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Best for Unlimited Devices
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Best for Streaming
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Best Proton VPN Free Alternative
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Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PrivadoVPN are reputable virtual private network (VPN) alternatives to Proton VPN. We love Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections, CyberGhost’s extensive streaming libraries, and PrivadoVPN’s secure free VPN. We pick Surfshark as our #1 alternative based on pricing, security, and perks.
A VPN keeps you safe online, but it should also help you unblock geo-restricted streaming catalogs, reduce ads, trackers, and malware exposure, and even stop your internet service provider (ISP) from spying on you.
We break down these three highly-rated VPN services and their unique features so you can pick the one that’s best for you.
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Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
4,500+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable
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Access high-speed global servers optimized for your streaming and gaming needs
Effortlessly activates when you connect to an unrecognized network for continuous protection
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
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Affordable VPN for unlimited devices
Includes ad blocker, threat protection, and parental controls
Free VPN tier with servers in 10 countries
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| Best for | Privacy | Unlimited devices | Streaming | Proton VPN free alternative |
| Starting price | Starts at Free | Starts at $1.99/mo | Starts at $2.19/mo | Starts at Free |
| Free plan | ||||
| # of connected devices | 1 | Unlimited | 7 | Unlimited |
| # of servers | Plus: 18,100+ servers in 120+ countries
Free: Unlisted servers in 5 countries |
4,500+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 100 countries | Premium: Unlisted in 50 countries
Free: 13 servers |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, SOCKS5 | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, SOCKS5 |
| Blocks ads, trackers, and malware | ||||
| Specialized torrenting/streaming servers | ||||
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 45 days for 6-month and 2-year plans, 14 days for monthly plans | Yes — 30 days |
| Streaming support | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get PrivadoVPN |
Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
4,500+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable
Not many VPN providers offer unlimited simultaneous connections, which is a rare perk. If you need to protect more than 10 devices, including smart devices and gaming consoles, Surfshark might be the perfect solution.
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Unlimited device coverage: Surfshark doesn’t just offer unlimited simultaneous connections as a gimmick on a subpar VPN. It’s a top-notch VPN solution with various useful features like NoBorders, which detects restricted networks and suggests the best way to connect. Its attention to detail and unique features make it a valuable part of your security.
Security perks: No matter if you have a large family or a lot of personal devices, Surfshark’s ability to cover all of them while still providing unique offerings — like Surfshark CleanWeb and Surfshark Alt ID — leaves us (and other users) with a sense of security.
And you get those premium security features with the starter plan. Plus, if you want antivirus or robust privacy protection, you can opt for a high-tier Surfshark One plan that includes Surfshark Antivirus or Incogni. Definitely a win.
Headquarters location: Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is notorious for spying on its citizens. While Surfshark doesn’t keep logs, it may still have to turn over information, such as the email address associated with your account.
| Price range | $1.99–$20.85/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
| Number of servers | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| Average speed change | 8% slower |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark |
We conducted several tests on Surfshark to assess its performance: speed tests to measure impact, Netflix tests to unblock geo-restrictions, and leak tests to determine privacy protection.
Surfshark went above and beyond, causing minimal impact on our download speeds and unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested. It also recently passed all three leak tests.
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| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 8% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark |
Surfshark has a perfect star rating of 5.0 because of its affordable plan pricing, allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections, a robust server network and features, and an audited no-logs policy.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 20% | 5.0 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
Access high-speed global servers optimized for your streaming and gaming needs
Effortlessly activates when you connect to an unrecognized network for continuous protection
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
CyberGhost includes a hefty number of servers with options for streaming, gaming, and enhanced privacy. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, CyberGhost delivers premium performance for unblocking popular streaming platforms and accessing geo-restricted content.
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Optimized streaming servers: CyberGhost’s list of supported streaming services seems endless, which means that no matter where you are in the world, you can experience your favorite shows, movies, sporting events, and more. Having personally tested CyberGhost while traveling internationally, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we could still legally watch our favorite shows before bed without any issues.
Special gaming servers: Streamers aren’t the only ones who will love CyberGhost. Gamers also get an advantage with lower ping rates and compatibility with Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more. Want to play that latest international release? CyberGhost can get you online quickly and securely.
No split tunneling for iOS: The split-tunneling feature is available only on Android, which we don’t love. Banks and other high-security sites don’t typically like VPNs, and we don’t love the idea of having to turn our entire VPN off to check our bank balance. While it isn’t a deal-breaker, it means you’ll have to be diligent about which networks you connect to outside your home.
| Price range | $2.19–$12.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 45 days for 6-month and 2-year plans, 14 days for monthly plans |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 7 |
| Average speed change | 34% slower |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost |
We ran several tests on CyberGhost for insight into its real-world performance. We tested how CyberGhost would impact our internet speeds, unblock Netflix's geo-restrictions, and prevent data leaks.
CyberGhost passed all of our Netflix tests and prevented all data leaks. It had a high impact on our speeds, but our internet was still perfectly usable.
| Test type | 
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| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 18% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost |
CyberGhost has a high star rating of 4.7 due to its feature-rich platform, audited no-logs policy, privacy-friendly headquarters, and compatibility across desktop, mobile, routers, and more.
CyberGhost received a lower test results score due to its slow speed performance. We also docked points in the experience category because we've had issues connecting to servers and unblocingk geo-restrictions.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 4.5 |
| Value | 11% | 4.67 |
| Features | 30.5% | 4.75 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.5 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
Affordable VPN for unlimited devices
Includes ad blocker, threat protection, and parental controls
Free VPN tier with servers in 10 countries
Whether you’re on a tight budget or need to quickly download a VPN without jumping through a ton of payment hoops, PrivadoVPN offers a free option that can still be used to unblock streaming and keep you secure on shared Wi-Fi. We don't typically recommend using free VPN providers, but Privado offers the best free alternative to Proton VPN.
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Secure free VPN: PrivadoVPN is a trustworthy alternative if you love Proton VPN’s free plan but want to choose your VPN server. Plus, its adherence to Swiss privacy laws means you won’t have to worry about data sales, and the protocol options include both OpenVPN and WireGuard.
Good budget VPN: You can always upgrade to a premium plan to access PrivadoVPN's advanced features, such as Threat Protection, an ad blocker, parental controls, and a more extensive server network. PrivadoVPN Premium also covers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Undisclosed number of servers: PrivadoVPN isn’t forthcoming on its server count, so we can’t accurately gauge how it compares to competitors. Also, its free service does have a monthly data cap of 10GB. If you’re a gamer or streamer, you’ll use that up quickly and be left waiting until the next month to re-up your data.
| Price range | $1.11–$10.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 50 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| Average speed change | 21% slower |
| VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, SOCKS5 |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get PrivadoVPN |
We conducted three types of tests to measure PrivadoVPN's performance. We measured its impact on our speeds with multiple server locations, checked its ability to unblock Netflix geo-restrictions, and ability to stop data leaks.
PrivadoVPN showed great performance across all three tests. It had minor impact on speeds, unblocked all the Netflix libraries, and prevented all data leaks.
| Test type | 
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| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 5% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get PrivadoVPN |
PrivadoVPN has a high star rating of 4.6 due to its reliable service, affordable starting price (and free plan), and strict no-logs policy.
PrivadoVPN received a lower score in the features category because it has a small server network and lacks features like dedicated IP addresses and multi-hop servers.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 3.75 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.0 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 4.0 |
Internet speeds vary depending on the provider package you’ve purchased, how well your device handles Wi-Fi, and whether you’re hardwired to your router or using Wi-Fi exclusively. We test using Wi-Fi at normal home speeds to give you an accurate picture of what this VPN might look like for you.
VPN speeds are important because if they're too slow, you won’t use them. If you don’t use the VPN, you expose yourself to potential security risks. We test VPNs quarterly, and here's a look at each VPN's historical average speed gain or loss.
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17% slower |
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8% slower |
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34% slower |
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21% slower |
If you’re wondering how to evaluate a VPN, consider the following features and functions. These features and specs are the hallmarks of a good VPN:
The best alternative to Proton VPN is Surfshark, based on pricing, security, and perks. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a large server count, and no monthly data cap.
Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
4,500+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable
CyberGhost covers a wide range of streaming and gaming devices, systems, providers, and more, with optimized servers that keep you connected no matter where you are. PrivadoVPN’s free plan is comparable to Proton VPN's, allowing you to unblock some streaming libraries in 10 countries.
Remember, the best VPN services keep you secure and safe while also enhancing your overall online experience.
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
Proton VPN is a robust and secure virtual private network. But if you’re looking for another provider with specific features, you may want to consider competitors like Surshark, CyberGhost, PrivadoVPN, or even NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Nord and Express have a slightly higher cost but include unique extras, while Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PrivadoVPN all offer lower monthly pricing in addition to excellent quality.
There are various alternatives to Proton VPN, but some of our tested favorites are Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PrivadoVPN. All three options have lower monthly costs than some competitors, like Proton VPN. They’re all robust, work with streaming platforms, and keep you secure.
ExpressVPN offers a super fast, secure VPN service, but it’s pricey. If you want features comparable to Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN might be the better option. It offers a free tier with the ability to upgrade. You’ll be able to unblock streaming on multiple devices due to Privado’s broad compatibility.
Both NordVPN and Proton VPN are two of the most secure VPNs we’ve tested. But NordVPN offers a variety of additional features like Meshnet and Threat Protection Pro, which Proton VPN doesn’t have. If you need these features, then NordVPN is a better choice. On the other hand, Proton might be better if you’re looking for a free or low-cost VPN with a secure connection and streaming compatibility.
Remember that not all free VPNs are created equal, and you should avoid them unless they’ve been vetted and recommended by reputable sites. The best free VPNs don’t log or sell your data, are secure, and unblock streaming. PrivadoVPN offers a secure free VPN, but there are other options, too, like TunnelBear and Windscribe.
Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
4,500+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable
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