NordVPN is one of the best VPN services available, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Whether you need faster streaming speeds, a lower price, more privacy, or a different feature set, several strong alternatives are worth considering in 2026.
Why look for a NordVPN alternative?
- Price — NordVPN's renewal pricing is higher than budget competitors
- Speed for streaming — ExpressVPN consistently outperforms on streaming-specific connections
- Privacy philosophy — Users seeking maximum anonymity may prefer Mullvad's no-account model
- Unlimited devices — NordVPN limits to 10 simultaneous connections; Surfshark allows unlimited
- Self-hosting — No self-hosted option exists; privacy-focused users may prefer alternatives
Top NordVPN alternatives
1. ExpressVPN
Best for speed and streaming performance
ExpressVPN is the go-to NordVPN alternative for users who prioritize streaming. Its Lightway protocol delivers consistently faster speeds than NordVPN's NordLynx on international connections and mobile networks. It unblocks Netflix (multiple regions), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and most major streaming platforms more reliably than any competitor.
Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy and is headquartered outside major surveillance alliances (British Virgin Islands). Its RAM-only server architecture means no data is ever written to disk.
The downside: ExpressVPN is substantially more expensive than NordVPN, especially on multi-year plans. It also limits you to 8 simultaneous connections.
Pricing: From ~$6.67/month on annual plan. 8 devices.
Best for: Streaming-first users who want the fastest possible VPN performance.
2. Surfshark
Best budget alternative with unlimited devices
Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections policy is its defining feature — every device in your household can be protected without adding cost or managing a device count. Its CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware, and MultiHop routing connects through two VPN servers for additional obfuscation.
Performance has improved significantly and is now competitive with NordVPN on nearby servers. Surfshark is audited by Deloitte and operated under British Virgin Islands jurisdiction.
For families, households, or small teams where device count matters, Surfshark is the clear budget choice.
Pricing: From ~$2.19/month on 2-year plan. Unlimited devices.
Best for: Budget-conscious users and households who want unlimited device coverage.
3. Mullvad
Best for serious privacy
Mullvad is the most privacy-forward VPN service available to mainstream users. It requires no email address, no account name — you receive a randomly generated account number and that is your identity. Payment can be made with cash, cryptocurrency, or standard payment methods.
Mullvad charges a flat €5/month with no discounts, no lock-in, and no dark patterns. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the service has undergone a real-world test — Swedish authorities raided Mullvad's offices in 2023 and found nothing to seize.
The trade-offs: Mullvad does not have dedicated streaming servers, limits you to 5 simultaneous connections, and offers a less polished app than NordVPN. But for users who want to minimize their trust footprint with any single company, Mullvad is in a class of its own.
Pricing: €5/month flat. 5 devices.
Best for: Privacy-first users who want to minimize their exposure even to the VPN provider itself.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Best for customization and open-source transparency
PIA has one of the most customizable VPN apps available — granular encryption settings, protocol selection, DNS configuration, and a split-tunneling implementation that stands among the best in the category.
Its open-source client code is publicly auditable, and its no-logs policy has been proven in court on two occasions. PIA's server network is one of the largest (35,000+ servers), and the service is available at a price that undercuts NordVPN significantly on longer plans.
Pricing: From ~$2.03/month on 3-year plan. 10 devices.
Best for: Power users who want transparency, configurability, and large server selection.
5. Proton VPN
Best for privacy advocates who use the Proton ecosystem
Proton VPN is operated by the same Swiss company behind ProtonMail and ProtonDrive. Its no-logs policy is audited, the client apps are open source, and Proton's legal jurisdiction in Switzerland provides strong privacy protections by law.
The Proton ecosystem integration is valuable for users already using ProtonMail — combined subscriptions provide end-to-end encrypted email and VPN at a bundle price. Proton VPN also offers a genuinely capable free tier with no data limits.
Pricing: Free tier available. Plus plan at $9.99/month, or bundled with Proton ecosystem.
Best for: Users already in the Proton ecosystem, or those wanting a free VPN with no data cap.
Comparison table
| VPN | Key advantage | Price/mo | Devices | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Features + value | ~$3.39 | 10 | Fast |
| ExpressVPN | Streaming speed | ~$6.67 | 8 | Fastest |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices | ~$2.19 | Unlimited | Good |
| Mullvad | Maximum privacy | €5.00 | 5 | Good |
| PIA | Customization | ~$2.03 | 10 | Good |
| Proton VPN | Swiss privacy + ecosystem | $9.99 | 10 | Good |
Our recommendation
If you are switching from NordVPN primarily because of cost, Surfshark or PIA offer comparable features at lower renewal prices.
If streaming is your main use case and you find NordVPN inconsistent, ExpressVPN is the most reliable upgrade.
If you want stronger privacy guarantees and are willing to accept a less polished product, Mullvad is the best choice in the industry.
For most users who are satisfied with NordVPN but want alternatives, the honest answer is that NordVPN remains one of the best options. But any of the above provide solid service with genuine differentiation depending on your priorities.