NordVPN vs Proton VPN
Compare NordVPN and Proton VPN by device coverage, locations and the features you need.
On the plans compared here, NordVPN covers 10 simultaneous devices; Proton VPN covers 10 simultaneous devices. Start with the devices you use together, then check the locations and connection options you need. Network coverage: NordVPN (8,096 servers · 149 countries · 224 locations); Proton VPN (VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries).
Based on published provider facts and editorial assessment. How we evaluate. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
NordVPN
NordVPN is aimed at: People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Read the review →Proton VPN
Proton VPN is aimed at: People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
Read the review →
Want to test it on your own devices?
The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.
Offer terms
NordVPN: Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo
Proton VPN: Check current VPN Plus long-term offer
A current price was not confirmed for every plan. Check each provider for your currency, upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax.
Upfront costs and renewal notes →Same device allowance
Both allow 10 simultaneous connections on the plans compared.
Refund terms
NordVPN: 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Proton VPN: 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window
Eligibility, payment method and subscription length can affect the guarantee.
The details side by side
| Head to head | NordVPN Editorial edge | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | Basic monthly: $14.99/mo | Check current VPN Plus monthly price |
| Advertised long-term offer | Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo | Check current VPN Plus long-term offer |
| Devices on compared plan | 10 | 10 |
| Countries | 149 | 140+ |
| Network | NordVPN lists 8,096 servers · 149 countries · 224 locations | VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries |
| Refund window | 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply | 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Switzerland |
| Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper | WireGuard + Stealth |
| Anti-blocking | Obfuscated servers and NordWhisper | Stealth protocol; platform availability varies |
| Audit / privacy | Sixth no-logs assurance by Deloitte Lithuania; December 2025 point-in-time report | Open-source apps and five annual Securitum no-logs audits through 2026 |
| WireGuard | ||
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Audited no-logs | ||
| Score for overall | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Equal editorial scores do not produce a winner. Device limits correspond to the advertised entry plan; paid upgrades may differ.
Editorial scores by use case
Overall: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial overall score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Streaming: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Gaming: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial gaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 7/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Privacy: Equal scores
Both have the same editorial privacy score (9/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
What differs
Offer terms
NordVPN: Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo. Proton VPN: Check current VPN Plus long-term offer. A current price was not confirmed for every plan. Check each provider for your currency, upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax.
Server network
Proton VPN lists 20,000+ servers; NordVPN lists 8,096. Advertised counts can use different definitions and do not establish speed or reliability.
Where each is based
NordVPN is based in Panama, while Proton VPN operates from Switzerland. Jurisdiction is worth weighing if data-retention rules are part of your decision.
Main protocol
NordVPN documents NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper; Proton VPN documents WireGuard + Stealth. Availability and defaults vary by app and platform.
Questions about NordVPN vs Proton VPN
Which is better, NordVPN or Proton VPN?
NordVPN has the higher editorial overall score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Which offer costs less?
NordVPN: Basic 2-year offer: $3.49/mo. Proton VPN: Check current VPN Plus long-term offer. A current price was not confirmed for every plan. Check each provider for your currency, upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax.
Which one supports more devices?
Both allow 10 simultaneous connections on the plans compared.
Which is better for streaming?
NordVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Which has the stronger privacy score?
Both have the same editorial privacy score (9/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Are both links affiliate links?
Some provider links may earn us a commission; others are ordinary links. This does not determine our scores. Prices, regional offers and eligibility must be confirmed on the provider website.
Sources and offer notes
NordVPN
Provider fact check: 2026-09-05
USD Basic offer checked September 5, 2026: $14.99 billed monthly, or $94.23 for the first 27 months ($3.49/mo equivalent), then $139.08/year. Tax may apply. Prices and promotions vary by market; confirm your final checkout total.
- Server locations and count FAQ (nordvpn.com)
- Displayed USD pricing and tier-specific device coverage (nordvpn.com)
- Initial-purchase refund eligibility (support.nordvpn.com)
- Sixth no-logs assurance and report access limits (nordvpn.com)
- No-logs policy and vendor-stated Panama base (nordvpn.com)
- Supported NordVPN protocols (support.nordvpn.com)
- Specialty servers and protocol limits (support.nordvpn.com)
- NordWhisper use cases and limitations (nordvpn.com)
- Kill switch support (nordvpn.com)
- Split tunneling platform support (nordvpn.com)
Proton VPN
Provider fact check: 2026-09-05
See Proton VPN for current VPN Plus pricing, the amount due up front and the renewal rate in your currency. Offers and taxes can vary; the paid plan is separate from Proton Free.
- VPN Plus and Free plan differences (protonvpn.com)
- Current offers (check localized checkout) (protonvpn.com)
- Refund terms and Swiss operator (proton.me)
- 2026 annual no-logs audit announcement (protonvpn.com)
- Open-source apps and no-logs policy (protonvpn.com)
- WireGuard and Stealth by platform (protonvpn.com)
Related comparisons
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. ExpressVPN may fit you better: People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
People considering Lightway, TrustedServer and a tier chosen for their device allowance.
NordVPN vs Surfshark
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. Surfshark may fit you better: Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Households and people who need VPN connections on many devices.
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. Private Internet Access may fit you better: Households and users who want unlimited connections and detailed desktop settings.
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Households and users who want unlimited connections and detailed desktop settings.
NordVPN vs CyberGhost
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. CyberGhost may fit you better: People who want seven connections and a longer refund period on a plan of at least six months.
People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
People who want seven connections and a longer refund period on a plan of at least six months.