Proton VPN vs NordVPN: Best choice for privacy

Meet two leading VPN rivals and see which one we recommend at Holafly. Today, we are comparing  Proton VPN vs. NordVPN and pick the best.

In today’s digital era, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) gives us peace of mind while we browse safely and privately. Plus, these powerful tools bring more benefits. For example: Ultra-fast speeds, access to blocked content, safer public WiFi browsing, and more.

However, choosing a VPN feels hard because the market looks huge and packed with similar offers. So, we’ll help you find the best VPN by comparing two trusted brands: Proton VPN vs NordVPN

We’ll review each service and assess performance, server numbers, customer support, and other key user-experience factors. So, will you stick with us?

Comparison table: Proton VPN vs NordVPN

People say comparisons feel tedious. Yet, they matter when you choose the right VPN brand for your needs. So, we’ll compare these two VPN leaders. But first, here’s a quick introduction:

NordVPN launched in 2012 and has grown fast since then. Today, it ranks among the best brands in the market. It operates from Panama, away from the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. Moreover, it offers features that improve security and privacy, while keeping browsing fast and smooth.

Meanwhile, Proton VPN started to protect ProtonMail users’ activity. However, its success pushed it further. Now, it offers a high-security VPN that anyone can use, even beginners. Like NordVPN, it sits outside the Five Eyes alliance. It runs from Switzerland, a country known for strict privacy laws.

Now, let’s compare everything Proton VPN and NordVPN offer:

General comparison: Proton VPN vs NordVPN

After reviewing this table, one thing looks clear: Both VPN brands deliver excellent value. With NordVPN, ultra-fast speeds stand out thanks to NordLynx. Also, it unlocks geo-blocked content well and keeps prices competitive. On the other hand, Proton VPN offers a free tier and runs a huge server network.

Both VPNs use AES-256 encryption, the highest current standard, and they run open-source apps. So, independent audits can review their security openly. They also allow up to 10 simultaneous connections per subscription. Therefore, either one can protect many devices.

Reputation and reviews: Proton VPN vs. NordVPN

Both Proton VPN and NordVPN enjoy strong reputation in the VPN space, each for different strengths. For example, Proton VPN stands out for its network focus, while NordVPN leads on speed. User reviews reinforce this, because people rate both highly for features and reliability.

1. Awards and recognition

Here, NordVPN tends to outshine Proton VPN, because many outlets recognise its tech excellence. These are some common awards and mentions:

• Best VPN Overall – Forbes Advisor
• Editors’ Choice Award – PCMag (several years)
• “Best VPN” by Independent Advisor
• Winner in several categories at the ProPrivacy Awards
• It often lands in the top three across technical benchmarks
• Xataka NordVPN Awards 2024

That said, Proton VPN hasn’t collected as many awards as NordVPN, yet it earns respect for privacy and online safety. Many outlets highlight its free plan and its Secure Core infrastructure. Also, digital-rights organisations often mention it in reviews, including EFF and PrivacyTools. Many cybersecurity sites and privacy experts recommend it too.

In short, Proton VPN has strong prestige, but it speaks to a more specific niche. It appeals to advanced privacy, transparency, and technical communities. Its recognition feels strong, yet less mainstream than NordVPN.

2. What do users say?

In such a competitive market, user experience matters most, or almost most. Here, both VPNs feel easy to use, with friendly interfaces and simple setup. So, they suit people who haven’t used VPN tools before. Therefore, Proton VPN and NordVPN both offer a strong first step into cybersecurity.

What do NordVPN users say? In general, they praise robust security, high speeds, and streaming access for Netflix and Disney+. However, some mention higher pricing compared with other options. Also, it doesn’t offer a free plan or trial.

For Proton VPN, users appreciate strong privacy protection, efficient encryption, and worldwide server access. Also, many value a free VPN with servers in 10 countries and no usage limits. That feature feels rare for free tiers. However, some users report variable speeds in certain situations.

Customer service: Proton VPN vs. Nord VPN. Which Is Better?

Quick help matters when you face VPN issues or questions. A slow response can sway your choice either way. So, strong customer support shouldn’t feel like a minor detail.

In this area, both VPNs offer strong support, yet they differ slightly. With Proton, you can open a support ticket and get replies by email. Alternatively, you can search its knowledge base. It also offers live chat for customers.

With NordVPN, getting help feels just as easy. It provides a strong knowledge base, ticket support, and 24/7 live chat.

Which VPN works best for streaming?

At this point, we could say that the Proton VPN vs NordVPN battle ends in a draw, as both are excellent options for streaming. So, if you’re waiting for a new season on Netflix, Max, or Hulu, you can relax. Both VPNs should help you access it.

Many reviewers rank NordVPN among the best services for Netflix, and it supports HD and even 4K streaming. It also includes a feature called SmartDNS. This lets you watch geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPN apps. Plus, NordLynx improves stability for 1080p and 4K.

Meanwhile, Proton VPN also suits streaming thanks to specialised servers. It runs very fast with WireGuard or Stealth. However, it feels less consistent on long-distance connections.

ProtonVPN vs. NordVPN: Security and encryption, which one is safer?

Once again, this fight stays close because both VPNs excel at security and privacy. They include military-grade encryption, audited no-logs policies, and Kill Switch features. NordVPN stands out with obfuscated servers and Threat Protection, while Proton VPN shines with Stealth and Secure Core. So, your choice depends on your exact needs and priorities.

Now, let’s look closer at what each VPN offers for security:

• Encryption and protocols: Proton VPN and Nord VPN both use a top encryption standard: AES-256-GCM. So, you won’t see differences there, yet protocols differ. With NordVPN, NordLynx stands out. It’s a WireGuard-based implementation designed for fast browsing and fewer restrictions. It also supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec. Proton VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. It also built Stealth, which helps bypass censorship and restrictions in some countries.
• No-logs policy and independent audits: Both VPNs follow strict no-logs policies, so they don’t store users’ online activity data. Also, independent auditors review both services.
• Kill Switch: Both services include a Kill Switch that cuts internet access if the VPN drops. This prevents accidental data exposure.
• Obfuscated servers: They hide VPN usage, so the service can work in heavily restricted regions, such as China or Russia. Both VPNs offer this feature.
• Antivirus: NordVPN includes Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware for extra safety. Proton VPN doesn’t include a full antivirus. However, it offers NetShield, which blocks malware and ads.

Proton VPN vs. Nord VPN: Extra features

Now, we’ll take a closer look at the extra features each VPN offers. For example, Dedicated IP and Split Tunnelling can help a service stand out. So, these features can push one option ahead of competitors.

Extra features from NordVPN and Proton VPN

What can we conclude from this table? In general, both services offer similar extra features. The key difference is that Nord VPN includes built-in antivirus-style protection. This can matter, depending on your needs. Proton VPN’s NetShield helps a lot, yet it doesn’t replace full antivirus tools. It doesn’t scan files, stop local trojans, or detect malware already installed.

So, NordVPN offers a more complete package. Still, Proton VPN remains a strong option. In the end, like any service, each brand has strengths and areas to improve.

Performance and speed: Which VPN is faster?

Speed remains a core selling point for any good VPN. We all want safe browsing that still feels fast. So, even a slow download can push you towards a different option. Here, NordVPN takes the lead thanks to its enhanced WireGuard approach.

When we assess speed performance, NordVPN stays hard to beat across locations. Proton VPN also performs very well and delivers fast, stable connections worldwide. However, it doesn’t match NordVPN’s consistency.

The difference comes from Nord VPN’s protocol: NordLynx. Various tests show it delivers some of the fastest speeds in the market. It often beats key competitors by a clear margin, sometimes nearly doubling performance. This protocol keeps load times, downloads, and latency low.

Proton VPN also ranks among the fastest VPNs thanks to WireGuard plus Stealth. It delivers excellent speed, yet it can’t match NordVPN’s long-distance consistency.

So, NordVPN delivers the best overall global performance. Meanwhile, Proton VPN delivers the best privacy-led performance and stability in Europe. It’s a very solid option, especially if Swiss privacy matters most to you. It feels less flexible for global streaming and less consistent worldwide. Still, it suits people who value security and serious performance.

Proton VPN vs. Nord VPN: Which should digital nomads and remote workers choose?

Digital nomads and remote workers travel widely while they keep up with work. They might work in an African national park or on a New York rooftop. However, this lifestyle brings risks, because public WiFi exposure increases. Therefore, cyberattack risk rises too.

In this sense, VPNs act as strong allies for digital nomads. If you doubt it, read our article on the best VPNs for digital nomads. 

Now, today’s two contenders appear on that list. In fact, either one can help digital nomads and remote workers. Still, a few differences can tip the balance one way.

Which VPN suits digital nomads and remote workers best?

So, which VPN fits digital nomads and remote workers best? NordVPN offers some of the highest speeds in the market. However, Proton VPN feels more complete and more coherent for remote life, especially if you prioritise real security, strong privacy, and stability across changing environments. It focuses less on marketing and more on protecting people who depend on secure access worldwide.

Proton VPN’s biggest advantage is its Swiss jurisdiction, which many people trust for privacy. This means strict laws protect your data, including connection metadata. So, external access becomes much harder.

Also, Proton VPN uses infrastructure designed to protect users who handle sensitive information. This includes journalists, developers, freelancers, project managers, and corporate users abroad. Its Secure Core feature adds another safety layer. It routes traffic through secure data centres in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden first. Therefore, it reduces exposure to attacks, surveillance, and risky public networks.

For a digital nomad, constant movement demands a VPN that stays stable on weak or restricted networks. This is where Proton VPN stands out. Its Stealth protocol can connect in countries where other VPNs fail or get detected. So, you can keep working without interruptions or sudden blocks.

Finally, Proton VPN offers higher transparency. All its apps are open source and receive external audits. The same team also built Proton Mail, one of the most respected encrypted email services. So, users can trust how the service protects their information. It avoids hidden features and aggressive data collection practices.

That’s it for this Proton VPN vs. Nord VPN battle. And you, which one do you choose?

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