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Proton VPN alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Proton VPN: free plan allows only one device and fewer locations, and full price is high without a long commitment. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Proton VPN, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Mullvad VPN currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Mullvad VPN logoMullvad VPNPaidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +25 of 566.5
2IVPN logoIVPNPaidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +25 of 562.6
3Windscribe logoWindscribeFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 559.6
4NordVPN logoNordVPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +33 of 357.2
5Mozilla VPN logoMozilla VPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +24 of 455.3
6NymVPN logoNymVPNPaidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +24 of 453.6
  1. Mullvad VPN logo

    1. Mullvad VPNTop pick

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

    PaidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Proton VPN

    Flat monthly price and anonymous numbered accounts, also with 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 Compare with Proton VPNDetails 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 Mullvad VPN a good Proton VPN 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)
  2. IVPN logo

    2. IVPN

    Best for: Privacy-focused users who want anonymous signup from a small, transparent provider

    PaidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Proton VPN

    Small privacy-first provider with no-email signup and open-source apps.

    Pros

    • No email needed; accepts cash and Monero
    • Open-source apps and website
    • Runs its own infrastructure and publishes audits

    Cons

    • Smaller server network
    • Not intended for streaming unblocking
    • Costs more than Mullvad for comparable features
    Visit IVPN Details 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 IVPN a good Proton VPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Signup
    No email required
    Checked Oct 25, 2026ivpn.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Payment options
    Cards, cash, Monero, Bitcoin
    Checked Oct 25, 2026ivpn.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes, apps and website
    Checked Oct 25, 2026ivpn.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, routers
    Checked Oct 25, 2026ivpn.net(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Windscribe logo

    3. Windscribe

    Best for: Budget users who want a decent free plan or to pay only for the locations they use

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

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Proton VPN

    Another usable free tier, with flexible pay-per-location pricing.

    Pros

    • Free plan with a monthly data allowance
    • Build-a-plan pricing per location
    • Customisable ad and tracker blocking

    Cons

    • Free plan has limited data and locations
    • Smaller network than the biggest providers
    • Interface style can feel cluttered
    Visit Windscribe 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 Windscribe a good Proton VPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Pro monthly price
    $9/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro yearly price
    $69/year
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Build A Plan
    $1 per location per month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    69+
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop app licence
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. NordVPN logo

    4. NordVPN

    Best for: People who want a mainstream VPN that works for streaming, travel and everyday privacy

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

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Proton VPN

    Larger network and more bundled extras if you mainly stream.

    Pros

    • Large server network with consistently good speeds
    • Apps for desktop, mobile, browsers and TV devices
    • Meshnet links your own devices without extra software

    Cons

    • Renewal prices are much higher than the first term
    • Apps push bundled add-ons and upsells
    • Desktop and mobile apps are closed source
    Visit NordVPN 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 NordVPN a good Proton VPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, TV
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Nord Security
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux client licence
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Mozilla VPN logo

    5. Mozilla VPN

    Best for: Firefox users who want a simple VPN from an organisation they already trust

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Proton VPN

    Simple VPN from the Firefox maker, sold as one plan.

    Pros

    • Simple apps with no upsells
    • Runs on Mullvad's WireGuard network
    • Public client source code

    Cons

    • Only five devices per subscription
    • Fewer locations than large providers
    • Only sold in some countries
    Visit Mozilla VPN 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 Mozilla VPN a good Proton VPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Annual price
    $4.99/month billed yearly
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mozilla.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices
    Up to 5
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mozilla.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Network
    500 servers in 30+ countries
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mozilla.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days (first-time customers)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026mozilla.org(opens source in a new tab)
  6. NymVPN logo

    6. NymVPN

    Best for: Journalists, activists and others who need protection against traffic analysis

    PaidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    53.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Proton VPN

    Adds a mixnet mode for stronger metadata protection than a classic VPN.

    Pros

    • Mixnet mode protects metadata, not just your IP
    • Decentralised server operators
    • Anonymous crypto payments and open-source client

    Cons

    • Mixnet mode is noticeably slower
    • Younger service with a smaller track record
    • Not designed for streaming
    Visit NymVPN 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 NymVPN a good Proton VPN alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    $4/month on a 1-year plan
    Checked Oct 25, 2026nym.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Anonymous payments
    Monero, Zcash and other crypto
    Checked Oct 25, 2026nym.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mixnet
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Proton VPN alternative for…

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

Mullvad VPN logo

Best Proton VPN alternative for most people

Mullvad VPN

Flat monthly price and anonymous numbered accounts, also with open-source apps.

Windscribe logo

Best Proton VPN alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Windscribe

Another usable free tier, with flexible pay-per-location pricing.

IVPN logo

Best Proton VPN alternative for open source

IVPN

Small privacy-first provider with no-email signup and open-source apps.

NordVPN logo

Best Proton VPN alternative for Mac

NordVPN

Larger network and more bundled extras if you mainly stream.

Mozilla VPN logo

Best Proton VPN alternative for Windows

Mozilla VPN

Simple VPN from the Firefox maker, sold as one plan.

NymVPN logo

Best Proton VPN alternative for Linux

NymVPN

Adds a mixnet mode for stronger metadata protection than a classic VPN.

Mullvad VPN logo

Best Proton VPN alternative for iPhone and Android

Mullvad VPN

Flat monthly price and anonymous numbered accounts, also with open-source apps.

Proton VPN alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Proton VPN?

Mullvad VPN ranks first right now. Flat monthly price and anonymous numbered accounts, also with open-source apps. IVPN and Windscribe follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Proton VPN?

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

Is there an open-source alternative to Proton VPN?

Yes: Mullvad VPN, IVPN, Windscribe and NymVPN.

Which Proton VPN alternatives work on Linux?

Mullvad VPN, IVPN, Windscribe, NordVPN and Mozilla VPN run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Proton VPN?

The complaints we hear most: 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.

How is this list ranked?

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