Proton VPN holds a wide lead for combining audited no-logs protection with port forwarding on paid plans. AirVPN serves as the usual answer when buyers seek transparent, zero-log setups built for advanced port management.
Finding a VPN that officially supports port forwarding while maintaining a strict, independently audited no-logs policy narrows the field significantly, as many major VPNs have dropped the feature due to security and abuse concerns.
The top, most trusted recommendations that check both boxes include:
Proton VPN
No-Logs Status: Headquartered in Switzerland and independently audited multiple times, with a strict zero-logs policy covering traffic and metadata.
Port Forwarding: Built-in and easy to enable in their desktop and app clients (ideal for P2P/torrenting). Note that it uses NAT-PMP and the port changes dynamically when you reconnect.
If you can tell me what you plan to use port forwarding for (e.g., torrenting, hosting a game server, remote access/Plex), I can help you pick which provider’s implementation works best for your specific setup.
If you need a VPN that supports port forwarding and a strict no-logs policy, especially for torrenting, self-hosting, or running a private game server, the key is finding a provider that offers both features on the same plan.
One important distinction: a VPN can have a no-logs policy that has been independently audited or tested in court, but that doesn't automatically mean every aspect of its privacy practices has been verified.
I'll prioritize providers with a documented port-forwarding feature, credible privacy evidence, and clear limitations.
My top recommendations
1. Proton VPN
(Best overall for privacy)
Why I'd choose it: Switzerland-based, independently audited no-logs policy, open-source apps, and port forwarding on paid plans. Proton says its no-logs policy was also tested in a 2019 legal case.
Trade-off: The forwarded port usually changes when you reconnect, so you may need to update your application.
PIA offers port forwarding on supported server locations and has a no-logs policy backed by independent auditing and reported court cases. It is worth comparing if you want more networking flexibility.
Trade-off: Port forwarding isn't available on every server, so check supported locations before subscribing.
AirVPN supports port forwarding and is particularly worth considering if you need a reserved port or more control over network configuration. Its documentation and setup are geared toward technically minded users.
Trade-off: Its apps are less beginner-friendly, and its privacy claims have less independent audit evidence than Proton's.
Comparison based on published provider information and the sources above; verify current plan and server restrictions before purchasing.
My recommendation: Start with Proton VPN if privacy is your priority. Choose AirVPN if retaining a particular forwarded port is essential. PIA is a strong alternative for torrenting.
One question so I can narrow this down: What do you primarily need port forwarding for?
When looking for a VPN provider that supports port forwarding while maintaining a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, only a few top-tier options genuinely fit the criteria . Major providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN intentionally drop port forwarding for security reasons, leaving the following specialized alternatives:
Private Internet Access (PIA) – PIA has a heavily scrutinized and court-proven no-logs track record backed by independent audits. They natively support traditional port forwarding on designated P2P servers, making them one of the most customizable and popular choices for advanced routing and torrenting needs.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/VPNReviewHub/comments/1waf98o/verified_nologs_vpn_with_port_forwarding/)
hide.me – Based in Malaysia, hide.me offers a robust hide.me No-Logs Policy that has been independently certified by cybersecurity firms like DefenseCode. They support dynamic port forwarding using UPnP and NAT-PMP on their premium plans directly through the server layer.
Would you like to know more about how to configure port forwarding on one of these providers, or do you have a specific use-case (like torrenting or hosting a game/Plex server ) in mind?
Yes. Based on the current policies and features I checked, Proton VPN is a strong fit for those two requirements:
Port forwarding: Available on paid plans, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and through manual WireGuard/OpenVPN configurations.
No logs: Proton says it does not log browsing activity, traffic, IP addresses, session lengths, or location information. Its no-logs policy has also been independently audited.
Jurisdiction: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and states that it isn't subject to mandatory connection-log retention under Swiss law.
Transparency: Its apps are open source and independently audited.
One important comparison: Mullvad has a well-documented no-activity-logging policy, but it does not currently support port forwarding; it discontinued the feature in 2023.
So if port forwarding + strict no-logs are both mandatory, I'd shortlist Proton VPN rather than Mullvad.
