NordVPN
$94.23 for 27 months, then $139.08/year; up to 10 devices.
- $3.49/mo intro
- Up to 10 devices
- Audited
Security & privacy
Is NordVPN worth it?
Worth it if you’ll commit to the 27-month intro: Basic works out to $3.49 a month ($94.23 up front), and you get polished apps, a large server network, up to 10 devices and independent no-logs audits. Not worth it month to month at $14.99, and the $139.08 renewal makes Proton VPN cheaper over three years.
NordVPN’s Basic plan is $94.23 for the first 27 months, then $139.08 a year (October 2026). Three years at list prices is about $233.31 ($94.23 plus one renewal), versus about $221.64 for Proton VPN Plus ($53.88, then $83.88 twice).
Based on FTC · Proton VPN pricing · Mullvad pricing +1 more
Which one should you buy?
Proton VPN
Free plan; Plus renews at $83.88/year.
- Free plan
- Lower renewal
- Swiss company
Mullvad VPN
€5/month, no contracts, no renewal jump.
- €5/month
- 5 devices
- No email
Prices are official list prices as of October 2026 and can change. Links on this page go to official sites with no affiliate tag. How we choose.
The short answer: Yes for the intro term if you want NordVPN’s apps and network. Set a reminder before renewal, or start with Proton VPN’s free plan if you want to try before paying.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best VPN.
NordVPN vs the alternatives
Swipe the table sideways to see all three →
| Spec | Worth it on the intro dealNordVPN | Better long-term valueProton VPN | Best flat priceMullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $3.49/mo (27-mo intro, $94.23) | Free; Plus $9.99/mo or $53.88 first year | €5/month flat |
| Renewal | $139.08/yr after intro | $83.88/yr after first year | Same (no promos) |
| Free plan | No | Yes (1 device, unlimited data) | No |
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 10 on Plus | Up to 5 |
| Logging | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited |
| Best for | Long-term deal seekers | Most people | Privacy-first users |
| Plans | See plans | See plans | See plans |
Why pick NordVPN?
NordVPN’s long intro plan has the lowest effective monthly price of our picks, with a big server network and polished apps.
The renewal rate is the catch: $139.08 a year, or $14.99 month to month. Put the renewal date in your calendar.
Great if you
- Commit for two-plus years
- Want a large server network
Skip it if you
- Dislike renewal increases
- Want to pay monthly
Key specs
- Intro
- Basic $3.49/month for 27 months ($94.23)
- Renewal
- $139.08/year
- Monthly
- $14.99
- Company
- Nord Security
NordVPNPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Why pick Proton VPN?
Proton VPN’s free plan lets you test before paying, and Plus renews at $83.88 a year, so it costs less than NordVPN from year three onward.
Its first-year Plus price ($53.88) is per year, not a multi-year lock-in.
Great if you
- Want to start free
- Care about privacy
- Want a reputable company
Skip it if you
- Want the lowest multi-year price
Key specs
- Free plan
- 1 device, unlimited data, limited countries
- Plus
- $9.99/month; $53.88 first year annual; renews $83.88/yr
- Company
- Proton AG, Switzerland
- Audits
- Independent no-logs audits published
Proton VPNPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Why pick Mullvad VPN?
If you dislike promo pricing, Mullvad charges the same €5 every month.
It allows 5 devices and has no free plan.
Great if you
- Want maximum privacy
- Hate promo pricing games
- Pay monthly
Skip it if you
- Want streaming features
- Want a free plan
Key specs
- Price
- €5/month, flat
- Devices
- Up to 5
- Account
- Account number, no email
- Company
- Mullvad VPN AB, Sweden
Mullvad VPNPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site How to decide if NordVPN is worth it
Work out your three-year cost, not your first-month cost.
Commitment
The $3.49 rate requires paying $94.23 for 27 months up front.
Renewal
$139.08 a year after the intro.
Monthly
$14.99 month to month is poor value.
Trial
Proton has a free plan; NordVPN doesn’t.
NordVPNPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Is NordVPN worth it? Common questions
How much does NordVPN cost after the first term?
$139.08 a year on Basic, or $14.99 month to month (October 2026).
Does NordVPN have a free plan?
No.
How many devices does NordVPN allow?
Up to 10.
Is NordVPN cheaper than Proton VPN?
For the first 27 months, yes. Over three years at list prices, Proton Plus is slightly cheaper ($221.64 vs $233.31).
How we judged value
We used NordVPN, Proton VPN and Mullvad official pricing as of October 2026 and calculated three-year list-price costs.
We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.
What sources did we use?
- FTC: In the market for a VPN app? (2018) (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Proton VPN pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Mullvad pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- NordVPN pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)