Article Summary
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- Best NordVPN alternative: Surfshark – cheaper long-term pricing, comparable speeds, and unlimited device connections → Get for $1.99/mo
- Privacy-focused: Proton VPN – Swiss-based, open-source apps, cash payments, and strong audit history → Get for $2.99/mo
- Simplest alternative: ExpressVPN – clean apps, strong router support, and reliable everyday performance → Get for $2.49/mo
- Compared: speed, streaming access, privacy features, device limits, pricing, and ease of use to find the best NordVPN competitors
NordVPN may consistently rank among the best VPNs, but that doesn’t make it a perfect fit for everyone. Whether a VPN is right for you depends on the features it offers, the level of security it provides, and how well it performs for your intended use, be that private browsing or fast-paced online gaming.
Fortunately, strong contenders like Surfshark, Proton VPN, and ExpressVPN offer comparable – and in some cases better – features depending on your priorities. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable VPN or one that lets you secure more devices at a time, we’ve tested and rounded up the best NordVPN alternatives to make your decision easier.
Why Consider an Alternative to NordVPN?
Make no mistake, NordVPN is a very strong all-rounder offering performance and protection. That said, it isn’t the only choice, nor is it necessarily the best choice for every user. Whether you’ve got more than 10 devices at home you need to secure, you want a simpler VPN without extra bundled tools, or you’re looking for a VPN that lets you pay anonymously, there’s a NordVPN alternative to suit.
Top NordVPN Alternatives Compared at a Glance
Before diving into the detailed reviews, here’s a rundown of the best NordVPN alternatives based on my hands-on testing. I evaluated each VPN in areas including speed, streaming performance, and security to make the most accurate recommendations. In particular, I sought those that offer advantages over NordVPN, be it a more generous connection allowance or lower subscription prices.
Here are the VPNs I found to be the best NordVPN alternatives:
- Surfshark: Comparable performance and unlimited connections at a lower price
- Proton VPN: Swiss VPN with open-source apps and an even bigger server network
- ExpressVPN: Beginner-friendly VPN with a small number of quality features
The Best NordVPN Alternatives Reviewed
1. Surfshark – Best Value Alternative
Based on my hands-on testing, Surfshark matches much – but not all – of what NordVPN has to offer at a more affordable monthly price which makes it the best NordVPN alternative.
Whereas NordVPN’s two year plans start from $3.09/month, Surfshark costs as little as $1.99/month. That’s really impressive value for a VPN that provides comparable performance and protection.
Our in-house speed tests saw Surfshark outperform NordVPN when connecting to servers on the US west coast as well as in the EU. We also exactly the same speed of 242 Mbps when connecting to the two VPNs’ nearest server location.
Where Surfshark clearly has the advantage over NordVPN is that it lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously – NordVPN limits you to 10 which is more than average but limiting for larger households.
Surfshark also boasts several unique extras: Surfshark Antivirus, a private search engine, and Alternative ID (this lets you randomly generate a brand new identity and email to protect your real data).
Or read our full Surfshark review.
2. Proton VPN – Best for privacy-first users
Although both NordVPN and Proton VPN operate no-logs policies which have been independently audited, Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, operating under strict privacy laws. Unlike NordVPN, its apps are open-source so anyone can freely inspect their code.
Proton VPN is a privacy-first VPN but performance isn’t an afterthought. Though we had slightly more speed loss with Proton VPN (17.56%), it was still more than fast enough for 4K steaming. Proton VPN also scored a 100% success rate in our unblocking tests, accessing everything from US Netflix to Prime Video.
Where Proton VPN surpasses NordVPN is its server network – and that’s no small feat. Although NordVPN has 9,000 servers in 181 locations, Proton VPN has 20,000 servers in 145 countries, providing more flexibility for unblocking content or finding a fast local server.
If you’re looking for a VPN with an anonymous payment option, know that Proton VPN lets you pay in cash. To pay for NordVPN anonymously, you’d have to purchase a subscription box (in person with cash) which is only available in select countries.
Note also that while a one month NordVPN subscription starts from $12.99, one month with Proton VPN starts from just $9.99. Despite the price difference, Proton VPN also lets you secure 10 devices at a time.
Or read our full Proton VPN review.
3. ExpressVPN – Best for simplicity
ExpressVPN is a straightforward NordVPN alternative that prioritizes ease of use and consistency. It doesn’t overwhelm with features but has quality extras including a password manager as well as ad, tracker, and malicious site blocking.
That said, prices are comparable to NordVPN’s. If you’re looking to save a bit upfront, there are often deals available through a coupon, including discounts on longer-term plans with extra free months automatically added at checkout.
Although NordVPN has revamped its apps in recent months, making them easier to navigate for users, ExpressVPN has long led the way in terms of providing clean, uncluttered apps. I think it’s one of the easiest VPNs to use for beginners.
NordVPN was the faster of the two in our recent speed tests, but ExpressVPN was no slouch either, hitting 220 Mbps when we connected to US East servers and 238 Mbps via our nearest local server. That’s plenty fast enough for streaming and, with the exception of Netflix UK, we had success accessing most streaming services.
Depending on the ExpressVPN subscription tier you choose, you’ll be able to secure anything from 10–14 devices, compared to the 10 of NordVPN. ExpressVPN also stands out for offering custom router firmware, so it’s even easier to secure all of your devices at home and bypass its connection limit.
Or read our full ExpressVPN review.
How to Choose the Right NordVPN Alternative
Choosing the right NordVPN alternative comes down to how you plan to use it, be it streaming, privacy, or just everyday convenience.
- Think about what you’re willing to spend: Pricing can vary significantly between VPNs. You can save significantly with a long-term subscription but this requires paying more upfront.
- Consider how many devices you need to cover: Some services are better suited for single users while others are designed for larger households or multi-device setups.
- Prioritize your main use case: Focus on your day-to-day usage, be it browsing, streaming, or torrenting. A VPN that’s great for streaming isn’t alway the best for privacy and vice versa.
- Check how much control you want: Some VPNs focus on simplicity and automation, while others offer deeper customization and advanced features.
Final Verdict: Which NordVPN Competitor Should You Pick?
Surfshark is the best NordVPN alternative, offering comparable performance, an unlimited connection allowance, and a low-cost long-term subscription.→ Get Surfshark for $1.99/mo
If privacy is your top priority, choose Proton VPN which is based in Switzerland, offers open-source apps, and lets you pay anonymously in cash. ExpressVPN is a simple and reliable alternative with beginner-friendly apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is there a better VPN than NordVPN?+ What is the cheapest alternative to NordVPN?