How to Hide Your Browsing History from Your ISP with a VPN (2025)
Focused look at how VPNs, HTTPS and DNS encryption combine to hide your browsing history from ISPs.
Jump to VPN picksThis guide drills into what "browsing history" actually means at the network level and which pieces an ISP can or cannot see once you add a VPN.
Security and VPN provider details change over time
VPN performance, pricing and security features evolve. Re-test your provider during the money-back period and review updated recommendations at least once a year.
Quick answer: best VPNs for Hide history from ISP
Short answer: a VPN plus HTTPS prevents your ISP from seeing which sites you visit and what you do there. They still see that you use a VPN, how much data you transfer and when.
Why you need a VPN for Hide history from ISP
Without a VPN, ISPs can log:
- destination IPs for each connection,
- DNS lookups if you use their resolvers,
- full HTTP content on non‑HTTPS sites.
With a VPN and DNS leak protection, those signals collapse into one encrypted tunnel to the VPN, greatly limiting profiling possibilities.
Steps to minimise ISP visibility
- Use a reputable VPN with good leak protection defaults.
- Ensure all your important sites use HTTPS (most do in 2025).
- Optionally enable DNS‑over‑HTTPS in your browser as a belt‑and‑suspenders measure.
- Leave the VPN connected whenever you browse if hiding history from your ISP is a priority.
Checking your setup
Leak tests still show ISP DNS
Remove manual DNS servers from your OS or router and let the VPN client push its own settings. Some "Smart DNS" features conflict with privacy goals.
Best VPNs for Hide history from ISP
ProtonVPN
Swiss privacy • Open-source • Secure Core protection
- 4,900+ servers in 91 countries
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Secure Core (multi-hop)
- No-logs policy (Swiss privacy)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
NordVPN
Top speeds • Massive server network • Works with all streaming services
- 8,400+ servers in 126 countries
- NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol
- No-logs policy (audited)
- 24/7 customer support
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark
Unlimited devices • Best value • Perfect for families
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb (ad & malware blocker)
- MultiHop (double VPN)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare prices, speeds, security features and logging policies.
| VPN Provider | Regular Price | Black Friday Price | Discount | Bonus | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $9.99/mo | $2.49/mo | 75% OFF | - | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
| | $11.99/mo | $2.99/mo | 72% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.7 | Get Deal → |
| | $15.45/mo | $1.99/mo | 87% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
ProtonVPN
Regular Price
$9.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.49/mo
Discount
75% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
NordVPN
Regular Price
$11.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.99/mo
Discount
72% OFF
Rating
★ 4.7
+3 Bonus Months
Get NordVPN Deal → Surfshark
Regular Price
$15.45/mo
Black Friday
$1.99/mo
Discount
87% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
+3 Bonus Months
Get Surfshark Deal →Detailed Provider Reviews
1. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is built by the creators of ProtonMail with a strong focus on privacy and transparency. Perfect for privacy-conscious users who value open-source software and Swiss data protection laws.
Pros
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Fully open-source and audited
- Secure Core architecture
- Strong commitment to privacy
Cons
- Smaller server network than top competitors
- Can be pricier without deals
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services with top-tier security, blazing-fast speeds, and excellent streaming capabilities. Perfect for users who want reliable performance and robust privacy protection.
Pros
- Excellent speeds with NordLynx
- Massive server network
- Strong security features
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
Cons
- Desktop app can be slow to connect
- Limited to 10 devices
3. Surfshark
Surfshark offers incredible value with unlimited device connections and robust security features. Ideal for families or users with multiple devices who want premium VPN protection at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Best value - unlimited devices
- Strong security and privacy
- Works with major streaming platforms
- Very affordable pricing
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Speeds can vary on distant servers
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Choose the Best VPN for Hide history from ISP
Pick a VPN that balances security, speed and long-term privacy. All providers here include at least a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test them from your own network.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can throttle based on overall volume, but it is harder for them to single out specific services if everything is in one encrypted tunnel.