Who each option suits
Proton VPN
Proton VPN suits privacy-focused users, journalists, and anyone who values transparency. Its apps are open source, its no-logs policy has been audited, and the company operates under Swiss law. Secure Core multi-hop and the Stealth protocol help on hostile or restrictive networks. It's also the easiest way to start for free, since the free plan has no data cap.
NordVPN
NordVPN suits people who want a fast, feature-rich VPN for streaming and travel. NordLynx is built on WireGuard, apps cover Android TV and Fire TV, and Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. Specialty servers include Double VPN and Onion over VPN. It has no free plan, but a 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it with less risk.
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| Metric | Proton VPN | NordVPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, no data cap (one device) | No free plan | Proton VPN |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | Panama | Tie |
| Open-source apps | Yes, on all platforms | Mostly closed source | Proton VPN |
| No-logs audits | Independently audited | Several independent audits since 2018 | Tie |
| Fast protocol | WireGuard, plus Stealth for restrictive networks | NordLynx (built on WireGuard) | Tie |
| Multi-hop | Secure Core via Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden | Double VPN | Proton VPN |
| Simultaneous devices | Up to 10 on Proton VPN Plus | Up to 10 | Tie |
| Streaming and TV | Streaming on paid plans; Android TV app | Android TV and Fire TV apps, SmartPlay | NordVPN |
| Ad and malware blocking | NetShield (paid plans) | Threat Protection | Tie |
How they compare
Privacy and jurisdiction
Proton AG is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws, and the same company runs Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass. NordVPN operates under Panama's jurisdiction, which NordVPN highlights because it has no mandatory data retention rules for services like VPNs. Both have had their no-logs policies independently audited. Proton's standout is transparency: all of its VPN apps are open source, so anyone can inspect the code. NordVPN's strengths are RAM-only servers and a long audit history, though its record includes a 2018 breach of one server at a third-party data center, disclosed in 2019, which it says exposed no activity logs.
Speed and protocols
Both rely on WireGuard for speed. NordVPN uses NordLynx, which adds a double NAT system to avoid storing user IP addresses, while Proton VPN uses standard WireGuard with its VPN Accelerator technology, which Proton says improves speeds on distant servers. Proton also offers Stealth, an obfuscated protocol for networks that block VPNs, while NordVPN uses obfuscated servers for the same purpose. Proton's Secure Core adds privacy but slows connections because traffic passes through an extra server, so switch it off when speed matters. On any given connection, your location and server choice matter more than the brand.
Free plan versus money-back guarantee
Proton VPN is one of very few reputable providers with a free plan that has no data cap. It's limited to one device, free servers in a small number of countries, little control over server choice, and no streaming or P2P, but it's a genuinely useful way to protect a laptop on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN has no free plan. Instead, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on direct purchases, which gives you the full service to test. Proton's paid plans also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so either way you can try the full product before committing.
Streaming and devices
NordVPN is the more streaming-focused of the two, with apps for Android TV and Fire TV and its SmartPlay feature built into the apps. Proton VPN supports streaming on paid plans and offers an Android TV app, but it doesn't have a smart DNS option for devices that can't run VPN apps. Both cover up to 10 devices on their main paid plans, and both can be set up on compatible routers. Remember that streaming services' terms may restrict using a VPN to change your location, and results vary over time for every provider.
Features and extras
NordVPN's app includes Threat Protection for ads, trackers, and malicious sites, specialty servers such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN, and optional dedicated IP addresses. Higher tiers can bundle other Nord Security products. Proton VPN's paid plans include NetShield ad and malware blocking, Secure Core, Tor over VPN servers, port forwarding, and split tunneling on several platforms. Proton's bundles, such as Proton Unlimited, add encrypted email, cloud storage, and a password manager from the same company, which suits anyone moving more of their digital life to a privacy-first provider.
Pricing
Proton VPN offers the free plan plus paid subscriptions, including Proton VPN Plus and bundles such as Proton Unlimited, with the lowest monthly cost on longer terms. NordVPN sells tiered subscriptions that are cheapest per month on one- or two-year plans. Both can charge more at renewal than the introductory rate, so check the renewal price before buying. If you only need a VPN occasionally, Proton's free plan may be all you need. For a full-featured paid VPN, compare current prices directly on each provider's site, since promotions change often.
How to decide
Choose Proton VPN if…
- Privacy, transparency, and open-source apps are your top priorities.
- You want a free plan with no data cap for occasional use.
- Secure Core multi-hop or the Stealth protocol would help on the networks you use.
- You already use, or want to use, Proton Mail, Drive, or Pass.
Choose NordVPN if…
- Streaming on Fire TV or Android TV is one of your main uses.
- You want ad, tracker, and malicious-site blocking and specialty servers in one app.
- You want a fast, polished all-rounder for travel and everyday use.
- You're happy to test a paid service with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom line
Choose Proton VPN if privacy and transparency matter most. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, audited no-logs claims, and Secure Core make it one of the most trustworthy options, and the free plan lets you start without paying. Choose NordVPN if you want a fast, feature-rich service for streaming, travel, and everyday security, with stronger TV support and more built-in extras. Both are credible, audited providers, so the decision comes down to whether you value privacy features or streaming and convenience more. Either way, test the paid plan within its refund window.
Top pick
NordVPN
NordVPN pairs its fast NordLynx protocol with audited no-logs claims, RAM-only servers, and apps for computers, phones, Android TV, and Fire TV. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies to direct purchases.
Visit NordVPNBest for privacy
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is Swiss-based, with open-source apps and an independently audited no-logs policy. Its free plan has no data cap, and paid plans add streaming support, Secure Core, and NetShield.
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FAQ
Is Proton VPN more private than NordVPN?
Both have independently audited no-logs policies, so neither should be keeping records of your activity. Proton VPN goes further on transparency: every app is open source, and the company is based in Switzerland. Its Secure Core feature also adds a multi-hop layer for high-risk situations. NordVPN's apps are mostly closed source, but it has a long audit history and RAM-only servers.
Is Proton VPN's free plan as good as NordVPN's paid plan?
No. Proton VPN Free is excellent for a free plan because there's no data cap, but it's limited to one device, a smaller set of server locations, little control over server choice, and no streaming or P2P support. NordVPN's paid plan offers far more locations, up to 10 devices, streaming-friendly servers, and extras such as Threat Protection.
Which is faster, Proton VPN or NordVPN?
Both use WireGuard-based protocols built for speed, so the difference on a given connection is usually small. Your location, the server you choose, and server load matter more than the brand. Avoid Secure Core or Double VPN when speed matters, because routing through two servers adds latency. The best test is trying both on your own connection.
Which works better with smart TVs?
NordVPN has apps for both Android TV and Amazon Fire TV, plus a SmartPlay feature for streaming inside its apps. Proton VPN offers an Android TV app but no smart DNS option for TVs that can't run VPN apps. For TVs that can't install apps at all, a VPN on your router is the usual solution with either provider.
Do both offer refunds?
Yes. NordVPN and Proton VPN both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans purchased directly from them, while app store purchases follow Apple's or Google's refund policies. Proton VPN Free is permanent, so you can also try Proton's apps without paying anything before deciding on a subscription.
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