Side by side · VPNs
Proton VPN vs NordVPN
Who should pick which, from each company’s own pricing pages and terms.
We check it out so you don’t have to.
How we researched this page: we read each company’s own pricing pages and terms, independent tests, and customer reviews. We did not use these products ourselves. Prices change often, so each one shows the date we checked it.
In short: Proton VPN — privacy, strong free plan. NordVPN — speed plus extra security tools. The details, prices and honest downsides are below.
| Item | Proton VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Privacy, strong free plan | Speed plus extra security tools |
| Starting price | Free plan; see the official site for paid prices | 2-year intro deal; see the official site |
| Trial / refund | 30-day money-back | 30-day money-back |
Who Proton VPN fits
Privacy-minded people, and anyone who wants a genuinely usable free plan.
Watch out for: Paid plans cost more per month than Surfshark or PIA. The free plan limits server choice.
Who NordVPN fits
People who want a fast, well-known VPN with extras like threat protection and a password manager bundle.
Watch out for: Renewal is much higher than the first-term price. Extra tools are upsold hard.
Quick verdict
Proton VPN is the privacy-first choice and has a genuinely usable free plan, though its paid plans cost more per month than some rivals. NordVPN adds more extras. Check both renewal prices before you buy.
Visit Proton VPN’s official site
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More on each: Proton VPN in Best VPNs · our full NordVPN review
See every option in Best VPNs, including companies not covered here.
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