5 Best VPN to Block or Hide ISP Tracking (2023 Update)
While using a VPN, your ISP cannot decipher the contents of your internet traffic nor can it figure out where your traffic is traveling to or from. That means your ISP cannot see what sites you visit or anything you do while connected. It can only see that encrypted data is traveling to a server.
How to Bypass VPN Blocks – A Guide
In this article, we discuss ways to bypass VPN blocks. Using a VPN is a great way to beat internet censorship. Under normal circumstances, all you need do is connect to a VPN server located somewhere that is not censored, and you have uncensored access to the internet.
The problem, of course, is that this feature of VPNs is well-known. And as a result, those who would censor your internet also try to block the use of VPNs to bypass their censorship.
Internet censorship
Internet censorship comes in many shapes and sizes. Common examples include:
Government censorship for political and/or social reasons
Classic examples include the Great Firewall of China and state censorship in Iran. The UAE has also recently hit the headlines for criminalizing the use of VPNs and the like to bypass its censorship restrictions. For more information about using a VPN to bypass censorship in these countries see our VPN for UAE and VPN for China guides.
Government censorship for copyright reasons
It is becoming increasingly common for governments to block access to websites that are deemed to promote or facilitate copyright piracy. This form of censorship is particularly common in European counties, with the UK leading the charge. Russia has also recently ramped-up its efforts to block access to pirated content.
Work
Many workplaces try to prevent employees from accessing content that might upset or offend other colleagues (see Not safe for work). Or which is likely to distract them from work (such as chatting on social media). Such restrictions are usually quite understandable in the context of a working environment.
Schools and colleges
It is common for educational institutions to block access to web content. When the pupils are minors, this is arguably justified. It is less so, though, at universities and higher education establishments where the attendees are adults. Indeed, the notion of censorship at higher educational institutions is more than a little ironic!
Porn, social media, and websites linked to copyright infringement are usually the main targets. It is not uncommon, however, for political content to be censored.
Even more worrying is denying young people access to important information relating to social issues such as drug advice, sexual health, racial and/or sexual discrimination, bullying, and more.
Websites that block VPNs
It is becoming increasingly common for media streaming websites to block viewers who use VPNs bypass geo-restrictions placed on their services. Prime examples include Hulu, US Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.
The reason for such blocks is almost always because copyright holders want to maximize their profits by artificially segregating the world market.
Legal considerations
VPN blocks are put into place for a reason, and the people placing them usually take a dim view of efforts to evade their blocks.
That said, even in countries where VPNs are blocked (such as China and Iran), their use is almost never actually illegal. This means that evading VPN blocks will almost never get you into trouble with the law.
A notable exception to this general rule is the UAE, which has recently announced that anyone caught using a VPN risk a fine of up to 2 Million UAE Dirham (over US$500,000) and/or prison time. How rigorously this is enforced in practice remains to be seen, but caution is strongly advised when trying to evade VPN blocks in the UAE.
Of course, even though using a VPN and bypassing VPN restrictions are not usually illegal, per se, the content you access when using the VPN may be.
Safety considerations
When using a private WiFi or LAN network, the owner of that network has every legal right to restrict what you can do when connected to their network. This includes school, university, office, and home networks, etc.
The chances of getting caught evading VPN restrictions on such networks is usually quite slim, but can potentially result in suspension, sacking, and other disciplinary measures.
It is, therefore, worth carefully considering whether the benefit of evading VPN blocks justifies the potential problems, should you get caught.
How VPN blocks work
VPN use can be prevented in a number of ways, and organizations that are serious about blocking VPNs often combine techniques.
Note that with the exception of China (where all internet traffic to and from China is restricted to just 3 government controlled access points), government VPN blocks (and censorship) is almost always actually performed by ISPs at the government’s instruction.
Common tactics for VPN blocks include:
Blocking access to VPN websites
If you can’t access a VPN provider’s website then you can’t sign-up for its service or download its software. This form of censorship usually extends to VPN review websites (such as ProPrivacy.com) and other websites dedicated to methods of evading censorship.
Although rarely the only tactic employed, blocking access to VPN websites is a very common addition to other methods used.
Blocking IPs of known VPN servers
It is not too difficult to discover the IP addresses of the VPN servers used by VPN providers. And then block access to them.
This is by far the most common method of preventing VPN use, and when used together with blocking access to VPN websites, is usually the extent of most VPN blocks.
Given the large number of VPN providers out there, and the difficulty of keeping track of changing server IP addresses, most organizations settle for banning just the more popular VPN services. This means that users of smaller and less well-known VPN services can often “slip under the radar”.
Port blocking
By default, OpenVPN uses port 1194 (UDP, although this can be easily changed to TCP). Other VPN protocols use different ports. A simple but effective way to block VPNs, therefore, is to use a firewall to block these ports.
Deep packet inspection (DPI)
Deep packet inspection is “a form of computer network packet filtering that examines the data part (and possibly also the header) of a packet as it passes an inspection point.” Various technologies are used for DPI, with varying levels of effectiveness.
Data encapsulated by VPN protocols, however, is pretty easy to spot using even fairly basic DPI techniques. The content of the packets remains securely encrypted, but DPI can determine that it has been encrypted using a VPN protocol.
Using DPI to detect VPN traffic is definitely a step up in seriousness on the part of the organization performing the DPI.
Simple Solutions
Use a mobile connection
Ok, so this won’t work for evading government blocks, but it will work schools, colleges, at work, etc. And it is often by far the easiest solution. Rather than using a VPN to access content blocked on the local network, just access it on your mobile device using your mobile (cellular) connection.
This does mean that you will have to pay your usual mobile data charges, but it allows you to check your Facebook account without with little effort and little chance of getting into trouble for it.
Try a different VPN provider and/or servers
As already noted, keeping track of all IP addresses belonging to all VPN providers is a momentous task. Switching to a lower-profile VPN service is therefore often enough to evade blanket IP blocks. Even if some IPs belonging to a particular VPN blocked, simply changing to different ones run by the same provider might work.
Some VPN providers regularly recycle their IP addresses. This makes keeping track of the changes and blocking the new IPs a major headache. This tactic is often referred to as a game of “whack-a-mole”. It is worth asking your provider if this is something that it does.
Not many VPN providers currently fully support IPv6 (Mullvad is the only one I know of). This is almost certain to change, however, as new IPv4 addresses become unavailable. IPv6 hugely expands the number of IP addresses available. This means that as IPv6 becomes more widely adopted, simple IP blocks will become less and less effective.
Roll your own VPN
A more extreme but highly effective option is to run your own VPN server and then connect to it from the censored location.
As the VPN server belongs to you, this does not provide the usual privacy benefits of using a commercial VPN service. It does, however, provide you with your very own unique VPN IP address, which will not be blocked.
You can setup a home PC to act as your personal VPN server, or rent and configure a VPS (which is also great for geospoofing). If rolling your own VPN on a VPS seems too hard, PrivatePackets.io can do the heavy lifting for you.
Dedicated IP addresses
Some VPNs offer dedicated IP addresses. This means that instead of sharing an IP with many other users, you are assigned a unique IP (much like if you roll your own VPN ). Because this IP is unique to you, it is very unlikely to be blocked by websites such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. As with rolling your own VPN, though, it does not have the privacy benefits of using a shared IP address. Check out our VPN for iPlayer page for more information about unblocking British content.
Come prepared
When visiting places such as China, one of the most effective tactics is simply come prepared! Signup for a VPN service and download its software before your visit. Even when access to access to VPN providers’ websites is blocked, VPN connections themselves are often not.
If you have failed to come prepared (or never had the opportunity), alternative censorship-busting technologies can be used to access VPN websites. You can then sign-up and download their software.
Tor network
Tor is better at providing anonymity than it is at censorship-busting. This is because of the ease with which access to Tor nodes can be blocked. Tor bridges can be used to bypass IP blocks on Tor nodes, and obfsproxy (see below) can be used to hide Tor traffic from Deep packet inspection.
Shadowsocks (Chinese: 影梭)
This “is an open-source proxy application, widely used in mainland China to circumvent Internet censorship.” It is an open source anti-GFW tool/protocol/server created by a Chinese developer. Basically it’s a SOCKS5 proxy that is available for most major platforms.
Surge
This is similar to Shadowsocks, but is only available for iOS.
Lahana
Derived from Tor, Lahana is designed to solve Tor’s problem with easily blocked exit nodes by making it “stupidly easy” to setup new nodes. Lahana was designed to defeat censorship in Turkey, but should also work well in many other censorship situations.
Psiphon
This uses a combination of VPN, SSH and obfuscation technologies to bypass censorship. If you encounter a block when using VPN, for example, you can switch to SSH or obfuscated SSH (SSH+) instead. One of the best things about Psiphon is that if you find the Psiphon website blocked, you can request the software be sent to you via email.
In fact, most VPN providers will also be happy let you sign up and download their software via email. Just ask.
Change port numbers
Many custom VPN clients allow you change the port they use. This is a good way to defeat port blocking. The two most popular choices of port to use are:
TCP port 80 – this is the port uses by all “normal” unencrypted internet traffic. In other words, it is the port used by HTTP. Blocking this port effectively blocks the internet, and is therefore almost never done. The downside is that even the most primitive DPI techniques will spot VPN traffic using this port.
TCP port 443 – this is the port used by HTTPS, the encrypted protocol that secures all secure websites. Without HTTPS no form of online commerce, such as shopping or banking, would be possible. It is therefore very rare for this port to be blocked.
And as an added bonus, VPN traffic on TCP port 443 is routed inside the TLS encryption used by HTTPS. This makes it much harder to spot using DPI. TCP port 443 is therefore the favored port for evading VPN blocks.
Many VPN providers offer the ability to change port numbers using their custom software (especially when using the OpenVPN protocol).
Even if yours does not, many VPN providers do actually support OpenVPN using TCP port 443 at the server level. You can switch to it with a simple edit to your OpenVPN configuration (.ovpn) file. It is therefore worth asking your VPN provider about this.
Another option is to use the SSTP protocol (if available), which uses TCP port 443 by default.
Advanced solutions
Some VPN providers offer more advanced VPN blocking solutions designed to defeat more sensitive DPI techniques. Such techniques analyze packet size and/or timing to detect OpenVPN’s rather distinctive handshake, even when hidden behind HTTPS.
Very sensitive (and therefore also very expensive, and rarely used) DPI may even detect VPN use when using the tactics outlined below. There are 2 basic approaches to advanced VPN concealment:
stunnel / SSL tunneling
stunnel is an open source multi-platform program that creates TLS/SSL tunnels. TLS/SSL is the encryption used by HTTPS, so VPN connections (usually OpenVPN) routed through these TLS/SSL tunnels are therefore very difficult to tell apart from regular HTTPS traffic.
This is because the OpenVPN data is wrapped inside an additional layer of TLS/SSL encryption. As DPI techniques are unable to penetrate this “outer” layer of encryption, they are unable to detect the OpenVPN encryption “inside”.
SSL tunnels are usually made using the stunnel software. This must be configured on both the VPN server and your computer. It is, therefore, necessary to discuss the situation with your VPN provider if you want to use SSL tunneling (a setup guides is available here for reference).
AirVPN is the only VPN provider I know of to offer stunnel functionality “out of the box” using its custom open source software. I am not otherwise familiar with Anonyproz, but it can be configured for stunnel, and other providers might also offer this feature.
SSH tunnelling
This is similar to SSL tunneling, except that the VPN data is wrapped inside a layer of Secure Shell (SSH) encryption instead. SSH is used primarily for accessing shell accounts on UNIX systems. Its use is mainly restricted to the business world, and is nowhere near as popular as SSL.
As with SSL tunneling, you will need to talk to your VPN provider to get it working.
Useful SSH Guides
SSH Android | Setup guide & best apps to use
VPN vs SSH – The difference between SSH and VPNs
How to SSH into a Raspberry Pi
Obfsproxy (and similar technologies)
Obfsproxy is a tool designed to wrap data into an obfuscation layer. This makes it difficult to detect that OpenVPN (or any other VPN protocol) is being used.
It has been adopted by the Tor network, largely as a response to China blocking access to public Tor nodes. It is independent of Tor, however, and can be configured for OpenVPN .
To work, obfsproxy needs to be installed on both the client’s computer (using, for example, port 1194), and the VPN server. However, all that is then required is that the following command line be entered on the server:
obfsproxy obfs2 –dest=127.0.0.1:1194 server x.x.x.x:5573
This tells obfsproxy to listen on port 1194 (for example), to connect locally to port 1194 and forward the de-encapsulated data to it (x.x.x.x should be replaced with your IP address or 0.0.0.0 to listen on all network interfaces). It is probably best to set up a static IP with your VPN provider so the server knows which port to listen in on.
Compared to stunnel and SSH tunneling, obfsproxy is not as secure. This is because it does not wrap the traffic in encryption. It is, however, somewhat easier to set up and configure, and has a much lower bandwidth overhead since it is not carrying an additional layer of encryption. This can be particularly relevant for users in places such as Syria or Ethiopia, where bandwidth is often a critical resource.
Some providers may use alternative technologies that are similar to obsfproxy. BolehVPN, for example, uses XOR obfuscation for its “xCloak” servers.
Addendum
A note on the UAE
The above advanced solutions to VPN blocking will probably prevent VPN use being detected by DPI techniques (although the United Arab Emirates has been investing heavily in advanced internet surveillance systems).
It is believed, however, that UAE ISP may also maintain an extensive database of VPN server IPs. They may be easily able to determine that you are using a VPN simply by the IP you connect to (much as websites such as Netflix do).
In reality, it seems unlikely that you will be prosecuted just for using a VPN to watch Netflix in the UAE. If you piss the authorities off in some way, however, the fact that you use a VPN may give them a dangerous weapon to use against you.
We always recommend extreme caution when considering using VPN in UAE.
A note on websites that block VPN users
This form of blocking can be challenging to overcome. Choosing a lower-profile VPN provider, or one that regularly recycles its IPs, can be effective. Trial and error is the key here.
We strongly advise that you take full advantage of any free trials and money-back guarantees that are on offer. This will allow you to find out for yourself which VPN services work for the content you want to stream.
Remember that a service which works today could be blocked tomorrow. So it is a good idea to pay for a month’s subscription at a time. This is almost always more expensive than paying annually. But if the service becomes blocked (through no fault of its own), you will not be left with a year’s subscription that is useless to you!
It might also be worth looking at Smart DNS solutions, instead of using a VPN. Smart DNS services can also be blocked, but this is more difficult to do and is less likely to happen. Fewer Smart DNS services are banned than VPN services.
Some VPN services, such as AirVPN, use fancy DNS routing. This allows you to connect to services such as US Netflix and iPlayer, even when you are not connected to servers in the US or UK (respectively)! This is not always 100% effective, but is nevertheless impressive.
Conclusion
The vast majority of VPN blocks are fairly easy to overcome using a little lateral thinking. Even where sophisticated and highly sensitive Deep packet inspections techniques are employed, technologies such as stunnel and obfsproxy are highly effective.
Written by: Douglas Crawford
Has worked for almost six years as senior staff writer and resident tech and VPN industry expert at ProPrivacy.com. Widely quoted on issues relating cybersecurity and digital privacy in the UK national press (The Independent & Daily Mail Online) and international technology publications such as Ars Technica.
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41 Comments
Laura
on January 14, 2022
Hello there, thanks for the article! I am not a tech savvy (or VPN and DNS savvy, for that matter) and I have a problem I have spent hours trying to figure out, before I cal my (paid) VPN provider to complain. I have used Surshark for three years. It has always been ABSOLUTELY USELESS to stream my Prime membership videos from the USA to Europe, or my Netflix membership, which is really frustrating, as they told me they could bypass the blocks (a blatant lie) I spend a lot of time in Germany now, so I canceled my service with Amazon and Netflix in the USA and got Amazon Prime in Germany, but I am fed up with the fact they dub most films instead of using subtitles, and they do not have access to the wide array of programs we have in the USA, despite paying a higher price for Prime. However, that is not my main concern. I need to have easy access to my bank accounts, and this is difficult when I am constantly changing location. Both, transactions with my USA credit cards and my log ins in the banks websites get constantly blocked because they detect a foreign VPN. This has caused me major headaches, including a terrifying situation once I had to be checked into a hospital in Asia, and it was impossible to log into my bank account after they blocked my credit card. Surfshark was good enough to log into my banks, and my newspaper subscriptions without having to waste time with captcha and confirm my identity etc, up to a month ago. I always used the kill-switch function in case my Internet connection went down. My Internet service provider was then German o2, and we used a hotspot. However, two things happened last month: 1) I updated Surfshark 2) we changed email providers to O2, hoping for a faster internet connection and better phone service (we now realize we made a mistake, but got into a 2-year contract) Ever since, Surshark using the kill-switch triggers the internet to stop working completely. If I switch the “kill-switch” off, but remain connected to New York via my VPN, and then do a speed test with https://www.speedcheck.org/, at the foot of the page, where it reads “security” it says, in red “connection unproteted”. Now, how is that possible if supposedly Surfshark is on? Is my PAID surfshark service leaking my IP address when, even as I appear, connected via their servers? Is Surfshark not working or is it 1&1 (my new internet provider) blocking my Surfshark service, and that’s why I get no internet if I use the Kill-switch option? Needless to say, both 1&1 and https://www.speedcheck.org/ SELL THEIR OWN VPN SERVICES. I consider it a serious conflict of interest if I am paying for the vpn service of my choice and my internet provider in free-market Germany is blocking it. So, there is that. But I also wonder whether any of the new ad-ons that I have installed from Mozilla, could be causing the issue. I know this is a long message, but I would sincerely appreciate your opinion. As I said, I am not an expert on these subjects at all, and I could only understand 50% of your article. Thank you so very much for any insights you can provide and for the information you share in your website. Laura.
Andreas Theodorou replied to Laura
on January 17, 2022
Hi Laura, it sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle here. To make life a bit easier, here are a few things to do/keep in mind: 1. A lot of services that sell VPNs will often have “you are unprotected” unless they detect that you are accessing from one of their own IP addresses (it’s a marketing tactic). A common way to check whether this is legitimate is to look at the IP and see if it matches your unprotected IP address. We have tools to help you check for this stuff, and I’d recommend having a look at our leak-testing tool. This will help you confirm whether Surfshark is leaking. 2. It’s worth checking your connection settings: make sure you’re using OpenVPN for the most tried and tested secure connection (use OpenVPN (TCP) if you’re downloading, and (UDP) if you’re streaming. I’d still recommend using the kill-switch to help keep your privacy secure, but I’d say try a different server (closer to you physically) as this will help improve your stability and speeds. I’d also recommend looking into a static/dedicated IP in America as this will help with things like online banking as it helps you appear as though you’re coming from the same place every time. 3. I’d recommend getting in touch with SurfShark’s technical support (if you haven’t already). They’ll be able to give you the best direction on their service and should hopefully help you resolve your issues. If not, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch and we’ll try and direct you to the best alternative services. Best of luck, Andreas
Mike N
on May 3, 2020
VPN is not only used for privacy. For us here it is used to circumvent / fix Sprintlink’s way too agressive messing with our normal traffic: early tcp connection, e.g., which they prevent way too agressive, makes that we cannot retrieve email from one of the email servers we use. Obviously after a couple of pop3s/imaps connections they decide to just send early resets and not forward the traffic to the remote server at all. Running the exact same through openvpn (the Internet firewall system uses a tunnel to a VPN server at a hosting provider VPS slice) corrects the situation: sprintlink does not see what is going on, all is UDP. Laying our own pipe through a bad provider using UDP VPN fixes everything that can impede TCP or other connection oriented protocols. That is probable the most important use of a VPN for us. Sure, now Sprint does not see our traffic at all. Also our 4G modems to not see anything but a point to point UDP stream, and all tries of Sprint to bypass by generating tons of ipv6 addresses on these does no longer work. End systems, workstations, phones do not know about the VPN so it cannot be bypassed by pesky Android or Apple phone software, on top of it ‘salted’ with spying provider software and network configurations. Streaming: who cares, we do not use services that detect our VPN and deny service. Their loss, and probably way better for us: the reason for that can only be bad things they intend to do instead of just providing the service we pay them for. Mike
5 Best VPN to Block or Hide ISP Tracking (2023 Update)
While surfing the Internet, many people don’t want to disclose their personal details online. But your Internet Service Provider can track your online activity. Some private ISP companies also store your online history to improve their user experience.
There is a good solution that helps prevent your ISP from tracking your online activity. You need to use a VPN to keep your personal data private and secure. VPN applications encrypt all your online information so that your Internet Service Provider will not be able to view, track, or store your personal data. VPNs also help you to keep your online activity secured from hackers and third-party apps.
Following is a handpicked list of Top VPNs to block ISP tracking with their statistics, pros, cons, and website links. The list contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) software. Read more…
Our Best VPN Recommendation
✔️ Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
✔️ Supported Apps: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.
✔️ Works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky, HBO, Torrenting, Kodi
✔️ Money-back guarantee: 30 Days
9.8
With 3 Months free
BEST VPNs to Hide from ISP Tracking
#1 Best Overall
Excellent – 9.8
Excellent – 9.7
Good – 9.6
Good – 9.5
1) ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs to block ISP tracking that enables you to browse the Internet secured from scammers. It offers unlimited access to music, social media websites, videos, and more. This VPN does not log IP addresses, browsing history, DNS queries, and traffic destinations.
This VPN offers online protection using leak proofing and encryption facilities. It helps you to stay secured by hiding your IP address and encrypting your network data. ExpressVPN provides 24/7 assistance via email as well as live chat.
ExpressVPN prevents ISP from tracking and allows you to pay with Bitcoin. ExpressVPN encrypts user web traffic and masks IP addresses. It also helps you to hide your real location. This VPN service provider offers many subscription plans for 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. This VPN offers a smart DNS service to unblock geo-restricted content.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Linux | No of Servers: 3000+ | Server Countries: 94 | Split Tunneling: Yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: Yes | Kill Switch: Yes | |
| Able to unblock: YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu | No-logging policy: Yes | Ip addresses: Dynamic | Simultaneous Connection: 5 |
| Free Trial: Yes – 30 days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Pros
This VPN server provides good privacy for your Internet activity.
It does not save the IP address, browsing history, traffic destination, and DNS queries.
Allows you to choose which network devices to protect.
Server speed is fast.
It offers a choice of many protocols.
This good-rated VPN provides a wide range of server locations.
Good customer support.
Excellent customer reviews.
It uses a 256-bit AES encryption technique to protect you from malicious attacks.
Cons
This VPN is costly compared to other programs.
Not good for the advanced users who already know about the Internet, IP, VPN, etc.
It does not support IPv6.
30-Day Free Trial
2) NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs to block ISP tracking. It does not collect or share your data. It provides security by encrypting the data sent and received. It is a free P2P VPN that helps you prevent ads and malware. It allows you to access numerous streaming websites with no hassle. NordVPN offers subscription plans for 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Smart TVs(Android TV) | No of Servers: 5000+ | Server Countries: 59 | Split Tunneling: Yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: Yes | Kill Switch: Yes | |
| Able to unblock: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube | No-logging policy: Yes | Ip addresses: Static | Simultaneous Connection: 6 |
| Best for: Connecting double VPN, onion over VPN servers, P2P. | |||
| Free Trial: Yes – 30 days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Pros
This VPN service provides good security.
No DNS (Domain Name System) leaks.
This free VPN to block ISP tracking provides protection with a double VPN.
It is one of the fastest VPNs.
Provides IPv6 and DNS leak protection.
This VPN provider has a Smart DNS feature that helps you to access streaming videos on smart TV.
It uses a 256-bit AES encryption technique to protect you from malicious attacks.
Cons
Torrenting is supported for a few servers only.
Configuring this VPN with the OpenVPN Virtual Private Network system is not user-friendly.
30-Day Free Trial
3) Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN allows you to discover a safer and more open internet. It offers the best-in-class WireGuard protocol to ensure secure and seamless gaming, streaming, and overall browsing experience. It enables you to access the internet from several IP addresses simultaneously.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, Chromebook, and Amazon tech | No of Servers: 750+ | Server Countries: 37 | Split Tunneling: Yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: Yes | Kill Switch: Yes | |
| Able to unblock: BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime | No-logging policy: Yes | Ip addresses: Dynamic | Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited |
| Free Trial: Yes – 30 days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Pros
It provides support for WireGuard tunneling protocol.
Decent speeds during daily use.
Local and faraway servers showed similar speeds.
Mobile-optimized apps for Android and iOS
Atlas VPN offers a high level of protection with built-in 2-factor authentication
24/7 support via email chat
Cons
Currently not available for Linux
Does not provide any dedicated IP-addresses
30-Day Free Trial
4) FastestVPN
FastestVPN is a lifetime VPN subscription service based in the Cayman Islands that offers lightning-speed processing, ultra-safe encryption services, split tunneling, and more.
It is one of the few legitimate lifetime subscription services. At just $40 for lifetime access, this company offers one of the best deals available. Moreover, this company has servers in 39+ countries and over 55+ locations.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and more | No of Servers: 600+ | Server Countries: 39+ | Split Tunneling: Yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: Yes | Kill Switch: Yes | |
| Able to unblock: Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more | No-logging policy: Yes | Ip addresses: Dynamic | Simultaneous Connection: 10 |
| Best for: Cheapest Lifetime VPN Subscription | |||
| Free Trial: 7-Days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Pros
Lifetime access includes 10 multi-logins
Offers 2TB Cloud Storage.
Unblock capabilities (Netflix, Disney+, HotStar, Amazon, etc.)
Cons
Extra fee for additional devices
Split tunneling only on iOS and Android apps.
15-Day Money-back Guarantee
5) Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is one of the best VPN software to stop ISP tracking that provides a safe way to access anything on the Internet. Using this tool, you can stay protected while you browse the Internet. It does not store your IP, and the specific time you connect to the server. This program enables you to seamlessly bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. Private Internet Access can be easily used to quickly stream online content, browse the Internet, and play online games without any interruption.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows. | No of Servers: 10,000+ | Server Countries: 84+ | Split Tunneling: Yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: Yes | Kill Switch: Yes | |
| Able to unblock: YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu | No-logging policy: Yes | Ip addresses: Static | Simultaneous Connection: 10+ |
| Best for: Security | |||
| Free Trial: No – 30-day money-back guarantee | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Pros
Configurable split-tunneling
It uses the AES-256 encryption technique.
Free trial includes up to 10 devices.
Cons
The app can require troubleshooting from time to time.
Unreliable internet speeds.
30-day money-back guarantee
How to prevent ISP from viewing your online activity?
Perform the following steps to prevent your ISP from viewing your online activity using NordVPN:
Step 1) Go to https://nordvpn.com/
Then click on the “Get NordVPN” button
Step 2) Select your desired NordVPN plan
Enter payment information, and log into your account.
Step 3) Click on “Download the NordVPN app” to download NordVPN
Step 4) Install and launch NordVPN by clicking on the desktop shortcut
Step 5) Click on the United States country and wait for a few seconds to complete the connection
Now, your ISP cannot see your online activities. However, you need to ensure that you use a VPN application with good DNS leak protection.
Other ways to block ISP tracking
Here are other ways to block ISP tracking:
Method 1: Use Tor
Tor is an IP blocker software that uses the onion routing method to encapsulate the data in encryption layers. It is a special kind of IP blocker software that provides individuals the ability to surf the Internet anonymously.
Tor browser can easily run on your computer and helps you keep your data safe on the Internet. It also protects you by bouncing your communications around a distributed network. It stops other people from accessing your Internet connection and prevents websites from knowing about your physical location.
Method 2: Use a Proxy
Proxy spoofs your PC to show that you have a different IP address than the one provided by your ISP. It slows down your Internet connection but doesn’t encrypt your activity. So, it is not a good option to stay secure online.
Method 3: Use HTTPS
The last way to protect your privacy is to limit your web browsing to only Hypertext Transfer Protocol secure sites. Websites having HTTPS in URL are encrypted; therefore, it helps you to protect your data from the ISP. However, Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure does not make you completely anonymous.
Your ISP can still view all the sites you are visiting, your downloaded data, and your connection time. Therefore, it is good to opt for both HTTPS and VPN.
Method 4: Change your DNS settings
DNS or Domain Name System is a server that translates URLs or web addresses into their corresponding IP. It matches the website name to Internet Protocol so that your web browser can get the exact requested link. However, this is not an ideal way for your privacy. Your computer system can be triggered every time you click a link, type anything in your web browser, or send mail. This way, your ISP will store these records to build your profile.
DNS is suspicious to Man In The Middle( MITM) attacks in which malicious activity is performed to intercept DNS queries and redirect to a harmful site. If you want to get protection from unsecured Domain Name Systems, you should use a DNS resolver to make it difficult for ISP to monitor your online activity.
FAQ:
❓ What is ISP?
ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a company that performs an important part in providing Internet access to organizations and home users. You cannot use the Internet without an Internet Service Provider.
⚡ What are the best VPNs to stop ISP Tracking?
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Atlas VPN
- FastestVPN
- Private Internet Access
Best VPNs to stop your ISP from tracking your internet activity
Worried about your ISP seeing and tracking what you do online? Unfortunately, it can be difficult to protect your privacy online. We show you how using a VPN service will hide your activity from your internet provider.
Paul Bischoff TECH WRITER, PRIVACY ADVOCATE AND VPN EXPERT
@pabischoff UPDATED: September 6, 2023
In today’s digital age, the privacy of your online activities is under unprecedented threat. Shockingly, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the U.S. now wield the power to monitor and monetize your digital footprint. Including what websites you visit, messages, emails, searches, and more. Recent legislative shifts, specifically Senate Joint Resolution 34 (S.J. Res 34), repealed an Obama-era FCC privacy rule have stripped away essential protections. This allows industry giants like Comcast and Time Warner Cable to cash in on your browsing data without your consent.
Imagine this: every email you send, every search you make, and even the most personal details of your life, from medical histories to your preferences, are potentially up for grabs. The unsettling truth? With limited regulations, there’s no telling just how invasive these corporations might become.
However, there’s hope! Through extensive research and rigorous testing, we’ve identified the most robust solutions to shield you from prying eyes. There are only two surefire ways to prevent your ISP from monitoring web activity: a VPN or Tor. While options like Tor exist, our recommendation leans heavily toward Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This is because VPNs ensure faster connectivity and operate discreetly, keeping you off the radar of both ISPs and authorities. A VPN acts as your digital guardian, encrypting every piece of information flowing from your device and directing it via a secure server of your choice. This protection ensures your ISP remains blind to your online actions—whether it’s the websites you frequent or the personal messages you exchange.
Join us as we demystify the new internet landscape and arm you with the tools to regain control of your online privacy.
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There are no hidden terms – just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here .
Below, we get into detail on each of the VPN providers that make up this list, but if you only have time for a quick review, here are our top choices:
- NordVPN:The best VPN to prevent ISP tracking! Boasts ultrafast speeds and some of the strongest privacy protections available. Keeps no logs and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Our top budget VPN. Fast and versatile, with a wealth of security and privacy features. Secure every device you own at once.
- ExpressVPN: Strong encryption, security, and internet privacy features. Keeps no logs and offers multiple options for protecting all your devices and traffic. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost: Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. Protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy.
- IPVanish: Owns and operates all the servers on their network. Hold no logs or metadata on any of their users. DNS leak protection.
- StrongVPN: Strong security and privacy features along with a no-logs policy, but not the easiest apps to use.
- Private Internet Access: Solid security credentials. Strict with keeping no logs on user activity. Well priced but displayed inconsistent download speeds in testing.
- AtlasVPN: Budget-conscious provider that unblocks popular streaming platforms. Includes split tunneling and unlimited device connections.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Privacy.
How to choose a VPN to prevent ISP tracking
There are so many VPNs on the market, how do you know which VPN providers offer the best service? Our top 8 VPNs to prevent ISP tracking have been chosen based on the criteria at the end of our reviews below.
Best VPNs to prevent ISP tracking – Our hands-on review
We’ve tested and compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for preventing ISP tracking
How to prevent an ISP from seeing your online activity
All you need to prevent your ISP from seeing your online activity is a VPN. The VPN’s encryption will hide all of the data passing through your internet connection, and where that data is going.
Based on our real world experience, here’s how to hide your online activity from your ISP with a VPN:
- Sign up for one of the VPNs recommended in this article, NordVPN is our top choice.
- Download and install the VPN app for your device.
- Open the app and select a server location.
- Hit the Connect button
- Wait a few moments for the connection to complete.
And that’s it! Your ISP can no longer see what you do online. Make sure to use a VPN with good leak protection, as all of our recommendations do.
The best VPNs to prevent ISP seeing and tracking
Based on the criteria above we have carefully tested the 8 best VPNs to prevent ISP tracking. Below is a more in-depth review of each VPN in our shortlist to help you choose the right VPN service provider for your needs.
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Panama-based NordVPN offers excellent bang for your buck–up to six simultaneous connections on a standard subscription. But the real value is in the company’s strict zero logs policy and its strong encryption suite: 256-bit encryption on OpenVPN and 2,048-bit Diffie Hellman keys.
The NordVPN app includes a process-specific kill switch, so you can specify which programs get blocked from sending unencrypted web traffic over your ISP network should the VPN connection drop. A huge range of servers is available including some optimized for extra privacy, including Tor over VPN and double VPN.
Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. NordVPN can also unblock geographically-restricted content like Netflix and Hulu if you travel abroad.
Pros:
- Zero-logs policy
- Offers secure, encrypted connections at all times
- IPs never leaked thanks to kill switch on DNS protection
- Most apps feature a process-specific kill switch
- Extremely fast
Cons:
- Desktop apps can take slightly longer to connect
4.5 out of 5
BEST VPN FOR PREVENTING ISP TRACKING: NordVPN is our top choice. Boasts a large server network, fast connection speeds, and great unblocking capabilities. This provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
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2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark users typically connect using OpenVPN or IKEv2 protocols, but there’s also the option to use Shadowsocks if you’re in a country like China or the UAE. All traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, 2048-bit DHE-RSA keys, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which means that it isn’t legally required to store any details of user activity. Accordingly, Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could identify you. 24/7 support is available over live chat, should you need it.
Surfshark has apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It can even be manually configured for use with supported home routers.
Pros:
- Fast enough for almost any task
- No connection limit
- Strong security and privacy credentials
Cons:
- Fewer servers than some others in this list
- Has the occasional slow server
4.5 out of 5
BEST BUDGET CHOICE: Surfshark is ideal for those looking to secure lots of devices on a budget since it has no connection limit. It also boasts high speeds, a wide range of security features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. It boasts a best-in-class encryption suite, combining the OpenVPN protocol with 256-bit channel encryption, SHA512 authentication, and 4,096 RSA keys that use perfect forward secrecy.
The company uses its own DNS servers and routes all DNS requests through the VPN, so nothing leaks out to your ISP. Hundreds of users can share a single IP address, so it’s nearly impossible to track any internet activity back to you.
The ExpressVPN app includes a “network lock” that halts internet traffic should your connection drop at any point until it is re-established. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (command-line), and certain wifi routers.
ExpressVPN is also great for unblocking geolocked content like Netflix and Hulu when traveling abroad.
Pros:
- Based in the BVI and isn’t required to log any user data
- Strong on security and user privacy
- DNS leak protection, shared IP addresses and keeps no traffic logs
- Superfast servers are great for streaming HD content
- Offers 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost than others
- Could offer more customizable features
4.5 out of 5
BROWSE SAFELY ANYWHERE: ExpressVPN puts your privacy first. It offers military-grade encryption protocols coupled with a neat design and fast connection speeds.Great at unblocking geo-restricted sites and services. Plans include a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.
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4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost makes it easy to browse the internet safely. This beginner-friendly VPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and keeps your activities private at all times with a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, protection against WebRTC, Domain Name System, and IPv6 leaks, and 2048-bit DHE-RSA keys. What’s more, there’s a kill switch in every version of the app.
That’s not all this service has to offer; there’s also an automatic ad-blocker and malware-scanner, and the ability to connect via a random port. The latter feature allows you to use HTTPS even on networks that usually block this kind of traffic. Each one of CyberGhost’s security features comes pre-configured and enabled by default.
CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux and Android. The VPN can be manually configured to work with select internet routers.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of security features
- Upgrade to Static IP Addresses if required
- Doesn’t keep any traffic logs
- Up to seven connections permitted
- Accepts Bitcoin
Cons:
- Lack of advanced functionality could be a problem for power users
- Can’t be relied upon in China or the UAE
4.5 out of 5
GOOD CHOICE FOR NOVICES: CyberGhost is an inexpensive yet powerful VPN that provides strong security and privacy protections, and very high speeds. It even comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
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5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is one of the few VPN providers to actually own, rather than rent, its servers. That means it has greater control over who can access those servers. By default, users connect using OpenVPN with 256-bit AES full encryption, SHA512 authentication, and ephemeral 2,048-bit RSA keys with perfect forward secrecy.
The company keeps no records of traffic nor metadata on its users, so despite being based in the US, it couldn’t produce any information on users even if it wanted to. DNS leak protection is built-in and a kill switch can be enabled in the settings.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Connections, communications, and traffic remain encrypted and private at all times
- DNS leak protection and kill switch enabled by default
- Servers are fast for video streaming and downloading content
- No-logs policy
Cons:
- Doesn’t reliably unblock Netflix, Hulu
- Doesn’t work in China
4 out of 5
FAST AND RELIABLE: IPVanish has a large network of servers . Uncongested network achieves good speeds. Strong security and online privacy features. Could do with having live customer support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
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6. StrongVPN
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
StrongVPN is based in the US but keeps zero logs of any kind on user activity. We recommend users opt for the secure L2TP, SSTP, or OpenVPN protocols and avoid the obsolete option to use PPTP. Although we’re not a fan of the Windows app, StrongVPN does use 256-bit encryption and SHA512 authentication.
It owns its physical servers rather than renting them. DNS leak protection and a kill switch can be enabled in the settings.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- High-grade encryption and authentication settings
- Kill switch and DNS leak protections in place and keeps no logs
- Torrent-friendly and works in China
- Own and operate all servers
Cons:
- Some users might find minimalist design limiting
- Speeds were reasonable during testing but not great on the whole
4 out of 5
MOST RELIABLE: StrongVPN confidently overcomes geo-blocking . Reliable network of servers. Good on privacy and they retain no internet browsing logs. Ample security. Manual configuration may challenge some users. 45-day money back guarantee.
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7. Private Internet Access
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
US-based Private Internet Access, or PIA for short, doesn’t keep any logs and it has even published court documents to prove it. Users can set which VPN protocol they use along with the level of encryption.
The most secure configuration is OpenVPN combined with 256-bit AES encryption, SHA256 authentication, and 4,096-bit RSA keys with perfect forward secrecy. PIA operates its own servers and its app includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch to prevent any traffic from leaking onto the unencrypted ISP network.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Pros:
- Keep no logs, DNS leak protection and kill switch are activated
- Strong encryption for secure and private connections
- Operates over 3,200 servers
Cons:
- Video streaming speeds can be inconsistent
- Be prepared for troubleshooting in community forums
- Other providers in this list are more capable of unblocking popular streaming sites
4 out of 5
STRICT NO LOGS POLICY: Private Internet Access has top security , low price, rich security features, and great customer service. Speeds can be inconsistent. 7-day money-back guarantee.
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8. AtlasVPN
Apps Available:
VPN Ratings:
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
AtlasVPN is a popular choice among privacy-conscious users as it provides military-grade encryption to hide your activity from your ISP and internet snoopers. It also includes split tunneling which allows you to route your regular traffic separately from VPN traffic. It has a kill switch that cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops.
Other tools include malware blocking and adblocking, DNS leak protection, a built-in breach tracker, and multihop servers. It doesn’t log your activities, and being owned by Nord Technologies backs its reputation as a trusted provider.
Privacy aside, AtlasVPN includes an unlimited connection limit, 32,00 servers in 40+ countries, and apps for desktop and mobile. It can also access popular streaming platforms like HBO Max. Support is available 24/7 and you can try the VPN today risk-free for 30 days.
Pros:
- Malware and ad blocking tools are included
- Servers in 42+ locations
- Offers some interesting security tools
- Beginner-friendly apps and 24/7 support
Cons:
- Getting a refund can be difficult
- Can’t be installed on Linux systems or routers
4 out of 5
ROBUST PRIVACY FEATURES: AtlasVPN includes unlimited device connections , and a network kill switch, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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ISP VPN testing methodology
We understand that picking a VPN can be hard. There are dozens of services on the market and they are not all able to provide the level of privacy and security you require from your ISP.
At Comparitech, we use a carefully devised VPN testing methodology to ensure that we only recommend services that offer high levels of reliability, and the vital privacy features you need. We also check for IP and DNS leaks to ensure that the VPN works exactly as advertised to obscure your online surfing habits from your ISP.
Below, we have included some of the vital features we looked for when compiling this list of the best VPNs to prevent ISPs from tracking you:
- A no logs policy: For a VPN to give you online privacy both now and in the future, it is essential that the VPN is not keeping any records of what you do while connected. Our recommendations have solid privacy policies that promise never to keep any identifiable logs after a session ends. This means that the VPN provider has nothing of value documented that could be intercepted via a government warrant at a later date.
- Robust encryption: A VPN tunnel is only as secure as the encryption that protects the tunnel between your device and the VPN server. In this guide, we have recommended providers that implement trusted VPN protocols such as OpenVPN IKEv2, and WireGuard. Those protocols include robust cryptographic primitives, including military grade AES encryption.
- Internet kill-switch: If your VPN connection drops out, your internet traffic will become visible to your ISP. As a result, the ISP will be able to begin logging your online habits and will be able to share that data with the government to comply with mandatory data retention directives or government warrants. A kill-switch protects against this possibility by cutting off your internet if the VPN connection drops out.
- Advanced security features: For a VPN to offer value for money, it is essential that it provides a rich feature set with plenty of useful privacy and security settings. In this article, we have pinpointed services that have DNS leak protection, obfuscated servers, double hop connections, split tunneling, a SOCKS5 proxy, and other useful advanced features. Each VPN has a different feature set, so be sure to check each summary to get the right service for your needs.
- Apps for all platforms: For a VPN to be useful, it should have software for every device that you own. Our recommendations have software and setup guides for using the VPN with tablets, smartphones, Windows and Mac PCs, and other niche devices such as firesticks, smart TVs, consoles, and VPN-compatible routers.
- Value for money: A VPN doesn’t need to break the bank to provide you with ISP privacy. Plenty of overpriced VPNs exist, and some fail to provide the level of privacy that you get with our recommendations. In this article we have included VPNs that are priced fairly for what you get; to ensure you don’t pay over the odds.
Does my ISP care if I’m using a VPN?
Whether your ISP cares if you’re using a VPN really depends on your location. VPNs are legal in the vast majority of countries and ISPs in those countries won’t care if you’re using one as a result. ISPs can tell if you’re using a VPN although the fact that traffic is encrypted means they can’t see which websites and services you are accessing.
However, in countries in which citizens have limited internet freedom such as China, Iran, or Russia, ISPs may object to your use of a VPN. This is particularly the case if the ISP is state-controlled or subject to a high level of surveillance from the state. While VPNs are not outright illegal in these countries, VPN sites and connections have been blocked.
Arrests and fines have also occurred in some countries but this is uncommon and tends to target activists and journalists who are critical of the government. It’s very important to check your country’s laws before using a VPN to be safe.
VPNs for ISP Tracking FAQ
Why are no-logging policies important?
If a VPN logs your activity, it’s no better than an ISP that does the same. It could just as easily mine your web traffic for data and sell it to third parties without restriction.
This is why we strongly prefer VPNs that don’t log. We’re primarily concerned with traffic logs, which include the contents of web pages you visit and any unencrypted emails or messages.
Metadata logging is also a concern and includes things like when you connected to the VPN, for how long, and how much data you used. What’s most worrying is if those metadata logs include the user’s real IP address or the IP address of the server to which they connect, which means users’ activity can be traced back to them.
Can my ISP see my VPN?
While using a VPN, your ISP cannot decipher the contents of your internet traffic nor can it figure out where your traffic is traveling to or from. That means your ISP cannot see what sites you visit or anything you do while connected. It can only see that encrypted data is traveling to a server.
It’s possible that your ISP will know that said server belongs to a VPN. VPNs are 100 percent legal in the United States, however, and no American ISPs that we know of block or throttle traffic to VPN servers.
Does incognito hide activity from ISP?
No. Incognito mode and other private browsing modes built into web browsers do not prevent your ISP from spying on you. They only prevent websites from being able to identify you with cookies, and prevents your browser from remembering your activity. While incognito, websites can still identify your device by your IP address, and your ISP can still see your online activity.
Can I ask my ISP for internet history?
Internet service providers in the USA are not prohibited from collecting or sharing information and data about your internet activity, including your browsing history. Your ISP might or might not keep a record of what websites you visit and other online activities. Most websites you visit require sending a DNS request to your ISP, which it can then log and store indefinitely.
Depending on what state you live in and the ISP’s internal policies, you might have a right to know what information your ISP has about you. In California, for example, you can request your ISP hand over any personal data it holds about you.
Can my ISP see my Google searches?
Google uses HTTPS across all of its web services, so your search queries are encrypted with SSL. Your ISP can see that you are visiting Google, but not specific search queries. However, Google often links to sites in search results that do not have HTTPS, in which case your ISP can see the contents of that site being downloaded to your device.
How do I know if my ISP is tracking me?
Your ISP is almost certainly tracking you to some degree, but to what extent comes down to individual ISPs and the jurisdictions in which they operate. A good place to start is by looking at your ISP’s privacy policy and terms of service. You might be able to request a copy of the data that your ISP has about you, but there is no way to be certain whether your ISP is tracking you or to what extent.
In the USA, ISPs are not barred from collecting information about your internet use, nor are they prohibited from sharing that information with third parties. It’s best to assume that they are and take the necessary precautions.
What data do ISPs track?
An ISP can track any data passing through your internet connection that isn’t encrypted. That includes your browsing history, search queries, purchases, emails, downloads, location, and streams, among other data.
Note that much of the web is now encrypted by default through HTTPS (SSL). But even with that encryption in place, your ISP can still track what websites you visit and when.
What can ISPs do with my data?
ISPs can use your data for their own purposes—diagnostics, marketing, analytics—or sell or share it with third parties. Those third parties are usually advertising networks, but they could also be intelligence agencies, private investigators, or law enforcement.
Does a proxy hide my IP address from my ISP?
No. Your ISP provides you with your IP address. As a result, your ISP is always privy to your IP address and can reveal it to government authorities (or any other interested party) if asked.
Therefore, it is essential to use a trustworthy VPNs that keeps no usage logs alongside your IP address. VPNs that keep usage logs (next to your IP) are useless for privacy purposes because they provide the opportunity for your online habits to be tied straight back to you.
Unlike a VPN, a proxy can only hide your IP address from the websites you visit, by making you appear to be in a different location. However, it is vital to remember that a proxy does not provide the privacy levels that you get with an encrypted VPN tunnel. Therefore, it is essential to use a VPN rather than a proxy to prevent ISP tracking.
The key takeaway is that while proxies can spoof your location and prevent online services from detecting your IP address (location), they will not handle your DNS requests on your behalf to conceal the destination of your traffic (your online surfing habits) from your ISP.
Why does my ISP want to track me?
ISPs track what their users do online for various reasons, including to create a revenue stream. The things people do online have the power to reveal all kinds of things about their lifestyle, employment, earnings, ambitions, health, hobbies, religious beliefs, political affiliations, etc.
This kind of data can allow for high levels of surveillance capitalism , in which companies use your data for marketing purposes or to combine information in order to extract frightening precise secondary inferences about you. ISPs know that the personal information that can be extracted via automatic analysis of web browsing habits is extremely valuable. This is why they store that data and sell it to third parties if they are legally permitted to do so (in the US they may do so without user consent ).
In addition, ISPs in many countries, including the UK, Australia, and Brazil, are required to keep user browsing records to comply with government regulations. Mandatory data retention directives oblige ISPs to store your browsing history for anything between 12 weeks and 2 years in order to provide that information (including communications metadata) to the authorities if asked. In countries that impose data retention, the government can easily spy on anybody who does not use a VPN. This is a huge invasion of your privacy.
How do I know if my ISP is tracking me?
Unless you are using a VPN, it is best to assume that your ISP is engaging in some level of tracking. In order to provide you with the internet connection you pay for, your ISP must connect you to the websites you visit. Routing your traffic automatically allows your ISP to track every website you visit.
Depending on where you live, your ISP may be required to keep records of these visits, as well as your metadata, for up to 2 years. Thus, a good way to know whether your ISP is tracking you is to check on the status of data retention laws where you live. In the UK, for example, ISPs must keep records of everything you do online for twelve months. This data can then be accessed by numerous government authorities.
If you live in the US, things are arguably worse. ISPs are legally permitted to not only keep tabs on everything you do online – but also to sell that data without your permission to any third party that is willing to pay.
This incentivizes ISPs to retain as much data about you as possible and to find ways to profit from that data by selling it to marketing companies and data brokers, for example. It also means that your browsing data is lying around ready to be accessed via a warrant if government snoops at the NSA decide they want it.
Is my data at risk with my ISP?
It’s fair to say that your data is at risk with your ISP. However, the degree of risk really depends on your country and its data and privacy laws . For example, if you’re in the US then your ISP can harvest and sell your data without your consent. This poses a high level of risk to your privacy.
In many countries, ISPs are legally obliged to store logs of your data, often for several years. Needless to say, this data may be at risk if it’s not properly protected. Furthermore, this data may be shared with your government upon request. If you live in a country with a poor human rights record, having this data shared with authorities could put you at great personal risk.
Needless to say, it’s all the more important that you secure your data from your ISP and other prying eyes with the help of a VPN.
Can my ISP see when I am accessing the dark web?
When you use the Tor browser to access the dark web your ISP can see that you are entering the Tor network. Thus, while Tor prevents your ISP from knowing what you are doing while connected to the dark web, it can still detect that you are accessing it.
Your ISP will not be able to see the specific websites or content you access on the dark web because your traffic is encrypted and routed through multiple nodes before reaching its final destination.
The important thing to remember is that in some countries accessing the dark web may be enough to raise suspicions. This is why some people prefer to use a VPN alongside Tor.
By using VPN into Tor (Tor over VPN) you prevent your ISP from detecting the fact that you are entering the Tor network. This provides an extra layer of privacy that ensures your ISP, and therefore government agencies, have no way to know that you accessed the dark web.
Can my ISP see my downloads?
ISPs log almost everything you get up to on the web, including searches, websites you’ve landed on, and your downloads. However, they cannot see what is inside your downloads as the internet packets transmitted over your connection cannot be deciphered. It can see the IP address of where the download came from, the recipient’s IP address, and the port number used.