Proton VPN
Free / from ~$3.99 per mo (1-yr)
NordVPN
From ~$3.49/mo (2-yr) to ~$12.99/mo (monthly)
Proton VPN is the privacy-first, open-source choice with a genuine free tier and a strong reputation. NordVPN is feature-packed with a larger server network and fast speeds. Proton wins on privacy ethos and free access; NordVPN wins on features and network size.
Pick Proton VPN if privacy and transparency matter most, you want open-source apps, or you want a genuinely usable free tier.
Pick NordVPN if you want more features, a larger server network, and fast speeds, and do not need a free tier.
Proton VPN and NordVPN are both strong, audited no-logs VPNs, but they lead with different things. Proton VPN, from the maker of Proton Mail, is privacy-first and open-source, based in Switzerland, with a strong transparency reputation and a genuinely usable free tier (unlimited data on a limited set of servers). NordVPN is feature-packed: a very large server network, extra tools like Threat Protection and Meshnet, fast speeds, and a polished app, though it has no free tier.
On price, Proton VPN has a free tier and paid plans from around $3.99 a month (1-year), while NordVPN starts around $3.49 a month on a two-year plan. The choice is mostly privacy ethos and free access (Proton) versus features and network size (NordVPN).
We compare privacy, free tier, features, speed, and price.
| Quick facts | Proton VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes (unlimited data) | No |
| Cheapest paid | From ~$3.99/mo (1-yr) | ~$3.49/mo (2-yr) |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Server network | Large | Very large, 110+ countries |
| Best for | Privacy + free access | Features + network |
Each row reflects the feature on each product's current public release.
| Feature | P Proton VPN | N NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Audited no-logs policy | Yes | Yes |
| Genuine free tier | Yes | No |
| Open-source apps | Yes | No |
| Own fast protocol | WireGuard | NordLynx |
| Extra tools (threat/ad block, mesh) | Some | More (Threat Protection, Meshnet) |
| Large server network | Large | Very large |
| Streaming unblocking | Good | Strong |
| Privacy-first reputation | Best-in-class | Strong |
Pricing and features change often. Always verify the current details on each product's official site. Last reviewed June 2026.
Things neither product's marketing page leads with.
Proton VPN's free tier and open-source, privacy-first ethos are standout advantages; NordVPN has no free tier.
NordVPN packs in more features and a larger network, but Proton's transparency reputation is hard to beat.
Both advertise low long-term rates that renew higher, so budget for the renewal, not just the intro term.
The average person juggles a dozen subscriptions and forgets at least one. Subkept is a privacy-first subscription tracker: add Proton VPN, NordVPN, and everything else, then get renewal reminders, price-hike alerts, and a clear monthly total, with no bank connection, ever. Free for up to 5 subscriptions, no time limit.