My top 3 NordVPN alternatives
By Mary O'Brien, Customer Success Manager
ExpressVPN
When I jump from an airport’s Wi-Fi network to a hotel’s, ExpressVPN is always the one I go with. I can turn Lightway on, have Network Lock active, use split tunneling so that only my browser uses ExpressVPN’s servers and use Threat Manager for application-wide tracking blocker (this is effective at the connection level as well as within browsers.) The tiers for ExpressVPN map perfectly if you're thinking of a "Privacy Bundle" – Basic has VPN-only, then each step up adds additional items such as Keys and Identity Defender.
Proton VPN
When I’m on networks that actively block VPN traffic, Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol is the first switch I try. For higher-risk browsing, I pair Secure Core with NetShield DNS filtering so I’m not just hiding an IP, I’m also cutting off known ad/tracker domains before they load. I’ve also had good results using VPN Accelerator on long-latency connections where “fast servers” alone doesn’t fix the feel.
Surfshark
For households (or anyone with too many devices), Surfshark wins on a simple detail NordVPN can’t match: unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription. I lean on Bypasser (split tunneling) to keep banking apps off the VPN while leaving everything else protected. When I want “less stable fingerprinting,” Rotating IP (part of Nexus) is handy because it changes the IP without dropping the session, and MultiHop lets me pick entry/exit locations for double-hop routing.
List of Alternatives to NordVPN
Here are some of NordVPN's top competitors in the VPN category: ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark or IPVanish.
Stream, browse, and connect without limits
4.5/5
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Get deal for freeExpressVPN is a fast, secure, and privacy-focused VPN service that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, ensuring anonymous and unrestricted browsing across any device, anywhere in the world.
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Split tunneling
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Lightway protocol
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AES-256 encryption
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Multi-device compatibility
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Global server network
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No-logs policy
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Threat Manager
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Network Lock (kill switch)
Basic
$13 / monthAdvanced
$14 / monthPro
$20 / monthLeigh Hansen
ExpressVPN: Trustworthy Privacy Assurance
The privacy policy clearly states they don't log user activity, giving me confidence in their commitment to privacy.
August 4, 2025
Why is ExpressVPN a good alternative to NordVPN?
I recommend ExpressVPN as an alternative to NordVPN when someone wants fewer toggles and a more packaged set of outcomes. If you’re a frequent traveler or remote worker, I find the combo of Lightway + Network Lock reduces the “brief disconnect = brief exposure” risk, and split tunneling is practical when only certain apps (browser, torrent client, work tools) need the VPN. If you’re the kind of user who keeps asking for a dedicated IP, wants a password manager inside the same subscription (Keys), or likes the idea of optional identity-focused tooling, ExpressVPN’s tiering is straightforward: start Basic for VPN-only, then go Advanced/Pro when you actually want the bundled extras instead of stacking separate subscriptions.
What are the differences between ExpressVPN and NordVPN?
Full alternatives list on the page: ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, CyberGhost, PureVPN, hide.me VPN, Optery, Norton, Atlas VPN, Private Internet Access. Comparing ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, the biggest difference I feel day-to-day is the product shape: NordVPN pushes feature modules like Meshnet, specialty servers (Double VPN, Onion Over VPN), and Threat Protection Pro, while ExpressVPN splits capabilities into Basic/Advanced/Pro tiers. On protocols, I’m choosing between NordLynx (Nord’s WireGuard-based stack) and Lightway (Express’s protocol). Express’s Pro plan also moves beyond VPN into extras like a dedicated IP, eSIM data, and identity-oriented tooling, whereas Nord typically keeps “VPN + security” centered on in-app protections like Threat Protection Pro and specialty server categories.
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Get deal for freeProton VPN is a trusted virtual private network that puts your privacy first. Built by the team behind Proton Mail, it’s designed to help you browse the internet without worrying about who might be watching.
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User-friendly interface
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Secure core architecture
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Split tunneling
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Strong encryption
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No-logs policy
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Global server network
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High-speed connections
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Kill switch
Pres. Werner Konopelski
Reliable Mobile App & Quick Connect (22% Off)
I came across a 22% savings through Joinsecret for the annual Essentials option, so I gave Proton VPN a shot. Glad I did, because the mobile app has been reliable and the quick connect feature usually picks a fast server without much fiddling
June 2, 2026
Why is Proton VPN a good alternative to NordVPN?
I like Proton VPN as a NordVPN alternative for people who treat VPN as a privacy tool first and a streaming tool second. Journalists, activists, expats, and travelers in restrictive networks benefit from Stealth and alternative routing approaches when “standard OpenVPN/WireGuard traffic” gets flagged. If you’re privacy picky, Secure Core is easy to justify because it’s a concrete routing model I can turn on for sensitive sessions, not just a marketing label. I also find Proton’s ecosystem option useful for solo founders or small teams already standardizing on Proton Mail/Drive/Pass: moving to Proton Unlimited can simplify account management, while Proton VPN Business offers per-user pricing if you need something that scales with headcount.
What are the differences between Proton VPN and NordVPN?
With Proton VPN vs NordVPN, I think the architectural philosophy is the real separator. NordVPN’s “extra privacy” options often look like server categories (Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, obfuscation), while Proton bakes privacy into routing choices like Secure Core (multi-hop through hardened locations before exit). For blocked networks, I’m choosing between Nord’s obfuscation approach and Proton’s Stealth protocol, which is specifically designed to make VPN traffic look like regular traffic. Proton also pulls you toward an ecosystem decision: I can stay on a VPN-only plan (including a free tier) or bundle into Proton Unlimited to align Mail/Drive/Pass alongside the VPN, Nord’s add-ons don’t really change my email/storage stack in the same way.
Surfshark is a comprehensive online security service offering a range of products including a VPN for online privacy, antivirus for device protection, private web searches, and alert systems for data breach detection.
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Alternative ID
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Privacy search
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Data breach alerts
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VPN services
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Incogni
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Ad-free browsing
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Antivirus protection
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Real-time malware defense
Surfshark Starter
$15 / monthSurfshark One
$18 / monthSurfshark One+
$21 / monthGov. Kerry Osinski
Joinsecret Savings + Split Tunneling Value
I picked it up via Joinsecret and got roughly 79% off with 2 bonus months on the 24-month plan, and for that price the split tunneling alone made it worth it since I can keep banking apps outside the VPN and route everything else through it
May 31, 2026
Why is Surfshark a good alternative to NordVPN?
I point people to Surfshark as a NordVPN alternative when the real problem is device sprawl. Families, roommates, or anyone juggling laptops + phones + tablets + streaming sticks benefit from unlimited simultaneous connections because I don’t have to ration a 10-device cap or play “who’s logged in right now.” If your use case includes sites that dislike VPNs, Bypasser is a practical fix (I exclude banking and local-network devices while keeping the rest tunneled). For users who want a wider “privacy toolkit” without stitching products together, the One/One+ tiers bundle items like antivirus, breach alerts, and Incogni, and features like Alternative ID and Rotating IP give you knobs that feel different from Nord’s Meshnet-centric differentiation.
What's the difference between Surfshark and NordVPN?
See the full comparison between NordVPN & Surfshark
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Get deal for freeIPVanish is a VPN service designed to help protect online privacy, secure internet connections, and bypass location-based restrictions. It offers fast global servers, strong encryption, and extras like a 3GB eSIM, giving you secure connectivity even while traveling.
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Cross-platform apps
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Global server network
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Unlimited device connections
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Strong encryption standards
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Kill switch protection
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No activity logs policy
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3GB travel eSIM with annual plans
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Advanced privacy controls
Mitzie Kemmer
IPVanish Support: Excellent Step-by-Step Guidance!
Customer support was responsive when I had trouble configuring IPVanish on my router—they guided me step-by-step through the setup process
August 2, 2025
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Get deal for freeCyberGhost is a privacy focused VPN design to help you browse, stream, and download content securely without exposing your real location or data. It offers a large global server network, strong encryption, and simple apps that work across desktop, mobile, and smart devices.
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Large global server network
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Strong encryption standards
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Streaming optimized servers
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Automatic kill switch protection
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No logs privacy policy
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User friendly applications
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Multi device compatibility
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Dedicated IP options
Abigail Porter
Reliable access to international streaming libraries
I mainly bought CyberGhost to watch shows from different countries. I regularly connect to UK and US servers to access streaming platforms, and most of the time the connection stays stable enough for HD streaming without buffering interruptions.
February 24, 2026
PureVPN is a secure and reliable VPN service designed to protect your privacy online by encrypting your internet connection. It helps you stay anonymous, secures your data, and allows access to content without geographical restrictions.
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Split tunneling
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20Gbps servers
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Dedicated IP option
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Military-grade encryption
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No-log policy
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Global server network
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Internet kill switch
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10 simultaneous connections
Teams
$6 / user / monthStandard
$13 / monthPlus
$16 / monthMax
$20 / monthJoan Kunze
Port Forwarding Made Easy for Home Remote Access
What stood out to me was the port forwarding support, which is not something every VPN makes simple, and it helped with a small remote access setup I use at home without forcing me into a complicated configuration
May 31, 2026
What's the difference between PureVPN and NordVPN?
See the full comparison between NordVPN & PureVPN
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Get dealhide.me VPN is a privacy-first VPN service that balances “set-and-forget” simplicity with power-user controls like split tunneling, StealthGuard app binding, and dynamic port forwarding. It stands out with a genuinely useful free plan (no credit card, limited locations/speeds) and a Premium tier built for multi-device households and small teams, including 10 simultaneous connections and a large global network. Below is my detailed review covering real pros, cons, best use cases, and alternatives.
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Global server network
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Automatic kill switch
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IP leak protection
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Multi-device compatibility
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Split tunneling
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Advanced encryption
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24/7 customer support
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No-logs policy
Free
Premium
$3 / monthTrudie Stoltenberg JD
Better-Than-Expected Mobile Auto-Connect
I originally tried hide.me because I got a strong long-term discount through Joinsecret, roughly 76% off over 39 months. I expected decent value more than anything, but the mobile app ended up being better than I thought, especially for auto-connect when I’m on hotel or airport Wi-Fi
June 2, 2026
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Get deal for freeOptery is an advanced privacy protection platform that automatically removes your personal information—such as home address, phone number, and email—from over 645 data broker and people search sites.
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Personalized exposure reports
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Automated data broker removals
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30-day money-back guarantee
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Live removal progress dashboard
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Unlimited custom removals
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Multi-factor authentication for security
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Patented and proprietary technology
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Free basic plan with self-service tools
Michelina Balistreri
Catches Small, Lesser-Known Data Brokers
I signed up for Optery after finding my home address on a few people-search sites, and the scan was detailed enough to catch smaller brokers I had never heard of, which made it feel more useful than the usual privacy apps
May 31, 2026
Norton’s solution offers you complete protection for your internet browsing. In addition to protecting your devices from threats, the platform offers other options such as a VPN or identity restoration support.
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Store your sensitive data
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Preserve your privacy
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Protect yourself from identity theft
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Deploy comprehensive IS protection
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Benefit from professional support
Darian Sherman
Perfect for remote work security
The built-in VPN has been incredibly useful because it activates automatically on public Wi-Fi. I no longer worry about sensitive client data being intercepted when someone logs in from an airport lounge or co-working space.
March 23, 2026
Atlas VPN is a sophisticated and user-friendly virtual private network service. It provides you with enhanced online security, privacy and freedom, helping you protect your digital identity, access global content without restrictions, and ensure safe internet browsing.
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Unlimited device support
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Tracker blocker
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No-logs policy
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Kill switch
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Data breach monitor
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Private DNS
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Military-grade encryption
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SafeSwap servers
Rossie Hilll
Highly Recommended for Startups and Businesses
I highly recommend Atlas VPN for any startup or business
November 23, 2024
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a leading VPN service that provides enhanced privacy and security for online activities.
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Kill switch feature
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No-logs policy
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Global server network
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High-speed connections
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Customizable encryption levels
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Split tunneling
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Strong encryption
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Ad and tracker blocking
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