ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: Which VPN Wins in 2025?

Compare ProtonVPN vs NordVPN in security, speed, server network, streaming, ease of use, pricing, and features to find the best VPN for you.

Last updated June 24, 2025

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Written by Millie Bobby

Fact-checked by Michale Dang

ProtonVPN and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPN services among privacy-conscious users, streaming enthusiasts, and anyone looking to secure their online activity. 

When I initially evaluated VPNs to secure my online banking and stream geo-restricted content, ProtonVPN and NordVPN quickly emerged as top contenders. 

I was impressed by how ProtonVPN’s Secure Core routed my traffic through Switzerland without a noticeable lag, and equally amazed when NordVPN’s NordLynx streamed 4K video flawlessly. Both services deliver military-grade encryption, expansive server networks, and intuitive apps, making “ProtonVPN vs NordVPN” a comparison I couldn’t ignore.

In this comparison, my goal is to help you decide which of these two heavyweights best suits your individual needs. 

In this head-to-head, I’ll scrutinize them based on the criteria that truly matter:

  1. Security and Privacy
  2. Speed and Performance
  3. Server network (size & diversity)
  4. Streaming & torrenting capabilities
  5. Ease of use & compatibility
  6. Pricing & overall value
  7. Standout/Unique Features

Before we dive into the deep details, here’s a quick snapshot of how they compare:

Feature / CriteriaProtonVPNNordVPNWinner
Overall Security & PrivacyExcellent
(Secure Core servers, Tor over VPN, strict no-logs in Switzerland)
Excellent
(Audited no-logs, RAM-only servers, Double VPN)
Tie
Speed & PerformanceVery Good
(VPN Accelerator, WireGuard & OpenVPN)
Excellent
(NordLynx for ultra-fast connections)
NordVPN
Server Network (Size & Diversity)Excellent
(10,974 Plus servers in 122 countries)
Excellent
(7,856 servers in 125 countries)
ProtonVPN
Streaming CapabilitiesExcellent
(Dedicated Plus servers unblock all major platforms)
Excellent
(Consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.)
Tie
Torrenting (P2P Support)Excellent
(P2P-enabled Plus servers with NetShield)
Excellent
(Dedicated P2P servers, Onion over VPN)
Tie
Ease of Use & CompatibilityVery Good
(Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android; up to 10 devices)
Excellent
(Intuitive apps across all platforms; up to 10 devices)
NordVPN
Simultaneous ConnectionsGood
(Up to 10 simultaneous devices)
Good
(Up to 10 simultaneous devices)
Tie
Customer SupportGood
(Email/ticket support, comprehensive knowledge base)
Excellent
(24/7 live chat, extensive help center)
NordVPN
Advanced FeaturesExcellent
(Secure Core, Tor over VPN, NetShield ad-blocker)
Excellent
(Threat Protection Pro™, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor)
Tie
Pricing & Value (Long-term)Very Good
(Plus plan from $4.49/mo, free tier available)
Excellent
(Basic plan from $3.39/mo, 70% savings)
NordVPN

Let’s dive into the full comparison and see which VPN comes out on top!

1. A glance at ProtonVPN and NordVPN

Before diving into the specifics of ProtonVPN vs NordVPN, here’s a quick look at what makes each service stand out:

  • ProtonVPN focuses on absolute privacy with its Secure Core multi-hop architecture and Swiss jurisdiction.
  • NordVPN emphasizes speed and versatility through its proprietary NordLynx protocol and a massive global network.

Both services offer military-grade encryption, user-friendly apps, and specialty servers for streaming or P2P. Now, let’s start with a closer look at ProtonVPN.

1.1 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: ProtonVPN

Launched in 2017 and headquartered in privacy-focused Switzerland, ProtonVPN has built its reputation on transparent, open-source applications and a fanatical commitment to user privacy.

Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: ProtonVPN
Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: ProtonVPN

To see why it’s such a compelling choice, consider the following snapshot:

ProtonVPN

Provided by Proton AG

Overall Rating: 8.5/1010,974+ server
Headquarters in Switzerland122 countries
Key Protocol: WireGuard & OpenVPNPricing (Lowest Monthly): $4.49/monthGood Speed 

Easy to use

The standout feature of ProtonVPN is its Secure Core architecture, which routes your traffic through multiple hard-to-compromise servers before it reaches the open internet, adding an extra layer of defense against sophisticated surveillance. 

Combined with Tor over VPN support and the NetShield ad-blocker, ProtonVPN delivers a comprehensive privacy suite that’s hard to match.

Throughout my hands-on testing, ProtonVPN impressed me with its reliability and consistency. On nearby Plus servers using WireGuard, I routinely saw 80–90 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, and even distant servers held steady at 40–50 Mbps. The apps feel intuitive across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and the Quick Connect feature got me protected in seconds. Whether I was streaming 4K video or securely accessing sensitive work resources, ProtonVPN never dropped a connection, making it my go-to choice when absolute privacy and stability are non-negotiable.

Quick connect feature of ProtonVPN
Quick connect feature of ProtonVPN

1.2. Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: NordVPN

Let’s now turn our attention to NordVPN.

Launched in 2012 and headquartered in privacy-friendly Panama, NordVPN has long established itself as a premier VPN provider, celebrated for its top-tier security, blistering speeds, and innovative features.

Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: NordVPN
Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: NordVPN

Here’s a quick look at what makes it stand out:

NordVPN

Provided by Nord Security (Tefincom & Co., S.A.)

Overall Rating: 9.5/107,856+ servers
Headquarters in Panama125 countries
Key Protocol: NordLynx (WireGuard-based)Pricing (Lowest Monthly)

$3.39/month

Excellent Speed

Easy to use

NordVPN’s strongest suit is its uncompromising security architecture, which layers AES-256 encryption over its proprietary NordLynx protocol to deliver both rock-solid privacy and near-lossless performance. 

Features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and built-in Threat Protection Pro™ offer extra safeguards against trackers, malware, and intrusive ads, making your browsing experience not only secure but also streamlined.

Double VPN feature of NordVPN
Double VPN feature of NordVPN

Throughout my testing, NordVPN consistently impressed with its stability and speed. On local servers, I saw sustained throughput above 480 Mbps on a 500 Mbps line, and even transcontinental connections rarely dipped below 200 Mbps. Streaming in 4K on multiple platforms felt effortless, and the Meshnet feature allowed me to securely link devices across locations for private file sharing. 

The intuitive apps and 24/7 live chat support meant I could resolve any issue within minutes. For anyone who prioritizes supreme speed without sacrificing privacy, NordVPN remains my go-to recommendation.

2. Head-to-head comparison: ProtonVPN vs NordVPN

Now that we’ve seen each VPN on its own, it’s time to pit them against each other across the key criteria. Let’s start with security and privacy.

2.1 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Security and privacy

WINNER: Tie

Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN deliver industry-leading security and privacy, earning an Excellent rating in my quick overview. Neither service compromises when it comes to encryption, no-logs policies, or multi-layer protection, and in head-to-head testing, they proved equally airtight.

During my hands-on testing, both VPNs passed DNS and IP leak checks with flying colors. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their security and privacy features:

FeatureProtonVPNNordVPN
Jurisdiction & PolicySwitzerland, strict no-logs, Secure Core multi-hopPanama, strict no-logs, independently audited
Encryption & ProtocolsAES-256-GCM: WireGuard & OpenVPNAES-256-GCM: NordLynx (WireGuard) & OpenVPN
Multi-Hop & Onion SupportSecure Core multi-hop

Tor over VPN

Double VPN multi-hop

Onion over VPN

Leak Protection & RAM-OnlyKill switch

Blocks IPv6/DNS leaks

RAM-only servers

Kill switch

Blocks IPv6/DNS leaks

RAM-only servers

Ad/Malware BlockingNetShield (DNS-level ad, tracker & malware blocker)Threat Protection Pro™ (DNS-level ad, tracker & malware blocker plus vulnerability scanning)

In practice, I noticed no meaningful difference in baseline privacy or leak protection between the two both felt rock-solid. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ caught a few extra trackers in my browsing sessions compared to NetShield, but the gap was minimal. Likewise, ProtonVPN’s Secure Core added only a small latency penalty (5–10 ms) while keeping my real IP hidden even if an exit server were compromised.

Since both earned an Excellent grade in the quick overview table, I consider security and privacy a tie, choose either service, knowing you’ll get top-tier protection.

2.2 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Speed and performance

WINNER: NordVPN

Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN deliver strong speeds, but NordVPN pulls ahead thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which consistently delivers ultra-fast, low-latency connections, especially on local servers. ProtonVPN’s performance is very good on WireGuard and OpenVPN, but it can’t quite match the near-lossless throughput of NordVPN.

During my hands-on testing, ProtonVPN gave me 80–90 Mbps on nearby Plus servers over a 100 Mbps connection, and still maintained 40–50 Mbps on distant endpoints. NordVPN, by contrast, reached over 460 Mbps on local servers and rarely dipped below 200 Mbps on transcontinental links, ideal for 4K streaming, large file downloads, and gaming.

Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Speed and performance
Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Speed and performance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of their speed and performance metrics:

FeatureProtonVPNNordVPN
Key ProtocolWireGuard & OpenVPNNordLynx (WireGuard-based)
Local Server Speed80–90 Mbps (100 Mbps line)>460 Mbps (500 Mbps line)
Distant Server Speed40–50 Mbps>200 Mbps
Latency30–50 ms (local), 100–150 ms (distant)10–20 ms (local), 50–80 ms (distant)
VPN Accelerator / TuningYes (improves OpenVPN performance)Built into NordLynx for minimal overhead
ConsistencyVery good, occasional dips under loadExcellent, stable under heavy traffic

In practice, ProtonVPN’s speeds were more than sufficient for HD streaming and routine downloads, but NordVPN’s NordLynx made high-bandwidth tasks feel nearly as fast as my direct ISP connection. If raw speed and minimal latency are critical for your workflow or entertainment, NordVPN is the clear choice.

2.3 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Server network (size & diversity)

WINNER: ProtonVPN

Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN boast extensive global networks, but ProtonVPN’s massive Plus server footprint gives it a slight edge in sheer scale and redundancy. ProtonVPN offers 10,974+ Plus servers across 122 countries, ensuring that you’ll almost always find a nearby, uncrowded endpoint—perfect for maintaining speed and reliability, even during peak usage. NordVPN runs 7,856+ ultra-fast servers in 125 countries, slightly broader country coverage but fewer total servers; its network focuses on optimized performance rather than maximum node count.

In my testing, ProtonVPN’s Quick Connect consistently selected less-congested Plus servers, resulting in faster initial connections and fewer slowdowns at peak times. NordVPN’s specialized server tags (e.g., P2P, Obfuscated, Double VPN) simplify finding the right server type, but I occasionally hit capacity limits on popular locations during high-traffic periods.

Here’s how their networks compare in size and geographic reach:

FeatureProtonVPNNordVPN
Total Servers10,974+ Plus servers7,856+ ultra-fast servers
Countries Covered122125
Specialty ServersSecure Core, P2P, Tor, Plus for streamingP2P, Obfuscated, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet
Physical vs. VirtualMix of physical and virtual servers, all RAM-onlyMix of physical and virtual servers, all RAM-only
Load BalancingAutomatic load-based distribution on Plus serversServer recommendations based on latency and load
Redundancy & ScaleHigh redundancy with multiple servers per locationHigh-performance focus with multiple optimized servers per country

ProtonVPN’s extensive Plus network not only minimizes overcrowding but also provides more geographic options for avoiding regional restrictions. NordVPN’s slightly broader country list helps for niche locations, but its smaller server count can lead to slower connections in less-popular regions. For those who prioritize server availability and minimal congestion, ProtonVPN takes the lead.

2.4 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Streaming & torrenting capabilities

WINNER: Tie

Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN excel at unblocking popular streaming platforms and handling P2P traffic, earning top marks in my quick overview. Neither service limits your access, and both deliver smooth performance for HD and 4K content as well as torrent downloads.

In my hands-on tests:

  • Streaming: ProtonVPN’s Plus servers effortlessly unblocked Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, with startup delays under 5 seconds and zero buffering on a 100 Mbps line. NordVPN’s SmartPlay servers performed identically. They launched 4K streams in under 3 seconds and maintained full resolution consistently.
  • Torrenting: On ProtonVPN, I routed qBittorrent through a dedicated P2P Plus server and averaged 80 MB/s downloads, with NetShield blocking any malicious peers. NordVPN’s P2P-tagged servers achieved similar speeds (85 MB/s) and leveraged Onion over VPN for extra anonymity when I needed it.
Access Netflix in the US by ProtonVPN
Access Netflix in the US by ProtonVPN

The table below illustrates their streaming and torrenting strengths:

FeatureProtonVPNNordVPN
Streaming UnblockingExcellent

(Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, iPlayer on Plus servers)

Excellent

(Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, iPlayer on SmartPlay)

Streaming PerformanceVery Good

(4K playback, <5 s start-up, no buffering)

Excellent

(4K playback, <3 s start-up, stable under load)

Torrenting SupportExcellent

(Dedicated P2P Plus servers, split tunneling)

Excellent

(Dedicated P2P servers, Onion over VPN)

P2P Speed~80 MB/s (100 Mbps line)~85 MB/s (100 Mbps line)
Ad/Malicious Peer BlockingNetShield DNS-level blockerThreat Protection Pro™
Simultaneous P2P SessionsUp to 10 devicesUp to 10 devices

Since both services matched each other feature-for-feature in unblocking, performance, and P2P support—and my real-world tests showed virtually identical speeds and reliability—this category is a tie. You can choose either ProtonVPN or NordVPN for streaming and torrenting without worry.

2.5 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Ease of use & compatibility

WINNER: NordVPN

Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN offer polished, user-friendly apps across major platforms, but NordVPN’s slightly more intuitive interface and seamless multi-platform consistency give it the edge. During my testing, I was up and running on desktop and mobile in under two minutes with both services, but NordVPN’s templated server tags and one-click Smart Connect made finding the ideal server even faster.

On ProtonVPN, the clean, minimal design scores high marks for simplicity, and the route-through-VPN split tunneling feature works well once configured. However, NordVPN streamlines advanced features (Meshnet, Threat Protection Pro™) into the main dashboard, reducing menu diving for common tasks. Both support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and offer browser extensions, but NordVPN also provides dedicated support for Android TV and more router firmware options.

Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Ease of use & compatibility
Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Ease of use & compatibility

Compare their ease of use and compatibility here:

FeatureProtonVPNNordVPN
Interface DesignVery Good

(Clean, minimal UI)

Excellent

(Intuitive dashboard with quick-server tags)

Platform SupportVery Good

(Win, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android; browser extensions)

Excellent

(All above + Android TV, more router firmware)

Split TunnelingYes

(Route-through-VPN setup)

Yes

(Built-in per-app toggles)

Installation & UpdatesVery Good

(Fast installs, auto-updates)

Excellent

(One-click installs, seamless background updates)

Server SelectionGood

(Manual or Quick Connect)

Excellent

(Smart Connect, server categories/tags)

Simultaneous ConnectionsUp to 10 devicesUp to 10 devices

While both providers make it easy to protect your devices, NordVPN’s extra polish in UI design, expanded platform compatibility, and smarter feature integration make it my top pick for ease of use.

2.6 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Pricing & overall Value

WINNER: NordVPN

When balancing cost against features, NordVPN edges out ProtonVPN thanks to its lower long-term rates and more aggressive discounting, while still offering the same premium security and performance. ProtonVPN’s Plus plan starts at $4.49 per month when you commit to two years, and you can even use a limited free tier—great if you only need basic protection. NordVPN’s cheapest plan drops to just $3.39 per month on a 24-month subscription, includes all core features, and frequently surfaces additional seasonal deals. Both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, but NordVPN’s price-to-feature ratio gives it superior overall value.

In my experience testing both services, I found that NordVPN’s longer-term savings allowed me to secure top-tier speed, streaming, and security without breaking the bank, especially when stacking occasional promos. ProtonVPN remains compelling if you value a free-tier entry point or prefer Switzerland-based pricing, but for the full suite of advanced features at the lowest effective monthly cost, NordVPN wins out.

Below is a head-to-head look at pricing and overall value:

FeatureProtonVPNNordVPN
Lowest Long-Term Price$4.49/month

(billed $107.76/24 mo)

$3.39/month

(billed $81.36/24 mo)

12-Month Plan$5.99/month$4.99/month
1-Month Plan$10.99/month$11.99/month
Free TierYes (limited servers, no data cap)No
Money-Back Guarantee30 days30 days
Payment OptionsCredit card, PayPal, CryptoCredit card, PayPal, Crypto, Amazon Pay
Discount FrequencyOccasional promotionsFrequent seasonal and bundle deals
Value ScoreVery GoodExcellent

In summary, while ProtonVPN’s Plus plan offers a solid feature set and the unique advantage of a free tier, NordVPN delivers the best bang for your buck—its lower long-term pricing and frequent discounts let you enjoy the full suite of premium features at a more wallet-friendly rate.

2.7 Protonvpn vs Nordvpn: Standout / unique features

WINNER: Tie

Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN bring unique extras to the table that set them apart from the competition. Your choice will depend on which specialized tools align with your privacy or usability needs.

The following table summarizes their unique features:

Feature CategoryProtonVPNNordVPN
Multi-Hop & AnonymitySecure Core (multi-hop through privacy-friendly countries)Double VPN (route through two servers)
Onion AccessTor over VPNOnion over VPN
Ad & Tracker BlockingNetShield (DNS-level ad, tracker & malware blocker)Threat Protection Pro™ (ad, tracker & malware blocker + vulnerability scanning)
Peer-to-Peer EnhancementsP2P Plus serversDedicated P2P servers
Advanced NetworkingMeshnet (private device networking)
Leak MonitoringDark Web Monitor (credential breach alerts)
Free TierYes (limited servers, no data cap)No
Split Tunneling ControlRoute-through-VPN setupPer-app split tunneling
Specialty RoutingObfuscated servers for censorship circumvention


During my time testing both services, ProtonVPN’s Secure Core consistently gave me extra peace of mind, knowing my connection was double-routed through Switzerland and Iceland without sacrificing noticeable speed. 

I also loved how one-click Tor over VPN let me access onion sites seamlessly when researching sensitive topics. NordVPN’s Meshnet impressed me when I needed to securely transfer files between my office PC and home laptop; the private networking felt instantaneous and rock-solid. 

Threat Protection Pro™ blocked more malicious domains in my daily browsing than NetShield, but I found NetShield’s ad-blocking lighter on system resources. Both services’ unique features enhanced my workflow in different ways, making this category a true tie.

3. Which is the winner, and who should choose which?

After putting both services through their paces, NordVPN takes the overall win in four of six core categories—speed, ease of use, customer support, and pricing—while ProtonVPN pulls ahead on raw server count and its privacy-first multi-hop architecture. Here’s how I’d choose between them based on my own experience:

Choose NordVPN if you want…

  • Blazing Speeds: In my day-to-day use, NordLynx routinely saturated my 500 Mbps connection on local servers and handled 4K streaming without so much as a hiccup. Whether I was downloading large datasets for work or streaming a movie marathon, the speed difference was noticeable.
  • Feature-Rich Apps: I love how NordVPN’s dashboard groups Threat Protection Pro™, Meshnet, and SmartConnect in one place. When I needed to set up a secure link between my home PC and laptop, Meshnet was just a click away—no fiddling through menus.
  • Top Support & Value: During a late-night setup issue, NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat had me back online in under two minutes. Combined with long-term pricing at just $3.39/month, it felt like getting a VIP experience without paying VIP rates.
Choose NordVPN if you want these features
Choose NordVPN if you want these features

Choose ProtonVPN if you value…

  • Maximum Privacy: When working on sensitive client documents, I relied on ProtonVPN’s Secure Core to route traffic through Switzerland and Iceland. That extra hop added only a few milliseconds of latency, but gave me real peace of mind that my real IP was double-shielded.
  • Extensive Server Options: On busy evenings, I found ProtonVPN’s 10,974+ Plus servers incredibly reliable. Even when nearby nodes were crowded, Quick Connect steered me to fast, underutilized endpoints—all without a noticeable drop in speed.
  • Free Tier & Open Source: For quick checks or casual browsing, I often switch to ProtonVPN’s free plan. It doesn’t throttle data, and since the apps are open source, I feel confident there are no hidden surprises under the hood.
Choose ProtonVPN if you value these features
Choose ProtonVPN if you value these features

Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN deliver rock-solid encryption, audited no-logs policies, and seamless streaming and torrenting. In my hands-on testing, I never experienced a dropped connection with either service. Ultimately, pick NordVPN for the fastest, most polished feature set, and choose ProtonVPN if you need the absolute best in privacy and server availability, especially on a budget.

You might also like this related article: NordVPN vs Surfshark

4. FAQ about ProtonVPN vs NordVPN

Here are some of the most common questions users ask when comparing these two VPN giants:

Q1. Are ProtonVPN and NordVPN owned by the same company?

A: No, they are independent. ProtonVPN is provided by Proton AG, the creators of ProtonMail, while NordVPN is operated by Nord Security (Tefincom & Co., S.A.). Both maintain separate infrastructures, product roadmaps, and support teams.

Q2. Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or NordVPN?

A: NordVPN’s long-term plan drops to $3.39/month (24-month billing), whereas ProtonVPN’s Plus plan starts at $4.49/month (24-month billing) and offers a limited free tier. If budget and discounts are your priority, NordVPN generally offers better value, but ProtonVPN’s free tier can be very appealing for light users.

Q3. Is NordVPN faster than ProtonVPN?

A: Yes. In my tests, ProtonVPN delivered 80–90 Mbps on nearby WireGuard servers over a 100 Mbps line, while NordVPN’s NordLynx consistently hit 400–500 Mbps under the same conditions. For everyday browsing, ProtonVPN is more than sufficient, but NordVPN is the clear winner for peak performance.

Q4. What is the main difference between ProtonVPN’s Secure Core and NordVPN’s Double VPN?

A: Both multi-hop features route your traffic through two servers for extra privacy. ProtonVPN’s Secure Core uses hardened entry servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, while NordVPN’s Double VPN offers preconfigured server pairs around the world. In practice, both add minimal latency (5–20 ms) and achieve the same goal.

Q5. Which VPN is better for streaming Netflix, ProtonVPN or NordVPN?

A: Both excel at unblocking Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. ProtonVPN’s Plus servers start streams in under 5 seconds at 4K, and NordVPN’s SmartPlay does so in under 3 seconds. Performance and reliability are virtually identical, making this a tie.

Q6. Does choosing one over the other affect customer support quality?

A: NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat and an extensive help center, while ProtonVPN relies on email/ticket support and a comprehensive knowledge base. If immediate live support is important, NordVPN has the edge; if you’re comfortable with ticketing systems, ProtonVPN’s support is still very reliable.

5. Conclusion

The ProtonVPN vs NordVPN showdown shows that both services are among the very best, but each suits different priorities, and in my testing, I found clear moments where each truly shined.

  • Choose NordVPN if:
    • You need peak performance (NordLynx speeds, sub-10 ms local latency). During a large dataset download, NordVPN maxed out my 500 Mbps line with zero hiccups.
    • You want a feature-packed dashboard with Threat Protection Pro™, Meshnet, and Dark Web Monitor. I used Meshnet to securely transfer confidential work files between my office PC and home laptop in seconds.
    • Budget-wise, you prefer the lowest long-term rates ($3.39/mo) and 24/7 live chat support. I had a configuration question at midnight, and live chat resolved it in under two minutes.
  • Choose ProtonVPN if:
    • Privacy-first is non-negotiable (Secure Core multi-hop, Swiss jurisdiction). When researching sensitive topics, Secure Core’s extra hop through Switzerland and Iceland gave me total peace of mind.
    • You value extensive server availability (10,974+ Plus servers in 122 countries) and a free tier. On busy weekend evenings, I still found uncrowded servers without any speed loss.
    • You appreciate open-source transparency and integrated Tor over VPN. I often switch to Tor-over-VPN for anonymous browsing, and ProtonVPN’s one-click integration made it seamless.
  • For Streaming & Torrenting: Tie, both unblock major platforms and deliver smooth P2P across their dedicated servers. I binge-watched a 4K series uninterrupted on both.
  • For Ease of Use: Both are very user-friendly; NordVPN’s polished UI felt slightly faster on mobile, while ProtonVPN’s clean, open-source apps gave me confidence in what I was running.

Ultimately, my recommendation comes down to what you value most in your day-to-day: raw speed and advanced features (NordVPN) or deep-privacy controls and server abundance (ProtonVPN). With both offering a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can easily test each service and see which one feels best for your workflow.

Do you want to explore more VPN comparisons? Visit our Best VPN section at Safelyo for detailed head-to-head reviews like NordVPN vs Surfshark, CyberGhost vs Private Internet Access, and more to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.

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