The best NordVPN alternatives are privacy-first VPNs that keep personal details to a minimum, providers with open source apps, and easy all-rounders built for streaming and lots of devices. Eleven services follow in no particular order, and several are smaller, independent names.
NordVPN is a household name, but a big brand isn't the same as the right fit. Some people want more privacy, some want simpler apps, and some just want to try a VPN without committing.
The eleven services below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the provider's own website, read this week. If you're still deciding whether to trust the big name, I've also looked at whether NordVPN is safe.
NordVPN alternatives at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the site names a free plan, a free version, a free account or an open source version. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start for free, so check the provider's page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirVPN | VPN service | Technical users wanting control | Not stated |
| CyberGhost | VPN service | Streaming and gaming | Trial only |
| ExpressVPN | VPN service | Speed and ease of use | Not stated |
| hide.me | VPN service | Trying a VPN for free | Yes |
| IVPN | Privacy VPN | Signing up without an email | Not stated |
| Mullvad | Privacy VPN | Account numbers instead of personal details | Not stated |
| PrivadoVPN | VPN and protection bundle | A VPN with antivirus bundled | Not stated |
| Private Internet Access | VPN service | Open source apps and many devices | Not stated |
| Proton VPN | Privacy VPN | Privacy-first users | Not stated |
| Surfshark | VPN and security suite | Households with lots of devices | Not stated |
| Windscribe | VPN service | Transparency-minded users | Not stated |
Eleven NordVPN alternatives worth a look
AirVPN
Best for: Technical users who want a VPN run by privacy activists, with unlimited server switching and plenty of settings to tune.
CyberGhost
Best for: Streamers and gamers who mainly want a VPN for streaming, sports and gaming, with a free trial listed on its site.
ExpressVPN
Best for: Beginners who want a fast, easy VPN service with apps for most devices and a focus on speed and privacy.
hide.me
Best for: First-time users who want to get started with a VPN for free and add apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and routers.
IVPN
Best for: Privacy-first users who want to sign up without even an email address and pay with cash, Monero or bitcoin.
Mullvad
Best for: Activist-minded users who want a privacy-focused VPN with open source apps and a no-nonsense approach to personal details.
PrivadoVPN
Best for: Value hunters who want a VPN bundled with antivirus and secure streaming tools from one smaller provider.
Private Internet Access
Best for: Long-term VPN users who want open source apps and a provider that has been running for more than ten years.
Proton VPN
Best for: Privacy-first users who want a no logs, no ads VPN with open-source apps that have been independently audited.
Surfshark
Best for: Households that want a VPN alongside identity and scam protection and antivirus, covering TVs, consoles and routers too.
Windscribe
Best for: Sceptics who want an open source VPN client and a provider that is unusually open about how it works.
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Which VPN to try first
- Privacy above everything: Mullvad, IVPN or Proton VPN.
- Open source apps: Windscribe or Private Internet Access.
- Streaming and gaming: CyberGhost or ExpressVPN.
- Lots of devices in one home: Surfshark.
- Trying a VPN for free first: hide.me.
- A VPN bundled with antivirus: PrivadoVPN.
- Technical control: AirVPN.
What the FTC tells you to check
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gives four tips for VPN apps: research the app before you get it, review its permission requests, make sure it encrypts your information, and check whether it shares your information with third parties.
That last point matters most. A VPN can see your traffic, so you're moving trust from your internet provider to the VPN company, which is why the privacy policy is worth five minutes of your time.
Privacy VPNs versus all-rounders
Privacy-first services keep sign-up simple and personal details to a minimum. They're built for people who care most about not being tracked, and they tend to skip the extras.
All-rounders put more effort into streaming, apps for every device and extras like antivirus. Pick the one that matches why you want a VPN in the first place.
Questions to ask before you switch
- Why do I want a VPN: privacy, streaming or public Wi-Fi?
- Are the apps open source or independently audited?
- What does the privacy policy say about logs?
- How many devices can I use at once?
- Does it work on my router or TV?
- Is there a free version or a money-back guarantee?
Signs NordVPN isn't the right fit
- You want fewer personal details on file. Try a privacy VPN.
- You want to read the code. Pick open source apps.
- You only need it for travel. Try a free version first.
- You want antivirus too. Look at bundles.
Do you make VPN services? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a NordVPN alternative
Decide why you want a VPN before you compare features. If it's privacy, start with the privacy-first providers; if it's streaming abroad, test an all-rounder on the services you watch most before you commit for a year.
Be wary of free VPNs from names you've never heard of, because the FTC warns some share data with third parties. If you want to understand the basics first, read my explainer on what a VPN is and how it works.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of NordVPN?
Privacy-first VPNs suit people who want minimal personal details on file, while all-rounders suit people who want easy apps, streaming and lots of devices.
Is there a free alternative to NordVPN?
At least one service in this list says you can get started for free, and others offer trials, but read the privacy policy of any free VPN carefully.
How do I know if a VPN is trustworthy?
The FTC suggests researching the app, reviewing its permissions, checking it encrypts your information and seeing whether it shares data with third parties.
Which VPNs have open source apps?
Several providers in this list mention open source apps on their own sites, which lets anyone inspect the code.
Do I need a VPN on public Wi-Fi?
It adds a layer of protection, though most websites already use encryption, so look for https in the address bar too.
Can I sign up for a VPN without an email address?
Yes. At least one privacy-first provider here says you can sign up without even an email address.
