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Head-to-head · Vpn Client

NetBird vs Proton VPN

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score NetBird #3 in Vpn Client 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit NetBird
Proton VPN #6 in Vpn Client 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Proton VPN

NetBird leads on 0 checks, Proton VPN on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreNetBird · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresProton VPN · 1 of 2

NetBird scores higher on our rubric for vpn client: 8.8 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

NetBird is the better fit for teams wanting identity-based private network access. Proton VPN is the better fit for individuals wanting a capable free VPN.

  • NetBird fits best

    Teams wanting identity-based private network access

  • Proton VPN fits best

    Individuals wanting a capable free VPN

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Side by side

Feature NetBird 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Proton VPN 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.4
Ranking #3 in Vpn Client #6 in Vpn Client
Best for Teams wanting identity-based private network access Individuals wanting a capable free VPN
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price €6/user/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Email, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Live chat, Docs
Compliance GDPR, ISO 27001 2FA
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features NetBird 0/2 · Proton VPN 1/2
Kill switch Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Split tunneling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Simultaneous connections Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
VPN protocols Not checked yet Not checked yet
Server locations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Peer-to-peer WireGuard networking with identity-based access policies
  • Supports SSO, MFA, device posture checks, and network segmentation
  • Available as managed cloud service or self-hosted deployment
  • Free plan has no data limits and includes a kill switch
  • Open-source apps cover desktop, mobile, and browsers
  • Paid Plus plan adds streaming, P2P, and NetShield
Cons
  • Device approvals and posture checks are listed on Business, not Free or Team
  • Free includes community support; ticketing support starts with Team
  • Enterprise pricing is custom rather than a published monthly rate
  • Free plan is limited to one simultaneous device
  • Free servers are in 10 randomly selected countries
  • Streaming and P2P support require a paid plan
Our verdict

NetBird is an open-source Zero Trust networking platform for organizations and home users that connects users, devices, servers, cloud workloads, and private networks through encrypted peer-to-peer WireGuard connections. It suits teams…

Read the review →

Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton AG, aimed at individuals who want encrypted internet connections and privacy features, including a no-logs policy and kill switch. Its free plan makes it a practical option for…

Read the review →
  1. NetBirdVpn Client 8.8Free plan
  2. Proton VPNVpn Client 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • NetBird — where it wins

    • Peer-to-peer WireGuard networking with identity-based access policies
    • Supports SSO, MFA, device posture checks, and network segmentation
    • Available as managed cloud service or self-hosted deployment

    Where it doesn't

    • Device approvals and posture checks are listed on Business, not Free or Team
    • Free includes community support; ticketing support starts with Team
    • Enterprise pricing is custom rather than a published monthly rate

  • Proton VPN — where it wins

    • Free plan has no data limits and includes a kill switch
    • Open-source apps cover desktop, mobile, and browsers
    • Paid Plus plan adds streaming, P2P, and NetShield

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to one simultaneous device
    • Free servers are in 10 randomly selected countries
    • Streaming and P2P support require a paid plan

More comparisons

All vpn client comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update