VPNs are not a replacement for Tor or I2P — they simply shift trust to the VPN provider. For true anonymity, use Tor. Use a VPN when you need to hide Tor usage from your ISP or access geo-restricted content.

Mullvad

Privacy-focused VPN. Accepts Bitcoin and cash. No accounts needed.

ProtonVPN

Swiss-based VPN from the makers of ProtonMail. Free tier available.

IVPN

No-logging VPN with multi-hop and WireGuard support.

RiseupVPN

Free VPN for activists. No account required. Open source.

VPN Criteria

  • No-logging policy (independently audited preferred)
  • Accepts anonymous payment (Bitcoin, Monero, cash)
  • Open-source client software
  • WireGuard or OpenVPN protocol support
  • Based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction