If it's privacy you want, why settle for anything less than the most private VPN? A Virtual Private Network is a multi-functional internet tool, but the primary selling point is granting users upgraded privacy. The best VPNs have privacy figured out and there are several factors that contribute to making the most private VPN. Without online privacy, you have nothing - the absence of a reputable VPN on your online device means your personal information is at a huge risk, and as an internet user you’re at a grave disadvantage.
A VPN encrypts your online presence by creating a tunnel from your device to the internet source. This means that you avoid the regular flow of internet traffic where cyberthreats thrive. How effectively the provider does this isn’t the only thing that makes a VPN private though. It’s important to know where the provider is based, what their audit process is like, what security features they have, or if they’ve had any recent security breaches to themselves (because how can a VPN protect you if it can't protect itself?).
The most private VPN: best no-logs VPNs at a glance:
• The most private VPN: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The most private VPN for security: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
• The most private VPN free plan: ProtonVPN - View on ProtonVPN
The security credentials and the features offered to users are going to play a big role in determining how private a provider is. A military grade encryption is a must, with strong protocols that are safe and reliable. The most secure providers have features including a kill switch, Smart DNS, leak and breach tests, and anything more is a bonus.
The most private VPN
go.expressvpn.com
No provider has built up a privacy track record as pristine as ExpressVPN’s. For unfaltering privacy, reliable security, there’s no one that achieves it as effortlessly as this provider. Express is the poster boy for VPNs, this provider is the blueprint for online privacy in a world where this it’s becoming so much more valuable.
ExpressVPN has never been hacked, they run certified independent audits. In fact, according to Express themselves, they’ve conducted more than a dozen audits in the past two years alone.
You’ll get all the necessary security tools too, sure you’re not spoilt for choice, but we think that’s a credit to how secure ExpressVPN is on the whole. Naturally, this might make the apps seem quite simple, and advanced VPN users may not want to spend that higher price tag.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Year-round independent audits
- Super-secure and reliable
- Never been hacked
Cons
- Cheaper options may offer more features
| Servers | 3000 |
| Based in | British Virgin Islands |
| Independent audit | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
- "I've been using ExpressVPN for a few months, and I'm really impressed with it. It's more than lived up to the hype, and it's a powerhouse that doesn't scream and shout about what it does for your online security. It just sits in the background of my devices and does what needs to be done.
I love its unique, next-gen privacy encryption and vast server list. I can easily hop between servers in different countries, which is great for streaming content or browsing the web anonymously. The interface is also really easy to use.
Overall, I'm really happy with ExpressVPN. It's the best VPN I've used, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to protect their online privacy." Tried and tested by Jack Barrell, VPN writer for What's The Best.
The most private VPN for security
nordvpn.com
Privacy and security come hand in hand. If a VPN is secure, it’s likely to have some solid privacy credentials. NordVPN has worked tirelessly to craft a Virtual Private Network that’s as private as it is secure, perhaps in light of some privacy scares of their own along the way.
Nord is hailed as one of the most secure providers time and time again. Users get a generous helping of privacy features which can be used across 5709 stable and secure servers. How could we not mention Nord’s double data encryption which makes for an equally fast and secure VPN experience.
From what we can tell, Nord runs certified independent audits annually. These have all come back squeaky clean since the 2018 hack, where a security breach was detected on one of Nord’s servers.
Pros
- Super security
- Fast and secure servers
- Reputable audits
Cons
- 2018 hack was worrisome and is still memorable
| Servers | 5709 |
| Based in | Panama |
| Independent audit | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
- Customer review: "I'm glad for the service. I'm tired of having to pause it while signing in to my financial account and billing accounts, even some gaming accounts. Can't believe it. At least I know it's working through."
The most private VPN for value
surfshark.com
Want premium privacy without the hefty subscription cost? Surfshark is truly the greatest value VPN you can find on the market right now. Surfshark has no right being over half the price of some premium providers yet offering just as much.
You’ll enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections on a Surfshark plan, connections that are protected by serious privacy. The servers are fast and secure, with a coverage rivalling the likes of ExpressVPN. Unfortunately, Surfshark’s kill switch is still a little shaky at times, we really hope they can solve this because that value for privacy would just keep going up.
You can be sure there are independent audits over at Surfshark, they seem to be every two years, but they are some of the most in-depth investigations out there.
Pros
- Amazing value
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strong audits
Cons
- Minor kill switch problems, this is a security risk
| Servers | 3200+ |
| Based in | Netherlands |
| Independent audit | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
- Customer review: "Surfshark works well and connects automatically. Regularly updated software keeps it working. Customer support is terrific."
The most private VPN free plan
protonvpn.com
Now there’s budget, and then there’s completely free. ProtonVPN is one of the few VPNs that offers a free plan that isn’t as restrictive as every other free version out there. What’s more is that it’s a free plan for one of the most private VPNs.
Based in Switzerland, you can take solace in the safety of your personal information, Proton locks it away and gives you the key. The apps are audited regularly and they’re open source. Another huge benefit is you’ll have access to a feature called Secure Core. Secure Core protects your connection by routing your traffic through multiple servers before leaving our network.
It’s a good job Proton’s free plan is so comprehensive, because their support is a little lackluster, and the paid version is a little on the pricy to go into with zero VPN experience. It's undoubtedly one of the great free VPNs.
Pros
- Swiss-based - strong privacy reputation
- Packed free plan - get plenty for your money
- Open source audits - highly reputable
Cons
- Paid version is costly
- No 24/7 live support - not ideal if you get seriously stuck
| Servers | 1720 |
| Based in | Switzerland |
| Independent audit | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
- Customer review: "Using the free version of Proton VPN, Mail, etc. No actual need has been found for any of the paid enhancements. The added convenience of more connection options is noted."
The most private VPN by region
privatevpn.com
Believe it or not, this provider made it into our ranking for more than just its namesake. PrivateVPN does really do what it says on the tin though. This is a private VPN at its core, from the HQ down to the payment process.
This is another Virtual Private Network based in Sweden, and it might just be one of the best. Sweden is a region renowned for valuing online privacy, any VPN operating out of the country has some serious credibility from the get-go.
Though far and few in between, servers are robust. Despite a small network of only 200 servers, they are at least still spread across 63 countries. It’s fortunate that PrivateVPN is based in a privacy-driven country because the provider doesn’t actually run any audits just yet.
Pros
- Based in Sweden - pro privacy country
- Robust servers
- Decent speeds
Cons
- No independent audits currently
| Servers | 200 |
| Based in | Sweden |
| Independent audit | No |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
- Customer review: "Works exceptionally well. Doesn't slow down the connection speed, on some sites it seems to increase connection. So far, very happy."
Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.
About our expertise
At What’s The Best, we live and breathe technology. Among our team of tech experts, we have pretty much every base covered - from televisions and speakers to cameras and smartphones.
To say we spend a lot of time on the internet is a bit of an understatement, and most of the time, we’re using a VPN. Whether for work or recreation, we’re regularly connecting to VPN servers near and far.
It’s by collecting this shared knowledge, experience and passion, that we are able to select the best VPNs for you. We trust each of our picks implicitly - in fact, many of them we use ourselves. That's because at What’s The Best, if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves, we don’t recommend it. Simple.
The Criteria
In order to be a completely private VPN, a provider has those serious boxes to tick. Starting with location, the country that a VPN operates out of can be a determiner to how private and how trustworthy they are. Countries like Sweden, Switzerland, and British Virgin Islands are all green flags because in these corners of the world there is no mandatory government surveillance. You should tread carefully with VPNs in countries that are members of the Five Eyes Alliance. These countries promote government surveillance, so it’s not a reach to suggest your personal information can be easily accessed.
A private VPN will have a credible independent audit process to ensure there is a verified no-logs policy. What this means is the provider brings in an independent body with the sole purpose of investigating their operations. An independent privacy audit will determine how legitimate a VPN provider is and whether or not they honestly keep zero data logs from customers. The more in depth the audits and the more regular that these are caried out, the better.
Important terms
VPN – Virtual Private Network
Encryption – The method in which your data is converted into code to prevent unauthorised access
No-logs – When a VPN providers stores zero data form customers
Kill switch - When internet connection is lost, it’s a feature that kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link can be attained once more
What is Five Eyes?
The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It was formed in 1946 and is the world's most extensive intelligence sharing arrangement. The alliance has been instrumental in gathering intelligence on a wide range of threats, including terrorism, cyberwarfare, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, it has also been criticized for its secrecy and for its potential to violate the privacy of individuals.
The name "Five Eyes" comes from the security classification of intelligence documents shared between these countries: "SECRET—AUS/CAN/NZ/UK/US EYES ONLY."
How to get a private VPN
Getting the most private VPN is simple. Once you’ve understood what makes a private VPN, simply search the provider on your device’s app store, or via web search. Install the VPN to your device, log in/sign up, and voila, you now have a private VPN at your side.
Are VPNs really private?
Yes, VPNs are privacy tools, so their main function is to mask your online presence and keep your personal data out of reach. There are providers however, that are more private than others. These are identified through security features, legitimate no-logs policy, region of origin, and more.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.