Choosing the right VPN for your needs and budget is imperative. It’s not an ideal solution to go with the first VPN provider that pops up in a search browser or your app store. A little bit of research can give you a good insight into VPN’s security measures, privacy policy, pricing, and streaming support, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
In this review, we’re taking a close look at NordVPN vs Proton VPN – two strong contenders for the name of the best VPN provider out there.
But which one is really worth your money?
We’ve reviewed both products to offer you a comprehensive comparison and, hopefully, make the choice between NordVPN vs Proton VPN easier.
Here’s what we found.
Proton VPN vs. NordVPN Comparison
NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 2-year Plan – $3.39/ month | 2-Year Plan – $4.99/ month |
| Security Features | 256-bit encryption, Kill switch, No-logs Policy, Threat Protection, Split tunneling, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, PFS | 256-bit encryption, Kill switch, No-logs Policy, Split tunneling, DNS and IPv6 leak protection |
| Streaming | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+ Amazon Prime Video | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, Apple TV+ |
| Servers | 5,600+ in 60 countries | 3,000+ servers in 70+ countries |
| Max Number of Devices | 6 | 10 |
| Supported Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook |
| 24/7 Customer Support | Yes | No |
NordVPN vs. Proton VPN
NordVPN and Proton VPN are both leaders when it comes to reliable and affordable VPN services; however, there are some noteworthy differences between the two companies.
While NordVPN is regarded amongst users as one of the best options for a cost-effective, comprehensive VPN with fantastic streaming speeds and lots of valuable safety features, Proton VPN offers a larger number of server locations, which can positively impact your safety, especially if you care about accessing servers in less common parts of the world.
Our review process confirmed what we had already suspected. NordVPN is a better choice for those users who are looking for a VPN for streaming and gaming, while Proton VPN might be more suitable if you’re looking for larger geographical coverage as well as more simultaneous connections.
Which VPN is the ultimate winner in our book?
In our expert opinion, the answer is clear – it’s NordVPN. This VPN comes with stellar safety features, hard-to-beat connection speeds, and superior user experience, landing itself a number 1 spot in this clash of the titans.
Read our detailed NordVPN Review to get more information about this provider.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of Proton VPN vs. NordVPN based on:
- Pricing and payment options
- Features
- Speed
- Servers
- Streaming support
- Privacy
- Compatibility
- App user experience
- Customer Support
Key Takeaways
- Extensive Server Network: NordVPN beats Proton VPN with 5,600+ servers located in 60 countries.
- Superior Streaming Experience: NordVPN is the fastest and most reliable VPN for streaming and gaming, offering superior streaming experience around the globe.
- Top-notch privacy and security measures: Both NordVPN and Proton VPN are known for their solid security features and strict no-log policies.
- User-friendly, intuitive apps: NordVPN and Proton VPN’s desktop and mobile apps are user-friendly and easy to set up.
- Customer Support: Both companies score high when it comes to customer support, but NordVPN is a better choice, thanks to their 24/7 live chat.
Pricing and Payment Options
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $4.99–$9.99/mo |
| Best value plan | Standard 2-year plan for $3.39/mo | Standard 2-year plan for $4.99/mo |
| Payment methods | PayPal, credit cards, cryptocurrencies, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, Apple Pay | PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Proton credits (purchased via cash, bank transfers, or Bitcoin) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes |
The first thing we need to point out is that Proton VPN is a more expensive choice. While the most affordable option for Proton VPN is $4.99 a month, for the same coverage duration, you will have to pay only $3.39 when you go with NordVPN.
Comparing their Standard 2-year plans, you get more or less the same range of services. Both companies offer an ad-blocker, strongest 256-bit encryption, and high-speed servers. Additionally, NordVPN offers malware protection, which means you will receive warnings about unsafe sites, and the files you download will be scanned for any malware and automatically deleted if compromised.
One thing that works in Proton VPN’s favor is the fact that they offer a free plan with no limit on data usage. That is a considerable advantage, as you get to test the product for yourself for however long you please with no costs attached. NordVPN doesn’t have a free plan, so if you’re after a completely charge-free service, you should go with Proton VPN.
Both NordVPN and Proton VPN provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can easily opt out of your subscription plan if you’re not happy with the product.
Features
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Company Location | Panama | Switzerland |
| No-logs policy | Yes, audited | Yes, audited |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES, ChaCha20Poly1305 | 256-bit AES, ChaCha20 |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN TCP | WireGuard, OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2/IPsec |
| RAM Servers | Yes | No |
| Open Source | Limited to three products | Yes |
| DNS Leak Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Hash | SHA-512 | SHA-384 |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes |
Security-wise, both Proton VPN and NordVPN pass the exam with flying colors. These VPNs are equipped with first-class, complex security measures to ensure your safety when browsing the net at all times.
NordVPN and Proton VPN offer 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, kill switch, ad blocker, and split tunneling.
In Proton VPN, you get their Stealth feature that allows you to effectively bypass most firewalls and VPN-blocking methods, opening up sites and information that are otherwise off-limits in your geographical location. NordVPN’s bypassing capabilities are as effective, so both products met our expectations.
Unique to NordVPN is their Dark Web Monitoring, which is a feature that continuously scans the dark web in order to detect any information breach. It’s not something most people realize might be useful; however, we appreciate this additional step to protect users’ data and security online.
It’s also worth mentioning that NordVPN’s servers are RAM-based, whereas Proton VPN works with open-source solutions. The first variant is considered safer since all the data regarding your internet activity gets wiped out during every reboot.
Importantly, both companies have their no-logs policies independently audited, which offers a high level of protection for their users. It’s something we love to see, as most people use VPNs to keep their browsing information inaccessible to outside entities. This ensures your peace of mind, knowing you’re well-protected whenever you use Proton VPN or NordVPN.
Speed
| Average Connection Speed | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| US | 508 Mbit/s | 495 Mbit/s |
| Europe (UK) | 424 Mbit/s | 416 Mbit/s |
| Australia | 848 Mbit/s | 829 Mbit/s |
Connection speeds are incredibly important, especially if you’re planning to use a VPN for streaming and gaming. The word on the street is that NordVPN is unbeatable when it comes to speed, and our findings confirm that.
We compared the VPNs using WireGuard protocol for Proton VPN and NordLynx for NordVPN.
The average download speed for NordVPN is 196 Mbps, which is an excellent score. As shown above, NordVPN reaches speeds that are suitable for streaming, so you can enjoy your favorite content at home and while traveling. We haven’t experienced any lagging when streaming, and that was consistent across all the servers and locations we’ve tried.
While Proton VPN does very well in speed tests, it’s slower than NordVPN. It may or may not impact your streaming experience, depending on the server you connect to, which is why, in this category, we’re confidently choosing NordVPN as the winner.
Servers
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated IP | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscated Servers | Yes | Yes |
| P2P Servers | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Locations | Yes | Yes |
| Servers/Countries | 5500 / 60 | 3,217 / 71 |
The number of servers, as well as the number of server locations, influence the speeds you can expect with a particular VPN provider.
In the case of NordVPN vs. Proton VPN, the former offers a significantly larger number of servers (5500 servers in 60 countries). On the other hand, it’s Proton VPN that comes with servers in more locations around the globe (more than 3000 in 71 countries).
Both NordVPN and Proton VPN offer specialty servers. This includes obfuscated servers and P2P servers. NordVPN is a leader here, with 4500 P2P servers that allow you to connect to the Internet and have your tracks completely covered. They also offer more than 100 obfuscated servers in 15+ countries.
P2P connections are important, for example, to enhance your torrenting experience. With the Proton VPN Plus plan, all the servers available to you are P2P servers. On top of that, Proton VPN and NordVPN use Smart Routing technology, which means you get access to virtual servers, too. It’s a useful feature, as this expands the server capacity in certain areas where physical servers are widely spaced.
NordVPN gives you the option to add a Dedicated IP to your account, which means you get access to your private, unique internet address. Thanks to that, you can browse websites and not worry about getting kicked out due to suspicious activity related to sharing an IP address with other users. A dedicated IP is also included in Proton VPN; however, it is limited to their Business Plan users.
Overall, we’re happy with what NordVPN and Proton VPN have in terms of servers, but once again, we see only one winner, and that is NordVPN. With their large net of servers, they offer superior speeds and great specialty server options for less money.
Streaming Support
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes | Yes |
| Max | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime | Yes | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
| Apple TV+ | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes |
| Paramount+ | Yes | Yes |
| Peacock TV | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, both VPNs support all the major streaming platforms, and thanks to their large server networks, you can easily access the content of your liking from various parts of the world and not worry about lagging.
NordVPN is a superior choice if you’re looking for a VPN specifically for streaming, but it would be unfair to say that Proton VPN is a much worse option. Both VPNs unlock geographically restricted content thanks to the Smart DNS technology.
Additionally, all your streaming is secured with advanced encryption, such as AES-256. On top of that, Proton VPN implements ChaCha20 encryption, while NordVPN works with ChaCha20Poly1305, which is a more advanced security measure, so that’s where NordVPN comes on top again.
Privacy
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source Apps | Yes | Yes |
| No Logs Privacy | Yes | Yes |
| User Traffic Logged? | No | No |
| IP Address Logged? | No | No |
Nothing makes us happier than seeing VPNs that take the word “privacy” seriously. That’s very much the case for both NordVPN and Proton VPN.
NordVPN is based in Panama, while Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. These countries don’t have data retention laws, which means you can sleep peacefully knowing that there is no chance for outside entities to gain access to your sensitive information. This is only supported by the fact that neither company is a part of the Five Eyes Intelligence alliance.
NordVPN and Proton VPN have introduced strong no-logs policies, but if you care about maintaining the highest level of anonymity, you should go with NordVPN. The company doesn’t collect and store any user data, such as logs, browsing history, connection timestamps, etc.
ProtonVPN is almost as good, but they do store the timestamp of your last login, which includes information such as your username and login time and date. The company explains this as a necessity to prevent targeted attacks on individuals, but we know many leaders in the industry (including NordVPN) who are able to protect their users without the need to log any private information.
Both VPNs have been independently audited – NordVPN by PwC and Proton VPN by SEC Consult, which means these companies are credible and can sufficiently protect you when you browse the net.
Still, if we had to pick, we’d choose NordVPN.
Compatibility
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Router | Yes | Yes |
| Browser extensions | Chrome Edge Firefox | Firefox Chrome Safari Edge Opera iOS Safari Chrome for Android UC for Android Samsung browser |
| Smart devices | Yes | Yes |
Both NordVPN and Proton VPN are compatible with a plethora of devices, including iPhones, Android devices, routers, and smart devices. While NordVPN offers three main browser extensions, you have a slightly bigger variety with Proton VPN.
Both VPNs provide helpful tutorials on how to perform router configurations in case you need extra support.
We should also mention that while NordVPN gives you the ability to connect up to six devices at the same time, Proton VPN is leading the charge here, with up to 10 simultaneous connections. It might be a better option if you have a larger family.
Overall, in terms of compatibility, we are inclined to call it a tie, with a minor preference towards Proton VPN for its great selection of browser extensions and the number of devices you can connect with VPN simultaneously.
You can find more information about Proton VPN in our in-depth review.
App User Experience
Desktop Apps
We found these VPNs very easy to work with. Their interfaces were intuitive and offered an easy learning curve. Connecting them with various devices was seamless and quick, with NordVPN offering a slightly better user experience.
However, one bigger flaw we have to report on is the fact that their Mac app still lacks split tunneling. It’s also slightly confusing that the company offers two different desktop apps for macOS users. One available in the App Store does support all tunneling protocols, while the other, available on NordVPN’s website supports OpenVPN exclusively.
With Proton VPN, we also noticed some shortcomings, especially with their macOS app, which lacks some features (for example, split tunneling and IPv6 Leak Protection) that are available to users of Windows apps.
Mobile Apps
NordVPN and Proton VPN mobile apps provide a great user experience. They are clean and easy to set up and navigate. No matter what device you have, you will be able to benefit from a quality app that makes it truly seamless to just have VPN work in the background while you’re using the web and streaming content.
Similar to their respective desktop apps, both companies offer slightly more developed Android mobile apps compared to the iOS versions.
Again, NordVPN’s iOS app doesn’t have split tunneling, and the same goes for Proton VPN’s version.
But, despite that, their mobile apps are robust and come with essential features, such as a kill switch and map interface, among others.
Customer Support
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | No | No |
| Troubleshooting | Yes | Yes |
| Guides | Yes | Yes |
| FAQs | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Chat Support | Yes | No |
We reached out to NordVPN and Proton VPN teams with queries, and in both instances, we got responses in a matter of hours. The easiest way to contact NordVPN customer support is through their 24/7 live chat, but they also offer troubleshooting via a form on their website.
Pretty much the same goes for Proton VPN, excluding the 24/7 chat support. However, it’s still easy to receive support via email.
Both companies have extensive libraries with guides and FAQ sections, so we recommend looking into those, too.
Needless to say, we were content with the level of support from NordVPN and Proton VPN, but there’s only one winner here, and that is NordVPN.
Overall Winner: NordVPN
If a quality VPN is what you’re looking for, you’ll be happy with Proton VPN or NordVPN. While there are some differences between the two, there’s no doubt in our minds that both of these products are worth your investment.
However, if we had to pick the superior one, our choice would be NordVPN. With its large network of 5,500+ servers across 60 countries, fantastic speeds, robust security features, and strict no-log policy, it’s one of the best VPNs for streaming available right now.
In the clash between NordVPN vs ProtonVPN, the former wins with a slightly better user experience, more advanced features, and, what is the best part, lower prices.
FAQs
Which VPN is better: Proton VPN or NordVPN?
Although closely matched, NordVPN offers better service for a lower price, which makes it a preferred choice for us. NordVPN comes with better speeds, a larger server network, better security and privacy features, and overall better customer experience.
Can I use these VPNs for streaming?
Yes, you can use both NordVPN and Proton VPN for streaming. If you’re interested in a VPN for streaming specifically, then NordVPN is the best pick among all VPNs on the market. Thanks to their superior speeds and extensive server network, they are able to unlock many streaming services with ease.
Is Proton VPN trustworthy?
Yes, Proton VPN is a trustworthy and quality VPN. The company adheres to a strong no-log policy, offers servers in rare locations, has solid safety features, and is one of the few VPNs that offer a free plan with no limit on data usage.
