Best VPN for Privacy & Security

If you care about keeping your online life private and secure, choosing the right VPN matters. Not all VPNs are built the same: some focus on speed, others on convenience, and a few single-mindedly protect your privacy. This guide cuts through the noise and shows which VPNs deliver real privacy protections, what features to insist on, and which service fits common real-world needs (streaming, privacy-first use, budget-friendly, and more).

You’ll get:

• A clear checklist of privacy and security features to look for

• A comparison table of top privacy-focused VPNs in 2025

• Short profiles of the best picks and why they matter

• Practical steps for maximum privacy when using a VPN

Let’s get started.

Why a VPN matters for privacy and security

A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. That does three important things:

1. Masks your real IP address so websites and services can’t tie activity to your home IP.

2. Encrypts data in transit to block eavesdroppers on public Wi-Fi or your ISP.

3. Lets you route traffic through privacy-friendly countries or special server networks.

But a VPN only protects you if the provider itself is trustworthy. The worst-case scenario is a VPN that logs everything and can be forced to hand it over. That’s why audits, solid no-logs policies, good jurisdiction, and transparent engineering matter as much as encryption.

Quick feature checklist: What protects your privacy (and what doesn’t)

Before we compare VPNs, use this checklist when reading any provider’s marketing:

Must-haves

• Clear no-logs policy backed by independent audits or court history.

• Kill switch — blocks traffic if VPN disconnects.

• Strong encryption (AES-256 or ChaCha20) and modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, or vendor’s secure alternative).

• Leak protection — DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak prevention.

• Transparent company jurisdiction (privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland or Sweden often preferable).

• Independent security audits and open-source apps where possible.

Nice-to-have

• Multi-hop (double VPN) or Secure Core servers for extra protection.

• RAM-only / diskless server architecture (resets data on reboot).

• Tor-over-VPN or built-in Tor gateway.

• Minimal personal info required to sign up (anonymous payment options).

Red flags

• Vague/no audit history.

• Headquarters in a country with aggressive surveillance laws and data retention mandates with no safeguards.

• Free VPNs that monetize users by selling telemetry or browsing data.

Top picks for privacy & security (short list)

• Proton VPN — privacy-first, Swiss jurisdiction, frequent independent audits. TechRadar+1

• NordVPN — audited, strong feature set (NordLynx/WireGuard, Threat Protection). NordVPN+1

• ExpressVPN — proven audits and TrustedServer design, strong track record on transparency. ExpressVPN+1

• Mullvad — minimal signup info, anonymous payments, privacy-focused engineering. Mullvad VPN+1

• Private Internet Access (PIA) — court-tested no-logs record plus audits. Private Internet Access+1

Below you’ll find a comparison table, followed by detailed notes and use-case recommendations.

Comparison table — quick feature snapshot

Note: Tables condense complex facts. Always read the provider’s current transparency report and audit summaries before buying—policies and infrastructure evolve.

Deep dives: Why these five stand out

Proton VPN — privacy-first (best for privacy purists)

Proton VPN is run by the same Swiss team behind Proton Mail and emphasizes privacy above all. Proton publishes frequent independent audits and has open-source apps. Switzerland’s laws make it an attractive place to base a privacy service because it has no mandatory mass-data retention for VPNs and strong privacy protections. Recent third-party audits have repeatedly verified Proton’s no-logs claims, reinforcing its reputation as a top privacy choice. TechRadar+1

Key features:

• Secure Core (routes traffic through privacy-friendly servers).

• Kill switch and always-on VPN options.

• Open-source clients and a public bug bounty program.

• Free plan available (limited servers).

Ideal user: People who want independent audit evidence, Swiss jurisdiction protections, and strong privacy defaults.

NordVPN — balanced speed and privacy

NordVPN pairs strong privacy with excellent speed and streaming support. The service keeps investing in audits and new defensive features (like Threat Protection Pro). NordLynx (a WireGuard implementation) gives great throughput without sacrificing security, and the company continues to undergo independent assurance engagements verifying its no-logs statements. NordVPN+1

Key features:

• NordLynx/WireGuard for speed.

• Double VPN and Onion over VPN options.

• Threat Protection suite (malware/ad protection, crypto-wallet checker).

• Good app support across platforms.

Ideal user: People who want both privacy and performance for streaming, gaming, or remote work.

ExpressVPN — audited and widely trusted

ExpressVPN keeps focused on transparency: it publishes regular transparency reports and has undergone high-profile audits confirming its TrustedServer architecture and privacy claims. Their TrustedServer setup uses RAM-only systems that wipe data on reboot and reduce the risk of data persistence on disks. ExpressVPN is often praised for simplicity and strong security engineering. ExpressVPN+1

Key features:

• TrustedServer (diskless/RAM-only architecture).

• Lightway protocol for fast, reliable connections.

• Extensive transparency reporting.

Ideal user: People who want a simple, well-audited VPN that’s easy to use across all devices.

Mullvad — anonymous by design

Mullvad keeps signup friction to an absolute minimum: you don’t need an email to sign up, and you can pay anonymously (cash or crypto). The service emphasizes privacy engineering and provides a straightforward, clean privacy stance. Its Sweden location is transparent (with explanations of relevant law). Mullvad is often the choice for users who want to be minimally traceable by the provider itself. Mullvad VPN+1

Key features:

• Anonymous account numbers instead of emails.

• Accepts cash, crypto, and anonymous payments.

• WireGuard and OpenVPN support.

• Clear legal explanations for Swedish jurisdiction.

Ideal user: Users aiming for minimal provider-side data collection and maximal anonymity.

Private Internet Access (PIA) — proven in court

PIA has a long track record and has faced legal requests; its no-logs claims were upheld because there were no logs to hand over. PIA has also completed independent audits confirming its practices. It’s highly configurable, affordable, and performs well across platforms. Private Internet Access+1

Key features:

• Court-tested no-logs claims and independent audits.

• Good privacy and configuration options.

• Strong device compatibility and budget plans.

Ideal user: People who want a proven no-logs history with lots of power-user settings.

Feature spotlight: What to check, with plain-language explanations

Here are privacy/security features explained in simple terms and why they matter.

1. No-logs policy + audits

   • Plain: Does the VPN promise not to keep your browsing history, and has a trustworthy third party checked that promise?

   • Why: A policy is only words unless verified; independent audits or legal outcomes are proof.

2. Kill switch

   • Plain: If the VPN drops, your device stops talking to the internet until the encrypted connection returns.

   • Why: Prevents your real IP from leaking during brief disconnects.

3. RAM-only/diskless servers

   • Plain: Servers use temporary memory that clears on restart; nothing is written to disk.

   • Why: Limits chances that data could be recovered if a server is seized or hacked.

4. Modern protocols (WireGuard/NordLynx/Lightway)

   • Plain: These are the rules for how your device and the VPN server talk securely and quickly. WireGuard is fast and lean.

   • Why: Better performance and often easier to audit for security holes.

5. Jurisdiction

   • Plain: Where the company is legally based affects how easily governments can demand user data.

   • Why: Some countries have stronger privacy protections; others have surveillance agreements.

6. Leak protection (DNS/IPv6/WebRTC)

   • Plain: Ensures the VPN handles every type of network request and doesn’t accidentally reveal your real location.

   • Why: Even with VPN on, leaks can expose your home IP or activity.

Which VPN should you pick? Recommendations by use case

Best for maximum privacy (no logs + anonymity)

• Proton VPN or Mullvad — Proton combines audits and Swiss law; Mullvad minimizes signup info and offers anonymous payments. TechRadar+1

Best balance of privacy, speed, and streaming

• NordVPN — Fast (NordLynx), audited, and good for streaming services. NordVPN

Best for simplicity and trustworthiness

• ExpressVPN — Highly audited, simple apps, robust transparency reporting. ExpressVPN+1

Best proven no-logs (legal history)

• PIA — Courts and audits have reinforced their no-logs claims. Private Internet Access

Best budget / many devices

• Surfshark (also a strong privacy contender) — low price, unlimited devices, audited features. Surfshark+1

  

How to set up a VPN for maximum privacy — step-by-step

Follow these steps to get the most protection out of your VPN:

1. Pick a privacy-focused provider (use recommendations above).

2. Create an anonymous account when possible (use Mullvad’s account numbers or pay with crypto).

3. Install the official app from the vendor’s website or official app store—avoid third-party downloads.

4. Enable the kill switch in the app settings.

5. Choose a secure protocol: prefer WireGuard or the vendor’s secure modern option (NordLynx/Lightway).

6. Turn on leak protection (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC) if available.

7. Use Multi-hop or Tor servers if you need extra layers.

8. Test for leaks: visit IP/DNS leak test sites while connected to verify your IP and DNS are masked.

9. Consider split tunneling for apps you don’t want routed through the VPN (e.g., banking apps that block VPNs).

10. Use secure browsers and HTTPS in addition to VPN—VPN doesn’t remove the need for good device hygiene.

Common myths (short and simple)

• Myth: A VPN makes you anonymous.
  Reality: A VPN improves privacy but does not make you completely anonymous. Combine with privacy-minded behavior (private search, minimal account linking) for best results.

• Myth: All VPNs hide your activity from your ISP.
  Reality: VPNs hide the content of traffic from your ISP but the ISP still knows you are connecting to a VPN server (unless you use obfuscated servers).

• Myth: Free VPNs are just as private as paid ones.
  Reality: Many free VPNs monetize by collecting and selling data. Use trusted audited free plans (e.g., Proton’s free tier) if you must use a free option. TechRadar

Quick troubleshooting & testing checklist

If things don’t feel private:

• Confirm the VPN app shows a connected server.

• Use an IP-check site to confirm your IP matches the VPN server’s country.

• Run a DNS leak test to ensure DNS requests go through the VPN.

• Make sure the kill switch is enabled and working.

• Change protocols (WireGuard vs OpenVPN) to see if one works more reliably.

Privacy trade-offs and final thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all “best VPN.” Providers make trade-offs between speed, features, jurisdiction, and anonymity. The best choice depends on what you value most:

• If absolute audit-backed privacy is priority: consider Proton VPN and Mullvad. TechRadar+1

• If you want speed plus privacy and streaming support: NordVPN is an excellent middle ground. NordVPN

• If you prefer simplicity and proven transparency: ExpressVPN has a long track record and audits. ExpressVPN+1

• If you want legal proof of no-logs plus configurability: PIA remains strong. Private Internet Access

Short FAQ (plain answers)

Q: Will a VPN stop targeted government surveillance?
A: Not always. A VPN helps hide traffic from ISPs and casual observers. Nation-state actors may use other methods. For high-risk situations, combine a VPN with Tor and operational security practices.

Q: Is WireGuard secure?
A: Yes — WireGuard is modern, fast, and widely respected. Many providers use it (or their own WireGuard-based implementation) with strong encryption.

Q: Can I trust VPN audits published by the companies themselves?
A: Audits done by reputable independent firms (e.g., KPMG, Deloitte, Cure53) are valuable evidence, but read audit scope and limitations. Real-world legal cases proving no-logs are also strong evidence. ExpressVPN+1

Final recommendation — short version

If privacy and security are your main goals in 2025:

• Top pick for privacy-first users: Proton VPN (Swiss jurisdiction + audits). TechRadar+1

• Top all-rounder: NordVPN (speed, privacy, extra protections). NordVPN

• Top for anonymity during signup: Mullvad. Mullvad VPN

• Top for proven no-logs history: PIA. Private Internet Access

• Top for simplicity and audits: ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN+1

Pick one, enable the privacy settings listed above, and treat the VPN as one tool in your privacy toolkit—not a complete solution.

Resources & further reading

• Vendor audit pages and transparency reports (look for the latest audit year). TechRadar+2ExpressVPN+2

• Official feature pages (kill switch, Secure Core, TrustedServer) for configuration tips. Proton VPN+1

• Independent reviews and technical tests for speed and leak testing.