Top 10 Best Proton VPN Alternatives – Free and Paid VPN Services
Which is the best Proton VPN alternative today? What VPN is better than Proton VPN? Is ExpressVPN better than Proton VPN? Well, these are just among the questions many of our readers ask. In this round-up, find out everything about Proton VPN and some of the best VPNs that can match it, both free and paid VPNs.
What is Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is among the most popular VPNs around. If you check the interest of this VPN provider in the last two years, you can tell it is a household name. Started in 2017, the brand is owned and operated by Proton AG, a Swiss venture with a mission to make privacy and security available to all.
- Free version available
- Excellent usability
- Uncompromised security and privacy
- Robust server network
- Unblocks Netflix (Streaming VPN)
- Allows torrenting and P2P activity
- VPN for gaming
- The free version has limitations
- Average and inconsistent speeds
- It doesn’t work in China
- No reliable support
Proton VPN Features At A Glance
Proton VPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPN brands around. The provider is known for excellent security and privacy. Besides, ProtonVPN has several other applications, including content access and gaming. The VPN works with multiple platforms, including PCs (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile devices (iOS and Android), routers, gaming consoles, streaming devices, etc. You can connect a maximum of 10 devices simultaneously.
Server Network
Proton VPN may be a new VPN, but it has a solid server network of owned and rented servers. As of 2023, the company boasts a network of over 3,000 servers spread in over 69 countries. There are specialized servers for speed with 2Gbps and 10Gbps ports.
We also have Secure Core servers for extra security, specialized streaming servers, and P2P servers. The Proton VPN free version limits users to servers in 3 countries: the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Ideal For Content Access
One of the strengths of Proton VPN is its ability and reliability to unblock Netflix. Besides Netflix, you can unblock other streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, YouTube, Disney, ESPN, and so on. Your only problem will probably be slow speeds when playing 4K content.
When it comes to torrenting, Proton VPN is also a great choice, as you can securely launch torrents and engage in P2P activity. Proton is also good for gaming as it can secure your console from threats and allow you to access geo-restricted gaming content. But slow speeds and high latency might make you think twice.
Plans and Pricing
Proton VPN has flexible plans. You can go for the free plan, a 1-month plan, a 1-year plan, or a 2-year plan.
For the paid plans, the longer the plan, the better the value for money, and a 30-day money-back guarantee covers them.
Top 10 Best Proton VPN Alternatives
Indeed, Proton VPN is a great VPN whether you are looking for a free or paid VPN. It offers excellent security, and privacy is guaranteed. We like the vast server network and the decent speeds and performance, especially when using Plus Servers. Proton VPN is also a good VPN for unblocking Netflix and torrenting. It is also a reliable VPN for gaming, among other applications.
All said and done, there are many users out there hunting for Proton VPN alternatives. Maybe you are unsatisfied with the service, so you are looking for a better VPN than Proton VPN to fill the gap. You may also be a new user who wants to settle on Proton VPN, but you are not sure whether it is the best choice.
In either scenario, this review suffices. We have done all the heavy lifting to create this list of the top 10 best alternatives for Proton VPN.
| Encryption | Protocols | Privacy | Servers | Streaming | Torrenting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Proton VPN | AES 256-bit encryption | IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Stealth | Based in Switzerland, No Log Policy | Over 2,900 Servers in 69+ Countries |  | |
 NordVPN | AES 256-bit encryption | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard (NordLynx) | Based in Panama, No-Log Policy | Over 5,300 Servers in 69+ | | |
 ExpressVPN | AES 256-bit encryption | PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, and Lightway | Based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), No-Log Policy | Over 5,300 Servers in 65+ countries | | |
 Surfshark | AES 256-bit encryption | IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard | Based in the Netherlands, Questionable Log Policy | Over 3,200 Servers in 65+ countries | | |
 Windscribe | AES 256-bit encryption | IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth, and Websocket Stealth | Based in Canada, Questionable Log Policy | 600 servers in 63 countries |  | |
 Private Internet Access (PIA) | AES-256 (CBC/GCM) and AES-128 (CBC/GCM) | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. | Based in the US, Questionable Log Policy | 35,000 servers in 78+ countries | | |
 CyberGhost | AES 256-bit encryption | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard | Based in Romania, 100% no-log VPN | 7700+ servers in 91+ countries | | |
 Atlas VPN | AES 256-bit encryption | IKEv2/IPSec and WireGuard only | Based in the US, Questionable Log Policy | 750 servers in 45 locations | | |
 VyprVPN | AES 256-bit encryption | PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, WireGuard®, OpenVPN™, and Chameleon™ | Based in Switzerland, No Log Policy | 700 servers in 70 countries | | |
 TunnelBear | AES 256-bit encryption | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. | Based in Canada, Questionable Log Policy | 5,000 servers in 47+ countries | | |
 Hotspot Shield | AES 256-bit encryption | WireGuard and Hydra | 3,200 servers in 80+ countries. | | |
1. NordVPN
Hot Deal: $3.99/mo
Servers: 5,500
Countries: 60+
Devices: Up to 6
Compatibility
9.8
At number 1 in this list of the best Proton VPN alternatives is NordVPN, arguably the best VPN brand ever. The company has been in business since 2012, when it was launched, and is owned by Nord Security. NordVPN works with all PC platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile devices, Android and iOS. This VPN is also compatible with routers, consoles, and streaming devices, just like Proton VPN.
- Excellent compatibility and usability
- Guarantees security and privacy
- Has a proprietary protocol (NordLynx)
- Robust servers network
- Blazingly fast speeds
- VPN for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- No free version of NordVPN
- Expensive plans
- Supports a maximum of 6 devices
NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs and deploys the same AES 256-bit encryption Proton VPN uses. As for tunneling methods, Proton implements 4 protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard (NordLynx). OpenVPN is the industry standard, while NordLynx, built around WireGuard, has been optimized for speed. Other extras include a network kill switch, split tunneling, DNS and IPV6 leak protection, SOCKS5 proxy, and double VPN.
As for privacy, NordVPN is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws. Besides, NordVPN’s no log policy is trusted. The company doesn’t keep logs of your activity and uses RAM-only servers, guaranteeing no data is stored.
NordVPN’s infrastructure comprises a vast network of over 5,300 specialized servers in over 60 countries. There are Onion over VPN servers, dedicated IP servers, Double VPN servers, and obfuscated servers. The speeds are excellent compared to Proton VPN. The average loss was 20%, which is impressive.
On content access, Proton VPN also excels. It reliably unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites such as Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. You can also use NordVPN for safe and secure torrenting and P2P sharing. Last, NordVPN is a gaming VPN with better speeds and low pings than ProtonVPN.
Unfortunately, there is no free version of NordVPN, and the plans are quite expensive. But there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. Another shortcoming is that you can also connect a maximum of 6 devices. Check out the latest NordVPN deals and discounts today.
2. ExpressVPN
Hot Deal: $8.32/mo
Servers: 3,000+
Countries: Over 94+
Devices: Up to 5
Compatibility
9.7
The second best Proton VPN alternative is ExpressVPN, which is owned by Kape Technologies. Since its establishment in 2009, it has remained a force to be reckoned with in the VPN industry and easily bruises off the likes of Proton VPN in several departments. Proton VPN is designed for all PCs (Windows, macOS, and Linux). There are also apps for mobile devices and other connected devices, including routers, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
- All round protection
- Excellent security and privacy
- Has a proprietary protocol (LightWay)
- Blazingly fast speeds
- Built for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- No free version or trial
- Allows a maximum of 5 connections
- Expensive plans
ExpressVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, considering it deploys the latest military-grade encryption, AES 256-bit encryption, alongside RSA-4096 handshake and SHA-512 hashing for authentication. Regarding protocols, ExpressVPN supports PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, and Lightway. For starters, Lightway is a proprietary protocol designed for faster speeds. As a matter of fact, ExpressVPN is faster than Proton VPN and even NordVPN. Extras include WebRTC and DNS leak protection, internet kill switch, and split tunneling.
As for privacy, this is also a great deal as the VPN is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands (BVI). ExpressVPN is also a no-log VPN, so you shouldn’t worry about your data, especially personally identifiable data. We also like the wide server networks of over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries. In particular, we like TrustedServer Technology, an innovation that relies on RAM-only servers for reliability and guaranteeing privacy.
Last, on content access, ExpressVPN has been optimized for streaming and can unblock Netflix and other streaming sites. It is also a good VPN for torrenting and gaming. There are shortcomings, however. ExpressVPN has no free version like ProtonVPN, allows a maximum of 5 connections, and is quite expensive.
3. Surfshark
Hot Deal: $1.89/mo
Servers: 3,200+
Countries: Over 65
Devices: Unlimited
Compatibility
9.7
- All-round protection
- Allows unlimited connections
- Excellent security
- VPN for Netflix
- VPN for torrenting
- Decent speeds
- Based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes)
- No free plan
- Shadowsocks proxy scrapped
Surfshark guarantees robust security courtesy of the Advanced Encryption Standard 256-GCM encryption, SHA-256 hashing for authentication, and RSA-4096 as the key exchange. The VPN implements 3 protocols: IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. Extras include a kill switch, DNS and leak protection, CleanWeb, Camouflage Mode, etc.
Surfshark has an extensive network of over 3200 servers in 65+ countries. These are specialized servers, so you can do much more than protect your digital footprint. There are servers for streaming that enable Surfshark to unblock various streaming sites, including Netflix. There are also torrenting servers and optimized servers that offer decent speeds and low pings in gaming.
On the downside, Surfshark has questionable privacy as it is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 14 Eyes surveillance organization. Another reason to think twice is that this VPN scrapped off Shadowsocks proxy, which was a great addon in terms of security. Furthermore, there is no free version. You can, however, take advantage of the Surfshark free trial today.
4. Windscribe
Hot Deal: $5.75/mo
Servers: 600+
Countries: Over 63
Devices: Unlimited
Compatibility
9.4
- Allows for unlimited connections
- Strict no log policy
- Excellent security
- RAM-only servers
- Implements stealth protocols
- Torrenting VPN
- Based in Canada (5 Eyes)
- Slow speeds
- Not reliable for streaming
- The free version has limitations
Windscribe boasts excellent security courtesy of AES 256-bit encryption complemented by SHA512 for authentication and 4096-bit RSA keys. It implements 5 protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth, and Websocket Stealth. On privacy, we are glad Windscribe has a no-log policy, a strict one for that matter. Furthermore, this VPN relies on RAM-only servers, meaning all data is wiped out after rebooting.
Windscribe has a small server network of around 600 servers in 63 countries. All are physical servers but are not as specialized as those of top VPNs. The servers are reliable but don’t guarantee fast speeds. On average, Windscribe lost speeds by up to 60%.
Unfortunately, the Windscribe free version limits bandwidth and access to some servers.
The VPN is also based in Canada, which is not a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. You also can’t rely on Windscribe to unblock Netflix and several other streaming sites, and the speeds are generally slow compared to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark. Download Windscribe and give it a try today.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Hot Deal: $2.03/mo
Servers: 35,000
Countries: 78
Devices: 10
Compatibility
9.7
- All-round protection
- Excellent security
- No log VPN
- Vast server network
- VPN for torrenting
- Based in the United States (5 Eyes)
- Slow speeds
- It doesn’t unlock Netflix
Like all VPNs in this list, PIA promises airtight security by deploying two of the strongest encryption technologies: AES-256 (CBC/GCM) and AES-128 (CBC/GCM). Regarding protocols, it implements WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Interestingly, PIA also has a SOCKS5 proxy for added security. As for privacy, we are glad this is a 100% no-log VPN, so you can rest assured your data is not logged.
One of the standout features of PIA is the ultrawide server network of over 35,000 servers in 78+ countries. If you are into torrenting, this is the best VPN, as all servers are P2P friendly. The VPN is also suitable for streaming. It managed to unblock many streaming sites, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, DAZN, Disney+, and ESPN.
Unfortunately, there is no free version of Private Internet Access. The VPN is also based in the United States, a member state of the 5 Eyes alliance. The speeds are also unfavorable, especially in 4K streaming and gaming. Download Private Internet Access today and give it a try with the free trial.
6. CyberGhost
- All-round protection
- Excellent security and privacy
- Ultrawide server network
- VPN for streaming
- VPN for torrenting
- Average speeds
- Log policy not audited
- No free version
CyberGhost is a secure VPN that deploys military-grade encryption, AES 256-bit, to be precise. The VPN implements 3 protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard. We also acknowledge the security extras such as DNS and IP leak protection, automatic kill switch, and split tunneling.
Like PIA, CyberGhost also has a robust server architecture comprising over 7700+ servers in 91+ countries. All these servers are P2P-friendly, so torrenting is supported. Besides torrenting, you can rely on CyberGhost as a VPN for Netflix. It also unlocks several other streaming sites, such as Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, etc.
On the downside, CyberGhost has average speeds unsuitable for fast torrenting or 4K streaming, especially if your base connection is unreliable. The logging policy is also not audited and unclear on the information collected. Last, there is no CyberGhost free version.
7. Atlas VPN
Hot Deal: $1.70/mo
Servers: 750+
Countries: Over 37
Devices: Unlimited
Compatibility
9.4
- Freemium version available
- Allows for unlimited connections
- Excellent security features
- VPN for streaming
- VPN for torrenting
- Limited compatibility
- The Freemium version has limits
- Based in the US
- Slow speeds
AtlasVPN has a free version. Moreso, you can connect unlimited devices on a single license. Regarding security, this VPN deploys banking-grade AES 256-bit encryption and implements 2 protocols: IKEv2/IPSec and WireGuard only. As for extras, we have DNS Leak Protection, an internet kill switch, split tunneling, SafeSwap, and MultiHop+.
The AtlasVPN servers network consists of over 750 servers in 45 locations. While this is a small server network, we are glad the infrastructure boasts top-of-the-line hardware for reliability. There are also servers specialized for activities such as unblocking Netflix and other streaming sites and securely downloading torrents and huge files without the risk of ISP bandwidth throttling.
Unfortunately, the free version limits you to servers in 2 countries only, and the VPN doesn’t work with routers and consoles. AtlasVPN is also based in the US, a 5 Eyes member country, and the speeds are wanting, especially when streaming 4K content or P2P sharing. Download Atlas VPN today and gauge its performance.
8. VyprVPN
- All-round protection
- Excellent security and privacy
- Reliable VPN for China
- VPN for streaming
- VPN for Torrenting
- Supports a maximum of 5 connections
- Small server network
- Average speeds
VyprVPN is a great deal when it comes to security. It leverages the latest military-grade encryption, dubbed AES 256-bit encryption, alongside 2048-bit keys and SHA-256 for authentication. The implemented protocols are PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, WireGuard®, OpenVPN™, and Chameleon™. If you are looking for a VPN for China, this is the best choice, courtesy of Chameleon, which circumvents deep packet inspection (DPI).
Regarding privacy, we are glad this is a no-log VPN and has been audited. Besides, it is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. If you are looking for a VPN for unblocking Netflix, VyprVPN is up to the task as long as you connect to the right servers. This is also a VPN for safe and secure torrenting and P2P sharing. Other features include access to over 300,000 available IP addresses and Dynamic Server Switching.
But VyprVPN might not offer the best value for money as you can connect a maximum of 5 devices simultaneously. The server network is also small compared to the likes of ProtonVPN and PIA, and the speeds are average.
9. TunnelBear
Hot Deal: $3.33/mo
Servers: over 5,000
Countries: 48
Devices: Unlimited
Compatibility
9.3
- Free version available
- Unlimited connections
- All-round protection
- Excellent security
- Decent server network
- The free version caps bandwidth
- Based in Canada
- Slow speeds
- No torrenting or streaming
TunnelBear has apps for all devices, so whether you want to protect your PC (macOS, Windows, Linux) or mobile devices (iOS, Windows), it has got you covered. Another interesting thing is that you can connect unlimited devices on a single license, making it the best value for money.
Onto security, TunelBear deploys the latest encryption technology, AES 256-bit encryption, which is virtually impenetrable. As for protocols, TunnelBear implements WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Security is further beefed up by VigilantBear (network kill switch) and SplitBear (split tunneling). The server network is quite decent and boasts over 5,000 modern servers in 47+ countries.
But like any other VPN, there are disadvantages. First, the free version has a bandwidth cap. The VPN is also based in Canada, a member of the 5 Eyes alliance. TunnelBear speed is also slow compared to the competition and doesn’t unblock streaming sites or support safe and secure torrenting and P2P sharing.
10. Hotspot Shield
Hot Deal: $7.99/mo
Servers: 800+
Countries: 80+
Devices: 10
Compatibility
9.4
- Free version available
- Excellent security
- Fast speeds
- Good VPN for Netflix
- VPN for torrenting
- Caps bandwidth on the freemium version
- Allows a maximum of 5 connections per account
- Questionable log policy
HotSpot Shield doesn’t disappoint when it comes to security. It leverages AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard in matter encryption. As for protocols, HotSpot Shield supports WireGuard and Hydra. WireGuard is lighter, while Hydra is optimized for speeds. Talking of speed, HotSpot Shield is a fast VPN optimized for streaming. It unblocks several sites, including Netflix and Hulu, among others.
This is also a VPN for torrenting securely without worrying about bans and bandwidth throttling. The VPN’s server network boasts over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries.
However, note the free version limits bandwidth and access to servers. HSS also caps maximum simultaneous connections and has questionable privacy as it is based in the United States, a 5 Eyes founding member, though there is a no-log policy.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks: a detailed review of all the best Proton VPN alternatives that should be on your wishlist. Whether you are looking for a free VPN or a paid VPN, you have options.
Of course, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark should top your list as these are premium VPNs that pass the test in all departments, from security and privacy to speed and versatility. For those looking for the best free alternatives for Proton VPN, Windscribe, Atlas VPN, and HotSpot Shield suffice.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for any of the above VPNs to take charge of your online security and privacy and open a new world of entertainment opportunities!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Proton VPN good for deep web?
