NordVPN alternatives, matched to why you're switching
By Jean Luc Poitier, SEO and growth marketing strategist · NordVPN Reviews · Updated October 1, 2026 · Grounded in the 95+ NordVPN reviews on this site
Disclosure: this site reviews NordVPN and earns a commission if you sign up for it through our links. We don't earn from the alternatives below. Surfshark shares a parent company with NordVPN.
Why people look past NordVPN
Most NordVPN reviewers are happy (it averages 4.6 across 2.1 million ratings), so the reasons to leave are specific. In the reviews we track, the common ones are the renewal price after the first term, wanting a free plan or a longer refund window, and websites that block VPN traffic.
“the pricing felt a little high after the promotional period”Alex M., Capterra, September 2026
“I find Websites and iPhone apps are blocking VPNs more and more.”ChipmunkPDX, Trustpilot, September 2026
Match the NordVPN alternative to your reason for leaving
| Best alternative | Check before switching | |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal price | Surfshark ($79/yr) or Proton VPN ($83.88/yr) | Smaller networks; fewer no-logs reviews |
| Want a free plan | Proton VPN Free | 1 device; no country choice |
| Want a longer refund window | Norton VPN: 60 days | Smaller network; 5 devices on Standard |
| Need unlimited devices | Surfshark | Same parent company as NordVPN |
| Want an account without an email | Mullvad | 5 devices; 14-day refund |
| Sites blocking the VPN | Any VPN can be blocked; ExpressVPN is worth a test | Use a refund window to check your sites |
Figures checked against each company's published pages and review-platform listings as of 2026-10-01. “Not published” means the company does not publish that figure.
The 5 best NordVPN alternatives
Surfshark
Lower renewal, unlimited devicesStarter renews at $79 a year against NordVPN Basic's $139.08, costs $67.23 for its first 27 months, and has no device limit. Caveat: a smaller network (4,500+ servers in 100 countries), two no-logs reviews instead of six, and it shares a parent company with NordVPN.
NordVPN vs Surfshark →Proton VPN
Free plan, low renewalA free plan with no data cap, and VPN Plus renews at $83.88 a year. Open-source apps and annual Securitum audits. Caveat: no built-in malware scanner or Meshnet, and its recent unprompted Trustpilot reviews averaged 2.0.
NordVPN vs Proton VPN →ExpressVPN
Polished apps, lower renewalCNET's best VPN overall (September 2026), Basic renewing at $99.95 a year, and up to 14 devices on its top tier. Caveat: no published server count, and four no-logs reviews to NordVPN's six.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN →Norton VPN
60-day refundRefunds within 60 days on annual plans, renewals included, and $39.99 for the first year. Caveat: about 140 locations, 5 devices on Standard, and no monthly plan.
NordVPN vs Norton VPN →Mullvad
No email, flat price€5 a month for any term, no renewal increase, no account email, and cash accepted. Caveat: 5 devices, 566 servers, and a 14-day refund.
NordVPN vs Mullvad →
Reasons to stay with NordVPN
- Servers in 150 countries, more than any other VPN on this page (7,300+ servers in all).
- Six independent no-logs reviews, more than any rival on this page.
- Malware, phishing, and ad blocking in the same app on Complete, plus free Meshnet.
- A PCMag Editors' Choice, Forbes Advisor's pick for most individuals and small businesses, and CNET's fastest VPN.
- 4.7 on the App Store and 4.6 on Google Play, from over 2 million ratings.
If price is the sticking point, check the current NordVPN plans before your renewal date: a new 1- or 2-year plan is often cheaper than letting it renew.
See NordVPN pricingHow we sourced this: the reasons come from the 95+ NordVPN reviews on this site (Trustpilot, App Store, Google Play, Capterra, pulled October 1, 2026). Competitor prices and features come from each company's own site, checked October 1, 2026. Quotes are verbatim.
NordVPN alternatives FAQ
What is the best NordVPN alternative?+
It depends on why you're leaving: Surfshark for a cheaper renewal and unlimited devices, Proton VPN for a free plan, ExpressVPN for polished apps, Norton VPN for a longer refund window, and Mullvad for an account without an email.
Is there a cheaper alternative to NordVPN?+
Yes. Surfshark ($67.23 for 27 months, renewing at $79 a year) and Proton VPN ($83.76 for 24 months, renewing at $83.88) both cost less, and Proton has a free plan.
Is there a free alternative to NordVPN?+
Proton VPN's free plan has no data cap and needs no card, but it covers one device and picks the server country for you.
Should I switch or renew NordVPN?+
If price is the only issue, compare the renewal quote with a new plan elsewhere before it renews; NordVPN bills annual renewals up to 14 days early. If you rely on its network size, Meshnet, or malware blocking, few rivals match all three.