The world of virtual private networks (VPNs) is brimming with options, but two standouts consistently make the top lists: NordVPN and ProtonVPN. While NordVPN has long been a popular choice, Proton VPN has emerged as a strong contender in recent years. Both offer a wide network of servers, impressive speeds, and a commitment to security and privacy. So, how do you choose between these two leading VPNs, especially when their pricing is so similar? This comparison dives into the details of pricing, performance, customer service, and privacy to help you make an informed decision.
Pricing and Value:
Proton VPN takes the lead with its free tier, offering a full-featured app with access to 136 servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. There are no data caps or speed restrictions, making it one of the best free VPN options available. NordVPN, on the other hand, does not offer a free version.
Both services provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, but neither offers a trial period. This means you’ll need to commit to a paid subscription to fully experience their features. Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN support up to 10 devices with a paid subscription, allowing you to secure all your devices and share with family members.
When it comes to paid plans, NordVPN costs $13 per month, while Proton VPN charges $10 per month. However, the best value often lies in longer subscription commitments. NordVPN offers a one-year plan for $60, but be aware that the renewal price jumps to $139.08. This translates to an initial monthly cost of $5, but increases to $12 upon renewal. A two-year subscription starts at $97, including three free months, making it a great deal at $3.60 per month for 27 months. However, the renewal price for this plan skyrockets to $313.
Proton VPN’s monthly plan is more affordable at $10, and its annual plan matches NordVPN’s $60 price point. The two-year plan comes in at $108. The biggest advantage Proton VPN holds is its consistent pricing. The monthly cost remains the same even when you renew, making it a more budget-friendly choice for long-term users.
Both services offer software bundles with additional features for an increased price.
Performance:
Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN delivered impressive performance during testing. NordVPN consistently provided quick server connections and download speeds that reached 32% to 52% of my gigabit Ethernet connection—resulting in hundreds of megabits per second across the globe. While Proton VPN nearly matched NordVPN’s speed performance, delivering 26% to 50% of my unprotected download speeds, it experienced slow uploads. This is a common issue even among top-tier VPNs. NordVPN managed uploads up to 29 Mbps, while Proton VPN only reached 14 Mbps at its peak. It’s important to note that server connections are generally optimized for downloading content, with limited resources allocated for uploading.
Both VPNs boast extensive server networks spanning thousands of servers in over 100 countries. To bypass restrictive firewalls, NordVPN utilizes the NordLynx protocol, while Proton VPN offers Stealth.
Customer Support:
NordVPN has an edge in customer service. Their support center offers comprehensive help documents, and if you need assistance beyond self-service, they provide 24/7 live chat support. My experience with their response times was consistently quick and informative.
Proton VPN provides live chat support for paid subscribers during business hours, offering prompt assistance within a 15-hour daily window. While I received swift and thorough replies to my inquiries, live chat is not available outside of these hours. However, Proton VPN does offer extensive support documents that can be accessed anytime.
Privacy and Security:
NordVPN prioritizes user privacy with a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no data is shared with third parties. Like all reputable VPNs, NordVPN uses end-to-end encryption to safeguard your data, conceal your IP address, and mask your location.
Proton VPN, an open-source software company, is deeply committed to privacy. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy and implements secure data storage practices. Founded by CERN scientists in 2014 with the mission to secure private communications, Proton continues to carry out this mission across all its apps and services.
Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN undergo regular independent audits to verify their security claims and confirm that no logs are retained. You can rest assured that your data is protected and private with either VPN.
Which VPN Is Right for You?
NordVPN and ProtonVPN are remarkably similar in terms of pricing, features, and performance. The primary difference lies in their pricing tiers. NordVPN offers more bundle variety, which may appeal to users with specific needs that Proton VPN cannot meet affordably.
For some users, Proton Free might be sufficient. It’s fast, free, and includes free versions of Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and more. If you require access to a larger server network but only for a limited duration, Proton VPN’s monthly plan is less expensive than NordVPN’s.
If you anticipate long-term use of a VPN, Proton VPN’s consistent pricing upon renewal ensures continued savings as your subscription progresses.
For most individuals, Proton VPN is the optimal solution, regardless of whether you utilize the free version or a paid subscription.
If neither option seems suitable for your needs, there are plenty of other fast and reliable VPNs to consider. You can also explore our list of VPN deals to find potential savings while still safeguarding your privacy.
