ProtonVPN vs. NordVPN

We’ve compared dozens of VPNs, but this one right here is one of the toughest: ProtonVPN vs. NordVPN. Proton and Nord Security, the companies behind these two VPNs, have impeccable reputations. Both offer cybersecurity and privacy tools that range from secure cloud drives and password managers to privacy-oriented email services.

Even if we put blinders on and focus on just their VPNs, it’s still tough. Both VPNs have strong security features, a wide-reaching network of servers, and offer extra perks for privacy. But when push comes to shove, which VPN is better? Or, does it depend on who’s asking? We’ll go through all our most important criteria, and then wrap it up for you at the end with a final decision. Let’s jump right in!

ProtonVPN vs. NordVPN: Similarities and Differences

Let me break down what makes these two VPN heavyweights tick. After testing both extensively, I’ve got the inside scoop on their strengths and quirks.

Differences

Let’s get to the interesting part first. Here are the main differences between these two VPNs, and why it matters.

• Number of servers: ProtonVPN offers about 5,000 more servers than NordVPN, although they both cover 127 countries. In practical terms? Both networks are robust enough to handle peak traffic without those annoying slowdowns during prime streaming hours.

• Netflix access: Though we accessed Netflix through both NordVPN and ProtonVPN, we were unable to see other countries’ shows unless we subscribed to the more expensive Plus plan version for ProtonVPN. Watching shows from the U.K. (hello, Love Island) is one of our favorite reasons for using a VPN, and we didn’t like that we had to pay extra for this feature.

• Customer service: Both companies have a compilation of past user questions available in a searchable database, so if we ran into an issue we would be able to troubleshoot and ideally, find a solution. However, we had a question about ProtonVPN’s subscription tiers that we couldn’t find the answer to, and had to submit an online ticket to get tailored help. We could only access their live chat after buying a subscription, which didn’t help in our case. On the other hand, NordVPN has a 24/7 live chat option. Our questions about Netflix were answered quickly, and the representative we worked with was super friendly.
• Subscription Options: With both VPNs, we were able to choose a one-month, one-year, or two-year subscription. Proton now offers an impressive all-in-one bundle called Proton Unlimited that includes access to all their tools, starting at $7.99 per month. We get more into the details of what’s included in ProtonVPN’s various offerings on our ProtonVPN cost page. NordVPN counters with four tiers that focus more on cybersecurity features rather than productivity tools:

NordVPN takes this round for options with more comprehensive digital protections.

Similarities

And now, we can end on a unifying note. Here are the things ProtonVPN and NordVPN have in common, so no matter which option you go with, you’ll be covered.

• Encryption standards: Both services make good use of AES-256 encryption, the highest standard, and the most commonly used method.
• Server locations: While ProtonVPN offers more servers, both VPNs maintain presence in 127 countries. Whether you need to appear in Tokyo for region-locked content or connect through Iceland for privacy, you’re covered either way.
• How many devices can be connected: With both services, we could connect up to ten devices simultaneously. That let us use one subscription for two people since we only had four devices each.
• Money-back guarantee: Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees. So, while our card were charged right off the bat, we would be able to get our money back if we reached out to cancel the service within 30 days of subscribing, with no questions asked. Of course, ProtonVPN does offer a free version, but the features are so minimal that it wouldn’t really be a fair representation of the service.
• Outside of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes jurisdictions: With NordVPN’s headquarters in Panama, and ProtonVPN in Switzerland, both companies are located outside of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes jurisdictions.2 This means the U.S. government cannot force them to hand over user data.
• Features: Let’s face it; most VPNs offer similar feature sets. With either NordVPN or ProtonVPN, we got split tunneling, access to different IP addresses, and of course, privacy protection through encryption. They each even offer multihop, which is when the VPN routes your connection through two servers for added privacy, although they each call it a different name. ProtonVPN calls multihop Secure Core and NordVPN calls it Double VPN.
• Ability to torrent: We shared our favorite memes via peer-to-peer file sharing, or torrenting, with our pals across the room with both services.
• Kill switch: Lastly, both services came with a kill switch. A kill switch is a network lock feature that is an excellent fail-safe for the unlikely event that a VPN connection fails. If our VPN failed, the kill switch would close out all our web traffic, so we don’t risk exposure even if only for a short period of time.

In Conclusion

After putting both VPNs through their paces, NordVPN wins by a hair. Their pricing structure gives you more bang for your buck with a wider range of features. Plus, their cybersecurity bundles feel more comprehensive for the average user looking to lock down their digital life.

That said, ProtonVPN isn’t chopped liver. Their commitment to privacy runs deep. These are the folks behind ProtonMail, after all. If you’re already using Proton’s ecosystem or prioritize Swiss privacy laws, ProtonVPN makes perfect sense. Their free tier also remains one of the most generous in the industry, though it won’t get you those international Netflix libraries.

Here’s a cheat sheet to find the VPN that’s not just the best by our standards, but is the perfect match for your specific needs.

All said it’s possible that neither of these VPNs is right for you. If that’s the case, we’ve got plenty of resources for you to leaf through in your tireless quest to protect your Internet security. A great place to start out is our review of the best VPNs. Additionally, if you were tempted by ProtonVPN’s affordable options, but the service didn’t make the cut, we’ve got more cost-effective options in our best cheap VPNs article. Happy hunting!