Proton VPN and NordVPN are two prominent names in the VPN industry, known for their impressive connection speeds, extensive server networks, reliable unblocking capabilities, and robust security features.
Both services rank among the best VPN options available today.
On one side, we have NordVPN, recognized as our top-rated VPN for its overall performance and security. On the other, Proton VPN stands out as a privacy-focused provider that has made significant improvements in speed and server locations, particularly beneficial for streamers.
This comparison aims to help you decide which VPN aligns best with your requirements. We will evaluate features, speed, privacy practices, pricing, and more based on our hands-on testing.
Pricing and Plans
Both Proton VPN and NordVPN offer monthly, yearly, and two-year subscription options. Generally, longer subscriptions require a larger upfront payment but provide greater savings.
A notable distinction is that NordVPN offers four subscription tiers: Basic, Plus, Complete, and Prime. Higher tiers come with increased costs but also additional features. It's important to note that these tiers can vary by region, so we will focus on the US market.
For instance, only tiers above Basic have access to Threat Protection Pro, which enhances ad, tracker, and malicious URL blocking. Plus, Complete, and Prime subscribers also receive NordPass, NordVPN’s password manager, and a data breach scanner. The top two tiers include NordLocker cloud storage, while only the Prime plan offers NordProtect, which includes dark web monitoring and identity theft insurance, available only to US residents.
Proton VPN provides two paid tiers: VPN Plus and VPN Unlimited. The latter includes Proton VPN’s other paid products like Proton Pass, Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive. Notably, Proton VPN also offers a free tier, Proton VPN Free, which is among the best free VPNs available.
For monthly plans, Proton VPN charges $9.99 for VPN Plus and $12.99 for VPN Unlimited, while NordVPN’s monthly prices range from $12.99 to $17.99.
When it comes to yearly subscriptions, Proton VPN Plus is priced at $2.99 per month, and Proton Unlimited at $6.49, whereas NordVPN generally costs more, between $4.59 and $8.49 per month. Note that the total amount for yearly and two-year plans is charged upfront.
Interestingly, Proton VPN’s two-year plans do not offer lower monthly rates compared to its one-year plans. For example, the VPN Plus plan remains at $2.99 per month for both durations, while VPN Unlimited is $7.99 per month for two years, which is $1.50 more than the one-year plan.
In contrast, NordVPN’s two-year plans provide the best pricing, ranging from $2.99 to $6.89 per month. Keep in mind that these prices are before tax, which may vary by region.
NordVPN also offers add-ons, such as a dedicated IP address for $3.69 to $8.99 per month and access to Incogni data removal service for $4.49 to $10.99 monthly.
While Proton VPN’s one-month and one-year plans, especially Proton Unlimited, are competitively priced, NordVPN’s two-year subscription offers exceptional value, particularly for US residents who can access NordProtect for just $6.89 per month.
Features
Both VPNs offer a solid range of features, but NordVPN excels in this category.
One standout feature is its password manager, NordPass, which is compatible with various platforms and is recognized as the best password manager available.
Another unique feature of NordVPN is Meshnet, allowing users to create a secure, encrypted private network across devices, popular among LAN gamers.
NordVPN also includes Threat Protection Pro, a security suite that protects against ads, trackers, and malicious sites.
While Proton VPN may not have as many features, it still offers impressive capabilities, including ad and tracker blocking via NetShield. A unique feature of Proton VPN is Profiles, which allows users to save custom settings for quick connections.
Server Network
Both VPNs boast extensive server networks, with servers in 127 countries, making it easier to find fast servers nearby or further afield to bypass geographic restrictions.
NordVPN has shifted its focus from the number of servers to their quality, making direct comparisons with Proton VPN a bit challenging. However, it is known to have around 165 server locations, while Proton VPN operates over 17,000 servers across more than 160 locations.
In terms of server distribution, NordVPN leads in North America with 39 locations compared to Proton VPN’s 32. In Europe, NordVPN covers 53 countries, slightly ahead of Proton VPN’s 49. Conversely, Proton VPN surpasses NordVPN in Asia with 44 locations to NordVPN’s 35 and has more servers in Africa (26 locations vs. 11).
Privacy and Security
Both Proton VPN and NordVPN are well-regarded for their security and privacy measures, though they approach these aspects differently.
NordVPN employs RAM-only servers, ensuring data is erased upon server shutdown or reboot. Proton VPN, on the other hand, uses full disk encryption on all its servers.
Both providers utilize strong 256-bit AES encryption over the OpenVPN protocol and ChaCha20 with NordLynx (NordVPN’s proprietary protocol) and WireGuard. Notably, only NordVPN supports post-quantum encryption, safeguarding against future quantum computing threats.
Both VPNs maintain no-logs policies, verified through independent audits. Proton VPN’s policy was last audited in August 2025, while NordVPN’s was verified at the end of 2024.
Performance
Both Proton VPN and NordVPN are among the fastest VPNs available. They both achieved speeds exceeding 950 Mbps when connecting to nearby servers using their respective protocols.
Proton VPN demonstrated better speed retention when connecting to distant servers, maintaining high speeds even when connecting from the UK to a US server. In contrast, NordVPN's speeds dropped to 626 Mbps, which is still sufficient for most users.
For OpenVPN, Proton VPN's speeds were lower at 240 Mbps, while NordVPN reached 974 Mbps. For optimal performance, users should stick to WireGuard or NordLynx.
Unblocking
Both VPNs excel at bypassing content restrictions. They successfully accessed popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu, as well as various Netflix libraries.
While NordVPN consistently worked with these platforms, Proton VPN sometimes required switching servers to find a compatible IP address.
P2P and Torrenting
Both VPNs support torrenting, but users must connect to P2P-optimized servers for the best results. Proton VPN is the only one that supports port forwarding, enhancing download and upload speeds.
Apps and Compatibility
Proton VPN and NordVPN offer apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. They also have apps for Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.
Both services provide a simultaneous connection limit of 10 devices, which is generally sufficient for most users.
Customer Support
Both VPNs offer customer support, including live chat and email options. However, only NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, while Proton VPN’s live chat is available only during specific hours.
Verdict
Both Proton VPN and NordVPN have their strengths. Proton VPN is notable for its privacy commitment and impressive performance with the WireGuard protocol. However, NordVPN stands out with its proven no-logs policy, exceptional speeds, and additional features like NordPass and Threat Protection Pro.
For one-month or one-year subscriptions, Proton VPN offers good value, while NordVPN’s two-year plans provide the best overall pricing. Both services also offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free.