Comparison · VPN services
NordVPN vs Proton VPN: which is better in 2026?
Proton VPN ranks higher in our list of VPN services (#2 against #4, score 91.0 against 85.5).
Choose NordVPN if you want
A mainstream, easy-to-use VPN with broad device support.
Polished apps for most devices and a large server network, but no free plan and apps that are not open source, unlike Mullvad, IVPN or Proton VPN. Renewal prices can differ from the introductory price.
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 is open source; NordVPN is not.
- Proton VPN can be used for free; NordVPN requires payment.
Side by side
 NordVPN |  Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 85.5 | 91.0 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 8 | #2 of 8 |
| Price | SubscriptionNo free plan; paid subscriptions with a money-back period | Free plan, paid upgradesFree VPN; paid Plus and Unlimited plans add features |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSChromeOSBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Browser extension |
| Made by | Nord Security | Not stated |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Company base | Not stated on site | Switzerland (Proton) |
| Best for | A mainstream, easy-to-use VPN with broad device support | Free VPN from a Swiss company with open-source apps |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about NordVPN vs Proton VPN
- Is Proton VPN better than NordVPN?
- Proton VPN ranks higher in our list of VPN services (#2 against #4, score 91.0 against 85.5). NordVPN is best for: a mainstream, easy-to-use VPN with broad device support. Proton VPN is best for: free VPN from a Swiss company with open-source apps.
- Which is cheaper, NordVPN or Proton VPN?
- NordVPN: No free plan; paid subscriptions with a money-back period. Proton VPN: Free VPN; paid Plus and Unlimited plans add features.
- Do NordVPN and Proton VPN run on the same platforms?
- NordVPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension. Proton VPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Browser extension.