The Safest VPN Apps: An Overview of the Present and Future

Introduction

At a time of increasing surveillance and data risks, having a reliable VPN service to protect your privacy is worth its weight in gold. But which VPN apps are currently— and likely in the future— the safest? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five renowned providers: Mullvad, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, IVPN, and ExpressVPN. We’ll examine how they handle user data (logs), connection and metadata, legal frameworks (the country of incorporation and law), as well as transparency reports and open-source aspects.

You’ll also get a historical overview of privacy issues with VPNs (including incidents where providers handed over data to authorities) and insight into current and planned legal developments in Europe and worldwide (keywords: data retention, “chat control,” new EU directives, etc.). A separate technical section provides advanced users with details on encryption, protocols (WireGuard vs. OpenVPN), RAM-only servers, and more. Finally, a critical analysis and recommendations follow— with special consideration given to data protection, independence, user-friendliness, and the sustainability of security concepts.
 

What Makes a VPN Secure?

Before we dive into the details of these providers, let’s clarify which criteria define the security of a VPN service:

• No-Logs Policy: A secure VPN does not store connection logs or users’ online activity. This ensures that neither the provider nor authorities can retroactively trace what you did online. Ideally, the no-logs policy is confirmed by independent audits or actual incidents.
• Data Minimization: In addition to activity logs, providers should store as few metadata as possible (e.g., connection times, assigned IP addresses). Even registration data (such as email or payment info) should be kept minimal or handled anonymously.
• Strong Encryption & Modern Protocols: VPN connections should use robust algorithms (at least AES-256 or similarly secure) and up-to-date protocols (e.g., OpenVPN, WireGuard) to ensure that no one can snoop on or decrypt your data stream.
• Jurisdiction & Law: The country where a VPN provider is based affects the legal framework. Providers in privacy-friendly countries (e.g., Switzerland, Sweden, Panama, Gibraltar) face fewer data retention obligations. It’s also essential whether a provider is willing to shut down or switch off servers rather than comply with logging if compelled—i.e., how independent they remain under government pressure.
• Transparency and Independent Review: Regular transparency reports on law enforcement requests and independent audits of the infrastructure (security and no-logs audits) are signs of a trustworthy VPN. Open-source apps or code insights further boost confidence, as the community can review the code.
• Technical Security Measures: These include RAM-only servers (volatile memory instead of hard drives, so data is erased after each reboot), full disk encryption on servers, a warrant canary (silent alerts for secret orders), and secure server networks (e.g., multi-hop or private DNS).

All five VPN providers covered here meet these criteria to varying degrees. Let’s see how each one specifically implements these security aspects.

Comparison of Leading VPN Providers

Below, we take a detailed look at five providers, especially regarding logs, data handling, legal situation, and transparency.

Mullvad – Radical Privacy Orientation

Mullvad is considered the gold standard in privacy circles for anonymity and no-logs. You only need a randomly generated account number to sign up—no email, no name, no password. You can keep your payment data entirely anonymous by paying with cash via mail or cryptocurrency. Mullvad does not store connection logs or activity logs, a claim dramatically proven in April 2023 when Swedish police raided the Mullvad office in Gothenburg with a search warrant. Officers wanted to confiscate servers but found nothing. Mullvad had already explained that they simply do not have customer data—so the investigators left empty-handed.
According to Mullvad’s CEO, even if they had seized the computers, there would have been no usable information, as Mullvad has stored no user activity data since the service began in 2009. This real-world incident illustrates Mullvad’s uncompromising no-logs policy: “Our business is about fighting data retention—we never store any activity logs,” says Mullvad.

• Jurisdiction
  Legally, Mullvad is based in Sweden, an EU country. Sweden is part of the “14-Eyes” intelligence alliance, but currently there’s no Swedish law requiring VPN providers to store user data—and in fact, Mullvad actively opposes new surveillance laws (see the “Stop Chat Control” campaign on their website, aimed at halting EU plans to scan private communications). If laws were ever passed forcing them to keep logs, Mullvad would likely rather shut down than comply—user trust is paramount.
• Metadata Handling
  Mullvad does not log connection timestamps or assigned IPs. Even connection metadata hardly arises thanks to short accounting intervals. There’s no tracking in the client or on the website (no external analytics scripts). By using an account-based anonymous approach, it’s virtually impossible to link specific connections to a particular customer.
• Transparency & Tech
  Mullvad doesn’t publish a traditional transparency document but does share major events (like the police raid) in blog posts. The Mullvad apps’ source code is fully open source (GitHub), making independent security checks easier. Mullvad has had parts of its infrastructure audited by third parties (e.g., Cure53 reviewed the VPN server code and desktop apps in 2020). Since 2023, Mullvad has operated all servers in a diskless RAM-only mode, boosting data security: the servers have no hard drives, all data is in volatile memory, and it’s wiped with every reboot. This ensures that even temporary connection data doesn’t remain stored. Additionally, Mullvad was an early adopter of WireGuard (and still offers OpenVPN), with optional “post-quantum” variants that secure the key exchange against potential attacks from future quantum computers.

Mullvad Conclusion

If you want maximum privacy, Mullvad is an excellent choice. It’s simple (the apps are functional but minimalist) and requires almost nothing personal from you. However, you miss out on certain convenience features like password-based user accounts or a wide array of server locations—Mullvad has a more modest number of countries and no special streaming unlock. In return, you get privacy by design.
 

ProtonVPN – Privacy with Swiss Support

ProtonVPN was founded by the makers of the secure email service ProtonMail in Switzerland. The aim: a trustworthy VPN that benefits from Switzerland’s strong data protection laws. Under Swiss law, VPN providers are not required to store connection logs—unlike many EU countries. ProtonVPN consistently applies this principle: according to its own no-logs pledge, it does not record user activity or connection histories. Under Swiss law, ProtonVPN can’t fulfill authorities’ requests for user data because no logs exist.
In fact, ProtonVPN publishes a comprehensive transparency report, which shows that all official data requests in recent years have led nowhere—for instance, in 2023 there were about 60 requests, and all were refused. A high-profile case occurred in 2019: a court order demanded that ProtonVPN hand over a user’s IP, but Proton had nothing to provide (“we have no customer IP information”). Swiss authorities had to accept this—evidence that ProtonVPN keeps no actionable logs.

• Data Storage
  ProtonVPN does not store timestamps or bandwidth usage in a user-related form. They do keep the time of the last successful login (without an IP) internally for account security (to detect brute force attempts); this timestamp is overwritten with each new login and is not historically logged.
• Account & Payment
  ProtonVPN offers both free and paid plans. An email address is usually required to sign up (especially for the free tier), which is slightly less anonymous than Mullvad/IVPN. However, you can use an anonymous ProtonMail address. Proton also accepts anonymous payment methods such as Bitcoin. Because ProtonVPN is part of a larger Proton ecosystem, a single account grants access to ProtonMail, Proton Drive, etc., which is convenient if you’re already in the Proton universe. The trade-off is that Proton holds a bit more account data (e.g., the login email)—still under strict Swiss data privacy and not used for ads.
• Swiss Jurisdiction
  Switzerland is known for neutrality and robust data protection. Note: although Switzerland is not an EU member, it cooperates in criminal investigations. If a foreign request is approved by a Swiss court, ProtonVPN must theoretically comply—but in practice, it cannot deliver IP timestamps if they don’t exist. (At ProtonMail, there was a 2020 case where, by court order, they collected a user’s IP, but for ProtonVPN there is no log obligation for VPN.) Proton emphasizes that VPN services in Switzerland are not classed as “telecom services,” so no retroactive surveillance can be ordered. Recent Swiss court rulings further strengthened privacy, and there are efforts to clarify pro-VPN legal positions even more.
• Transparency & Open Source
  ProtonVPN publishes an annual transparency report detailing the number and nature of official data requests and Proton’s response. They also maintain a warrant canary, which would warn if they received a secret order (though Swiss law makes such gag orders less likely). All ProtonVPN clients (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) are open source, and the code is publicly available. This is a big plus—anyone can see how the apps work, and security researchers have already helped to find minor vulnerabilities (quickly fixed). In 2019, Proton collaborated with SEC Consult to audit all apps and the infrastructure, publishing the results (only minor issues found, now closed). In 2022, Securitum confirmed ProtonVPN’s no-logs policy. Proton thus demonstrates a high level of transparency and invites scrutiny.
• Special Security Features
  ProtonVPN offers Secure Core, a multi-hop feature: your connection is routed first through a highly secure server in Switzerland, Sweden, or Iceland before exiting in your chosen country. Even if the exit server is compromised, an attacker sees only the Secure Core server, not your real IP. This nested route increases security (at the cost of some speed). ProtonVPN also has a NetShield DNS filter (to block ads/malware) and provides Tor over VPN servers for direct access to the Tor network.
• Performance and Usability
  ProtonVPN categorizes some servers (Plus Servers for streaming/P2P, etc.). The apps look modern and are user-friendly. The service is somewhat slower than, say, Nord/Express, especially on the free plan with limited servers. Security and privacy are top priorities: ProtonVPN refrains from invasive trackers in its apps and has a solid reputation in the privacy community. Proton also takes an active stand on policy matters (criticizing the EU “chat control” proposals and withdrawing physical servers from India in 2022 when a new surveillance law required logs).

ProtonVPN Conclusion

ProtonVPN combines a strict no-logs approach (backed by Swiss law) with professional infrastructure and extra features. It’s ideal if you want a trustworthy, open source all-round VPN that actively advocates for privacy while still providing conveniences like multi-device support, streaming functionality, and even a free tier. Just note that ProtonVPN requires at least some pseudonymous data (email) to create an account—so it’s not quite as “blindly” anonymous as Mullvad. Even so, your activities remain private—ProtonVPN has turned down all data requests so far due to lack of logs. It’s a top choice for security-minded users who also appreciate good usability.

NordVPN – Major Player with a Technical Focus

NordVPN is one of the most well-known VPN services worldwide, thanks in part to heavy advertising and sponsorships. But how secure is the service behind the marketing? NordVPN’s legal entity is in Panama (Tefincom S.A.), beyond the reach of US or EU courts. Panama isn’t part of any international surveillance alliance and has no data retention laws for VPNs. Thus, the jurisdiction provides privacy advantages: NordVPN can’t be forced by Western authorities to turn over data, and no known instance exists of Panama exerting pressure on NordVPN.

• Logging Policy
  NordVPN advertises a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently tested several times. As one of the first big providers, NordVPN had its servers and systems audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2018, confirming they didn’t violate any no-logs promises. A second audit followed in 2020 (also PwC), and at the end of 2022 came a third audit by Deloitte. According to Deloitte’s report, NordVPN stored no user activity logs. NordVPN itself states: “We do not monitor, record, or store your internet activities while using our service.”
  
  They also say they don’t store connection metadata (session length, timestamps, IP addresses). However, NordVPN does collect minimal data for service improvements, e.g., aggregated statistics on which days a connection took place (no precise time/IP) and how much data was transferred—allegedly only in non-personal aggregate form. To create an account, you need an email address and payment info, so these details remain on file (but are kept separate from VPN traffic). For maximum anonymity, you can pay in cryptocurrency to avoid handing over personal payment data.
• Security Incidents & Measures
  In 2018, NordVPN experienced an incident: a server at a Finnish data center was compromised. An attacker accessed the server via an insecure remote management console left by the hosting partner, potentially letting them spy on traffic passing through that one server. Crucially, that server did not store activity logs, user IDs, or passwords—NordVPN doesn’t keep that data. The hacker could only see which websites were being called from that server in real time (partially encrypted via HTTPS). It wasn’t a central database breach but an isolated incident.
  Nonetheless, NordVPN learned from this event, terminating its contract with that hosting provider and starting the move to RAM-only infrastructure. They also introduced NordLynx, based on WireGuard with double-NAT to preserve privacy (the basic WireGuard protocol briefly stores the last client IP in RAM; NordLynx circumvents this by assigning dynamic IP interfaces). Today, NordVPN runs all servers without local storage—they call this “colocated RAM servers.” Even if a server is seized or hacked, it can’t reveal user activity. NordVPN also collaborates with security researchers and runs a bug bounty program to find vulnerabilities early.
• Features & Highlights
  NordVPN supports standard protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2) and their own NordLynx protocol, a modified WireGuard implementation that typically provides the fastest and very secure connections. They also offer various specialty servers, e.g., Double VPN (similar to Proton’s Secure Core), Onion over VPN, P2P-optimized servers, obfuscated servers (for bypassing VPN blocks), and more. This is appealing for technically savvy users who have different use cases. Unlike IVPN, multi-hop routes aren’t fully customizable but are preconfigured pairs.
• Transparency
  NordVPN has not published a continuous, numeric transparency report like Proton or IVPN, but in blog posts they talk about law enforcement requests. By their account, NordVPN has never handed over user data, as they don’t have logs. They also have a warrant canary and notify users about legal changes. Some critics felt Nord’s communication was sometimes reactive—for instance, they disclosed the 2018 server hack in October 2019, which was considered late. Since then, NordVPN has aimed for clearer communication. Audit report summaries are available to customers, another aspect of transparency.
• User-Friendliness & Apps
  NordVPN’s apps are very beginner-friendly, with a map interface and simple quick-connect options. They have over 5,000 servers in 60 countries—one of the largest networks—ensuring reliable speeds and multiple location choices. Streaming fans praise NordVPN for typically working with Netflix and others. The “SmartPlay” feature reroutes DNS to bypass geo-blocking automatically. Though not directly a security feature, it demonstrates how NordVPN aims to merge privacy and mainstream usage.
• Criticism
  Some in the privacy community remain skeptical. NordVPN is accused of aggressive marketing, occasionally employing questionable tactics (e.g., alleged fake review sites or very pushy ads). Others note NordVPN’s founders have ties to the data-mining company Tesonet in Lithuania. NordVPN insists no user data has ever been compromised and tries to quell doubts through independent audits. Still, purists might be more comfortable with smaller community-driven providers like Mullvad/IVPN.

NordVPN Conclusion

NordVPN shows that a major commercial VPN can still maintain high security standards. You get a robust infrastructure, loads of servers, and extra features without sacrificing core privacy. The no-logs policy has been affirmed multiple times, and the isolated security breach led to improvements like RAM-only servers. If you want both privacy and convenience, NordVPN is a solid choice: user-friendly, fast, and technologically up to date. However, it requires a degree of trust (which Mullvad/IVPN minimize by their data-minimizing approach). If you’re comfortable with a larger company and appreciate 24/7 support plus many features, NordVPN offers a well-rounded security package.
 

IVPN – Uncompromising Transparency from an Underdog

IVPN may be the smallest provider in this comparison, but in terms of privacy, it’s on par with the big names—some say it’s even more transparent. Founded in 2009 by Privatus Limited, IVPN operates out of Gibraltar. Gibraltar is recognized as privacy-friendly: Although a British Overseas Territory, it has its own laws and does not require VPNs to keep logs. Should Gibraltar (or the UK) impose such a requirement, IVPN would consider relocating—IVPN is highly independent and unlikely to abandon its principles.

• No-Logs and Data Avoidance
  IVPN maintains a radical no-logging philosophy, confirmed by an independent audit. In 2019, Cure53 reviewed IVPN’s servers and privacy policy, concluding that IVPN’s claims were consistent with reality. TechRadar noted that IVPN has a “no-logs policy you can genuinely believe.” IVPN generates no logs—neither activity logs nor metadata like session data. Not even temporary connection logs in RAM. This goes so far that IVPN servers do not locally store authentication data—each time, a central auth check occurs with nothing left on the server. If an IVPN server were seized, there would be no trace of your usage or account on it. For added security, all servers have full disk encryption (LUKS) and are monitored around the clock: if a server goes offline unexpectedly, IVPN immediately revokes certificates to prevent MITM risks.
• Account & Payment Data
  IVPN, like Mullvad, enables anonymous accounts: you can just pick an alias; email is optional. By default, you get an account ID. To pay truly anonymously, you can send cash via mail— IVPN has accepted it since 2010—as well as various cryptocurrencies (including Monero). If you provide an email (for password reset), it’s stored confidentially. IVPN does no tracking, no ads, and shares zero data. Even the website is open source and minimal, generating no unnecessary data points.
• Transparency Report & Warrant Canary
  IVPN publishes an exemplary transparency report showing all law enforcement requests per year. Interestingly, very few “legitimate” requests have come in (usually foreign court orders), but in no case were they able to hand over data— so the “Data Provided” column remains zero. For example, in 2024 IVPN received 12 requests, only 1 was legally valid, and they delivered 0 data for lack of logs. IVPN documents this meticulously. They also operate a warrant canary, updated monthly to confirm no secret gag orders have been received. Thus far, the canary is always “green.”
• Open Source & Security Culture
  All IVPN apps (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) are open source, as is their website. IVPN even publishes internal security processes: the “Security Whitepaper” page explains how they secure servers, manage internal access, and handle emergencies. This transparency is unique—IVPN lives by “don’t trust, verify!” They also support privacy projects via sponsorship (excess profits donated) and engage openly on forums like Reddit.
• Special Features
  IVPN was one of the first to offer multi-hop VPN. Unlike Nord’s fixed double server routes, IVPN lets you pick any available server location as both the entry and exit, enabling a mesh of more than two hops if you wish. Such a multi-hop approach makes it much harder for an attacker to track you. They also support modern protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard) and include a built-in tracker and ad blocker (AntiTracker). IVPN does not do streaming optimization; they openly state they do not rotate IPs to unblock Netflix, etc. Indeed, IVPN is not that reliable for streaming and has fewer server locations. The focus is purely on privacy, not entertainment.
• Performance & Usability
  Because they have fewer servers (about 80 in 45 countries), latency might be a bit higher, but speeds via WireGuard are generally excellent. The apps are lean and functional, though somewhat minimalistic in design. Beginners can still handle them well, and the support documentation is thorough. Prices are higher than average (monthly rates especially) but with flexible billing (no 2-year lock-ins). IVPN argues that they prefer an honest price for an honest service rather than offering big discount deals—and that this is part of a sustainability strategy.

IVPN Conclusion

IVPN stands as a prime example of a transparent, principled VPN provider. If you can pay a bit more for maximum privacy and don’t need mainstream extras like streaming support, IVPN deserves your trust. The combo of a no-logs audit, anonymous sign-up, open source code, and detailed transparency is outstanding. For journalists, activists, or advanced users who trust smaller providers over big corporations, IVPN is an excellent choice. You can rely on IVPN staying true to its values: the business model is built around data protection, not chasing user volume. In short, it’s small but mighty when it comes to security.

ExpressVPN – Established Market Leader with Top Tech, but New Ownership

ExpressVPN is a veteran among VPN services, popular for speed and reliability. In recent years, ExpressVPN has also stepped up its security— think “TrustedServer” technology— though some users are uneasy about its acquisition by Kape Technologies. Let’s first cover the technical strengths:

• Logging Policy
  ExpressVPN has long claimed to keep no activity logs. They do not store the websites you visit, DNS queries, or traffic metadata. In 2017, ExpressVPN was in the spotlight when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server in the course of an investigation. They found no useful data because no logs existed (ExpressVPN could not comment due to legal issues, but the outcome was clear: they could not assist since nothing was stored). This real-life event bolstered ExpressVPN’s reputation as a no-log provider.
  To support these claims, in 2019 ExpressVPN underwent a PwC review. The auditors confirmed that ExpressVPN’s infrastructure adhered to its internal data protection policies and did not store connection logs. In subsequent years, Cure53 audited the source code of ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol and other components, while KPMG re-verified servers and privacy practices in 2023. All came back positive: no unexpected logging or deviations from their policy.
• TrustedServer (RAM-only)
  A highlight of ExpressVPN since 2019 is TrustedServer technology. All VPN servers run entirely on volatile memory (RAM)—no hard drives in these machines. The operating system and server software load from a read-only image at boot, running in RAM only. The advantage: once powered off or rebooted, no data persists. It also prevents admins from accidentally writing logs to disk— it’s just not possible. PwC explicitly confirmed in 2019 that TrustedServer works as intended, producing zero logs. For you as a user, that means maximum data hygiene: If nothing’s on the drive, nothing can leak. ExpressVPN was one of the first large providers with this concept, which many others (e.g., NordVPN, Surfshark, Mullvad) have since followed.
• Security & Encryption
  ExpressVPN supports OpenVPN (AES-256 and 4096-bit RSA handshake) and IKEv2/IPSec—both industry standards. They also created the Lightway protocol in 2021. Lightway is akin to WireGuard in design (lightweight, can run over UDP or TCP) and uses the wolfSSL library. It’s meant to connect extremely fast and maintain stability while switching networks. Lightway’s source code is partially open, audited by Cure53. ExpressVPN uses modern cryptography, including Perfect Forward Secrecy, ensuring that even if a key is compromised, previous sessions remain encrypted. A kill switch (“Network Lock”) is available on all apps to block traffic if the VPN drops.
• BVI Jurisdiction
  ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a small Caribbean jurisdiction. The BVI has no mandatory data retention for VPNs and is independent from the strict UK/EU frameworks. It’s a British Overseas Territory but has its own data protection rules. Requests for user info must go through BVI courts. No known case suggests the BVI forced ExpressVPN to reveal data. The BVI is commonly seen as privacy-friendly—like Panama or Switzerland— where operating a no-logs service is legal.
• Transparency & Reports
  ExpressVPN doesn’t release a numerical annual transparency report but has a “Privacy Hub” on its website with audit summaries and security updates. There’s also a warrant canary. The ExpressVPN Trust Center lists all past audits and security measures. They report having undergone 18 independent audits (as of 2023), from app security tests to privacy compliance reviews, demonstrating their appreciation for external validation. Unlike Proton or IVPN, ExpressVPN is not fully open-source, but many experts have examined parts of the code.
• Ease of Use & More
  For years, ExpressVPN led the market in performance and geo-blocking. The apps are extremely simple (“one-button” VPN), with all necessary settings (split tunneling, protocol choice, auto-start) in the background. For less tech-savvy users, ExpressVPN is attractive because it “just works.” Speeds are excellent, dropouts are rare, and most streaming services run smoothly. The company invests in high-quality servers— often physical servers they control (or, if needed, virtual servers are fully encrypted). With 94 countries, their location list is huge.
• Ownership & Trust Concerns
  In 2021, Kape Technologies acquired ExpressVPN for around $936 million. Kape (formerly Crossrider) used to be in ad-tech, with a questionable record due to adware. Starting in 2017, Kape purchased other VPN brands (CyberGhost, ZenMate, Private Internet Access), culminating with ExpressVPN. This move alarmed some users who worried about data monetization. ExpressVPN assured via blog posts that it remains a separate entity in the BVI with the same no-logs stance. So far, there’s no sign of negative changes: the 2022/2023 KPMG audits found no logging issues. Still, some keep a critical eye on it.
  Another controversy arose when it was revealed that a senior security engineer (and co-owner) at ExpressVPN had previously been involved in “Project Raven,” a UAE hacking operation. That individual remained at the company despite a US legal settlement. ExpressVPN argued that the past misconduct is separate from his current role, and that the service itself remains unaffected. It hasn’t impacted the VPN’s security, but it’s a reminder: even a strong VPN can have corporate-level controversies.

ExpressVPN Conclusion

For users, ExpressVPN delivers robust security technology with straightforward usability. Its RAM-only server infrastructure sets a high benchmark, verified by multiple audits. The no-logs approach is credible and has been tested. As a user, you can rely on ExpressVPN without worrying too much about data logging— the service is designed so that even a breach can’t reveal logs. You also get top speed and professional support.

On the other hand, you must trust the company more than if it were fully open source, and since the acquisition, it’s part of a bigger conglomerate with a questionable past. To date, Kape has maintained ExpressVPN’s user-protective course. If you want a polished, well-rounded VPN that “just works” and is cutting-edge in security, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice. For absolute privacy purists who distrust big corporate structures, Mullvad or IVPN may be more appealing. Objectively, though, ExpressVPN’s security concept leaves little to criticize. They consistently score well in independent tests. The future remains interesting, but ExpressVPN has honored its privacy promises so far.

Lessons from the Past on VPN Security

Now that we’ve analyzed these providers in detail, let’s broaden the view. What can we learn about VPN security from the past, and what new challenges are on the horizon (legally and technically)? VPN services promise anonymity— but unfortunately, some providers have betrayed that trust. It’s instructive to recall a few incidents in which VPNs either handed over user data or were otherwise insecure:

• HideMyAss (2011): One of the earliest public “no-logs” scandals involved the UK-based service HideMyAss. Despite marketing itself as an anonymity service, HMA handed connection logs over to authorities, resulting in the arrest of a LulzSec hacker. The FBI, working with British agencies, issued a court order and HideMyAss complied, providing data that identified a SonyPictures attacker. HMA claimed illegal activity violated its Terms of Service, thus they cooperated under a court order. This was shocking for VPN users at the time, revealing that some providers (especially in the UK/US) did indeed log IP assignments and times, contrary to “no logging” claims.
• PureVPN (2017): Another prominent incident. The Hong Kong-based PureVPN had heavily touted “zero logs,” yet in October 2017 it emerged that PureVPN supplied the FBI with connection logs to help catch a cyberstalker. Court documents confirmed that IP logs linked two email accounts (one belonging to the suspect) to the same shared IP. That allowed authorities to unmask him. PureVPN said it had only stored IP login data for debugging, not activity logs—but the damage was done. This case showed that even connection logs (not traffic logs) can identify a user if cross-referenced with other data.
• IPVanish (2016): A similar story. US-based IPVanish claimed “zero logs” for years. In 2018, it came out that IPVanish had, back in 2016, provided user connection info to the US Department of Homeland Security. Initially, they told investigators they had no info, but after a second order, they handed over logs from a specific VPN server port, including the user’s original IP, timestamps, and account email. That was enough to identify the suspect (an American). IPVanish said this occurred before ownership changed (to StackPath) and that their policies have improved since, but trust was damaged.
• Free VPNs and Data Misuse: Besides these examples of handing data to authorities, there are also instances of free VPN providers misusing or endangering user data. Hola VPN (a free P2P service from Israel) sold user bandwidth— logging data and turning user devices into exit nodes for paying customers. Essentially, Hola built a botnet from its user base, uncovered in 2015. Similarly, Facebook’s Onavo VPN (now defunct) used the app to gather massive user activity for analytics. Studies show that most free VPN apps are loaded with trackers or even malware. In 2020, insecure servers at some free VPN providers were hacked, leaking millions of plaintext logs (UFO VPN, SuperVPN, etc.). The lesson: a bad VPN is worse than no VPN at all, as it lulls you into a false sense of security while collecting or exposing your data.

Positive Precedents: Luckily, there are also success stories. Private Internet Access (PIA), for example, in two US court proceedings (2016 and 2018) demonstrated they had nothing to hand over. Similarly, when PIA’s Russian servers were seized, authorities found nothing. Mullvad and ProtonVPN have also shown in real life that they could not comply with demands for logs. These cases underpin the credibility of strict no-logs policies.

Takeaway: The VPN industry learned from these scandals. Today, leading providers rely on audits to restore credibility, clarifying exactly what they do or don’t log. As a user, remain vigilant. Typically, VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries are safer from legal demands. And providers with years of operation have had more chances to prove their integrity (or make mistakes). The past shows that “no-logs” by itself isn’t enough—factors like company location, ownership, and economic interests matter. A small, idealistic provider has fewer incentives to do shady things than a big, profit-driven firm. On the other hand, large providers may have more resources for state-of-the-art technology (like RAM-only). It’s a trade-off.

The good news is that the five providers we’ve reviewed— Mullvad, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, IVPN, ExpressVPN— have had no negative logging incidents in recent years. On the contrary, they’ve learned from such scandals and now lead the way with audits, transparency, and diskless servers.

Legal Developments: Europe and Worldwide

The legal framework for VPNs is evolving. While more and more people use VPNs to circumvent censorship and surveillance, some governments view VPN use with suspicion. Here’s a snapshot of current and upcoming laws and how they could impact VPN security:

Europe: Privacy vs. Surveillance

VPNs are legal and widespread in the EU, but there are moves afoot to restrict encrypted communications and anonymity. Two big topics:

• Chat Control (EU CSA Regulation): In 2022, the European Commission proposed a regulation that would require online services to scan for child sexual abuse content—even in private chats, effectively affecting all encrypted services. The European Parliament opposes indiscriminate mass surveillance, insisting on safeguarding encryption. EU member states are still negotiating. An internal Council memo revealed some countries see end-to-end encryption and VPN usage as “risks” for child protection. For instance, Germany asked how E2E encryption and VPN usage should factor into a provider’s risk assessment. The Belgian presidency responded that VPN connections clearly increase risk. Although no direct VPN ban is in the text, it shows the mindset of some policymakers: tools that hinder investigations draw criticism. Privacy advocates warn that this kind of broad approach violates fundamental rights. As of 2025, the chat-control legislation is still under debate. If it ever forced providers to build backdoors or tag VPN traffic, that would create a big clash with VPN operators. Providers like Mullvad and Proton have already said they would rather exit markets than comply with such measures.
• Data Retention in Europe: EU member states (particularly Germany, France) have repeatedly tried to enforce blanket data retention. The European Court of Justice has overruled such laws multiple times (most recently Germany’s 2022 law), calling them disproportionate. However, the ECJ allowed limited exceptions (e.g., targeted retention in serious threat scenarios and storing IP addresses for a limited time to investigate major crimes). France, for instance, still insists on extensive data retention for “national security.” Germany is discussing a “quick freeze” alternative. For VPN providers, there’s currently no direct EU-wide logging requirement. But if authorities mandated IP logging by VPNs— e.g., requiring them to store real user IP addresses for X weeks— that would effectively kill the no-logs principle. So far, no such direct demand exists, but law enforcement circles in the EU are rumored to be pushing for broader data retention. An EU “high-level” panel recommended reintroducing mass telecom data retention in mid-2024, including “lawful access by design” (backdoors) for encrypted systems. If the next EU Commission picks this up, it could be serious. In that scenario, some VPNs might shut down EU servers or relocate (as they’ve done in other restrictive countries).
• National Debates about a VPN Ban: In France, for example, a 2023 draft digital security bill considered limiting VPNs. Lawmakers proposed restricting the use of VPNs to hide a user’s digital footprint or banning VPN apps in app stores. Critics argued that this is unworkable and an infringement on fundamental rights. The proposal didn’t become law, but it signals that such ideas circulate in politics. Currently, Europe is far from a general ban on VPNs.

In short, the anonymity debate has begun. Some push for a “traceable internet,” while privacy advocates defend encryption as a human right. For end users, VPNs in the EU are likely to remain legal, but expect potential regulatory hurdles (logging obligations, app store restrictions, etc.). Our five top providers also keep a close eye on these developments and typically respond quickly to protect users if laws change (see the example of India).

Worldwide: Censorship, Bans, and Retreat

Outside the EU, some countries heavily regulate or ban VPNs:

1. Russia: Since 2017, VPN providers in Russia must comply with government demands to block blacklisted websites. Those that refuse get blocked. Many Western VPNs left the country or no longer offer Russian servers. Russia actively combats VPN traffic. Some providers only offer “Russian IPs” through virtual servers outside Russia so that local users can still appear to exit in Russia.
2. China: Officially, only state-approved VPNs are permitted. Personal, unlicensed VPN use is illegal. China’s “Great Firewall” detects and blocks common VPN protocols. Only heavy obfuscation can bypass it. Foreign VPN providers don’t keep servers in Mainland China (due to the risk of forced logs). Instead, they often host in Hong Kong. But in Mainland China, even downloading these VPN apps can be difficult.
3. India: A key current example. In 2022, India’s CERT-In introduced rules requiring VPNs to store extensive user data for five years (names, IP addresses, usage durations, email, phone, etc.) and hand it over to authorities on request. Leading VPNs like ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN pulled their physical servers out of India rather than comply. ExpressVPN, for instance, removed Indian servers in June 2022 and offers India only via virtual locations. This demonstrates how draconian laws can drastically change the VPN landscape in a huge market. The providers chose to maintain their no-logs policies rather than gather data. This scenario shows how they’d likely react if other countries impose similar laws.
4. Arab Countries: The UAE and Oman effectively ban VPNs when used for “crimes” (even bypassing blocked VoIP can be penalized). Penalties can be severe. Iran blocks foreign VPNs, offering only regime-approved VPNs. Turkey has at times blocked VPNs (particularly during political unrest).
5. UK & Five Eyes: In the UK, VPNs remain legal, but the Investigatory Powers Act allows broad surveillance. A UK-based VPN could face more pressure, but there aren’t many major VPNs headquartered there. The “Five Eyes” countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) share intelligence. A VPN in one of these countries might face increased scrutiny. Still, a true no-logs VPN would have nothing to hand over beyond basic account info.

Future Outlook

Generally, authoritarian regimes ban or clamp down on VPNs, while democracies try to close “loopholes” (e.g., with logging requirements). VPN providers will likely adapt by employing more flexible infrastructure (pulling out of certain nations if laws get too harsh, offering more virtual locations, obfuscation features, etc.). As long as there’s a free market and competition, some providers will remain log-free. Users could simply switch to providers in more liberal jurisdictions.

For you, it might become more complex if providers shut down servers in repressive countries. But global awareness of privacy is on the rise, driving demand for secure VPNs, including open-source or decentralized alternatives. Keep an eye on relevant media coverage in case something major happens in the EU or elsewhere. Our five top providers also monitor developments closely and tend to react quickly in the user’s interest (as in India).

Technical Aspects for Advanced Users

This section dives deeper into VPN security technology. If you only want practical advice, feel free to jump to the final recommendations. For the crypto and IT enthusiasts:

Encryption and Protocols

A VPN sets up an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. The strength of that encryption is crucial. All providers reviewed here use at least AES-256 (or the equally secure ChaCha20 under WireGuard) with Perfect Forward Secrecy. This ensures that no current technology can realistically crack your VPN tunnel.

VPN Protocols

• OpenVPN: The classic open-source protocol, used for ~20 years. Runs over UDP or TCP and can be masked by various ports (e.g., TCP/443). Uses TLS 1.2 for the handshake (RSA/ECDHE) then AES for the tunnel. Very secure but somewhat heavyweight. Well-tested over many years. Slower than newer protocols.
• IKEv2/IPSec: Commonly used on mobile devices due to fast reconnection when switching networks. AES-based, robust ciphers. Generally faster than OpenVPN on certain devices. But not as flexible in terms of ports/obfuscation. Some providers (ProtonVPN, NordVPN) still offer it; Mullvad/IVPN rely on OpenVPN/WireGuard.
• WireGuard: The newcomer (started ~2016, stable ~2019). Extremely lightweight (~4000 lines of code), making security audits easier. Uses ChaCha20 for data encryption, Curve25519 for key exchange, runs over UDP only. Typically offers better performance and lower latency than OpenVPN, especially on mobile devices. Initially, some raised privacy concerns because WireGuard by default stores the last client IP in the server’s RAM to maintain the connection. But this is ephemeral and not a permanent log. With proper server setups (RAM-only, no disk persistence) or custom solutions (like Nord’s double-NAT in NordLynx), it’s no longer a concern. All top providers now support or have integrated WireGuard (or variations like NordLynx, or Lightway at ExpressVPN). WireGuard is widely regarded as both secure and extremely fast.
• Lightway / Proprietary Protocols: ExpressVPN’s Lightway is open source and built on wolfSSL, somewhat resembling WireGuard’s approach (lightweight, typically UDP). Audited by Cure53, it’s designed for quick connections and robust performance. Other providers have proprietary protocols (e.g., Cisco AnyConnect, Hotspot Shield’s Hydra), though mainstream VPN providers typically stick to open standards plus minor tweaks.
• Bottom line: Security-wise, all these protocols are safe when properly implemented. Differences revolve around speed and stealth capabilities. For top speed, use WireGuard/NordLynx/Lightway. For advanced blocking scenarios, often OpenVPN with TCP/443 or obfuscation is best.

Server Security: RAM-only vs. Disk, Physical vs. Virtual

As mentioned, premium VPN providers are increasingly using RAM-only servers. Mullvad, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost—many have adopted a no-disk approach. ProtonVPN interestingly says that RAM-only doesn’t offer huge advantages over full disk encryption as long as there are truly no logs. Proton currently focuses on robust FDE. They say if a server is seized while powered on, RAM-only or not, the attacker might glean something from the running state. However, RAM-only does eliminate the chance of accidental logging to disk and ensures a fresh start on each reboot. Proton might also switch in the future due to competition or preference.

• Physical Security
  Some providers (Express, Proton) prefer to own or physically control many servers in secure data centers. Proton’s “Secure Core” servers sit in Swiss military bunkers or underground sites in Iceland. ExpressVPN and NordVPN have begun colocation (fully owned, custom hardware). The idea: reduce the risk of a malicious hosting partner interfering. But large providers inevitably rely on some third-party data centers in global locations. The key is contractual safeguards, encryption, and constant monitoring.
• Virtual Locations
  Some providers offer “virtual server locations”: the server is physically elsewhere but has an IP from the chosen country. For instance, ExpressVPN flags these as “virtual.” This helps them avoid hosting hardware in high-risk jurisdictions with poor data center reliability. Mullvad and IVPN typically avoid virtual locations, preferring fewer but physically real servers.
• Warrant Canary & Emergency Plans
  Providers like Mullvad, IVPN, and ProtonVPN run warrant canaries—pages regularly updated to show no secret orders exist. If an order arrives, they would stop updating the page, signaling users indirectly. Mullvad has also stated they would shut down the service if forced to log. That’s an extreme measure but reflects their ideology.

More Technical Highlights

• Multi-Hop / Cascading: ProtonVPN (Secure Core), NordVPN (Double VPN), and IVPN let you use two VPN servers in series. Mullvad doesn’t have a direct multi-hop feature in the app, though you can configure a multi-tunnel manually. IVPN stands out with free-form multi-hop. This approach further complicates deanonymization but slows your speed. Good for specialized use cases.
• DNS & Leak Protection: All these VPNs run their own DNS to avoid exposing queries to ISPs. They route DNS queries through the encrypted tunnel. Mullvad and Proton also let you use their DNS outside the VPN via DoH. WebRTC leaks (browser-based) are a separate issue—most providers have built-in leak protection or rely on the kill switch.
• Kill Switch: All premium providers offer a kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN disconnects, preventing your real IP from leaking inadvertently.
• Port Forwarding: Mullvad used to offer it, but removed it in 2020 to reduce risk of abuse. ProtonVPN includes it in paid plans; IVPN includes it in “Pro” subscriptions. NordVPN and ExpressVPN do not allow forwarding for security reasons, so if you need it (for torrents or hosting), you might prefer Proton or IVPN.
• Obfuscation (Stealth VPN): Tools like Shadowsocks or Stunnel can hide VPN traffic from Deep Packet Inspection. Mullvad and IVPN support Shadowsocks bridging on selected servers. NordVPN has “Obfuscated Servers” (likely OpenVPN with an XOR patch). ExpressVPN handles obfuscation automatically in Lightway. ProtonVPN doesn’t have a dedicated stealth mode except via Tor. If you’re in heavily censored regions, these features are critical.
• Post-Quantum Cryptography: A forward-looking topic. Future quantum computers could break RSA/ECC. Some VPNs are testing post-quantum key exchanges. Mullvad, for instance, offers a “post-quantum” variant of WireGuard/OpenVPN. Proton and Nord haven’t rolled out PQ for VPN yet (though Proton experiments in mail). It’s still experimental but relevant for the long term.
• Own Hosting vs. Cloud: Some users worry about providers using public cloud servers (AWS, Azure) where a third party might snapshot the VM. ProtonVPN tries to avoid big public clouds for critical servers, but might use them in some lesser coverage regions. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and others do use cloud or colocation, but with RAM-only or full disk encryption. If you’re concerned, check the server list or choose a privacy-friendly location. Mullvad and IVPN detail their hosting partners publicly.

Tech Summary

All providers here use modern standards to protect you. Differences mainly stem from philosophy: Mullvad/IVPN lean minimalistic and open, while Nord/Express invest in proprietary solutions for better performance and mass coverage. Proton aims to merge both approaches (open source yet also comfortable). For you, it’s key to use secure protocols (OpenVPN/WireGuard), keep apps updated, and enable features like the kill switch. Also remember that a VPN is one part of an overall security strategy— you still need a firewall, a safe browser, and caution with tracking. A VPN alone won’t defeat malware or advanced trackers, but combined with good practices, it’s a powerful tool.

Conclusion and Recommendations

We come to the big question: Which VPN should you choose? The good news: all five services— Mullvad, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, IVPN, and ExpressVPN— are highly recommended, each with different strengths and weaknesses in privacy, independence, user-friendliness, and sustainability of security concepts. Here’s a summary to help you pick based on your priorities:

1. Maximum Anonymity & Privacy
   If your top priority is minimizing any trace of personal data, Mullvad or IVPN are the best. Both allow anonymous accounts (no email; you can even send cash) and have proven they don’t keep logs. Mullvad is cheaper (€5/month) and has a longer track record; IVPN shines with absolute transparency and flexible multi-hop. Both are small, independent, and radical about protecting privacy— your trust in them can be very high. Downsides: fewer “comfort” features (e.g., streaming). IVPN is particularly poor for streaming, Mullvad sometimes works but doesn’t guarantee it.
   
   Recommendation: Perfect for advanced users, privacy enthusiasts, or journalists who want minimal trust requirements. These services exist to protect privacy, not to dominate the market.
2. Balance of Privacy & Features
   ProtonVPN occupies a unique space here. It offers strong privacy (Swiss law, no-logs audits, open source) plus the convenience of a larger ecosystem: polished apps, free plans, streaming support (in higher tiers), etc. It’s ideal if you value both privacy and usability. Integration with ProtonMail & Proton Drive is a plus if you want a complete privacy suite. ProtonVPN also has a robust reputation and actively advocates for user rights.
   
   Recommendation: Ideal for informed everyday users who want a reliable, serious VPN and are willing to pay a fair price. Performance is sometimes outshone by Nord/Express, and Mullvad is a bit more anonymous. But the overall package is very strong and future-proof.
3. Performance, Global Coverage & Ease of Use
   ExpressVPN and NordVPN cater to users who want security and top speeds, broad server networks, 24/7 support, and straightforward apps. They have invested in cutting-edge technology (RAM-only, custom protocols, multiple audits), so advanced users can be confident in their security. Still, you have to trust them as larger commercial providers. Repeated audits and real-world incidents (like Nord’s data center breach) indicate they do not log user activity.
   
   Recommendation: If you’re a heavy user wanting to stream Netflix, get stable connections on the go, and enjoy quick server choices worldwide, both Nord and Express are excellent. NordVPN has a slight edge in extra features (like a password manager and Meshnet); ExpressVPN is known for reliability and minimal fuss. Both are large commercial successes, meaning they’ll likely continue to develop advanced security features— but keep an eye on corporate news (especially Express under Kape). Thus far, they maintain strong privacy standards.

Other Factors

• Price: Mullvad is €5/month (very transparent). IVPN is ~€6 (Standard) or €10 (Pro). ProtonVPN is $5–$10 depending on the plan. NordVPN is effectively ~$3–$4/month with a 2-year plan (otherwise $11 monthly). ExpressVPN is ~$6–$7/month on annual plans or ~$12–$13 monthly. If budget is tight, ExpressVPN can be expensive without a long-term deal. NordVPN often offers deals; Mullvad is straightforward with no discounts. ProtonVPN’s Free tier is good for trying out but too limited for heavy use.
• User-Friendliness: ExpressVPN often wins, with NordVPN and ProtonVPN close behind. Mullvad/IVPN are extremely simple but have no frills—some beginners feel more comfortable with the bigger providers’ UIs, though Mullvad/IVPN’s interfaces are in fact quite easy (on/off, select location).
• Independence & Ethics: Mullvad and IVPN are independent, small teams, no external investors. ProtonVPN is community-driven (partially crowdfunded). NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, a big global operation; ExpressVPN is owned by Kape (publicly traded). Some prefer smaller providers on principle; others appreciate the resources of a large corporation.
• Sustainability of Security Concepts: All five keep evolving (RAM-only, frequent audits, adopting new standards like post-quantum). ExpressVPN and NordVPN update regularly. ProtonVPN is part of a broader privacy platform with stable funding. Mullvad/IVPN, though smaller, have historically led by example (early adopters of WireGuard, open-sourcing apps). So all five are forward-looking.

Lastly, you don’t have to stick to one VPN forever. Many privacy pros use different VPNs for different tasks (e.g., Mullvad for sensitive activities, NordVPN for daily streaming). Just keep track of them. For instance, you could subscribe to Mullvad monthly for anonymity-critical use while you have a two-year plan with Nord for everyday convenience. Or keep ProtonVPN Free as a backup. Just remain aware of their differences and stay comfortable with your setup.

Bottom line: A VPN is a powerful privacy tool—but only if the provider is trustworthy. These five providers are among the safest on the market. Our short verdict:

1. Maximum privacy (no compromise): Mullvad or IVPN
2. Privacy + convenience, well balanced: ProtonVPN
3. Top performance & features, still secure: NordVPN or ExpressVPN, depending on preferences.

All five are likely to remain among the safest VPN apps going forward, continuing their commitment to transparency and ongoing improvements. Keep yourself informed (e.g., via transparency reports), and don’t hesitate to switch providers if something doesn’t suit you.
 

References

[1] Mullvad Blog on Police Raid:
https://mullvad.net/en/blog/2023/4/20/police-raid-we-dont-keep-information/
[2] Mullvad RAM-only Server Upgrade (Mullvad Blog):
https://mullvad.net/en/blog/2023/7/03/mullvad-vpn-server-upgrade/
[3] ProtonVPN Transparency Report & No-Logs:
https://protonvpn.com/blog/transparency-report/
https://protonvpn.com/support/no-logs-vpn/
[4] NordVPN Audits (2018, 2020, 2022):
https://nordvpn.com/blog/security-audit/
[5] Incident & NordVPN Response (Data Center Breach 2018):
https://nordvpn.com/blog/official-response-datacenter-breach/
[6] IVPN Transparency Report & Open-Source Apps:
https://www.ivpn.net/transparency-report/
https://github.com/ivpn
[7] ExpressVPN TrustedServer Technology (RAM-only):
https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/introducing-trustedserver/
[8] ExpressVPN Trust Center (Audits & Security Reports):
https://www.expressvpn.com/trust-center
[9] Kape Acquires ExpressVPN (ArsTechnica):
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/09/company-notorious-for-malware-buys-expressvpn/
[10] HideMyAss Gave Data to FBI, LulzSec Case:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/hide-my-ass-vpn-gave-fbi-lulzsec-hacker-logs/
[11] PureVPN & FBI (The Register):
https://www.theregister.com/2017/10/10/purevpn_helps_fbi_arrest_vpn_user/
[12] IPVanish Logged Data (Engadget):
https://www.engadget.com/2018-06-06-ipvanish-allegedly-logged-data.html
[13] Hola VPN Botnet (Adios-Hola):
https://adios-hola.org/
[14] Leak at Free VPN Providers (Comparitech):
https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/free-vpn-database-leak/
[15] EU Chat Control – Overview at netzpolitik.org:
https://netzpolitik.org/2022/chatkontrolle-platz-eins-der-netzpolitik-themen-2022/
[16] EU Ministers Aim to Revive Data Retention (Euractiv):
https://www.euractiv.com/section/data-protection/news/eu-ministers-embark-on-reviving-mass-data-retention/
[17] European Court of Justice Ruling (on German Data Retention Law, 2022):
https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2022-09/cp220157en.pdf
[18] ProtonVPN on Leaving India:
https://protonvpn.com/blog/india-new-vpn-regulations/
[19] ExpressVPN Removes India-based Servers:
https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/expressvpn-removes-india-based-servers/
[20] Mullvad Experiments with Post-Quantum VPN:
https://mullvad.net/en/help/post-quantum-vpn-tunnel/