How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- This guide frames VPN use for legitimate privacy only: protecting data on public Wi-Fi, reducing tracking, and securing remote work. It does not cover evading geo-restrictions or piracy.
- Surfshark is the best value alternative, with unlimited devices and deal pricing around $2.49 per month, while ExpressVPN is the simplest premium app.
- Proton VPN offers the only genuinely good free tier here, and Mullvad offers the strongest anonymity with a flat 5 euro monthly price and no email required.
- Deal prices mislead. NordVPN Basic renews around $139 per year after a deal, ExpressVPN around $100, and Proton Plus around $84, so set a calendar reminder before renewal.
- Check the no-logs audit status, jurisdiction, and device limits before buying, since those matter more than server counts for real privacy.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 ExpressVPN | Premium simplicity | See website | No |
 Surfshark | Budget multi-device households | See website | No |
 Proton VPN | Privacy with a real free tier | Free | Yes |
 Mullvad | Maximum anonymity | 5 euros per month | No |
 CyberGhost | Beginners and large server choice | See website | No |
 Private Internet Access | Power users and customization | See website | No |
 Windscribe | Free tier beyond Proton | Free | Yes |
 IPVanish | US-based users wanting unlimited devices | See website | No |
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The best NordVPN alternatives
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
ExpressVPN is the simplest premium VPN for users who want privacy without configuration. Its Lightway protocol connects fast with minimal speed impact, its apps are consistent across platforms, and its RAM-only servers and audited no-logs policy support its privacy claims. For a non-technical user who wants a VPN that just works, it remains the benchmark.
The price is the highest here. Deal pricing runs around $2.99 per month on long plans in recent guides, but renewal runs around $99.95 per year, and monthly billing costs far more. If budget matters more than simplicity, Surfshark or Proton VPN covers most needs for less.
What we like- Simplest premium app for non-technical users
- Lightway protocol with fast connections
- RAM-only servers
- Audited no-logs policy
Watch out for- Higher price than rivals
- Deal pricing renews around $100 per year
- 8 to 10 device limit depending on plan
#2Surfshark
Best for: Budget multi-device households4.0/5 on
G2 (22 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit surfshark.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Surfshark is the best value NordVPN alternative, especially for households covering many phones and laptops. Unlimited simultaneous devices is rare in this category, and deal pricing around $2.49 per month undercuts NordVPN and ExpressVPN substantially. Speeds via WireGuard are strong, and extras like an ad blocker and breach alerts add real value.
The renewal price rises above the deal rate, so set a reminder before renewal and compare fresh deals. Higher tiers bundle antivirus and identity tools that not everyone needs, so start with Starter unless you want those extras. For a household on a budget, Surfshark is the value leader.
What we like- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Deal pricing around $2.49 per month
- Fast WireGuard speeds
- Ad blocker and breach alerts included
Watch out for- Renewal price rises above the deal rate
- Higher tiers bundle extras you may not need
- Monthly billing is expensive
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Proton VPN is the best pick for users who want real privacy free. Its free plan has no data cap, which no other major VPN free tier matches, though it limits you to one device and slower speeds. Paid Plus adds full speeds, 10 devices, and streaming support, with deal pricing around $3.49 per month and renewal around $84 per year, the lowest renewal among the big subscription brands here.
Swiss jurisdiction and an audited no-logs policy strengthen its privacy case, and it pairs naturally with Proton Mail for users building a private stack. If you want to try a VPN without paying, start with Proton free, then upgrade to Plus when you need speed and devices.
What we like- Only genuinely good free tier here
- Swiss jurisdiction
- Audited no-logs policy
- Plus renews lower than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
Watch out for- Free tier limited to one device and slower speeds
- Plus deal pricing varies by guide
- Streaming features sit on paid tiers
Starting price5 euros per month
Free planNo
Mullvad is the anonymity pick. It charges a flat 5 euros per month, about $5.59, with no discounts, no renewal jumps, and no email required to sign up. It accepts cash and crypto payments, and its open source apps and audited practices make it the most transparent VPN here for users who take privacy seriously.
The trade-offs are streaming and scale. Mullvad barely tries for streaming platforms, its server network is smaller, and it caps devices at 5. If your goal is maximum anonymity on public networks and for sensitive work, nothing here comes close. If you want streaming and many devices, look elsewhere.
What we like- Flat 5 euro monthly price that never rises
- No email required
- Accepts cash and crypto
- Strong open source apps
Watch out for- 5 device limit
- Weaker for streaming
- Smaller server network than rivals
- No long-term discount to chase
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
CyberGhost suits beginners who want a large server choice and simple apps. Its network of more than 9,000 servers across 100-plus countries gives plenty of options, and dedicated servers for common tasks remove guesswork for new users. Deal pricing around $2.03 per month on long plans makes it one of the cheapest paid options.
Renewal pricing rises above deal rates, and speeds vary more than ExpressVPN or Surfshark on distant servers. The 7 device limit suits individuals and small households. For a beginner who wants a cheap, simple VPN with many servers, CyberGhost is a solid pick.
What we like- 9,000-plus servers in 100-plus countries
- Beginner-friendly apps
- Deal pricing around $2.03 per month
- Dedicated servers for common tasks
Watch out for- Renewal pricing rises
- 7 device limit
- Speeds vary more than top rivals on distant servers
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Private Internet Access, known as PIA, is the power user pick. It offers unlimited devices, more than 10,000 servers, deep customization of protocols and encryption, and open source apps that technical users can inspect. Deal pricing around $2.03 per month on long plans makes it very cheap for what it offers.
US jurisdiction concerns some privacy purists, though PIA has a long no-logs court record and audits behind its claims. Its interface rewards technical users and can overwhelm beginners. For a user who wants control, customization, and unlimited devices at a low price, PIA is hard to beat.
What we like- Unlimited devices
- 10,000-plus servers in 91 countries
- Deep customization
- Open source apps
- Deal pricing around $2.03 per month
Watch out for- US jurisdiction concerns some privacy purists
- Interface rewards technical users
- Renewal pricing rises
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Windscribe is the best free tier beyond Proton VPN, offering 10GB per month free with unlimited devices. That covers light browsing and public Wi-Fi protection, and its ad and tracker blocking adds value even on the free plan. Pro costs $5.75 per month and removes the cap.
The free cap limits heavy use, and its server network is smaller than Surfshark or CyberGhost. For a user who needs occasional VPN protection free, Windscribe is the best second free option after Proton. For daily heavy use, a paid plan from Surfshark or Proton fits better.
What we like- Free tier with 10GB monthly
- Unlimited devices
- Pro at $5.75 per month
- Ad and tracker blocking
Watch out for- Free tier capped at 10GB
- Smaller server network than rivals
- Speeds vary by server
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
IPVanish suits US-based users who want unlimited devices and straightforward apps at a low deal price, around $2.19 per month on long plans. It covers the basics well: encryption, kill switch, and multi-platform apps without complexity.
US jurisdiction is a drawback for privacy purists, and its server story is less distinctive than Surfshark or PIA. Renewal pricing rises above deal rates, so track renewal dates. For a US household that wants unlimited devices cheaply and does not need Mullvad-level anonymity, IPVanish is a practical pick.
What we like- Unlimited devices
- US-based support
- Deal pricing around $2.19 per month
- Straightforward apps
Watch out for- US jurisdiction
- Smaller server story than rivals
- Renewal pricing rises above deal rates
How we chose
We compared VPNs on privacy practices including audits and jurisdiction, speeds, device limits, server networks, free tiers, and real pricing including renewal rates, using October 2026 guides and vendor pages. We framed all use for legitimate privacy only and left out tools with no credible audit or current product. Deal prices vary by guide and promotion, so we flagged renewal figures where guides agreed and recommend confirming the checkout price and renewal rate before subscribing.
How to pick a NordVPN alternative
Start with your privacy goal. Maximum anonymity points to Mullvad. A good free tier points to Proton VPN or Windscribe. A household on a budget points to Surfshark or PIA for unlimited devices. Simple premium use points to ExpressVPN. Beginners on a budget point to CyberGhost.
Check audits, jurisdiction, and renewal price
A no-logs claim means little without an independent audit, so check the latest audit date and scope. Jurisdiction matters for legal exposure: Swiss and Panamanian bases differ from US bases in data law. Finally, price the third year, not the first: a deal that triples at renewal is not cheaper than a flat-rate VPN over time.
Test speed on your real connection
VPN speeds vary by server, protocol, and your own connection. Use any trial or refund window to test your daily apps, video calls, and uploads on nearby and distant servers. A VPN that cuts your speed in half is one you will turn off, and a VPN turned off protects nothing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best NordVPN alternative overall?
Surfshark is the best value alternative with unlimited devices and low deal pricing, while ExpressVPN is the simplest premium app. Proton VPN is the best free starting point, and Mullvad is the best pick for maximum anonymity.
Is there a good free VPN alternative to NordVPN?
Yes. Proton VPN free has no data cap, though it limits devices and speeds. Windscribe free offers 10GB per month with unlimited devices. Both suit light use and public Wi-Fi protection, while heavy users should pay for a full plan.
Why do VPN deal prices rise at renewal?
Providers discount long first terms heavily, then renew at standard rates. NordVPN Basic renews around $139 per year, ExpressVPN around $100, and Proton Plus around $84 in recent guides. Set a calendar reminder before renewal and compare fresh deals or switch providers.
Does a VPN make me fully anonymous online?
No. A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP address from sites you visit, but it does not hide you from the VPN provider, and accounts, cookies, and browser fingerprinting can still identify you. Combine a VPN with good browser hygiene and strong passwords for real privacy gains.
How many devices can I use with a VPN?
It varies: Surfshark, PIA, Windscribe, and IPVanish allow unlimited devices, while ExpressVPN and Proton Plus allow around 10, CyberGhost 7, and Mullvad 5. Count phones, laptops, tablets, and routers before choosing, since households often exceed single-user limits.
Is using a VPN legal?
Using a VPN for legitimate privacy is legal in the US and most countries, though some countries restrict or ban VPN use. Check local law before traveling with a VPN, and never use a VPN to break the law or violate a service terms in ways that risk your accounts.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.expressvpn.com
- https://www.surfshark.com
- https://www.protonvpn.com
- https://www.mullvad.net
- https://www.cyberghostvpn.com
- https://www.privateinternetaccess.com
- https://www.windscribe.com
- https://www.ipvanish.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.