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VPNs comparison · 2026
ProtonVPN (85) and NordVPN (88) are closely matched — this is one of the tightest VPNs comparisons in our database, with just 3 points separating them overall. NordVPN has the edge on Streaming (92 vs 80). The two are closest on Price, where the gap is just 2 points. On pricing, NordVPN starts cheaper at $3.99/mo versus $4.99/mo. Use the radar chart and dimension table below to find which fits your specific priorities best.
ProtonVPN
Swiss privacy, open-source, and a solid free tier
85/100
NordVPN
The most recognisable VPN — fast and feature-rich
88/100
Radar comparison
ProtonVPN
85
NordVPN
88
Speed
Download and upload speed loss vs baseline
Privacy
Encryption, jurisdiction, and audit history
Server Network
Number of countries and server locations
Streaming
Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer unblocking rate
Price
Monthly cost and value for features
No-Logs Audit
Independent audit of no-logs policy
Device Support
Number of simultaneous connections and apps
Overall Score
ProtonVPN
Pros
Cons
NordVPN
Pros
Cons
Choose ProtonVPN if you value privacy most and have budget for $4.99/month or more. Choose NordVPN if you value server network most and have budget for $3.99/month or more. If neither dimension is a clear priority, NordVPN's higher overall score (88/100) makes it the safer default in the vpns category.
Based on our independent scoring across 7 dimensions, NordVPN scores 88/100 overall versus ProtonVPN's 85/100 — a 3-point margin. NordVPN leads on Privacy in particular. That said, ProtonVPN may still be the right choice if the dimensions where it scores higher match your specific priorities — the radar chart above shows the full profile side by side.
NordVPN starts cheaper at $3.99/month versus ProtonVPN's $4.99/month. At higher usage tiers, the gap may narrow depending on each tool's scaling model. Check the official pricing pages for current plans — SaaS pricing changes frequently.
ProtonVPN scores higher on No-Logs Audit — 96/100 versus 85/100 for NordVPN. If no-logs audit is your primary decision criterion, ProtonVPN is the stronger choice in this head-to-head.
Switching between vpns tools is generally possible but involves migration effort: exporting your data or configuration from ProtonVPN, re-importing or reconfiguring in NordVPN, and updating any API integrations or environment variables in your codebase. The effort scales with how deeply embedded the tool is in your stack. Test NordVPN on a non-production project first before migrating.
ProtonVPN (85/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise privacy — its strongest dimension — and who want a free entry point. NordVPN (88/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise server network and want a low-cost starting price. If both dimensions matter equally, the overall score winner (NordVPN) is the safer default choice.
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