NordVPN vs ProtonVPN
NordVPN vs ProtonVPN pits the feature-rich market leader against the privacy-first contender from the team behind ProtonMail. Both take security seriously, but their approaches differ significantly. NordVPN prioritizes speed and server count; ProtonVPN prioritizes transparency and Swiss privacy laws.
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Quick Answer
NordVPN beats ProtonVPN for most users. It scores 9.4/10 vs 8.8/10 and excellent security with double vpn and onion over vpn. Choose ProtonVPN if you need based in privacy-friendly switzerland.
NordVPN
WinnerIndustry-leading security with 8,900+ servers in 178+ locations
Starting from
$2.99/mo
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with 15,000+ servers and free tier
Starting from
$2.49/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo | $2.49/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Performance | ||
| Servers | 8,900+ | 15,000+ |
| Countries | 178+ locations | 120+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 10 |
| Security | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| No Logs Policy | ||
| Double VPN | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | ||
| Features | ||
| Split Tunneling | ||
| Streaming Support | ||
| Torrenting | ||
| Dedicated IP | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
NordVPN
- Excellent security with double VPN and Onion over VPN
- 8,900+ servers across 178+ locations worldwide
- Great for streaming Netflix and other services
- No-logs policy audited by PwC
- Fast connection speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
- Post-quantum encryption support
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Tiered pricing can be confusing
- Occasional slow connections to distant servers
- No split tunneling on iOS
ProtonVPN
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- 15,000+ servers in 120+ countries
- Free tier with no data limits
- Open-source apps
- Secure Core multi-hop servers
- VPN Accelerator for faster speeds
- Stealth protocol bypasses VPN blocks
- Free tier limited to 5 countries
- Free tier randomly assigns servers
- Prorated refunds only
Key Difference
NordVPN is based in Panama; ProtonVPN in Switzerland. Both have strong privacy stances, but ProtonVPN's open-source apps and Swiss legal protection appeal to those with serious privacy concerns. NordVPN offers more features and faster speeds.
Which Should You Choose?
NordVPN
Choose NordVPN if you want the fastest VPN experience, need reliable Netflix/streaming access, prefer maximum server selection, or want features like dedicated IPs and meshnet.
ProtonVPN
Choose ProtonVPN if you prioritize privacy above all else, want open-source transparency, trust Swiss privacy laws over Panama, or need a genuinely useful free VPN option.
Our Verdict
NordVPN wins for most users with faster speeds, more servers, and better streaming unblocking. ProtonVPN wins for privacy purists who want open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, and a credible free tier. Your threat model should guide this decision.
Thinking of Switching?
Both have money-back guarantees (30 days NordVPN, 30 days ProtonVPN). ProtonVPN's free tier lets you test before paying. No data migration needed - just install and log in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than ProtonVPN?
NordVPN scores higher in our testing (9.4/10 vs 8.8/10). NordVPN excels at excellent security with double vpn and onion over vpn, while ProtonVPN is better for based in privacy-friendly switzerland.
Which is cheaper, NordVPN or ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $12.99/mo. ProtonVPN offers 100% savings.
NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: which should I choose?
Choose NordVPN if you prioritize excellent security with double vpn and onion over vpn. Choose ProtonVPN if you need based in privacy-friendly switzerland. Both are solid vpns options.
What's the main difference between NordVPN and ProtonVPN?
The main difference is NordVPN offers industry-leading security with 8,900+ servers in 178+ locations, while ProtonVPN focuses on swiss-based vpn with 15,000+ servers and free tier.