NordVPN vs Proton VPN
NordVPN rates 4.6/5 and starts at $4/mo. Proton VPN rates 4.6/5 and starts at Free. Proton VPN is the cheaper entry point. Only Proton VPN has a free tier.
Both rate 4.6/5. Proton VPN is cheaper to start (Free vs $4/mo). NordVPN suits Privacy-conscious consumers, while Proton VPN is aimed at Privacy purists.
NordVPN vs Proton VPN at a glance
| Measure | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Reviews | 19,800 | 7,400 |
| Starting price | $4/mo | Free |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Public API | No | No |
| Integrations listed here | 5 | 5 |
Feature & pricing comparison
Pricing side by side
NordVPN
Full pricing →| Plan | Price | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $4/mo | $48 |
| Plus | $5/mo | $60 |
| Complete | $7/mo | $84 |
Proton VPN
Full pricing →| Plan | Price | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | — |
| VPN Plus | $5/mo | $60 |
| Proton Unlimited | $10/mo | $120 |
Which should you choose?
Choose NordVPN if…
- Very fast matters to you.
- Great app UX matters to you.
- Extra security features matters to you.
- Free tier limited servers would be a problem.
Choose Proton VPN if…
- Genuine free plan matters to you.
- Strong privacy ethos matters to you.
- Open source matters to you.
- Price jumps after first term would be a problem.
NordVPN
Pros
- Very fast
- Great app UX
- Extra security features
Cons
- Price jumps after first term
- Occasional load on servers
Proton VPN
Pros
- Genuine free plan
- Strong privacy ethos
- Open source
Cons
- Free tier limited servers
- Fewer streaming optimizations
Frequently asked questions
Is NordVPN better than Proton VPN?+
Both rate 4.6/5. Proton VPN is cheaper to start (Free vs $4/mo). NordVPN suits Privacy-conscious consumers, while Proton VPN is aimed at Privacy purists.
Which is cheaper, NordVPN or Proton VPN?+
Proton VPN — it starts at Free, versus $4/mo for NordVPN.
Do NordVPN or Proton VPN have a free plan?+
Proton VPN has a free tier; NordVPN does not (though trials may be available).
Which is better rated, NordVPN or Proton VPN?+
They are tied at 4.6/5.
What is NordVPN best for, and what is Proton VPN best for?+
NordVPN is aimed at Privacy-conscious consumers (streaming, public wi-fi safety). Proton VPN is aimed at Privacy purists (privacy & activism, free VPN).