ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Privacy-first VPN vs feature-rich VPN — which is better? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular ProtonVPN | best NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | See website | $3.09/mo |
| Free trial | Check website | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Best for | Various use cases | Overall best VPN — speed, security, and streaming |
| Pricing | See website | — |
| Free plan | Check website | ✗ |
| Starting price | — | $3.09/mo (2-year plan), $11.99/mo (monthly) |
| Servers | — | 5,000+ in 60+ countries |
| Protocol | — | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Devices | — | 10 simultaneous |
| No-logs policy | — | Audited (independently verified) |
| Streaming | — | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime |
| Kill switch | — | ✓ |
| Threat protection | — | Built-in (malware, ads, trackers) |
| Support | — | 24/7 chat + email |
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good feature set
- Active user community
- Regular updates
Cons
- Learning curve required
- Some limitations on lower tiers
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast speeds — NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) is excellent
- 5,000+ servers in 60+ countries
- Audited no-logs policy (independently verified)
- Streaming-friendly — reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- Threat protection (malware, ads, trackers) built in
- Up to 10 devices on one account
Cons
- No free plan (30-day money-back guarantee only)
- Map-based interface can be slow to load
- Some servers are slower during peak hours
- Double VPN is slower than regular connections
- Monthly plan is expensive ($11.99/mo) — best value is 2-year plan
Final Verdict
Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN are solid choices in the VPN space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: NordVPN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: ProtonVPN or NordVPN?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. NordVPN generally offers better value for money, while ProtonVPN has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do ProtonVPN and NordVPN offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. ProtonVPN offers a trial, and 30-day money-back guarantee also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from ProtonVPN to NordVPN (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.