Proton VPN

Best for Ultimate privacy & transparency

9.5/10

Proton VPN: Ultimate Privacy & Transparency

Price: $4.99/mo | Free trial: Yes

Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN is built on a foundation of privacy. Their commitment is evident with open-source apps, independent audits, and a strict no-log policy. Secure Core servers route traffic through privacy-friendly countries, adding an extra layer of encryption.

Proton VPN even accepts cash for ultimate anonymity, showcasing their dedication to user privacy. While it might be slightly pricier than some competitors, the robust security features justify the investment for those prioritizing digital privacy.

✓ Good: Audited no-log policy, Secure Core servers, Swiss jurisdiction, anonymous payments.

✗ Watch out: Slightly higher price point than some competitors.

Mullvad

Best for Pure anonymity & no-nonsense privacy

9.4/10

Mullvad: Pure Anonymity & No-Nonsense Privacy

Price: $5.50/mo | Free trial: No

Mullvad is designed for the privacy purist. They don't even ask for an email; you receive an account number, pay with crypto or cash, and you're good to go. Their audited no-log policy and strong focus on WireGuard make them incredibly secure.

We appreciate their transparent approach to keeping your identity completely separate from your VPN usage. While its interface is basic, Mullvad delivers on its promise of pure anonymity.

✓ Good: No email required, cash payments, audited no-log, strong WireGuard implementation.

✗ Watch out: Very basic interface, fewer advanced features compared to others.

NordVPN

Best for Overall robust privacy & features

9.2/10

NordVPN: Robust Privacy & Feature-Rich

Price: $3.99/mo | Free trial: Yes

NordVPN consistently delivers a strong privacy package. Their audited no-log policy, Double VPN feature (for multi-hop encryption), and Threat Protection suite (blocking ads and trackers) make them a solid choice. We've found their speeds reliable, and their extensive server network means you'll always find a fast connection.

Despite occasional connection drops on less stable networks, NordVPN remains a top contender for comprehensive digital privacy. It's a great option for users seeking a balance of security, speed, and features.

✓ Good: Audited no-log, Double VPN, Threat Protection, large server network.

✗ Watch out: Occasional connection drops on less stable networks.

ExpressVPN

Best for Speed & ease of use with strong privacy

9.0/10

ExpressVPN: Speed, Ease of Use & Strong Privacy

Price: $6.67/mo | Free trial: Yes

ExpressVPN is a veteran in the VPN space for good reason. Their TrustedServer technology, which runs all servers on RAM, ensures no data is ever written to disk—a significant win for privacy. They've been independently audited, and their no-log policy has stood up to scrutiny.

We've always found their app simple to use, even for total beginners. While it's one of the more expensive options, ExpressVPN's blend of speed, security, and user-friendliness makes it a top choice for many.

✓ Good: TrustedServer (RAM-only servers), audited no-log, excellent speeds, user-friendly apps.

✗ Watch out: One of the more expensive options on this list.

Surfshark

Best for Budget-friendly unlimited devices

8.8/10

Surfshark: Budget-Friendly for Unlimited Devices

Price: $2.49/mo | Free trial: Yes

If you've got a house full of gadgets, Surfshark is an excellent pick with its unlimited simultaneous connections. They run on RAM-only servers, have an audited no-log policy, and offer MultiHop for extra security. We've used it to protect everything from smart devices to tablets.

For the price, it's hard to beat Surfshark's comprehensive feature set. While its jurisdiction (Netherlands) is less privacy-friendly than some others, its commitment to no-logs and strong features make it a compelling budget option.

✓ Good: Unlimited devices, RAM-only servers, MultiHop, very affordable.

✗ Watch out: Jurisdiction (Netherlands) is less privacy-friendly than some others.

Private Internet Access

Best for Customization & open-source transparency

8.7/10

Private Internet Access: Customization & Open-Source Transparency

Price: $2.03/mo | Free trial: Yes

PIA is a favorite among tech-savvy users who like to tweak their VPN settings. It's open-source, meaning its code is publicly available for scrutiny, and its no-log policy has been proven in court multiple times—a rare feat. While its US jurisdiction is a concern for some, their commitment to privacy is clear.

For those seeking granular control and proven privacy, PIA offers an excellent, affordable solution. Its transparency and customization options make it stand out among the best privacy VPNs.

✓ Good: Open-source apps, court-proven no-log policy, highly customizable, very affordable.

✗ Watch out: US jurisdiction (part of 5-Eyes alliance).

CyberGhost

Best for Beginners & streaming-focused privacy

8.5/10

CyberGhost: User-Friendly for Beginners & Streaming

Price: $2.19/mo | Free trial: Yes

CyberGhost boasts a massive server network and user-friendly apps, making it great for those new to VPNs. They have an audited no-log policy and specialized servers for streaming or torrenting, which is incredibly handy. We've found it a reliable option for everyday use.

While it doesn't offer the deep customization of some competitors, CyberGhost excels at providing straightforward, effective privacy. It's an ideal choice for beginners and those primarily focused on streaming content securely.

✓ Good: User-friendly, vast server network, audited no-log, specialized servers.

✗ Watch out: Less ideal for advanced users seeking granular control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Privacy VPNs