From the outset, we want to make it clear that we like Proton VPN. Its free plan is arguably the best on the market, and it also earns a spot in our rankings of the top VPN services overall. Given these strengths, why are we offering Proton VPN alternatives?
Here’s the thing: there’s no perfect fit for everyone, and users are always going to be looking for options that work better for them. Sure, Proton VPN is a well-respected service with a privacy focus and fast speeds, but the bottom line is that some other VPNs excel more in some areas.
Having multiple reliable options helps ensure you find the best provider tailored to your unique requirements. With that in mind, this article covers the best competitors to Proton VPN, which may just be what you’re looking for. Let’s dive right in.
Best Proton VPN Alternatives for 2026
The providers below will not necessarily outperform Proton VPN in all aspects. For example, some may offer better speeds or more features but come with trade-offs in other areas. Ultimately, your best choice depends on your preferences, requirements, and budget.
8922 servers
127 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
1. NordVPN – The Best Proton VPN Alternative Overall
Pros
- Faster than Proton VPN
- Double VPN servers
- Ad-blocking + tracker protection
- Dedicated P2P servers
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Pricier monthly plans
- Fewer servers than Proton VPN
NordVPN claims to allow users to browse the internet with peace of mind. After several extensive tests, we agree. For us, it is the best alternative to Proton VPN in 2026.
The Panama-based provider offers high-grade security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, an advanced kill switch, and a Threat Protection Pro suite that keeps ads, trackers, and malware away. Furthermore, a strict no-logs policy is backed by multiple third-party audits.
NordVPN is consistently faster than any other provider, including Proton VPN. Its custom NordLynx protocol and high-speed 10 Gbps servers mean you never have to worry about pesky buffering and lag. As the best VPN for streaming, its unblocking capabilities are exceptional.
You can easily access foreign content on major streaming platforms by connecting to any of its 8,100+ servers across 125 countries. During our tests, we unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
NordVPN is also great for torrenting. It openly supports the activity and has an impressive selection of dedicated servers for P2P downloads and sharing. With a single subscription, the provider allows you to protect up to ten devices simultaneously, matching Proton VPN’s limit.
For all its benefits, NordVPN’s pricing is pretty competitive. To top it off, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee attached to each plan, so you can easily back out with a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.
2. ExpressVPN – Best for Streaming
Pros
- Threat Manager blocks ads
- Lightway Turbo protocol for speed
- Compatible with all devices
- Excellent for streaming
Cons
- More expensive than Proton VPN
- Not many advanced features
ExpressVPN is another excellent Proton VPN alternative, and for good reason. Its apps are lightweight, but for all that, they come with a few advanced and extra features.
For example, ExpressVPN offers military-grade encryption to scramble your data, a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a tracker blocker called Threat Manager. No third parties will know what you’re up to online because ExpressVPN doesn’t store any personally identifiable information on its servers.
ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway Turbo, outperforms OpenVPN and most others. It delivers blazing-fast connection speeds, and we’ve never had persistent issues with buffering or interruptions while streaming.
Speaking of which, ExpressVPN is neck-and-neck with NordVPN when bypassing geo-restrictions. Want to enjoy exclusive libraries on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu? We switched from platform to platform without having to comb for streaming-friendly servers.
Moreover, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for quick and anonymous torrenting. Although no dedicated servers are here, the entire network allows P2P activity. Proton VPN has the upper hand in terms of simultaneous connections.
That said, ExpressVPN’s eight-device limit sits above the industry average. Plus, there’s router support to extend it to more devices if you want. The only significant drawback is the rather expensive subscription plans. You get what you pay for, and a 30-day refund window gives you ample time to decide if the VPN is worth it.
3. Private Internet Access – A Very Affordable Alternative to Proton VPN
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Cheaper than Proton VPN
- 30,000+ servers worldwide
Cons
- Not the fastest VPN
- Convoluted app design
Private Internet Access is based in the United States, which is a red flag for some privacy-focused users because it’s a 5 Eyes member country.
However, for what it’s worth, it has since proven (in court and via multiple privacy audits) that it doesn’t store identifiable logs that can be traced back to you. Like Proton VPN, PIA’s apps are all open-source. As for security, bank-level encryption keeps prying eyes at bay while you’re online.
Private Internet Access (PIA) also has a kill switch with multiple layers and a handy ad (and malicious site) blocker called MACE, making it a secure alternative to Proton VPN. Thanks to its 10 Gbps connections and modern protocols like WireGuard, PIA won’t severely dent your internet speed.
A network with over 30,000 servers means you’ll find options nearby, which usually translates to smooth, stable connections when you go online. In terms of sheer size, that’s the most expansive server pool on the market. Another area Private Internet Access beats Proton VPN, hands down, is the device connection limit.
Or, more accurately, the lack of one. The latter’s allowance is pretty generous, but you only need one active PIA subscription, no matter how many devices you own. If you’re looking for a quality, affordable VPN, PIA should be on your list. A 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans adds to the excellent value for money.
If you’re unhappy, you can test the VPN within that window and claim a full refund.
What to Expect From the Best Proton VPN Alternatives
Proton VPN is heads and shoulders above scores of VPN services. But, as we mentioned earlier, there’s no single “best” VPN for everyone. Even NordVPN has great alternatives. Your ideal choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. And pricing, of course.
What does our selection of Proton VPN alternatives bring to the table? Let’s explore the factors that make them stand out:
1. Faster Speeds
Need buffer-free streaming and lightning-fast downloads? Proton VPN isn’t slow by any means, but NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the fastest VPN services. Their high-speed servers and custom protocols are designed for maximum performance without compromising online security.
2. Equally Impressive Server Network
Proton VPN offers a network with over 14,000 servers across 120+ countries, which is pretty impressive. However, if you prefer even more extensive collections for streaming or performance reasons, NordVPN may be more enticing with its 8,100+ servers in five more countries.
Private Internet Access blows the competition away with its unrivaled range of connection options and 30,000+ servers. However, VPNs cover 90 countries instead of 120+, which may not be ideal for everyone.
3. Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities
A common reason for using VPNs is to bypass geo-restrictions to access blocked content. Does Proton VPN work with Netflix and other streaming services? It sure does. But NordVPN and ExpressVPN are even better options for unlocking exclusive libraries and content wherever you are.
4. Budget-Friendly Options
Pricing for Proton VPN starts from $3.59/month for its two-year plan. That’s not exactly affordable, considering it’s more than you would pay for NordVPN and PIA’s long-term offerings. If your budget is a sticking point, you may want to consider those options instead.
5. Device Coverage
Users who need to protect multiple devices simultaneously have to make do with Proton VPN’s 10-device limit. It’s more than most VPNs allow — but then Private Internet Access removes connection limitations altogether. As you can imagine, that’s a big advantage if you have a big household or own many internet-enabled devices.
6. Security and Privacy
Top-notch security features are non-negotiable when it comes to choosing a VPN. Proton VPN is Swiss-based, and its parent company is responsible for highly-rated products like Proton Mail.
The provider is packed with industry-standard and advanced features, so it makes sense that Proton VPN alternatives must safeguard your data and online presence from snoopers and malicious actors.
Does a Free VPN Work as a Proton VPN Alternative?
Proton VPN has a great free version, and we endorse a handful of other free VPN providers. That aside, we don’t recommend replacing Proton VPN’s Plus plans with a free VPN. Why?
For one, free VPNs tend to have restricted server networks. Even Proton VPN’s free plan only allows you to access servers in five countries: the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US. So, if you’re looking to stream Indian TV channels from abroad, for example, you can’t use Proton Free or most others.
Besides, free services are usually plagued by snail-slow connection speeds, worsened by bandwidth throttling and data caps. Proton Plus offers unlimited data, which you need for tasks like streaming or heavy downloads. Even worse, many free providers use weaker encryption and will extensively log your online sessions.
That can leave your online traffic vulnerable to your ISP, hackers, or even the VPN provider itself.
Final Thoughts
Is Proton VPN a good VPN? Without a doubt.
The highly rated provider focuses on privacy and security, has plenty of servers, delivers good speeds, and offers the best free version on the market. While it’s a strong choice for many users, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Based on extensive testing, the best Proton VPN alternatives are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. NordVPN is our top choice, as it checks the most boxes. You can take it for a spin before committing, as your purchase is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAQs
Let’s wrap up by answering the most commonly asked questions on this topic.
Is Proton VPN a reliable VPN?
Yes, Proton VPN is a reliable VPN service. It employs high-level encryption algorithms and modern protocols to safeguard your data and has a strict no-logs policy. You can depend on the provider for stable VPN connections and to unblock streaming services like Netflix.
What are the disadvantages of Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a safe VPN with impressive security features and a massive network. However, it doesn’t deliver connection speeds on the level of competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. On top of that, the provider’s long-term subscription plans are on the higher side.
What is the best alternative to Proton VPN?
For us, it’s NordVPN, a position supported by extensive assessments. The Panama-based provider offers lightning-fast speeds, unblocks virtually everything, and is stacked with top-notch features. In addition, it has an excellent price-performance ratio.