There are several criteria you should consider when getting a VPN — including the network size (number of servers), speed, protocol(s) used, device/platform compatibility, no-logs policy, and whether or not a VPN uses diskless servers.
In case you don’t know, diskless servers don’t use a hard disk; instead, they run entirely from RAM. Therefore, these servers are also known as RAM-only servers, meaning they don’t store any files (logs included) on a hard or SSD drive. So every time the server is rebooted, all information is wiped out.
As you would imagine, these kinds of VPN servers ensure a higher level of privacy for users and we wholeheartedly recommend VPNs that use such servers. And that’s what this list of Diskless VPNs is all about — all services on the list use RAM-only servers.
In addition to protecting your privacy, these VPNs will also serve other needs you may have — allowing you to bypass various restrictions, access content that could otherwise be outside of your reach, or just keep a low profile on the Internet.
Here are the best Diskless VPNs:
Pros
Cons
- 5,000+ servers in the network
- Easy to use - install it and forget it
- One license is good for up to 6 devices
- Strict zero-logs policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Chrome extension is just a proxy
Summary
Its network includes more than 6,200 servers spread across 111 countries, which directly translates into faster speeds. NordVPN is also very secure, relying on the strong 256-bit encryption combined with secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec). But as a user, you get a seamless experience with all this technology "doing its thing" in the background.
NordVPN is well suited to pretty much every task you throw at it — whether it's accessing a banned site from some country that filters out the internet, torrenting, accessing streaming services, or just wanting to keep a low profile on the web. It also doesn't keep any logs.
We highly recommend NordVPN to anyone looking for reliable service.
Pros
Cons
- Feature-rich yet easy to use
- One of the best VPNs around
- Strong no-logging policy
- Reliable support you can reach 24/7
- Limited number of servers in Africa and the Middle East
- Kinda pricey
Summary
ExpressVPN has great desktop apps for Windows and Mac, mobile apps and browser extensions. Also, it is well suited for video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and others.
However, what makes it stand out is its ease of use. We can't emphasize this enough. One could tell a lot of time has been spent making sure even the advanced features are easily accessible. And we love it for that. Plus, let's not forget ExpressVPN's speed which tends to leave other services in the dust.
Pros
Cons
- Reliable download and upload speeds
- Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Lets you use it on unlimited number of devices
- Low number of servers in Africa and Australia
Summary
You can rely on it for streaming and torrenting, with included extra features like CleanWeb and MultiHop, delivering a that much better — and more secure — experience.
Surfshark, the company, is based in the British Virgin Islands and with its zero-logs policy makes for a powerful combo to anyone looking to keep its web whereabouts under the radar.
The service is easy to use and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
Cons
- Fast, reliable download and upload speeds
- Works great for Netflix and torrenting
- Dedicated Chrome and Firefox extensions
- Connect 10 devices simultaneously
- Doesn't work well in China
Summary
It also happens to be one of the more affordable options on the market, and considering all the features you get as part of the deal — PIA offers quite a bang for the buck.
Its zero-logs policy is something many folks will appreciate, and the same goes for PIA's browser extensions — which are available for Chrome and Firefox.
Free trial is not available but there is a money-back guarantee that is good for 30 days.
Pros
Cons
- It's super fast!
- Works with Netflix, BBC and others
- Easy to use apps, browser extensions
- You can try it for free!
- Some advanced features are not configurable
- Not the best for high-censorship countries
Summary
Furthermore, thanks to the availability of browser extensions - Hotspot Shield is also one of our top choices for Chrome and Firefox VPNs.
Your privacy is equally well protected, with the software only collecting some anonymized that help continually improve its service.
There is one caveat though - it won't work in high-censorship countries like China. If you don't need that in the first place, we highly recommend Hotspot Shield.
As that's typically the case with most VPN services out there, the longer you commit - the better deal you get. However, what makes Hotspot Shield even better is the fact that it offers a 7-day free trial of its service. A few other top VPN providers do the same. Plus, its money-back guarantee lasts for 45 days, making for a risk-free purchase. Cause, you can always get your money back. Sweet and just the way we like it.
What are diskless or RAM-only servers?
Diskless or RAM-only servers don’t have a hard or flash disk to store files. They keep all their data in RAM, and consequently, all data is deleted after the system restarts.
This way, the server is more secure for users just “passing by,” which is important if the server is operated by a VPN service provider. Such a setup provides increased privacy for the user.
Why (some) VPN providers use diskless servers?
As noted above, diskless (RAM-only) servers provide enhanced privacy to the end users and it is one of the features savvy users are looking for when selecting a VPN provider. So, even if they store some information, they do it temporarily — until the system restarts.
As a result, if a VPN is a subject of a police raid – the authorities wouldn’t be able to get any data from the computer, as there are no hard or flash drives to “deal with.”
However, it is important to add it is easy for any VPN service provider to say they are using diskless servers. This is where third-party audits come into the picture. Reputable VPN service providers pay for these audits to prove that they use diskless servers or to test their zero-logs policies.
And these auditing firms are putting their reputation and their entire business on the line behind their work. And if their claims are to be found false – they could end up with no business.
To put it in other words, you should always go for a VPN service provider with its policies backed with third-party audits from reputable firms. And that’s what this list of VPN services is all about – to help you choose the right service.
Get a VPN for all your needs
You SHOULD get a VPN that uses diskless (RAM-only) servers, but it also should serve all needs you may have and should work across devices and platforms. In that sense, you need a VPN that will:
- Protect your privacy from the government and big corporations
- Bypass restrictions imposed by the government or various organizations
- Change your IP address so you get unrestricted access to Netflix, Disney+, iPlayer, HULU, and other video streaming services
- Encrypt and protect private data from cybercriminals
- Download files with BitTorrent anonymously
The top contenders that check all these boxes — while also letting you access social media sites — include the following:
