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NordVPN alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave NordVPN: renewal prices are much higher than the first term, and apps push bundled add-ons and upsells. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces NordVPN, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. ExpressVPN currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1ExpressVPN logoExpressVPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +36 of 666.5
2Surfshark logoSurfsharkPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +34 of 462.6
3Proton VPN logoProton VPNFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 559.6
4Mullvad VPN logoMullvad VPNPaidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +25 of 557.2
5Private Internet Access logoPrivate Internet AccessPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 555.3
6CyberGhost VPN logoCyberGhost VPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +36 of 653.6
  1. ExpressVPN logo

    1. ExpressVPNTop pick

    Best for: Non-technical users who want reliable streaming and travel access with minimal setup

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from NordVPN

    Similar mainstream service with very simple apps and its own Lightway protocol.

    Pros

    • Very simple apps on every platform
    • Servers in over a hundred countries
    • Open-source Lightway protocol and RAM-only servers

    Cons

    • More expensive than most rivals at renewal
    • Fewer advanced settings than power users may want
    • No free tier
    Visit ExpressVPN Compare with NordVPNDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is ExpressVPN a good NordVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Starting price
    $2.99/month (Basic, 2-year plan)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026expressvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days for new users
    Checked Oct 25, 2026expressvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Simultaneous devices
    10 (Basic plan)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026expressvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    113
    Checked Oct 25, 2026expressvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    RAM-only servers
    Yes (TrustedServer)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026expressvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Lightway licence
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Surfshark logo

    2. Surfshark

    Best for: Households that want to cover lots of devices on one cheap subscription

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from NordVPN

    Cheaper plans and no limit on simultaneous devices, with a similar feature set.

    Pros

    • No cap on simultaneous devices
    • Low price on long plans
    • Built-in ad and malware blocking

    Cons

    • Best prices need a multi-year commitment
    • Speeds vary more between locations than top rivals
    • Bundles push extra security products
    Visit Surfshark Compare with NordVPNDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Surfshark a good NordVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Devices per account
    Unlimited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
    RAM-only servers
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, TVs, browsers
    Checked Oct 25, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Proton VPN logo

    3. Proton VPN

    Best for: Privacy-focused users, and anyone who needs a free VPN they can trust

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from NordVPN

    Swiss provider with open-source apps and a free tier that has no data cap.

    Pros

    • Free plan with no data cap and no ads
    • Open-source, audited apps on every platform
    • Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans

    Cons

    • Free plan allows only one device and fewer locations
    • Full price is high without a long commitment
    • Some streaming and P2P features are paid only
    Visit Proton VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Proton VPN a good NordVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, $0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan limits
    1 device, no data cap, no ads
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices on VPN Plus
    10
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes, apps open source and audited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Mullvad VPN logo

    4. Mullvad VPN

    Best for: Privacy-minded users who want anonymous signup and a simple flat price

    PaidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from NordVPN

    One flat monthly price, no email needed to sign up, and open-source apps.

    Pros

    • No email or personal details needed to sign up
    • Same low price for any length of subscription
    • Open-source apps and published audits

    Cons

    • Not aimed at unblocking streaming services
    • No port forwarding
    • Smaller server network than the big providers
    Visit Mullvad VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Mullvad VPN a good NordVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Price
    €5 per month, any term
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    14 days (not for cash payments)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Company location
    Gothenburg, Sweden
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mullvad.net(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Private Internet Access logo

    5. Private Internet Access

    Best for: Tinkerers who want port forwarding and fine-grained settings on unlimited devices

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from NordVPN

    Lets you connect unlimited devices and offers more advanced network settings.

    Pros

    • Unlimited simultaneous devices
    • Port forwarding and detailed connection settings
    • Open-source desktop and mobile apps

    Cons

    • Monthly plan is expensive compared with long terms
    • Busy interface for beginners
    • Owned by a group that also runs several rival brands
    Visit Private Internet Access Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Private Internet Access a good NordVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Monthly price
    $11.95/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices per account
    Unlimited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    113
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. CyberGhost VPN logo

    6. CyberGhost VPN

    Best for: Beginners who mainly want streaming access with a long trial period

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    53.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from NordVPN

    Comparable consumer VPN with a longer refund window on long plans.

    Pros

    • Servers labelled by use case, such as streaming and torrenting
    • 45-day refund window on longer plans
    • Large server network

    Cons

    • Monthly plan has only a 14-day refund window
    • Linux app is command-line only
    • Fewer advanced settings than rivals
    Visit CyberGhost VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is CyberGhost VPN a good NordVPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Monthly price
    $12.99/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window (monthly)
    14 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window (long plans)
    45 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Simultaneous devices
    7
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    100
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, some Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best NordVPN alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

ExpressVPN logo

Best NordVPN alternative for most people

ExpressVPN

Similar mainstream service with very simple apps and its own Lightway protocol.

Proton VPN logo

Best NordVPN alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Proton VPN

Swiss provider with open-source apps and a free tier that has no data cap.

Mullvad VPN logo

Best NordVPN alternative for open source

Mullvad VPN

One flat monthly price, no email needed to sign up, and open-source apps.

Surfshark logo

Best NordVPN alternative for Mac

Surfshark

Cheaper plans and no limit on simultaneous devices, with a similar feature set.

Private Internet Access logo

Best NordVPN alternative for Windows

Private Internet Access

Lets you connect unlimited devices and offers more advanced network settings.

CyberGhost VPN logo

Best NordVPN alternative for Linux

CyberGhost VPN

Comparable consumer VPN with a longer refund window on long plans.

ExpressVPN logo

Best NordVPN alternative for iPhone and Android

ExpressVPN

Similar mainstream service with very simple apps and its own Lightway protocol.

NordVPN alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to NordVPN?

ExpressVPN ranks first right now. Similar mainstream service with very simple apps and its own Lightway protocol. Surfshark and Proton VPN follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to NordVPN?

Yes. Proton VPN (free plan + paid) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to NordVPN?

Yes: Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN.

Which NordVPN alternatives work on Linux?

ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Mullvad VPN and Private Internet Access run on Linux.

Why do people switch from NordVPN?

The complaints we hear most: renewal prices are much higher than the first term; apps push bundled add-ons and upsells; desktop and mobile apps are closed source.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces NordVPN, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.