Best NordVPN Alternatives – Our Recommendations

Even the best NordVPN alternatives cannot match the provider as a complete package. There, we said it. It’s arguably the most highly-rated choice and offers blazing-fast connection speeds, unblocking capabilities, and reliable, feature-rich service. No surprise it comfortably tops most VPN rankings.

However, the perfect VPN service doesn’t exist for everyone. While there’s much to like about NordVPN, some aspects may not align with your preferences. If that’s the case, then it makes sense to consider a substitute that suits you better.

That said, the market is saturated with options, most of which are nowhere near measuring up to its appeal. This article cuts to the chase, providing the five best alternatives for NordVPN in 2026, which address its drawbacks.

The 5 Best NordVPN Alternatives to Consider in 2026

NordVPN is a powerhouse. But while it has a well-rounded feature set, your choice doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all. You probably need a VPN that performs better in one or more areas where it lags behind (more on that later).

Here are the best alternatives to NordVPN according to our team of experts.

1. ExpressVPN

If NordVPN only earns a second or third spot on a premium VPN ranking, chances are that ExpressVPN tops the list. Both providers are neck and neck in many areas, and while the former edges it, ExpressVPN is the most trusted NordVPN alternative.

The British Virgin Islands-based provider has over 3,000 servers in 160 locations across 105 countries globally. The vast majority are physical servers, and that digital footprint covers every continent but Antarctica.

Thanks to its custom Lightway protocol, 10 Gbps servers, and a well-oiled network, it’s easily one of the fastest VPNs you can opt for in 2026. That means browsing without hiccups, quick downloads, lag-less gaming, and buffer-free streaming, even on 4K video quality.

Speaking of which, the VPN unblocks anything you throw at it, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more. Consequently, you can enjoy ordinarily geo-restricted content in every location it has servers.

ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused provider determined to ensure nobody else can track or snoop on your online activities. It protects your data with AES 256-bit encryption and offers several high-rate features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. Its Threat Manager keeps nosy apps and websites from tracking you and effectively blocks ads and malware.

What’s more, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers and has a strict no-logs policy that has successfully undergone third-party scrutiny.

The VPN sports simple, modern apps that are more user-friendly than NordVPN. It’s also compatible with a wide range of platforms and allows up to eight simultaneous device connections on one account.

There’s responsive customer support available 24/7, should you need it. In addition, each ExpressVPN plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you experience all that quality risk-free. For all these reasons, we believe you can’t go wrong by replacing NordVPN with ExpressVPN.

Visit ExpressVPN

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2. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access comes with a collection of servers that eclipses those of its competitors, including NordVPN. Over 30,000 servers are spread across 91 countries globally.

Sure, a vast server count doesn’t necessarily mean lightning-fast connections or zero interruptions. But this is no VPN with 100 Mbps network cards to cap your traffic. Each PIA server offers 10 Gbps connections, so you’re unlikely to be stuck with snail-slow speeds, especially when you use WireGuard.

It also bypasses geo-restrictions on many websites and online services, including streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. However, don’t expect it always to unblock every service you try.

PIA’s core focus is ensuring the security of your data when you go online. To do so, it uses bank-level AES 256-bit encryption alongside DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and open-source protocols.

Unlike most VPNs, PIA offers an extra layer of trust by owning and maintaining direct control over its entire server network. While NordVPN manages its colocated servers, most servers in its network are rented from trusted third-party data centers.

Expanding on that, we were able to confirm during our review of PIA that the provider has a strict no-logs policy. While this is a common marketing term for many providers, PIA’s policy has been tested in court and proven to be solid. You won’t leave any digital breadcrumbs while connected to this VPN.

Private Internet Access offers well-designed, intuitive apps that are easy to use. It supports a wide range of operating systems, even offering a full GUI for Linux, so you’re not limited to the command line.

It beats NordVPN in another aspect: you can connect as many devices as you wish to one account. Combined with its affordable pricing, you’re receiving excellent value for your money. In our opinion, it’s the best budget alternative to NordVPN.

You can contact the provider’s support for assistance any time of the day, any day of the week. If you’re not 100% satisfied after purchasing an account, you’re free to cancel and claim a full refund within 30 days of your payment.

Visit Private Internet Access

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3. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is famous for its privacy, security, and all-aroundness. It’s a Swiss provider whose reputation is upheld by Secure Core servers owned by Proton and used by the VPN for doubling your encryption. As a result, you can virtually become untrackable online.

The provider packs a whopping 9,940+ servers in 117 countries, rivaling, and even beating NordVPN at the size game. We love Proton VPN for its impressive security features, such as NetShield ad blocker, WireGuard, Stealth VPN, and ready-to-go automatic kill switch.

Moreover, the provider includes IPv6 and DNS leak protection, fighting against data leaks admirably. Our Proton VPN test showed amazing results when it comes to streaming. Proton VPN easily unblocks more than a few Netflix libraries, allowing for endless entertainment.

P2P is also allowed and endorsed through dedicated P2P servers. Let’s not forget Onion over VPN servers that enable going on the dark web in utter privacy. Proton VPN doesn’t store a single log, plus, it uses RAM-only servers that are wiped clean with each restart.

As for device compatibility, Proton VPN shines brighter than the Sun in the summer’s peak.

You can enjoy it on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Furthermore, Proton VPN graces us with its presence on Apple TV and Firestick TV, both of which are excessively used by millions of people. Prices are pretty affordable too, considering the level of quality.

As one of the top NordVPN replacements, Proton VPN enables 10 concurrent connections and costs a speck more than its rival. At around $3.5/mo for the 2-year plan, Proton VPN represents a nice change of pace, especially with a risk-free 30-day refund policy.

If you don’t want to pay at the start, consider its 100% free VPN with unlimited bandwidth.

Visit Proton VPN

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4. Surfshark

Don’t let Surfshark’s affordable long-term pricing fool you. It packs a serious punch with reliability and advanced features only found in the best VPN services, which is why we consider it a great alternative to NordVPN in 2026.

The Dutch-based provider has a network comprising 3,200 servers in 100 countries across six continents worldwide. Granted, that’s smaller than NordVPN’s. Still, with such an extensive spread, you can be sure of stable and Private Internet Access wherever you are.

For a VPN with mostly 1 Gbps servers, Surfshark offers high-speed internet connections. During the Surfshark review, even when connected to distant servers, performance did not suffer significantly, which we found impressive. We were able to stream videos in 4K quality with minimal buffering, and playing online games yielded similar results, with no lagging to ruin the experience.

So that’s speed sorted, but what about its unblocking capabilities? Impeccable. While the VPN doesn’t make a big deal out of it, Surfshark will breeze past most geo-blocks on websites and streaming services. As a result, you can stream exclusive content on Netflix US, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more hassle-free.

Surfshark packs an impressive arsenal of privacy and security features. It implements AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your data and comes with a kill switch and DNS leak protection to prevent exposure to prying eyes. The VPN offers several extras, from a novel Alternative ID feature to an ad blocker and split tunneling.

Choosing a NordVPN alternative with a 9 Eyes headquarters will not come back to haunt you, as Surfshark will not collect or share logs of your online activities. In fact, it was one of the first providers to upgrade to RAM-based servers that wipe off all information whenever they’re turned off.

Like Private Internet Access, Surfshark dwarfs NordVPN’s ten-device connection limit by removing any cap on the number of devices you can use on a single account. It also supports loads of platforms and is one of the first with a GUI for Linux that’s quite aesthetically pleasing.

Have any questions or issues regarding its service? There’s customer service on standby to help. What’s more, Surfshark grants a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Visit Surfshark

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is often compared to NordVPN but to its detriment. The VPN isn’t the best NordVPN alternative but it’s a good one for saving a bit of money and getting something more on the side. For one, the VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Two, you get over 12,000 servers in 100+ countries. Three, the cheapest 2-year deal with a few free months will cost you about $2/mo – NordVPN’s price is at least $3/mo. CyberGhost comes with dedicated streaming and torrenting servers that represent its highlight.

You can unblock a few Netflix catalogs, enjoy the Super Bowl live on free channels, and download torrents to your heart’s content. Additionally, the VPN uses WireGuard, so you can expect respectable performance, both speed and stability-wise. What about security?

Glad you asked. All the essentials are covered, from AES-256 encryption and a kill switch to ad-blocking, RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and IP leak protection. As a Romanian company, the provider’s no-logging vows are actually unsurprising.

Deloitte audited CyberGhost and there are transparency reports on the website, published four times a year. CyberGhost offers clients for all devices but as a “weaker” NordVPN alternative, it allows for 7, instead of 10 or more simultaneous connections.

We also dislike its lack of obfuscation, which instantly makes the VPN unsuitable for China. These VPNs work in China better and NordVPN is among them. Regardless, CyberGhost packs a punch and is a great value if you have a rigid budget without much leeway.

Visit CyberGhost

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What to Look For in a NordVPN Alternative

Why do you need a NordVPN alternative when most agree that it lives up to the hype? Well, maybe it doesn’t quite fit the bill in some areas.

If NordVPN were to be a perfect VPN, here are the aspects it would be looking to improve:

More Simultaneous Device Connections

NordVPN has bumped up its simultaneous device connection limit from six devices to ten. That’s a significant improvement and is about double the industry standard for premium VPNs. So, it should be enough to cover your gadgets.

However, some providers allow you to use even more devices without requiring a new subscription. For instance, two NordVPN alternatives on our list (PIA and Surfshark) have completely removed a limit.

User-Friendly Interface

NordVPN’s UI isn’t especially challenging, but its Windows app may take some time for beginners to get used to. While it’s not clunky, the home screen does feel a bit clustered.

Plus, while the feature-rich service and customization options are a huge plus, it means absolute beginners may be left scratching their heads while exploring the provider’s apps.

Newbies are more likely to find alternatives like ExpressVPN and Surfshark a little easier to use.

Even Cheaper Pricing

For all its benefits, NordVPN doesn’t fall on the expensive end of the spectrum for premium VPNs. We would place it somewhere down the middle.

That’s fair, but it also means you can snag an alternative to NordVPN for a cheaper price if your budget is a primary concern. For instance, Private Internet Access offers a range of more pocket-friendly subscription tiers. And while Surfshark’s monthly plan is costlier, its long-term options are a steal.

Graphics Interface for Linux

Granted, Linux users tend to be more concerned about privacy and security than visual appeal. However, many users have clamored for GUIs for their Linux VPNs. So far, NordVPN isn’t among the few providers that have responded, so you can only use a command line on that operating system.

On the other hand, NordVPN alternatives like Private Internet Access, Proton VPN, and Surfshark have Linux apps that look like their Windows and iOS versions.

Can You Use Free VPNs as NordVPN Alternatives?

NordVPN isn’t just another premium VPN — it’s essentially the industry’s champion. So, if you’re considering a free VPN instead, you shouldn’t expect it to be on the same level. And that applies to the handful of free providers we endorse.

Why the stark difference?

Well, free VPNs have a business model to maintain. So, if they’re not charging you a subscription fee, something else has to give.

Most no-cost providers skimp on security and privacy features and may extensively log your data. Consequently, using them means your sensitive information is vulnerable. Besides, those practices defeat the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

Plus, more often than not, they offer small networks with fewer servers and limited locations. As you can imagine, that leads to congestion and slow speeds that are bound to frustrate your online experience.

So, while free VPNs might seem like an attractive option at first glance, they fall far short of what NordVPN offers, making them less desirable alternatives.

Conclusion

We’re big fans of what NordVPN brings to the table. And if you check out user reviews, you’ll find that most praise its robust features and reliable performance. Still, there’s a slight chance it doesn’t check a box or two that you prioritize, in which case you’d need a substitute for NordVPN.

This guide explored the best NordVPN alternatives, highlighting their offerings and where they solve the VPN’s minor issues.

Our favorite choice? ExpressVPN. You can take advantage of a generous 61% discount on its two-year plan and enjoy four extra months in the bargain.

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