NordVPN vs Proton VPN
Last updated 1 September 2025. We pit NordVPN against Proton VPN across speed, streaming, security, price and ease of use.
NordVPN
4.9NordVPN is our top pick for UK users in 2025. It pairs class-leading speeds with rock-solid security and unblocks every major UK streaming service we tested, all backed by an independently audited no-logs policy.
Read full NordVPN reviewProton VPN
4.6Proton VPN is the connoisseur's choice for privacy. Based in Switzerland, fully open source and independently audited, it also offers the only genuinely unlimited free tier worth using.
Read full Proton VPN reviewSpecs head-to-head
| Provider | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Best for | Best overall VPN | Best for privacy |
| From (per month) | £2.99 | £3.59 |
| Servers | 7,100 | 8,900 |
| Countries | 118 | 117 |
| Devices | 10 | 10 |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Switzerland |
| UK streaming | ||
| Get Deal | Get Deal |
The verdict
NordVPN takes the overall win thanks to faster everyday speeds and more reliable streaming, backed by audited no-logs credentials.
Proton VPN counters with Swiss privacy laws, fully open-source apps and the only genuinely unlimited free tier worth using — making it the pick for privacy purists.
Our verdict: NordVPN for the best all-round performance; Proton VPN if verifiable, transparent privacy is your top priority.
Overall winner: NordVPN
NordVPN: pros & cons
Pros
- Blazing-fast NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol
- Reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer, Netflix UK and Disney+
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers and malware
Cons
- Monthly plan is pricey
- Desktop app interface takes getting used to
Proton VPN: pros & cons
Pros
- Genuinely unlimited free tier
- Swiss jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
- Fully open-source, audited apps
- Secure Core multi-hop servers
Cons
- Free plan has no streaming support
- Slightly steeper learning curve