Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN slightly edges out ProtonVPN, despite both offering excellent service. While NordVPN scores slightly higher overall at 83.5% versus ProtonVPN’s 80.8%, both demonstrate commitment to privacy. Jurisdiction-wise, they’re equal, established outside the 14-Eyes Alliance. At $2.99 a month over a 24-month subscription, NordVPN is more affordable than Proton VPN’s cheapest price of $3.99 per month. Both VPNs provide a no-logging policy, robust encryption and support multiple protocols. NordVPN, however, has a larger server fleet with 5,000 servers, compared to ProtonVPN’s 2,970. ProtonVPN operates in more countries, 68 compared to NordVPN’s 59, and permits more simultaneous connections (10 versus 6). Uniquely, NordVPN includes a double VPN feature for enhanced security and privacy, a measure absent in ProtonVPN. Considering these factors, NordVPN is the slightly superior choice.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: NordVPN vs Proton VPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Switzerland |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $9.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 5,000 | 2,970 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 68 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | Securitum |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and Proton VPN are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while Proton VPN begins at just $3.99/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
Proton VPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie
Catering to the privacy-focused, both NordVPN and Proton VPN have strategically established their headquarters outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance. NordVPN takes advantage of the robust privacy laws of Panama; while Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, another location known for its commitment to user privacy.
This geographical aspect distinctly sets them apart from VPN providers operating within countries deeply involved in intelligence-sharing networks.
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to the Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance includes major global players like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries. In these territories, VPN services may be legally bound to hand over user data, potentially undermining their promises of no logs.
By opting for NordVPN or Proton VPN, both located beyond the reach of this alliance, users gain an additional shield of protection against such governmental intrusions. This positions these VPN services as preferred choices for those who prioritize utmost confidentiality.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and Proton VPN differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, Proton VPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 2,970 servers in 68 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and Proton VPN is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of Proton VPN, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and Proton VPN is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. NordVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Proton VPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
In conclusion, NordVPN and Proton VPN are both robust and reliable providers offering top-tier privacy and online security. However, the choice between the two largely depends on individual user needs such as server count, geographical coverage, and layered VPN services, where NordVPN currently holds an advantage.
About NordVPN & Proton VPN
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.