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15 ProtonVPN Alternatives: Best For Privacy & Speed in 2025

by | Last updated Dec 18, 2024

Best Overall
ExpressVPN
9.0
  • Ad Blocker
  • Dedicated IP
  • Threat Manager
  • Data Removal
  • Aircove Routers
  • 30 days money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plan Starts at $12.95
Best Value
Surfshark
8.5
  • urfshark Antivirus
  • Surfshark Search
  • Surfshark Alert
  • Alternative ID
  • Dedicated IP
  • 30 days money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plan Starts at $15.45
Most Featured
NordVPN
8.0
  • Meshnet
  • Threat Protection Pro
  • Dedicated IP
  • Dark Web Monitor
  • Multiple Devices
  • 30 days money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plan Starts at $14.99
Protonvpn alternatives

Tired of ProtonVPN’s speed limits cramping your style?

Or you’re looking for a VPN with more features? You’re not alone!

Finding the perfect VPN can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll explore the 15 best ProtonVPN alternatives, which offer top-notch privacy, blazing-fast speeds, and more.

Whether you’re a casual streamer or a security-conscious netizen, you’ll find the perfect VPN match here. Let’s dive in!

What is the Best ProtonVPN Alternative?

Ready to ditch ProtonVPN but feeling overwhelmed by the choices? No worries!

We’ve rounded up the top contenders for privacy, speed, and value.

Check out our list of the 15 best ProtonVPN alternatives below to find the perfect fit for your needs.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is super popular for a reason. They have fast servers all over the world.

Their security is top-notch. Plus, their apps are really easy to use, even for beginners.  

ExpressVPN Homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

ExpressVPN is popular because it’s fast, reliable, and secure. It’s a great all-around VPN, but it’s a little expensive compared to some others.

Key Benefits

  • Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
  • Huge server network: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
  • Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.

Pricing

  • 1-month plan: $12.95/month
  • 12-month plan: $8.32/month (+3 months FREE)
  • 2 Years plan: $4.99/month (+4 months FREE)
ExpressVPN

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Works with Netflix.
  • Great for torrenting.
  • Strong security features.

Cons

  • A bit pricey.
  • Limited device connections.
  • There is no free trial.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is awesome for families or anyone with lots of devices. You can connect all your devices at once with a single subscription.

They have some unique features too, like GPS spoofing, which can trick apps into thinking you’re in a different location.

They also offer camouflage mode, which helps hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.

Surfshark Homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

Surfshark VPN is popular because it offers an outstanding balance of features, security, and price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices. However, its speeds can be inconsistent and might not be the best choice for accessing geo-restricted content.

Key Benefits

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect all your devices!
  • Affordable price: Great value for your money.
  • Strong security features: Includes AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
  • Fast speeds: Good for streaming and downloading.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.

Pricing

  • Surfshark Starter: $15.45/month
  • Surfshark One: $17.95/month
  • Surfshark One+: $20.65/month
Surfshark Pricing

Pros

  • Very affordable.
  • Unlimited devices.
  • Easy to use interface.
  • Good customer support.

Cons

  • Speeds can be inconsistent.
  • Smaller server network.
  • Not the best for bypassing geo-blocks.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN is a really popular VPN. They have tons of servers everywhere, so you always get a fast connection.

They don’t keep any logs of what you do online. They also have a kill switch and block DNS leaks, which keeps you safe.

You can even use it to watch Netflix from other countries!

NordVPN Homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

NordVPN gets a 9/10 because it offers a fantastic combination of security, features, and ease of use. The massive server network and strong security features make it an excellent choice for most users. The value is there but is more expensive than some alternatives.

Key Benefits

  • Massive server network: Boasts over 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
  • Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and a variety of security protocols.
  • Specialty servers: Offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and extra security.
  • Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track your online activity.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it risk-free.

Pricing

  • Complete: $14.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
  • Plus: $13.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
  • Basic: $12.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
NordVPN Pricing

Pros

Cons

  • Can be pricey.
  • Speeds can vary.

4. FastestVPN

FastestVPN lives up to its name with some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen in our testing.

It’s great for streaming and downloading large files. They have servers in tons of countries, so you can access content from all over the world.

Plus, they offer a NAT firewall for added security.

FastestVPN features

Our Take

10out of 10

FastestVPN is popular because it delivers on its promise of fast speeds. It’s a good option for performance-critical tasks like gaming and torrenting. However, it can have connectivity issues, and its privacy features aren’t the strongest.

Key Benefits

  • Fast speeds: Fully optimized for performance.
  • P2P optimized servers: Good for torrenting.
  • Affordable pricing: Offers competitive plans.
  • 15-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.

Pricing

  • 1-month plan: $5/month
  • 1-year plan: $0.83/month
  • Lifetime plan: $40/month
FastestVPN Pricing

Pros

  • Breakneck speed.
  • Good for torrenting.
  • Affordable long-term plans.
  • It is a decent server network.

Cons

  • It can have connectivity issues.
  • Limited customer support.
  • Not the best for privacy.

5. Aura VPN

Aura VPN is a newer VPN, but they’re growing fast and have a lot to offer.

They have good speeds and strong security features, including a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

They’re also committed to protecting your privacy with a strict no-logs policy.

AuraVPN homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

Aura VPN is popular because it offers a comprehensive security solution at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want more than just a VPN. However, it’s a newer provider with a smaller server network.

Key Benefits

  • Part of a comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus, malware protection, and more.
  • Good speeds: Suitable for streaming and downloading.
  • Growing server network: Expanding to more locations.
  • User-friendly interface: Easy to set up and use.

Pricing

  • Kids: $10/month
  • Individual: $12/month
  • Couple: $22/month
  • Family: $32/month
AuraVPN Pricing

Pros

Cons

  • Newer provider, still growing.
  • Limited server network compared to others.
  • There is no free trial.

6. PureVPN

PureVPN is another fast VPN with a massive server network. They have servers in over 140 countries, so you can always find a fast connection.

And they have split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN.

This can be helpful for things like online gaming or banking.

What is PureVpn?

Our Take

10out of 10

PureVPN is known for its many features and extensive server network. Its privacy policy has improved, but its speeds can be inconsistent, and its customer support has mixed reviews.

Key Benefits

  • Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
  • Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
  • No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
  • 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.

Pricing

  • Max: $19.95/month
  • Plus: $15.95/month
  • Standard: $12.95/month
Pricing of PureVPn

Pros

  • Large server network.
  • Lots of features.
  • Improved privacy.
  • It’s good for streaming.

Cons

  • It can be expensive.
  • Mixed customer support reviews.
  • Speeds can vary.

7. Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN is all about privacy. They don’t even need your email address to sign up!

They have strong security and a strict no-logs policy, so you can be sure that your online activity is kept private.

They also accept anonymous payments like Bitcoin.

Mullvad VPN

Our Take

10out of 10

Mullvad VPN is known because it’s an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users. It’s secure, anonymous, and open-source. However, it can be more challenging and lacks some of the features other VPNs offer.

Key Benefits

  • Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
  • Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
  • Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
  • Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.

Pricing

Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: โ‚ฌ5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.

Mullvad VPN Pricing

Pros

  • Excellent for privacy.
  • Strong security.
  • Simple pricing.
  • Open-source.

Cons

  • There is no free trial.
  • It can be more challenging to use.
  • Limited features compared to others.

8. Mysterium VPN

Mysterium VPN is a bit different from most VPNs because it’s decentralized.

This means it’s harder to block or censor, making it a good choice for users in countries with strict internet restrictions.

They also offer strong security and privacy features.

Mysterium VPN

Our Take

10out of 10

Mysterium VPN is popular because its decentralized network offers a unique approach to VPN technology. It’s a good option for privacy-conscious users, but it can be more complex and vary speeds.

Key Benefits

  • Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
  • No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
  • Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.

Pricing

  • 1-month plan: $9.99/month
  • 6-month plan: $6.85/month
  • 1-year plan: $5.14/month
  • 2-year plan: $3.19/month
Mysterium VPN

Pros

  • Unique decentralized network.
  • Strong privacy focus.
  • Flexible pricing.
  • Growing community.

Cons

  • It can be more complex to use.
  • Speeds can be inconsistent.
  • Smaller network compared to others.

9. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-known VPN with a long history of protecting user privacy.

They have a good mix of speed and security, and their price is very competitive.

They also have a large network of servers in many countries.

Private Internet Access

Our Take

10out of 10

Private Internet Access is popular because it offers a good balance of security, features, and price. It’s a solid choice for general VPN use but can be slow and isn’t the best for streaming.

Key Benefits

  • Extensive server network: Over 35,912 servers in 84 countries.
  • Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
  • Affordable price: Offers competitive plans.
  • Ten simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices.

Pricing

  • 1-month plan: $11.95/month
  • 1-year plan: $3.33/month
  • 3-years + 4 months free: $1.98/month

All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.

Private Internet Access

Pros

  • Large server network.
  • Strong security features.
  • Affordable pricing.
  • Good for torrenting.

Cons

  • It can be slow at times.
  • Not the best for streaming.
  • Based in the US.

10. Avast VPN

Avast VPN is simple to use, making it a good choice for beginners.

It’s from a trusted security company, so you can be confident that your data is safe. T

hey offer decent speeds and reliable security features, including a kill switch.

Getting started with Avast Vpn

Our Take

10out of 10

Avast VPN is known for its simple, easy-to-use VPN that meets basic needs. However, it lacks advanced features and has a smaller server network.

Key Benefits

  • Simple and easy to use: Good for beginners.
  • Decent speeds: Suitable for browsing and streaming.
  • Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
  • Reputable brand: From a well-known security company.

Pricing

  • 1 year: $4.59/month
  • 2 years: $4.39/month
  • 3 years: $4.39/month
Avast VPN pricing

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Decent speeds.
  • Strong security.
  • Reputable brand.

Cons

  • Limited features.
  • Smaller server network.
  • There is no free trial.

11. Norton VPN

Norton VPN is another VPN from a big security company, so you know it’s reliable and secure.

They have good speeds and a range of security features, including a no-logs policy. They also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Getting Started with norton VPN

Our Take

10out of 10

Norton Secure VPN is popular because it’s a decent VPN from a trusted brand. However, it lacks features and isn’t the best performer.

Key Benefits

  • Reputable brand: From a trusted security company.
  • Suitable security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
  • No-logs policy: Doesn’t track your activity.
  • Easy to use: Simple interface.

Pricing

  • Plus: $29.99/year.
  • Standard: $39.99/year.
  • Deluxe: $49.99/year.
  • Select Plus: $99.99/year.
Norton VPN Pricing

Pros

  • Reputable brand.
  • Good security.
  • No-logs policy.
  • Easy to use.

Cons

  • Limited features.
  • Not the best for streaming.
  • It can be slow.

12. Bitdefender VPN

Bitdefender VPN is easy to use and has a simple interface. It offers good speeds and strong security, including a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

It’s a good choice for those who want a VPN that’s easy to set up and use.

Bitdefender VPN Homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

Bitdefender VPN is popular because it’s a decent VPN that comes with Bitdefender antivirus. However, it has limited features and a small server network.

Key Benefits

  • Lightweight and easy to use: It doesn’t slow down your device.
  • Suitable security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
  • Included with Bitdefender antivirus: Good value if you already use Bitdefender.
  • No-logs policy: Doesn’t track your activity.

Pricing

  • 1-month: $6.99/month
  • 1-year: $2.92/month
Bitdefender VPN Pricing

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to use.
  • Good security.
  • Included with Bitdefender antivirus.
  • No-logs policy.

Cons

  • Limited features.
  • Small server network.
  • Not the best for streaming.

13. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a fun and friendly VPN with a cute bear theme. But they’re serious about security and privacy.

Their apps are super easy to use, making them great for people new to VPNs. They also have a free plan with limited data.

TunnelBear Homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

TunnelBear is popular because it’s a user-friendly VPN with strong security. However, it has limited features, and the free version is very restrictive.

Key Benefits

  • User friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
  • Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
  • Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
  • Independent security audits: Transparent and trustworthy.

Pricing

  • Free: Limited data and features.
  • Unlimited: $3.33/month
  • Teams: $5.75/month

The Unlimited plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.

TunnelBear Pricing

Pros

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Strong security.
  • Free version available.
  • Independent security audits.

Cons

  • Limited features.
  • It’s not the fastest VPN.
  • The free version is minimal.

14. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a good all-arounder with good speeds, strong security, and lots of features.

They have a huge network of servers in many countries. They also offer specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

CyberGhost Homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

CyberGhost VPN is popular because it has an extensive server network and is suitable for streaming. However, it can be expensive, and there have been some privacy concerns.

Key Benefits

  • Large server network: Over 9,700 servers in 91 countries.
  • User-friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
  • Good for streaming: Unblocks many popular streaming services.
  • Dedicated servers for torrenting: Optimized for P2P traffic.

Pricing

  • 1 Month: $12.99/month
  • 6 Month: $6.99/month
  • 2-Year + 4 months: $2.03/month

All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.

CyberGhost Pricing

Pros

  • Large server network.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • It’s good for streaming.
  • Dedicated servers for torrenting.

Cons

  • It can be expensive.
  • It’s not the fastest VPN.
  • Some past privacy concerns.

15. Windscribe

Windscribe has a good free plan with a decent amount of data, making it a good option if you want to try a VPN without paying.

They also have a paid version with more features and no data limits.

They’re known for their strong commitment to privacy and their user-friendly apps. Plus, they include a built-in ad blocker.

Windscribe Homepage

Our Take

10out of 10

Windscribe is popular because it offers a decent free VPN service. However, it has limited features and isn’t the fastest VPN.

Key Benefits

  • Free version available: Offers a generous amount of data.
  • Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
  • Built-in ad blocker: Blocks ads and trackers.
  • User-friendly interface: Easy to use.

Pricing

  • Monthly Plan: $9.00/month
  • Yearly Plan: $5.75/month
  • Build A Plan: Custom pricing.

The Pro plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.

Windscribe Pricing

Pros

  • Free version available.
  • Strong security.
  • Built-in ad blocker.
  • User-friendly interface.

Cons

  • Limited features.
  • It’s not the fastest VPN.
  • The free version has limited data.

Buyers Guide

We know it can be challenging to find the best ProtonVPN alternatives.

After all, you want a leading VPN service with robust security and a reliable internet connection.

That’s why we work to find the top options for you. Here’s how we did it:

  • Understanding Your Needs: We started by determining what people look for in a VPN. This includes advanced security features to protect their internet traffic, a strong internet connection, and a reasonable price. We also considered those looking for free ProtonVPN alternatives.
  • Pricing: We compared the cost of each VPN, from monthly subscriptions to yearly deals.
  • Features: We examined each VPN’s features. Do they have servers in multiple locations? Can you use them on all your devices? Will they keep your internet traffic secure with strong encryption?
  • Negatives: No VPN is perfect. We uncovered potential downsides, like slow speeds or limits on data usage.
  • Support and Refunds: We checked out each VPN provider’s customer support options and refund policies.
  • User Reviews: We read reviews from real people to see what they liked and didn’t like about each VPN.
  • Expert Reviews: We also consulted expert reviews from trusted tech sources.

This in-depth research helped us identify the best ProtonVPN alternatives for every need and budget.

Oops! My apologies; I missed including “ProtonVPN” in the last response. Let me fix that:

Wrapping Up

That’s it! We just looked at 15 great ProtonVPN alternatives.

You have lots of choices for better online privacy and security in 2025.

Want super-fast speeds for streaming? Need top-notch security for torrenting?

Or maybe you want a good deal? There’s a VPN out there for you.

You are responsible for picking the right VPN. Consider what you need and how much you can spend.

Remember to try out free trials. Many VPNs offer money-back guarantees, too.

That way, you can test them before you buy. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the best value, even compared to ProtonVPN.

We did a lot of research to find the best ProtonVPN alternatives.

Now, you can easily find one that fits you. Happy browsing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I look for ProtonVPN alternatives?

While ProtonVPN is a decent VPN, it might only fit some people’s best. Some ProtonVPN alternatives offer faster speeds, better streaming capabilities, more affordable prices, or more substantial security features.

What are the best free ProtonVPN alternatives?

Windscribe and TunnelBear are excellent ProtonVPN alternatives with generous free plans. They offer decent speeds and robust security without breaking the baWhat are the best free ProtonVPN alternatives?

Is ProtonVPN a good VPN?

ProtonVPN is a reputable VPN that emphasizes privacy. However, it can be more expensive than other options and may have slower speeds. Exploring ProtonVPN alternatives can help you find a better fit for your needs.

What should I look for in a ProtonVPN alternative?

Consider your priorities! Do you need fast streaming speeds, strong security for torrenting, or an extensive server network to access geo-blocked content? Choose a ProtonVPN alternative that excels in these areas.

Can I use a ProtonVPN alternative on all my devices?

Most ProtonVPN alternatives offer apps for various devices, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and routers. Check the VPN provider’s website to ensure compatibility with your specific devices.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for AI and software innovations. He simplifies complex topics to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.

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