Comparison
NordVPNvsProton VPN
It's a tie
NordVPNvsProton VPN
NordVPN and Proton VPN are neck and neck — both score within a fraction of each other on our DuelStack rating. On budget alone, Proton VPN wins with a free plan. Either is a solid choice — pick the one that fits your workflow.
NordVPN
Proton VPN
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad blocker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser extension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated IP | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Kill switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-device support | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-logs policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| P2P support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Server count 5000+ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Speed optimization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming unblock | ✓ | ✓ |
NordVPN Pricing
Proton VPN Pricing
NordVPN
Pros
- Fastest VPN speeds
- Audited no-logs policy
- Excellent streaming unblocking
Cons
- Higher renewal prices
- No free plan
Proton VPN
Pros
- Audited no-logs policy and open-source apps
- Unlimited data free plan with no ads
- Excellent streaming and torrenting support with port forwarding
Why we landed here
NordVPN and Proton VPN are neck and neck — both score within a fraction of each other on our DuelStack rating. On budget alone, Proton VPN wins with a free plan. Either is a solid choice — pick the one that fits your workflow.
The DuelStack Score (1–10) weights feature breadth (25%), pricing value (25%), pros/cons ratio (20%), tier flexibility (15%), and maturity + user rating (15%). Last updated June 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, NordVPN or Proton VPN?
NordVPN and Proton VPN are neck and neck — both score within a fraction of each other on our DuelStack rating. On budget alone, Proton VPN wins with a free plan. Either is a solid choice — pick the one that fits your workflow.
How much does NordVPN cost vs Proton VPN?
NordVPN starts at $12.99/month. Proton VPN offers a free plan.
Does NordVPN have a free plan?
NordVPN does not offer a free plan, but pricing starts at $12.99/month.
Does Proton VPN have a free plan?
Yes, Proton VPN offers a free plan with limited features.