NordVPN
ProtonVPN
NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both NordVPN and ProtonVPN extensively to bring you this detailed comparison. From speed tests to privacy features, streaming capabilities to pricing, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
NordVPN takes the win in this comparison with better speed, value, and overall performance. However, ProtonVPN remains a solid choice if you prioritize Privacy.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | N NordVPN | P ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.5 Best | 9.1 |
| Speed Score | 95 Best | 89 |
| Privacy Score | 98 | 99 Best |
| Streaming Score | 96 Best | 87 |
| Servers | 6,400 Best | 4,600 |
| Countries | 111 Best | 91 |
| Max Devices | 10 | 10 |
| Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $9.99/mo Best |
| Best Price (2-year) | $3.29/mo Best | $4.99/mo |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✓ | ✓ |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | Panama | Switzerland |
Speed & Performance
Speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. We tested both VPNs connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Asia to measure real-world performance.
- Download: ~90% speed retained
- Upload: ~86% speed retained
- Latency: +3ms average
- Download: ~85% speed retained
- Upload: ~80% speed retained
- Latency: +6ms average
Winner: NordVPN – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how NordVPN and ProtonVPN compare on security features and privacy practices.
NordVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Panama jurisdiction
ProtonVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Switzerland jurisdiction
Winner: ProtonVPN – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
NordVPN
ProtonVPN
Winner: NordVPN – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how NordVPN and ProtonVPN compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Winner: NordVPN – $1.70/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
NordVPN
- Faster speeds (95 vs 89)
- Superior streaming unblocking
- More affordable pricing
- Larger server network (6,400 servers)
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN is faster with a speed score of 95/100 compared to ProtonVPN's 89/100. In our tests, NordVPN retained more of your base connection speed, especially on long-distance servers.
ProtonVPN scores higher on privacy (99/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. NordVPN is based in Panama while ProtonVPN is in Switzerland.
Yes, NordVPN is cheaper at $3.29/month on the 2-year plan compared to ProtonVPN's $4.99/month. NordVPN offers 34% savings.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. NordVPN has a higher streaming score (96/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
NordVPN has more servers with 6,400 servers in 111 countries. ProtonVPN has 4,600 servers in 91 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. NordVPN scores higher for torrenting (94/100) with optimized P2P servers.
NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, while ProtonVPN allows 10. ProtonVPN is better for households with many devices.
Yes, both VPNs include kill switches that block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting your real IP from exposure.
NordVPN offers better overall value with a score of 92/100. This considers price, features, performance, and the number of devices supported.
We recommend NordVPN for most users. It Privacy and offers better pricing. However, ProtonVPN may be better if you specifically need Privacy.