SAME CATEGORY. YOUR PRIORITIES.
NordVPN vs Proton VPN
Compare evidence, costs and trade-offs. Adjust the criteria to reflect your own workflow.
MAKE THE SCORE YOURS
What matters most?
Core capabilities carry 32 points; workflow depth carries 68. AI contributes the category-specific weight shown below within those totals. Change group priorities and see every contribution update.
How the score is calculated →Documented fit across available plans · unknowns shown as ranges · no customer ratings
| Features & decision context | NordVPNNordVPN58–98/100 documented fit Core capabilities24–32 / 32 pts7/10 checks with established status Workflow depth33.6–65.6 / 68 pts7/18 checks with established status | Proton VPNProton VPN64–98/100 documented fit Core capabilities25.6–30.4 / 32 pts8/10 checks with established status Workflow depth38.7–68 / 68 pts9/18 checks with established status |
|---|---|---|
| How AI changes fitSame priorities, with and without AI | 58–98 with AI65–97 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI | 64–98 with AI73–98 without AIFeature-fit points; not measured ROI |
| Supplier website | Visit NordVPN Ad · affiliate linkWe may earn a commission if you buy through this link. | Visit Proton VPN |
| Good fit for | Individual remote workers needing a VPN and optional browsing protection. | Individuals who value a free starting tier and inspectable applications. |
| Look more closely when | An employer requiring central employee access policies, SSO and offboarding in this consumer subscription. | A company assuming consumer Plus includes centrally managed private-network access. |
| Pricing snapshotDifferent billing units are not directly comparable | See pricingaccount / month Price is region/term dependent; the reviewed page rendered a different local currency. Verify the US or UK checkout and renewal rather than relying on a converted estimate. Pricing source | $0.00account / month Free tier has one simultaneous connection and limited/random country selection. Paid Plus pricing must be confirmed in the local configurator. Pricing source |
| Connection protection 20% base weight | ||
Core capabilityEncrypted tunnelDocument modern encrypted VPN protocols.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate encrypted tunnel with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4 / 4 pts Modern encrypted VPN protocols are documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts WireGuard/OpenVPN and strong encryption are documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Core capabilityKill switchBlock traffic if the VPN tunnel fails.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate kill switch with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4 / 4 pts A kill switch is documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported4 / 4 pts Kill switch/always-on options are documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkDNS leak protectionPrevent DNS requests escaping the protected connection.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate dns leak protection with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported6 / 6 pts DNS leak protection is documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported6 / 6 pts DNS leak protection is documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkMulti-hop routingRoute through multiple VPN locations with documented conditions.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate multi-hop routing with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported6 / 6 pts Double VPN routing is available on supported apps. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported6 / 6 pts Secure Core routing is included in Plus. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
| Devices & networks 16% base weight | ||
Core capabilityDesktop applicationsOffer native apps for major desktop platforms.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate desktop applications with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Desktop applications are offered. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Windows, macOS and Linux clients are offered. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Core capabilityMobile applicationsOffer apps for both iOS and Android.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate mobile applications with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts iOS and Android applications are offered. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Both major mobile platforms are supported. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkSplit tunnellingRoute selected apps or destinations outside the VPN, with platform limits stated.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate split tunnelling with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Limited2.4 / 4.8 pts Split tunnelling is platform-dependent; confirm support on the intended OS. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Split tunnelling is documented with platform-specific options. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkRestricted-network modeProvide a documented obfuscation or censorship-resistant connection method.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate restricted-network mode with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Obfuscated server options are documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Stealth and alternative routing are documented. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
| Privacy & transparency 16% base weight | ||
Core capabilityPublished logging policyExplain which connection or activity data is retained.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate published logging policy with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts A published no-logs policy is linked. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts A no-logs policy is published. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Core capabilityPublished external auditLink a named external audit or report rather than an unsupported badge.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate published external audit with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–3.2 / 3.2 pts The named audit report was not reviewed in this evidence set. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source | Limited1.6 / 3.2 pts External audits are referenced; this review did not inspect a full audit report. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkAuditable application sourcePublish application source for the major client platforms.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate auditable application source with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts Open source across all major client platforms is not established. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Application source is published. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkLocation selectionChoose the country or server location on the compared paid plan.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate location selection with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Paid plans allow server-location choice. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Plus enables broad server-location selection. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
| Protection & account controls 16% base weight | ||
Core capabilityMalicious-site blockingBlock known malicious destinations.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate malicious-site blocking with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Basic includes DNS-based malicious-site blocking. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts NetShield blocks malicious domains in Plus. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Core capabilityMultiple concurrent devicesDocument the allowed number of simultaneous connections.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate multiple concurrent devices with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts The plan table specifies 10 concurrent devices. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Plus allows 10 simultaneous devices. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkMalware download scanningInspect downloaded files, with OS restrictions stated.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate malware download scanning with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Complete includes desktop download scanning. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts Download file scanning is not established by the VPN sources. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkDedicated IP optionOffer a dedicated address and disclose the extra plan or charge.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate dedicated ip option with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Complete Max lists dedicated IP; verify local availability. Official documentation · Oct 20, 2026Source | Not verified0–4.8 / 4.8 pts Dedicated IP was not established for consumer Plus. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source |
| AI capabilities 12% base weight | ||
Core capabilityDocumented AI threat detectionDocument an actual machine-learning threat detection capability.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate documented ai threat detection with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts Automated detection alone does not establish a specific AI method. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts A specific AI detector is not documented. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Core capabilityAI incident explanationExplain a detected incident using contextual AI output.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate ai incident explanation with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts AI incident explanations were not documented. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts An AI incident assistant is not documented. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkAI-specific controlsDocument controls or limitations specifically for AI threat processing.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate ai-specific controls with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–3.6 / 3.6 pts AI-specific controls were not established. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source | Not verified0–3.6 / 3.6 pts AI-specific controls are not documented. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source |
Depth checkAI decision traceExpose a reviewable explanation or audit record of AI security decisions.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate ai decision trace with our own account and explain limits, permissions and the required plan. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–3.6 / 3.6 pts An AI decision audit trail was not established. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source | Not verified0–3.6 / 3.6 pts An AI decision trail is not documented. Not verified · Oct 20, 2026Source |
| Operational detail 20% base weight | ||
Depth checkExport a WireGuard configuration for another clientDemonstrate: Export a WireGuard configuration for another client. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Export a WireGuard configuration for another client. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts WireGuard configurations can be downloaded. WireGuard configuration generation; supported client/router setup is separate. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkConfigure inbound port forwardingDemonstrate: Configure inbound port forwarding. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Configure inbound port forwarding. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Supported paid-plan clients offer port forwarding. Paid plans; supported Windows, macOS and Linux GUI applications and P2P servers. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkChoose a custom DNS resolverDemonstrate: Choose a custom DNS resolver. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Choose a custom DNS resolver. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts The Windows application supports custom DNS. Windows application capability; other operating systems and plan entitlements not established here. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkApply automatic connection rules per networkDemonstrate: Apply automatic connection rules per network. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Apply automatic connection rules per network. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkControl local-network access while connectedDemonstrate: Control local-network access while connected. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Control local-network access while connected. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkCarry IPv6 traffic through the VPN tunnelDemonstrate: Carry IPv6 traffic through the VPN tunnel. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Carry IPv6 traffic through the VPN tunnel. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkRevoke a lost device's active VPN sessionDemonstrate: Revoke a lost device's active VPN session. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Revoke a lost device's active VPN session. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
Depth checkDeploy VPN protection on a supported routerDemonstrate: Deploy VPN protection on a supported router. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour.Ask for a demonstrationDemonstrate: Deploy VPN protection on a supported router. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Test on a controlled network and document reconnection behaviour. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test. | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source | Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source |
| AI usage and limits | Automated threat protection is documented, but the reviewed sources do not establish all AI-specific checks.
| The reviewed VPN documentation does not establish an embedded AI assistant or AI incident workflow.
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| Additional costs to ask about | ||
| Integration shortlist | ||
| Research date | Oct 20, 2026 Full source record → | Oct 20, 2026 Full source record → |