The Best Alternatives to NordVPN: VeePN, ExpressVPN, Avast VPN, and More

Let’s lay it out there — NordVPN is probably (one of the) the first name(-s) that pops up in your head when you think of a VPN. Still, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any other equally effective and reliable alternatives. Thinking about what VPN service can replace Nord? We’ve compiled a list of the best alternatives for you and elaborated on each one.

But first, let’s take a look at what NordVPN is about.  

What’s NordVPN?

NordVPN is a Panama-based company. The service runs on various operating systems and platforms and offers core VPN features as well as some extra gems for online privacy and security.  

NordVPN advantages

Without a doubt, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market today. And rightfully so. Among its major benefits are:

1. Top-notch privacy and security. NordVPN is headquartered in Panama — an appealing location for privacy advocates since no laws there require the company to retain user data. 
2. 256-bit encryption standard. It uses the strongest standard along with various VPN protocols, like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard (NordLynx). 
3. Kill switch. Despite its dramatic name, this feature definitely won’t hurt you — it automatically disconnects your device from the internet in case your VPN connection drops out.
4. Double VPN. With this feature, your device connects to two servers instead of one, which doubles your security.
5. Threat protection. Protection from ads, trackers, and malware.
6. Extensive server network — 5000+ servers in 59 countries. 
7. Split tunneling support and dedicated IPs
8. Best offer of $3.99 per month (2 years plan)

NordVPN: Is it the best? 

NordVPN is definitely an attractive option. But nobody’s perfect. Some users complain that it may be pricey compared to other choices on the market (keep reading to find out what those are). The company also suffered a security breach several years ago. On top of that, users occasionally report on the instability of the software, inconsistency in work on different apps, and significantly lower speeds of some of the servers (in Malaysia, for example). 

Best VPN services: NordVPN’s alternatives 

If you believe that NordVPN can’t cut it for you anymore — here’s one of the best NordVPN competitors with great features. 

VeePN

VeePN is based in privacy-friendly Panama as well — a good thing for users as the country doesn’t have any sort of affiliation with 5, 9, and 14 eyes alliances. It is a cross-platform VPN service with an extensive server network and a wide selection of features to boost your online security.

Let’s take a brief look at VeePN’s specifics in the table below. What stands out here is the use of multiple VPN protocols — more standard IKEv2/IPsec, as well as more progressive ones like WireGuard and OpenVPN — support for 10 simultaneous connections, and ability to stream all kinds of services. You can also install VeePN on your router so that all the devices connected to the home network would be protected. A real gem in the form of Double VPN is also provided, as well as a Kill Wwitch, Split Tunneling, and the NetGuard feature, allowing you to block ads, trackers, and malware. 

VeePN pricing

You can opt for a 1-month, 1-year, and 5-year plan, with the latter providing the best offer, and each one offering a money-back guarantee. You can also test-drive VeePN on a free trial. 

To sum it up: Why use VeePN instead of NordVPN

VeePN is a more affordable option if you choose a 1-month pricing plan. Or you can significantly save up with a 5-year plan, with just $1.67 a month. At the same time, VeePN provides all the core features you should look for in a VPN (take a look at our list of 9-must have VPN features here). You can also enjoy safe browsing or streaming on 10 different devices at the same time, from your phone to your TV, compared to Nord’s 6. 

ExpressVPN

On to the next one. ExpressVPN is developed by the British Virgin Islands-registered company Express Technologies Ltd. The service was reportedly used by 3 millions users in 2021. 

Along with NordVPN, ExpressVPN is pushed as the best VPN by many. And fairly so. Express has more than 3,000+ servers in 94 countries and 160 locations, uses modern VPN protocols, and offers best-in-class encryption. It also uses its own Lightway protocol to offer greater speeds and security, is compatible with various devices and platforms, routers including, and uses TrustedServer technology. ExpressVPN provides goodies in the form of split tunneling and a kill switch (called Network Lock), as well. 

ExpressVPN pricing

You can choose between three subscription plans, with the 1-year plan as the most popular at $6.67 a month. All offers include a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

To sum it up: Why use ExpressVPN instead of NordVPN

ExpressVPN’s location network is more extensive, and the service provides all the necessary (and extra) security features. And although this alternative is a bit more expensive than Nord, ExpressVPN is a great choice feature-wise. You can also download apps for all your devices no matter the operating system they run on, including Android, Linux, iOS, Smart TVs, and even routers.

Avast VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN is the VPN service developed by Avast, Czech cybersecurity software company. It is available on different operating systems and offers fair pricing plans. 

Although its server network is less extensive than that of Nord, Avast makes a good alternative with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch across all apps as well as the use of various protocols, including an Avast-pioneering one, Avast Mimic, which offers fast speeds. Avast VPN also supports torrenting and runs on different streaming platforms. 

Avast VPN pricing

Unlike its competitors, Avast VPN doesn’t offer a 1-month plan. Still, it’s more affordable than Nord if you opt for a 1-year plan. 

To sum it up: Why use Avast VPN instead of NordVPN

You can have more simultaneous connections with Avast — browse and stream safely on up to 10 devices at the same time. Also, the service uses good security standards, like all Avast products. You can also pair it with Avast Antivirus and boost your security to the maximum, fighting off viruses and shielding your data at once. 

Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a relatively young US-based VPN provider developed by PeakStar Technologies. 

A noteworthy thing here is that Atlas VPN comes in a free and paid version, with the latter obviously more jam-packed features-wise, like Atlas VPN’s own version of a double VPN — MultiHop+, a Tracker Blocker, and a useful SafeSwap feature. Still, a free version does have some core features, like a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, split tunneling (but for Android devices only), as well as the use of WireGuard and IPSec/IKEv2 protocols. 

Atlas VPN pricing

If a free version doesn’t do it for you, you can choose between Atlas VPN’s three subscription options, each for an appealing price. All plans have the same features and a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. 

To sum it up: Why use Atlas VPN instead of NordVPN

If you don’t look for a features-loaded VPN and want to hide your IP address once in a while or access geo-blocked content, for example, Atlas VPN’s free version might just cut it for you. Or turn to a subscription for more affordable prices and useful extra features. 

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is developed by Proton Technologies AG, the maker of the email service ProtonMail, which is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland. 

Like Atlas, Proton comes in a free and paid version too, but more on their differences in a bit. Swiss ProtonVPN follows strong privacy laws, meaning it can’t be coerced into spying on users. The service also provides essential privacy protection features like a No logs policy, DNS leak prevention, built-in Kill Switch or the Always-on VPN. Besides, it provides split tunneling on its Windows and Android apps.

ProtonVPN pricing

Proton offers a free and paid version. Product’s best offer is the plus plan for 8$/month. It offers extensive server networks, 10 simultaneous connections, highest speed, and crucial security features like NetShield, Secure Core VPN, and others. You also have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Take a closer look at the features of each plan below. 

To sum it up: Why use ProtonVPN instead of NordVPN

Like with Atlas VPN, Proton’s free version can be an informed choice if you look for some basic VPN-ing. You can also choose a paid plan for a more appealing price as well, which offers much greater functionality. 

Bottom line 

The VPN market is expanding. Fast. So there are plenty of options to choose from today. If you feel like NordVPN isn’t your match, pay attention to other choices that can be equally or even more effective. 

VeePN might be a good alternative in this case. Surf the web safely and fast with its extensive server network and compatibility with various devices and platforms. Maybe you’ve been wanting to freely stream Netflix? Or don’t want to let anyone track you online? Test-drive the service and enjoy all the benefits of a secure online environment. Let VeePN take care of your online privacy.  

FAQ

Is there a better VPN than Nord?

There are plenty of alternatives to NordVPN. Check out our list above to find your VPN match. 

How to choose a VPN?

Easy — by figuring out what features of a VPN you’re looking for and then deciding which provider meets your needs. Check out our tips on choosing a good VPN for you in this article. 

Is NordVPN the most secure?

NordVPN does provide best-in-class encryption. But so do some of its competitors. Take a look at Nord’s alternatives above in this article. 

Is NordVPN necessary?

NordVPN is among the titans of the VPN industry. And rightfully so. The service provides core security features as well as plenty of extra goodies to boost your security online. 

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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