Best VPNs to stop your ISP from tracking your internet activity

In today’s digital age, the privacy of your online activities is under unprecedented threat. Shockingly, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the U.S. now wield the power to monitor and monetize your digital footprint. Including what websites you visit, messages, emails, searches, and more. Recent legislative shifts, specifically Senate Joint Resolution 34 (S.J. Res 34), repealed an Obama-era FCC privacy rule have stripped away essential protections. This allows industry giants like Comcast and Time Warner Cable to cash in on your browsing data without your consent.

Imagine this: every email you send, every search you make, and even the most personal details of your life, from medical histories to your preferences, are potentially up for grabs. The unsettling truth? With limited regulations, there’s no telling just how invasive these corporations might become.

However, there’s hope! Through extensive research and rigorous testing, we’ve identified the most robust solutions to shield you from prying eyes. There are only two surefire ways to prevent your ISP from monitoring web activity: a VPN or Tor. While options like Tor exist, our recommendation leans heavily toward Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This is because VPNs ensure faster connectivity and operate discreetly, keeping you off the radar of both ISPs and authorities. A VPN acts as your digital guardian, encrypting every piece of information flowing from your device and directing it via a secure server of your choice. This protection ensures your ISP remains blind to your online actions—whether it’s the websites you frequent or the personal messages you exchange.

Join us as we demystify the new internet landscape and arm you with the tools to regain control of your online privacy.

Below, we get into detail on each of the VPN providers that make up this list, but if you only have time for a quick review, here are our top choices:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN to prevent ISP tracking! Boasts ultrafast speeds and some of the strongest privacy protections available. Keeps no logs and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Privacy.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for beating ISP tracking. Fast and versatile, with a wealth of security and privacy features. Secure every device you own at once.
3. IPVanish: Owns and operates all the servers on their network. Holds no logs or metadata on any of their users. DNS leak protection and unlimited simultaneous connections. 24/7 customer support.
4. ExpressVPN: Strong encryption, security, and internet privacy features. Keeps no logs and offers multiple options for protecting all your devices and traffic. 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. CyberGhost: Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. Protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy.
6. StrongVPN: Strong security and privacy features along with a no-logs policy, but not the easiest apps to use.
7. Private Internet Access: Solid security credentials. Strict with keeping no logs on user activity. Well priced but displayed inconsistent download speeds in testing.
8. PureVPN: A reliable VPN that takes the stress out of staying safe online. Large network, apps for all major platforms, and 24/7 support. Works with most streaming services.
9. ProtonVPN: No-logs provider with plenty of advanced privacy features. Fast servers in 80+ countries as well as the ability to access even the most stubborn region-locked sites.

How to choose a VPN to prevent ISP tracking

We’ll cover our testing methodology later in this article, but here’s a quick overview of our criteria when assessing VPNs for preventing ISP tracking:

• Strong security, including 256-bit AES encryption
• A selection of modern VPN protocols
• A strict no-logs policy with no exceptions
• Reliable speeds for downloading and streaming
• Responsive customer support via live chat
• Fair pricing with a money-back guarantee
• Router compatibility is a bonus

Best VPNs to prevent ISP tracking – Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for preventing ISP tracking

How to prevent an ISP from seeing your online activity

All you need to prevent your ISP from seeing your online activity is a VPN. The VPN’s encryption will hide all of the data passing through your internet connection, and where that data is going.

Based on our real-world experience, here’s how to hide your online activity from your ISP with a VPN:

1. Sign up for one of the VPNs recommended in this article, NordVPN is our top choice.
2. Download and install the VPN app for your device.
3. Open the app and select a server location.
4. Hit the Connect button
5. Wait a few moments for the connection to complete.
6. If you encounter any issues with your VPN, try clearing your cookies and cache.

And that’s it! Your ISP can no longer see what you do online, this includes your download and search history. Make sure to use a VPN with good leak protection, as our recommendations do.

The best VPNs to prevent ISPs seeing and tracking

Based on the criteria above, we have carefully tested the 8 best VPNs to prevent ISP tracking. Below is a more in-depth review of each VPN in our shortlist to help you choose the right VPN service provider for your needs.

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Prevents ISP TrackingTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is Panama-based and offers excellent bang for your buck–up to six simultaneous connections on a standard subscription. But the real value is in the company’s strict zero logs policy and its strong encryption suite: 256-bit encryption on OpenVPN and 2,048-bit Diffie Hellman keys.

The NordVPN app includes a process-specific kill switch, so you can specify which programs are blocked from sending unencrypted web traffic over your ISP network should the VPN connection drop. A wide range of servers is available, including some optimized for extra privacy, including Tor over VPN and double VPN.

Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. If you travel abroad, NordVPN can also unblock geographically restricted content like Netflix and Hulu.

BEST VPN FOR PREVENTING ISP TRACKING:NordVPN is our top choice. Boasts a large server network, fast connection speeds, and great unblocking capabilities. This provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Prevents ISP TrackingTested Nov 2024

Surfshark users typically connect using OpenVPN or IKEv2 protocols, but there’s also the option to use Shadowsocks if you’re in a country like China or the UAE. All traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, 2048-bit DHE-RSA keys, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which means that it isn’t legally required to store any details of user activity. Accordingly, Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could identify you. 24/7 support is available over live chat, should you need it.

Surfshark has apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It can even be manually configured for use with supported home routers.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark is ideal for those looking to secure lots of devices on a budget since it has no connection limit. It also boasts high speeds, a wide range of security features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review

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3. IPVanish

Prevents ISP TrackingTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is one of the few VPN providers to actually own, rather than rent, its servers. That means it has greater control over who can access those servers. By default, users connect using OpenVPN with 256-bit AES full encryption, SHA512 authentication, and ephemeral 2,048-bit RSA keys with perfect forward secrecy.

The company keeps no records of traffic nor metadata on its users, so despite being based in the US, it couldn’t produce any information on users even if it wanted to. DNS leak protection is built-in, and a kill switch can be enabled in the settings.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Uncongested network achieves fantastic speeds. Strong security and online privacy features. Could do with having live customer support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

Prevents ISP TrackingTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. It boasts a best-in-class encryption suite, combining the OpenVPN protocol with 256-bit channel encryption, SHA512 authentication, and 4,096 RSA keys that use perfect forward secrecy.

The company uses its own DNS servers and routes all DNS requests through the VPN, so nothing leaks to your ISP. Hundreds of users can share a single IP address, so it’s nearly impossible to track any internet activity back to you.

The ExpressVPN app includes a “network lock” that halts internet traffic should your connection drop at any point until it is re-established. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (command-line), and certain wifi routers.

ExpressVPN is also great for unblocking geo-locked content like Netflix and Hulu when traveling abroad.

BROWSE SAFELY ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN puts your privacy first. It offers military-grade encryption protocols coupled with a neat design and fast connection speeds.Great at unblocking geo-restricted sites and services. Plans include a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

Prevents ISP TrackingTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost makes it easy to browse the internet safely. This beginner-friendly VPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and keeps your activities private at all times with a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, protection against WebRTC, Domain Name System, and IPv6 leaks, and 2048-bit DHE-RSA keys. What’s more, there’s a kill switch in every version of the app.

That’s not all this service has to offer; there’s also an automatic ad-blocker, malware scanner, and the ability to connect via a random port. The latter feature allows you to use HTTPS even on networks that usually block this traffic. Each one of CyberGhost’s security features comes pre-configured and enabled by default.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux and Android. The VPN can be manually configured to work with select internet routers.

GOOD CHOICE FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is an inexpensive yet powerful VPN that provides strong security and privacy protections, and very high speeds. It even comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost

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6. StrongVPN

Prevents ISP TrackingTested Nov 2024

StrongVPN is based in the US but keeps zero logs of any kind on user activity. We recommend that users opt for the secure L2TP, SSTP, or OpenVPN protocols and avoid the obsolete option of using PPTP. Although we’re not a fan of the Windows app, StrongVPN does use 256-bit encryption and SHA512 authentication.

It owns its physical servers rather than renting them. The settings allow for DNS leak protection and a kill switch.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

MOST RELIABLE:StrongVPN confidently overcomes geo-blocking. Reliable network of servers. Good on privacy and they retain no internet browsing logs. Ample security. Manual configuration may challenge some users. 45-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of StrongVPN.

7. Private Internet Access

Prevents ISP TrackingTested Nov 2024

US-based Private Internet Access, or PIA for short, doesn’t keep any logs and it has even published court documents to prove it. Users can set which VPN protocol they use along with the level of encryption.

The most secure configuration is OpenVPN combined with 256-bit AES encryption, SHA256 authentication, and 4,096-bit RSA keys with perfect forward secrecy. PIA operates its own servers and its app includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch to prevent any traffic from leaking onto the unencrypted ISP network.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

STRICT NO LOGS POLICY:Private Internet Access has top security, low price, rich security features, and great customer service. Speeds can be inconsistent. 7-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PIA review.

8. PureVPN

prevents ISP trackingTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to protect their privacy with as little fuss as possible. It prevents ISP tracking using cutting-edge encryption on both the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, stops IPv6 and DNS leaks, and includes a kill switch which makes sure you’ll never accidentally browse unprotected after a drop in your connection. Plus and Max subscribers can even block trackers though we’d prefer if this function was available on all plans. This is one of the only VPNs that still works in China, which says a lot.

What about performance? Well, PureVPN’s 6,000 servers cover 65 countries and deliver average speeds of almost 400 Mbps. It can reliably access a wide range of geo-restricted sites, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. There is no rule against P2P activity, no bandwidth limitations, and a strict no-logging policy in place. Users can secure up to 10 devices at a time and contact staff over live chat in the event of any issues.

PureVPN apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. Additionally, this provider has detailed setup instructions for a huge range of router firmware.

AUTOMATIC OBFUSCATION:PureVPN puts your privacy first and can even scramble your traffic if it detects that you’re in a country with extreme censorship. Offers impressive performance, reliable servers, and a 31-day money-back guarantee with every plan.

Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.

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9. ProtonVPN

prevents isp trackingTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN doesn’t mess around when it comes to your security. In addition to uncrackable encryption, it offers a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic tracker-blocking. There are roughly 3,800 general-purpose servers spread across 85 countries, plus multi-hop Secure Core servers designed to provide the highest level of privacy possible. This VPN doesn’t keep any logs and has been independently audited to prove it. There is even port forwarding and split tunneling functionality, though this isn’t available on all platforms.

In our opinion, ProtonVPN is one of the most versatile services on the market. It delivers top-tier performance, allows torrenting, and works with all manner of region-locked sites. Support staff are on-hand 24 hours per day but the website also boasts an expansive help section that provides answers to common questions. With up to 10 simultaneous connections permitted, you’ll be able to secure all of your most commonly-used devices at the same time. Anyone looking for another layer of anonymity can pay in Bitcoin or cash.

ProtonVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. It also supports most routers but you’ll have to follow manual configuration instructions.

CUSTOMIZABLE TOOLS:ProtonVPN allows experienced users to tailor their security setup to fit their needs. This no-logs service offers first-class speed and streaming ability, plus friendly and knowledgeable support staff. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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ISP VPN testing methodology

We understand that picking a VPN can be hard. There are dozens of services on the market and they are not all able to provide the level of privacy and security you require from your ISP.

At Comparitech, we use a carefully devised VPN testing methodology to ensure that we only recommend services that offer high levels of reliability, and the vital privacy features you need. We also check for IP and DNS leaks to ensure that the VPN works exactly as advertised to obscure your online surfing habits from your ISP.

Below, we have included some of the vital features we looked for when compiling this list of the best VPNs to prevent ISPs from tracking you:

• A no logs policy: For a VPN to give you online privacy both now and in the future, it is essential that the VPN is not keeping any records of what you do while connected. Our recommendations have solid privacy policies that promise never to keep any identifiable logs after a session ends. This means that the VPN provider has nothing of value documented that could be intercepted via a government warrant at a later date.
• Robust encryption: A VPN tunnel is only as secure as the encryption that protects the tunnel between your device and the VPN server. In this guide, we have recommended providers that implement trusted VPN protocols such as OpenVPN IKEv2, and WireGuard. Those protocols include robust cryptographic primitives, including military grade AES encryption.
• Internet kill-switch: If your VPN connection drops out, your internet traffic will become visible to your ISP. As a result, the ISP can begin logging your online habits and share that data with the government to comply with mandatory data retention directives or government warrants. A kill switch protects against this possibility by cutting off your internet if the VPN connection drops out.
• Advanced security features: For a VPN to offer value for money, it is essential that it provides a rich feature set with plenty of useful privacy and security settings. This article has pinpointed services with DNS leak protection, obfuscated servers, double hop connections, split tunneling, a SOCKS5 proxy, and other useful advanced features. Each VPN has a different feature set, so be sure to check each summary to get the right service for your needs.
• Apps for all platforms: For a VPN to be useful, it should have software for every device that you own. Our recommendations have software and setup guides for using the VPN with tablets, smartphones, Windows and Mac PCs, and other niche devices such as firesticks, smart TVs, consoles, and VPN-compatible routers.
• Value for money: A VPN doesn’t need to break the bank to provide you with ISP privacy. Plenty of overpriced VPNs exist, and some fail to provide the level of privacy that you get with our recommendations. In this article we have included VPNs that are priced fairly for what you get; to ensure you don’t pay over the odds.

Does my ISP care if I’m using a VPN?

Whether your ISP cares if you’re using a VPN really depends on your location. VPNs are legal in the vast majority of countries and ISPs in those countries won’t care if you’re using one as a result. ISPs can tell if you’re using a VPN although the fact that traffic is encrypted means they can’t see which websites and services you are accessing.

However, in countries in which citizens have limited internet freedom such as China, Iran, or Russia, ISPs may object to your use of a VPN. This is particularly the case if the ISP is state-controlled or subject to a high level of surveillance from the state. While VPNs are not outright illegal in these countries, VPN sites and connections have been blocked.

Arrests and fines have also occurred in some countries but this is uncommon and tends to target activists and journalists who are critical of the government. It’s very important to check your country’s laws before using a VPN to be safe.

Can my internet provider see my browsing history with a VPN?

No, your ISP can’t see your browsing history when you use a VPN. The VPN encrypts your internet traffic, turning any potential browsing data into unreadable gibberish for anyone trying to snoop. While your ISP will notice that you’ve connected to a VPN service, the specifics of your online activities—like the sites you visit or the files you download—remain private.

In most places where VPNs are perfectly legal, your ISP likely won’t care about VPN use. However, in countries where internet use is heavily monitored or restricted, ISPs might be more vigilant about VPN traffic. In some cases, they may even be tasked with blocking VPNs or reporting their use to authorities. Always stay informed about your local laws regarding VPN use to ensure you’re not stepping over any legal lines.

VPNs for ISP Tracking FAQ