Comparison · VPNs
Proton VPN vs NordVPN
Two excellent VPNs, both with audited no-logs policies — so this isn't about which is "safe." It's a clean trade: Proton's provable privacy and free tier, or NordVPN's class-leading speed and streaming. Here's how to choose.
Last updated: July 10, 2026 · Researched by the Privacy Intact team (research-based, citing independent speed tests and published audits — not our own lab); see how we review.
The honest split
What doesn't separate them: both have independently audited no-logs policies, so your privacy is protected either way. The difference is emphasis:
- Proton VPN leans into provable privacy — open-source, Swiss, Secure Core, independently audited no-logs — and is the only one with a real free tier.
- NordVPN leans into performance — the fastest speeds in independent tests, the most reliable streaming, and the biggest feature set.
Privacy & trust
Both are audited and both keep no logs. Proton edges ahead on provable privacy: open-source apps and Swiss jurisdiction, all of which let you verify its claims rather than take them on trust. NordVPN counters with an independently audited no-logs policy, repeatedly verified by PwC and Deloitte and RAM-only servers — and, to its credit, it disclosed the one black mark on its record: a single rented server was breached in 2018 (disclosed 2019); no user logs or credentials were exposed, and Nord moved to RAM-only servers afterwards. Neither will sell you out; Proton just makes its privacy easier to verify.
Speed & streaming
This is NordVPN's home turf. It's among the fastest VPNs in independent testing — Security.org measured just a ~5% average speed loss, with 9,000+ servers, post-quantum encryption, reliable streaming unblocking and RAM-only servers — which translates into the smoothest 4K streaming and the most reliable unblocking of Netflix, Disney+ and the rest. Proton VPN is no slouch, and its paid servers stream fine, but if speed is your top criterion, Nord is the pick.
Price, and the pick
Proton VPN is free for the basics or $2.99/mo on the 2-year VPN Plus plan, up to $9.99/mo month-to-month for the full plan; NordVPN starts $3.09/mo on a 2-year plan and renews at a higher rate after the first term. Both offer a 30-day guarantee. Pick Proton VPN for privacy, transparency, or a free tier. Pick NordVPN for top speed and streaming. You genuinely can't go wrong on safety with either.
| Proton VPN | NordVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| No-logs (audited) | Yes — audited (2025) | Yes — PwC & Deloitte |
| Free tier | Yes — unlimited data | No |
| Speed / streaming | Good | Best in class |
| Standouts | Open-source, Swiss, Secure Core | Fastest, post-quantum, 9,000+ servers |
| From | Free · $2.99/mo on the 2-year VPN Plus plan, up to $9.99/mo month-to-month | $3.09/mo on a 2-year plan (renews higher) |
| Best for | Privacy & free | Speed & streaming |
FAQ
Proton VPN vs NordVPN, answered
Proton VPN or NordVPN — which is better?
Neither is 'better' outright; they're built for different priorities. Proton VPN wins on privacy and transparency (independently audited no-logs, open-source, Swiss, plus a genuinely free tier). NordVPN wins on speed and streaming (the fastest in independent tests, the most reliable at unblocking). Both have independently audited no-logs policies, so you're safe either way — pick by your priority.
Which is faster, Proton VPN or NordVPN?
NordVPN, clearly — it's among the fastest VPNs in independent testing — Security.org measured just a ~5% average speed loss in independent testing, with 9,000+ servers, post-quantum encryption, reliable streaming unblocking and RAM-only servers. Proton VPN is fast enough for everyday use and streaming, but if maximum speed and rock-solid Netflix unblocking are the point, Nord is the stronger choice.
Which is more private?
Proton VPN, by a nose, on transparency. Both have audited no-logs policies, but Proton adds open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, and Secure Core multi-hop. NordVPN is also strongly private and audited; Proton just leans harder into open, verifiable privacy.
Is the free tier a tiebreaker?
It can be. Proton VPN has a genuinely usable free tier (unlimited data, no logs, no ads and no data-selling); NordVPN has no free tier, only a money-back guarantee. If you want to try a VPN at no cost, or only need basic protection, Proton wins on that alone.