NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: The Reformed Sinner vs The Swiss Saint

You’re searching “NordVPN vs ProtonVPN” because both claim strong privacy jurisdictions and no-logs policies.

Here’s the problem: One is Swiss with real privacy laws (ProtonVPN). The other is Panama-registered with servers in 14 Eyes countries (NordVPN) and hid a 2018 server breach for over a year.

My commissions:

• NordVPN: ~$40/sale (better commission, sketchy past)
• ProtonVPN: ~$25/sale (lower commission, better company)
• Mullvad: $0/sale (best privacy, no affiliate program)

My recommendation hierarchy:

1. Mullvad - Hardcore privacy with no account system
2. ProtonVPN - Swiss jurisdiction + open source
3. NordVPN - Reformed but compromised past

This comparison will show you which VPN is actually better, then present the hardcore privacy alternative that pays me nothing.

⚡ Quick Verdict: NordVPN vs ProtonVPN

TL;DR: ProtonVPN wins on privacy, transparency, and jurisdiction. NordVPN wins on speed, servers, and Netflix compatibility. Mullvad beats both for pure privacy.

Winner: ProtonVPN for most people. NordVPN if you only need Netflix.

Get ProtonVPN (Swiss Privacy Wins)

Why: NordVPN has more servers and better streaming, but ProtonVPN has Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and no breach history. The 2018 NordVPN breach wasn’t catastrophic (expired TLS key, no user data leaked), but they hid it for over a year. That sneakiness matters.

Full Disclosure: My Bias in This Comparison

NordVPN:

• Why I rank it #3: 2018 breach they hid for a year, Panama jurisdiction is marketing theater, closed-source apps

ProtonVPN:

• Why I rank it #2: Swiss jurisdiction with real privacy laws, open-source apps, transparent about legal limits, no breach history

Mullvad:

• Why I rank it #1: No email required, no affiliate program (I make $0), proven no-logs in police raid

You shouldn’t trust me blindly. Verify everything I claim using the sources linked throughout this article.

Pricing: ProtonVPN Better Renewal Terms

NordVPN Pricing

Advertised pricing:

• “Starting at $3.09/month!”

Actual pricing:

• Month-to-month: $12.99/mo
• 2-year intro: $3.09-3.99/mo (requires 24-month prepayment = $74-96 upfront)
• Renewal: $12.99/mo (320% increase from intro)
• Annual cost after renewal: $156/year

Hidden reality:

• First term: $74-96 for 2 years ($3.09-3.99/mo)
• Renewal: $156/year ($12.99/mo)
• They email you 14 days before renewal
• Renewal hikes can reach $179+ according to Reddit complaints

Source: NordVPN official pricing, multiple review sites confirming 2025 rates

ProtonVPN Pricing

Advertised pricing:

• “Starting at $3.59/month!”

Actual pricing:

• Month-to-month: $9.99/mo
• 2-year intro: $3.59/mo (requires 24-month prepayment = $86 upfront)
• Renewal: $9.99/mo (178% increase from intro, but stays $9.99/mo)
• Annual cost after renewal: $120/year

Key difference from NordVPN:

• ProtonVPN renewals stay at the renewal rate
• If you buy during a sale, renewal goes to normal price (not sale price)
• More transparent about what you’ll pay long-term

Source: ProtonVPN official pricing

Pricing Winner

On intro pricing: NordVPN wins by $0.50/month ($3.09 vs $3.59)

On renewal pricing: ProtonVPN wins ($9.99/mo vs NordVPN’s $12.99/mo)

On long-term cost: ProtonVPN saves $36/year after renewal

Get ProtonVPN (Lower Renewal Than NordVPN)

The 2018 Breach NordVPN Hid

What happened:

March 2018: A NordVPN server in Finland was breached through an insecure remote management system the datacenter added without NordVPN’s knowledge.

April 2019: NordVPN was notified about the breach and immediately shredded the compromised server.

October 2019: NordVPN publicly disclosed the breach - over 18 months after it occurred.

What was compromised:

• One expired TLS key from one server
• No user data (no logs existed to steal)
• No usernames, passwords, or traffic logs

Why it matters:

The breach itself wasn’t catastrophic. What matters is NordVPN hid it for 18+ months.

Security researchers and the entire VPN industry criticized NordVPN for the delayed disclosure. When you discover a breach, you disclose it. NordVPN didn’t.

What they’ve done since (the “reformed sinner” part):

• Annual third-party audits (PwC 2019-2021, Deloitte 2024, Cure53 2024)
• Transparency reports
• RAM-only servers (can’t store data)
• External security assessments
• More proactive security disclosures

My take: NordVPN has spent 6 years rebuilding trust after the breach. They’ve done the work. But ProtonVPN never had a breach to begin with.

Sources: NordVPN official response, TechCrunch coverage, TechRadar analysis

Swiss Jurisdiction vs Panama Marketing

ProtonVPN: Actually Swiss

Jurisdiction: Switzerland Company: Proton AG (founded by CERN scientists) Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Why Swiss jurisdiction matters:

• Strong privacy laws (Swiss Federal Data Protection Act)
• Not in EU (not subject to EU data retention directives)
• Not in 14 Eyes intelligence sharing
• Court oversight required for any data requests

The 2021 court order case:

In September 2021, Swiss authorities ordered ProtonMail to log IP address of a French climate activist account. ProtonVPN was not affected.

Key points:

• ProtonMail complied with the legal order (they had to)
• Only logged one specific account (not all users)
• ProtonVPN cannot be legally compelled to log under Swiss law
• Updated privacy policy to be explicit about legal limits
• Published transparency report about the incident

My take: This is what actual accountability looks like. They showed how Swiss law works in practice - email and VPN are treated differently, and ProtonVPN has stronger legal protections.

Sources: Proton official statement, TechCrunch coverage

NordVPN: Panama Registration (Marketing)

Jurisdiction: Panama (registration) Company: Nordsec Ltd Actual infrastructure: Servers in 60+ countries, many in 14 Eyes nations

Why Panama jurisdiction is mostly marketing:

• Panama has privacy-friendly laws on paper
• But NordVPN’s actual infrastructure is in US, UK, EU countries
• Those countries can seize servers physically
• Panama jurisdiction doesn’t protect servers in other countries

Sources: NordVPN About page, 5 Eyes fearmongering article

Jurisdiction Winner

Winner: ProtonVPN

Swiss jurisdiction with actual privacy laws beats Panama registration with infrastructure in 14 Eyes countries.

Performance: Speed & Server Networks

NordVPN Infrastructure

Server network:

• ~7,900 servers in 118 countries (2025)
• NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based)
• RAM-only servers (no hard drives)

Documented performance:

• Average speed: Up to 892 Mbps on fast connections
• Supports 4K streaming with no buffering
• Connection time: Can take up to 45 seconds on distant servers
• Some Reddit users report random disconnects on iOS/Mac

Netflix & streaming:

• Unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries
• Works with US, UK, Japan, and 27+ other regions
• SmartPlay technology for streaming
• New NordWhisper feature bypasses VPN blocks

Source: Multiple 2025 reviews and speed tests, Reddit user feedback

ProtonVPN Infrastructure

Server network:

• ~9,700 servers in 117 countries (2025)
• Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth protocols
• Secure Core routing (traffic through privacy-friendly countries)

Documented performance:

• Speed reduction: ~8% on fast connections
• Suitable for HD and 4K streaming
• Generally slower than NordVPN on same connections
• More consistent connections (fewer random disconnects)

Netflix & streaming:

• Unlocks 10 Netflix libraries (US, UK, India, Italy, Australia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, France)
• Works well but fewer regions than NordVPN
• Free tier doesn’t work with Netflix (Plus/Unlimited only)

Source: 2025 speed tests, Netflix compatibility testing

Performance Winner

On speed: NordVPN is faster On server count: ProtonVPN has more servers (~9,700 vs ~7,900) On Netflix: NordVPN unlocks 20+ more libraries On reliability: ProtonVPN has fewer disconnect issues

Winner for streaming/speed: NordVPN Winner for consistent performance: ProtonVPN

Streaming Services & Connected Devices

NordVPN Streaming & Devices

Streaming services that work:

• Netflix: 30+ libraries (US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Australia, India, Italy, etc.)
• Disney+: Works reliably
• Amazon Prime Video: Works
• Hulu: Works (US servers)
• HBO Max: Works with obfuscated servers
• BBC iPlayer: Works (400+ UK servers in 4 cities)
• SmartPlay technology: Auto-bypasses geo-blocks without manual setup

Simultaneous connections: 10 devices

Supported platforms:

• Windows, macOS, Linux
• iOS, Android
• Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV
• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, etc.)
• Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Routers (counts as 1 device, protects entire network)
• Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

Streaming verdict: Best streaming VPN - unlocks everything tested, fast speeds for 4K

ProtonVPN Streaming & Devices

Streaming services that work:

• Netflix: 10 libraries (US, UK, India, Italy, Australia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, France)
• Disney+: Works (Plus plan only)
• Amazon Prime Video: Works
• Hulu: Works with streaming-optimized servers
• HBO Max: Works (Plus plan only)
• BBC iPlayer: Works with UK Plus servers
• Free tier: Doesn’t unblock any streaming services

Simultaneous connections: 10 devices (Plus plan), 1 device (Free plan)

Supported platforms:

• Windows, macOS, Linux
• iOS, Android
• Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV
• Chromebook
• Routers

Streaming verdict: Works with major services but fewer Netflix regions, requires paid plan

Source: NordVPN streaming, ProtonVPN streaming guide

Streaming & Devices Winner

Winner: NordVPN for streaming variety

NordVPN unlocks 20+ more Netflix libraries than ProtonVPN and includes SmartPlay auto-bypass technology. Both support 10 simultaneous devices on paid plans, but NordVPN’s streaming compatibility is significantly better.

However: If you only watch US Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, ProtonVPN works fine and has better privacy credentials.

Security & Privacy: Open Source Matters

NordVPN Security

Apps: Closed source (you can’t verify the code)

Latest audits:

• Deloitte (November-December 2024): Verified no-logs claim
• Cure53 (June-August 2024): Penetration test and source code review

Privacy features:

• Kill switch (works, but some Reddit reports of failures)
• DNS leak protection
• Split tunneling
• Double VPN
• Onion over VPN

Logging policy: No logs (verified by audits, proven in 2018 breach)

ProtonVPN Security

Apps: Open source (GitHub)

Latest audits:

• Securitum (August-September 2025): Fourth consecutive annual audit
• On-site inspection of servers in Zürich
• No significant security issues found

Privacy features:

• Kill switch (permanent option, but some reports of failures on free tier)
• DNS leak protection
• Secure Core routing (double-hop through privacy-friendly countries)
• Tor over VPN
• NetShield ad-blocker

Logging policy: No logs (verified by annual Securitum audits 2022-2025)

2021 legal case proof: ProtonVPN cannot be legally compelled to log under Swiss law

Security Winner

On open source: ProtonVPN wins (apps are verifiable) On audits: Both have recent third-party audits (tie) On proven no-logs: ProtonVPN has legal case evidence + audits

Winner: ProtonVPN for open-source transparency

Torrenting & P2P: Port Forwarding Matters

NordVPN Torrenting

P2P support:

• Allows torrenting on dedicated P2P servers
• No port forwarding (removed for security reasons)
• Can’t seed effectively without port forwarding
• Good for casual downloaders, bad for power seeders

Which servers allow P2P:

• Dedicated P2P-optimized servers in select countries
• Regular servers block torrenting
• Auto-redirects to P2P servers when detected

DMCA policy:

• Panama jurisdiction = no DMCA compliance required
• NordVPN doesn’t log traffic, so can’t identify users
• Forwards legal notices to abuse email (unactionable without logs)

Speeds:

• Fast for downloading (no port forwarding needed)
• Slow/impossible for seeding (port forwarding required)

Verdict: Good for leechers, bad for seeders.

ProtonVPN Torrenting

P2P support:

• Allows torrenting on P2P servers in 90+ countries
• Port forwarding supported (huge advantage for torrents)
• Better upload/seed speeds with port forwarding
• Port forwarding available on Windows, Mac, Linux apps

How port forwarding works:

• Enable in settings (one click on paid plans)
• Random port assigned per session
• Port changes on reconnect (need to reconfigure torrent client)
• 10-15% speed boost in testing with port forwarding

DMCA policy:

• Swiss jurisdiction = no DMCA compliance
• ProtonVPN doesn’t log traffic
• Can’t identify users from legal requests

Speeds:

• Good for downloading
• Significantly better for seeding with port forwarding enabled

Verdict: Best for power seeders and anyone who uploads/seeds.

Source: ProtonVPN port forwarding guide, NordVPN no port forwarding

Torrenting Winner

Winner: ProtonVPN for port forwarding support

If you seed torrents or need port forwarding, ProtonVPN is the only option between these two. NordVPN removed port forwarding and can’t compete for serious P2P users.

Customer Support: Response Times & Refunds

NordVPN Support

Live chat:

• 24/7 availability
• Response time: Usually within 2-3 minutes
• Quality: Helpful and accurate according to reviews

Email support:

• Response within 24 hours
• Complex issues may get faster responses (few hours)

Refund policy:

• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Full refund within 30 days (not prorated)
• Refund processed within 10 business days
• Only applies to first purchase (renewals not refundable)

How to get refund:

• Contact live chat
• Request refund within 30 days
• Money returned via original payment method

Support score: 8/10 (24/7 live chat, fast responses, full refund)

ProtonVPN Support

Live chat:

• Available 9 AM - 12 AM CET (15 hours/day, not 24/7)
• Response time: Under 30 seconds during operating hours
• Only available for paid plans (free users use email)

Email support:

• Response within 24 hours
• Detailed and helpful responses

Refund policy:

• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Prorated refund (only unused days, not full refund)
• Example: Cancel after 10 days = refund for 20 days only
• Cash/bank transfers not refundable
• One refund per user

How to get refund:

• Contact via support form
• Prorated refund processed within 30 days
• Less generous than NordVPN’s full refund

Support score: 6/10 (limited live chat hours, prorated refunds hurt)

Source: NordVPN refund policy, ProtonVPN refund policy

Support Winner

Winner: NordVPN for 24/7 live chat and full refunds

ProtonVPN’s 15-hour live chat window and prorated refunds are less customer-friendly than NordVPN’s 24/7 support and full 30-day refund.

Why Both Might Be Wrong for You

You searched “NordVPN vs ProtonVPN” because:

• Both advertise privacy and no-logs
• Both have audits and certifications
• YouTubers recommend both (for the $25-40 commissions)

Here’s what they’re not telling you:

About NordVPN:

• 2018 breach hidden for 18 months
• Panama jurisdiction is mostly marketing
• Closed-source apps (can’t verify what they do)
• 319% renewal price increase
• $40/sale affiliate commissions drive recommendations

About ProtonVPN:

• Kill switch failures reported on some platforms (especially free tier)
• Linux app is inferior to Windows/Mac versions
• Free tier is severely limited for streaming
• Fewer Netflix libraries than NordVPN
• $25/sale affiliate commissions drive recommendations

The better question: “What VPN doesn’t require my email and has no affiliate program?”

What You Should Actually Use Instead

If You Need Hardcore Privacy

Don’t use: NordVPN or ProtonVPN - both require email, both have affiliate programs

Use instead: Mullvad

Why:

• No email required: Random 16-digit account number, that’s it
• No affiliate program: I make $0, still rank #1
• Pay with cash: Mail €5 in an envelope (or crypto, cards)
• €5/month forever: No intro discount, no renewal increase, just €5
• Open source: Apps verifiable on GitHub
• Proven no-logs: 2023 Swedish police raid found nothing

Read full Mullvad review

Get Mullvad (Best Privacy, I Make $0)

If You Need Netflix + Privacy

Don’t use: Mullvad (doesn’t try to unblock streaming)

Use instead: NordVPN

Why:

• Unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries
• Fastest speeds for streaming
• Works with most streaming platforms
• Audited no-logs policy

Yes, NordVPN has a compromised past (2018 breach). But if Netflix is your priority and privacy is secondary, their reformed state + audits make them acceptable for streaming.

Read full NordVPN review

Get NordVPN (Best for Netflix)

If You Need Balance Between Privacy & Features

Don’t use: NordVPN (breach history) or Mullvad (no streaming focus)

Use instead: ProtonVPN

Why:

• Swiss jurisdiction with real privacy laws
• Open-source apps (verifiable)
• No breach history
• Works with 10 Netflix libraries
• Free tier available (limited but functional)
• Lower renewal price than NordVPN ($9.99 vs $12.99)

Read full ProtonVPN review

Get ProtonVPN (Swiss Privacy + Streaming)

Real User Experiences: NordVPN vs ProtonVPN

NordVPN User Complaints

From Reddit (2024-2025):

Common issues:

• Billing complaints about $219 charges without clear notice
• Connection times up to 45 seconds on distant servers
• Random disconnects on iOS/Mac in background
• Netflix blocking inconsistent (works sometimes, not others)
• Torrenting speeds lower than competitors
• 2018 breach trust issues persist

Positive feedback:

• Fast speeds for streaming
• Strong security features
• Works reliably for Netflix in most cases

Pattern: Users appreciate performance but have concerns about billing transparency and the 2018 breach history.

ProtonVPN User Complaints

From Reddit (2024-2025):

Common issues:

• Linux app lacks features (no WireGuard, split tunneling, port forwarding)
• Kill switch failures on some platforms
• Free tier too limited for practical use
• Customer support response times slower than competitors
• Connection problems in China (even on paid plans)
• TrustPilot rating of only 2.4 stars

Positive feedback:

• Strong privacy reputation
• Swiss jurisdiction respected
• Open-source apps appreciated
• No breach history
• Transparent about legal limits

Pattern: Users trust ProtonVPN’s privacy more than NordVPN, but complain about platform inconsistencies and support.

The Bottom Line: NordVPN vs ProtonVPN

Direct comparison verdict:

NordVPN vs ProtonVPN is choosing between reformed sinner (better speeds, sketchy past) and Swiss saint (better privacy, fewer Netflix libraries).

If you must choose between them: ProtonVPN is more trustworthy due to Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and no breach history. NordVPN is better for Netflix and raw speed.

But honestly? Neither is the best option.

What you should actually do:

1. Need hardcore privacy? → Mullvad
2. Need Netflix + speed? → NordVPN
3. Need privacy + some streaming? → ProtonVPN

Verify This Yourself

Want to see the raw data behind my claims? Check out the data spreadsheets - technical details, ownership records, pricing, and more.

Don’t trust me. Verify everything:

NordVPN claims:

• Pricing: NordVPN official pricing
• 2018 breach: Official response, TechCrunch
• 2024 audits: Deloitte audit announcement

ProtonVPN claims:

• Pricing: ProtonVPN official pricing
• 2021 court order: Proton statement
• 2025 audit: Securitum audit results
• Open source: GitHub repository

My commission claims:

• NordVPN affiliate program exists (verified)
• ProtonVPN affiliate program exists (verified)
• Mullvad has no affiliate program: Verify on their site

Better alternatives:

• Try ProtonVPN with 30-day money-back guarantee
• Try Mullvad for €5 (no email, no commitment)
• Read independent reviews on NYTimes/WireCutter and Wired

Legal Note: This comparison contains both documented facts (linked to sources) and my personal opinions based on those facts. All opinions are clearly marked as such.

Affiliate disclosure: I make money from affiliate links to NordVPN (~$40/sale), and ProtonVPN (~$25/sale), and nothing from Mullvad ($0/sale) because they don’t have an affiliate program. I’m ranking ProtonVPN higher despite lower commission, and Mullvad highest despite no commission.