5 Best VPNs with RAM-Only Servers (100% Privacy)

When it comes to VPNs and privacy, you might wonder if your provider keeps logs. Any data stored on a server could identify users to some degree. But, for those who prioritize privacy above all, a VPN with RAM disk servers is the top choice.

Only a few VPN providers offer this top privacy feature. So, which VPNs run their servers on RAM? Why is it important for privacy?

VPN RAM Servers Key Takeaways:

• RAM-only servers protect against government seizures and rogue employee attacks.
• They run a read-only image of their operating system and software, unlike HDD servers.
• Any data-in-transit is erased immediately upon resetting or powering off, providing quick threat mitigation.
• Most VPN providers haven’t switched to RAM-only servers. Use a RAM-only service like NordVPN for safety against most attacks.

Best VPNs with RAM-only servers – shortlist:

1. NordVPN – the best VPN with RAM-only servers
2. Surfshark – RAM-based VPN with great speeds
3. ExpressVPN – runs on Trusted Server technology
4. Private Internet Access – runs thousands of RAM VPN servers
5. CyberGhost – great for streaming

What Are RAM-Only VPN Servers?

RAM-only servers use RAM instead of hard drives. They store the code and data needed for the VPN to run on RAM modules. When starting up, they run a read-only image of the operating system and software.

There’s no hard drive, so all VPN processes happen in RAM. RAM is volatile, so data is erased when the server is shut down or rebooted.

What is RAM (Random Access Memory)

Random Access Memory is a type of computer memory that can read or write data quickly in any order. It’s also called short-term or volatile memory because all data is deleted when power is cut off.

RAM is key in devices like PCs, mobile phones, routers, and VPN servers. It holds data being used, like running apps and background processes. RAM is much faster than the fastest SSD hard drive but can store much less data.

5 Best VPNs with RAM Servers – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN changed its servers to RAM-only in 2020. It also moved to a co-located network. This means only NordVPN’s staff can access the servers, keeping them safe from tampering.

The VPN is based in Panama. This offshore VPN jurisdiction has no data retention laws. This matches their RAM server setup.

This provider has top-notch security. It has an automatic kill switch. This shuts off your Internet or specific apps if the VPN connection drops.

They also have a no-logs policy that’s been audited twice. They use secure protocols like NordLynx and OpenVPN. Plus, there’s DNS, WebRTC and IP leak protection, an ad-blocker, double VPN, and obfuscated servers.

NordVPN has over 5,500 servers in 60 countries. It’s easy to find a fast server nearby. It supports P2P traffic on 4,500+ servers and unblocks popular streaming sites like Netflix. You can use it on up to six devices and it has easy apps for all platforms.

All NordVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark updated to RAM-only servers in July 2020. It has over 3200 servers in 100 countries and a strict no-logs policy. Their servers and browser extensions have been audited independently.

This VPN uses AES-256 encryption and has no IP or DNS leaks. It supports protocols like WireGuard, Shadowsocks, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec. Their apps include an internet kill switch too. It also has GPS spoofing on Android, a unique feature among RAM-only VPNs.

Surfshark fully supports P2P traffic and can unblock Netflix and other streaming services. You get unlimited bandwidth for downloading files and watching online movies. This means no video buffering and reliable connections for torrenting.

VPN apps are available for all platforms and have many features. These include an ad blocker, split tunneling, and unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s RAM-only servers are top-notch. They developed TrustedServer technology for this. All servers run on RAM-disk only, and the software stack is reinstalled on every server at startup.

This ensures a clean server configuration on every reboot. It prevents errors, malicious code insertion by rogue employees, and similar threats. Their TrustedServer technology oversees the entire server management process. This minimizes the chance of accidental errors.

ExpressVPN restarts and updates its servers regularly. This ensures the privacy of its users. Their technology and logging were audited by PwC, proving their no-log claims are true.

This service is one of the best in the industry. It allows torrenting, can unblock Netflix, has amazing speeds, and has best-in-class encryption along with an Internet kill switch.

This service is perfect for those who value privacy. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans for you to try.

4. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) upgraded its servers in 2020. It now uses RAM-only servers. The company also took steps to improve its VPN security.

PIA now installs its own encrypted operating system on servers. This change ensures better protection. Data center employees no longer handle server setup.

PIA also upgraded secure connections to its servers. This protects against MITM attacks. Servers are updated regularly to avoid security flaws.

PIA offers strong security. It has leak protection, a kill switch, and powerful encryption. It uses OpenVPN and WireGuard for secure connections.

This VPN also offers obfuscation and a good ad blocker. Its no-logs claims have been proven in court. There’s a tool to check if your email was compromised in a data breach.

PIA has thousands of servers in 80+ countries. All servers use faster network cards for smooth browsing and streaming. P2P traffic is allowed on all servers.

You can unblock popular streaming sites. Ten simultaneous connections are allowed with one account. There are intuitive apps for all platforms.

All PIA plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN’s servers run on RAM memory. They offer NoSpy servers for top security and fast speeds. NoSpy servers have extended bandwidth and a dedicated uplink.

These servers are built and operated by CyberGhost’s staff. CyberGhost VPN provides great security. It has an always-on kill switch to prevent leaks. It also has strong encryption and a no-logs policy.

It uses secure protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. CyberGhost VPN has undergone an independent audit by Deloitte. It has good leak protection.

CyberGhost VPN offers fast speeds on its network of 9000+ servers in 90+ countries. There are dedicated P2P and streaming servers. These servers refresh their IPs often to avoid detection.

CyberGhost VPN allows seven simultaneous connections. It offers user-friendly apps for all devices. For long-term plans, CyberGhost VPN has a 45-day money-back guarantee. Monthly plans are covered by a 14-day refund.

What Are the Benefits of RAM-Only VPN Servers?

RAM-Based VPN Servers offer better security, privacy, performance, and easier setup.

Heightened Security

These servers use non-persistent memory (RAM). This means all data is erased when the server restarts or powers off. So, no logs are left behind.

The servers run on read-only images. This limits the chance of data loss even if the hardware is taken. Providers can instantly erase all data on the servers, ensuring a strict no-logs policy.

Better Privacy

Privacy is greatly enhanced with RAM-only servers. They prevent logs from being stored because of memory volatility. Any data that could be logged is erased if the server goes down. This boosts user anonymity.

This is key if a server is seized. The hardware would not hold any user data.

Improved performance

Users enjoy fast connection times and high-speed data transfer. RAM-only servers are faster than traditional hard drives. They ensure a smooth VPN experience for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Easier Deployment

Setting up and managing RAM-only servers is easier for VPN providers. They can quickly deploy and maintain servers, reducing downtime. This leads to a better user experience with fewer server issues.

What Are the Drawbacks of RAM-only Servers?

RAM-only servers have big advantages but also some drawbacks. These mainly affect the VPN provider’s operations:

1. Cost: RAM is pricier than traditional storage. This can raise the cost of the VPN service for users.
2. Power Dependency: RAM needs constant power. Without it, data is lost. So, strong power backup systems are essential.
3. Storage Limitations: RAM is expensive, so servers may have less storage. This limits the data or database size that can be hosted.
4. Data Recovery Challenges: RAM’s volatility makes it hard to recover data after a server shutdown. This can be a problem for troubleshooting or auditing.

Despite these challenges, the security and privacy benefits of RAM-only servers are significant. They are a good choice for many users and providers.

RAM-Based VPN Comparison

	NordVPN	Surfshark	ExpressVPN	PIA	CyberGhost
Website	NordVPN.com	Surfshark.com	ExpressVPN.com	Private Internet Access.com	CyberGhostVPN.com
Best VPN Ranking	1 – THE BEST	2	3	4	5
Avg. Speed	46,4 Mbps	40,1 Mbps	42,2 Mbps	44.5 Mbps	39,9 Mbps
Server count	5400+	3200+	3000+	5000+	6000+
Logs	No-logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs
Suitable for Games	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Works with Streaming	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
P2P Traffic	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Are RAM-Only VPNs Safe?

Absolutely. RAM-only VPNs are safe because the server OS and software run from a read-only image. This makes it hard to tamper with them.

For the best safety, use a top RAM-only VPN. It should have industry-standard security features. This includes military-grade encryption to make your data unreadable.

You also need a kill switch to protect you from data leaks if the VPN connection drops. The VPN should also have a strict no-logs policy. This ensures it won’t store your browsing activity.

Are RAM-only Servers More Secure Than HDD or SSD Servers?

Yes, RAM-only servers are more secure than HDD or SSD servers. They offer several key advantages:

• Data Volatility: RAM is volatile memory, which means it needs power to keep data. When a RAM server is turned off or restarted, all data is erased immediately. This is different from HDDs or SSDs, where data stays until it’s overwritten.
• No Data Storage: Because data is not kept after power loss, there’s less risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Resistance to Cyber Attacks: RAM-based servers load the OS and apps from a read-only image. This reduces the attack surface, making it harder for cyber-attacks to target stored data or permanent files.
• No Persistent Logs: RAM ensures logs are not kept after a reboot. This means even if a server logs user activity by mistake or on purpose, those logs are gone after a reboot, enforcing a no-logs policy.

HDD and SSD servers, on the other hand, keep data permanently. This means they need extra steps to ensure data is securely erased. Data on these traditional storage devices can be recovered unless it’s properly encrypted and erased. This poses a security risk.

Can RAM-Only VPNs Be Hacked?

Hackers can try to attack any VPN. But, it’s really hard for them to hack RAM-only servers.

It’s almost impossible for hackers to install backdoors on RAM-only servers. They can’t get access to server configurations or private keys stored on HDDs.

RAM-only servers also have strong security measures. If hackers try to access them, these measures can reboot the servers. This action wipes out all sensitive data.

Conclusion

RAM-disk servers offer top privacy, but few VPNs have them. Unlike HDD-based VPNs, they don’t store data on hard drives, keeping your privacy safe.

NordVPN has the best RAM-only servers in the industry. It’s a reliable service. Only a few VPNs offer this feature, so your choices are limited if you want complete privacy.