NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Which One Is Actually Worth It?

Winnaar

4.5

• 6,400+ Servers in 111 Countries
• NordLynx for Faster Speeds
• Threat Protection Pro Built-In
• Dedicated IP Available
• Dubbele VPN & Onion Over VPN
• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
• Plans from $2.99/mo

PROBEER NU

Tweede plaats

3.5

• 8,600+ Servers in 112 Countries
• Free Plan with No Gegevens Limits
• Open-Source Apps for Trust
• Swiss Privacy Protection
• Secure Core Multi-Hop Routing
• Proton Mail Bundle Available
• Free Plan or $2.99/mo

PROBEER NU

Are you struggling to pick the right virtual private network for your online safety?

NordVPN and ProtonVPN are two of the biggest names in the vpn industry today.

Both promise to hide your ip address and protect your browsing data from snoopers.

But which vpn provider truly delivers the best vpn features for your money?

I tested NordVPN vs ProtonVPN side by side for four weeks.

I ran speed tests, checked for dns leaks, and tried streaming sites on both.

I also tested each vpn server on my Windows laptop, my Android phone, and a Linux desktop.

Both vpn providers offer strong encryption and a strict no logs policy.

But they differ in speed, pricing, and extra beveiliging functies.

This honest breakdown will help you pick the right vpn service for your needs.

Overzicht

I spent weeks using each vpn provider on my daily apparaten.

I tested both vpn services on Windows, Mac, and my mobile device.

I checked internet speeds, security features, and how well each vpn app handled streaming.

My goal was to give you an honest nordvpn review alongside a fair proton vpn review.

I compared vpn protocols, tested the kill switch on both, and ran a dns leak test multiple times.

I also checked how each vpn handles split tunneling and double vpn routing.

Every finding in this article comes from real-world testing on real devices.

Let’s dig into the results and find the right vpn for you.

Whether you want a reliable free vpn or a premium vpn with extra tools, this guide covers everything you need.

Wat is NordVPN?

NordVPN is a premium vpn service run by Nord Security.

It creates an encrypted vpn tunnel between your device and the internet.

This hides your ip addresses from your internet service provider and hackers.

NordVPN is based in Panama, far outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance.

The nordvpn app works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and android tv.

NordVPN is not just a vpn — it also includes malware protection and tracker blocking.

NordVPN

NordVPN protects your internet connection with military-grade encryption. It has 6,400+ vpn servers across 111 countries and offers threat protection to block ads and malware.

TRY NORDVPN NOW →

READ FULL REVIEW →

NORDVPN TUTORIAL →

NordVPN Pricing

Here’s what a nordvpn subscription costs in 2026.

Gratis proefperiode: No free plan, but Android users get a 7-day trial through Google Play.

Geld-terug-garantie: NordVPN offers a full 30 day money back guarantee on all plans.

Key Benefits of NordVPN

Here’s why nordvpn users love this vpn company:

NordVPN Pros & Cons

Wat is ProtonVPN?

ProtonVPN is a secure vpn built by Proton Technologies AG, the same team behind Proton Mail.

It creates an encrypted vpn tunnel to keep your internet traffic private.

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, a country with some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.

The proton vpn app is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and android tv.

Proton vpn offers a free tier with unlimited bandwidth and no ads.

All proton apps are open-source, so anyone can check the code for security flaws.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN protects your privacy with Swiss-based encryption and open-source code. It has 8,600+ proton vpn servers across 112 countries. Does proton vpn work well? Yes, it even has a free vpn plan with no data caps.

TRY PROTONVPN NOW →

READ FULL REVIEW →

PROTONVPN TUTORIAL →

ProtonVPN-prijzen

Here’s what Proton VPN costs in 2026.

Gratis proefperiode: Proton vpn offers a truly free vpn plan with no time limits. You get unlimited bandwidth on servers in 3 countries.

Geld-terug-garantie: All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Key Benefits of ProtonVPN

Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out among other vpn providers:

ProtonVPN Pros & Cons

Functievergelijking

Let’s compare NordVPN and ProtonVPN across 10 key categories.

This will help you see which vpn service fits your needs.

1. Servernetwerk en locaties

2. Speed & Performance

3. Privacy & No-Logs Policy

4. Beveiligingsfuncties

5. Streaming & Unblocking

6. Apps & Device Support

7. Split Tunneling

8. Tor & Dark Web Access

9. Klantenservice

10. Pricing & Cost

Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.

Different Scenarios

Switching Guide

Already using one of these vpn services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.

Eindconclusie

NordVPN and ProtonVPN are both excellent vpn services, but they serve different users.

NordVPN is the better choice if you want the fastest vpn connection and top streaming access.

It’s more than just a vpn — it’s a full secure network toolkit.

Nordvpn offers dedicated ip addresses, threat protection, and the fastest wireguard vpn protocol.

Nordvpn’s apps are polished and easy to use on every platform.

The windows client connects in seconds and the nordvpn’s ios app runs smoothly.

ProtonVPN is the better pick for privacy-focused users who want a free version to start.

If you’re a linux user or value open-source code, ProtonVPN is your match.

Proton vpn good privacy tools make it the top pick for journalists and activists.

However, for most people who need a premium vpn with the best speed and features, NordVPN wins.

Both vpn companies have earned their spot among the top other vpn providers in 2026.

Now, go out and protect your internet connection today!

More of NordVPN Compared

Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:

More of ProtonVPN Compared

Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:

Veelgestelde vragen

Is NordVPN actually a good VPN?

Yes, I tested nordvpn and found it to be an excellent vpn service.

It won 7 out of 10 categories in our comparison.

Nordvpn offers fast speeds through the NordLynx protocol, which is built on the wireguard vpn protocol.

It also blocks malware with threat protection and unblocks all major streaming services.

If you want more than just a vpn, NordVPN delivers a full secure vpn experience.

You can also set up nordvpn using openvpn configuration files if you prefer manual setup on routers.

The nordvpn’s windows app and the android app both let you switch between different vpn protocols with one tap.

Is Proton VPN really free?

Yes, Proton VPN has a truly free vpn plan with no data caps.

The free version gives you unlimited bandwidth on servers in 3 countries.

However, the free tier limits you to one device and doesn’t include features like secure core or port forwarding.

Among other free vpns, Proton VPN’s free plan is the most trusted option.

It runs no ads and keeps no ip logs.

If you need more vpn connections or faster server locations, upgrade to the Plus plan.

Which is better NordVPN or Proton VPN?

NordVPN is better for most users who want speed and streaming access.

It’s faster, unblocks more streaming sites, and has live chat support.

ProtonVPN is the better pick if you need a free vpn or want open-source vpn apps.

Both offer a strict no logs policy and strong security features.

Your choice depends on whether you value speed and streaming or privacy and transparency more.

Other vpn services struggle to match either of these vpn providers.

NordVPN is the better all-around vpn provider for most people.

Can you be tracked with NordVPN?

It’s very hard to be tracked when using NordVPN.

The vpn connection encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real ip address.

NordVPN keeps zero ip logs and has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte.

Your internet service provider can see you’re using a vpn but cannot see what you do.

NordVPN also has dns leak protection to prevent accidental exposure.

You can run a dns leak test to confirm your vpn tunnel is working.

Nordvpn’s kill switch blocks all browser traffic if the vpn connection drops.

The custom dns server option adds another layer of privacy to your vpn server connection.

Who owns Proton VPN?

Proton Technologies AG owns ProtonVPN.

The company is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

It was founded by scientists who met at CERN.

Proton Technologies AG also makes Proton Mail, one of the most popular encrypted email services.

The company operates under Swiss law, which has some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.

All proton apps and proton services are developed in-house.

Does proton vpn work under independent oversight? Yes, proton vpn passed multiple third-party audits for its no-logs policy.

You can read more about the vpn company and its mission on proton vpn’s website.

Proton vpn good reputation comes from years of commitment to user privacy.