NordVPN and Proton VPN are two of the easiest VPNs available on the market. So, that will help you determine which is the most effective on-line privateness device for you, I’m placing them head-to-head. In evaluating the 2 providers, I’ll take a look at a very powerful facets of an awesome VPN together with velocity, value, privateness and safety, and streaming.
While NordVPN is quicker and packs in additional options, Proton VPN optimizes privateness and comes with a bigger server community. It’s an in depth name, however for most individuals I’d advocate NordVPN. It’s our choose for greatest VPN total due to its unmatched characteristic set, lightning-fast speeds, and distinctive streaming assist.
Both Nord and Proton are top-notch providers, however you should definitely take a look at our picks for the best VPNs for much more nice choices.
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
| Server community | 7,000+ servers, 118 nation places | 11,000+, 117 nation places |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 10 |
| Average speeds | 75% of base obtain, 81% of base add | 65% of base obtain, 72% of base add |
| Protocols | WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, Stealth, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| Available platforms | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Linux, browsers, routers | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Linux, browsers, routers |
| Business location | Panama | Switzerland |
| Cost | $13.99 monthly, $71.88 for the primary 12 months, or $107.73 for the primary two years | $9.99 monthly, $59.88 for the primary 12 months, or $107.76 for the primary two years |
Speed: NordVPN
In my testing, NordVPN and Proton VPN scored extremely in each obtain and add speeds. NordVPN has the fastest speeds of any VPN I’ve ever examined whereas Proton VPN ranks sixth total.
The newest spherical of testing confirmed that NordVPN resulted in a median of 75 p.c of the bottom obtain speeds and an impressive 81 p.c of the bottom add speeds. Proton VPN got here in a bit slower at 65 p.c of the bottom obtain velocity and 72 p.c of the bottom add speeds.
While NordVPN is the clear winner, the margins are literally fairly shut, regardless of how they could appear. Whichever you select you’ll be able to anticipate to easily deal with bandwidth-heavy duties, comparable to gaming and 4K streaming.
It’s value mentioning, nonetheless, that Proton VPN’s free model is the runaway chief when it comes to speeds amongst all free VPNs. The speeds on all free servers had been the identical as Proton’s premium servers.
Cost: Proton VPN
NordVPN affords 4 subscription tiers: Basic, Plus, Complete, and Prime. To make an equal comparability for providers offered I’ll deal with simply NordVPN’s Plus plan which runs $13.99 month-to-month, $71.88 for the primary 12 months, or $105.36 for the primary two years.
ProtonVPN alternatively affords three tiers: Free, Plus, and Unlimited. For the needs of this comparability, I’ll deal with ProtonVPN’s Plus plan which is essentially the most much like NordVPN’s Plus plan. Proton’s Plus tier is obtainable for $9.99 monthly, or you’ll be able to go for a one-year subscription at $59.88, or the two-year plan for $71.76.
In each the quick time period and long run Proton VPN is the cheaper choice for comparable, however not equivalent, characteristic units. NordVPN does provide a number of further options that Proton doesn’t on this mid-tier together with MeshNet file sharing and a safe link-checker device. But all in all, Proton VPN is the higher worth and is available in cheaper for just about equivalent options.
Another plus on this class for Proton VPN is its free tier. For completely no value you get a one-device connection restrict and entry to 5 servers positioned all internationally. There aren’t any adverts and no velocity or knowledge restrictions both. It just isn’t solely an ideal strategy to check out Proton VPN, however could also be choice as your day by day VPN as nicely.
Privacy and safety: Tie
NordVPN and Proton VPN each provide stellar safety instruments. Beyond simply permitting you to browse the net privately, each of those providers have expanded to supply a full suite of safety add-ons to supply a safer on-line expertise.
In phrases of complete options provided, NordVPN barely edges out Proton VPN. Both VPNs provide multihop connections, break up tunneling, ad- and tracker-blocking, Onion over VPN, a kill swap, and stealth protocols. But NordVPN provides to this with its Meshnet file sharing characteristic and a sturdy Threat Protection device with malware and virus safety, plus a darkish internet monitoring service.
That being mentioned, one may argue that Proton VPN affords barely higher privateness. This is partially attributable to its commendable transparency throughout all apps that are all open supply and Proton’s Secure Core characteristic that routes site visitors via privacy-friendly nations for enhanced anonymity.
Both providers have strict no-logs insurance policies which have undergone a number of unbiased audits and each are positioned in privacy-friendly places—NordVPN is predicated in Panama, whereas Proton VPN is predicated in Switzerland.
While customers can get pleasure from extra complete security measures with NordVPN, they’ll possible discover that Proton VPN affords barely higher privateness. Therefore, I’m calling it a tie between the 2 for privateness and safety.
Streaming: NordVPN
Proton VPN is a wonderful service for unblocking streaming content material, however it merely can’t match NordVPN—actually, nothing can. We selected NordVPN because the best VPN for streaming for a motive. No different service can match its unblocking capabilities throughout all servers or work as persistently with as many streaming websites.
It’s value noting that each VPNs do provide stealth protocols, Nord’s NordWhisper and Proton’s Stealth protocols, which might be constructed to extra efficiently evade detection by third events. This might assist when you discover {that a} streaming service is actively blocking your VPN connection. Additionally, each providers provide extensive system assist not solely on your computer systems and smartphones, but in addition for good TVs and streaming units as nicely.
Still, whereas streaming compatibility generally is a fickle factor, NordVPN has by no means let me down in the entire years of use and testing when unblocking the entire main websites comparable to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, or ESPN—that’s greater than I can say for every other VPN. The streaming win goes to NordVPN.
Bottom line
Ultimately, if you would like velocity, assured streaming unblocking, and complete safety then go together with NordVPN. The service has been nicely established as an business chief for greater than a decade now and will provide you with dependable, high-quality privateness protections
If you desire a service that’s extra reasonably priced, with absolute transparency then Proton VPN is greater than worthwhile. Proton VPN additionally has the benefit of providing a free tier which makes it the right entry level to check out a VPN with out spending any of your hard-earned money.
These two VPNs are neck-and-neck and both could be a wonderful selection it doesn’t matter what you wish to do on-line. I gave each NordVPN and Proton VPN 4.5 out of 5 stars of their respective evaluations and each earned Editors’ Choice awards due to their spectacular choices and worth. All issues thought of although, NordVPN is my choose for the most effective VPN total and each time somebody asks me for a VPN suggestion it’s the one I flip to first.