The Best NordVPN Alternatives in 2026 (Private, Fast VPNs)
Tolodora Editorial Team
Tolodora's editorial team — we research, compile and regularly update these software guides from public sources and product documentation.
NordVPN is one of the biggest names in VPNs, but it isn't automatically the best fit. Maybe you want a cheaper unlimited-device plan, the strongest privacy pedigree, or a provider that's fully audited and anonymous. Several rivals beat it in specific areas.
All of these encrypt your traffic and hide your IP; they differ on speed, privacy track record, streaming and price.
We rated every pick on four things — pricing and value, functionality, ease of use, and support. Here's the rundown.
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| # | Tool | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ExpressVPN | People who want the most reliable speeds and streaming with minimal fuss. | 4.3/5 |
| 2 | Surfshark | Households and heavy users who want to protect every device cheaply. | 4.5/5 |
| 3 | Proton VPN | Privacy-conscious users (and anyone wanting a legit free VPN) who trust an open, Swiss-based provider. | 4.4/5 |
| 4 | Mullvad | Privacy purists who want maximum anonymity and simple, honest pricing. | 4.2/5 |
| 5 | CyberGhost | Beginners who want an easy, affordable VPN with lots of servers for streaming. | 4.4/5 |
| 6 | Private Internet Access | Tinkerers who want customisation and a court-proven no-logs VPN on a budget. | 4.3/5 |
ExpressVPN
- Pricing
- 6.6/10
- Functionality
- 9.2/10
- Ease of use
- 9.4/10
- Support
- 9.0/10
What I like
Consistently fast servers, excellent streaming unblocking, audited no-logs policy and its own secure Lightway protocol — plus polished apps everywhere.
Best for
People who want the most reliable speeds and streaming with minimal fuss.
ExpressVPN is the premium all-rounder: reliably fast, great for streaming (Netflix, etc.), easy apps on every platform, and a strong audited privacy record. It's pricier than most, but if you want a VPN that 'just works' at high speed, it's the top NordVPN alternative. It's a common pick among your business comparing their choices.
Surfshark
- Pricing
- 9.4/10
- Functionality
- 8.8/10
- Ease of use
- 9.2/10
- Support
- 8.6/10
What I like
Unlimited simultaneous devices on one account, very low long-term pricing, and solid speeds plus streaming — remarkable value.
Best for
Households and heavy users who want to protect every device cheaply.
Surfshark punches way above its price: unlimited devices, good speeds via WireGuard, reliable streaming and a growing security suite (antivirus, alt-ID). It's audited and no-logs. For value — especially covering a whole family's devices — it's the best NordVPN alternative. It's a common pick among your business comparing their choices.
Proton VPN
- Pricing
- 9.0/10
- Functionality
- 9.0/10
- Ease of use
- 8.8/10
- Support
- 8.4/10
What I like
A privacy-first VPN from the Proton team with a rare unlimited-data free tier, open-source audited apps, and strong secure-core routing.
Best for
Privacy-conscious users (and anyone wanting a legit free VPN) who trust an open, Swiss-based provider.
Proton VPN, from the makers of Proton Mail, is built around privacy: open-source, independently audited, Swiss jurisdiction, and Secure Core servers. Its free tier is the best around (unlimited data, no logs). A superb NordVPN alternative for those who put privacy first. It's a common pick among your business comparing their choices.
Mullvad
- Pricing
- 9.0/10
- Functionality
- 8.4/10
- Ease of use
- 8.2/10
- Support
- 8.2/10
What I like
Radical privacy: no email needed, a random account number, cash accepted, no logs, fully audited — and a flat €5/month, no upsells.
Best for
Privacy purists who want maximum anonymity and simple, honest pricing.
Mullvad is the anonymity gold standard: you sign up with a generated account number (no email), can pay in cash, and it keeps zero logs, all independently verified. Speeds are strong via WireGuard. It's not focused on streaming, but for pure privacy at a flat, fair price, nothing beats it. Among your business, it earns its spot for the reasons above.
CyberGhost
- Pricing
- 9.0/10
- Functionality
- 8.4/10
- Ease of use
- 9.2/10
- Support
- 8.4/10
What I like
A huge server network with dedicated streaming and torrenting servers, beginner-friendly apps, and cheap long-term plans with a long money-back guarantee.
Best for
Beginners who want an easy, affordable VPN with lots of servers for streaming.
CyberGhost offers one of the largest server networks, with purpose-labelled servers for streaming and P2P, plus very approachable apps. Long-term pricing is low and it has a generous 45-day refund window. A friendly, budget NordVPN alternative for everyday use. For your business, it's one of the stronger options on this shortlist.
Private Internet Access
- Pricing
- 9.2/10
- Functionality
- 8.4/10
- Ease of use
- 8.6/10
- Support
- 8.2/10
What I like
Highly configurable, open-source apps, unlimited devices, a proven no-logs record (tested in court) and cheap long-term plans.
Best for
Tinkerers who want customisation and a court-proven no-logs VPN on a budget.
It tends to suit your business that want exactly this balance. PIA (Private Internet Access) is a long-standing, privacy-respecting VPN with open-source apps, deep configurability, unlimited devices and a no-logs policy that's held up in court. Affordable and reliable, it's a strong alternative for users who like control and value.
The verdict
Want top speed and streaming reliability? ExpressVPN. Cheapest with unlimited devices? Surfshark. Most privacy-focused with a free tier? Proton VPN. The gold standard for anonymity? Mullvad.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free NordVPN alternative?
Yes — Proton VPN offers a genuinely private, unlimited-data free tier (no ads, no logs), which is rare. Most other reputable VPNs are paid, but Proton's free plan is the best legitimate free option.
Which VPN is best for privacy?
Mullvad is the privacy purist's choice — it requires no email to sign up, accepts cash, keeps no logs and is independently audited. Proton VPN is also excellent for privacy.
What is the cheapest NordVPN alternative?
Surfshark is the best value: low long-term pricing and, crucially, unlimited simultaneous devices on one account, making it ideal for households and heavy users.
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