

This is especially the case when VPNs need to enforce restrictions such as bandwidth or the number of devices being used per subscription. Having a truly no logs policy can be difficult to implement while at the same time enforcing restrictions, such as device connections or bandwidth. No logs – No logs simply means the VPN service is not keeping any logs. Examples of this are Betternet, PureVPN, Windscribe, and TunnelBear. While basic connection logs are not necessarily a problem, there are some VPNs that keep connection logs, while falsely claiming to be a “no logs” service. Typically this data is used for optimizing the VPN network and potentially dealing with user problems or terms of use issues, such as using a VPN for torrenting, illegal activities, etc. The data they collect is then sold to third parties, thereby monitoring the “free VPN” service.Ĭonnection logs – Connection logs typically include dates, times, connection data, and sometimes IP addresses.

#VPN NO LOGS FREE#
Most of the VPN services that are collecting usage logs are free VPN apps, which are basically spyware. From a privacy standpoint, you should avoid any VPN that collects usage data. Usage (browsing) logs – These logs basically include online activity: browsing history, connection times, IP addresses, metadata, etc. There are three different types of VPN logs (also discussed in our main VPN guide). So the savvy VPN user will carefully consider a VPN’s logging policies before signing up. Examining a VPN service’s logging policies will help to determine how well the VPN does in the privacy category.įurthermore, if your VPN is logging data, then this data could also be lost, hacked, leaked online, or even end up for sale on some Dark Web forum.

In this guide we’ll cover the different types of VPN logs, the reasons for keeping logs, and what you can do to further protect your online privacy.īut first, why should you care about VPN logs? While there are some people who use a VPN for streaming only, most people care about their online privacy. When it comes to VPN logs, there’s a lot of confusion.Ĭountless VPN services are making the “no logs” claim for marketing purposes, but in reality, they are keeping some form of logs.
