Choosing a VPN can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of services promise “military-grade encryption,” “no logs,” or “blazing fast speed” — but many fail to deliver, and some are downright dangerous.
Why It Matters?
Look for these features:
✅ No-logs policy (independently audited preferred)
✅ Strong encryption (WireGuard, OpenVPN, AES-256)
✅ Transparent jurisdiction (outside surveillance alliances like 5/9/14 Eyes)
✅ Leak protection (DNS, WebRTC, IPv6)
✅ Kill switch to prevent accidental exposure
✅ Good reputation and proven track record (no scandals, no data leaks)
🚫 Avoid VPNs with:
Confusing or vague policies
Hidden ownership
Poor/no audits
Free plans funded by advertising
Top Privacy-Focused VPNs (Paid & Proven)
🟢 Mullvad VPN
- ✅ No account needed — uses anonymous ID
- ✅ Accepts cash and crypto
- ✅ Strong support for WireGuard
- 🔒 Based in Sweden, audited
🌐 mullvad.net
ExpressVPN
- ✅ Strong privacy reputation and no-logs policy
- ✅ Based in the British Virgin Islands (privacy-friendly)
- ✅ Offers TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers)
- ✅ Passed independent audits by PwC and Cure53
- ✅ Very user-friendly apps across all platforms
- ❗ Now owned by Kape Technologies (formerly controversial adtech firm) — noted for transparency efforts post-acquisition
🌐 expressvpn.com
🟠 ProtonVPN (Plus plan)
- ✅ Based in Switzerland
- ✅ Operated by the team behind Proton Mail
- ✅ Independently audited, supports Tor over VPN
🌐 protonvpn.com
🔵 Mozilla VPN
- ✅ Backed by Mozilla Foundation
- ✅ Uses Mullvad’s network
- ❗ Limited platform coverage
🌐 vpn.mozilla.org
🔴 NordVPN
- ✅ Widely used, fast, strong infrastructure
- ✅ Underwent multiple audits
- ❗ Not as privacy-focused as Mullvad/IVPN
🌐 nordvpn.com
Trusted Free VPNs (With Limits)
✅ ProtonVPN Free
- 🚫 No ads, no logs, no data caps
- ✅ Limited to 3 countries on free tier
- ❗ Slower speeds during peak times
🌐 protonvpn.com
✅ Windscribe Free
- ✅ 10GB/month limit (more if you tweet)
- ✅ Built-in ad & tracker blocker
- ❗ Based in Canada (Five Eyes)
🌐 windscribe.com
✅ Riseup VPN
- ✅ From a nonprofit collective
- 🚫 No registration needed
- ❗ No transparency/audit compared to others
🌐 riseup.net
Free VPNs You Should Avoid
These services are known to log user data, inject ads, or sell information:
🚫 Hola VPN
🚫 Betternet
🚫 SuperVPN
🚫 TurboVPN
🚫 TouchVPN
Always check a VPN’s privacy policy, audits, and reputation before trusting it.
Tips for VPN Use
Don’t rely on a VPN alone — combine with secure browsers, password managers, and anti-tracking tools
Always turn on the kill switch feature
Use WireGuard protocol for best performance & privacy
Further Resources