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ProtonVPN vs Namecheap VPN: The Ultimate VPN Showdown in 2025

by | Last updated Jan 30, 2025

Winner
Protonvpn logo
9.5
  • IP Masking
  • Swiss Legal Protection
  • No-Logs Policy
  • NetShield Ad-blocker
  • Up to 5 Devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plans from €4.49/month
Runner Up
namecheap
8.5
protonvpn vs namecheap vpn

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.

Do you need blazing fast speeds for streaming?

Rock-solid security for online banking?

Maybe you just want to keep your browsing history private.

In this showdown, we’ll break down ProtonVPN vs Namecheap VPN & Their features, pricing.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve put both VPNs through rigorous testing.

We’ve evaluated their speeds, security features, streaming capabilities, ease of use, and more.

Let’s dive into the details!

Protonvpn logo

Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.

9.5out of 10

Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month

Key Features:

  • Secure Core servers
  • NetShield ad-blocker
  • Strong encryption protocols
Namecheap VPN logo

Ready to experience the internet without limits? Namecheap offers blazing speeds, robust security, & access to geo-restricted content.

8.5out of 10

Pricing: 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Plan Starts at $0.99/month

Key Features:

What is ProtonVPN?

Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Eck out ProtonVPN.

They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws. 

They also have some unique security features. Us, they offer a free version.

Protonvpn logo
Proton
9.5

Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €4.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.

Key Benefits

  • Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
  • Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
  • NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
  • Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
  • A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.

Pricing

ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.

  • 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
  • 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
  • 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month
ProtonVPN Pricing

Pros

  • Strong security features.
  • Excellent privacy policy.
  • Free version available.
  • Open-source apps.

Cons

What is Namecheap VPN?

Looking for a VPN that won’t break the bank? Namecheap VPN might be your answer.

It’s a solid choice for everyday browsing and streaming, especially if you’re on a budget.

Namecheap VPN logo
Namecheap VPN
8.5

Ready to experience the internet without limits? Namecheap offers blazing speeds, robust security, & access to geo-restricted content.

Key Benefits

  • Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track online activity.
  • Fast speeds: Offers smooth streaming and gaming.
  • Broad device compatibility: Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
  • Secure protocols: WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols are used for strong encryption.
  • Kill switch: Protects your data if your personal VPN connections drop.

Pricing

Namecheap VPN keeps it simple with their pricing plans:

  • 1-year Plan: $1.00 per month.
  • Monthly Plan: $0.99 per month.
namecheap pricing

Pros

  • Very affordable prices.
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Good for beginners.
  • Keeps no logs of your activity.
  • It works on many devices.

Cons

  • Fewer server locations than some.
  • Not as many advanced features.
  • Speeds can be inconsistent.
  • Customer support can be slow.

Feature Comparison

Choosing the best VPN can be tough, especially with so many VPN services available.

Let’s compare ProtonVPN and Namecheap VPN head-to-head across key features to help you make the right decision.

This VPN review will guide you through the essential aspects of each VPN provider to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.

VPN Protocols

  • ProtonVPN: This popular VPN service offers a strong selection of secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. They also have their own custom Stealth VPN protocol designed to bypass censorship, making it a possible VPN for China.
  • Namecheap VPN: Namecheap VPN offers industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. This VPN also supports IKEv2.

Verdict: ProtonVPN takes the lead with its wider range of protocols and the unique Stealth protocol, which could be crucial if youneed a VPN for China.

Protonvpn DNS Leak Protection

Server Locations

  • ProtonVPN: Proton VPN provides a decent VPN network of VPN servers in 60+ countries.
  • Namecheap VPN: Note that Namecheap VPN offers a smaller network with VPN server locations in 50+ countries.

Verdict: ProtonVPN wins with broader VPN server coverage. More server locations mean more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a fast VPN connection.

VPN Speed

  • ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN generally offers good VPN speeds, especially when using WireGuard. However, some servers can be slower.
  • Namecheap VPN: Namecheap FastVPN review show it is known for providing fast and reliable connections, making it a good choice for streaming and downloading. You could say that FastVPN is a good VPN for speed.

Verdict: Namecheap VPN has the edge in terms of consistent VPN speed.

Streaming

  • ProtonVPN: Can unblock some streaming platforms, but it’s not the most reliable option. You might encounter issues with Netflix blocking the VPN.
  • Namecheap VPN: Not specifically optimized for streaming, so you might face similar challenges to ProtonVPN with platforms like Netflix. Much that Namecheap advertises, this VPN may not be the best for streaming.

Verdict: It’s a tie. Neither VPN is a standout performer for streaming. If streaming is your priority, consider top-rated VPN services like NordVPN or Surfshark. You can find a Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison online to help you choose.

Security & Privacy

  • ProtonVPN: Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and boasts strong security features, including a strict no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch. ProtonVPN uses these features to ensure your privacy.
  • Namecheap VPN: Also has a no-logs policy and uses strong encryption. However, they are based in the US, which may be a concern for some privacy-conscious users.

Verdict: Proton VPN is a good choice for security and privacy due to its location and commitment to user privacy. ProtonVPN is one of the leaders in the VPN space when it comes to security.

benefits of namecheap vpn

Customer Support

  • ProtonVPN: Offers 24/7 customer support via email and has a comprehensive knowledge base. ProtonVPN also offers a ticketing system for support requests.
  • Namecheap VPN: Provides customer support through live chat and email, but their response times can vary.

Verdict: ProtonVPN has a slight edge with its 24/7 support availability.

Ease of Use

  • ProtonVPN: User-friendly VPN apps for various devices, making it easy to set up and use a VPN.
  • Namecheap VPN: Namecheap VPN also offers simple and intuitive apps across different platforms. You can use the VPN easily on any device.

Verdict: It’s a tie. Both VPNs are easy to use, even for beginners.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

  • Specific needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, gaming, or online security). Some VPNs are better suited for specific tasks. For instance, if you’re a gamer, you’ll need a VPN with fast speeds and low latency to avoid lag. If you’re looking for the best VPN for torrenting, you’ll want one with strong security and a no-logs policy.
  • Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.). Some VPNs also offer extensions for browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
  • Simultaneous connections: Check how many devices you can connect to the VPN simultaneously. If you plan on using the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously, make sure the VPN allows enough simultaneous connections.
  • Free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN before committing to a long-term subscription. See if the VPN offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee. This way, you can try it out and see if it meets your needs before committing to a subscription.
  • Read reviews: See what other users are saying about the VPN. Check out VPN reviews from reputable sources to get an idea of the VPN’s performance and features. You can also find user reviews on sites like Reddit and Trustpilot.

Final Verdict (Our Pick)

In the battle of ProtonVPN vs Namecheap VPN, ProtonVPN emerges as the winner.

While Namecheap VPN offers tempting VPN pricing and decent speeds, ProtonVPN ultimately delivers a more well-rounded package.

ProtonVPN’s strengths lie in its robust security features, wider range of VPN protocols (including its custom VPN protocol), and greater number of ProtonVPN servers.

ProtonVPN users also benefit from features like a kill switch and double VPN servers for enhanced security.

While ProtonVPN plans might be slightly more expensive compared to other VPN services, the extra VPN features and peace of mind are worth the investment.

If you want to use a VPN primarily for streaming, neither VPN is a good VPN for that specific purpose.

However, if you prioritize security, privacy, and a reliable VPN connection, ProtonVPN is one of the best choices available.

Buying a VPN is an investment in your online security, and ProtonVPN offers a strong and reliable VPN experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ProtonVPN have a free plan?

Yes, ProtonVPN offers a limited free VPN service with access to servers in three countries and basic features. However, ProtonVPN plans also include paid options with more features and server locations. If you need a VPN for streaming or more advanced capabilities, consider upgrading to a paid ProtonVPN plan.

Can I use ProtonVPN on my router?

Yes, ProtonVPN supports various routers. By installing ProtonVPN on your router, you can protect all devices connected to your home network with a single VPN connection. This is a great way to ensure all your devices, even those that don’t natively support VPN apps, are protected.

What is the double VPN feature?

The double VPN feature, also shared by other VPN providers like Proton, routes your VPN traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of encryption and anonymity. This makes it even harder for anyone to track your online activities or intercept your data.

Does Namecheap VPN support WireGuard?

Yes, Namecheap VPN now supports the WireGuard VPN protocol. WireGuard is known for its speed and security, making it a popular choice among VPN users.

Can I use ProtonVPN with Proton Mail?

While ProtonVPN and Proton Mail are both developed by the same company, they are separate services. However, using Proton Mail with ProtonVPN can enhance your online privacy and security by encrypting both your email communications and your VPN traffic. This combination provides a comprehensive solution for protecting your digital life.

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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