NordVPN
See US priceAll-rounder: speed, privacy, streaming. Supports WireGuard (NordLynx), RAM-only servers, and has had multiple independent no-logs audits.
- Modern protocols (WireGuard / OpenVPN)
- Obfuscation available
- Apps for all major platforms
We verify no-logs claims, test streaming unlocks, and highlight the best deals.
All-rounder: speed, privacy, streaming. Supports WireGuard (NordLynx), RAM-only servers, and has had multiple independent no-logs audits.
Great for households: unlimited devices on one account, WireGuard + OpenVPN, obfuscation (Camouflage/NoBorders).
Budget pick with unlimited devices, open-source apps, and repeated court-backed no-logs assertions alongside independent audits.
Links go to official US pricing pages for the latest promos and device allowances.
We track independent audits, court records, and technical choices like RAM-only.
| Provider | No-logs / Audits | Protocols | Obfuscation | Devices | Pricing (US) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Public no-logs audits; RAM-only servers | WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Yes | Plan-dependent | See US price | View review |
| Surfshark | No-logs audits; privacy features (CleanWeb) | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Yes (Camouflage/NoBorders) | Unlimited | See US price | View review |
| Private Internet Access | Audits + court-tested no-logs; open-source apps | WireGuard, OpenVPN | Yes | Unlimited | See US price | View review |
| Proton VPN | No-logs policy; security-focused Swiss provider | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Yes | Plan-dependent | See US price | View review |
| Atlas VPN | No-logs policy; part of Nord Security group | WireGuard, IKEv2 | Yes | Unlimited | See US price | View review |
| Mullvad | Multiple audits; account numbers only | WireGuard (first-class), OpenVPN | Partial (focus on privacy, not streaming) | 5 | €5 flat (EUR) | View review |
Notes reflect enduring product facts (protocol support, device policy, audit posture). For US pricing and current promos, follow the provider links.
Absolutely. Despite evolving privacy tools and regulations, VPNs remain essential for several reasons. They provide strong protection when connecting to untrusted or public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafés, airports, or hotels, where attackers could intercept your data. VPNs help bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms and websites, enabling access to global content libraries. Additionally, they reduce tracking by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and network operators, who may log and profile your online behavior. However, a VPN should be part of a broader privacy strategy—it doesn’t replace safe browsing habits, secure DNS configurations, or regular logout routines.
No, a VPN is not a silver bullet for complete anonymity. While it encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address from the websites you visit, it does not hide your identity from all tracking methods. Factors such as browser cookies, fingerprinting techniques, account logins, and payment information can still reveal who you are. VPNs provide privacy by preventing your ISP and external observers from easily monitoring your online activity, but true anonymity requires additional layers like privacy-focused browsers, secure messaging apps, and good operational security practices.
Today, WireGuard is widely considered the best VPN protocol for most users due to its modern cryptography, streamlined codebase, and excellent speed performance. It offers faster connections and lower latency compared to older protocols. OpenVPN remains a popular, time-tested choice known for its robustness and broad device compatibility, especially in corporate environments. Many VPN providers automatically select the best protocol for your connection, so it's generally safe to stick with default settings unless you encounter issues. In such cases, switching between WireGuard and OpenVPN can help troubleshoot connection problems.
“No-logs” means the VPN provider claims it does not collect or store any information about your online activities or connection details that could identify you. This includes browsing history, traffic destinations, timestamps, IP addresses, and bandwidth usage. However, claims vary between providers—some might keep minimal metadata for maintenance or abuse prevention. Look for VPNs with independently audited “no-logs” policies and those using privacy-friendly architectures like RAM-only servers, which wipe all data on reboot, ensuring no residual logs can be recovered even if seized by authorities.
Using a VPN introduces some performance overhead due to encryption and routing your traffic through additional servers. However, with modern VPN protocols like WireGuard and selecting a server geographically close to you, speed reductions are often minimal—many users experience less than 10-20% slowdown. Factors influencing speed include the VPN provider’s server quality, network congestion, and your base internet connection. Older protocols like OpenVPN or distant servers tend to have a more noticeable impact. Premium VPN providers invest heavily in server infrastructure to minimize lag and optimize streaming or gaming experiences.
Most free VPNs come with significant trade-offs and risks. Many free services monetize by injecting ads, selling user data, or imposing bandwidth limits that degrade your experience. Some have weak security, lack transparency, or even contain malware. However, a few reputable VPN providers offer free tiers with strict data caps and limited server selections, designed as an introduction to their paid services. If privacy and security are priorities, it’s generally better to invest in an affordable, trusted paid VPN with a clear no-logs policy and audited security.
