Proton VPN vs NordVPN
Proton VPN leads NordVPN by 0.3 points overall (8.7 vs 8.4).
8.7/10, Excellent
8.4/10, Very good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Proton VPN9.5
Four independent no-logs audits, open-source apps and Swiss jurisdiction.
Privacy & audits
30% weight
NordVPN9.0
Several independent no-logs assessments have been published over the years.
Proton VPN9.0
Secure Core multi-hop, WireGuard, kill switch and NetShield blocking.
Security features
20% weight
NordVPN9.0
Own WireGuard-based protocol, kill switch, double VPN and threat-blocking options.
Proton VPN8.0
Unlimited-data free tier; paid plans are mid-priced.
Value for money
20% weight
NordVPN7.5
Good first-term pricing, but renewal rates are noticeably higher.
Proton VPN8.5
Open-source apps on all major platforms, including Linux.
Apps & ease of use
15% weight
NordVPN8.5
Native apps on all major platforms, including a Linux client.
Proton VPN7.5
Ten devices on paid plans, but only one on the free tier.
Devices & flexibility
15% weight
NordVPN7.5
Ten simultaneous devices covers most homes but is not unlimited.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Proton VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Money-back window | 30 days | 30 days |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 on paid plans; 1 on free | 10 |
| Independent audit published | Yes | Yes |
| Company jurisdiction | Switzerland | Panama |
| Main platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Proton VPN if…
You want something best for privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier.
- + Free tier with no data cap
- + Four independent no-logs audits
- + Open-source apps
Choose NordVPN if…
You want something best for people who want one capable VPN for every device.
- + Repeated independent no-logs audits
- + Strong security extras such as double VPN
- + Apps for every major platform
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Proton VPN vs NordVPN: quick answers
Is Proton VPN better than NordVPN?
Proton VPN leads NordVPN by 0.3 points overall (8.7 vs 8.4). Proton VPN scores higher on privacy & audits, value for money.
Who should choose NordVPN over Proton VPN?
NordVPN is best for people who want one capable VPN for every device. Proton VPN is best for privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier.
How were Proton VPN and NordVPN scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for VPN services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.