3 Best Proton VPN Alternatives in 2026: Faster Speeds and More Locations

Reviewed by Alex Morgan · Last updated 2026-09-25

NordVPN is the best Proton VPN alternative for most people: it rated 4.7 in our review, runs the fast NordLynx protocol, and is Panama-based, no-logs and independently audited. This guide compares four VPNs already reviewed on StackScout — Proton VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark — for readers who want faster speeds or broader location choice than Proton VPN's free tier offers. Every price, plan name and rating below comes from our published reviews, and we list the official pricing pages at the end so you can check the current figures yourself.

NordVPN — best overall

With an overall rating of 4.7, NordVPN is the strongest all-round alternative for anyone whose main complaint about Proton VPN is the free tier's limits. NordLynx, its WireGuard-based protocol, delivers very fast speeds, and the service is Panama-based, no-logs and independently audited. Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers and malware on top of the VPN itself. Basic is ~$3.09/mo on a 2-year plan and covers 10 devices; Plus (~$4.29/mo) adds a password manager and a data breach scanner. The trade-offs: the lowest price needs a long commitment, and the app can feel feature-heavy for beginners.

ExpressVPN — best for a polished, consistent app

ExpressVPN rated 4.6 and suits readers who value a consistent connection over the lowest price. The app is polished and consistent across platforms, and speed and reliability hold up across many locations. TrustedServer runs on RAM, and Lightway is a fast, modern protocol. The trade-off is cost and flexibility: roughly $8.32/mo on a 12-month plan, no free tier, only 8 simultaneous devices, and fewer extras such as ad-blocking than some rivals. For readers who want setup to be effortless and do not want to think about the VPN again, that premium is the point.

Surfshark — best value for households

Surfshark is the budget pick at ~$2.19/mo on a 2-year plan, and it is the only featured tool that allows unlimited simultaneous device connections, which matters for households covering many phones, laptops and tablets. CleanWeb handles ad-blocking, and the app is clean and simple. Two caveats are worth knowing before you switch. It is based in the Netherlands, within the 14-Eyes alliance, and its audit history is younger than the most established VPNs. Some servers are also slower than the top premium rivals. For most everyday users, the price-to-feature balance is strong.

Proton VPN — when to stay, and when to switch

Proton VPN still earns a 4.5 rating and remains the best free VPN available: the free tier has no data limits and is not a trial, and the service is Switzerland-based, open-source and audited. Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries. The reasons to look elsewhere are speed and choice. The free tier is limited to a few countries and slower speeds, the server network is smaller than the biggest rivals, and the apps are capable but less polished than top competitors. Paid Plus is ~$4.99/mo on a 2-year plan. If you are here because of those limits, the three tools above are the natural next step.

How to choose between them

All four VPNs are already reviewed on StackScout, so the comparison comes down to what you value most. NordVPN holds the highest rating at 4.7 and balances speed, privacy and extras. ExpressVPN is rated 4.6 and leads on app polish and consistency. Surfshark, also 4.5, wins on price and unlimited devices. Proton VPN matches Surfshark's 4.5 and keeps the best free tier. Watch the commitment period before you subscribe: NordVPN and Surfshark publish their lowest monthly prices on 2-year plans, ExpressVPN on a 12-month plan, and monthly billing is considerably more expensive on all three.

Sources & methodology

https://protonvpn.com/pricing https://nordvpn.com/pricing/ https://www.expressvpn.com/order https://surfshark.com/pricing Pricing and feature data verified on 2026-09-25 from official vendor pricing pages.

Our verdict

If Proton VPN's free tier brought you here because of its country limits or slower speeds, NordVPN is the safest upgrade at a 4.7 rating and ~$3.09/mo on a 2-year plan. Choose ExpressVPN if you want the most consistent app experience and will pay ~$8.32/mo for it, or Surfshark if unlimited devices matter. Stay on Proton VPN if free, unlimited data is the priority.

Top picks in this guide

NordVPN Review 2026: Pricing, Features & Speed ★ 4.7

ExpressVPN Review 2026: Pricing, Features & Is It Worth the Cost? ★ 4.6

Surfshark Review 2026: The Best Cheap VPN? ★ 4.5

Frequently asked questions

Is there a faster alternative to Proton VPN?

Yes. NordVPN's NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol delivers very fast speeds and holds a 4.7 rating, while ExpressVPN is noted for excellent speed and reliability across many locations. Proton VPN's own free tier runs slower and is limited to a few countries, so a paid tier of either alternative is a practical step up if speed is your main concern.

Which Proton VPN alternative is the cheapest?

Surfshark is the cheapest of the three, at about $2.19/mo on a 2-year plan, and it is the only one here with unlimited simultaneous device connections. Its monthly plan is around $12.95. NordVPN's Basic starts near $3.09/mo on a 2-year plan, and ExpressVPN is the most expensive at roughly $8.32/mo on a 12-month plan.

Do NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark have a free plan?

No. None of the three paid alternatives offers a free tier. Proton VPN is the only VPN in this comparison with a genuinely free plan, and that free tier has no data limits but is restricted to a few countries and slower speeds. The alternatives instead discount heavily for long commitments — two years for NordVPN and Surfshark, twelve months for ExpressVPN.

How many devices can I use at the same time?

NordVPN's Basic plan covers 10 devices and ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous devices, while Surfshark permits unlimited simultaneous connections — a real advantage for households. NordVPN and Surfshark both publish their lowest prices on 2-year plans, so the effective cost depends heavily on how long you commit. Check each vendor's current terms before subscribing.

Is Surfshark a good pick for privacy-focused users?

It depends on your threat model. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, within the 14-Eyes alliance, and its audit history is younger than the most established VPNs. NordVPN is Panama-based and independently audited, and Proton VPN is Switzerland-based, open-source and audited. Privacy-focused readers should weigh jurisdiction carefully, though for most everyday users Surfshark represents an excellent deal.