NordVPN and Proton VPN are both established VPN providers with different pricing structures and free-tier policies. This comparison lays out the factual differences so you can judge which fits your situation — there is no single “best” VPN for everyone.
For more VPNs and password managers, see our Cybersecurity Tools hub.
Quick Comparison
| NordVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes, a permanent free tier with limited servers |
| Entry paid price | $3.49/month on the 2-year Basic plan | $3.49/month on the 2-year VPN Plus plan |
| Bundled extras | Complete/Complete Max plans add anti-malware, password manager, cloud storage, dedicated IP | Proton Unlimited adds Proton Pass, Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Docs |
| Company focus | VPN and cybersecurity suite | Privacy-focused suite built around Proton’s broader product ecosystem |
Pricing
NordVPN does not offer a permanent free tier. Its Basic plan starts at $3.49/month on a 2-year term (renewing at $139.08/year), with Complete and Complete Max tiers adding bundled security and storage features at higher price points. Shorter 1-month or 1-year terms cost more per month. See the full breakdown on the NordVPN profile.
Proton VPN offers a permanent free tier at $0/month with a limited server selection. Its VPN Plus plan starts at $9.99/month billed monthly, discounted to $3.49/month on a 2-year plan, and its Proton Unlimited bundle starts at $12.99/month billed monthly, discounted to $7.99/month on a 2-year plan. See the full breakdown on the Proton VPN profile.
Key Differences
- Proton VPN offers a permanent free tier; NordVPN does not.
- NordVPN’s bundled tiers focus on security add-ons like anti-malware and a password manager.
- Proton VPN’s bundled tier focuses on integrating with Proton’s broader privacy-focused product suite (Mail, Drive, Docs).
- Entry-level discounted pricing on longer plans is similar between the two at the base tier.
Who Each Tool Is Best For
NordVPN tends to suit users who want a dedicated VPN with optional bundled cybersecurity extras. Proton VPN tends to suit users who want a free option to start with, or who already use or want other Proton products alongside their VPN.
FAQ
Does either tool have a free plan?
Proton VPN has a permanent free plan with a limited server selection. NordVPN does not offer a free tier.
Which is cheaper?
At the entry tier on a 2-year term, both providers show similar discounted per-month pricing; renewal and shorter-term pricing differ, so check current rates on each provider’s pricing page.
What extras come bundled with each service?
NordVPN bundles anti-malware, a password manager, and cloud storage at higher tiers. Proton VPN’s higher tier bundles Proton’s Mail, Calendar, Drive, and Docs products.
Are there other VPN alternatives?
This site currently profiles NordVPN and Proton VPN. Other well-known VPN providers are not yet covered here.