Proton VPN

• PrivacyTools "Best Free VPN" (2023, 2024)
• Restore Privacy "Most Transparent" (2024)
• SafetyDetectives "Best Open-Source VPN" (2023)
• TechPP "Best for Activists" (2024)
• Security.org "Ethical Choice" (2023)

Key distinction: Niche awards focused on transparency and free services. Won no major mainstream awards for speed/streaming.

One of Nord VPN establishes its lead through superior infrastructure and feature depth, boasting the largest server network with over 6,000 servers across 61 countries. It delivers consistently fast speeds across all protocols and excels at unblocking major streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu without compromise. The service enhances its security leadership with advanced tools like Double VPN encryption and Threat Protection malware blocking, while offering exceptional value through long-term subscription deals that undercut competitors' pricing. Unique offerings like Meshnet file sharing and dedicated IP options cement its premium positioning.

How we crowned our champion

Express VPN follows as a strong contender, leveraging its 3,000+ servers across 105 countries for broad geographic coverage. While slightly slower with OpenVPN connections compared to Nord's performance, it maintains reliable access to Netflix through its proprietary Lightway protocol and TrustedServer technology. Though 35% more expensive than Nord for comparable plans, it appeals to tech-savvy users with robust router support and system-wide split tunneling capabilities. Its British Virgin Islands jurisdiction provides solid privacy foundations, though it lacks Nord's bonus security features.

Proton VPN trails despite its Swiss base and Secure Core architecture, constrained by fundamental service limitations. While matching competitors' server counts (3,000+ across 69 countries), its speeds fluctuate noticeably between free and premium tiers. It struggles with streaming platform compatibility and restricts torrenting to specific servers, lacking Nord's P2P optimizations. Though offering a free tier, Proton's premium pricing matches established rivals without delivering equivalent feature depth, focusing instead on core VPN functionality rather than value-added tools. Mandatory Swiss data logging requirements further erode its privacy advantage against Nord's Panama-based zero-logs regime.

This progression naturally positions Nord VPN as the performance and value leader, Express VPN as the balanced alternative, and Proton VPN as a niche option prioritizing basic functionality over competitive enhancements..