log policy: Yes
• Server locations: 11,500+ servers in 100 countries
• Devices: 7 simultaneous connections

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service known for its strong security, fast connection speeds, and wide server network spanning more than 100 countries. It has a user-friendly interface and, like most good VPNs, it provides access to online content that may otherwise be unavailable.

While ExpressVPN is generally highly regarded for privacy and performance, it’s also relatively expensive, so users who need more device connections or advanced features might find other options more attractive — especially at the price point.

• Price: AU$4.99 /mo (2-year plan)*
• No-log policy: Yes
• Server locations: 2,000+ servers in 105 countries
• Devices: 8 simultaneous connections

NordVPN is a widely recognised VPN service known for its strong security features, including robust encryption, a strict no-log policy, and advanced privacy tools like Double VPN and Onion-over-VPN.

While it's popular for its large server network and fast connection speeds, NordVPN has faced scrutiny due to past security incidents. It’s still a good option for users seeking enhanced privacy, though some might be concerned about potential future incidents.

• Price: AU$7.19 /mo (2-year plan)*
• No-log policy: Yes
• Server locations: 6,200+ servers in 111 countries
• Devices: 10 devices per plan

Norton VPN provides bank-grade encryption from an established brand and a pioneer in consumer cybersecurity. As well as offering strong encryption and a range of advanced features like split-tunnelling, ad tracker blocking, and Wi-Fi security, its user-friendly interface makes it ideal for anyone looking for a more private browsing experience.

Despite having a smaller server network than some of the other great no-log VPNs on the market, Norton VPN is nearly three times as fast as the average VPN when it comes to file download time.¹

• Price: AU$5.83 /mo (Norton VPN Plus, 1-year plan)*
• No-log policy: Yes
• Server locations: 2,700+ servers in 31 countries
• Devices: 5 devices per plan

Norton VPN doesn’t track, log, or save your browsing activity. And with the split-tunnelling capabilities, you can connect directly to the internet for less-sensitive content while routing specific data through the VPN at the same time. With Norton VPN you can connect more privately to the internet — and with more control.

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service developed by the team behind Proton Mail. It offers strong encryption, a strict no-log policy, and advanced security features like multi-server traffic routing for enhanced privacy.

Uniquely, Proton VPN also offers a free version with no data limits, but this is balanced by limited server options and speeds. While ‌paid plans offer more features and faster speeds, some users may find them relatively expensive. It's a strong option for users prioritising privacy and security.

• Price: AU$7.19 /mo (2-year plan, Proton VPN Plus subscription)*
• No-log policy: Yes
• Server locations: 6,500+ servers in 112 countries
• Devices: 10 simultaneous device or browser connections

Surfshark is a popular VPN service known for its robust security features and user-friendly interface. It offers a wide range of functionalities, including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and MultiHop, which allows users to connect via multiple countries for an added layer of security.

Surfshark is also recognised for its CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and some types of malware. The service is designed to provide a seamless and secure browsing experience, making it a strong contender in the VPN market.

• Price: AU$3.19 /mo (1-year plan, Starter subscription)*
• No-log policy: Yes
• Server locations: 3200+ servers in 65 countries
• Devices: Unlimited simultaneous connections

VyprVPN is a well-established VPN service that offers robust encryption, a strict no-log policy, and a proprietary Chameleon protocol, which is specifically designed to bypass VPN detection and blocking.

VyprVPN’s server network has fairly good geographic coverage with over 700 servers in more than 70 locations worldwide, but it has a less extensive network than many other options. This can result in less impressive data transfer speeds compared with the best-performing VPNs.

• Price: USD $5.00 /mo (1-year plan)*
• No-log policy: Yes
• Server locations: 700+ servers in 70 countries
• Devices: 5 simultaneous connections

How to choose a VPN with a no-log policy

With so many no-log VPN options available, it can be hard to know where to start when choosing the right one for you. But there are several important factors impacting privacy, security, and performance that you should focus on when narrowing down your options.

Here are the key things to look out for when choosing a VPN with a no-log policy:

• Policy fine print: Not all no-log policies are as strict as they sound. Read the small print to make sure the VPN doesn’t retain identifiable information or other sensitive records of your online activity.
• Location: Consider where the VPN provider is based, as some countries have stricter privacy laws than others — and some VPNs are illegal in certain countries.
• Security: One of the main benefits of a VPN is that it shields the data you send and receive. Choose a VPN provider that offers robust AES-265 encryption and tunnelling protocols.
• Servers: Generally, the more servers and server locations worldwide, the better. This offers greater flexibility, reduces latency, and helps you access streaming services, websites, and other online resources that may be hard to find in your location.
• Speed: Look for a VPN provider with fast connection speeds, so your online activity isn’t slowed down.
• Customer support: Choose a VPN provider with responsive and helpful 24/7 customer support.
• Additional features: Consider any additional features offered by the VPN provider, such as a kill switch or the ability to use the VPN on multiple devices.

Surf the web anonymously with Norton VPN

Take control of your online privacy with a Norton VPN plan and help keep your sensitive data protected from hackers and prying eyes — even ours.

Norton VPN operates a strict no-log policy, meaning we don’t track, log, or save your browsing activities. And with bank-grade encryption, split-tunnelling, and powerful data-transfer speeds, there’s no need to compromise performance or functionality to get the security, privacy, and access you deserve.

FAQs

Does Norton VPN keep logs?

No, Norton VPN doesn’t log information about where you browse on the internet. Norton VPN collects other limited data in accordance with the NortonLifeLock Global Privacy Statement and the Product Privacy Notice.

What free VPNs don’t keep logs?

Some reputable no-log VPNs, such as Proton VPN, offer a free service. However, these generally come with restrictions like limited server options, lower speeds, or bandwidth caps. Free VPNs that don’t have a no-log policy are generally not as secure as premium VPNs — some may even sell your personal data to advertisers or data brokers.

Have any VPNs been caught logging user data?

Yes, several VPNs have been caught logging user data despite claiming not to. Notable examples include PureVPN in 2017, which provided logged data to an FBI investigation, and UFO VPN in 2020, which exposed user logs online. These incidents highlight the importance of thoroughly researching VPN options and choosing a service with a proven track record.

How are no-log VPNs legal?

No-log VPNs are legal because, while they are obliged to cooperate with law enforcement investigations, they operate under privacy policies that specify they don’t collect or store user activity data; that means they cannot provide records that don’t exist. Be aware that some jurisdictions may require VPNs to retain certain logs or cooperate with authorities to a greater extent.

Why would a VPN service keep a log?

A VPN service might keep logs of user activities for various reasons, including:

• Compliance: To adhere to legal requirements in certain jurisdictions.
• Troubleshooting: To diagnose technical issues and improve service quality.
• Security: To detect and prevent abuse, such as DDoS attacks or fraud.
• Business purposes: To monitor usage for improving network performance or analysing user behaviour.

Are VPNs required to keep logs?

VPNs are not universally required to keep logs, but it depends on the jurisdiction they operate in. Some countries, like China, have laws requiring VPNs to retain data and cooperate with the government. Other countries, like Switzerland or the British Virgin Islands, have no such requirements, allowing VPNs to use no-log policies.

Are no-log VPNs safe?

No-log VPNs are usually safe, but it ultimately depends on the provider's integrity and technical practices. A true no-log VPN doesn't store any user activity data, reducing the risk of exposure. But users should verify the provider's reputation, transparency, and the jurisdiction it falls under to ensure they uphold their no-log claims.

What information can websites see when I use a no-log VPN?

When you use a no-log VPN, the websites you visit can still see:

• Your virtual IP address: The VPN server's IP, not your real one.
• Your browser: Information like browser type, version, and settings.
• Cookies: If enabled, these can track your activity across sessions.
• Referrer information: The previous site that led you to their page.
• Your activity on their site: Pages visited, time spent, and interactions on their site.

However, your real location and identity remain hidden behind the VPN's IP address.

How can I find out if my VPN keeps logs or not?

To find out if your VPN keeps logs, review its privacy policy and terms of service for details on logging practices. Look for independent audits that verify no-log claims, and consider the VPN’s jurisdiction, as local laws may require data retention. Expert reviews can also offer valuable insights.

* All prices listed are for the initial term, renewal prices may vary.

¹ Based on a test of eight other leading VPN products in the VPN Products Performance Benchmarks report conducted by PassMark Software commissioned by Gen, November 2023.