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Updated November 6, 2026

Proton VPN alternatives in 2026: 5 tools compared

Proton VPN: Privacy-focused Swiss VPN with an unlimited free plan. People look for alternatives when they need a lower price, a free plan or a better fit for a specific job.

These 5 tools cover similar ground. Each entry explains who it suits, how pricing works and what to watch out for.

Key takeaways

Quick comparison

ToolBest forPricingFree plan
ExpressVPNUsers wanting a simple, reliable VPNPaidNo
Mullvad VPNPrivacy-focused users who want minimal data collectionPaidNo
NordVPNEveryday users wanting speed, privacy and streamingPaidNo
Private Internet AccessUsers who like configuring their VPNPaidNo
SurfsharkFamilies and people with many devicesPaidNo

The best Proton VPN alternatives

1.

ExpressVPN

Best for: Users wanting a simple, reliable VPN

Premium VPN known for reliability and ease of use.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: Users wanting a simple, reliable VPN.

What we like

  • Very reliable
  • Easy to use
  • Router support

Watch out for

  • Premium price
  • Fewer simultaneous devices on cheaper plans
Full ExpressVPN review

2.

Mullvad VPN

Best for: Privacy-focused users who want minimal data collection

Privacy-first VPN with anonymous accounts and one flat price.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: Privacy-focused users who want minimal data collection.

What we like

  • Excellent privacy
  • Simple flat pricing
  • No email needed

Watch out for

  • Not built for streaming
  • Fewer extra features
Full Mullvad VPN review

3.

NordVPN

Best for: Everyday users wanting speed, privacy and streaming

Fast, popular VPN with audited no-logs policy.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: Everyday users wanting speed, privacy and streaming.

What we like

  • Fast speeds
  • Audited
  • Many features

Watch out for

  • Renewal price higher
  • Aggressive marketing
Full NordVPN review

5.

Surfshark

Best for: Families and people with many devices

Affordable VPN with unlimited devices.

Paid

Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.

Who it suits: Families and people with many devices.

What we like

  • Unlimited devices
  • Low long-term price
  • Good features

Watch out for

  • Speeds vary by server
  • Best price needs long plan
Full Surfshark review

How we chose

  • Every tool on this list does the core job of VPN services, so it can replace Proton VPN for most people.
  • We weighed pricing and free plans, ease of use, and the trade-offs you take on when switching.
  • Pricing comes from each vendor’s public pricing page and changes often, so confirm before you buy.

Buying guide: what to check before you switch

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, which helps on public Wi-Fi and for privacy. Look for independently audited no-logs policies and good speeds.

  • Audited no-logs policy
  • Speed and server locations
  • Devices per account
  • Streaming support

Head-to-head comparisons

Prices and features change often. Check each vendor’s website for current plans before you buy.