Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN excels over GnuVPN with an overall rating of 80.8% as compared to GnuVPN’s 44.2%, offering extensive features such as kill switch, ad-blocking, and split tunneling. The pricing for Proton VPN is more cost-effective and offers longer money-back guarantee. Consequently, from a user’s perspective, Proton VPN emerges as a more compelling choice due its superior security, performance, and affordability.
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: Proton VPN vs GnuVPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | GnuVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Portugal |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $6.00/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $10.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, and SoftEther |
| Servers | 2,970 | (not stated) |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 25 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 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+, and Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and GnuVPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while GnuVPN cheapest 12-month plan starts at $6.00/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Tie
Proton VPN and GnuVPN both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and GnuVPN in the non-alliance territory of Portugal. Their non-14-Eyes bases ensure a higher degree of privacy from global surveillance networks.
The Impact of the 14-Eye Alliance on VPN Services
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance encompasses a broad group of countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, and various European nations. VPN providers in these countries might face legal pressures to hand over user information, contradicting their no-logs claims. By choosing a VPN service like Proton VPN or GnuVPN, both located outside these surveillance-intensive areas, users gain an extra layer of security against potential government interceptions and data monitoring, making them a preferred choice for users who value their digital privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
Proton VPN and GnuVPN are both noteworthy for their extensive networks. With Proton VPN, users benefit from an expansive server network, facilitating connections from 68 countries and ensuring a smooth and speedy online experience. GnuVPN mirrors this capability, boasting a sizeable server fleet of (not stated) servers spread over 25 countries.
The broad reach of both Proton VPN and GnuVPN means that they are capable of providing dependable and swift connections for users globally, making them top contenders for those in search of a VPN with extensive worldwide coverage.
Money Back Guarantee: Proton VPN Better
Proton VPN extends a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee to its users, providing a substantial period for a full assessment of its services. GnuVPN, on the other hand, opts for a more condensed money-back guarantee period. While this shorter timeframe does offer a window for service evaluation, it might be a point to consider for users who are looking for a longer duration to thoroughly test the VPN’s fit with their needs.
Kill Switch Feature: Proton VPN Better
Proton VPN provides users with this essential security feature, which automatically disconnects the internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your data remains protected. Conversely, GnuVPN, lacking a kill switch, might pose a risk for users who require uninterrupted protection, especially in unstable network environments. This contrast in security offerings is vital for users who prioritize their online privacy and data security.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and GnuVPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. Proton VPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, GnuVPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 25 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
Based on our comprehensive study, Proton VPN outperforms GnuVPN in areas such as ad blocking, the kill switch feature, and a longer money-back guarantee. Both services provide strong privacy features under non-14-Eyes jurisdictions, making them excellent choices for users prioritizing digital security and privacy. However, Proton VPN’s superior ratings, advanced security measures, wide range of accessibility, and proven performance in unblocking major streaming platforms make it a preferred choice among VPN users.
About Proton VPN & GnuVPN
GnuVPN
GNU VPN, established in 2020, is a newcomer in the VPN market. The service focuses on providing strong privacy features and unrestricted internet access. GNU VPN offers AES-256 encryption and supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The company’s headquarter is based in Portugal.
To learn more, read our GnuVPN review.
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.