Proton VPN vs. NordVPN: Which Should You Choose in 2024?

When it comes to VPN services, the choice between Proton VPN and NordVPN is often a heated debate among privacy enthusiasts and casual users alike. Both offer military grade protection, but subtle differences can significantly impact which one fits your needs best.

Pricing and Basic Features

Both Proton VPN and NordVPN have nearly identical starting prices at $4.49/month, offering solid features at competitive rates. The servers are also similar, with Proton VPN offering 6,607 servers in 112 countries, while NordVPN has 6,400+ servers across 111 countries. On the surface, there’s no clear winner. However, your choice might depend on whether you’re after specific features or a free service, which is better, let’s take a look at both..

Proton VPN: Top Choice For Privacy Advocates

1. Privacy-Centric Jurisdiction
   Proton VPN operates out of Switzerland, which is renowned for its strict data privacy laws. Notably, Switzerland isn’t a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, an international coalition that shares user data among governments. This ensures a transparent no-logs policy free from third-party interference. NordVPN, while also adhering to a no-logs policy, is based in Panama—another privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the Eyes alliances. However, Panama’s data protection laws are not as robust as Switzerland’s. If privacy is your utmost priority, Proton VPN edges out NordVPN by a small but crucial margin.
2. Free Tier with Premium Features
   Proton VPN also offers a free version with fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a kill switch, making it a rare gem among free VPN services. Most free VPNs throttle bandwidth or bombard users with ads, but Proton VPN manages to avoid these pitfalls. If you need a VPN for casual browsing or occasional security without paying, Proton VPN’s free tier is hard to beat. NordVPN doesn’t offer a free service, although it does have a seven-day free trial for Android users. Still, Proton VPN’s free tier provides a more complete solution for those who don’t want to commit financially right away.
3. Linux-Friendly User Interface
   Another area where Proton VPN excels is its Linux support. Unlike NordVPN, which requires Linux users to navigate through the command line, Proton VPN provides a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for its Linux app. This is a considerable advantage for those who prefer a more intuitive, click-friendly experience on Linux distros. Additionally, advanced features like port forwarding and a VPN accelerator for faster speeds are fully accessible on Proton VPN’s Linux app, making it an all-round better choice for Linux users.

NordVPN: Best For Speed, Streaming, and Security

1. Unmatched Speed Performance
   Speed is a critical factor when using a VPN, especially for activities like streaming, gaming, or large downloads. Here, NordVPN takes the crown, delivering faster and more stable speeds across different regions. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol, an adaptation of WireGuard, ensures that users experience minimal slowdowns, even when connected to distant servers. Proton VPN is no slouch, offering WireGuard and a VPN accelerator to boost speeds. However, our tests showed that NordVPN was consistently faster in various regions, especially for long-distance connections. If you require a VPN that won’t impact your internet speed much, NordVPN is the clear choice.
2. Seamless Streaming Experience
   Another key reason to go with NordVPN is its superior handling of geo-restrictions. While Proton VPN does offer obfuscation to bypass certain firewalls, NordVPN consistently outperformed it in accessing popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and ESPN. NordVPN’s ability to work with platforms that aggressively block VPN traffic is second to none, making it the top pick for streaming enthusiasts. Furthermore, NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of streaming devices, including Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and even Chromecast—something Proton VPN doesn’t fully support.
3. Enhanced Device Protection
   In terms of security, both VPNs provide top-tier encryption: AES-256-bit encryption, kill switches, and IP leak protection. However, NordVPN offers a suite of additional protection features that give it a slight edge. The Threat Protection Pro tool scans files downloaded to your device for malware, blocking suspicious files before they can cause harm. Proton VPN, while also featuring a malware blocker, doesn’t offer this offline scanning feature. Dark Web Monitoring is another exclusive feature in NordVPN’s toolkit. It continuously scans databases on the dark web to check if your email or passwords have been compromised. Proton VPN doesn’t offer this as part of its VPN package, although it is available in Proton Pass, their password manager. For users who want the most robust protection suite, NordVPN offers more comprehensive features.

Head To Head

Ultimately, the best VPN for you will depend on your specific needs. If you’re looking for the best free service, with privacy at the forefront, Proton VPN should be your go-to. Its Swiss jurisdiction, no-logs policy, and robust Linux support make it ideal for privacy-conscious users. Plus, its free tier is unbeatable in terms of speed and functionality, especially for casual users who don’t want to commit to a paid plan.

On the other hand, if speed, streaming, and device protection are more critical to you, NordVPN is a better option. Its NordLynx protocol, stellar streaming performance, and Threat Protection Pro make it the more attractive choice for users who want the fastest, most comprehensive service available.

Final Verdict

Both Proton VPN and NordVPN are stellar choices, but understanding your priorities, whether it’s privacy, speed, streaming, or advanced features, will help you make the best decision. Proton VPN leads in privacy and free offerings, while NordVPN dominates in speed and security. Either way, you’re getting a top-tier VPN.