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Virtual private networks or VPNs, serve as your online personal security system. It encrypts your identity and internet activity to add an extra layer of online protection from cybercriminals, government officials and corporations. The growing demand for VPNs has resulted in an abundance of options in the market.
This article will help you navigate through the sea of choices by comparing the two leading providers—NordVPN and Proton VPN. We compare these two companies from the perspective of price, features and usability to help you determine which one is best for your needs.
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Proton VPN vs. NordVPN: At a Glance
NordVPN and Proton VPN are both amazing choices for users seeking a secure experience online. They dedicatedly protect user security with features such as a kill switch, strict no-logs policies and military-grade AES-256 encryption, ensuring your files and data stays safe and your online presence remains anonymous. They also both provide compatibility with a range of mobile and desktop operating systems.
In terms of server network, NordVPN takes the lead with an impressive count of 5,809 servers. While Proton VPN has a smaller network with less than half of NordVPN’s server count, it compensates for this by spreading its servers across a broader geographical area. Proton VPN also allows users to connect to more devices simultaneously, making it a better option for families.
Proton VPN
On ProtonVPN’s secure website
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN made it to our list of the best VPNs for Tor integrations. Proton VPN offers seamless access to the Tor network directly through the VPN app. This makes it easy for any user to connect to the Tor network with just one click without the need for complicated setup or additional software.
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which is a country known for strict privacy laws. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy. This combined with Tor gives you a higher degree of anonymity online. Unlike many VPN providers, Proton VPN has a free plan.
Pros & Cons
- Free version
- Open source
- High-speed streaming
- The dedicated IP address add-on is just for business users
- Free plan doesn’t include Tor over VPN
- Limited to 10 devices
NordVPN
Why We Picked It
NordVPN is a top-notch VPN service. With AES-256 encryption, an ad and malware blocker, double VPN services, a dark web monitor and more than 5,000 servers, it is one of the most secure VPNs on the market.
NordVPN allows its users to enhance their VPN plan with an important selection of add-ons such as NordLocker for encryption of files; NordPass, which serves as a dedicated IP address and a password manager for your utmost security. Indian customers can add on Incognito to help remove personal information from third-party databases.
Pros & Cons
- Dedicated IP (DIP) add-on available
- Ability to install VPN to router
- More than 5,000 servers
- Limited to six simultaneous connections
- Pricey dedicated IP
- Lacks pricing transparency for business tiers
How Proton VPN and NordVPN Stack UP
Both VPNs offer basic security features including a no-logs policy, ad blockers and strong encryption. Both offer multiple simultaneous connections, NordVPN allows for six devices while Proton VPN allows up to 10 devices. To enhance and maintain transparency, 100% of Proton VPN apps are open source. This means anybody can examine their code. Three of NordVPN’s products—Libtelio and Libdrop-are open source and the NordVPN app on Linux.
Kill Switch
Both VPNs offer a Kill Switch feature, which automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your data remains secure.
Dedicated IP
Unlike shared IPs that are used by multiple users, a dedicated IP is a unique internet address assigned solely to a single user. A dedicated IP can help bypass scrutiny from websites that might block or limit access due to suspicious activity often associated with shared IPs. It also helps secure access to sensitive information. NordVPN offers a dedicated IP to its users as an add-on feature. The prices vary from around INR 490 to INR 748 per month depending on the duration of the subscription plan. Proton VPN does not offer a dedicated IP.
Servers
NordVPN has more than double the number of servers than Proton VPN. While NordVPN has 5,809 servers, Proton VPN has 1,862 servers at the time of this writing. While having a large number of servers can potentially lead to quicker connections, the location of the servers is also a significant factor that influences the speed of the connection. With 68 locations, Proton VPN has more server locations than NordVPN with 60 locations. Both NordVPN and Proton VPN list their servers’ locations on their website.
Cost of Proton VPN vs. NordVPN
When it comes to pricing, NordVPN is significantly more affordable for yearly plans, but more expensive for monthly plans. NordVPN offers three paid plans ranging from around INR 4,983 a year to around INR 6,981 a year. The difference between the pricing plans is secure file storage features and the inclusion of password management. Proton VPN has one paid plan at around INR 5,982 a year, it also provides a free plan unlike NordVPN. The free plan comes with customer support and unlimited bandwidth, but is limited to 100 servers across the Netherlands, United States and Japan.
While Proton VPN’s yearly plan is more expensive than NordVPN’s yearly plans, those who do not want to commit to a year and prefer to use it on a monthly basis will find Proton VPN cheaper. Proton VPN’s monthly plans are around INR 748 a month while NordVPN’s range from around INR 1,081 to INR 1,247 a month. The monthly charge is much more expensive than the yearly plans (the two-year plan is even cheaper). Both providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who want to try out the VPN service before committing to a year.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
NordVPN has an average of 4.3 stars with more than 25,000 reviews on Trustpilot. With just over 300 reviews, Proton VPN has a poor rating and an average of 2.4 stars on Trustpilot. Proton VPN does much better on Capterra with an average of 4.7 stars in 26 reviews. NordVPN has an average of 4.6 stars on Capterra with more than 1,200 reviews.
Additional Features
For an extra layer of protection, Proton VPN provides its users with seamless Tor integration, to connect to the Tor network with just a quick click. On the other hand, NordVPN offers a Double VPN technology that encrypts your data twice.
Top Proton VPN and NordVPN Alternatives
IPVanish, CyberGhost and Surfshark are each unique in their offerings compared to NordVPN and Proton VPN. IPVanish caters to large businesses or households with its allowance of unlimited simultaneous devices. CyberGhost stands out with 9,807 servers in 91 countries—one of the largest server networks in the industry—making it a great choice for those needing diverse connection locations. Surfshark differentiates itself with its budget-friendly yet feature-rich service, including innovative security features such as its CleanWeb suite that blocks ads, trackers and malware.
Featured Partners
Lowest Monthly Price
INR 190.81 approximately ($2.30 per month) for 24 months + 2 months free
Money back guarantee
30 days
Lowest Monthly Cost
INR 329.07 ($3.99) + 3 months free
Money back guarantee
30 days
Lowest Monthly Price
INR 158.89
Bottom Line
NordVPN may be a great choice for individuals who prioritize having high speed, competitive pricing and a vast network of servers. Given its extensive server network, NordVPN is excellent for those who wish for a wide range of options for connecting to worldwide different locations. It is also the best choice for budget-conscious users.
Proton VPN might be better suited for users who appreciate a broader geographical distribution of servers. Despite having fewer servers than NordVPN, Proton VPN’s servers are distributed across more countries, making it a preferable option for those needing connections in less common locations. Its capability to support up to 10 simultaneous connections makes it ideal for large families or small businesses needing a VPN solution across various devices.
Proton VPN is best for:
- Large families or small businesses needing a VPN solution across various devices
- Users who want a broader geographical distribution of servers
NordVPN is best for:
- Budget-conscious users
- Users who prioritize having a vast network of servers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which VPN service has more servers NordVPN or Proton VPN?
NordVPN has more servers with a total of 5,809 compared to Proton VPN’s 1,862 servers. Proton VPN, however, has more server locations. It has servers in 68 countries compared with NordVPN’s 60 countries.
Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, depending on the service you are using, you can use a VPN on multiple devices. Some VPN providers such as IPVanish allow users to install the VPN on an unlimited number of devices while others such as NordVPN only allow for a limited number of devices. By providing coverage for multiple devices, VPNs ensure comprehensive security and privacy for all your online activities
What is a no-logs policy?
A no-logs policy means that a VPN company does not keep any records of your online activities. This includes information such as your IP addresses, browsing history, session duration, bandwidth usage or any other data that could be used to identify you or your online behavior.
