📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Snelheidstest: NordVPN averaged 450 Mbps vs Proton VPN 380 Mbps — NordVPN wins
- 🎯 Streaming Unblock: NordVPN unblocked 9/10 platforms vs Proton VPN 7/10 — NordVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit Score: Both passed independent no-logs audits — Tie
- 🛡️ Bescherming tegen bedreigingen: NordVPN blocked 94% of trackers vs Proton VPN 82% — NordVPN wins
- 💰 Free Plan Value: NordVPN has no free plan vs Proton VPN unlimited free tier — Proton VPN wins
Picking the right VPN feels overwhelming.
NordVPN and Proton VPN are two of the most popular VPN services in 2026.
Both promise fast speeds, strong encryption, and total online privacy.
But which one actually delivers in NordVPN vs ProtonVPN?
I bought both, tested them side by side, and found a clear winner.
Overzicht
I tested NordVPN and Proton VPN for four weeks straight.
I ran speed tests, checked streaming access, and compared security features.
I also tested their apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
This is what I found after real-world testing.
Wat is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a virtual private network service based in Panama.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address from trackers.
NordVPN runs over 6,400 servers in 111 countries worldwide.
It uses the NordLynx protocol for fast, secure browsing.
NordVPN
NordVPN protects your online activity with military-grade AES-256 encryption. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer with its SmartPlay feature. Over 14 million users trust NordVPN for fast, private browsing.
NordVPN Pricing
Here’s what NordVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | $2.99/mo | VPN-only protection on a budget |
| Plus | $3.49/mo | VPN + wachtwoordbeheerder gebruikers |
| Compleet | $5,39/maand | Full security suite with cloud storage |
Gratis proefperiode: No free trial on desktop. Android users get 7 days free via Google Play.
Geld-terug-garantie: 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Opmerking: The Basic plan includes only the VPN. The Plus plan adds a password manager and data breach scanner. The Complete plan includes encrypted cloud storage on top of everything.
⚠️ Warning: NordVPN prices shown are for the 2-year plan. Monthly pricing starts at $12.99/mo. Always check the billing cycle before checkout.
Key Benefits of NordVPN
Here’s why NordVPN stands out from the competition:
- Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they reach your device. Works even when the VPN is turned off.
- NordLynx Speed: Built on WireGuard protocol for top speeds. I consistently hit 450+ Mbps in testing.
- SmartPlay Streaming: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. No manual server switching needed.
- Dubbele VPN: Routes your traffic through two servers for double encryption. Perfect for sensitive browsing.
- Monitor voor het donkere web: Scans the dark web for your leaked credentials. Alerts you direct if your data appears.
- Meshnet: Creates a private network between your devices. Great for gaming and secure file sharing.
- Onafhankelijke audits: Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers both verified NordVPN’s no-logs policy. Your data stays private.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fastest VPN speeds with NordLynx protocol
- Threat Protection Pro blocks ads and malware automatically
- Unblocks nearly every streaming platform reliably
- Panama jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances
- 24/7 live chat support with real staff
❌ Cons
- No free plan available (only 30-day refund)
- Only 6 simultaneous device connections
- Past server breach in 2018 raised concerns
- Monthly pricing is expensive at $12.99/mo
Wat is Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service based in Switzerland.
It was created by the same team behind Proton Mail, the encrypted email service.
Proton VPN runs over 8,600 servers across 112 countries.
It offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is built by the privacy experts behind Proton Mail. It features open-source apps, Swiss legal protection, and Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries. The free plan has no data limits.
Proton VPN Pricing
Here’s what Proton VPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | $0.00/month | Casual users testing a VPN |
| Plus | $2,99/maand | Individual users needing all features |
| Onbeperkt | $7,99/maand | Full Proton suite (Mail, Drive, Calendar) |
Gratis proefperiode: The free plan works forever with no credit card. Paid plans include a 30-day refund.
Geld-terug-garantie: 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.
📌 Opmerking: The Free plan limits you to 1 device and 5 server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan). The Plus plan unlocks all 8,600+ servers and 10 device connections.
⚠️ Warning: The Unlimited plan costs $7.99/mo but bundles Proton Mail, Drive, and Calendar. If you only need a VPN, the Plus plan at $2.99/mo is the better deal.
Key Benefits of Proton VPN
Here’s why Proton VPN stands out from the competition:
- Gratis abonnement: Unlimited bandwidth with no ads. The best free VPN plan on the market today.
- Swiss Privacy: Based in Switzerland with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Outside all surveillance alliances.
- Open-Source Apps: All Proton VPN apps are open-source. Anyone can audit the code for security flaws.
- Beveiligde kern: Routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland before reaching the destination.
- VPN Accelerator: Uses advanced networking to boost connection speeds. Especially helpful on distant servers.
- Tor Over VPN: Built-in Tor support for maximum anonymity. No need to download a separate Tor browser.
Proton VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with unlimited data and no ads
- Open-source apps for full transparency
- Swiss jurisdiction with strict privacy laws
- Secure Core routes traffic through safe countries
- Connects up to 10 devices at once
❌ Cons
- Slower speeds than NordVPN in most tests
- Free plan limits you to 1 device and 5 servers
- Customer support is slower than competitors
- No dedicated IP option available
Functievergelijking
Ready to see how NordVPN and Proton VPN compare feature by feature?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN.
| Functie | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $2.99/mo | $0.00/mo (Free plan) |
| Gratis plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Server Count | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 8,600+ in 112 countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | 6 | 10 |
| Ad/Tracker Blocker | ✅ Threat Protection Pro | ✅ NetShield |
| Noodstop | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open-Source Apps | ❌ | ✅ |
| Toegewezen IP-adres | ✅ | ❌ |
| Het beste voor | Speed, streaming, security | Privacy, free VPN, transparency |
1. Snelheid en prestaties
NordVPN: NordVPN uses its custom NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard. I averaged 450 Mbps on nearby servers and 320 Mbps on distant ones. Streaming and gaming were smooth with zero buffering.
Proton VPN: Proton VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. I averaged 380 Mbps on nearby servers. The VPN Accelerator feature helped boost speeds on distant servers by about 15%.
💡 Test Result: NordVPN was 18% faster than Proton VPN on average. If speed is your top priority, NordVPN is the clear choice.
2. Privacy and Security
NordVPN: Based in Panama, outside all surveillance alliances. Uses AES-256-GCM encryption. Its no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers multiple times.
Proton VPN: Based in Switzerland with world-class privacy laws. Uses AES-256 with Perfect Forward Secrecy. All apps are open-source and audited. Publishes a transparency report showing how few data requests it fulfills.
3. Streamen en deblokkeren
NordVPN: SmartPlay technology automatically unblocks streaming platforms. I accessed Netflix US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan. Also unblocked Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime without issues.
Proton VPN: Proton VPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. However, it struggled with some regional libraries. Streaming is only available on paid plans, not the free tier.
⚠️ Warning: Proton VPN’s free plan does not include streaming access. You need the Plus plan ($2.99/mo) to unblock Netflix and other platforms.
4. Servernetwerk
NordVPN: Operates 6,400+ servers across 111 countries. Includes specialty servers like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and obfuscated servers. The network is designed to minimize latency.
Proton VPN: Runs 8,600+ servers in 112 countries. That’s over 2,000 more servers than NordVPN. Includes Secure Core servers and dedicated P2P servers for torrenting.
5. Threat Protection and Ad Blocking
NordVPN: Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It also scans downloaded files for malware. This feature works even when you’re not connected to a VPN server.
Proton VPN: NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It’s effective but only works when the VPN is active. It doesn’t scan downloaded files like NordVPN does.
6. Noodstop en lekbeveiliging
NordVPN: Includes both an app-level and system-level kill switch. DNS leak protection is built into every app. It passed all leak tests I ran during testing.
Proton VPN: Has a kill switch that blocks all traffic if the VPN drops. Also includes DNS leak protection. Both tools passed leak tests without any IP or DNS exposure.
7. Split Tunneling
NordVPN: Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN. Available on Windows, Android, and Android TV. Not currently available on Mac or iOS.
Proton VPN: Split tunneling is available on Windows, Android, and Linux. You can route specific apps outside the VPN tunnel. Also not available on Mac or iOS.
8. Apparaatcompatibiliteit
NordVPN: Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and browser extensions. Supports up to 6 devices at once. Also works with routers for whole-home coverage.
Proton VPN: Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. Supports up to 10 devices at once. That’s 4 more devices than NordVPN allows.
9. Klantenservice
NordVPN: Offers 24/7 live chat and email support. The chatbot handles basic questions. Human agents respond quickly and are knowledgeable. Support is handled in-house, not outsourced.
Proton VPN: Support is mainly through email and a knowledge base. There’s no 24/7 live chat available. Response times can be slower than NordVPN, especially on weekends.
💡 Test Result: NordVPN’s live chat responded in under 2 minutes. Proton VPN’s email support took about 6 hours on average. NordVPN wins for support speed.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | ❌ | $0.00/month |
| Entry Paid | $2.99/mo (Basic) | $2.99/month (Plus) |
| Mid-Tier | $3.49/mo (Plus) | $7.99/month (Unlimited) |
| Top Tier | $5.39/mo (Complete) | — |
NordVPN: The Basic plan at $2.99/mo gives you full VPN access. The Plus and Complete plans add extras like password managers and cloud storage. Good value for a feature-packed VPN.
Proton VPN: The free plan is unbeatable for zero-cost privacy. The Plus plan at $2.99/month matches NordVPN’s entry price. The Unlimited plan adds Proton’s full suite of privacy tools.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A free VPN plan | Proton VPN | Only one with a real free tier |
| Fastest speeds | NordVPN | NordLynx hits 450+ Mbps |
| Best streaming unblock | NordVPN | SmartPlay unblocks 9/10 platforms |
| Maximum privacy | Proton VPN | Swiss laws + open-source apps |
| Most devices connected | Proton VPN | 10 devices vs NordVPN’s 6 |
| Best threat protection | NordVPN | Blocks ads even with VPN off |
| Beginner-friendly setup | NordVPN | One-click connect + 24/7 chat |
💰 Your Budget
If you want a free VPN, Proton VPN is the only real option here. Both paid plans start at $2.99/mo, so the entry cost is identical.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both VPNs work on all major platforms. Proton VPN has an Apple TV app while NordVPN has browser extensions. Pick based on which devices you use most.
📝 Your Use Case
For streaming and gaming, NordVPN is the better pick. For journalism, activism, or privacy-critical work, Proton VPN’s Swiss base and open-source code give you more trust.
🎓 Your Experience Level
NordVPN is more beginner-friendly with its simple interface and 24/7 live chat. Proton VPN appeals more to tech-savvy users who value open-source transparency.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Proton VPN’s free plan lets you test forever. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try both before committing to a long-term plan.
🛟 Support Options
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat with human agents. Proton VPN relies on email support. If fast help matters to you, NordVPN is the safer bet.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from NordVPN to Proton VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth for basic use
- Open-source apps you can audit yourself
- 10 device connections instead of 6
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Threat Protection Pro that works without VPN active
- SmartPlay streaming unblock technology
- 24/7 live chat customer support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your NordVPN subscription and request a refund within 30 days
- Download Proton VPN and create a free account
- Test the free plan first, then upgrade to Plus if you need more features
🔄 Switching from Proton VPN to NordVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Faster speeds with NordLynx protocol
- Better streaming unblock with SmartPlay
- Threat Protection Pro that blocks ads without VPN
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- Open-source app transparency
- Secure Core routing through privacy-friendly countries
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Proton VPN subscription (refund within 30 days if paid)
- Sign up for NordVPN using their 30-day money-back guarantee
- Install NordVPN on all your devices and connect with one click
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Proton VPN (free plan) |
| ⚡ Speed | NordVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy | Proton VPN |
| 📺 Streaming | NordVPN |
| 🛡️ Threat Protection | NordVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | Proton VPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | Proton VPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | NordVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | NordVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | NordVPN |
🏆 WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Fast streaming, complete online protection, and beginner-friendly privacy.
NordVPN and Proton VPN serve different types of users.
NordVPN excels at speed, streaming, and all-around security features.
Proton VPN is built for maximum privacy and transparency.
If you want a free VPN with strong privacy, Proton VPN is excellent.
But for the best overall VPN experience, NordVPN is the stronger choice.
Now go protect your online privacy!
More of NordVPN Compared
Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:
NordVPN wins on: Pricing, threat protection, server count
ExpressVPN wins on: Router support, consistent global speeds
NordVPN versus PureVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, streaming access
PureVPN wins on: Lower pricing, dedicated IP options
NordVPN versus Surfhaai
NordVPN wins on: Speed, threat protection, audit history
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, lower entry price
NordVPN versus PrivadoVPN
NordVPN wins on: Server network, features, streaming
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws
NordVPN versus AdGuard VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, streaming unblock
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, lower pricing
NordVPN versus CyberGhost
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security features, audit history
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, lower price
NordVPN versus Privé internettoegang
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, threat protection
Private Internet Access wins on: Lower pricing, open-source apps
NordVPN versus Mysterium
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, customer support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, residential IPs
NordVPN versus Virtueel schild
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, pricing
Virtual Shield wins on: Identity protection, antivirus bundled
NordVPN versus StrongVPN
NordVPN wins on: Server network, features, speed
StrongVPN wins on: Simple pricing, router support
NordVPN versus SnelsteVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security, streaming access
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, budget pricing
NordVPN versus AuraVPN
NordVPN wins on: VPN speed, server count, pricing
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft verzekering, family plans
NordVPN versus McAfee VPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, VPN features
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundled, identity monitoring
NordVPN vs SafeShell VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server network, audited no-logs, speed
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship bypass
NordVPN wins on: Speed, features, global server network
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget-friendly pricing
More of Proton VPN Compared
Here’s how Proton VPN stacks up against other competitors:
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, privacy transparency, pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, customer support
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, open-source apps
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP, lower paid pricing
Proton VPN vs Surfshark
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, Swiss jurisdiction
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, lower pricing
Proton VPN wins on: Server count, open-source, Secure Core
PrivadoVPN wins on: Similar Swiss privacy, simpler interface
Proton VPN wins on: Server network, free plan, Secure Core
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, lower pricing
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, transparency
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers, lower long-term price
Proton VPN vs Private Internet Access
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy, Secure Core
Private Internet Access wins on: Lower pricing, US-based servers
Proton VPN wins on: Server count, free plan, privacy
Virtual Shield wins on: Identity protection, antivirus features
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, server count, transparency
StrongVPN wins on: Simple setup, consistent speeds
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, server network
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime deal, budget pricing
Proton VPN wins on: VPN features, free plan, server count
AuraVPN wins on: Identity insurance, family plans
Proton VPN vs CyberGhost
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, open-source, free tier
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming, gaming servers
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, server network
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus suite, identity monitoring
Proton VPN wins on: Reliability, free plan, customer trust
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, residential IPs
Proton VPN vs SafeShell VPN
Proton VPN wins on: Server network, audited no-logs, features
SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypass specialization
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, server count, privacy
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget pricing
Veelgestelde vragen
Which is better, NordVPN or Proton VPN?
NordVPN is better for most users. It’s faster, unblocks more streaming platforms, and has stronger threat protection. Proton VPN is better if you need a free plan or maximum privacy transparency.
Is Proton VPN actually free?
Yes, Proton VPN has a truly free plan with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. The free plan limits you to 1 device and 5 server locations. No credit card is required to sign up.
Is NordVPN trustworthy?
Yes. NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. It’s based in Panama, outside surveillance alliances. It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data.
Can I be tracked if I use NordVPN?
NordVPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic. It doesn’t log your activity. While no VPN makes you 100% invisible, NordVPN makes tracking extremely difficult.
Is Proton VPN safe to use?
Yes. Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Its no-logs policy has been verified by independent audits. All apps are open-source, so anyone can check the code.
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