What is a No-Logs Policy? (And Why It Matters)

Introduction: VPN Logging Explained

A no-logs policy (or zero-logs policy) means a VPN provider doesn't record your online activities or connection data. This is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN for privacy.

But not all no-logs policies are created equal. Some VPNs claim to be "no-logs" while still collecting significant data about your activities.

What is a No-Logs Policy?

A true no-logs policy means the VPN provider doesn't store any information that could identify you or your online activities. If the VPN has no logs, there's no data to hand over to authorities or be stolen by hackers.

Why it matters:

• Protects your privacy from government surveillance
• Prevents VPN from sharing your data with advertisers
• Ensures no evidence exists if servers are seized
• Maintains anonymity even if VPN is hacked

Types of Logs VPNs May Keep

Activity Logs (Usage Logs)

These are the most invasive logs and what true no-logs VPNs avoid:

• Websites you visit
• Files you download
• Apps you use
• Search queries
• Connection timestamps
• Bandwidth usage per session

Impact on privacy: Activity logs completely defeat the purpose of using a VPN. Avoid VPNs that keep activity logs.

Connection Logs (Metadata)

Less invasive but still potentially identifying:

• Your real IP address
• VPN server IP you connected to
• Connection timestamps (when you connect/disconnect)
• Amount of data transferred
• Session duration

Impact on privacy: Connection logs can reveal patterns about your VPN usage and potentially identify you.

Aggregate Data (Anonymous Statistics)

Minimal data collected for service improvement:

• Total bandwidth used across all users
• Server load statistics
• Anonymous crash reports
• Performance metrics

Impact on privacy: Minimal to none if truly anonymized and aggregated.

What True No-Logs VPNs Don't Record

A genuine no-logs VPN doesn't keep:

• Browsing history
• Traffic destination or metadata
• IP addresses (original or VPN-assigned)
• Connection timestamps
• Session information
• DNS queries
• Bandwidth logs per user

Why No-Logs Matters for Privacy

Protection from Government Surveillance

Governments can compel VPN providers to hand over data. If there are no logs, there's nothing to provide.

Real-world example: ExpressVPN's Turkish server was seized by authorities in 2017. Because ExpressVPN operates a true no-logs policy, no user data was found on the server.

Security from Data Breaches

If a VPN's database is breached, no-logs means hackers get nothing useful.

No Data Selling

VPNs that don't log have nothing to sell to advertisers or data brokers.

How to Verify a VPN's No-Logs Claims

1. Read the Privacy Policy

Carefully review the VPN's privacy policy. Look for specific statements about what data is NOT collected. Be wary of vague language like "we may collect" or "in some circumstances."

2. Check for Independent Audits

The most reliable way to verify no-logs claims is through independent security audits. Leading audit firms include:

• Deloitte
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Cure53
• KPMG
• VerSprite

VPNs with verified no-logs audits:

• NordVPN - Audited by PwC
• ExpressVPN - Audited by PwC and Cure53
• Surfshark - Audited by Cure53
• ProtonVPN - Audited by Securitum
• CyberGhost - Audited by Deloitte

3. Review Real-World Cases

Look for instances where VPN providers were legally required to hand over data. True no-logs VPNs have proven they had no data to provide.

4. Check Jurisdiction

Consider where the VPN is based. Countries with strong privacy laws and outside intelligence alliances (5/9/14 Eyes) are preferable:

• Switzerland (ProtonVPN)
• Panama (NordVPN)
• British Virgin Islands (ExpressVPN)
• Romania (CyberGhost)

Learn more about VPN basics.

VPN Jurisdictions and Privacy Laws

5/9/14 Eyes Alliances

Intelligence-sharing alliances between countries that can compel data sharing:

5 Eyes: US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand

9 Eyes: 5 Eyes + Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway

14 Eyes: 9 Eyes + Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Sweden

Recommendation: Choose VPNs based outside these alliances for maximum privacy.

Privacy-Friendly Jurisdictions

• Switzerland: Strong privacy laws, not in EU or Eyes alliances
• Panama: No data retention laws, privacy-friendly
• British Virgin Islands: No mandatory data retention
• Romania: EU privacy protections without intrusive surveillance laws

VPNs with Proven No-Logs Policies

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has been independently audited by PwC twice (2018 and 2020) to verify its no-logs claims.

• Jurisdiction: Panama (privacy-friendly)
• Audit: PwC (2018, 2020)
• Proven in court: No logs to provide when requested

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN operates a strict no-logs policy verified by PwC audits and proven when Turkish authorities seized a server.

• Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
• Audit: PwC (2019, 2022)
• Real-world proof: Turkish server seizure found no user data

3. Surfshark

Surfshark has been audited by Cure53 and operates under British Virgin Islands law.

• Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
• Audit: Cure53 (2021)
• RAM-only servers prevent data retention

4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland with some of the strongest privacy protections in the world.

• Jurisdiction: Switzerland (strongest privacy laws)
• Audit: Securitum (2021)
• Open-source apps for transparency

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA has proven its no-logs policy in court on multiple occasions.

• Jurisdiction: United States (5 Eyes, but proven reliable)
• Court-proven: Multiple subpoenas had no data to provide
• Open-source apps for transparency

Red Flags to Watch For

Vague Privacy Policy

If the privacy policy uses ambiguous language or doesn't clearly state what's NOT logged, be suspicious.

No Independent Audits

Claims without third-party verification should be viewed skeptically.

Free VPN

Free VPNs often log and sell your data to generate revenue. Learn why free VPNs are risky.

Jurisdiction in Eyes Alliance

While not automatically disqualifying, VPNs in 5/9/14 Eyes countries face more legal pressure.

Requirement to Provide Personal Information

VPNs requiring extensive personal details during signup may not prioritize privacy.

Additional Privacy Features to Look For

RAM-Only Servers

Servers that run entirely on RAM can't store data permanently. When the server reboots, all data is wiped.

VPNs with RAM-only servers:

• ExpressVPN (TrustedServer technology)
• NordVPN
• Surfshark

Warrant Canary

A public statement regularly updated to confirm the VPN hasn't received secret government requests. If the canary isn't updated, it suggests government interference.

Open-Source Code

VPNs with open-source apps allow independent security researchers to verify code. This increases transparency and trust.

Open-source VPNs:

• ProtonVPN
• Private Internet Access

Anonymous Payment Methods

VPNs that accept cryptocurrency or cash ensure no payment trail links to your identity.

What About VPN Connection Logs?

Some VPNs keep minimal connection logs for operational purposes (server maintenance, troubleshooting). This typically includes:

• Date (not time) of connection
• Amount of data transferred (not what data)
• Server used

Important: These minimal logs shouldn't include your IP address or browsing activity. Check the privacy policy to see exactly what's logged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a VPN is court-ordered to provide logs?

If the VPN truly doesn't keep logs, they have nothing to provide. Real-world examples like ExpressVPN's Turkish server seizure and PIA's court cases prove this works.

Can I trust a VPN's no-logs policy without an audit?

It's riskier. While some non-audited VPNs may be honest, independent audits provide verifiable proof. Stick with audited VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for maximum confidence.

Do all VPNs that claim "no-logs" actually keep no logs?

No. Some VPNs use misleading marketing. Always read the privacy policy carefully and look for independent audits.

Are VPNs in 5 Eyes countries automatically unsafe?

Not necessarily. Private Internet Access is US-based but has proven its no-logs policy in court. However, privacy-friendly jurisdictions like Switzerland or Panama offer added protection.

What's better: no-logs policy or RAM-only servers?

Both are important. No-logs means the VPN doesn't record data. RAM-only servers ensure no data can be physically stored. Together, they provide maximum privacy. ExpressVPN offers both.

Conclusion

A verified no-logs policy is essential for true online privacy. When choosing a VPN, prioritize:

• Independent security audits from reputable firms
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside Eyes alliances
• Transparent privacy policy with specific statements
• Proven track record (court cases, server seizures)
• RAM-only servers for added security

Our top recommendations for no-logs VPNs:

1. NordVPN - Audited by PwC, Panama-based, RAM-only servers
2. ExpressVPN - Audited by PwC, proven in real-world seizure
3. ProtonVPN - Switzerland-based with strongest privacy laws

Don't trust marketing claims alone. Look for audits, jurisdiction, and real-world proof.

Compare all VPNs or view our top recommendations.