NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN: Which VPN Reigns Supreme?

As is tradition, it started by answering a friend’s basic coffee-related question: “Which VPN should I get—NordVPN or ProtonVPN?” I was halfway through a cinnamon latte, phone in hand, trying to explain the pros and cons between sips. But the more I talked, the more I realized just how many people are trying to make this same choice. It’s not just about which one’s faster or cheaper. It’s about trust, usability, and which VPN actually fits into your digital life without becoming a headache.

So, after weeks of switching between both VPNs while working remotely, streaming late at night, and avoiding creepy trackers while booking flights—I’ve put together this guide to help you decide.

And yep, if you’re craving a more technical deep dive into nordvpn vs protonvpn, VPNpro cybersecurity experts have a seriously detailed article that digs into the specs and data behind the decision.

Chapters

NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN: Key Differences at a Glance

• Speed: NordVPN usually wins, especially on long-distance servers.
• Privacy: ProtonVPN edges out with Switzerland’s jurisdiction and full open-source apps.
• Streaming: NordVPN unblocks more platforms reliably.
• Free Plan: ProtonVPN offers a usable free tier, NordVPN doesn’t.
• Extras: Nord has Threat Protection, Meshnet, and dedicated IPs. Proton’s got Secure Core and NetShield.

Security and Privacy: A Deep Dive

Encryption Protocols

Both use AES-256, but NordVPN runs its own protocol called NordLynx (based on WireGuard), while ProtonVPN sticks with WireGuard and OpenVPN. Both are solid, but NordLynx is faster without skimping on security.

Logging Policies

Neither logs your activity, which is what you want to hear. Because of its parent firm, Proton AG, ProtonVPN has a reputation for privacy and releases transparency reports.

Jurisdiction

Apart from surveillance partnerships, NordVPN’s main office is located in Panama. ProtonVPN’s home country of Switzerland is well known for its strict privacy laws. Both solid—but Switzerland has the slight edge.

Independent Audits

Both have passed independent audits. ProtonVPN even made its apps open source, which is pretty rare and commendable.

Speed and Performance: Real-World Testing

Download and Upload Speeds

NordVPN is consistently faster. Whether I was downloading a big game or uploading client files, Nord just felt snappier.

Latency

If you’re gaming or video calling, latency matters. NordVPN showed slightly lower ping times in my tests, especially on US and UK servers.

Server Network and Locations

Number of Servers

NordVPN has over 6,000 servers. ProtonVPN is catching up but still has fewer than 3,000. Bigger network usually = better speed and reliability.

Geographic Distribution

NordVPN covers 110+ countries. ProtonVPN is more limited but includes coverage in privacy-respecting countries.

Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities

Unblocking Streaming Services (e.g., Netflix, Hulu)

NordVPN wins this one. It unblocked Netflix (US, UK, Japan), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ like a champ. ProtonVPN worked for some regions, but was hit or miss.

Torrenting Support

Both support P2P, but NordVPN has specific P2P-optimized servers. ProtonVPN allows it too, but not on all servers and not on the free plan.

Pricing and Plans: Value for Money?

Subscription Options

• NordVPN: Monthly, annual, and 2-year plans. Most value at the 2-year level.
• ProtonVPN: Monthly, annual, and 2-year as well, with a completely free tier.

Money-Back Guarantee

NordVPN offers 30 days. ProtonVPN also offers 30 days, no questions asked.

Free Tier Comparison

ProtonVPN is one of the few with a legit free plan. You get access to a few servers and decent speeds. Great for casual use.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Desktop and Mobile Apps

NordVPN’s app feels polished. ProtonVPN’s UI is more technical and map-heavy. I prefer Nord for its simplicity, but Proton fans might like the control.

Setup and Configuration

Both are easy to install. ProtonVPN’s extra features take more time to understand, while NordVPN works almost out of the box.

Additional Features and Functionality

Ad and Malware Blocker

• Ads, trackers, and viruses are blocked by NordVPN, which also offers Threat Protection.
• NetShield, a feature of ProtonVPN, filters malware and advertisements at the DNS level.

Double VPN/Multi-Hop Servers

Both support this, but ProtonVPN’s Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-respecting countries by design.

Dedicated IP Addresses

If you need a consistent IP address—say, for accessing private servers or avoiding annoying CAPTCHAs—NordVPN has you covered, but it’ll cost you a little extra each month. They offer dedicated IPs in several countries. However, if a static IP is a need for your setup, ProtonVPN does not currently provide this functionality, which could be a drawback. Having a dedicated IP can facilitate system logins for distant workers or small business owners and assist them avoid being detected by security programs that dislike shared IPs bouncing about.

Alternative VPNs: NordVPN, ProtonVPN & ExpressVPN

NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN

Nord is cheaper and faster. ExpressVPN has better global reach and consistent unblocking but at a higher price.

ProtonVPN vs. ExpressVPN

Proton is more privacy-focused. ExpressVPN is better for casual streamers and travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is NordVPN inferior to ProtonVPN?

Depends. For privacy purists, yes. For speed and streaming, Nord wins.

Is ProtonVPN worth it?

Yes, particularly if you value clarity and a robust free will.

Does NordVPN or ProtonVPN have a free version?

ProtonVPN does. Despite having a 30-day guarantee, NordVPN doesn’t.

Is it safe to use ProtonVPN and NordVPN?

Of course. These are two of the safest VPNs available.

Which VPN—ProtonVPN or NordVPN—has faster speeds?

NordVPN. It’s consistently faster across multiple locations.

NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: Which has the better Reddit reviews?

Redditors tend to trust Proton for transparency and Nord for all-around performance.

So, how does your VPN feel? Which do you prefer, ProtonVPN’s open-source transparency or NordVPN’s speed and streaming capability? You truly can not go wrong either way. However, the decision should be guided by your daily routine, whether it involves torrenting, Netflix bingeing, or working from a Lisbon café.

Tried both? Have a favorite? Drop your story in the comments. The coffee’s still warm, and the Wi-Fi’s working—for now.

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