You signed up to a VPN, believing it was your ticket to online privacy and security.
But one day, you saw on Reddit that every VPN is owned by the same company. A shady company somewhere in the Caribbean. A company with a long history of controversies and scandals.
Is it true?
Is every VPN just a front for one giant corporation?
Not quite. But VPN ownership is a maze of mergers and acquisitions that look crazy once you untangle them. That doesn’t mean they’re up to no good. But it does mean you need to understand who’s behind your VPN – and the VPN reviews you’re reading online.
Let me show you what I mean…
Quick guide: Who owns every VPN?
| Company | Headquarters | VPNs | Other Things to Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kape Technologies | Israel | ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access (PIA), ZenMate | Kape’s acquisition history and privacy policies have been very controversial. They also own numerous popular VPN websites where they promote their products. |
| NordSec Ltd. | Panama | NordVPN, Surfshark | NordSec owns a growing portfolio of VPN services that focus on privacy and security and have strict no-logs policies. They shut down Atlas VPN in 2024. |
| Ziff Davis | The U.S. | IPVanish, StrongVPN, Encrypt.me, SaferVPN, Perimeter 81 | They are also a major player in the tech media industry and own various software brands. |
| Aura/Pango Group (formerly AnchorFree) | The U.S. | Hotspot Shield, Betternet, VPN 360, Touch VPN, UltraVPN, OVPN | They own a variety of cybersecurity and privacy tools. |
| Gaditek | Pakistan | PureVPN | A diversified technology company with a range of interests beyond VPNs. |
| McAfee | The U.S. | McAfee Secure VPN, TunnelBear | McAfee is a cybersecurity company offering VPNs as part of its suite. |
| eVenture | Malaysia | Hide.me | A privately held company with a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region. |
| Independent VPNs | Various | Mullvad, Proton VPN, Windscribe, IVPN, PrivadoVPN, VyprVPN | Owned and operated independently, often with a focus on privacy and transparency. |
| Chinese-owned VPNs | China | TurboVPN, VPN Monster | Avoid these VPNs due to potential government surveillance. |
1. Kape Technologies
Kape Technologies is a major player in the VPN industry. As of 2024, they own:
To give you an idea of the company’s size, it bought ExpressVPN for $936 million in 2023.
But you need to know the company's controversial past.
Formerly known as Crossrider, Kape was once associated with adware and other potentially unwanted programs. This history has raised concerns among privacy advocates about the company's commitment to user data protection.
This is especially important considering they also own popular VPN review sites WizCase and vpnMentor, leading to accusations of biased reviews favoring their products. While these concerns are valid, Kape's VPNs generally receive positive reviews for their performance and features.
Ultimately, whether or not to use a Kape-owned VPN comes down to your comfort level, considering the company's background and potential conflicts of interest.
2. Nord Security (NordSec Ltd.)
Nord Security owns three popular services:
Headquartered in Panama, a country known for its favorable privacy laws, Nord Security strongly advocates online privacy and security.
Nord Security merged with Surfshark in February 2022, but both brands continue to operate independently with unique features and pricing. This merger has strengthened Nord Security's position in the market, providing users with a broader range of options.
The company's commitment to user privacy is evident in its no-logs policy, which has been independently audited. Nord Security's VPNs offer robust security features, extensive server networks, and user-friendly interfaces, making them popular among individuals and businesses.
3. Ziff Davis
Ziff Davis, a tech media giant formerly known as J2 Global, owns the following VPNs:
They also own a slew of tech websites in which their VPNs are reviewed and recommended:
- PCMag: A leading authority on technology, delivering independent reviews of the latest products and services.
- IGN: A major site for video game reviews, news, and entertainment.
- Mashable: A global, multi-platform media and entertainment company.
- Lifehacker: Focused on life hacks, productivity tips, and practical advice.
- CNET: Recently acquired in 2024, it’s known for its comprehensive tech reviews and news.
- TechBargains: A site for tech deals and product discounts.
- ZDNet: Offers news, analysis, and research for business technology professionals.
A notable case of Ziff Davis's complex ownership structure involved FastVPN, formerly Namecheap VPN, which used IPVanish servers in its network. This highlights a common industry practice of repackaging services under different names, potentially misleading users by obscuring crucial information like shared infrastructure and management teams.
Despite these issues, IPVanish and StrongVPN remain popular among VPN users due to their solid performance and features. However, the potential for conflicts of interest and the practice of repackaging services should be considered when choosing a VPN.
4. Aura (Pango Group)
Aura, formerly Pango Group, is an Israeli software company that owns many VPNs and mobile security apps, including:
- Hotspot Shield
- Betternet
- VPN 360
- Touch VPN
- UltraVPN
- OVPN
Hotspot Shield is their flagship VPN, known for its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which prioritizes speed. It’s also the best free VPN in 2024.
5. Gaditek
Gaditek, a technology company based in Pakistan, owns PureVPN.
PureVPN has gained popularity for its wide range of features and global server network. However, it has also faced scrutiny for its logging practices and a controversial incident involving cooperation with law enforcement.
Previously, Gaditek was also listed as the owner of Ivacy VPN. However, this connection is now unclear, as Ivacy VPN's website and other sources no longer mention Gaditek as its parent company. This lack of transparency raises questions about the ownership and control of Ivacy VPN.
While PureVPN remains a viable option for users seeking a VPN with a wide range of features, its history and the uncertainty surrounding its connection to Ivacy VPN warrant caution. Thorough research and careful consideration are crucial before deciding on a VPN provider, especially if you prioritize privacy and security
Other notable ownerships:
Several other VPN services have notable ownerships worth mentioning:
- TunnelBear: McAfee, a well-known cybersecurity company, owns this popular and user-friendly VPN. While this association may offer some reassurance regarding security measures, it also raises questions about the potential for data sharing and logging practices, as McAfee's primary business model revolves around security software and services.
- Hide.me: Based in Malaysia, hide.me is owned by eVenture, a private company with a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region. While hide.me claims to maintain a strict no-logs policy, the fact that it's owned by a company based in a country with less stringent data protection laws than some Western nations may be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
Independently owned VPNs
These VPN providers are not owned by larger conglomerates, offering a potential advantage in terms of privacy and transparency:
- Proton VPN: Owned by the Swiss company Proton AG, is renowned for its robust privacy features and transparent operations. Leveraging Switzerland's strong privacy laws, Proton VPN ensures stringent legal protections for user data.
- Mullvad VPN: A Swedish company owned and operated by Amagicom AB, is highly regarded for its dedication to user privacy. Their commitment to anonymity is evident in their acceptance of anonymous payments, including cash, and their policy of not requiring personal information during signup.
- Windscribe: A Canadian VPN, stands out for its generous free plan, albeit with data restrictions. Their paid version unlocks additional features, catering to a broader range of user needs.
- PrivadoVPN: A newer entrant in the VPN market. It’s based in privacy-conscious Switzerland and emphasizes user privacy as a core value. They offer a free plan with limited data and server options and a paid version with expanded features for those seeking more comprehensive protection.
- VyprVPN: Owned by the US-based Certida LLC, it’s recognized for its unique Chameleon protocol designed to bypass VPN blocking and its ownership of its entire network infrastructure. However, the recent change in ownership raises concerns for some users due to the shift from Swiss to US jurisdiction, which may have privacy implications.
Why VPN ownership matters
Understanding who owns your VPN service is crucial for several reasons:
- Privacy concerns: Parent companies may have different data handling practices than their VPN subsidiaries. A parent company with a history of collecting and selling user data might not prioritize the privacy of its VPN users. Researching the VPN service and its parent company is essential to ensure your privacy is protected.
- Conflict of interest: Some parent companies own both VPNs and VPN review sites. This raises concerns about the objectivity of these reviews, as the parent company might be inclined to promote its products. It's crucial to consult multiple sources for VPN reviews to get a balanced perspective.
- Competition: Consolidation within the VPN industry, with large companies acquiring multiple VPN brands, can stifle competition. This can lead to reduced innovation, fewer consumer choices, and potentially higher prices in the long run.
- Jurisdiction: The parent company's location can significantly impact your data privacy. The Government might compel companies based in countries with weaker privacy laws or those with government surveillance programs to share user data with authorities. Choosing a VPN owned by a company in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction can offer better protection.
- Transparency: Knowing who owns your VPN service helps you understand their motivations and priorities. Some independent VPN providers prioritize user privacy and transparency, while others may have different goals. Understanding the ownership structure can shed light on their values and practices.
- Accountability: If a large conglomerate owns a VPN service, holding them accountable for privacy breaches or unethical practices might be more difficult. Independent VPN owners may be more responsive to user concerns and committed to maintaining high ethical standards.
Chinese ownership concerns
While there's no evidence of systematic VPN traffic tapping by Chinese authorities, the ownership of certain VPNs, particularly free mobile apps, has raised concerns.
One example is FlyVPN, owned by Uditech, a Hong Kong-based company with Chinese investors. Another is Turbo VPN, which, while not explicitly linked to China, has faced suspicions due to its vague ownership structure and questionable privacy practices.
The concern lies in the potential for these companies to be compelled by the Chinese government to share user data or install backdoors in their VPN software. This could compromise the privacy and anonymity that VPNs are supposed to provide.
Before choosing a VPN, research its ownership and background. Opt for VPNs based in countries with strong privacy laws and a proven track record. Your online privacy is valuable, and choosing a trustworthy VPN is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information.
Conclusion
While a VPN's ownership doesn't automatically mean poor service or compromised security, it's crucial for users to understand who's in control of their data. When selecting a VPN, factors like the parent company's reputation, its privacy policies, and the jurisdiction it operates under are just as important as the VPN's features and performance.
To help you make an informed decision, explore our comprehensive VPN reviews, which delve deeper into these aspects and provide detailed insights into the best VPNs on the market.