I need a VPN that supports port forwarding and does not keep logs.

Finding a reliable VPN that supports port forwarding and maintains a strict, independently audited no-logs policy narrows the field significantly, as many major providers have dropped port forwarding for security reasons.

The top-recommended, privacy-focused options that still support port forwarding include:

• Proton VPN
  • No-Logs & Jurisdiction: Based in Switzerland (outside EU/USA intelligence sharing jurisdictions) with multiple independently audited no-logs policies.
  • Port Forwarding: Supported natively on their paid tiers using NAT-PMP. You can easily enable it in the app settings and pull the assigned port for applications like qBittorrent.
  • Learn more: Check out the details directly on the Proton VPN Support page.
• AirVPN
  • No-Logs & Jurisdiction: Operated by activists and hacktivists based in Italy. They maintain a strict zero-logs stance, though Italy is part of the 14-Eyes.
  • Port Forwarding: Highly praised by advanced users for static/incoming port forwarding (up to 5 simultaneous ports) configured directly through their client or website config generator. It is exceptionally reliable for P2P and media servers.
  • Learn more: View service tiers on the AirVPN Website.
• Private Internet Access (PIA)
  • No-Logs & Jurisdiction: Based in the United States, which is a tight surveillance jurisdiction, but their no-logs claim has been proven true multiple times in real-world court subpoena tests and third-party audits.
  • Port Forwarding: Fully supported, though you must select a specific region/server that allows port forwarding upon connection.
  • Learn more: Check features via Private Internet Access.
• Windscribe
  • No-Logs & Jurisdiction: Based in Canada, with regular independent privacy audits of their infrastructure.
  • Port Forwarding: Supported via custom rules in your account dashboard (note that custom forwarding ports require manual renewal or specific setups).
  • Learn more: Read reviews on the Windscribe Review on Comparitech.

Are you planning to use port forwarding for torrenting/P2P seeding , or for hosting a local server (like Plex or a game server) ? Let me know so I can recommend which of these options handles your specific use case best.

Yes. If port forwarding + a credible no-logs policy are both hard requirements, I’d narrow the field considerably.

My top picks

Proton VPN would be my first choice. Its paid plans support port forwarding on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and Proton states that its no-logs policy is regularly independently audited.

One important caveat: Proton's forwarded port normally changes when you reconnect, so it's less convenient if you need a permanent/static port.

If you specifically need a stable port that you can choose yourself, I'd look closely at AirVPN instead. Community reports also consistently distinguish AirVPN for its manually specified persistent ports.

My recommendation:

• 🥇 Proton VPN — strongest combination of privacy reputation, auditing, performance, and port forwarding.
• 🥈 AirVPN — choose this if persistent/custom port forwarding is more important.
• 🥉 PIA — good value and highly configurable, but I'd put Proton/AirVPN ahead of it for your particular requirements.

If you tell me what you're using the forwarded port for (torrenting, game server, Plex, remote access, etc.) and your OS, I can narrow it down to the best one for that use case.

Finding a reputable VPN that officially supports port forwarding and maintains a strict, verified no-logs policy has gotten trickier, as many mainstream providers have dropped port forwarding due to abuse risks.

The top, independently audited options that still support both features include:

• Proton VPN: Based in Switzerland (outside major surveillance alliances) with a strictly audited no-logs policy. It supports port forwarding via NAT-PMP on its paid tiers, making it popular for P2P and self-hosting. Note: The port dynamically changes, which requires scripts or client support to map automatically. Learn more on the Proton VPN Port Forwarding Guide.
• Private Internet Access (PIA): Known for robust customization, PIA offers native, built-in port forwarding on designated servers and backs it with an independently audited zero-logs policy. Review their implementation on the PIA VPN Port Forwarding Info.
• AirVPN: Operated by privacy activists and built on open-source principles. It allows you to statically assign up to 5 ports directly from your client panel, offering more permanent port stability than dynamic competitors. Explore details on AirVPN through community feedback on platforms like Reddit r/qBittorrent.
• PureVPN: Offers port forwarding as an optional paid add-on feature, paired with a verified no-logs policy and solid speeds across major desktop and mobile operating systems. Check out the feature breakdown on Cybernews Best VPNs with Port Forwarding.

To help narrow down the best fit, tell me:

• What is your primary use case for port forwarding (e.g., torrenting/P2P, hosting a Plex/game server, or remote access)?
• Do you prefer dynamic or static (permanent) assigned ports?

If port forwarding and a credible no-logs policy are your top priorities, the list of VPNs is much shorter than it used to be. Several well-known providers have either never supported port forwarding or have removed it.

Here are the strongest options:

1. Proton VPN — My top recommendation for most people.

   • ✅ Port forwarding (paid plans, desktop apps)
   • ✅ Independently audited no-logs policy
   • ✅ Based in Switzerland
   • ✅ WireGuard support and kill switch
   • Good balance of privacy, speed, and usability. Recent updates have also improved its networking stack.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

   • ✅ Port forwarding (available in most regions, though not every server/location)
   • ✅ Independently audited no-logs policy
   • ✅ Large server network
   • Very popular for self-hosting and P2P workloads.

3. AirVPN

   • ✅ Port forwarding (multiple configurable ports)
   • ✅ Strong reputation among technical users
   • ✅ Strict no-logging policy
   • Best suited if you're comfortable with a more technical interface. Community discussions often praise its flexibility for advanced networking.

4. TorGuard

   • ✅ Port forwarding
   • ✅ No-logs claims
   • Good for advanced users, though its interface is less polished than Proton or PIA.

A few popular VPNs do not meet your requirements because they lack port forwarding:

• NordVPN ❌
• ExpressVPN ❌ (except limited router-specific scenarios, not standard apps)
• Surfshark ❌
• Mullvad ❌ (removed port forwarding in 2023)

If your primary use case is:

• Torrenting/P2P: Proton VPN or PIA.
• Self-hosting (game server, Plex, NAS): Proton VPN, PIA, or AirVPN.
• Maximum privacy: Proton VPN (Swiss jurisdiction and multiple independent audits).

One note about "no logs": no commercial VPN can prove the absence of logging at every moment. The strongest signal is an independent third-party audit combined with a history of privacy-focused practices and transparency reports, rather than marketing claims alone.

If your priorities are port forwarding and a strong no-logs policy, the list of reputable options is fairly short because many VPN providers have removed port forwarding in recent years due to abuse and infrastructure concerns.

Here are the strongest options:

1. Proton VPN

   • ✅ Supports port forwarding (paid plans, on Windows, macOS, and Linux)
   • ✅ Independently audited no-logs policy
   • ✅ Based in Switzerland
   • ✅ Open-source apps and strong privacy reputation
   • Port forwarding uses dynamically assigned ports and is intended for P2P and similar applications.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

   • ✅ Supports port forwarding on many servers
   • ✅ No-logs policy that has been tested in court and independently audited
   • ✅ Large server network
   • A solid choice if you specifically need port forwarding for applications like self-hosting or BitTorrent.

3. AirVPN

   • ✅ Extensive port forwarding support (multiple forwarded ports)
   • ✅ Strong privacy focus
   • ✅ No identifying account information required beyond what's necessary to manage your subscription
   • Particularly popular among technically inclined users.

4. PrivateVPN

   • ✅ Supports port forwarding
   • ✅ States a no-logs policy
   • Simpler interface than AirVPN, though it has a smaller network.

A few well-known providers that do not currently offer general port forwarding include:

• Mullvad (removed it in 2023)
• NordVPN
• Surfshark

One thing to keep in mind is that "no logs" is a marketing term. It's worth looking for providers that have:

• Independent no-logs audits.
• A history of having their privacy claims scrutinized (for example, in audits or legal proceedings).
• Clear documentation of what minimal operational data, if any, is retained.

If you tell me what you need port forwarding for (for example, BitTorrent, hosting a game server, Plex, or remote access), I can narrow the recommendation to the VPN that's the best fit for that use case.

Based on your requirements for port forwarding support and a strict no-logs policy, the best VPN options as of 2026 are:

1. AirVPN: Frequently recommended for its, "community-driven" approach and transparent port forwarding. It allows for up to 5 static ports, making it ideal for self-hosting or heavy seeding.
2. Proton VPN: A top choice for security, offering port forwarding through NAT-PMP, which can be automated with tools like qBittorrent, according to Reddit users . It has a verified no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA): Supports port forwarding on specific servers and offers dedicated apps with this feature. It is often praised for having a "proven" no-logs policy and supports unlimited devices.
4. Windscribe: Another solid option that supports port forwarding, although user feedback suggests port renewal may be required.

Key Considerations:

• No Logs: All the above options are known for having strict, often audited, no-logs policies.
• Port Forwarding Setup: Port forwarding is often not enabled by default, requiring you to select specific servers (PIA) or enable it in settings (Proton VPN).

To help you choose the best option, I can:

• Compare pricing for long-term plans
• Detail the setup process for a specific provider (like Proton or PIA)
• Explain how to automate the port forwarding for your specific use case (e.g., torrenting/Plex)

Which of these would be most useful?

Based on your requirement for a no-logs VPN that supports port forwarding in 2026, here are the top options, with Private Internet Access (PIA) and AirVPN being the most frequently recommended for this specific combination.

Top VPNs Supporting Port Forwarding (No-Logs)

• • Port Forwarding: Offers dynamic port forwarding on specific servers, ideal for torrenting and gaming.
  • Logging Policy: Strict no-logs policy that has been verified in court.
  • Pros: Large server network, fast speeds, and affordable (approx. $1.33–$11.95/mo).
  • Cons: Port numbers change upon reconnection.
• AirVPN
  • Port Forwarding: Highly flexible, allows configuring up to 5 ports.
  • Logging Policy: Known for high privacy standards and a transparent, no-logs approach.
  • Pros: Excellent for advanced users and private torrent trackers.
  • Cons: Speeds can be slower than competitors.
• • Port Forwarding: Supported on paid tiers, specifically for NAT-PMP (automatic port mapping) on Windows.
  • Logging Policy: Strict no-logs policy, based in Switzerland.
  • Pros: High security and fast speeds.
  • Cons: Port forwarding is limited to Windows only and requires manual setup.
• PureVPN
  • Port Forwarding: Available as an add-on ($1/mo).
  • Logging Policy: Confirmed no-logs policy.
  • Pros: Fast speeds for downloading and streaming, supports up to 10 connections.

Comparison Table

Key Considerations

• Dynamic vs. Static: Most, like PIA, use dynamic port forwarding, meaning you may need to update your application (e.g., qBittorrent, Plex) if you reconnect.
• Security Risk: Port forwarding opens a path for incoming connections. Ensure your application (e.g., torrent client) is configured securely, as the VPN provider is not responsible for vulnerabilities in the software you are running.
• Methodology: If you are using Docker, tools like Gluetun can automate port forwarding updates with providers like Proton and PIA.

To provide a more tailored recommendation, are you primarily using this for torrenting, remote access (like Plex) , or gaming ? Also, do you have a preference for desktop vs. mobile use?

If both of these are hard requirements:

• Port forwarding
• A credible no-logs policy

then your shortlist is fairly small.

A few things worth knowing:

• Proton VPN is probably the easiest recommendation if privacy is your priority. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, it's based in Switzerland, and it offers port forwarding on paid plans.
• PIA is a good value if you want extensive configuration options and reliable port forwarding. It also has an independently verified no-logs policy.
• Mullvad is frequently recommended for privacy, but it no longer supports port forwarding, so it doesn't meet your stated requirements.

If your main use case is torrenting, I'd lean toward:

1. Proton VPN
2. PIA
3. AirVPN

One additional consideration: a VPN advertising "no logs" is most convincing when that claim has been independently audited or otherwise tested publicly. Marketing claims alone are less persuasive than external verification.

If both of these are requirements:

• ✅ Supports port forwarding
• ✅ Has a credible no-logs policy (ideally independently audited)

your options are more limited than they used to be. Many major VPNs have removed port forwarding altogether due to abuse concerns.

Here are the strongest current choices:

I'd recommend:

For most people: Proton VPN

• Independently audited no-logs policy
• Reliable port forwarding
• Fast WireGuard performance
• Strong privacy reputation
• Good Linux support if you use it
• Based in Switzerland

For advanced users: AirVPN

• Highly configurable
• Multiple forwarded ports
• Excellent for self-hosting, game servers, and BitTorrent
• More technical than most commercial VPNs

VPNs that do not currently support port forwarding

Despite their popularity, these providers generally do not offer customer port forwarding:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• ExpressVPN
• Mullvad (removed the feature several years ago)

One final note: no commercial VPN can literally keep zero information. Providers generally need to retain minimal account or billing data to operate the service. When people say "no logs," they typically mean the VPN does not retain logs of your browsing activity, source IP addresses, connection timestamps, or similar data that could be used to reconstruct your online activity. Independent security audits add confidence that those claims match the provider's practices.

If your primary use case is torrenting, hosting a game server, remote access, or self-hosting services, I can narrow the recommendations further.

Based on your requirements for port forwarding and a strict no-logs policy, here are the top VPN providers as of mid-2026:

• Private Internet Access (PIA) (Top Pick): PIA offers native port forwarding functionality on its applications (Windows, macOS, Linux) and has a court-proven no-logs policy. It is widely recommended for torrenting and provides a dedicated port forwarding feature.
• AirVPN: Highly regarded for privacy, AirVPN allows for manual configuration of up to 5 ports. It is known for its transparency, strict no-logs policy, and open-source software.
• Proton VPN: Known for its strong privacy, Proton VPN offers port forwarding (primarily on Windows). It opens a random port each session for use with applications like qBittorrent.
• PureVPN: Offers port forwarding as an optional add-on feature. It maintains a verified no-logs policy, making it a viable option for users needing this capability.

Key Considerations:

• No Logs: These providers have verified, audited, or court-proven no-logs policies.
• Port Forwarding: This feature is essential for improving torrent speeds (seeding) and enabling remote access to home servers.
• Security: Always ensure you use a VPN with a kill switch to prevent IP exposure if the VPN connection drops.

Note: The landscape of VPNs offering port forwarding changes frequently, as many providers have recently dropped this feature due to security risks, but PIA and AirVPN remain strong contenders for this specific need.

Would you prefer:

• A budget-friendly option?
• One with fastest speeds?
• Or one that offers unlimited connections?

Also, are you planning to use this mainly for torrenting, gaming , or remote access?