5 Best VPNs for Privacy in 2023

Data tracking and surveillance are widespread, with new technologies surfacing and evolving daily, finding new ways to track us online. Every time you visit any site, your device transmits information about your location, your Internet provider, previously visited websites, and more. On top of that, your Internet provider actively monitors you, and it knows what you did online, what you searched for, and what you downloaded.

That said, you can preserve your Internet privacy by using a VPN. However, make sure to use the best VPN for privacy, as very few are good enough to deserve your trust. That’s because there are VPNs that pray on you, collect your information, and share your Web browsing habits with the highest bidder.

You need a privacy-focused VPN with a proven track record of keeping its users safe. You’ll want access to bulletproof privacy protection, an audited no-logs policy, and technologies that work against Web trackers. That’s something that only the most private VPN can give you.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the best VPN for privacy and share how to use a VPN to protect your privacy on the Web. We’ll also explain the benefits of VPNs and answer some helpful FAQs.

Best Privacy VPNs – Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Privacy in 2023
2. NordVPN – Best Privacy VPN with Anti-Tracking Tools
3. CyberGhost VPN – Best for Privacy Protection & Streaming
4. PIA VPN – Best High-End VPN for Advanced Users
5. Surfshark – Best Affordable VPN for First-Time Users

How to Use a VPN for Internet Privacy

To use a VPN for Internet privacy, pick a trustworthy VPN, sign up, download its app, and then connect to a VPN server. Go through the following steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN with high-end privacy tools (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and then install the VPN app on your device(s).
3. Launch the VPN app and login once you complete the initial setup.
4. Connect to a VPN server of your choice in a location you want.
5. You can now browse the Web as usual. That’s it!

To ensure your Internet privacy, we recommend enabling your VPN’s kill switch (protecting you even if your VPN connection drops). You’ll also want to use high-end protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as obfuscated servers (if available).

The Best VPNs for Privacy in 2023

Before we present our recommendations, let’s review what makes the best VPN for privacy. First and foremost, you’ll want a VPN that’s been independently audited, which is the best way to ensure that your chosen VPN is trustworthy and safe to use. You’ll also want a no-logs policy with minimal data logging (no personally identifiable data collected).

Then, the best privacy VPN should come from a favorable jurisdiction, away from the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance and other intelligence alliances. Regarding security, pick a VPN with solid protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard) paired with robust encryption (like AES-256 and ChaCha20). Having access to RAM-only and obfuscated servers is always a great idea.

You’ll need a sizable server network with as many locations (countries) as possible to ensure you can unblock the Web from anywhere. You’ll also need a good number of simultaneous connections and native applications for all your devices. Lastly, make your purchase risk-free by being able to rely on money-back guarantees and always-there 24/7 live chat support.

Following the criteria laid out above, these are the 5 best VPNs for privacy:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Privacy in 2023

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for privacy in 2023 by a long shot. It comes with an audited no-logs policy (just recently inspected by Cure53) and many previous individual audits focusing on the VPN’s apps, infrastructure, and protocols. It offers advanced privacy features (strong encryption and a kill switch) and is one of the easiest-to-use VPNs.

Regarding data logging, ExpressVPN will never log anything that could identify what you do online. Your IP address, browsing history, traffic destinations, and DNS queries are never logged. Also, this VPN comes from the British Virgin Islands, so it’s away from data retention laws and the world’s most aggressive data intelligence agencies.

ExpressVPN is powered by protocols such as OpenVPN and Lightway, paired with AES-256. Needless to say, your privacy will remain intact. On top of that, it has 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries, and all of those are RAM-only and obfuscated servers. You won’t find that elsewhere, making ExpressVPN the most private VPN.

You also get up to 8 simultaneous connections (on more extended plans) and applications for any device (computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, routers, etc.). ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day no-questions-asked money-back policy. And, as a customer, you’ll gain access to 24/7 live chat support.

2. NordVPN – Best Privacy VPN with Anti-Tracking Tools

NordVPN is a highly capable privacy-focused VPN with a strict no-logs policy. This VPN has numerous independent audits under its belt, with the latest one done by Deloitte focusing on the VPN’s no-logs policy, server configuration, technical logs, and more. It’s great for digital privacy because it has advanced anti-tracking and ad-blocking tools.

Unlike most other VPNs, NordVPN goes through regular and highly in-depth audits. That means you can be sure that it logs no personally identifiable information. In other words, none of your activity logs will ever reach NordVPN’s servers. On top of that, it’s based in Panama, which means the VPN isn’t forced to keep your records.

This private VPN is powered by OpenVPN and NordLynx (WireGuard), paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. You also get 5,500+ servers in 60 countries. Many of those are standard VPN servers, but you’ll also find obfuscated servers, double-VPN, and other specialized servers designed to enhance your privacy.

NordVPN gives you 6 simultaneous connections, which seems generous enough. You’ll also find modern-looking and easy-to-use applications for practically any device. On top of that, this VPN offers a 30-day money-back policy and has 24/7 live chat support, in addition to various other types of customer support resources.

3. CyberGhost VPN – Best for Privacy Protection & Streaming

CyberGhost VPN has long been a highly trustworthy VPN, known for its ‘Transparency Reports,’ which were first published back in 2011. However, this VPN joined the ranks of audited VPNs just recently, thanks to an independent audit by Deloitte, whose focus was this VPN’s server network, management systems, and no-logs policy.

You’ll be happy to know that CyberGhost collects no personally identifiable information. It collects only your customer and basic billing info, as well as some basic stats (connection attempts and frequency of use). So, not even the VPN will know what you do online. Also, it’s based in Romania, where mandatory data retention laws don’t exist.

Like other top-shelf VPNs, this one is also powered by OpenVPN and WireGuard, in combination with encryption like AES-256 and ChaCha20. It has 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries, and all those are RAM-only servers, and many are specialized for streaming. This VPN has no obfuscated servers, so you might want to avoid it in countries with heavy data logging and censorship.

A subscription to CyberGhost VPN will get you 7 simultaneous connections. Also, there are apps for computers, tablets, phones, streaming devices, and routers. On top of that, you get a 45-day money-back policy (if you pick a longer subscription plan) and 24/7 live chat support, aside from plenty of tutorials, how-to videos, and similar.

4. PIA VPN – Best High-End VPN for Advanced Users

Private Internet Access is a perfect choice for more experienced users, showing how you can get a privacy-focused VPN while offering a huge range of advanced tools. But first and foremost, this is a no-logs VPN that’s been audited by Deloitte. The most recent audit checked this VPN’s server configurations and internal privacy policies.

PIA’s no-logs policy is incredibly strict. The VPN collects no activity logs and doesn’t know what you do online. It doesn’t even collect connection timestamps or connection logs, which most other VPNs log for analytic purposes. It’s based in the USA, which might be an issue for some – but know that PIA’s no-logs policy has been proven twice in court.

In terms of privacy protection, this VPN uses OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption algorithms. There’s plenty you can do to fine-tune these protocols, as well as optimize the VPN’s kill switch and anti-tracking systems. You also get thousands of servers in 85+ countries, with optional obfuscation available across the globe.

PIA comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, as well as highly advanced yet easy-to-use applications for virtually any device imaginable. To make your purchase risk-free, it offers a 30-day money-back policy. And, of course, you can count on 24/7 live chat customer support, in addition to half a dozen other support channels and resources.

5. Surfshark – Best Affordable VPN for First-Time Users

Surfshark is an incredibly streamlined VPN that’s also unusually transparent about its logging policies. As you can expect, this is a no-logs provider that’s never been afraid to go through independent audits, the last of which was done by Cure53. It’s easy to use but also packed with many tools that provide privacy protection through multiple layers.

This VPN’s no-logs policy is highly straightforward. Surfshark collects no activity logs, so it doesn’t know which websites you visit. It collects minimal and anonymous connection logs, which are deleted after each session. Also, it’s based in the Netherlands (part of the EU) but works under the country’s laws that protect each individual’s digital privacy.

With Surfshark, you can create a data tunnel using OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20. You also get a kill switch, split tunneling, ad-blocker, and more. It has 3,200+ servers in around 100 countries. All those are RAM-only servers, and there’s obfuscation as well, perfect for reaching an ultra-high level of privacy.

You also get unlimited simultaneous connections and beginner-friendly VPN applications for computers, smartphones, tablets, streaming devices, and routers. If you decide to subscribe, you’ll also get a 30-day money-back policy. There’s also 24/7 live chat support on board, in addition to various other types of customer support resources.

Why Do You Need the Most Private VPN?

You need the most private VPN because that’s the only way to safeguard your privacy on the Internet. A VPN will also help you unblock websites, bypass Web restrictions, and even help you save money when shopping online.

Here’s more information regarding why you need the best VPN for privacy:

• Hide Your Browsing Activity: By encrypting your data, a VPN won’t allow anyone to see where you browse and what you do online, and that includes your Internet provider.
• Hide Your IP Address: Your IP address shows your physical location online. With a VPN, you can get a new IP from any country and hide your location-based metadata.
• Access Geo-Blocked Services: By hiding your location and encapsulating your data, a VPN can help you access websites and digital services not available in your country/region.
• Bypass Censorship: VPNs can battle against censorship systems, giving you access to a more open Web and protecting your privacy against those who impose censorship.
• Bypass school and office restrictions: The best VPN for privacy helps you unblock the restrictions imposed by school and office Internet connections, letting you browse any site.
• Secure Torrent Downloads: Never download torrents without a VPN, as you’ll risk receiving a copyright infringement notice and paying hefty fines.
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling: Your Internet provider can slow down your connection if you stream a lot or download plenty of data, which is something a VPN can hide.
• Connect Safely to Public Wi-Fi: Open public Wi-Fi networks are highly dangerous to use, as they’re breeding grounds for malware and data surveillance.
• Browse Home Sites While Traveling: You’ll encounter limitations when traveling in the form of geo-blocks. A VPN server from your country can help resolve those issues.
• Get a Better Gaming Experience: A powerful VPN can lower your ping and latency, which leads to better responsive time and a much more responsive gameplay session overall.
• Save Money When Shopping Online: By changing your location, you can get lower prices, as your VPN will prevent trackers from trying to create a profile of your economic status.

How to Choose the Best Privacy VPN?

To choose the best VPN for privacy, you need to inspect its no-logs policy, data logging practices, server fleet, security features, and more. Let’s explain what you need to keep in mind:

• Audited No-Logs Policy: The best private VPN must have an audited no-logs policy, with a public report revealing its logging practices and the security of its infrastructure.
• Minimal Data Logging: Even the best VPN for privacy will log some data. That said, you need to ensure that your VPN doesn’t keep any activity logs.
• Favorable Jurisdiction: A privacy-focused VPN should come from a country that’s not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance and that comes free of data retention laws.
• Security Features: Make sure to invest in a VPN powered by OpenVPN (AES-256) or WireGuard (ChaCha20) protocols. It should also have a capable kill switch.
• RAM-Only Servers: By using a VPN with RAM-only servers, you can rest assured that your data will never get stored on hard drives, making it accessible to third parties.
• Sizable Server Network: By having access to a wide server fleet, you ensure that you get the privacy you need as well as the fastest possible Web connection.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices: Don’t leave even a single device unprotected, as even the smallest vulnerability can endanger your digital privacy.
• Money-Back Guarantees: By relying on money-back guarantees, you ensure that your purchase comes risk-free and that you’ll end up with a VPN that deserves your money.
• Customer Support: When (and if) something goes wrong, you’ll be happy to have access to 24/7 live chat support so that you can resolve any issue instantaneously.

Final Thoughts

The primary purpose of any VPN is to protect your privacy – but very few are actually good enough to deserve your trust. That said, picking a privacy-focused VPN should not be taken lightly, but in the end, you’ll get the best possible solution to preserving your privacy.

We’ll remind you that our recommendation is ExpressVPN, which really is the best VPN for privacy in 2023. It’s miles ahead of its competitors and comes with everything you need to ensure your privacy is safe and sound - out of the box.  

That’s all when it comes to the best VPN for privacy in 2023. If you have any questions, share them via the comments section below. Thank you for reading!