How to Stop Your ISP Tracking You with a VPN (2025)
Explains exactly what your ISP can see, what a VPN hides, and where other tools like HTTPS and DNS over HTTPS fit in.
Jump to VPN picksISPs are in a privileged position: by default they see every connection you make, how much data you transfer, and often which domains you resolve via DNS. A VPN does not make you invisible, but it does drastically reduce how much usable telemetry your ISP can collect.
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 ISP tracking
Short answer: a trustworthy VPN (ProtonVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark or similar) plus proper leak protection stops your ISP from seeing which websites you visit or what you do on them. Your ISP still sees that you are connected to a VPN provider and how much data you move.
Why you need a VPN for ISP tracking
Without a VPN, your ISP can typically see:
- Destination IPs for every connection you make.
- DNS queries if you use the ISP's DNS resolver.
- Unencrypted HTTP traffic, including full URLs and content.
With a VPN correctly configured, your ISP instead sees:
- A single encrypted tunnel to a VPN server (or a small set of servers if you change locations).
- Aggregate data usage and timing, but not per-site breakdowns.
- No DNS contents if your VPN enforces its own resolvers.
How to configure your VPN to minimise ISP visibility
- Use a reputable VPN with a clear no-logs policy and at least one independent audit; avoid free VPNs that monetise via tracking.
- Enable the kill switch and DNS leak protection in the app so traffic never escapes outside the tunnel when the VPN drops.
- Disable or tunnel IPv6 in the VPN client; otherwise, some traffic may bypass the tunnel over IPv6.
- On your devices, avoid using the ISP's DNS servers; let the VPN client push its own DNS or use DNS-over-HTTPS in browsers in addition to the VPN.
- Leave the VPN connected whenever you browse or stream if your goal is to reduce ISP tracking, not just to change location.
- Remember that your behaviour on logged-in services (Google, Facebook, etc.) is still tracked by those platforms even if your ISP cannot see the details.
Checking for ISP-visible leaks
DNS leak tests still show my ISP
Double-check that your VPN's DNS leak protection is enabled and that no "Smart DNS" or custom resolver is configured at the OS or router level. You may need to remove manual DNS entries from your network adapter so the VPN can enforce its own resolvers.
Best VPNs for ISP tracking
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
Related VPN Guides
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Choose the Best VPN for ISP tracking
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
Yes. They see an encrypted tunnel to a known VPN IP range. Obfuscation modes can make this look like generic HTTPS, but in most countries simply using a VPN is legal and common.