ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: NordVPN (4.7/5)
We tested ProtonVPN and NordVPN side-by-side. NordVPN comes out ahead overall, but ProtonVPN may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | ProtonVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Customer Support | 7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ProtonVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Core | Yes | No |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Encryption | No | Yes |
| Threat Protection | No | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | No | Yes |
| Streaming | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
ProtonVPN: Free – $9.99/mo
NordVPN: From $3.09/month
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free VPN tier (no data limits, no ads)
- Swiss jurisdiction — strongest privacy laws
- Open-source clients (publicly auditable)
- Secure Core multi-hop
Cons
- Slower speeds than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
- Smaller server network
- Free tier limited to 1 device
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Double-audited no-logs policy (PwC & Deloitte)
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Double VPN for extra encryption layer
- Excellent streaming access (Netflix, BBC, Hulu)
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to budget alternatives
- Occasional slow connection on distant servers
- Desktop app can be resource-heavy
- No free tier available
Key Specifications
| Spec | ProtonVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $9.99/mo | From $3.09/month |
| Year Founded | 2017 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Panama |
| Employees | 400+ | 2,000+ |
| Servers | 4,600+ in 91 countries | 6,400+ in 111 countries |
| Protocol | WireGuard (Stealth) | NordLynx (WireGuard) |
| Free Tier | Yes (no data caps) | N/A |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 10 |
| No-Logs Audit | N/A | PwC & Deloitte |
Our Verdict
NordVPN wins overall. Choose ProtonVPN if you value Privacy maximalists wanting Swiss jurisdiction. Choose NordVPN if you prioritize Privacy-conscious users wanting audited no-logs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN better than NordVPN?
Based on our testing, NordVPN scores higher with a rating of 4.7/5 compared to ProtonVPN's 4.4/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between ProtonVPN and NordVPN?
ProtonVPN is known for: Swiss privacy-first VPN with free tier, open-source clients, and Secure Core architecture.. NordVPN is known for: Premium VPN with double encryption, Threat Protection, and 6,400+ servers in 111 countries..
Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or NordVPN?
ProtonVPN pricing: Free – $9.99/mo. NordVPN pricing: From $3.09/month.
Can I use ProtonVPN and NordVPN together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the VPN Services category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of ProtonVPN?
Best free VPN tier (no data limits, no ads). Swiss jurisdiction — strongest privacy laws. Open-source clients (publicly auditable)
What are the pros of NordVPN?
Double-audited no-logs policy (PwC & Deloitte). 6,400+ servers in 111 countries. Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware
Which vpn services should I choose?
Choose ProtonVPN if you value Privacy maximalists wanting Swiss jurisdiction. Choose NordVPN if you prioritize Privacy-conscious users wanting audited no-logs.