Choosing a VPN can feel like picking a bodyguard – you want the best protection possible.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to trust?
Two of the biggest names are NordVPN Vs ProtonVPN, both known for their strong security features.
In this showdown, we’ll examine their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide who will be the ultimate online security champion in 2025.
Get ready to learn about encryption, leak protection, and extra security tools to browse confidently.
Overview
We’ve spent weeks testing both NordVPN and ProtonVPN to give you the most accurate comparison.
We’ve looked at everything from their security features and speeds to their ease of use and customer support.
This hands-on experience gives us a clear picture of how these VPNs perform in the real world.
Ready for a faster, safer internet experience? NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 60 countries and boasts an average download speed of 360 Mbps!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.39/month
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
Ready for Proton VPN online security that doesn’t break the bank? Experience its privacy-focused features without any cost.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.99/month
Key Features:
- Secure Core Servers
- NetShield Ad-blocker
- Tor over VPN
What is NordVPN?
Have you ever heard of NordVPN? It’s one of the most popular VPNs around?
They have a vast server network, so you have many options for connecting, no matter where you are.
They also take your security seriously.
They have apps for all your devices. Etty convenient, right?
Also, explore our favorite NordVPN alternatives…
Experience the internet without limits! Join millions of users in 59 countries who trust NordVPN for blazing-fast speeds and bulletproof security. Try it out today!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
- Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
- Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.
Pricing
- Basic: $3.39/month – 1GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Plus: $4.39/month – 5GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Complete: $5.39/month – 10GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
Pros
Cons
What is ProtonVPN?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Check out ProtonVPN.
They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws.
They also have some unique security features. Do they offer a free version?
Also, explore our favorite Proton alternatives…
Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €9.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.
Key Benefits
- Secure Core Servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
- NetShield ad-blocker: Say goodbye to annoying ads!
- Tor over VPN: Access the dark web safely.
- Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track your activity.
- Open source and audited: Transparency is key!
Pricing
- 2-year: $2.99/month.
- 1-year: $4.99/month.
- 1-month: $9.99/month.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper and compare NordVPN and ProtonVPN head-to-head across key features.
This will help you see which VPN service best fits your needs.
1. Security
Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN are strong contenders in 2025 regarding security.
The offers military-grade encryption and essential features like a kill switch beach have unique advantages.
NordVPN offers Threat Protection, which blocks ads and malware.
ProtonVPN, on the other hand, provides Secure Core servers that route your traffic through multiple servers for increased anonymity.
2. Privacy
If privacy is your top priority, ProtonVPN might be the better choice.
They are based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws. otonVPN also has a strict no-logs policy.
While NordVPN also has a no-logs policy, they are based in Panama. Nama has less stringent privacy laws compared to Switzerland.
3. Speed
When it comes to VPN speed, NordVPN generally leads. In our tests, NordVPN consistently delivered faster speeds than ProtonVPN.
This makes NordVPN a better choice for activities like streaming and downloading. However, ProtonVPN’s speeds are still respectable for everyday browsing.
4. Streaming
Are you looking to unblock streaming services like Netflix? VPN is the winner here.
They have an extensive network of servers optimized for streaming.
This allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite content from anywhere.
While ProtonVPN can unblock some streaming services, it’s not as reliable as NordVPN in this area.
5. Servers
NordVPN boasts a significantly more extensive network of VPN servers.
They have over 5,700 servers in 60 countries, giving you many options for finding a fast and reliable VPN connection.
ProtonVPN has a smaller network with over 1,900 servers in 65 countries.
6. Features
Both VPN services offer a variety of features to enhance your online experience.
NordVPN offers features like Double VPN, which encrypts your traffic twice, and Onion Over VPN, which provides added anonymity.
ProtonVPN offers features like NetShield, an ad-blocker, and Tor over VPN. It also provides a free VPN plan with limited features.
7. Pricing
Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This allows you to try their services risk-free. rdVPN’s plans start at $3.49/month, while ProtonVPN’s paid plans start at $4.99/month.
ProtonVPN also offers a free plan with limited features and server locations.
If you’re looking for the best value, NordVPN’s extensive features and lower price point make it a strong contender among the best VPN services.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- No-logs policy: It is crucial for privacy that the VPN provider doesn’t keep logs of your online activity, which switch: This feature automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your data from being exposed.
- Split tunneling: This allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which ones don’t.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.).
- Customer support: If you encounter any issues, look for a VPN provider with responsive and helpful customer support.
- Independent audits: Some VPN providers undergo audits to verify their security claims, adding an extra layer of trust.
- Server locations: Consider where to access content from and choose a VPN with servers in those locations.
- Number of simultaneous connections: Check how many devices you can connect to the VPN simultaneously.
- Money-back guarantee: A money-back guarantee allows you to try the VPN risk-free and get a refund if you’re unsatisfied.
- Speed and performance: Look for a VPN that offers fast speeds and reliable streaming, downloading, and browsing performance.
- Streaming support: If you plan to use the VPN, make sure it can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Torrenting support: If you need a VPN for torrenting, choose one that allows P2P file sharing and has servers optimized for it.
Final Verdict
Choosing between NordVPN and ProtonVPN is tough. Both are excellent VPNs in 2024.
But we recommend NordVPN for most people.
It offers faster speeds and a larger server network. Plus, it’s super easy to use, even if you’re new to VPNs.
NordVPN is a great all-rounder that excels at unblocking streaming services and keeping you safe online.
That said, ProtonVPN is still a fantastic choice. ProtonVPN offers top-notch security and privacy features.
ProtonVPN also has a free plan, which is great for trying it out. If you’re really serious about privacy and don’t mind a slightly higher price, ProtonVPN is a solid option.
And if you already use ProtonMail, it might be the perfect fit for your needs.
Ultimately, your best VPN depends on your needs and priorities.
But with either NordVPN or ProtonVPN, you can’t go wrong.
Both are among the best VPNs on the market, and they both protect your privacy and security online.
More of NordVPN
We’ve looked at NordVPN alternatives, so how does NordVPN stack up directly against them? Here’s a quick comparison:
- NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Both are top-tier, but NordVPN often comes out slightly ahead with more features and sometimes better speeds for the price.
- NordVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN can be more affordable, but NordVPN is generally seen as more reliable with a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and is often cheaper for long-term plans, while NordVPN boasts a larger server count and sometimes faster speeds.
- NordVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN is a newer option that’s often budget-friendly, but NordVPN has a more established reputation, larger server network, and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN integrates with an ad blocker, which is unique. NordVPN is a more comprehensive VPN with a wider range of servers and features.
- NordVPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity. NordVPN offers more advanced features and customization options.
- NordVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for strong encryption. NordVPN offers a larger server network and a broader feature set.
- NordVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is budget-friendly. NordVPN is generally faster and has more features.
- NordVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. NordVPN focuses on VPN features and often has better performance.
- NordVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers. NordVPN often has better speeds and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is bundled with security software. NordVPN is a dedicated VPN service with more extensive features and better performance.
- NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for privacy and customization. NordVPN often has a more user-friendly interface and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. NordVPN uses a traditional server network known for its speed and reliability.
More of ProtonVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?
- ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
- ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
- ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
- ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
- ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
- ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
- ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
- ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN: ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN service with stronger security and privacy features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
- ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, NordVPN or ProtonVPN?
Both are excellent, but NordVPN usually wins for its speed and ease of use. ProtonVPN prioritizes privacy and has a free plan.
Is NordVPN or ProtonVPN better for security in 2024?
Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN are strong contenders for security in 2024, but ProtonVPN may have a slight edge with its Secure Core servers and strict no-logs policy. However, NordVPN also offers robust security features like military-grade encryption and Threat Protection.
What does ProtonVPN offer that NordVPN doesn’t?
ProtonVPN offers Secure Core servers, which route your traffic through multiple secure locations for increased anonymity. ProtonVPN also integrates seamlessly with ProtonMail, offering a comprehensive privacy solution.
Can I use ProtonVPN for free?
Yes, ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features and server locations. It’s a good way to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
Why would I use Proton instead of NordVPN?
If privacy is your absolute top priority and you value features like Secure Core servers, or if you already use ProtonMail, ProtonVPN might be a better fit. Unlike Proton, NordVPN doesn’t offer a free version.
