Head-to-head
NordVPN vs Proton VPN
The fastest all-rounder against the Swiss privacy specialist with a free plan. Two excellent services with different philosophies.
Our pick
Our picks
NordVPNNord Security
NordVPN
The complete package: fast, secure, and good at everything.
Private
Proton VPNProton AG
Proton VPN
Swiss privacy with a genuinely usable free plan.
NordVPNProton VPN
Our score4.7 / 54.5 / 5
PriceFrom $3.99/moFree
Free planNo
Best for10 devices at once10 devices at once
CategoryTop picksPrivacy-first
ProviderNord SecurityProton AG
Our verdict
NordVPN remains the better all-rounder: higher speeds in our tests and streaming that worked everywhere. Proton VPN holds different cards: open source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, and the only serious free plan without a data cap, ideal for trying before you buy. If you want the best total package right away, pick NordVPN; if privacy and transparency come first, or you want to start free, pick Proton VPN.
“We ran NordVPN for four weeks and it lived up to its reputation: high speeds, streaming worked everywhere, and the no-logs policy has been independently verified multiple times. On a two-year plan, the best all-round choice right now.”Editorial team, on NordVPN
“The only serious free VPN without a data cap, and the paid Plus plan handled streaming just fine in our tests. Swiss, open source, and audited: solid on every front.”Editorial team, on Proton VPN