Head to head
Proton VPN vs NordVPN
Proton VPN vs NordVPN is a privacy-minded comparison: Proton brings Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and a real free tier; NordVPN brings a top overall feature mix and strong commercial apps.
Compared by the BestVPNOnline editorial team
Prices checked Nov 12, 2026How we rate
Swiss privacy focus with a genuine free tier.
From$2.99/mo · 1-year plan
Wins 2 of 9 categories
30-day money-back guarantee
Strong all-rounder with a large global network.
From$3.18/mo · 2-year plan (+3 months)
Wins 3 of 9 categories
30-day money-back guarantee
Winner by category
NordVPN takes 3 of 9 categories to 2, with 3 tied. Every row uses each provider’s published figures.
| Category |  Proton VPN |  NordVPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | NordVPN |
| From price | $2.99/mo | $3.18/mo | Proton VPN |
| Server countries | 149 | 150 | NordVPN |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | 10 | Tie |
| Money-back window | 30 days | 30 days | Tie |
| Platforms with apps | 7 of 9 | 9 of 9 | NordVPN |
| Free plan | Yes | No | Proton VPN |
| No-logs audit | Published | Published | Tie |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Panama | Your call |
Verdict
Choose Proton VPN for privacy branding, open source, and free-tier access. Choose NordVPN for the best overall paid experience for most readers.
Choose Proton VPN if…
- You want a Switzerland-based provider
- Open-source clients matter to you
- You need a usable free plan first
Choose NordVPN if…
- You want our #1 overall paid pick
- You prioritize streaming-oriented product depth
- You prefer Nord’s broader commercial feature set
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Comparing NordVPN, Proton VPN
From / month
$3.18
2-year plan (+3 months)
- Server countries
- Most150
- Devices
- 10
- Money-back
- 30 days
- Jurisdiction
- Panama
- No-logs audit
- Streaming
- Torrenting (P2P)
- Free plan
- Router support
30-day money-back guarantee
From / month
$2.99
1-year plan
- Server countries
- 149
- Devices
- 10
- Money-back
- 30 days
- Jurisdiction
- Switzerland
- No-logs audit
- Streaming
- Torrenting (P2P)
- Free plan
- Router support
30-day money-back guarantee
| Head to head2 VPNs | Editor’s choiceNordVPN#1 overall | Proton VPN#4 overall |
|---|---|---|
| Score & value | ||
Editorial score 9.4 out of 10Top score | Editorial score 8.9 out of 10 | |
$3.182-year plan (+3 months) | $2.991-year planLowest | |
30 days | 30 days | |
| Network | ||
150Most | 149 | |
10 | 10 | |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Switzerland |
| Privacy & use | ||
| No-logs audit | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Torrenting (P2P) | ||
| Free plan | ||
| Apps | ||
| Linux app | ||
| Fire TV app | ||
| Router support | ||
| Verdict | ||
| Best for | Most peopleStreaming | PrivacyFree VPN trials |
| Ready to choose?Every plan has a money-back window. |
Prices are the lowest USD per-month figure on each provider’s own pricing or checkout page, before VAT or sales tax, checked Nov 12, 2026. They include promotions running at the time and change often. * CyberGhost only showed us euro pricing (2.19 €/mo), so the USD figure may differ slightly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Proton really free?
Yes — Proton publishes a free VPN plan with limits. Paid Plus unlocks more countries, Secure Core, and higher performance expectations.
Proton VPN vs NordVPN · Higher ranked
Go with NordVPN, or try Proton VPN
Strong all-rounder with a large global network. From $3.18/mo (2-year plan (+3 months)) · 30-day money-back guarantee.
We may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
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Back to the best VPN rankings or read the Proton VPN review and NordVPN review.