NordVPN vs ProtonVPN
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- Extensive global server network
- User-friendly apps across all major platforms
- Panama-based (Outside of 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance)
- High-speed connections with minimal speed loss
- Strict no-logs policy
- Comprehensive support for streaming services and gaming
- Strong encryption and security protocols
- Global server network
- Robust privacy jurisdiction
- Full-disk encryption
- Easy-to-use interface
- Scalability
- Built-in security suite
- Free trial and money-back guarantee
- Inconsistent pricing with significant renewal price increases
- Occasional connection stability issues
- Limited to 10 simultaneous device connections
- Limited customer support
- Lack of diverse payment methods
- Limited simultaneous connections
Established in 2012, NordVPN, a product of Nord Security, is a leading provider of VPN services headquartered in Panama. With over 6,300 servers in 111 countries, NordVPN offers robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and specialized servers like Double VPN and Onion over VPN. The service provides a user-friendly interface, supports multiple languages, and aims to deliver a seamless and secure online experience for global users. They specialize in unblocking geo-restricted content, making them an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts. They can help you successfully access streaming platforms thanks to their SmartPlay feature, which combines VPN and Smart DNS functionalities. This allows users to bypass regional restrictions and enjoy a seamless streaming experience across various devices. NordVPN’s ability to maintain access to these services even as they continually update their anti-VPN measures makes them a reliable option for those who want to watch content from different regions. They excel in supporting torrenting, P2P activities, and streaming. It provides specialized servers for secure and anonymous file sharing, protection against DDoS attacks for gamers, and obfuscated servers for bypassing geo-censorship. NordVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and is compatible with various devices and platforms. The company receives high praise from users and industry experts and continues to innovate its network for secure internet access.
Proton VPN, founded in 2017 by Proton AG, is headquartered in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland. Known for their commitment to privacy, Proton VPN offers various services designed to protect users’ online activities. With over 6,500 servers across 110 countries, Proton VPN ensures users can securely access global content while maintaining strong privacy protections. One of their standout features is Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries to enhance security. Other features, like Tor over VPN, split tunneling, and AES-256 encryption, provide users with advanced tools to safeguard their data. Proton VPN also adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store user activity, which is backed by Switzerland’s strong privacy laws. Customer feedback highlights the VPN’s ease of use, with users appreciating the fast speeds and ability to unblock popular streaming platforms. However, some have noted occasional connection drops and concerns about pricing, particularly for business plans. ProtonVPN's strong emphasis on privacy, robust encryption, and industry-leading protocols make them a highly reliable choice for both individuals and businesses. To explore their features in more depth, continue reading our full review.
- Price : Starting at $3.09 per month (for the two-year plan)
- Free Trial : 7 days
- Global Coverage : 111 countries
- Customer Experience : Excellent
- Number of Servers : Over 6,400
- Price : Free plan, then plans start at $9.99 per month
- Free Trial : Available
- Global Coverage : 110+ countries
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 6,500 servers
- $3.79 per month and 3 months for free (2-Year Plans)
- RAM-only servers for enhanced privacy
- Independent security audits for transparency
- NordLynx protocol for top-tier speed and security
- Complimentary threat protection
- Double VPN servers available
- Available on all major platforms
- Supports Tor browser & P2P
- Speed accelerator
- IP address masking
- Custom obfuscated servers
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs—Undisclosed
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication—Undisclosed
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- Actionable Password Strength Report—Undisclosed
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)—Undisclosed
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock—Undisclosed
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPN services available today, each offering a strong focus on security, privacy, and performance. Both VPNs cater to a wide range of users, from casual browsers to privacy-conscious professionals. This comparison will evaluate their service range and customization options, ease of use and integration, security and compliance, and pricing.
Service range and customization options
Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN offer thousands of servers worldwide, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions and maintain secure connections. They support split tunneling, P2P file sharing, and ad-blocking features to enhance privacy and performance. Both services also work with major streaming platforms and offer multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN.
ProtonVPN stands out for Tor over VPN support and Secure Core routing, which adds extra privacy by routing traffic through multiple secure servers. NordVPN offers Double VPN, which encrypts traffic twice, and dedicated IPs for users needing a consistent online presence. NordVPN also includes Threat Protection Pro, which actively scans for malware and phishing threats, a feature ProtonVPN lacks.
Ease of use and integration
Both VPNs have intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also include browser extensions and allow for quick server connections with a simple interface. Their kill switch function ensures that no data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
ProtonVPN’s interface is minimalist and privacy-focused, with advanced settings for port forwarding and custom routing. NordVPN’s map-based UI is more user-friendly, offering one-click connections and an easier setup for routers. Additionally, NordVPN’s Meshnet feature enables secure connections between multiple devices for private file sharing and remote work.
Security and compliance
Security is a top priority for both PIA and NordVPN, with both services employing AES-256 encryption. They also adhere to strict no-logs policies, ensuring that user data is not stored or tracked. Additionally, both VPNs provide DNS leak protection and support multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard.
ProtonVPN benefits from Swiss privacy laws and strengthens security with full-disk encryption and Secure Core servers, which route traffic through multiple privacy-friendly countries. NordVPN, based in Panama, offers a different approach with Onion over VPN for added anonymity and independent audits by firms like Deloitte to verify their no-logs policy. NordVPN also includes Threat Protection Pro, which blocks malware and ads even when the VPN isn’t active.
Pricing
Both VPNs offer monthly, annual, and multi-year plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They accept credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency for payment.
ProtonVPN provides a completely free plan with unlimited bandwidth for one device, making them a good option for users on a budget. Their paid plans start at $9.99 per month, but a two-year plan lowers the cost to $4.49 per month. NordVPN does not offer a free plan but provides a 7-day free trial for mobile users. Their cheapest two-year plan starts at $3.09 per month, but renewal prices increase significantly.
Conclusion
ProtonVPN and NordVPN both deliver strong security, privacy, and performance, making them popular choices for various users. They offer wide server networks, multiple VPN protocols, and essential features like split tunneling and ad blocking. While both services ensure ease of use across different devices, ProtonVPN emphasizes privacy with Tor over VPN and Secure Core routing, whereas NordVPN enhances user experience with features like Double VPN, Meshnet, and Threat Protection Pro. In terms of security, ProtonVPN benefits from Swiss privacy laws and full-disk encryption, while NordVPN relies on independent audits and advanced security tools. Pricing-wise, ProtonVPN offers a free plan, whereas NordVPN has lower long-term rates but higher renewal costs.