NordVPN has long been a trusted name in the VPN industry, known for its impressive speed, strong encryption, and reliable streaming performance. However, the VPN landscape has evolved. New competitors are providing lower prices, faster speeds, and better privacy protocols that give NordVPN some legitimate competition. You can be a gamer who wants to experience lag-free speeds, a streamer who wants to access content from around the world, or a regular user who values online privacy; in any case, there are many higher-performing alternatives worth exploring.
We will reveal the most effective NordVPN alternatives in this blog that will redefine the concept of online security and performance today. Be it indefinite device coverage and lightning-fast speeds to better encryption and clear privacy policies, these VPNs are posing a threat to NordVPN, even beating it in some instances. If you’re looking for a VPN that fits your personal or professional requirements, this list will help you choose the ideal option without sacrificing speed, security, or value.
Why You Should Consider a NordVPN Alternative?
Although NordVPN can be regarded as one of the most dependable services of a VPN, it does not always suit all users. With the VPN market becoming increasingly competitive in 2026, a number of providers have become more flexible and better priced and even offer more innovative features than NordVPN does. Looking at alternatives will enable you to discover a service that better fits your budget, usage of gadgets, and daily internet usage either in streaming, games, or simply privacy.
The following are some of the main reasons why you may consider moving away out of NordVPN:
Less Expensive and Competitive Pricing
Numerous VPNs with strong customer ratings are currently providing the best-in-the-market encryption, high speed, and performance at half the cost of NordVPN. These are alternatives that enable the premium level of privacy to be affordable without compromising on quality or protection.
Endless Connections to Devices
In contrast to the restricted number of simultaneous connections offered by NordVPN, a few of its competitors have unlimited device usage, which is one of the features that should be used by families, small enterprises, or users who use more than one device every day.
Streaming and Gaming Optimized
Others VPNs have an additional feature of having dedicated streaming and gaming servers. They can access apps such as Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without much trouble and with constant, fast internet speeds with no videos buffering or lagging.
Greater Privacy and Transparency
There are numerous competitors of Nord VPN that act under privacy-friendly jurisdictions and do not have logs. They are usually audited by themselves giving the users more confidence on how their data is being processed and being secured.
Less Complicated, More Personalized Interfaces
The best VPN services today are usability-oriented. Their applications are user-friendly, simple to navigate, and allow users to customize settings for a personalized experience — making them ideal for both novices and professionals.
List of Top 15 Best NordVPN Alternatives
1. Surfshark
Surfshark is a complete privacy and security VPN that comes at an extraordinary price with unlimited connections to devices and over 3200 servers around the globe. It is fast, secure, and conveniently accessible through a single slick interface. It is an ideal choice for people who need more than just the basic protection since it is equipped with advanced tools, such as MultiHop (double encryption), Alternative ID, and CleanWeb, an ad-blocker.
Surfshark also has built-in antivirus and NoBorders feature, which enables one to access it even in a country where the internet is highly restricted. It is cheap, secure, and loaded wit100-pluseatures that will make your experience online personal and smooth.
Key Features:
- Infinite connections of devices.
- MultiHop (Double VPN) security.
- CleanWeb ad/tracker blocker
- Integration of alternative ID and antivirus.
- NoBorders mode of restricted areas.
Best For: Budget-conscious users seeking all-in-one online security and privacy
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN remains unchallenged in terms of speeds, coverage, and high-level privacy. It has TrustedServer technology, which uses a RAM-only method to guarantee zero data retention and operates in 105+ countries. The Lightway proprietary protocol provides lightning-fast speeds ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
ExpressVPN applications are polished, easy to use, transparent, and independently audited. Its cost and reliability are unmatched in consistency, performance, and privacy. For anyone exploring NordVPN alternatives, ExpressVPN stands out as a top choice for fast, unrestricted, and secure internet access anywhere in the world.
Key Features:
- TrustedServer RAM-only architecture.
- Speed with Lightway VPN protocol.
- Network Lock (kill switch)
- Servers in 105+ countries
- Split tunneling support
Best For: Professionals and travelers needing premium speed, reliability, and privacy
3. Proton VPN
Proton VPN possesses a good reputation due to its transparency and open-source honesty. With its headquarters in Switzerland, it provides the Secure Core routing which routes your traffic by encrypted servers as many as possible and makes it as secure as possible.
Its VPN Accelerator has increased speed by offering 400 percent faster speeds. The free version of Proton VPN is unlimited and has strong encryption unlike various other competitors. It has third-party audits regularly, which demonstrates its privacy concern. It is ideal in terms of privacy, since it offers the right balance between high-speed internet connectivity, transparency, and sophisticated protection.
Key Features:
- Multi-hop routing (SecCore) routing.
- Open-source apps with audits
- VPN Accelerator to speed up the connection.
- Unlimited free plan with unlimited data.
- In Switzerland, there are good privacy regulations.
Best For: Privacy advocates and open-source enthusiasts
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is a company well-known for offering robust digital privacy, giving users full control and customization options. It is transparent and performance-driven, featuring open-source clients, a verified no-logs policy, and coverage across 91 ultra-fast HydraACE servers. Its advanced tools efficiently block high-tech ads, malware, and trackers—features often seen in top malware removal tools.
With split tunneling, users can also choose which apps to protect. Despite its somewhat outdated interface, PIA remains one of the best VPNs for tech-savvy users seeking speed, security, and reliability. It’s effective, versatile, and built for long-term use.
Key Features:
- Transparency open-source applications.
- MACE ad and malware blocker
- Customization of split tunneling servers in 91 countries
- Verified no-logs policy
Best For: Power users seeking customizable, privacy-centric VPN performance
5. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN would make privacy easy for novices while still delivering powerful performance for experts. It has more than 11,000 servers across 100+ countries and provides easy connections and optimized servers for streaming and torrenting.
Its NoSpy servers offer additional levels of protection, and the automatic kill switch safeguards you in unforeseen disconnection scenarios. The streaming services most compatible with CyberGhost are Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The app’s layout simplifies VPN use and grants privacy and liberty to ordinary users, making it one of the top NordVPN Alternatives for security and performance.
Key Features:
- 11,000+ servers in 100 countries
- Streaming servers and torrent servers.
- NoSpy servers to improve privacy.
- Automatic kiltowardssh
- Built-in ad blocker
Best For: Beginners and streaming lovers wanting a simple, secure VPN
6. IPVanish
IPVanish would be a perfect match for gamers, families, and power users who appreciate having unlimited access to connections and lighting-fast speeds. It provides its WireGuard protocol, which is high-performing and does not affect security.
IPVanish also changes the IP address every now and then to maximize anonymity and minimize tracking. The app features a user-friendly interface and includes such functions as split tunneling and double-hop encryption. Having a strong no-logs policy and powerful privacy features, IPVanish is a flexible VPN that requires its users to have a high level of speed and complete internet freedom.
Key Features:
- Endless concurrent connections.
- Fast WireGuard protocol
- IP rotation for anonymity
- Split tunneling VPN and double-hop VPN.
- No-logs certified
Best For: Families, gamers, and high-speed streamers
7. Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender VPN works seamlessly alongside Bitdefender’s antivirus software, making it a great choice for users who prefer an all-in-one security ecosystem. It automatically connects to Wi-Fi networks in public areas and blocks ads and trackers for a safer browsing experience.
Although it doesn’t offer many advanced configuration options, it delivers consistent speed and stable streaming performance. Ideal for those who prefer a simple yet secure setup, Bitdefender VPN provides reliable protection and an easy-to-use interface that enhances the overall cybersecurity experience.
Key Features:
- AES-256 encryption
- Auto-connect on public Wi-Fi
- Ad and tracker blocking
- Support to incorporate Bitdefender antivirus.
- Pathological performance remains constant and quick.
Best For: Existing Bitdefender users and non-technical privacy seekers
8. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a fast VPN that has been characterized as the fastest with ultra-fast Hydra protocol and provides a high-tech streaming, gaming, and browsing experience across the globe. It has servers in 80+ countries, which provide users with safe access to the world’s content.
It is great in terms of its automatic Wi-Fi protection and malware blocking because it allows people to use it a lot in common hotspots. Be it when using Netflix or just protecting your information, with Hotspot Shield, you can maintain a steady performance and military-level encryption. As one of the top NordVPN alternatives, it is fast and easy to use, and at the same time, your privacy is not compromised even when you are online.
Features:
- The Hydra protocol of the highest speed.
- 80+ global server locations
- Inherent malware and phishing security.
- Automatic connection to Wi-Fi in public.
- Supports the major streaming platforms.
Best For: Users who want a fast, easy-to-use VPN for streaming and browsing.
9. Mullvad VPN
One feature that Mullvad VPN has that is unparalleled is its focus on user privacy and anonymity. It does not need email address, user name and personal information only account number that was generated randomly. Mullvad has sophisticated WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols that are going to keep the connection quick, safe, and secure.
It is based in Sweden, has a no-logs policy, and has successfully passed through several independent audits. Not oriented at the entertainment streaming, Mullvad is an excellent privacy-focused option with the high prioritization of privacy concerns, journalists, and other people, who appreciate complete freedom in terms of the Internet.
Features:
- No email or any personal information needed.
- WireGuard protocol and OpenVPN protocol.
- Verified no-logs policy
- One can make anonymous payments (crypto or cash).
- Transparency is audited separately.
Best For: Privacy-focused users who want complete anonymity and open-source trust.
10. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is a low-priced but high-performance VPN with a balance between performance and privacy. It is headquartered in Switzerland, where the laws are very strict on privacy, and all connections are encrypted using AES-256. The free version offers 10GB of data per month, whereas the premium customers have unlimited access to the high-speed global servers.
PrivadoVPN is an excellent choice to use in case of streaming, torrenting, and overall browsing, with split tunneling and ad-blocking to improve the performance. It is also user-friendly and hence simple to use, making it one of the top NordVPN alternatives for beginners who require easy protection without complications.
Features:
- 10GB of free data each month
- Protection AES-256 encryption and DNS leak.
- Split tunneling support
- Servers that are streaming and torrent-friendly.
- Ad and tracker blocker is built.
Best For: Users seeking a budget-friendly VPN with strong privacy and speed.
11. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a combination of cost-effectiveness, safety, and innovation, using the brand name of the reputable Nord Security. It is fully shielded against cyber-risks with such features as SafeSwap (rotating IP addresses) and Data Breach Monitor. It builds on infinite connections of devices and provides high speed based on the protocol of WireGuard protocol.
Atlas VPN also has a good free plan where the user gets to access high-speed servers and reliable privacy. Atlas VPN is a good option whether streaming, gaming, or browsing because it is very secure and can save people and families a lot of money.
Features:
- SafeSwap is changing IP addresses.
- WireGuard performs with high speed.
- Data Breach Monitor feature
- Infinite connection of devices.
- The free version should be highly viable.
Best For: Families or users wanting affordable, all-device protection.
12. Windscribe
Windscribe has a balanced VPN experience that is free and premium. It is famous for its feature known as R.O.B.E.R.T. that prevents advertisements, trackers, and viruses. Users will have access to 10GB of free monthly data and more than 110 server locations.
Windscribe is both streaming-friendly and torrenting-friendly and has a robust privacy policy. It employs the modern AES-256 encryption and a customizable firewall that provides additional security. Windscribe is highly flexible, fully transparent, and remains reliably fast, which is why it is a perfect choice among both novices and experienced users.
Features:
- 10GB monthly free plan
- R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker and tracker.
- Customizable firewall to add additional security.
- Encryption AES-256 and OpenVPN.
- Works with Netflix and torrenting.
Best For: Users wanting a secure, ad-free VPN with generous free features.
13. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly and fun approach to VPN that does not skimp on security. It is easy to use and has clear policies, which are ideal for users with no experience in VPNs. It operates in more than 45 countries with a high level of speed to conduct day-to-day browsing and streaming. The company is audited independently on an annual basis to ensure that it enforces a no-logs policy.
Inasmuch as the free plan does have a limit on the amount of data, the premium version allows the user to use it without any limits, which means that he/she get privacy and can be used anywhere. TunnelBear has a cute user interface that conceals a robust security feature that any user, whether a casual or privacy-aware user, would love to use.
Features
- 45+ server locations
- Independent security audits are conducted annually.
- Nonstandard user-friendly interface.
- AES-256 encryption
- Continuous protection that is always-on.
Best For: New VPN users who want simplicity with solid security.
14. Norton Secure VPN
Norton Secure VPN is a component that is part of the reputable Norton cybersecurity application, and the software automatically encrypts and protects Wi-Fi networks. It not only blocks online tracking of the activity of advertisers, but also creates effective AES-256 encryption on all traffic. The VPN has high-speed and consistent connections that are compatible with streaming and browsing on all devices.
Although it does not have such sophisticated features as multi-hop routing, it is very simple and dependable. It is perfect to make sure that your digital life remains private and safe without the hassles of manual installation: it is ideal among casual users and customers of Norton antivirus, making it one of the most trusted NordVPN alternatives for everyday security needs.
Features:
- Automatic Wi-Fi encryption
- Ad and tracker blocking
- All connections are encrypted with AES-256.
- Multi-device compatibility
- The Norton 360 suite will be integrated.
Best For: Everyday users and Norton antivirus subscribers seeking all-in-one protection.
15. Hide.me VPN
Hide.me VPN is a privacy-focused experience that customers will get along with high performance and transparency. It favors the use of WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols, which guarantee secure and fast links. The free plan offers 10GB of data each month and admits to several servers around the globe. Hide.
Me is audited by a third party to ensure that it is following its no-logs policy in order to provide users with a sense of reassurance. It is flexible and reliable with split tunneling, dynamic port forwarding, and streaming-friendly servers. It balances the power and simplicity as the interface is easy to use on any device.
Features:
- 10GB monthly free plan
- IKEv2 protocol support and WireGuard support.
- Split tunneling and port forwarding.
- No logs policy is independently audited.
- Collaborates with Netflix and Prime Video.
Best For: Users seeking a fast, privacy-focused VPN with strong free and paid options.
Comparision Table
| VPN Name | Best For | Device Connections | Standout Feature |
| Surfshark | Budget-conscious users wanting all-in-one security | Unlimited | MultiHop encryption, built-in ad blocker |
| ExpressVPN | Professionals & travelers needing speed and privacy | 8 | Lightway protocol, RAM-only servers |
| Proton VPN | Privacy advocates & open-source enthusiasts | 10 (paid), 1 (free) | Secure Core routing, open-source transparency |
| Private Internet Access | Power users seeking customizable VPN performance | Unlimited | MACE blocker, open-source, split tunneling |
| CyberGhost VPN | Beginners & streaming fans | 7 | Streaming & torrent servers, NoSpy servers |
| IPVanish | Families & gamers wanting unlimited access | Unlimited | WireGuard speed, IP rotation, split tunneling |
| Bitdefender VPN | Existing Bitdefender users and non-technical privacy seekers | 10 | AES-256, auto-connect, integrates antivirus |
| Hotspot Shield | Fast, easy streaming and browsing | 5 | Hydra protocol, automatic Wi-Fi protection |
| Mullvad VPN | Privacy-focused, anonymity seekers | 5 | No personal info required, anonymous payments |
| PrivadoVPN | Budget users seeking privacy and streaming | 10 | Swiss privacy laws, split tunneling, ad blocker |
| Atlas VPN | Families or all-device protection | Unlimited | SafeSwap IP, breach monitor, unlimited connections |
| Windscribe | Secure, ad-free multi-device users | Unlimited (paid), 1 (free) | R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker, custom firewall |
| TunnelBear | New users wanting simple security | 5 | Independent security audits, friendly UI |
| Norton Secure VPN | Everyday users & Norton subscribers | 5 | Auto Wi-Fi encryption, ad/tracker blocking |
| Hide.me VPN | Fast, privacy-focused free/premium users | 10 | WireGuard, split tunneling, streaming servers |
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate VPN is not about being invisible on the Internet, but about finding the one that will best suit your lifestyle, usage, and privacy expectations. Even though NordVPN remains a reliable brand, a number of competitors have become equally or even more effective and more affordable.
Whether you need an all-in-one security tool like Surfshark, the kind of transparency offered by Proton VPN, or the unmatched speed of ExpressVPN, each user can find their right match. No matter what you need to do—be it streaming, gaming, or just keeping your personal data anonymous—these NordVPN alternatives are fast, private, and designed to give you unrestricted internet access while keeping you safe and in control of your digital autonomy.
FAQs
Are Nord VPN Substitutes As Reliable as Nord VPN?
Admittedly, there are numerous other services such as ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark that provide equally (or even higher) high reliability and speed. They also have the same or better encryption and security protocols, hence they are as reliable as well.
Which VPN Is Best For Streaming?
CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are superior to streaming since they are always able to access websites such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ and provide HD-quality access without issues.
What Is The Cheapest Alternative To NordVPN?
Surfshark and Private Internet Access have highly competitive privacy and performance with highly affordable prices that may include multi-year contracts and therefore reduce the monthly payments by a substantial margin.
Does It Have Any Free Options To NordVPN?
Yes, Free plans offered by Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN offer high security and fairly good speeds. They are ideal to do some casual browsing or experimenting before paying to upgrade.
Is There The Option Of Using These VPNs On More Than One Device?
Definitely. Majority of the contemporary VPNs support numerous connections at the same time. Even better, Surfshark and IPVanish accept unlimited devices, which is why they are suitable for families or users with several gadgets.