Proton VPN vs. NordVPN 2024: Who Takes The Edge?
If you’re looking for a virtual private network, check out Proton VPN and NordVPN to see which one will be best for you.
/authors/andrew-adams-allaboutcookies-author.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/steph-trejos-allaboutcookies-editor.jpg){kind=small}
Last updated Jul 23, 2024
Advertiser Disclosure
All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
Close
Editorial Policy
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
- All About Cookies makes money when you click the links on our site to some of the products and offers that we mention. These partnerships do not influence our opinions or recommendations. Read more about how we make money.
- Partners are not able to review or request changes to our content except for compliance reasons.
- We aim to make sure everything on our site is up-to-date and accurate as of the publishing date, but we cannot guarantee we haven't missed something. It's your responsibility to double-check all information before making any decision. If you spot something that looks wrong, please let us know.
Close
Best for a Free Plan
/images/2022/10/20/vpn-logowordmark-black-purple-transparent-bg.png)
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Proton VPN's website
Proton VPN
-
Easy to use
-
A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Easy to use
Best All-Inclusive Paid Plan
/images/2022/05/26/logo-nordvpn.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
NordVPN
-
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
-
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
-
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Both Proton VPN and NordVPN are high-end VPN options, but our research found that NordVPN still came out on top when directly comparing features, price, speed, and security.
If you’re looking for a virtual private network (VPN), Proton VPN and NordVPN are two of the best VPN options on the market. Both are committed to privacy with their strict no-logs policies, privacy-friendly headquarters, and additional security features like double VPN servers. They each also have thousands of VPN servers to choose from and a few extra features that make them more appealing than just your standard VPN.
However, NordVPN offers more affordable pricing and a higher number of servers. On the other hand, Proton VPN has a free plan, which could be the tie breaker for you.
We'll go over what you should consider choosing between NordVPN and Proton VPN.
In this article
At a glancePrices
Speed
Security
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Which is better?
Proton VPN vs. NordVPN at a glance
Proton VPN and NordVPN share a lot of similarities, but they have key differences when it comes to server network and pricing. For instance, NordVPN has a server network with more than 6,400 server locations throughout the world, while Proton VPN boasts 6,300+.
Server locations may be important if you’re looking to stream Netflix from a variety of locations or if you need to connect to different countries for privacy. NordVPN offers servers in 111 countries, while Proton offers servers in 100 countries.
- Proton VPN: Best for a free plan
- NordVPN: Best all-inclusive paid plan
How do Proton VPN and NordVPN compare?
 |
 Our Pick
|
|
| Price | From $3.59/mo (billed every two years) | From $3.39/mo (billed every two years) |
| Max # of simultaneous connections | 10 | 10 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | 6,300+ servers in 100+ countries | 6,400+ in 111 countries |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Get Proton VPN | Get NordVPN |
How we test and rate VPNs
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 pros and cons
Proton VPN is a great option, offering the prized combination of speed, privacy, and the ability to access all the top streaming services. Its no-logs policy was even tested in court once, which is about as good as you can get in terms of verifying their claims.
Though it's one of the more expensive options, it does offer a free version that doesn't have bandwidth caps. That said, the free version does come with very limited features, like servers in only three countries and no streaming support.
Pros
- Free plan has no bandwidth caps
- Headquartered in Switzerland and has a strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
- Unblocks Netflix and other streaming content
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more
Cons
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
- 24/7 live chat support is only available for paid subscribers
NordVPN pros and cons
NordVPN is one of the most popular and highly-rated VPNs on the market. It comes chalk full with all the advanced features you'd expect from a premium option, coming out with flying colors against all the test we've thrown at it.
While it doesn't offer a free plan, it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you purchase the VPN and don’t like it. That means your first month is basically a trial run to see if it works for your needs.
Pros
- Loads of servers and server countries for more connection options
- Cheaper than ExpressVPN, another super secure VPN
- Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
- Headquartered in Panama for true no-logs policy
Cons
- CyberGhost and Surfshark are cheaper
- Too many confusing plans
Which VPN is the better value?
Overall, NordVPN is the better value, thanks to its huge assortment of features and its ultra-competitive two-year plan.
|
|
Our Pick
|
|
| Price range | Free–$9.99/mo | $3.39–$15.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 2-year plan for $3.59/mo (billed every two years) | 2-year plan for $3.39/mo (billed every two years) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Get Proton VPN | Get NordVPN |
If you’re considering either of these VPN providers, you can rest assured that both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try them risk-free. Proton VPN also has a free plan that has limited features, but it could be the right plan based on your needs.
They both also offer different subscription tiers so that you can select the tier that suits you best. Proton VPN’s highest tier, Proton Unlimited, offers all of its additional features, such as:
- Proton Mail, which allows you to send encrypted emails.
- Proton Drive, which allows you to store documents in an encrypted place.
- Proton Calendar, which is an encrypted calendar feature.
If you’re only looking for a VPN and don’t need any of these extra features, you can opt for Proton’s VPN Plus subscription.
NordVPN’s pricing tiers are a little bit different, but with each tier, you gain access to additional features such as an encrypted drive, password manager, and a data breach scanner. NordVPN’s Standard subscription includes the VPN, malware protection, and a tracker and ad blocker. NordVPN’s Plus and Complete plans add extra features on top of the VPN services included in the Standard plan, such as cloud storage and file encryption.
When you compare the two VPNs, NordVPN’s Standard plan is the best deal. You get everything you need in a VPN, and the cost is much lower if you’re willing to commit to a two-year plan.
Payment options
You may not have considered how you’d pay for your VPN subscription, but if you’re concerned about government censorship or your overall internet privacy, you may want to pay for your VPN in a less traditional manner. Both VPNs offer the usual payment options, such as credit cards and PayPal. You may also pay with bitcoin if you’re using ProtonVPN or with cryptocurrency on NordVPN.
Proton VPN payment options
- Credit or debit card
- PayPal
NordVPN payment options
- Credit card
- PayPal
- AmazonPay
- Cryptocurrency
Winner: NordVPN offers the best pricing for a VPN if you’re willing to commit to two years with the service. You can score a two-year plan for only $3.39/mo (billed every two years). With Proton VPN, you’ll be spending $3.59/mo (billed every two years) for a two-year commitment.
Which VPN is faster?
NordVPN wins this category thanks to its blazing fast speeds.
|
|
Our Pick
|
|
| Speed % difference with U.S. server |
-15% slower | +45% faster |
| Speed % difference with U.K. server |
-22% slower | +35% faster |
| Speed % difference with Australian server |
-35% slower | +12% faster |
| Get Proton VPN | Get NordVPN |
One important part of using a VPN is making sure that your VPN connection doesn’t drastically affect the overall speed of your internet. We tested both NordVPN and Proton VPN in several server locations, including the U.S., the U.K., and Australia.
Nord took the lead in these tests, actually increasing our speed in all three locations. This can happen if your ISP is throttling your connection or when the VPN connection is more efficient than your raw internet.
Although Proton decreased our speeds with each location, it's important to note that this is a more typical result for speed tests. The amount that Proton decreased our speed is actually not bad, since some of the slowest VPNs can half your speed.
Winner: NordVPN is the much faster VPN according to our tests.
Which VPN is more secure?
This category is pretty evenly matched, though NordVPN does pull ahead a bit thanks to its better compatibility for split tunneling.
| Feature |
|
Our Pick
|
| Number of servers | 6,300+ servers in 100+ countries | 6,400 servers in 111 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Panama |
| Encryption | AES-256 or ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth | IKEv2, OpenVPN, NordLynx |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | Windows and Android only | |
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Get Proton VPN | Get NordVPN |
These two VPNs have a lot of security features in common. They each use similar encryption and VPN protocols, which means your online activities will be protected with either option.
To really pick the right VPN for you, it's important to understand how you'll use the VPN. If you’re traveling abroad and want to access Netflix and other streaming services, both Proton VPN and NordVPN will work well.
If you need VPN servers in a specific country or region, you may want to go with NordVPN, which has servers in a few more countries than Proton VPN. We do like that both VPN services offer specialty servers, including double VPN servers, obfuscated servers, dedicated IP servers, and more.
On the other hand, Proton VPN doesn't offer split tunneling on all devices. It's only available on Windows and Android, so if you’re looking for split tunneling with a Mac, you’ll want to use NordVPN.
Another difference is that ProtonVPN offers port forwarding while NordVPN doesn't. Port forwarding allows you to route connections through Proton VPN’s firewall. This is useful for torrenting and improving gaming performance.
/images/2022/10/24/protonvpn-review_portforwarding.jpeg)
If you’re concerned about overall privacy, each VPN has a no-logs policy. They both also recently went through an audit to ensure their no-logs policy is true. In 2023, Proton VPN initiated an audit with Securitum. The security audit didn't find any concerns with Proton VPN’s no-log policy. In 2023, NordVPN hired Deloitte to look into the strength of its no-logs policy. Deloitte didn't find any instances where NordVPN’s no-logs policy was compromised.
Both Proton VPN and NordVPN offer an ad blocker with additional capabilities. Threat Protection can block ads, trackers, and malware, and even scan for malware and NetShield has the same functionality.
/images/2022/08/11/nordvpn-review_threat-protection1.jpeg)
Winner: Each VPN offers a variety of features that benefit the user. At the end of the day, NordVPN offers the most basic standard plan with all the basic VPN features. You can upgrade for additional features but it’s not necessary. Compared to Proton VPN, you can get more for less with Nord’s plan.
Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer service?
While both VPNs offered user-friendly experiences, NordVPN has the edge in this category thanks to its better 24/7 live chat service.
|
|
Our Pick
|
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Firefox | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Get Proton VPN | Get NordVPN |
An easy-to-navigate interface is important when it comes to using a VPN. You want to know when you’re connected, it needs to be easy to switch VPN servers, and, overall, it should be an enjoyable user experience. Both NordVPN and Proton VPN had comparable experiences when it comes to the look and user experience of the interface.
From our experience, NordVPN and Proton VPN both worked in a similar fashion and each had a similar interface. Each VPN was simple when it came to switching to different server locations or turning on or off different features. When you compare the two based on compatibility, they both work with all of the popular devices out today.
One great feature of NordVPN is its Meshnet, which allows you to securely connect to other devices for additional privacy and security. This allows for file sharing, gaming, or accessing devices remotely. Meshnet acts as a local network for any device that's connectedd.
/images/2022/08/11/nordvpn-review_meshnet.jpeg)
NordVPN offers 24/7 chat support, and the site has what appears to be a chatbot at the bottom of the screen. You'll need to ask the chatbot to speak with a representative in order to connect with an actual person, but they were quick and helpful once we were connected.
ProtonVPN does offer chat support , although it’s not 24/7. However, to use this, you have to sign in with your account credentials in order to make contact. While it’s not the end of the world, it was one more step to getting support. Once we signed in, we also were alerted that there were not any customer service agents available, and we had to fill out a form to get customer support.
/images/2023/04/14/proton_vpn_vs_nordvpn_contact.jpg)
If you’re just looking for answers to frequently asked questions, both NordVPN and Proton VPN had extensive knowledge bases and online guides. Each VPN support forum was easy to navigate and full of information.
Winner: NordVPN wins for its 24/7 chat support.
FAQs
+
Is there a Proton VPN Chrome extension?
+
Is NordVPN faster than Proton VPN?
When compared to each other, NordVPN and Proton VPN both performed at similar speeds. However, Proton VPN significantly increased the latency of our internet connection.
+
Is Proton VPN trustworthy?
Yes, Proton VPN is trustworthy. To protect user privacy, they have a no-logs policy, which was recently audited in 2022 and included zero concerns from the audit company.
+
Can NordVPN be hacked?
Yes, any VPN can be hacked. NordVPN’s most recent hack was in 2018; however, NordVPN said that no user data was compromised.
Is Proton VPN or NordVPN better?
Overall, after comparing NordVPN and Proton VPN, we thought that NordVPN offered a bit more for the price. With a two-year commitment, NordVPN is cheaper, offers more server locations, and doesn't jeopardize latency as much as ProtonVPN. NordVPN also offers upgradable plans that can include a password manager, dark web monitoring, and more to help keep you even more secure.
There are many different types of VPNs available on the market today. Each offers a variety of features to help make your internet privacy more secure. We found both NordVPN and Proton VPN as great choices for any VPN user. To pick the best VPN for you, make sure you understand how you plan on using the VPN so you have the right tools to protect yourself.
Top alternatives
Want to see how Nord and Proton compare against other top VPNs on the market? Check out three more options below:
|
|
|
|
| Price | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 7 | 8 |
| # of servers | 3,200 in 100 countries | Servers in 100 countries | Servers in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands | Romania | British Virgin Islands |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN |
/images/2022/05/26/logo-nordvpn.png){kind=logo}
NordVPN
-
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
-
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
-
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
Author Details
/authors/andrew-adams-allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University.
When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.
Related Articles
/images/2023/03/21/youtube-remote-control-smart-tv.jpg)
The Essential Guide to Changing Your YouTube TV Location
Looking for the easiest ways to manage your YouTube TV location? We cover how to adjust your settings in this foolproof guide.
/images/2022/09/09/woman_looking_at_phone_1.jpg)
How To Change the Location on Your iPhone (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Learning how to change the location on your iPhone doesn’t have to involve complicated apps or processes — a VPN will typically work just fine.
/images/2024/07/26/does-vpn-protect-you-from-viruses.jpeg)
Does a VPN Protect You From Viruses? What You Need To Know
/images/2024/07/17/is_radmin_vpn_safe_featured_image.png)
What Is Radmin VPN and Is It Safe?
/images/2024/07/12/verizon_digital_secure_featured_image.jpg)
Is the Verizon Digital Secure App Right for You?
/images/2024/07/11/how_to_watch_formula_1_vpn_featured_image.png)
Unlock Formula 1 Racing: How To Watch Formula 1 Online
/images/2024/07/09/how_to_get_the_nordvpn_3_year_plan_featured_image.png)
NordVPN Eliminated Its Three-Year Plan: Here’s How To Get the Best Deal Now
/images/2024/06/28/whats_a_vpn__protocol_featured_image.png)
What Is a VPN Protocol, and Should I Change Mine?