Head-to-head · VPN Services
Proton VPN vs NordVPN
Proton VPN leads on 1 check, NordVPN on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreProton VPN · 9.3/10
- Free planonly Proton VPN
- Free trialonly NordVPN
Proton VPN scores higher on our rubric for vpn services: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
Proton VPN offers free plan; NordVPN doesn't.
Proton VPN is the better fit for free, privacy-focused VPN use. NordVPN is the better fit for broad global coverage and advanced routing.
- Proton VPN fits best
Free, privacy-focused VPN use
- NordVPN fits best
Broad global coverage and advanced routing
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Side by side
| Feature | Proton VPN 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | NordVPN 9.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Ranking | #1 in VPN Services | #2 in VPN Services |
| Best for | Free, privacy-focused VPN use | Broad global coverage and advanced routing |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 3 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs | Email, Live chat, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Proton VPN 5/5 · NordVPN 5/5 | ||
| Verified no-logs audit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrent support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kill switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| WireGuard support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Server countries | Not checked yet | 167 countries |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 devices | 10 devices |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company headquartered in Geneva. It encrypts internet traffic, hides users’ IP addresses, and provides applications for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS,… Read the review → |
NordVPN is a paid consumer VPN service from Nord Security for people who want encrypted internet connections across desktop, mobile, browser, and router environments. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome, with… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Proton VPN — where it wins
- Unlimited data on the free plan with a kill switch
- Open-source apps and an audited no-logs policy
- Paid plans add 10 devices, streaming, P2P, and NetShield
Where it doesn't
- The free plan limits connections to one simultaneous device
- Free users connect through 10 randomly selected countries
- Streaming and P2P support are available on paid plans
NordVPN — where it wins
- Coverage across 167 countries with audited no-logs status
- Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, obfuscation, and Meshnet
- Streaming, P2P, and 10 simultaneous device support
Where it doesn't
- The main VPN service requires a paid subscription
- The 3-day trial is limited to Android
- P2P support is provided on standard servers
- Proton VPN9.3/10 · Free plan
A privacy-focused VPN with an unusually capable unlimited free plan.
Visit Proton VPNFull verdict → - NordVPN9.2/10 · 3-day trial
A broad-coverage VPN with advanced routing, streaming support, and 10-device access.
Visit NordVPNFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





