Proton VPN
Free plan with unlimited data; Plus renews at $83.88/year.
- Free plan
- Up to 10 devices
- Swiss company
Security & privacy
Proton VPN vs NordVPN: which VPN should you pay for?
Short version: Proton VPN is the better place to start, with a real free plan and a lower renewal price ($83.88 a year). NordVPN has the lowest intro price, but renews at $139.08 a year.
Proton VPN has a free plan with unlimited data on one device; Plus is $9.99 a month or $53.88 for the first year, renewing at $83.88. NordVPN Basic is $3.49 a month for the first 27 months ($94.23), then $139.08 a year. Both allow up to 10 devices and publish independent no-logs audits.
Based on FTC · Proton VPN pricing · Mullvad pricing +1 more
Which one should you buy?
NordVPN
$94.23 for the first 27 months, then $139.08/year.
- 27-month intro
- Up to 10 devices
- Large network
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: Proton VPN for most people: try it free, then pay a renewal price that stays reasonable. NordVPN if you want its polished apps and big server network and will set a reminder before the 27-month intro ends.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best VPN.
Proton VPN vs NordVPN: prices and features
Swipe the table sideways to see both →
| Spec | Best for most peopleProton VPN | Best intro dealNordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Plus $9.99/mo or $53.88 first year | From $3.49/mo (27-mo intro, $94.23) |
| Renewal | $83.88/yr after first year | $139.08/yr after intro |
| Free plan | Yes (1 device, unlimited data) | No |
| Devices | Up to 10 on Plus | Up to 10 |
| Logging | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited |
| Best for | Most people | Long-term deal seekers |
| Plans | See plans | See plans |
Why pick Proton VPN?
Proton VPN lets you test speed and reliability on your own connection for free, with unlimited data on one device and no ads. Few paid VPNs offer that.
Over three years at list prices, Plus costs about $221.64 ($53.88, then $83.88 twice). Proton AG is based in Switzerland and publishes independent no-logs audits.
Great if you
- Want to start free
- Care about privacy
- Want a reputable company
Skip it if you
- Want the lowest price for the first two years
- Need many countries on a free plan
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 NordVPN?
NordVPN’s 27-month Basic plan works out to $3.49 a month, the lowest effective price of the two for the first two years and three months.
The catch is renewal: $139.08 a year after the intro, or $14.99 month to month (October 2026). Three years costs about $233.31 ($94.23 plus one $139.08 renewal), slightly more than Proton, and the gap widens every year after.
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 How to choose between Proton VPN and NordVPN
Both are reputable, audited no-logs VPNs. The decision is mostly about price over time and whether you want to try before paying.
Try before you pay
Only Proton has a free plan. Use it to check speeds on your own connection before you buy anything.
Renewal price
Proton renews at $83.88 a year; NordVPN at $139.08. Intro prices hide this, so compare year three, not year one.
Devices
Both allow up to 10 devices on paid plans, enough for most households.
Reminder
Whichever you choose, set a calendar reminder a week before renewal to re-check prices.
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 Proton VPN vs NordVPN: common questions
Is Proton VPN better than NordVPN?
For value and a free plan, yes. NordVPN has the lower first-27-month price and polished apps, but a much higher renewal price.
Is Proton VPN free really free?
Yes. The free plan has unlimited data on one device and a limited choice of countries, with no ads.
How much does NordVPN cost after the first term?
$139.08 a year on the Basic plan after the 27-month intro, or $14.99 month to month (October 2026).
Do I need a VPN at all?
Most sites already use HTTPS. A VPN mainly hides your browsing from your network or internet provider and changes your apparent location; the FTC advises checking a VPN’s privacy policy before trusting it.
How we compared them
We compared both companies’ official pricing pages as of October 2026 and calculated three-year list-price costs. Promotions change often; check the live price before you buy.
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)