Best Proton VPN alternatives in 2026
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There are several reasons why you might want to replace Proton VPN. It’s not the fastest VPN on the market, lacks around-the-clock customer support, and has a feature set that's not as elaborate as competitors’.
While Proton VPN is a reputable and reliable provider, the features it lacks can be a deal breaker for some users. So, if you’re looking for the best Proton VPN alternatives in 2026, I have gathered 3 top picks that tick all the boxes.
Based on our in-house tests, NordVPN is the best alternative to Proton VPN. However, all VPNs on this list offer fast speeds, vast server networks, and good value.
Top 3 best Proton VPN alternatives in 2026
- NordVPN – best overall Proton VPN alternative
- Surfshark – best cheap Proton VPN alternative
- Windscribe – best free Proton VPN alternative
Why look for an alternative to Proton VPN?
Even though Proton VPN is a good VPN, which can compete with market-leading providers, it might not be the best fit for all users. It has a limit of 10 simultaneous device connections, lacks 24/7 customer support, and can experience speed dips during peak hours.
What’s more, its paid plan, while reasonably priced, falls short of competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark due to a limited feature set. So, if you want a VPN that excels in speed, streaming, torrenting, and customer support, you might want to try alternatives, such as NordVPN.
Best Proton VPN alternatives – our detailed list
When looking for alternatives, I focused on providers that are as good or even better than Proton VPN. Below, I break down the three best Proton VPN alternatives based on performance, security, price, and customer support.
1. NordVPN – best Proton VPN alternative overall
| Jurisdiction: | Panama |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs available on the market today. It’s exceptionally fast, offers great security, intuitive apps, and standout features. It also makes a great choice for everyday use, as it handles streaming, torrenting, gaming, and browsing with ease.
Throughout the years, I’ve tried many VPNs, but NordVPN delivers every time. It works great for streaming thanks to its broad global coverage and fast speeds. It consistently accessed every platform I tried, while the experience was smooth and lag free. In comparison, Proton VPN can noticeably slow down when connected to long-distance servers.
What’s more, NordVPN is known for offering all-in-one online security suites packed with advanced features. It includes Threat Protection Pro, Dark Web Monitoring Pro, auto-connect, and dedicated IP, among others. It continually introduces new security features to enhance protection. Also, NordVPN has been independently audited six times, confirming that it doesn’t track or store any user activity. To learn more, read our NordVPN review.
NordVPN is not the cheapest VPN, but it offers a good price-to-value ratio. Its higher-tier plans include anti-malware protection, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and an ad and tracker blocker. With one subscription, you can protect up to 10 devices, and if you’re not sure about the service, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Basic | Plus | Complete | Prime | |
| 1-month price | $14.99/month | $19.99/month | $19.99/month | $29.99/month |
| 1-year price | $5.49/month | $6.49/month | $6.99/month | $8.99/month |
| 2-year price | $3.49/month | $4.49/month | $4.49/month | $7.49/month |
2. Surfshark – affordable Proton VPN alternative
| Jurisdiction: | The Netherlands |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
Surfshark is one of the most affordable premium VPNs. Its low entry price, support for unlimited device connections, and strong security make it a great alternative to Proton VPN.
Surfshark is owned by Nord Security, the same parent company as NordVPN. This means that despite the lower entry price, you can expect nearly the same level of security. It also has some unique features, such as Webcam Protection, antivirus, and email scam checker.
In terms of streaming, Surfshark is reliable, fast, and has stable connections. Like NordVPN, it was able to access all the platforms I tried – everything loaded smoothly, without any location errors. However, what makes it second to NordVPN is its smaller server fleet and slightly slower speeds. For a full breakdown, check out our NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison.
Surfshark is very affordable. For as little as $2.49/month, you get a secure and reliable VPN that supports unlimited device connections. And if you are willing to invest a little extra, the One plan includes antivirus, personal data leak alerts, email scam checker, and alternative ID.
| Starter | One | One+ | |
| 1-month price | $16.45/month | $18.95/month | $21.85/month |
| 1-year price | $3.39/month | $3.59/month | $7.49/month |
| 2-year price | $2.49/month | $2.79/month | $4.49/month |
3. Windscribe – Proton VPN alternative with a free plan
| Jurisdiction: | Canada |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
Windscribe is a great zero-cost alternative to Proton VPN’s free plan. It doesn’t keep features behind a paywall and, unlike Proton VPN, supports unlimited devices.
From a security perspective, Windscribe remains a strong Proton VPN alternative. It includes a kill switch and an ad and tracker blocker. Also, Windscribe offers better global coverage, with free servers in 10 countries, while Proton VPN offers them in 5.
Windscribe is a solid free VPN but its service comes with a 10GB monthly cap. While it's good enough for device protection, it’s not necessarily the best option for streaming.
Another Windscribe’s standout feature is that you can use its free version without providing your email address. However, that reduces your data limits to 2GB/month.
Proton VPN alternatives compared
| Rating | Starting price | Simultaneous devices | Server count | Server Locations | Free version | |
| NordVPN | $3.49/month | 10 | Thousands of servers | 211 locations | ❌ No | |
| Surfshark | $2.49/month | Unlimited | 4,500+ | 100 countries | ❌ No | |
| Windscribe | Free | Unlimited | Undisclosed | 190 locations | ✅ Yes |
Which Proton VPN alternative should I pick?
The right Proton VPN alternative depends on what matters most to you. If you want the best all-around performance, advanced security, and excellent streaming support, NordVPN is the strongest pick. Choose Surfshark if you’re looking for the best value and need unlimited device connections. It’s affordable, easy to use, and packed with extra features, making it ideal for households or users with multiple devices.
If you’re not ready to commit to a paid VPN yet, Windscribe is the best free Proton VPN alternative. It offers free servers in multiple countries, unlimited connections, and strong privacy features without requiring prior payment.
Do I really need a VPN?
You need a VPN to keep your online activities private and your data safe. For example, on public Wi-Fi, it adds a layer of protection that helps keep your data out of reach on unsecured networks. Also, it can help if your ISP is throttling your connection when you’re streaming or torrenting.
It’s also useful for accessing geo-restricted content, such as international streaming libraries. What’s more, many services offer elaborate security suites that include features like ad and tracker blockers, and some even include antivirus.
VPNs can be particularly useful for journalists, researchers, or anyone who values discretion, since they offer anonymity and help bypass geo-restrictions or censorship. Windscribe even offers its Pro services to journalists at no cost.
FAQ
What’s the best Proton VPN alternative?
NordVPN is the best alternative to Proton VPN. It offers fast speeds, a large server network, and great streaming capabilities. Its user-friendly apps and consistent performance make it a top choice for privacy-focused users seeking more flexibility and strong performance.
Is there a free Proton VPN alternative?
Yes, Windscribe is the best free Proton VPN alternative. It offers a broader server coverage than Proton VPN, includes an ad and tracker blocker, and unlimited device connections.
Can I use a Proton VPN alternative on Netflix?
Yes, you can use Proton VPN alternatives for Netflix. The best alternative to stream international Netflix libraries is NordVPN. Due to its strong performance and fast speeds, it unlocks the most popular streaming services and delivers a smooth, buffering-free experience.
