While ProtonVPN paid plans start at $9.99, Surfshark offers more simultaneous connections for $15.45. Switch if you need unlimited device support rather than a free tier.
ProtonVPN compared against all 4 vpn alternatives. Pricing, free plan availability, rating, and vpn-specific capabilities.
| Tool | Price | Free Plan | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $9.99/mo | 4.3G2 | |
 | $12.99/mo | No | 4.7G2 |
 | $12.99/mo | No | 4.6Capterra |
 | $15.45/mo | No | 4.5G2 |
 | $4.5/mo | No | 4.3G2 |
Independently verified metrics. Sources: AV-TEST 2025, vendor websites. Verified 2026.
| Tool | Speed Kept% | Servers | Countries | WireGuard | Audited No-Log |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN (this) | 83% | 9,400 | 112 | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | 87% | 3,000 | 105 | No | Yes |
| NordVPN | 90% | 6,400 | 111 | Yes | Yes |
| Surfshark | 85% | 3,200 | 100 | Yes | Yes |
| CyberGhost | 80% | 11,670 | 100 | Yes | No |
Alternatives are not always the right move. ProtonVPN remains strong in these scenarios.
4 alternatives evaluated by features, pricing, and real-world use cases.
Expert Take
ProtonVPN works well when you require audited, open-source encryption routed through Swiss privacy laws. The friction starts when users experience persistent connection drops, high server loads, or get blocked by streaming platforms. Before buying, compare vs Mullvad, which offers a flat-rate pricing structure of €5 per month and does not require an email address to register.
Oleh KemFounder & Lead AnalystA premium, high-speed VPN that unblocks global content with a strong focus on user privacy and ease of use.. Rated 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5 for ProtonVPN.
Secures your internet connection with advanced encryption, malware blocking, and a vast global server network for privac. Rated 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5 for ProtonVPN.
An affordable VPN securing unlimited devices with an integrated ad, tracker, and malware blocker.. Rated 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5 for ProtonVPN.
An easy-to-use VPN that unblocks streaming content with specialized servers and offers an industry-leading 45-day guaran. Starts cheaper at $4.5/mo vs $9.99/mo.
| Source | What was checked | Last checked |
|---|---|---|
| Official Website | Official vendor website | — |
| Official Pricing Page | Source of verified tiers | July 8, 2026 |
| G2 | G2 verified user reviews · 4.3/5 · 5 reviews | — |
| Capterra | Capterra verified user reviews · 4.6/5 | — |
| TrustRadius | TrustRadius verified reviews | — |
Every fact on this ProtonVPN pricing page is tied to a named source and a verification date. Freshness-sensitive figures trace to the sources above; verify against the vendor before relying on them.