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Best VPNs outside 14 Eyes Alliance


The 14 Eyes Alliance is a collective agreement between 14 countries to share information to ensure national security. However, what started as a deal between five, nine, and eventually fourteen countries has transformed into a jurisdiction for digital surveillance.

With the agreement, the privacy laws inside these countries do not respect the user’s right to digital anonymity. At any time, VPN providers in the 14 Eyes Alliance can be forced to give up private information about clients and their activities.

To avoid privacy threats and ensure the anonymity of VPN connections, it is better to choose a provider based outside the 14 Eyes Alliance. Here I present the best VPN services that are not within the intelligence sharing jurisdiction.

Top 5 best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes

The best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance – a detailed list:

After performing extensive in-house tests on various providers, I selected five suitable options as the best VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Jurisdiction. The best services earned their spots with an effective, privacy-oriented infrastructure, additional security features, fast and stable connections – all for an affordable price.

1. NordVPN – best overall VPN outside the 14 Eyes

NordVPN banner 1
Based in:Panama
Servers and countries:6300 servers in 111 countries
Compatible with:Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox
Current deal:🔥 Now up to 74% OFF + 3 months for free! 🔥

NordVPN tops the list as the best VPN outside the 14 Eyes alliance due to the best tools for online privacy and security as well as exceptional speeds. Based in Panama, NordVPN remains unaffected by intelligence-sharing agreements as the country enforces favorable privacy laws.

Privacy: NordVPN abides by a strict no-logs policy. I read it and found that NordVPN only collects data about crash errors and diagnostics, but you can opt out of it. Plus, with its integrity confirmed by PWC, a large accounting firm in Switzerland, NordVPN offers the best no-log VPN services on the market.

Security Features: NordVPN has a functional kill switch that stops data leaks in case when the VPN connection drops. As one of the most secure providers, NordVPN offers server obfuscation that blends in connections with regular internet traffic. The service also operates through diskless, RAM-only servers that erase all information after every reboot.

Performance: NordVPN works with three main tunneling protocols: NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol builds upon WireGuard technology, which managed to retain 82% of its internet speed – the best result among the tested VPN services.

Streaming: Stable performance and a large server fleet with great global coverage make NordVPN one of the best VPNs for streaming. NordVPN unblocked 21 Netflix location libraries and other streaming platforms: Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.

Pricing: At $3.09/month, NordVPN offers the best price-performance ratio. You can also test the service via NordVPN’s 7-day free trial or get a refund via a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read NordVPN review.

2. PureVPN – privacy-oriented VPN provider

purevpn banner new
Based in:British Virgin Islands
Servers and countries:6500 servers in 65 countries
Compatible with:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Now 82% OFF + 2 FREE months! 🔥

PureVPN is a strong provider that guarantees extra dedication to user privacy. Its base location, The British Virgin Islands, offers strong privacy laws that favor VPN users and prevent information sharing with other countries.

Privacy: PureVPN prides itself as the first VPN provider with an always-on-audit logging policy. The provider has been audited twice by KPMG, proving its dedication to user privacy. And while they do collect your billing information only, you can simply pay with cryptocurrencies to stay anonymous.

Security features: PureVPN has a built-in kill switch feature to protect your IP address if the VPN connection drops, but it’s unavailable on iOS devices. The provider also includes a server obfuscation option that hides the fact you are connected through a VPN.

Performance: PureVPN offers a speedy VPN service for OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and other VPN protocols, but its fastest option is WireGuard. During my tests, it kept 66% of the initial connection speed on average.

Streaming: PureVPN and its solid performance metrics make it a great streaming VPN to watch movies, videos, and TV shows in full HD. During my test PureVPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube without problems. Speaking of Netflix, PureVPN managed to access the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Africa libraries.

Pricing: For $2.14/month, PureVPN is a relatively cheap VPN service that you can test using a 7-day free trial. Alternatively, you can buy the plan and request a refund via a 31-day money-back guarantee.

To learn more, read our team's PureVPN review.

3. ExpressVPN – fast Premium VPN outside the 14 Eyes

ExpressVPN banner
Based in:British Virgin Islands
Servers and countries:3000 servers in 105 countries
Compatible with:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Now up to 48% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥

ExpressVPN is another VPN outside the 14 Eyes coming from the British Virgin Islands. With thousands of servers in 105 countries, the provider leverages its favorable base location to protect the privacy of clients and provide premium VPN services.

Privacy: ExpressVPN confirms its dedication to user confidentiality in its privacy policy with a court-proven, independently audited no-logs policy. It was audited by cybersecurity firm Cure53 to ensure that its apps stay private and protected.

Security features: ExpressVPN brings a large toolbox of security features. Mainly, a functional and adjustable kill switch, automatic server obfuscation that detects spying attempts and hides your VPN traffic, and a network of diskless, RAM-only servers.

Performance: ExpressVPN is a fast VPN that offers a unique solution – a custom Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN managed to retain 77% of its initial connection speeds during my tests.

Streaming: ExpressVPN can bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. You can access the US, UK, Japan, and other Netflix streaming libraries. Plus, the fast speeds you get with the Lightway tunneling protocol ensure a streaming experience without buffering.

Pricing: For $6.67/month, you get a solid foundation of VPN essentials and additional security features.ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial. If anything, you can also request a refund within 30 days.

To learn more, check out the ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost – robust VPN service not in the 14 Eyes Alliance

CyberGhost VPN banner
Based in:Romania
Servers and countries:11500 servers in 100 countries
Compatible with:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Now up to 84% OFF + 4 months FREE! 🔥

With a large server fleet, CyberGhost is one of the biggest and most affordable VPNs outside the 14 Eyes jurisdiction. Its company is based in Romania – a country that isn’t a part of any intelligence-sharing alliances.

Privacy: CyberGhost abides by a no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte, one of the four global accounting and auditing firms. The policy clearly states they keep no logs regarding your browsing activities, IP address, or other information.

Security features: CyberGhost follows the industry standard with the inclusion of an always-on kill switch feature and leak protection tools to keep your identity safe. The provider also includes an extra security option – ad and malware blocker.

Performance: CyberGhost kept 84% of the initial connection speeds when used with the WireGuard protocol. Paired with a massive global coverage – 11500+ servers in 100 locations, users can find the closest server to enjoy fast and stable connections.

Streaming: CyberGhost is a solid streaming VPN that managed to access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other streaming platforms. The provider was also able to unblock the US Netflix streaming library.

Price: For $2.03/month, CyberGhost is a cheap but very good VPN that offers one of the biggest server fleets and even a free browser extension. To test the VPN service, CyberGhost offers a 7-day free trial and a surprisingly long, 45-day money-back guarantee.

For more info, check out the CyberGhost VPN guide.

5. Proton VPN – security-first VPN outside 14 Eyes

ProtonVPN banner
Based in:Switzerland
Servers and countries:5200 servers in 91 countries
Compatible with:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Now up to 64% OFF! 🔥

Proton VPN is a versatile VPN outside the 14 Eyes alliance. Based in Switzerland, its company location puts it outside intelligence-sharing alliances, and strong privacy laws within the country ensure the anonymity of user connections.

Privacy: Proton VPN’s location does not enforce any logging obligations. Plus, the provider is thoroughly tested during logging and security audits by independent third parties.

Security features: Proton VPN has a functional kill switch to prevent data leaks , a double VPN option that uses two servers simultaneously for an extra layer of security, and a domain fronting feature to hide your connections and prevent private data leaks.

Performance: Proton VPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market that uses a market-standard yet fast WireGuard protocol. During our team's in-house speed testing, it managed to retain 84% of its connection speeds, consistently ranking it among the top VPN providers.

Streaming: ProtonVPN is a great VPN for streaming that can access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ with great speeds. For Netflix, the provider had no trouble unblocking the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland streaming libraries.

Price: For $3.59/month, Proton VPN is a great VPN outside the 14 Eyes alliance. On top of that, the provider has a free VPN version that does not impose any data limit. While the provider has no free trial, if you purchase a paid plan, you can still get your money back via a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read Proton VPN review to find out more.

The 14 eyes alliance explained

The 14 Eyes Alliance is a group of fourteen major countries connected via obligations to share intelligence to protect the national security and safety of each ally. However, what seems like an improvement in the overall well-being of these countries has created a real threat to user privacy.

VPN providers based in one of the countries within the alliance cannot have a fully private connection because government agencies can request the providers to share information about their connections.

The 14 Eyes Alliance can be split into three divisions: the 5-Eyes Alliance, a first version of the intelligence sharing jurisdiction, and five founding members – The US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Eventually, the jurisdiction grew to include nine more countries: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

My top providers have their base of operations outside these countries to protect clients with more favorable privacy laws. To learn more, check out the article on the 5-eyes, 9-eyes, 14 Eyes countries, and their agreement.

How I selected and tested these VPNs

To find the top VPN services outside the 14 Eyes, I tested dozens of VPNs and their no-logs, privacy policies, security features, and performance capabilities. Below I described the most important criteria that helped me select these VPNs:

  • Base location outside 14 Eyes. Every provider on his list has a favorable base location that is not a part of the intelligence-sharing 14 Eyes alliance. Also, countries outside this agreement usually have better privacy laws that don’t restrict VPN services.
  • Privacy and security. My chosen VPNs have essential privacy and security features alongside additional tools that improve the VPN service or the overall safety of the browsing experience. I read their privacy policies and found out that none of the options collect information about user VPN connections.
  • Stability and speed. Each tested option was rated using our VPN speed test tool. With a consistent baseline, I looked at speed loss and differences in consecutive tests to determine the stability and average speeds.
  • Streaming performance. Streaming is often what convinces internet users to get a VPN. My tested options unblocked various popular streaming sites and their localized libraries.
  • Price. After comparing the most important elements of a VPN service, the rest depends on the quality-to-price ratio.

Comparison of the best VPNs outside 14 eyes

Here is a brief overview that summarizes the features of my top VPNs:

BrandLocationLoggingStreamingServersSimultaneous connectionsPrice (lowest price per month)
NordVPN
Panama No logs, independently audited by DeloitteNetflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more6300+ servers in 111 countries
10$3.09/month
PureVPNBritish Virgin IslandsNo logs, always-on audit by KPMGNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube6500+ servers in 65 countries10$2.14/month
ExpressVPN
British Virgin IslandsNo logs, independently audited by Cure53Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more3000+ servers in 105 countries8$6.67/month
CyberGhost
Romania No logs, independently audited by DeloitteNetflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+11500+ servers in 100 countries7$2.03/month
Proton VPN
SwitzerlandNo logs, independently audited by SecuritumNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+5200+ servers in 91 countries10$3.59/month

What are the reasons to use VPNs that are outside 14 eyes?

The reason you should use a VPN that’s outside of the 14 Eyes alliance is privacy. The global surveillance alliance is an intelligence-sharing jurisdiction where all participants can exchange private citizen data without asking for permission.

This means your browsing activities, IP address, and other sensitive information is collected unless you block ISP tracking with a VPN that’s outside a privacy-unfriendly location.

If you use a VPN that’s located in such countries, government officials can force the VPN provider to give up data logs. If a service isn’t trustworthy, it may end up giving it up despite claiming they’re a no-logs service.

Instead, if you use a VPN outside the surveillance alliance, such as NordVPN, your data won’t have to be given up due to strict privacy laws. This way, you can ensure that your data is visible for your eyes only.

Can a VPN protect you from surveillance?

Yes, VPN services provide flexible safety to our internet connections. The combination of the basic security suite and additional privacy features creates surveillance-free web traffic. Here are VPN features that can protect you from online tracking:

  1. Encryption. Every connection creates an encrypted tunnel between you and the VPN server. The data inside stays invisible, even to your ISP, or the owner of your network.
  2. Server obfuscation. Even if your VPN is outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, third parties can use an identification method called Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to see that our data comes from a VPN. Thankfully, providers with the server obfuscation feature stay hidden from DPI and blend in with the regular internet traffic.
  3. Server network. Modern websites are full of trackers that use your IP address for recognition for personalized ads and content. A VPN connection gives you a new IP address to prevent this type of surveillance.
  4. Web filters. The best VPN providers often have additional features to block ads, malware, and trackers. Web filters prevent online surveillance and stop tools that monitor your browsing experience.

Using a VPN located inside 14 eyes: things to consider

Despite unfavorable privacy laws, the cybersecurity market has great VPN providers inside the 14 Eyes alliance. However, if you choose a high-quality service that is based in the United States or any other intelligence-sharing country, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, if you pick a VPN in the 14 Eyes jurisdiction, make sure it follows an independently audited no-logs policy to make sure it does not collect data about user connections. Even better if the service runs on RAM servers that erase information after each reboot. This way, if government agencies request your data logs, the company won’t have what to give up in the first place.

However, locations with unfair privacy laws can impose regulations and force VPN providers to cooperate with the government. Then, the affected services and their servers can be monitored in real-time, compromising and spying on your supposedly private connections.

Are there any good free VPNs located outside the 14 eyes?

Finding a decent free VPN can be a daunting task. First of all, there are two choices: completely free services and freemium VPNs – paid options with limited free versions.

Free VPNs are unsafe because unknown third parties may sell user data or infect devices with malware. Also, these options attract too many users, which affects the server’s performance, making them slow and unstable.

Freemium VPNs are a better solution since they deliver a reliable VPN package with basic features. However, they have their fair share of limitations: data and speed limits, fewer available servers, and no additional features.

Thankfully, in my top 5 list of VPNs, one option offers a robust freemium service – Proton VPN. Located in Switzerland, the provider delivers a great combination of strengths: base location with strong legal protection, no data cap, servers in 3 countries, and a VPN accelerator.

Still, paid VPN services do a better job and improve the service with many extra features. You can see the difference for yourself, as most providers offer free trials and money-back guarantees.

  1. NordVPN – choose the best VPN outside the 14 Eyes and enjoy its full scope of services through a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. PureVPN – a safe and private, always-on-audit provider, PureVPN offers a solid security package which you can test via a 7-day free trial or get your money back with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Conclusion

When choosing a VPN provider outside the 14 eyes, make sure to pay attention to company locations: some may not be inside but are partners of the intelligence-sharing alliance. Private VPN services need a combination of a favorable base location and an independently audited no-logs policy.

Once that is taken care of, look for additional features that can further protect and anonymize your browsing experience. Options like a kill switch, server obfuscation, and RAM-only server infrastructure will add an extra layer of protection to your sessions, keeping your data safe from all potential threats.

In search of solutions that protect us from tracking by the 14-Eyes Alliance, I made a list of the best VPN services and found the top option. I recommend NordVPN – the best overall provider with a base location outside the 14 eyes, favorable digital privacy laws, and a VPN service with the best privacy and security features.

If you have already tried the top VPNs outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, share your thoughts below!

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