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 secure emails.

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

We’ll start with a high-level snapshot of the contenders before diving deep into their features, costs, and limitations.

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: NordVPN has about twice the number of servers (6,060) as ProtonVPN (3,092), which is a significant advantage in terms of connectivity.
• Server locations: NordVPN has servers in 62 countries, while ProtonVPN has servers in 71. It’s a small difference, so rather than focusing on the number, choose based on what those locations are.

• Netflix access: Though 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 NordVPN. 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.

• How many devices can be connected: We could connect up to six devices simultaneously with NordVPN, which is respectable. With Proton, we could connect up to 10 devices at a time.
• 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. On the other hand, NordVPN has a 24/7 live chat option, which is very necessary. 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. However, NordVPN offers three different levels of service. There’s a VPN-only plan, a VPN with password manager, and VPN with all other Nord Security tools (secure cloud, file encryptor, etc.) With Proton, there was only a VPN-only plan and an all-in-one plan with ProtonVPN, Proton Drive, ProtonMail, etc. We also get even more into the details of what’s included in ProtonVPN’s various offerings in our ProtonVPN cost page.

However, ProtonVPN’s features vary depending on what subscription we decided on. Regardless of what option we chose, we were automatically signed up for a year of the service. We outlined the cost options of ProtonVPN below. We also get even more into the details of what’s included in ProtonVPN’s various offerings in our ProtonVPN cost page.

Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees. So, while our card would be 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.

We give NordVPN the win on cost. Their year option is more affordable, and we like that they gave us the flexibility to sign on for different amounts of time.

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.
• Outside of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes jurisdictions: With NordVPN’s headquarters in Romania, and ProtonVPN in Switzerland, both companies are located outside of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes jurisdictions. This means that they can never be forced to fork over our data to anyone, even to the government. We’re paranoid that we’re always being surveilled, especially by the GPS on our phones,2 so it’s important that both services cover their bases here.
• 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.
• 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

Now that we can finally come up for air, we’re ready to declare a winner. After careful consideration, if we had to choose between these two great options, we would go with NordVPN. Their reach is far more expansive, beating out ProtonVPN on the number of servers. Plus, it let us change our Netflix region more reliably than ProtonVPN. NordVPN is, in fact, one of the best VPNs for Netflix.

All said, there are a few caveats to consider that might make you choose ProtonVPN, namely the location of servers. Let’s say, for example, you’re traveling to East Asia. NordVPN has servers in only nine Asian countries, whereas ProtonVPN has 17. Because it has more servers in Asia, it’s more likely you’ll get better speed and connections from ProtonVPN than NordVPN.

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 entirely 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!