When looking for a reliable VPN service, NordVPN and ProtonVPN are two top names that frequently come up as leading options. Both are known for their strong security, advanced features, and solid reputations in the industry.
However, with so many choices available, it’s important to understand the differences between these two services to determine which one is better suited to your needs in 2024.
This article will cover 10 key differences between NordVPN and ProtonVPN, including aspects such as security, speed, pricing, server availability, and other features.
Overview of NordVPN and ProtonVPN
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that safeguards your online connection and privacy. By creating an encrypted tunnel for your data, NordVPN hides your IP address and secures your activities when using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
ProtonVPN
Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is another VPN provider that offers a no-logs policy, ensuring your digital privacy and security. ProtonVPN can be used to access blocked content, and its app is available on various platforms including Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS.
10 Key Differences Between NordVPN and ProtonVPN
1. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Company Origin and Reputation
- NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, based in Panama. Panama is known for its strict privacy policies, which do not require companies to store user data. NordVPN has long been recognized as a leading VPN provider, especially for its robust security and consistent speed.
- ProtonVPN is managed by Proton AG, a Swiss company also known for its secure email service, ProtonMail. Switzerland has strict privacy laws, making ProtonVPN a highly secure choice. ProtonVPN is known for its strong focus on privacy and internet freedom, with a strict no-logs policy and advanced technology to bypass censorship.
2. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: User Security and Privacy
- NordVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption, which is considered the gold standard in data security. Key security features include Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec (to block ads and malicious websites). NordVPN also supports the WireGuard protocol with its own implementation called NordLynx, providing enhanced security and speed.
- ProtonVPN also employs AES-256-bit encryption with OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec security protocols. ProtonVPN offers the Secure Core feature, which routes traffic through multiple servers before leaving the ProtonVPN network, adding an extra layer of security. Additionally, ProtonVPN has a very strict no-logs policy and supports Tor over VPN.
Conclusion: Both are highly secure, but if you’re looking for additional security features like Secure Core, ProtonVPN may be more appealing.
3. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Which is Faster?
When it comes to speed performance, NordVPN excels across various locations worldwide. ProtonVPN also delivers good results, offering fast and stable connections globally, but it isn’t as consistent as NordVPN.
With over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN provides excellent speed. The NordLynx protocol ensures high speeds even when using distant servers. Users generally report consistent performance with minimal speed drops, making it suitable for streaming and gaming.
ProtonVPN has over 1,700 servers in more than 60 countries. Although this is fewer compared to NordVPN, ProtonVPN still offers adequate speed, particularly with servers in strategic locations. ProtonVPN may have slightly slower speeds compared to NordVPN, but this is offset by the additional security provided by the Secure Core feature.
Conclusion: If speed is your top priority, NordVPN may be the better choice.
4. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Pricing and Subscription Plans
NordVPN’s monthly plan starts at $11.99, with significant discounts for annual and two-year plans. This makes it a more cost-effective choice in the long run. NordVPN offers various customizable subscription plans, including options to add encrypted cloud storage.
ProtonVPN provides a very limited free plan, while its paid plans start at €4.99 per month for the Basic plan. The Plus plan, which includes Secure Core and additional features, costs €9.99 per month. ProtonVPN offers flexibility in choosing a plan based on your security and privacy needs.
Conclusion: NordVPN is more affordable for users seeking long-term value, while ProtonVPN offers greater flexibility with its free plan options.
5. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Number of Servers and Server Locations
NordVPN offers over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, providing extensive global coverage and stable speeds across various regions. It includes specialized servers for P2P, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN.
In contrast, ProtonVPN has more than 1,700 servers in over 60 countries. Although it has fewer servers, ProtonVPN features servers in strategic locations with its Secure Core for additional security. ProtonVPN also offers servers for P2P and Tor over VPN.
Conclusion: If you need more server options, NordVPN is the winner, but ProtonVPN excels in server security.
6. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Device Compatibility
NordVPN supports up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single account. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, as well as routers, smart TVs, and browsers. NordVPN’s interface is well-designed and user-friendly across all platforms.
ProtonVPN supports up to 10 devices with the Plus plan and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. ProtonVPN’s interface is also simple and easy to use, with a focus on security.
Conclusion: ProtonVPN offers greater device support with its Plus plan, which can be a significant advantage if you have multiple devices.
7. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Streaming and Bypassing Geographical Restrictions
NordVPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming services with high speed and no buffering. Its SmartPlay feature helps users easily bypass geographical restrictions.
ProtonVPN can also unblock Netflix and other streaming services, but speeds might be slightly slower compared to NordVPN. ProtonVPN focuses more on security, so its ability to bypass geographical restrictions may not be as reliable as NordVPN’s.
Conclusion: NordVPN excels in streaming and bypassing geographical restrictions.
8. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Customer Support
NordVPN offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, and a comprehensive help center. Users report quick responses and highly helpful support.
ProtonVPN provides support via email and an online knowledge base. While it does not offer live chat, ProtonVPN’s team is known to be responsive via email. Responses may take longer, but they generally provide thorough and informative answers.
Conclusion: NordVPN has faster and more accessible customer support.
9. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Payment Options and Refunds
NordVPN accepts a variety of payment methods including credit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies. It offers a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.
ProtonVPN accepts payments via credit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, and other methods. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only for paid plans.
Conclusion: Both offer flexibility in payment options and similar refund policies.
10. NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Ratings and Reviews on Platforms
NordVPN receives positive reviews across various platforms such as Trustpilot, the App Store, and Google Play, with users praising its speed, security, and customer support. Most users are satisfied with NordVPN’s overall performance, especially regarding streaming and security.
ProtonVPN also garners positive reviews, particularly on PCmag and the App Store, with a focus on privacy and its no-logs policy. Users who highly value privacy and security tend to prefer ProtonVPN.
Conclusion: Both VPNs receive high ratings but with different focuses. NordVPN excels in performance and speed, while ProtonVPN stands out in privacy and security.
NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: A Comprehensive Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Company Origin | Owned by Nord Security, based in Panama | Managed by Proton AG, a Swiss company |
| Reputation | Known for strict privacy policies and robust security | Known for a strong focus on privacy and internet freedom |
| Privacy Laws | Panama has strict privacy laws that do not require companies to store user data | Switzerland has strict privacy laws, making ProtonVPN highly secure |
| User Security & Privacy | Uses AES-256-bit encryption; Double VPN, Onion over VPN, CyberSec (ad blocking), WireGuard (NordLynx) | Uses AES-256-bit encryption with OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec; Secure Core feature for additional security, Tor over VPN |
| No-Logs Policy | Audited no-logs policy | Strict no-logs policy |
| Speed Performance | Excels across various locations worldwide with NordLynx protocol; over 5,500 servers in 60 countries | Offers fast and stable connections globally but slightly slower than NordVPN; over 1,700 servers in more than 60 countries |
| Pricing & Subscription Plans | Monthly plan starts at $11.99 with significant discounts for annual and two-year plans; customizable plans including encrypted cloud storage | Limited free plan; paid plans start at €4.99 per month (Basic) and €9.99 per month (Plus) |
| Customizable Plans | Offers various customizable subscription plans | Offers flexibility in choosing a plan based on security and privacy needs |
| Number of Servers & Locations | Over 5,500 servers in 60 countries; includes specialized servers for P2P, Double VPN, Onion over VPN | Over 1,700 servers in over 60 countries; features servers for P2P and Tor over VPN with Secure Core for additional security |
| Device Compatibility | Supports up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single account; compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs, browsers | Supports up to 10 devices with the Plus plan; compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers |
| Interface Ease | Well-designed and user-friendly interface across all platforms | Simple and easy-to-use interface with a focus on security |
| Streaming & Bypassing Geographical Restrictions | Can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer with high speed and no buffering; SmartPlay feature helps bypass geographical restrictions | Can unblock Netflix but speeds might be slightly slower compared to NordVPN; focuses more on security than bypassing restrictions |
| Customer Support | Offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, comprehensive help center | Provides support via email and online knowledge base; responses may take longer but generally provide thorough answers |
| Payment Options & Refunds | Accepts credit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrencies; offers a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee | Accepts credit card payments via PayPal or Bitcoin; provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid plans |
| Ratings & Reviews on Platforms | Receives positive reviews across platforms like Trustpilot and App Store; users praise speed, security, customer support | Garners positive reviews particularly on PCmag and App Store; users highly value privacy and security |
Conclusion: Which Is Better in 2024?
Choosing between NordVPN and ProtonVPN depends on your priorities. If speed, streaming, and customer support are most important to you, NordVPN may be the better choice. However, if privacy, security, and a focus on a no-logs policy are your top priorities, ProtonVPN could be the more suitable solution.
However, if you’re looking for a VPN solution that offers a balance between speed, security, and ease of use at an affordable price, both NordVPN and Surfshark VPN are excellent choices.
NordVPN:
Known for its exceptional speed and robust security features, NordVPN offers over 6,200 servers globally, making it ideal for streaming and privacy protection.
Surfshark:
This budget-friendly option allows unlimited simultaneous connections, providing excellent value for families or users with multiple devices.
NordVPN provides a strong combination of speed, security, and features, while Surfshark VPN offers added value with features such as MultiHop for enhanced security, CleanWeb to avoid ads and malware, and Unlimited Device Connection, which allows you to protect all your devices without limits. Therefore, if you’re looking for an efficient and easy-to-use VPN solution, both NordVPN and Surfshark VPN are worth considering.
