As two privacy-focused VPNs, each NordVPN and Proton VPN provide robust options that might make it exhausting to decide on one resolution over the opposite.
NordVPN offers an throughout service with an intensive server community and reliably quick VPN efficiency. Alternatively, Proton VPN operates in privacy-friendly Switzerland and presents a beneficiant free VPN, which might entice budget-oriented customers.
On this article, we check out which VPN is finest for you and your group.
NordVPN: Finest for many companies that desire a feature-packed VPN that gives a geographically various server suite and quick VPN speeds.
Proton VPN: Finest for particular person customers who desire a privacy-centric VPN with a devoted free model that might be used long-term.
ESET PROTECT Superior
Workers per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Any Firm Dimension
Any Firm Dimension
Options
Superior Menace Protection, Full Disk Encryption , Trendy Endpoint Safety, and extra
ManageEngine Log360
Workers per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Micro (0-49 Workers), Small (50-249 Workers), Medium (250-999 Workers), Giant (1,000-4,999 Workers), Enterprise (5,000+ Workers)
Micro, Small, Medium, Giant, Enterprise
Options
Exercise Monitoring, Blacklisting, Dashboard, and extra
Graylog
Workers per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Medium (250-999 Workers), Giant (1,000-4,999 Workers), Enterprise (5,000+ Workers)
Medium, Giant, Enterprise
Options
Exercise Monitoring, Dashboard, Notifications
NordVPN vs Proton VPN: Comparability
Each VPNs embody the identical quantity of simultaneous system connections and beginning value. They do differ of their respective server suite and free trial entry.
NordVPNProton VPN
Our rating4.7 out of 5 stars4.0 out of 5 stars
Safety protocolsOpenVPN, NordLynx (primarily based on WireGuard)OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth
No. of servers6,400+6,360+
VPN server locations111 countries100
Simultaneous system locations1010
Supported platformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Apple TV, routers, recreation consolesWindows, macOS, Linux, Hearth TV Stick, Android, iOS, Android TV, Chromebook, Chromecast, Ubuntu, Roku, routers, recreation consoles
Free trial7-day free trial through Android (can check in on different platforms afterwards)No free trial; nonetheless, Proton VPN free model is obtainable
Beginning value$4.99 per thirty days (annual plan)$4.99 per thirty days (annual plan)
NordVPN vs Proton VPN: Pricing
NordVPN pricing
NordVPN’s paid plans have three tiers, with every tier having a month-to-month, an annual and a two-year plan choice. The tiers are NordVPN Fundamental, Plus and Final — with Final having essentially the most options out of the bunch.
SEE: The best way to Run a Cybersecurity Threat Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
Under is an outline of pricing and have variations with every tier:
BasicPlusUltimate
Month-to-month$12.99 per thirty days$13.99 per thirty days$15.99 per thirty days
1 12 months$4.99 per thirty days$5.99 per thirty days$7.99 per thirty days
2 years$3.99 per thirty days$4.99 per thirty days$6.99 per thirty days
FeaturesIncludes principal VPNAll Fundamental options plus anti-malware and looking safety, advert and tracker blocker and knowledge breach scannerAll Plus options plus 1TB encrypted cloud storage, cyber extortion safety and identification theft restoration profit
Personally, I feel the NordVPN Plus plan for one 12 months at $5.99 per thirty days is the very best bundle among the many three plans. It presents you extra security measures on prime of the VPN whereas nonetheless not going overboard by way of the month-to-month payment.
Whereas I’m glad NordVPN has a seven-day free trial, I discover it unlucky that it’s solely accessible through its Android cell app. This makes it tough for iOS and iPhone customers who’re probably interested by test-driving NordVPN. Hopefully, NordVPN makes its trial accessible for each iOS and Android customers, opening it as much as extra customers, no matter their smartphone preferences.
Fortunately, customers can attempt NordVPN on desktop after accessing the free trial on Android — which is how I examined NordVPN’s premium subscription.
If you wish to study extra, learn our full NordVPN assessment.
Proton VPN pricing
Compared, Proton VPN has two tiers for its paid service and a devoted free model. Its paid plans are referred to as Proton VPN Plus and Limitless, each with month-to-month, annual and two-year contract choices.
Proton VPN FreeProton VPN PlusProton Limitless
MonthlyFree$9.99 per thirty days$12.99 per thirty days
AnnualFree$4.99 per thirty days$9.99 per thirty days
2 yearsFree$4.49 per thirty days$7.99 per thirty days
FeaturesServers in 5 countriesMedium VPN speed1 system connectionUnlimited dataFull server networkFastest VPN speedMalware and advert blocker10 system connectionsUnlimited dataAll Plus featuresProton Mail PlusProton Drive PlusProton Calendar
Whereas Proton VPN doesn’t have a free trial of its paid tiers, I like the way it offers a full free model of its VPN service. This allows customers to get a glimpse of its VPN with none preliminary cost or subscription.
The free model itself is proscribed in that it solely provides you entry to 5 nations and slower speeds. Nevertheless, it’s beneficiant given the way it offers limitless bandwidth and knowledge — one thing that isn’t frequent on different free VPNs. Compared, NordVPN doesn’t at present provide any type of free model.
By way of its paid plans, I discover the Plus subscription for one 12 months to be the very best worth. Whereas not essentially the most reasonably priced, it’s nonetheless on par with NordVPN’s equal beginning subscription at $4.99 per thirty days. You get Proton’s VPN service, together with the total server fleet, with out the opposite Proton providers within the Limitless tier that will or might not be of use to you.
If you wish to study extra, learn our full Proton VPN assessment and see this information on the right way to use Proton VPN.
NordVPN vs Proton VPN: Function comparability
Safety protocols and encryption
Winner: Tie
Each NordVPN and Proton VPN have VPN protocols that present an excellent combine between pace and safety. NordVPN presents the OpenVPN protocol and its proprietary NordLynx protocol primarily based on WireGuard. Alternatively, Proton VPN carries OpenVPN, WireGuard and its personal Stealth protocol constructed to disguise VPN use.
To me, a contemporary VPN ought to not less than have the security-focused OpenVPN protocol and the speed-oriented WireGuard protocol. Happily, we get variations of each with NordVPN and Proton VPN.
SEE: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Finest? (TechRepublic)
Each VPNs additionally include top-grade encryption algorithms, equipping their software program with AES-256 encryption. AES-256 is taken into account the usual for safeguarding person knowledge, utilized by authorities businesses, banks and army establishments to maintain delicate data safe in opposition to malicious actors.
VPN server community and areas
Winner: NordVPN
For servers, NordVPN has the sting over Proton VPN. As of July 2024, NordVPN at present has 6,400+ servers throughout 111 nations. In distinction, Proton VPN presents entry to six,300+ servers in 100 nations.
Whereas the distinction in server rely is negligible, I discover extra worth in NordVPN having a further 11 extra nations over Proton VPN. That is essential as a result of one of many principal makes use of of a VPN is to unblock geo-restricted content material.
With the upper nation rely, customers and companies could have extra location choices to select from in terms of unblocking.
Third-party audits and observe document
Winner: Proton VPN
So far as total observe document and third-party audits go, I’m giving the win to Proton VPN. Whereas each VPN suppliers have undergone in depth and up to date impartial audits, I really feel Proton VPN offers extra transparency to the general public in terms of audit outcomes.
As of July 2024, Proton VPN has completed its third consecutive impartial audit, confirming its no-logs coverage. On the flipside, NordVPN has undergone 4 impartial safety audits confirming the identical.
The distinction lies in how they share their respective audit outcomes. In its most up-to-date audit, NordVPN opted to not share the total outcomes to make sure the findings weren’t “taken out of context or misunderstood” — offering full entry to the report solely to these with a NordVPN account.
SEE: 4 Finest Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
Alternatively, Proton VPN offers a full hyperlink to its 2024 Securitum safety audit. The audit outcomes are accessible to each the general public and official Proton VPN customers.
I actually commend Proton VPN right here, showcasing its robust dedication to maintaining customers knowledgeable about its service’s efficiency, good or unhealthy. Whereas NordVPN’s suite of audits is strong in its personal proper, I’ve to provide this spherical to Proton VPN for its transparency.
Standout options
Winner: NordVPN
For standout options, NordVPN wins over Proton VPN. Except for its principal VPN service, NordVPN features a ton of safety and privacy-focused options that make it a compelling safety instrument for companies.
For instance, it has its Meshnet function that lets customers create their very own non-public encrypted community, permitting them to share information or entry different units extra securely.
I personally like this double VPN function that routes the person’s connection to 2 completely different VPN server areas, offering a further layer of safety alongside the encrypted VPN connection.
Different options embody a built-in malware, net tracker and advert blocker, in addition to a darkish net monitor to maintain observe of compromised credentials, amongst different safety capabilities.
SEE: Does a VPN Gradual Down Your Web Pace? (TechRepublic)
That isn’t to say Proton VPN doesn’t have its personal standout inclusions. A spotlight for me is its Swiss-based privateness. Whereas not a software program function per se, Proton VPN’s operations are primarily based in Switzerland, a rustic with a number of the strongest privateness legal guidelines on this planet. Because of this Proton customers received’t have to fret about their knowledge being illegally accessed.
It additionally has a singular Stealth VPN protocol that makes use of obfuscation know-how to masks your VPN visitors, making it seem to be you aren’t related through a VPN. This may be essential for customers in restrictive areas that don’t essentially permit VPNs.
Total, whereas Proton VPN consists of helpful privacy-focused options, I give the benefit to NordVPN for its in depth suite of extra performance on prime of its principal VPN capabilities.
Efficiency and pace
Winner: NordVPN
With regards to pace, I’ve to provide NordVPN the benefit. Throughout my testing, I related to each VPNs and did my common workflow as a author. This concerned having a number of tabs open for analysis, attending on-line video conferences, utilizing Google Workspace apps like Docs and Drive and streaming the occasional 1080p YouTube video.
Per my expertise, I had extra secure speeds with NordVPN in comparison with Proton VPN. Whereas I anticipated a lower in pace whereas related to a NordVPN server in comparison with my web service supplier, I truthfully felt zero to little distinction in pace.
SEE: How A lot Does a VPN Price? + Financial savings Suggestions (TechRepublic)
Compared, Proton VPN additionally provided decently quick speeds. Nevertheless, I did really feel NordVPN had that slight edge by way of consistency and total reliability with its connection.
In case your precedence is having the very best speeds, I discover NordVPN to be the higher alternative out of the 2.
Ease of use and design
Winner: NordVPN
For person expertise, ease of use and design, NordVPN is my winner. NordVPN makes use of a minimalist, light-themed person interface that’s simple on the eyes and intuitive to navigate.
It has a sidebar on the left that neatly organizes all its essential options and helps present a clear interface that doesn’t really feel cluttered, regardless of the variety of options it homes.
In the meantime, Proton VPN adopts a darker themed desktop utility that I discover a bit much less organized in comparison with NordVPN. Whereas the app itself performs properly, I feel there’s a bit an excessive amount of occurring with its desktop app that might confuse customers.
I personally suppose it might do a greater job of organizing its options into separate menus as a substitute of its present iteration the place it has a number of buttons on a single web page. For instance, if we take a look at Proton VPN’s sidebar, we get a Nations and Profiles tab, three function buttons, a search menu and the server listing multi function place.
Personally, I feel having all these options in a single part makes Proton VPN really feel a bit cluttered and disorganized. In distinction, NordVPN has a devoted tab for every of its options, together with its server listing, Meshnet instrument and different options.
With this, I really feel it helps make NordVPN the better VPN to make use of out of the field. That is particularly essential for learners who might not be accustomed to how VPNs work.
Simultaneous system connections
Winner: Tie
Trying into simultaneous system connections, NordVPN and Proton VPN are tied. Each VPNs permit for as much as 10 units to be concurrently related to their VPN servers.
Whereas I might have most well-liked being able to attach a vast variety of units, like Personal Web Entry VPN or Surfshark VPN, I feel 10 units continues to be a adequate quantity for many companies and customers. It will permit most organizations to have a handful of smartphones, laptops and different units related to a VPN server all on the identical time.
Extra about Cloud Safety
NordVPN execs and cons
Execs
Servers in 111 nations, with 6,400+ servers.
Effectively-designed and intuitive desktop utility.
Consists of a wide range of security-focused extra options.
Cons
Full audit outcomes require a NordVPN account.
Free trial solely accessible through Android.
No free model.
Proton VPN execs and cons
Execs
Based mostly in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
Extra clear audit outcomes.
Has a free model with limitless knowledge.
Cons
Desktop app might be streamlined.
Fewer nation areas in comparison with NordVPN.
Ought to your group use NordVPN or Proton VPN?
For many companies, I like to recommend going with NordVPN. It has a extra in depth 111-country server community, a bevy of extra privacy-focused options and an easy-to-use and well-designed VPN utility.
I additionally actually like NordVPN for its total quick and constant VPN speeds, which supplied nearly zero real-world drop in efficiency in comparison with my ISP.
This isn’t to dismiss Proton VPN. I really feel Proton VPN is an efficient alternative for learners who need to attempt a free VPN with none knowledge or bandwidth restrictions.
Proton VPN can also be an amazing choice for customers who’re significantly anxious about authorities surveillance. As a Switzerland-based firm, it operates in a privacy-friendly nation that can provide peace of thoughts to companies and customers with privateness considerations.
Methodology
My head-to-head match-up of NordVPN and Proton VPN concerned an in-depth evaluation of each VPN’s options, real-world efficiency and worth.
To judge every VPN, each providers have been scored on all the things from their server networks to their pricing. Specifically, I took under consideration 5 principal pillars, every having corresponding weights:
Pricing (20%).
Core VPN options (30%).
Ease of use (15%).
Buyer help (30%).
Knowledgeable evaluation (5%).
I additionally regarded into actual person suggestions and respected evaluations to spherical out my closing suggestions for each NordVPN and Proton VPN.
For pace and efficiency, I examined each VPNs on my private Home windows laptop and ran them by Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I additionally thought of which forms of companies or particular person customers would finest profit from both NordVPN or Proton VPN.