- The best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance
- What is the 14 Eyes Alliance? 5/9/14 Eyes explained
- The best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance: A detailed list
- How we chose the best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes countries
- The best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance: Comparison
- How to avoid surveillance from the 14 Eyes countries
- Using a VPN in a 14 Eyes country
- Final thoughts
- FAQ
- The 14 Eyes Alliance consists of countries that share intelligence and surveillance data.
- This means personal information, from browsing activity to unencrypted communications, can potentially be accessed by foreign governments.
- The best option for protecting your data is NordVPN, which is based in Panama and offers strong encryption and a no-logs policy to keep your data private.
The 5 Eyes Alliance, comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, shares information, including online activity, between its members. Over the years, other countries have joined in on this agreement, creating the 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes.
Heavy surveillance and monitoring put people’s privacy at risk. Moreover, your private data, such as calls and unencrypted chats, can easily end up in the hands of foreign governments.
However, a VPN can encrypt your data and keep your online activity private from government institutions. If the VPN provider itself is based in a Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes country, your data could still be at risk. Choosing a VPN located outside these alliances with a verified no-logs policy is the safest solution.
The best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance
Not every single VPN is suited to keep your private data safe. Many VPNs falsely claim to have a no-log policy, while collecting, storing, and exchanging your data.
Below, I’ve rounded up the best VPNs outside 14 Eyes countries for you, based on extensive in-house testing. Most other VPNs fall under 14 Eyes jurisdiction and thus must comply with information requests from 14 Eyes governments.
| VPN | Country | Outside 14 eyes? | USP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | Panama | ✅ Yes | Best VPN outside 14 Eyes overall |
| 2. Proton VPN | Switzerland | ✅ Yes | Privacy-first VPN shielded by Swiss laws |
| 3. ExpressVPN | British Virgin Islands | ✅ Yes | Highly secure VPN with top features |
| 4. CyberGhost | Romania | ✅ Yes | Affordable and user-friendly VPN |
| 5. PrivadoVPN | Switzerland | ✅ Yes | Freemium VPN located in Switzerland |
NordVPN is the best VPN outside the 14 Eyes countries. It offers high-end security, has headquarters in Panama City, and protects your data from global surveillance.
What is the 14 Eyes Alliance? 5/9/14 Eyes explained
The 14 Eyes Alliance was born after World War II. The 5 Eyes Alliance began as a secret pact between the United States and the United Kingdom. During the Cold War, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand joined to help monitor global threats. Eventually, this group expanded to include more nations, forming the 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes Alliances.
While these groups claim to protect national security, they often compromise personal privacy. The fact that these countries share intelligence allows one government to collect your private data, including emails, chat messages, and browsing history.
To keep your activity truly private, it is best to use a VPN based outside of these countries. NordVPN is the top choice because it is headquartered in Panama, which is not part of these surveillance alliances and has no laws requiring it to keep logs of your data.
For a more in-depth breakdown, read our extensive guide on the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes.
The best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance: A detailed list
Below, I’ve listed the best VPN providers outside the 14 Eyes coalition. These VPNs are all based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions and cannot be compelled to store or disclose your data to authorities.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN outside 14 Eyes overall
NordVPN is the best overall choice for a VPN outside the 14 Eyes coalition. It’s based in Panama, the best VPN country, as it doesn’t have any mandatory data retention legislation. In other words, NordVPN can’t be compelled to hand over user data to government authorities.
Since NordVPN has a strict no-log policy, it doesn’t collect or store any data. As of February 2026, NordVPN has completed 6 independent third-party audits confirming its strict no-logs policy. This audit, conducted by reputable firms such as Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers, confirms that NordVPN does not store customer traffic, IP addresses, or connection timestamps. Moreover, RAM-only (diskless) servers ensure that any temporary data is wiped with every reset. NordVPN also owns its own server network.
During my tests, I was impressed by the wide range of security features it offers. This includes an advanced kill switch, obfuscated servers, and options for a double VPN connection. NordVPN even offers its own safe encryption protocols (NordLynx and NordWhisper).
Plus, NordVPN consistently unblocks popular TV shows and movies, providing a seamless streaming experience alongside its advanced security features. If you wish to get this provider, NordVPN pricing starts at $ 3.49/month.
Pros
- Based in Panama, a country without data retention
- No-log policy to keep your traffic private
- RAM-only servers make sure NordVPN stores no data
- Automatic kill switch and dark web monitor
- Threat Protection against malware
- Unblocks major streaming services
Cons
- Email required for sign-up
2. ProtonVPN – Swiss privacy-focused VPN with a free plan
Proton VPN is highly trusted because it’s based in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws, and is outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliances. This means it’s not legally obligated to share user data with foreign intelligence agencies, giving you a higher level of online privacy and security.
Its advanced security features, such as NetShield ad blocking, DNS leak protection, and Tor over VPN, ensure your online activity remains secure. I was especially impressed by its Secure Core Servers during testing, which routed my traffic through multiple servers for double encryption, adding an extra layer of protection.
ProtonVPN also offers flexible subscription options, including a reliable free plan, making it one of the best free VPNs available. Beyond the VPN itself, Proton provides a suite of secure services, including ProtonMail and ProtonDrive, allowing you to replace standard Google services with privacy-focused alternatives. You can get a Proton VPN subscription for $ 2.99/month.
Pros
- Based in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy laws
- Strict no-log policy to keep your data private
- Open-source apps so everybody can check Proton VPN's safety
- Secure Core Servers for extra security
- Advanced security features: ad blocker and DNS leak protection
- Free version
Cons
- Pricier then avarage VPN
3. ExpressVPN – kill switch VPN with a flexible app
ExpressVPN maintains a strict zero-log policy and only stores anonymized connection logs. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 14 Eyes countries. Its security practices, TrustedServer technology, and no-logs policy have been audited 23 times by independent third parties.
The provider uses its own Lightway protocol, ensuring your VPN browsing is fast, secure, and reliable. ExpressVPN uses the highest standard of encryption (AES 256-bit) to scramble your data while in transit.
ExpressVPN also includes advanced security tools, like a kill switch (Network Lock) to prevent data leaks and split tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN. Its Threat Manager further protects you by blocking malicious websites, trackers, and intrusive ads. Additionally, if you choose an Advanced or Pro plan, you get their standalone password manager, ExpressKeys. This allows you to securely store your logins, generate strong passwords, and even set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your other accounts.
Pros
- Based in the British Virgin Islands
- Strict zero-logs policy to protect your data
- Secure encryption protocols, including Lightway
- Password manager for easy and safe logins
- Built-in Threat Manager to protect against ads, trackers, and malware
- Fast streaming speeds
Cons
- Most expensive VPN on our list
4. CyberGhost – solid VPN with a kill switch for budget-concious users
CyberGhost is a budget-friendly VPN with a kill switch and is not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes group. It is based in Romania, a country that strongly protects digital privacy and doesn’t force companies to spy on their users.
CyberGhost uses RAM-only servers, which act like a digital chalkboard that is erased every time the power is cycled. Because no data is written to a physical hard drive, there are no logs or histories for anyone to find. CyberGhost shields your identity with 256-bit encryption (the same level used by banks) and an automatic kill switch.
One of its most helpful features is its list of dedicated servers. Instead of guessing which server works best, you can choose one specifically labelled for streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
Plus, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, significantly longer than most other providers. This gives you over a month to explore all its features risk-free.
Pros
- Based in Romania, outside the 14 Eyes Alliance
- No-log policy to protect your privacy
- RAM-only servers to make sure no data is stored
- Dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- Offers a Security Suite for Windows
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Logs the number of connections
5. PrivadoVPN – reliable protection with a smart kill switch
PrivadoVPN is a secure, privacy-focused VPN headquartered in Switzerland. Because Switzerland has some of the world’s strongest privacy laws and is outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, your data is protected from foreign surveillance and legal overreach.
PrivadoVPN’s standout feature is its dual-level kill switch. The system-wide kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN drops, while the application kill switch lets you selectively block specific apps, keeping other connections active.
Moreover, the software is easy to install and use. Although PrivadoVPN offers fewer servers than NordVPN or Proton VPN, you can still choose from 67 locations with fast and stable servers. While testing, I found it works reliably for unblocking streaming services like Netflix.
On top of that, it includes all industry-standard security features, such as DNS leak protection and split tunneling (on Android and Windows). For premium users, the Privado Control Tower ad blocker prevents you from clicking on malicious links and blocks intrusive trackers.
Pros
- Based in Switzerland
- No logs policy to keep your data private
- Additional security features, including DNS leak protection
- Allows torrenting and streaming on its servers
- Free plan available
Cons
- Offers less servers than NordVPN and Proton VPN
How we chose the best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes countries
Not every VPN will protect you from global mass surveillance and data collection by your internet service provider. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes countries:
- Location. Where a VPN service is based determines its jurisdiction. The VPNs recommended in this article are all based in countries without mandatory data retention legislation.
- Zero-logs policy. If a VPN provider doesn’t store any data in the first place, it won’t be able to hand over anything if a government demands it. This is a so-called “zero-logs policy” or “no-log policy.” I have ensured that all recommended VPNs’ no-logs policies have been independently audited and verified.
- Security. I recommend VPNs with high-end security features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and military-grade encryption.
- Speed. A VPN should provide fast, reliable connections so that browsing, streaming, and gaming remain smooth. To test this, I measured each VPN’s performance from the same location using Ookla’s Speedtest, checking both download and upload speeds to ensure consistent and accurate comparisons.
The best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance: Comparison
| VPN outside 14 Eyes | Rating | Servers | Protocols | Logs | Operating systems | Price | Money-back guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 9300 servers in 137 | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, NordLynx | Strict no-logs | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | $ 3.49/month | ✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 2. Proton VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 20300 servers in 148 countries | OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth | Strict no-logs | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | $ 2.99/month | ✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 3. ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Undisclosed servers in 105 countries | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway | Strict no-logs | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | $ 2.49/month | ✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 4. CyberGhost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 11500 servers in 100 countries | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | Strict no-logs | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | price provider_id=”323257″]/month | ✅ Yes, 45-day money-back guarantee |
| 5. PrivadoVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 300 servers in 49 countries | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | Strict no-logs | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | $ 1.11/month | ✅ Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee |
How to avoid surveillance from the 14 Eyes countries
If you wish to avoid government surveillance, the best thing you can do is invest in a VPN with headquarters outside of the 14 Eyes Alliance. A VPN encrypts your data and prevents third parties, including internet service providers and government agencies, from accessing it. Here are the steps you should take to avoid 14 Eyes surveillance:
- Use a private browser. To limit surveillance, make sure you use a private browser such as Brave or DuckDuckGo. Alternatively, you can use the Tor network.
- Use encrypted communication tools. This includes encrypted messaging apps such as Signal or Telegram, and also encrypted storage or private email providers, such as ProtonMail.
- Use obfuscation (when using your VPN). Make sure you use obfuscation mode to hide your VPN use and disguise it as regular internet traffic. This protects you against deep packet inspection.
- Use up-to-date antivirus. If you want to protect yourself against harmful spyware and malware, make sure you have a reliable antivirus solution installed on your devices.
Using a VPN in a 14 Eyes country
Using a VPN headquartered in a 14 Eyes country can involve privacy risks. If a provider keeps logs, that data may be requested through legal orders and potentially shared with other intelligence agencies within the alliance.
What matters more than where a VPN is located is whether it keeps records about you. If a VPN doesn’t save information about your activity, then there’s nothing it can give to anyone, no matter which country it’s in. In short, if no data is stored, no data can be shared.
For example, Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a country associated with the 9 Eyes Alliance. Despite this, Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and uses RAM-only servers, meaning data is not stored long-term. This makes it a reliable option even within a 14 Eyes jurisdiction.
On the other hand, Urban VPN is not recommended. It is based in the United States and has raised privacy concerns due to its data collection practices, which makes it a weak choice for users who value online privacy.
Final thoughts
The 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliances are groups of countries that share intelligence and surveillance data. If a VPN is based in one of these countries, it may be legally required to hand over user information when asked. For everyday users, this can mean less privacy and less control over personal data, even when using a VPN.
The easiest way to avoid this risk is to choose a VPN based outside of these alliances. In this case, NordVPN is the best option to choose from. It’s headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly country with no mandatory data retention laws. This means NordVPN isn’t required to collect or store information about your online activities. On top of that, it’s fast, reliable, and well suited to daily activities like browsing, streaming, and using public Wi-Fi.
Related articles:
- Best VPNs for Online Banking: Protect Your Bank Account
- The Best VPN for Business: Top Corporate VPN Picks
- Best VPNs for Crypto Trading and Bitcoin
FAQ
A VPN outside the 14 Eyes is a provider headquartered in a country not part of the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. In this case, NordVPN is a good example since it is based in Panama. Other reliable options include Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN (both based in Switzerland), as well as CyberGhost (Romania) and ExpressVPN (British Virgin Islands).
NordVPN is the best outside of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliances, as it operates in Panama. Other reliable VPN options are Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN, both headquartered in Switzerland, another privacy-friendly location outside of the 14 Eyes.
Yes, Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes Alliance and, thereby, the broader 14 Eyes group. However, the risk to your privacy remains low, as Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers, meaning no user data is stored long-term.
No, Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, outside the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes intelligence alliances. The provider is not subject to those jurisdictions.
The 14 Eyes countries are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands which is part of the 14 eyes and shouldn't be on the list.
You're right! There was a period of time when Surfshark still had part of its HQ on the British Virgin Islands and could benefit from that, but it seems they have since fully made the move to the Netherlands. In terms of privacy, Surfshark does still have a legally functioning no logs policy (with RAM-only servers), but it is now indeed situated in a 9 Eyes country. We will update our article as soon as possible.
No, AVG's VPN (and their parent company Avast) is situated in the Czech Republic, which isn't part of 14 Eyes. It does have a rather vague privacy policy, however, which is why we didn't include it in our current list. If you'd like more info on this VPN and our experiences with it, you can have a look at our full AVG Secure VPN review.