NordVPN is one of the most popular and best virtual private networks (VPNs) available, while Proton VPN is a relative newcomer that launched several years later. Both made significant improvements last year and maintain thousands of servers worldwide for high-speed downloads for streaming and torrenting without sacrificing security and privacy.
Choosing between leading VPNs is difficult when features and prices are so close. I recently reviewed NordVPN and Proton VPN, so I’ll share details about pricing and renewal costs, hands-on speed tests, and customer service responsiveness.
Ultimately, I’ll share my recommendation for the best VPN to fit your budget while protecting your privacy and delivering consistently excellent performance.
Tiers and pricing
The least expensive NordVPN subscription costs $13 monthly, a bit more expensive than Proton VPN at $10 per month. The best VPN deals usually require a long-term subscription. Just make sure you choose a service that offers the performance and features you need.
If you pay for a year in advance, NordVPN Basic costs $60, the same as Proton VPN’s annual pricing. If you feel comfortable with a two-year payment, NordVPN adds three bonus months for $83. That’s just $23 more than the annual plan while delivering another 15 months. The equivalent monthly cost is $3. Proton VPN doesn’t include any bonus months, but the two-year price of $72 matches NordVPN’s average monthly cost at $3.
Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee but no trial period. That means you have to pay for a subscription to try the full version of either VPN. Each company supports 10 devices with paid service so you can use the VPN on all your devices and share with family members.
While subscription prices look the same at first glance, NordVPN becomes more expensive when it’s time to renew. The subscription price jumps to $139 annually. The monthly average cost rockets to $12, almost as expensive as the month-to-month plan.
Proton VPN also offers a free version that’s very good. There’s no data cap or artificial limits placed on speed and Proton Free can connect to 2,300 servers in five countries. That’s why Proton VPN is among the best free VPNs. NordVPN doesn’t have a free version.
Both services offer software bundles with extras like malware blockers, password managers, and more. Bundles provide excellent value if you need these features. Proton also offers multi-account plans for couples and families.
Features
I recently reviewed NordVPN, and the performance was impressive. I consistently enjoyed quick server connections and download speeds worldwide, reaching 37% to 96% of my gigabit Ethernet connection, often over 74%. European servers regularly reached 600+ Mbps.
As impressive as NordVPN’s performance was, Proton’s free VPN posted 600+ Mbps at no cost. The only downside is I couldn’t choose my preferred server location since Proton Free automatically selects a server.
With a paid Proton VPN subscription, I could use any of 11,000 servers in 112 countries. Downloads ranged from 52% to 96% of my native Ethernet speed, with a distant Proton VPN Australian server outpacing NordVPN’s fastest in that region. In Europe, Proton VPN matched NordVPN’s 600+ Mbps speeds.
I spot-checked the blockers for both services. While ad blocking performance was similar, NordVPN’s Threat Protection proved better at malware blocking when I visited a malware test website. unfortunately, Proton VPN allowed 13 potential threats to run.
Both feature quick, reliable VPN connections to thousands of servers in over 100 countries. To get around administrative firewalls, NordVPN has the NordLynx protocol and Proton VPN has Stealth.
Support
NordVPN has an advantage when it comes to customer service. You can search and browse the support center for help documents. If you experience a problem you can’t figure out on your own, NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat. I tested the response time and found it to be quick and informative.
Proton VPN provides live chat support for paid subscribers, but only during business hours. Still, you can get help quickly during a 15-hour window daily. I received fast and thorough replies to my questions. Proton’s support documents are available anytime.
Privacy and security
NordVPN prioritizes user privacy with a strict no-logs policy and no data sharing with third parties. Like all good VPNs, NordVPN uses end-to-end encryption to protect your data, as well as hides your IP address and location.
With quantum computers on the horizon, standards like AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption won’t be enough to protect your data. NordVPN now incorporates post-quantum cryptography in its fast NordLynx protocol. Proton VPN has been researching post-quantum solutions since 2023 but hasn’t announced integration yet.
Proton VPN is open-source software with a privacy focus, a strict no-logs policy, and secure data storage practices. Proton was founded by CERN scientists in 2014 to ensure private communications and carries that mission forward with all its apps and services.
Both services get regular independent audits to check security and verify that no logs are retained. Your data should be secure and private with either VPN.
Which VPN is right for you?
As you can tell, NordVPN and Proton VPN are closely matched, with similar pricing and features. The primary difference is in pricing tiers. NordVPN offers a greater variety of bundles, so you might find a combination that offers better value. Just watch out for increased renewal costs.
For some people, Proton Free might be all they need. It’s fast yet packed with features. It includes free versions of Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and more.
If you need access to more servers, but for a limited time, Proton VPN’s monthly fee is less expensive than NordVPN’s. If you anticipate long-term use of a VPN, Proton VPN’s consistent pricing when you renew means you’ll continue saving when it comes time to renew your subscription.
For most people, Proton VPN is the best solution whether you use the free version or subscribe. It’s as fast or faster than NordVPN, offers similar quality, and live chat support. If you use other Proton services, Proton Duo offers great savings on two accounts and Proton Family supports six accounts.
If neither solution seems like a good fit, there are plenty of fast and reliable VPNs to choose from. It’s also worth checking out our list of VPN deals to see if you can save some money while protecting your privacy.
