Best NordVPN Alternatives
Looking for a different VPN than NordVPN? These alternatives compete on speed, price, privacy, and unlimited devices.
We compared 4 NordVPN alternatives. Proton VPN is the top pick at 4.6/5 (from Free). 1 has a free plan. 2 cost less than NordVPN's $4/mo.
Why look for a NordVPN alternative?
NordVPN rates 4.6/5 and is genuinely strong at very fast — most people switch because of a specific trade-off:
- •Price jumps after first term
- •Occasional load on servers
NordVPN alternatives compared
| Tool | Starts at | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN (the original) | $4/mo | 4.6/5 | Privacy-conscious consumers |
| Proton VPN | Free | 4.6/5 | Privacy purists |
| ExpressVPN | $7/mo | 4.5/5 | Users wanting simplicity |
| Surfshark | $2/mo | 4.5/5 | Households & budget users |
| Mullvad | $5/mo | 4.5/5 | Privacy enthusiasts |
The best NordVPN alternatives, ranked
Privacy-first VPN with a real free tier
Why switch: Genuine free plan. Best for Privacy purists.
Reliable, easy VPN with wide device support
Why switch: Very reliable. Best for Users wanting simplicity.
Unlimited devices at a low price
Why switch: Cheapest of the big names. Best for Households & budget users.
Anonymous, flat-rate privacy VPN
Why switch: Maximum anonymity. Best for Privacy enthusiasts.
Pick by priority
Best rated → Proton VPN
4.6/5 across 7,400 reviews. Genuine free plan.
Free option → Proton VPN
Has a genuine free plan — the cheapest way to test a switch.
Closest fit → Proton VPN
Our top overall pick for people leaving NordVPN. Suits Privacy purists.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to NordVPN?+
Proton VPN is our top-ranked NordVPN alternative, rated 4.6/5 and starting at Free. Genuine free plan is its standout strength, and it suits Privacy purists.
Are there free alternatives to NordVPN?+
Yes — Proton VPN offers a free plan. Paid tiers unlock more, but the free tier is enough to test the fit.
What is a cheaper alternative to NordVPN?+
2 of these start below NordVPN's $4/mo: Proton VPN (Free), Surfshark ($2/mo).
Why do people look for NordVPN alternatives?+
The most common reasons are: price jumps after first term, occasional load on servers. NordVPN still rates 4.6/5, so the right move depends on which trade-off matters to you.
Which NordVPN alternative is rated highest?+
Proton VPN at 4.6/5, versus 4.6/5 for NordVPN.