Best VPN for Privacy: Top Choices to Stay Anonymous in 2024

A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. The word “private” isn’t there just for laughs and giggles. It indicates you’re using a service meant to protect your online privacy. Why are so many people looking for the best VPN for privacy? Aren’t they all great for that?

Unfortunately, we must say no. The best privacy-oriented VPNs take special care of you, as an end-user. They offer features like a no-log policy, bank-grade encryption, RAM-only servers, and sometimes multi-hop support. All of these make you a ghost online.

Such providers are also great for avoiding government surveillance and data brokers looking to feast upon your private information. It’s pretty hard to find an amazing VPN for online privacy, and at the same time, this aspect is precious. Well, that’s why we’re here to help.

Best VPN for Privacy: Our Top-Rated Picks

For those in a rush, we’ll immediately provide the list of the providers you should be using:

1. NordVPN
2. ExpressVPN
3. Private Internet Access
4. Proton VPN
5. Surfshark

These are the most reliable privacy VPNs that you can use to anonymize your online activities in 2024. Keep reading to find out more about each.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN takes the lead here, being an all-around VPN for anonymity. It offers strong 256-bit encryption and uses a kill switch to prevent data leaks. Another point is a Double VPN, which encrypts your connection twice, preventing your ISP from reading it.

In addition, the provider is stationed in Panama, which is crucial for privacy. This jurisdiction allows the service to maintain a no-log policy, so it’s not obligated to hand out user-related logs to the authorities. Yet another perk is the presence of RAM servers – a flagship feature!

RAM servers ensure nothing lingers for too long, as each server is wiped clean with each restart, losing data in the process. NordVPN’s apps offer Advanced Protection that blocks ads and trackers. We think this is paramount for ensuring anonymity online.

Stay Private Online With NordVPN

NordVPN uses proprietary DNS servers instead of third-party. As they adhere to a no-log policy, no logs will be stored regarding your DNS queries. Users can also expect modern protocols, such as NordLynx, which ensures added privacy, security, and speed.

As the #1-rated VPN for privacy, NordVPN undertook several third-party audits by PwC and Deloitte. This is another testament to its quality and reliability. We loved every minute with NordVPN during our test because it works on all devices and offers uncapped bandwidth.

Coupled with streaming/P2P optimization, the fastest speeds, and cheap prices, this is a hell of a choice in 2024. NordVPN’s current deal lets you get it for as low as $3.1 a month and enjoy the most revered privacy-focused VPN.

---

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN isn’t as feature-rich as NordVPN but oh boy, it does pack a serious punch. This provider sports over 3,000 RAM-only servers, all equipped with AES-256-bit encryption. With Lightway, an in-house protocol, ExpressVPN excels at stability and overall security.

Being one of our favorite VPNs for privacy, the provider also doesn’t display signs of IP/DNS leaks. Having tested it, our team found its superior IPv6 leak protection amazing, with other features like a kill switch, Private DNS, and Advanced Protection for ad-blocking.

ExpressVPN has another ace – a zero-log policy. This policy is very significant, as it has undergone multiple audits by KPMG, Cure53, PwC, and other gigantic firms. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep logs of your IP address, browsing history, or DNS requests – splendid!

Enjoy Superb Online Privacy With ExpressVPN

We also must mention its bug bounty program, which rewards people with $100,000 if they gain unauthorized access to one of its servers. According to sources online, not a single person managed to snatch the prize, which speaks volumes about this VPN’s quality.

Apart from being an excellent VPN to stay private online, ExpressVPN is fast and ready for streaming. It’s also optimized for P2P and can be used to change your PSN region or play games without lag. Compared to the rest of the pack, its price is a tad higher.

However, bear in mind it works on ALL devices and offers round-the-clock 24/7 live chat support. Its longest and cheapest plan is annual, with a 49% discount thanks to 3 free months. Additionally, there’s a 7-day trial on iOS and Android devices to try it for free.

---

3. Private Internet Access

We have an interesting option here, with the word “Private” in its name. This name doesn’t refer to the military rank but rather one of the best VPNs for privacy in 2024. PIA sports over 30,000 servers globally but the main appeal lies in its proven no-logging policy.

Despite being in the USA, PIA remains among the safest VPNs, as it keeps no logs of things like online history, DNS queries, and IP addresses. Adding to that are Multi-hop connections that can encrypt your traffic twice. Additionally, PIA boasts Shadowsocks – a nice add-on.

This powerful proxy obfuscates your VPN connection and makes it look like a “normal” one. Furthermore, PIA relies on RAM servers because they’re more private and easier to maintain. This VPN uses state-of-the-art encryption paired with above-average leak protection.

Stay Anonymous With PIA

In our tests, PIA has never leaked our sensitive data, which is always commendable. Performance-wise, this provider isn’t otherworldly but it doesn’t limit your bandwidth. This means you can go online and even use Onion Over VPN to explore the dark web.

As one of the most appreciated VPNs for privacy, PIA includes bonus features like an antivirus and dedicated IPs. Its antivirus can remove rootkits and crypto miners from your device, adding a thick privacy layer. Coincidentally, this is the best-value VPN on the list!

PIA costs a tad over $2 a month and grants you some free months with the 2-year plan. Its lack of a Firestick client is mourned by some but in a VPN for privacy, that’s not the focal point. The key takeaway is that you can enjoy online privacy for two measly bucks monthly.

---

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a prime example of Swiss-grade privacy and security. This VPN has one of the best no-log policies, with minimal logging that doesn’t impact you negatively. On top of that, you can expect Secure Core servers in every plan to bolster your online safety.

We love Proton VPN’s bare-metal, physically protected servers in over 111 countries. Physical security adds to its trustworthiness, as servers can’t be damaged easily. Another thing to mention is Proton VPN’s WireGuard support, which improves the overall experience.

Nowadays, Proton VPN is much faster and more stable while preserving your anonymity with ease. In our Proton VPN vs NordVPN duel, we’ve established that NordVPN is better. However, this provider has many valuable features, including Stealth VPN and NetShield.

Secure Your Online Identity With Proton VPN

The former adds obfuscation while the latter blocks ads. Its apps are equipped with a kill switch and 256-bit encryption to safely tunnel your traffic. The Swiss provider resides in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, so obligations to the government are non-existent.

No one will ever force the company to hand out any logs. Besides, like the other amazing VPNs for privacy, it has RAM servers whose data is wiped after each power loss. The good news is that Proton VPN’s free plan has the same level of privacy – more about that later.

Now, if this provider tingles your senses, you should be acquainted with its most affordable deal. Gizmodo lets you get an exclusive discount for its 2-year plan and pay just around $3.5 a month for it. You’ll hardly find a better pick at this price, except for NordVPN.

---

5. Surfshark

Surfshark is the last but far from the worst pick on this ranking of the best privacy-focused VPNs. It offers powerful encryption to make your connection look like a garbled mess to any third-party entity. Surfshark’s bonus features in the mid-tier plan are state-of-the-art.

For example, people can use Search, a true incognito browser to go online in complete anonymity without tracking. Then, there’s an antivirus that also blocks malware known for crypto mining, password stealing, etc. Surfshark even has MultiHop that you can alter.

This means you can create custom server “pairs” and route your traffic through two bespoke countries. The provider’s WireGuard protocol is here too, making everything flow smoothly. Of course, we have some unique features here, such as an IP Rotator we often use.

Browse the Web Privately With Surfshark

The feature rotates your IP periodically while keeping the connection active. This makes you untraceable even by the God himself. Surfshark is a great service to use if you want no logging. Its Dutch jurisdiction isn’t the best but its no-log policy is impeccable.

With several third-party audits, Surfshark’s zero-log promises are all but shallow. The VPN’s kill switch is now its strength compared to a few years ago and its numerous malfunctions. Given its cooperation with NordVPN, it’s no surprise many improvements are on the table.

Finally, the price is arguably low. We recommend is mid-tier 2-year plan with all of the bells and whistles at under $3 a month. Surfshark always sprinkles in some free months and keeps the price in check unless you opt for its monthly but hellishly expensive “deals.”

---

What Makes an Amazing Privacy-Oriented VPN?

To explain what makes a VPN great for privacy, we need to differentiate two terms – privacy and security. The former usually refers to the VPN’s ability to keep your online activities private and not keep logs of your sensitive data – this is CRUCIAL.

On the flip side, security refers to the protection of your private information. Now that we know this, let’s see what makes the best VPN for privacy.

No-Log Policy

When you think about an anonymous VPN, the first thing that comes to mind is a no-log policy. While none of the providers are 100% anonymous, a no-log policy ensures you’re getting at least 90% there. All VPNs on this list have these policies – check them if you want.

Better yet, all policies are audited by third-party companies with excellent track records. A no-log policy usually means that the VPN doesn’t keep tabs on your:

• Online history (download history as well)
• IP address
• DNS requests
• Connection data
• Timestamps
• Used bandwidth
• The original location, etc.

Of course, different providers store different things but one thing is important. Stored data must NOT be able to reveal your true identity to the VPN or anyone else. If you, again, inspect all of our favorite VPN services for privacy, you’ll see no signs of this problem.

Privacy-Oriented Features

What are privacy-oriented features? Well, some of them are:

• RAM-only servers. They’re known for storing data as long as they’re on. As soon as they lose power, everything is lost – the same goes for RAM in your PC. No logging PLUS using RAM servers is paramount, as the provider initially doesn’t keep anything, which explains why data can’t be extracted even by the authorities.
• Private DNS. This means the provider is using a proprietary DNS instead of CloudFlare, Google DNS, and other services. Such services track your online activities, while a no-log-policy-driven proprietary DNS doesn’t. For your info, almost all top-level VPNs use their DNS servers to avoid privacy issues.
• IP and DNS leak protection. This is vital for protecting your online identity. Leaking your IP or DNS means you can still be tracked online. Our go-to VPNs for privacy have advanced IPv6 and DNS leak prevention, resulting in the most reliable connections.
• Mighty encryption. Encryption is the backbone of every VPN service, so of course, you want it to be as strong as possible. All providers use military-grade 256-bit encryption, ensuring total privacy and anonymity as soon as you smash the “Connect” button.

Absence of IP and DNS Leaks

Having IP and DNS leak protection on paper is great but in practice, some providers aren’t as great as they present themselves. The top 5 providers we presented shine in this regard, and since we’ve tested most of their servers, we can guarantee they won’t leak your data.

That’s the polar opposite of providers like Turbo VPN, Urban-VPN, and others. Such options don’t value your online safety and won’t care if their server malfunctions and leaks your IP and DNS addresses.

Great Reputation

The last factor we want to address is reputation. How do you define it? Well, you simply do a bit of background digging on each VPN for privacy and see what’s up. NordVPN has a proven track record of valuing anonymity. Nord Security, its father company, offers a myriad of verified products, such as a reliable password manager.

ExpressVPN follows in similar footsteps. Its no-log policy has been proven multiple times, even in court. The same goes for PIA which failed to provide the government user-related data in court, proving that it indeed doesn’t store any logs. We can go on like this forever.

You get the point. If a VPN has a great reputation, it’s usually because of its privacy. Not because it has a nice-looking free VPN app or it works with TVNZ.

Are Free VPNs Good for Privacy?

Do you know what an oxymoron is? We think of one – a free VPN for privacy. Okay, that’s a bit of an overstatement but free providers aren’t your best “source” of online safety. 100% free options like Hola, Urban-VPN, Betternet, and others are extremely malicious.

On one side, they offer somewhat decent security, protecting you from IP leaks and other fluff. However, the other side is darker, as all three – and perhaps hundreds more – store logs. Don’t think they deny it – it’s right there in their privacy policies!

Everything makes sense when you think it through. Free providers earn nothing from subscriptions, so the only way is to sell your data. Paid providers already earn a bag of money, so they’re incentivized to keep your identity intact.

This begs another question – are all free VPNs bad for privacy?

No – although most are. Here are some privacy-friendly VPNs that you can use for free.

1. Proton VPN Free

This version of Proton VPN is inferior to the paid one. However, we can all agree that privacy-wise, they’re pretty much equal. Free users have unlimited bandwidth, and while the provider isn’t the quickest VPN around, it’s serviceable for anonymous browsing.

You still get WireGuad, a kill switch, RAM servers, a no-log policy, and other tidbits. This version lacks Secure Core servers and can’t block ads with NetShield. Proton VPN’s free unlimited bandwidth has another caveat, which is P2P forbiddance – quite a flaw.

If you just want a quality VPN for privacy, you’ll get everything you need from it. Streaming, torrenting, fast speeds and low-ping gaming can be found in NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, and other top-tier providers.

Try ProtonVPN for Free

2. Hide.me

Hide.me has a nice free version with unlimited bandwidth and almost 10 server locations. It’s privacy-oriented, with RAM servers, OpenVPN, no logs, DNS leak protection, and other valuable features. It’s also based in Malaysia, a phenomenal jurisdiction overall.

This means it’s not obligated to share your data with the authorities. Plus, its free plan doesn’t mean Hide.me will rob you of your privacy. You can still enjoy its no-log practices while browsing the web like a king. Just avoid streaming and torrenting with this service.

You’ll be better off with NordVPN and the rest of the paid providers we mentioned.

3. PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN is a handsome little provider with ample speed and performance. It’s simultaneously based in Switzerland, so like Proton VPN, it’s a great VPN to shield your privacy. Unlike the two options from above, it’s P2P and streaming-friendly.

However, its monthly bandwidth is capped at 10 GB and the provider doesn’t have a wide server fleet. On the brighter side, features like WireGuard, a kill switch, and IPv6 leak protection are here. Sadly, the provider lacks its well-known Control Tower DNS.

This means it can’t block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. If that bothers you, then it’s time to use a real ad-blocking VPN such as our 5 from above.

Summary

After everything we’ve said so far, we think it’s clear what a VPN for privacy is. It should:

• Not store ANY logs of your sensitive data,
• protect your privacy through RAM servers and other features,
• ensure top-tier security with strong encryption,
• and have an excellent reputation with a great track record of privacy.

Such providers are hard to come by in 2024 but NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, Proton VPN, and Surfshark are great examples. Whichever provider you pick, you can expect to be anonymous online, with minor differences in other aspects.

Best of all, you won’t have to pay a fortune. Your true online privacy starts from around $2 a month. For this amount of money, you can’t even make a proper sandwich and quench your hunger!

Get NordVPN: The #1 VPN for Privacy