Why Windscribe's court case proves how important VPN no-logging policies are
In an uncommon move, Sak himself had been taken to court in Greece and charged with the crime of "illegal access to information system" – despite the alleged offence being committed by a Windscribe user. However, Sak could not provide evidence, because Windscribe had not collected any data on the user.
The result is in line with the provider's "no-logs policy," and this was a significant factor in the case's outcome. In turn, it has important ramifications for the VPN industry.
It shows authorities can't mindlessly go after VPN providers. But it also shows providers need to ensure they're following their no-logs policies and prepare for them to be examined.
Independent audits verify these claims and assess them inline with the provider's privacy policy. Having them proven in court is even better.
To be considered as one of the best VPNs, a verified no-logs policy is non-negotiable.
The policy is a promise that your browsing history, identifiable personal data, or internet activity is never stored or shared. A no-logs VPN provides maximum privacy and security when surfing the web.
Windscribe's recent legal case has highlighted how important a no-logs policy is. Its importance can be felt not just by Windscribe, but the VPN industry as a whole.
"A bittersweet experience" is how Yegor Sak described his recent legal case. He shared how being charged for a crime he didn't commit, in a country he'd never visited, was a "stressful and challenging" experience.
However, he found the positives, saying Windscribe's no-logs policy was "unequivocally validated" in a way no independent audit ever could.
Authorities discovered that an IP address belonging to a Windscribe server in Finland was used to breach a Greek server. However, Windscribe could not hand over any data relating to the alleged crime because it hadn't been collected in the first place.
The outcome has unequivocally validated Windscribe's no-logs policy in a manner that no third-party audit ever could
In a blog post, Sak stated how the law is "pretty cut and dry" and if you have the data, you must provide it. If you're found withholding data that could be handed over, you're in big trouble.
Windscribe's last independent audit was undertaken in 2024, but although audits are an excellent way of adding weight no-logs policies, they aren't 100% foolproof.
This is why having a no-logs policy proven in court means so much, and it should reassure all Windscribe users that their data is secure.
Sak described a robust no-logs policy as "the cornerstone of any privacy-focused VPN service." He said how "without it, a VPN cannot credibly claim to protect user privacy."
Even under legal pressure, your data will not be compromised – and it's not just Windscribe that can prove this. Private Internet Access (PIA) had its no-logs policy examined in court in 2016 and 2018 – in both cases it successfully showed no data collection.
In 2023, Swedish police searched Mullvad VPN's offices with the aim of seizing computers containing customer data. This data did not exist and the police left empty-handed.
You don't want to go to the trouble of hiding your data from third parties and hackers, only for your VPN provider to store this information instead. Many VPNs claim to never store your data, but how many can actually verify this?
Listed below are some reputable providers with proven no-logs policies and when an audit was last completed. This isn't an exhaustive list, but covers most of the major providers.
The majority of these providers publish their audits online, but not all of them were easy to find.
The audits can be published along with transparency reports. These reports often detail the amount of data requests received by a provider and how much of that data is shared. Spoiler alert: it's almost always zero.
It's important to note the difference between no-logs and zero-logs policies. No-logs policies may store the email address you sign up with and the billing information used to pay for the VPN subscription, and often anonymized, aggregated usage data.
For example, Windscribe collects usage data over a 30-day period to enforce its Windscribe Free monthly data limit. However, Windscribe doesn't require an email on sign up – neither does Mullvad.
Zero-log providers collect and store nothing. NymVPN and Obscura VPN are two newer providers who claim to be zero-logging VPNs, but neither has undergone an independent audit yet.
The potential rise in legal cases involving VPNs or privacy activists is a growing concern, and Sak believes it's "highly probable" we will see a further increase in the coming years.
In recent months we have seen the French broadcaster Canal+ pursue a number of VPN providers, and changes to Swiss encryption laws have been proposed.
Sak said these anti-encryption laws "risk weakening the security infrastructure of the entire internet."
"These initiatives often lack input from technical experts, relying instead on policymakers who may not fully grasp the long-term consequences of their proposals," he said.
"This growing regulatory push threatens to erode the very protections that users rely on, and we anticipate further challenges as governments seek to balance security with control."
A no-logs policy means none of your personal data is collected, stored, sold, or shared. But it's worth understanding what data this is referring to, so here are some examples:
Connection Logs: Details of the VPN server you connect to
Usage Logs: Your online activity, including browsing history
IP address Logs: Your connecting IP address
Timestamp Logs: Records of when you connect/disconnect from a VPN server
Bandwidth Logs: The amount of data transferred through the VPN
Referring to his case in Greece, Sak liked to think it was a "well-meaning attempt to address cybercrime that missed the mark due to a lack of technical understanding" – and this is where problems arise.
Both Tom's Guide and Windscribe condemn the use of VPNs for criminal purposes, but we have to accept that some "bad actors" will take advantage of privacy technology. Attacking VPN providers and the technology they provide is not the answer, and doing so puts our right to privacy at risk.
"Privacy activists must emphasize that sacrificing anonymity to catch a handful of bad actors would undermine the fundamental protections that millions depend on daily," Sak said.
"It is not about enabling wrongdoing but about preserving the right to free expression and access to information in an increasingly surveilled world."
However, should there be a rise in legal cases against VPNs and privacy advocates, Sak believes there's a silver lining.
Successful defenses, like that seen in Sak's case or that of PIA, "establish critical legal precedents that can deter frivolous or overreaching prosecutions in the future," he said. Predicting the future is impossible, but "each victory strengthens the foundation for protecting user privacy and reinforces the legitimacy of privacy-focused services."
Data collection is on the rise. Whether it's from Western governments or big tech companies, your data is sought after and we must prepare for requests to increase.
This is why having a VPN with a proven no-logs policy is so vital. The data can't be collected if it isn't there and privacy activists must stand firm in the face of any attacks on our freedoms.
Subscribing to a reputable, private, and secure VPN, one with an independently audited no-logs policy, is the best way to protect you and your data.
It is the responsibility of VPN providers to regularly complete these audits and be transparent about their data practises. We can then stand firm against unjust overreach and intimidation by authorities and stand firm in our beliefs that online privacy is a right for everyone.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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The best VPNs for multiple devices Surfshark Surfshark is a solid option for anyone looking for a premium VPN experience for a cheaper price than ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Surfshark boasts an impressive roster of useful premium features that deliver a lot of value despite a recent renewal price hike. It can't quite match NordVPN's speed or ExpressVPN's overall privacy position, but it comes remarkably close at a cheaper price. All in all, Surfshark is a top-notch VPN that demonstrates consistent improvement year after year. Why we like it Surfshark's apps are slick, simple to use and deliver a consistent user experience across platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV. Streaming enthusiasts will appreciate that Surfshark does a good job of unblocking content on most platforms and streaming services and that it offers apps for smart TVs as well as streaming devices. 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In addition to standard privacy protections like its kill switch, no-logs policy and DNS leak protection, Surfshark includes a few unique features that help it stand out from the pack. Dynamic Multihop lets you tunnel through any two server locations of your choosing for an added layer of privacy, and Rotating IP switches your IP address every few minutes, making it harder to track you online. Surfshark's Alternative ID lets you create an alter-ego complete with full name, physical address, and email address that you can use online without divulging your true identity. Following the lead of other VPN providers including ExpressVPN, Mullvad and NordVPN, Surfshark plans to roll out post-quantum protections this year to protect against potential future threats from quantum computers. Even though Surfshark is still playing catchup in terms of transparency, we're encouraged by company representatives telling us that a no-logs audit has been commissioned for this year (its first since 2022) and that the company is committing to annual third-party audits. While Surfshark's $15.45 per month rate makes it one of the most expensive monthly subscription prices in the industry, pricing for its longer-term plans is reasonable. The yearly plan costs $48 for the first year and $79 annually thereafter, and the two-year plan costs $60 total for the first two years combined, then $79 annually. Surfshark's renewal prices increased this year, but its overall pricing is still significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN's $100 for the first year (renewing at $100 annually) or $140 total for the first two years (renewing at $117). Likewise, Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN's $60 for the first year or $81 total for the first two years (renewing at $140 annually on the one- and two-year plans). Like many other VPNs, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you're not satisfied with the service. Also featured in: Best VPN Service, Best VPN for Fire TV See at Surfshark NordVPN NordVPN is the best VPN for users who need blazing-fast speeds for 4K video streaming, competitive online gaming or lag-free Zoom calls. It also offers a handful of privacy-boosting options and some innovative features like Meshnet. While Express remains slightly ahead in privacy and transparency and other VPNs offer cheaper long-term prices, NordVPN still provides an impressive all-around service that continues to improve. Why we like it NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested by a long shot, with a best-in-class 3% average internet download speed loss -- its closest competitor was Proton at 16% speed loss. In our testing, we found NordVPN an excellent choice for streaming, with effortless unblocking of foreign Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Max libraries. Additionally, we had no issues watching BBC iPlayer, CBC Gem, Hulu, Crunchyroll and several other regional streaming services. Coupled with fast speeds, its excellent region-restricted content unblocking makes Nord one of the best VPNs for streaming. With a sizable roster of 7,800-plus servers throughout 125 countries, NordVPN is excellent for international travel and streaming -- its global reach is slightly more than Proton VPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Plus, its 10-device simultaneous connection limit is great for power users with multiple devices. While some providers, like Surfshark and PIA, offer unlimited simultaneous device policies, Nord's longtime rival ExpressVPN limits you to eight. We like that NordVPN's strong privacy chops go beyond the basics. Alongside the industry-standard NordLynx (WireGuard-based) and OpenVPN VPN protocols, Nord offers its proprietary obfuscation-oriented NordWhisper, which masquerades as traditional web traffic to try slipping through firewalls. NordWhisper could be helpful in situations like on school Wi-Fi, when the network you're on doesn't play nicely with VPNs. You'll get double VPN (which uses a second VPN connection) and Onion over VPN servers (which use Tor) to make it even more difficult to trace your traffic back to its source compared to a standard VPN connection. Meshnet lets you create a virtual local network of PCs, mobile devices and streaming devices for secure file sharing, hosting LAN parties or accessing services like Netflix without pesky multi-factor authentication. Initially, NordVPN is a great value at $13 per month, $60 for the first year or $81 total for the first two years. However, the one- and two-year plans renew at an astronomical $140 per year, which is considerably more than the $79 to $80 that Surfshark and Proton VPN renew for, but in the same ballpark as ExpressVPN's $100 to $117 annual renewal rates. Although you can avoid a pricey renewal price hike by stacking subscriptions, we'd like to see Nord's pricing model be more transparent. Despite its extortionate renewal price, NordVPN is a superb VPN for everyone, from streaming fanatics to folks with critical privacy needs. Also featured in: Best VPN for Streaming, Best VPN for Netflix See at NordVPN ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is a top-notch VPN provider that demonstrates a steadfast commitment to privacy and transparency. It's a safe choice for privacy-conscious VPN users, and also a fantastic option for casual users because it's extremely simple to use, fast and excellent for streaming. Why we like it With ExpressVPN, you'll get a simple interface and consistent user experience across platforms, making ExpressVPN an ideal choice for beginners. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV Stick and even a newly released GUI app for Linux. ExpressVPN's streaming performance is impressive. We were able to access content from popular streaming sites like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max and Amazon Prime Video across all devices we tested. You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously with ExpressVPN, which is fewer than many other VPNs offer (NordVPN allows for 10 and Surfshark unlimited), but should still be enough for most users. You'll want fast speeds for streaming and other data-heavy activities like gaming and torrenting. Thankfully, ExpressVPN delivers. We measured an 18% average speed loss in our latest speed tests with ExpressVPN, which represented significant improvement over our previous testing. The provider was able to remedy some recent speed woes with a couple of inventive solutions on both Lightway and OpenVPN protocols on its latest Windows app. If you have heightened privacy needs, you'll appreciate ExpressVPN's approach to transparency and user privacy. The provider leads the industry with 22 independent audits since 2018 and sets a standard by consistently rolling out innovative privacy improvements. ExpressVPN has kept pace with post-quantum security standards and integrated ML-KEM into the Lightway protocol to beef up its post-quantum protections. IP Shuffle is another helpful feature that works in the background and changes your IP address each time you load a website, which helps make it even more difficult to track you online. ExpressVPN's kill switch works as advertised and we encountered no leaks in our latest tests. The VPN employs industry-standard AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption with its Lightway protocol and also supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. Its TrustedServer technology takes the RAM-only server infrastructure to the next level by reinstalling the entire server stack in addition to wiping any data with every reboot. ExpressVPN is a well-rounded VPN and one of the very best you can buy. But the catch is that you'll pay a premium. The monthly subscription plan costs $13, which is pretty standard across the industry. If you choose the yearly subscription, you'll pay $100 for the first year and $100 annually after the first year. The two-year plan costs $140 total for the first two years combined, but renews at $117 per year after the initial two-year term. Those prices are approximately in line with what its closest competitor, NordVPN, charges: $13 per month, $60 for the first year (then $140 per year) or $81 total for the first two years combined (then $140 per year). Other top VPNs such as Surfshark and Proton VPN are considerably cheaper. Surfshark costs $48 for the first year or $60 total for the first two years (both the one- and two-year plans renew at $79 per year). Proton VPN charges $60 for the first year or $108 total for the first two years, with the one- and two-year plans renewing at $80 annually. ExpressVPN offers a seven-day free trial, followed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have the opportunity to try the service before buying or fully committing. Also featured in: Best VPN for iPhone, Best VPN for Mac See at ExpressVPN PIA PIA is a wallet-friendly VPN that's cheaper than most competitors at $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renewing at $50 annually) or $79 total for three years of service. PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a benefit that pricier VPNs like Proton, ExpressVPN and NordVPN don't have. It's suitable for streaming service unblocking, provides a solid network of 35,000-plus servers in 91 countries and has highly customizable, albeit a little unpolished, apps. Folks who live in or frequently travel to the US may appreciate PIA's servers in all 50 of the United States -- this can be helpful for streaming regional sports, like NFL games. Why we like it We like that its apps are open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the source code for bugs or vulnerabilities, which is solid transparency. Only a few other providers, including Proton VPN and Mullvad, have open-source apps. While PIA largely sticks to covering the basics, it features some neat privacy amenities, including split tunneling on MacOS (which lets you use a VPN for certain apps and services but not others) -- a rarity among VPN providers. Notably, Surfshark also has Mac split tunneling. But unfortunately, PIA was rough around the edges in our latest round of testing. We clocked its internet speed loss at an underwhelming 49% average, meaningfully higher than the 25% average we like to see. Additionally, we encountered many CAPTCHAs while trying to perform basic tasks like running a Google search. Although streaming was largely decent, we had to change servers more often than with other providers, like NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark. You can get Surfshark, which delivers far faster speeds, a better streaming experience and more forward-thinking privacy features, for a little more money. Still, PIA can be good on a budget for folks who need comprehensive US server coverage. Otherwise, your money is probably better spent on Surfshark or Proton VPN, both of which offer faster server performance and robust privacy while charging slightly more cash than PIA. Also featured in: Best VPN with Antivirus, Best Mobile VPN See at Private Internet Access Proton VPN Proton VPN is the best free VPN -- and the only zero-dollar VPN on the market that we wholeheartedly recommend. And its paid plan is still impressive, competing directly with VPNs like Surfshark and Mullvad for overall performance. While its apps aren't quite as streamlined as Surfshark's and it can't quite meet the same (impressive) privacy protections as Mullvad, Proton comes close and offers customization that should appeal to VPN power users. Why we like it Unlike other free VPNs, Proton doesn't sell your data, plaster your screen with ads or limit your monthly usage. But you're restricted to using one device at a time, can only connect to servers in five countries and can't manually pick a server. In comparison, PrivadoVPN's free tier lets you choose a server while capping your monthly usage at 10GB. But Privado, unlike Proton, hasn't been audited, making it a poor choice for anyone remotely concerned about privacy. If you need more servers and greater manual control, Proton's paid plans provide 13,600-plus servers in 122 countries, which is helpful for international travel or streaming. Proton is fast, extremely private and exceptional for streaming. You'll find a slew of unique privacy features, like discreet app icons on Android that let you disguise the Proton app on your phone as a calculator, notes or weather app, which could be helpful when traveling to countries where VPNs are frowned upon. But it's not all work and no play with Proton VPN. Its 16% average internet download speed loss, which was second only to NordVPN in our testing, is great for streaming. You can expect to keep most of your baseline internet speeds, which should help you stay clear of buffering or low-res video. Moreover, Proton unblocked virtually every streaming service we threw at it, including Netflix Egypt, which only a few VPNs, including ExpressVPN, could also unlock. The Proton VPN app is pretty easy to use on most platforms, regardless of whether you're a privacy pro or this is your first time using a VPN. It supports nearly every device you can think of, from Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android to streaming devices like the Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. There's even a Linux GUI app, which is simpler to navigate for beginners than a command-line-only app. Its apps aren't quite as intuitive as ExpressVPN's minimalist app, but Proton remains uncomplicated. Unfortunately, considering the privacy implications, we were disappointed in a design flaw with Proton's MacOS app that failed to properly warn users that their public IP address may be unmasked when switching servers. The company has promised a forthcoming update. Additionally, Proton VPN lacks 24/7 live chat (but plans to offer it by the end of the year), so if you expect to regularly need help outside of regular business hours, you may want to consider another VPN until then. Ultimately, Proton VPN is hands-down the best free VPN on the market, with a compelling premium plan that's private and great for streaming. Also featured in: Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video, Best VPN for Travel See at ProtonVPN How we test VPNs We evaluated the best VPNs for multiple devices based on each provider's platform compatibility as well as its simultaneous connection allowance. We also evaluated how each VPN performs on different devices and operating systems along with its overall consistency and functionality across platforms. In addition, we looked at core VPN considerations like features, privacy protections, speeds and network coverage when coming up with our list. Other VPNs we tested IPVanish IPVanish provides unlimited simultaneous connections so you can use a VPN on your phone, tablet, computer, streaming box and any other devices at once without issue. By comparison, many of its competitors remain selective; NordVPN and Proton VPN offer 10 simultaneous connections while ExpressVPN allows just eight. Additionally, IPVanish features VPN apps for nearly every platform imaginable. It's even one of the few companies with an Apple TV app. A handful of providers, including Surfshark, Proton VPN, NordVPN, PIA, ExpressVPN, PrivadoVPN, IPVanish, PureVPN, FlowVPN, Tailscale, VPNIFY, SafeShell and SwizzVPN, offer downloadable TVOS applications. There's even a graphical user interface for IPVanish's Linux app, which is still a rarity. (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) We like that IPVanish's apps are user-friendly and uncomplicated. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a VPN newcomer, you won't be confused about enabling it. Its exceptional streaming support -- we successfully unblocked Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and other apps -- makes this an excellent VPN for entertainment. We didn't find any leaks in our 2024 tests, but we clocked an average 44% internet download speed loss, which is well below the fastest VPNs. With servers in 108 countries, IPVanish is right up there with competitors like NordVPN (125), Surfshark (100 countries), Proton VPN (122) and ExpressVPN (105). We found servers close to us, but you'll want to consult IPVanish's server location list to ensure it's a VPN provider that works for your needs. You'll pay $13 per month, $40 annually (before a price hike to $90 after your initial 12 months of service) or $53 for two years (after 24 months, that cost spikes to $90 each year). IPVanish's upfront pricing is cheaper than NordVPN and ExpressVPN but more expensive than Private Internet Access and Surfshark. Ultimately, IPVanish is a decent VPN that you can use on nearly any device -- including your Apple TV -- with no limits on simultaneous users. Other VPNs provide significantly faster speeds, stronger privacy and overall better value. Read our IPVanish review. Hotspot Shield With its user-friendly app design, split tunneling and excellent streaming service geo-unblocking, Hotspot Shield is a decent VPN for casual users. It features a sizable network comprised of over 1,800 servers in more than 80 countries. Hotspot Shield uses AES 256-bit encryption for solid industry-standard privacy. Its closed-source proprietary OpenSSL-based Catapult Hydra VPN protocol and US jurisdiction mean it's not ideal for more privacy-conscious folks. While Hotspot Shield does support 10 simultaneous devices, its underwhelming privacy and transparency make it tough to recommend when its VPN rivals offer more benefits like faster speeds, greater simultaneous device allowances and lower subscription costs. Read our Hotspot Shield review. TunnelBear TunnelBear provides unlimited simultaneous connections without breaking the bank. It sports 256-bit encryption, split tunneling and several VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN as well as IKEv2. It also has a high 11,500-plus server network spanning 100 TunnelBear falls short in a lot of categories. In our testing, its unreliable connectivity often resulted in high internet speed loss. Plus, TunnelBear only supports a handful of platforms, like Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS and web browsers. At a minimum, we'd an Apple TV app at this point -- most of its competitors have one. If you need an affordable VPN for general use, TunnelBear is acceptable, but we suggest one of the best cheap VPNs, like Surfshark, IPVanish or PIA instead. Read our TunnelBear review. Multidevice VPN FAQs What is the best multidevice VPN? The best multidevice VPN is Surfshark because it offers a user-friendly app for nearly any device -- including Apple TV -- along with unlimited simultaneous connections. PIA also boasts unrestricted connections at the same time. While not unlimited, NordVPN and Proton VPN provide 10 simultaneous connections, while Express delivers eight. What VPN can you use on multiple devices? You can use almost every VPN on multiple devices, although there might be limits. Providers including IPVanish, Surfshark and PIA deliver unlimited simultaneous connections, while companies such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN restrict you to eight and 10, respectively. Can you have multiple devices on one VPN? You can have multiple devices on one VPN with an active subscription and the various client apps installed. Alternatively, you can run a VPN on your router, which covers all devices on your network. How do you set up a VPN on multiple devices? To set up a VPN on multiple devices, you'll download the app for that operating system -- like Windows, MacOS, Android or iOS -- then log in with your username and password. You can also run a VPN on your router, which provides a workaround for any simultaneous device restrictions since everything connected to your Wi-Fi network can be protected. Is Surfshark really unlimited? Surfshark is unlimited, with no restrictions on how many concurrent devices you can use.
