X-VPN alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank All VPN services

Top picks

Best overall
Surfshark
Paid
Best free option
Proton VPN
Starting price: VPN Plus: $3.49/month on 2-year plan ($83.76 upfront)
Best open source
Windscribe
Starting price: $9 per month (Pro, monthly)

Common reasons people leave X-VPN: free tier only offers a few locations, and low headline prices need long plans and renew higher. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces X-VPN, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Surfshark currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Verified price	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	Surfshark	Paid	—	No	Windows, macOS, Linux +3	4 of 4	72.5
2	NordVPN	Paid	—	No	Windows, macOS, Linux +3	3 of 3	72.2
3	Proton VPN	Free plan + paid	VPN Plus: $3.49/month on 2-year plan ($83.76 upfront)	Yes	Windows, macOS, Linux +3	7 of 7	68.8
4	Windscribe	Free plan + paid	$9 per month (Pro, monthly)	Yes	Windows, macOS, Linux +3	7 of 7	64.8
5	TunnelBear	Free plan + paid	From $3.33 a month (Unlimited plan)	No	Windows, macOS, iOS +2	5 of 5	61.8
6	Betternet	Free plan + paid	—	No	Windows, macOS, iOS +2	5 of 5	55.9

1. SurfsharkTop pick
Best for: Households that want to cover lots of devices on one cheap subscription
PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
72.5
score / 100
Why switch from X-VPN
Paid VPN with unlimited devices on one plan.
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 Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.363
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Surfshark a good X-VPN alternative?
Verified facts
4 of 4 verified
Devices per account
Unlimited
Checked Nov 8, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Checked Nov 8, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
RAM-only servers
Yes
Checked Nov 8, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, TVs, browsers
Checked Nov 8, 2026surfshark.com(opens source in a new tab)
2. NordVPN
Best for: People who want a mainstream VPN that works for streaming, travel and everyday privacy
PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
72.2
score / 100
Why switch from X-VPN
Large paid network with fast speeds and extra threat protection.
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) ×0.15100
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is NordVPN a good X-VPN alternative?
Verified facts
3 of 3 verified
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, TV
Checked Nov 8, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Owner
Nord Security
Checked Nov 8, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Linux client licence
GPL-3.0
Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
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
68.8
score / 100
Why switch from X-VPN
Free tier with no data cap and audited no-logs policy from a privacy-focused company.
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 ×0.3100
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Proton VPN a good X-VPN alternative?
Verified facts
7 of 7 verified
Free plan
Yes, $0
Checked Nov 8, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Free plan limits
1 device, no data cap, no ads
Checked Nov 8, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Devices on VPN Plus
10
Checked Nov 8, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Money-back guarantee
30 days
Checked Nov 8, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Open source
Yes, apps open source and audited
Checked Nov 8, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Starting price
VPN Plus: $3.49/month on 2-year plan ($83.76 upfront)
Checked Nov 8, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
Proton Unlimited plan
$7.99/month on 2-year plan ($191.76 upfront)
Checked Nov 8, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
4. 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
64.8
score / 100
Why switch from X-VPN
Generous free plan with more locations and a strong privacy track record.
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 ×0.387
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Windscribe a good X-VPN alternative?
Verified facts
7 of 7 verified
Pro monthly price
$9/month
Checked Nov 8, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
Pro yearly price
$69/year
Checked Nov 8, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
Build A Plan
$1 per location/month, $3 minimum
Checked Nov 8, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
Server countries
69+
Checked Nov 8, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
Desktop app licence
GPL-2.0
Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
Starting price
$9 per month (Pro, monthly)
Checked Nov 8, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
Pro yearly plan
$69 per year ($5.75 a month)
Checked Nov 8, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
5. TunnelBear
Best for: Beginners and occasional users who want a simple, friendly VPN
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Browser extension
61.8
score / 100
Why switch from X-VPN
Simple, friendly VPN with a small free tier and audited apps.
Pros
Very easy to use
Free plan to try it
Long record of published security audits
Cons
Free plan's data allowance is small
No official Linux app
Smaller network and weak streaming support
Visit TunnelBear Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.377
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is TunnelBear a good X-VPN alternative?
Verified facts
5 of 5 verified
Free plan
Yes, 2GB of secure browsing
Checked Nov 8, 2026tunnelbear.com(opens source in a new tab)
Unlimited plan
Unlimited data and devices
Checked Nov 8, 2026tunnelbear.com(opens source in a new tab)
Platforms
iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, browser
Checked Nov 8, 2026tunnelbear.com(opens source in a new tab)
Starting price
From $3.33 a month (Unlimited plan)
Checked Nov 8, 2026tunnelbear.com(opens source in a new tab)
Teams plan
$5.75 per user/month
Checked Nov 8, 2026tunnelbear.com(opens source in a new tab)
6. Betternet
Best for: Casual users who want a free, no-sign-up VPN for public Wi-Fi
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Browser extension
55.9
score / 100
Why switch from X-VPN
Another no-registration free VPN with a premium upgrade.
Pros
Free tier with no registration needed
Kill switch and leak protection on the free plan
Apps for desktop, mobile and browsers
Cons
Free tier shows ads and has only 5 locations
Proprietary Hydra protocol is not open source
Introductory prices renew much higher
Visit Betternet Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.357
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Betternet a good X-VPN alternative?
Verified facts
5 of 5 verified
Registration
Not required
Checked Nov 8, 2026betternet.co(opens source in a new tab)
Locations
5 free, 115+ Premium
Checked Nov 8, 2026betternet.co(opens source in a new tab)
Platforms
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
Checked Nov 8, 2026betternet.co(opens source in a new tab)
Protocols
Hydra, IPSec, WireGuard
Checked Nov 8, 2026betternet.co(opens source in a new tab)
Kill switch
Yes
Checked Nov 8, 2026betternet.co(opens source in a new tab)

The best X-VPN alternative for…

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

Best X-VPN alternative for most people

Surfshark

Paid VPN with unlimited devices on one plan.

Best X-VPN alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Proton VPN

Free tier with no data cap and audited no-logs policy from a privacy-focused company.

Best X-VPN alternative for open source

Windscribe

Generous free plan with more locations and a strong privacy track record.

Best X-VPN alternative for Mac

NordVPN

Large paid network with fast speeds and extra threat protection.

Best X-VPN alternative for Windows

TunnelBear

Simple, friendly VPN with a small free tier and audited apps.

Best X-VPN alternative for Linux

Surfshark

Paid VPN with unlimited devices on one plan.

Best X-VPN alternative for iPhone and Android

Betternet

Another no-registration free VPN with a premium upgrade.

X-VPN alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to X-VPN?

Surfshark ranks first right now. Paid VPN with unlimited devices on one plan. NordVPN and Proton VPN follow it in our ranking.

X-VPN vs Surfshark: what's the difference?

X-VPN is free with paid plans; Surfshark is a paid product. Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Browser extension.

Is X-VPN free?

X-VPN is free with paid plans. Free plan: Yes; Starting price: $2.99/month ($69.99 billed for 24 months); Monthly price: $11.99/month; Money-back guarantee: 30 days. Checked on X-VPN's own site, November 2026.

How much do X-VPN alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked X-VPN alternatives: Proton VPN, VPN Plus: $3.49/month on 2-year plan ($83.76 upfront); Windscribe, $9 per month (Pro, monthly); TunnelBear, From $3.33 a month (Unlimited plan). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to X-VPN?

Yes. Proton VPN (free plan + paid), Windscribe (free plan + paid), TunnelBear (free plan + paid) and Betternet (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to X-VPN?

Yes: Proton VPN and Windscribe.

Which X-VPN alternatives work on Linux?

Surfshark, NordVPN, Proton VPN and Windscribe run on Linux.

Why do people switch from X-VPN?

The complaints we hear most: free tier only offers a few locations; low headline prices need long plans and renew higher; bundled PC cleaner and extras add clutter.

How is this list ranked?

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

Top picks

Quick comparison

1. SurfsharkTop pick

Pros

Cons

Verified facts

2. NordVPN

Pros

Cons

Verified facts

3. Proton VPN

Pros

Cons

Verified facts

4. Windscribe

Pros

Cons

Verified facts

5. TunnelBear

Pros

Cons

Verified facts

6. Betternet

Pros

Cons

Verified facts

The best X-VPN alternative for…

Best X-VPN alternative for most people

Best X-VPN alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Best X-VPN alternative for open source

Best X-VPN alternative for Mac

Best X-VPN alternative for Windows

Best X-VPN alternative for Linux

Best X-VPN alternative for iPhone and Android

X-VPN alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to X-VPN?

X-VPN vs Surfshark: what's the difference?

Is X-VPN free?

How much do X-VPN alternatives cost?

Is there a free alternative to X-VPN?

Is there an open-source alternative to X-VPN?

Which X-VPN alternatives work on Linux?

Why do people switch from X-VPN?

How is this list ranked?