NordVPN vs Proton VPN
The fastest all-rounder against the Swiss privacy specialist with a free plan. Two excellent services with different philosophies.
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NordVPN
The complete package. Fast, secure, and good at everything.
Proton VPN
Swiss privacy with a genuinely usable free plan.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.7 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Price | From $3.09/mo | From $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | No | |
| Best for | 10 devices at once | 10 devices at once |
| Category | Top picks | Privacy-first |
| Provider | Nord Security | Proton AG |
| Visit NordVPN | Visit Proton VPN |
Our verdict
NordVPN remains the better all-rounder, with higher speeds and streaming that works 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. Speeds were high, 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 handles streaming just fine. Swiss, open source, and audited. Solid on every front.”Editorial team, on Proton VPN
Frequently asked questions
Is NordVPN or Proton VPN the better VPN?
NordVPN is the better all-rounder. Higher speeds, streaming that works everywhere, and a 4.7 out of 5 score against 4.5. Proton VPN wins on different ground, namely Swiss jurisdiction, open source apps and the only serious free plan without a data cap. If privacy and transparency come first, or you want to start free, pick Proton VPN.
Which is cheaper, NordVPN or Proton VPN?
Proton VPN, narrowly. Its Plus plan is $2.99 a month on a two-year term, $35.88 a year, against $3.09 a month and $37.08 a year for NordVPN's two-year plan (US dollars, prices last checked August 2026). The real gap shows up month to month, where NordVPN asks $12.99. Proton also has a free tier, so you can start at nothing.
Can I test Proton VPN before paying?
Yes, and that is one of its strongest arguments. The free plan has no data cap, so you can run it for weeks, although you are limited to one device and a handful of countries. NordVPN has no free tier and relies on its 30-day money-back guarantee instead, which means paying up front and then asking for a refund.
Which one is better for streaming?
NordVPN. Streaming worked everywhere during our four weeks with it, and that reliability is the main reason it wins this duel. Proton VPN handles streaming on the paid Plus plan, but the free tier does not, so trying Proton for free tells you nothing about how it will stream. Both cover ten devices at once.