Comparison · VPN services
IVPN vs Proton VPN: which is better in 2026?
Proton VPN ranks higher in our list of VPN services (#2 against #3, score 91.0 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 89.5Editorial score91.0
- 6Platforms7
- NoFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose IVPN if you want
Open-source VPN for users who avoid email signup.
Open-source apps, no email needed to sign up and gateways on dedicated servers in 41 countries. It has no free plan, no port forwarding and no streaming guarantee.
Choose Proton VPN if you want
Free VPN from a Swiss company with open-source apps.
A free VPN plan, open-source clients and a Swiss company base, with paid tiers that bundle other Proton products. Advanced features and the fastest speeds are reserved for the paid plans.
The main differences
- Proton VPN can be used for free; IVPN requires payment.
Side by side
 IVPN |  Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 89.5 | 91.0 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 8 | #2 of 8 |
| Price | SubscriptionPaid plans only, from 2 dollars for one week (USD) | Free plan, paid upgradesFree VPN; paid Plus and Unlimited plans add features |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSCommand lineWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Command line | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSChromeOSBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Browser extension |
| Made by | IVPN Limited | Not stated |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Company base | Gibraltar | Switzerland (Proton) |
| Best for | Open-source VPN for users who avoid email signup | Free VPN from a Swiss company with open-source apps |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about IVPN vs Proton VPN
- Is Proton VPN better than IVPN?
- Proton VPN ranks higher in our list of VPN services (#2 against #3, score 91.0 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. IVPN is best for: open-source VPN for users who avoid email signup. Proton VPN is best for: free VPN from a Swiss company with open-source apps.
- Which is cheaper, IVPN or Proton VPN?
- IVPN: Paid plans only, from 2 dollars for one week (USD). Proton VPN: Free VPN; paid Plus and Unlimited plans add features.
- Do IVPN and Proton VPN run on the same platforms?
- IVPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Command line. Proton VPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Browser extension.