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 2026-06-22.
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.