NordVPN Alternatives: 5 Best VPN Services to Try in 2026
Looking for a NordVPN alternative? While NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services on the market, it's not the only option—and it might not be the best fit for everyone. Whether you're concerned about pricing, server locations, or specific features, there are several excellent alternatives worth considering.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 5 NordVPN alternatives for 2026, comparing their features, pricing, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Our Top 5 NordVPN Alternatives
1. ExpressVPN - Best Overall Alternative
Best for: Users who prioritize speed and reliability
ExpressVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest and most reliable VPN services available. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, it offers excellent global coverage and blazing-fast speeds.
Key Features
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- Excellent speeds - Often faster than NordVPN
- 24/7 live chat support - Quick and helpful responses
- Split tunneling - Route only specific traffic through VPN
- MediaStreamer - Smart DNS for streaming on devices that don't support VPNs
- 5 simultaneous connections
Pricing
- Monthly: $12.95/month
- 6-month plan: $9.99/month
- 12-month plan: $8.32/month (+ 3 months free)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Fastest VPN speeds in our testing
- ✅ Trusted name with proven track record
- ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
- ✅ Easy-to-use apps for all platforms
- ✅ Excellent for streaming Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than NordVPN
- ❌ Only 5 simultaneous connections (vs NordVPN's 6)
- ❌ No dedicated IP option
Why It's a Great Alternative
If speed is your top priority, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. While it's slightly more expensive than NordVPN, the performance difference is noticeable, especially for streaming and gaming.
2. Surfshark - Best Budget Alternative
Best for: Users who want unlimited device connections at a low price
Surfshark offers exceptional value for money, with unlimited simultaneous connections and a feature set that rivals much more expensive VPNs.
Key Features
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections - Protect all your devices
- CleanWeb - Built-in ad and malware blocker
- Whitelister - Split tunneling feature
- MultiHop - Double VPN for extra security
- Camouflage Mode - Hide VPN usage from ISP
Pricing
- Monthly: $12.95/month
- 12-month plan: $3.99/month
- 24-month plan: $2.49/month (+ 2 months free)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely affordable long-term plans
- ✅ Unlimited device connections
- ✅ Strong privacy and security features
- ✅ Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- ❌ Speeds can be inconsistent on some servers
- ❌ Smaller server network than NordVPN
- ❌ Relatively new company (less track record)
Why It's a Great Alternative
If you're looking to save money without sacrificing features, Surfshark is an excellent choice. The unlimited device connections make it perfect for families or users with multiple devices.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) - Best for Privacy
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want maximum anonymity
Private Internet Access is known for its strong commitment to privacy, with a proven no-logs policy and transparent security measures.
Key Features
- 20,000+ servers in 70+ countries - Largest server network
- Proven no-logs policy - Verified in court
- MACE - Built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker
- Port forwarding - Better for torrenting
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Open-source apps - Fully auditable code
Pricing
- Monthly: $11.95/month
- 6-month plan: $7.50/month
- 12-month plan: $3.33/month (+ 3 months free)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Massive server network (20,000+ servers)
- ✅ Proven no-logs policy
- ✅ Open-source and auditable
- ✅ Excellent for torrenting
- ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- ❌ Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- ❌ Speeds vary significantly by server
- ❌ Based in the US (5 Eyes jurisdiction)
Why It's a Great Alternative
If privacy is your top concern, PIA's proven no-logs policy and massive server network make it a compelling choice. It's also excellent for torrenting thanks to port forwarding support.
4. CyberGhost - Best for Streaming
Best for: Users who primarily want to unblock streaming services
CyberGhost offers dedicated streaming servers optimized for popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, making it an excellent choice for cord-cutters.
Key Features
- 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries
- Dedicated streaming servers - Optimized for Netflix, Hulu, etc.
- NoSpy servers - Extra-secure servers in Romania
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Automatic kill switch
- 45-day money-back guarantee - Longest in the industry
Pricing
- Monthly: $12.99/month
- 6-month plan: $6.99/month
- 24-month plan: $2.19/month (+ 2 months free)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Dedicated streaming servers
- ✅ Easy-to-use interface
- ✅ 45-day money-back guarantee
- ✅ Excellent for beginners
- ✅ Strong privacy features
Cons:
- ❌ Speeds can be slower than competitors
- ❌ Not ideal for China or restrictive countries
- ❌ Limited advanced features
Why It's a Great Alternative
If streaming is your primary use case, CyberGhost's dedicated streaming servers and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice. The 45-day money-back guarantee also gives you plenty of time to test it out.
5. ProtonVPN - Best Free Alternative
Best for: Users who want a reliable free VPN option
ProtonVPN offers one of the best free VPN plans available, with no data caps and strong privacy protections. It's also an excellent paid option for privacy-focused users.
Key Features
- Free plan available - No data caps, no ads
- Secure Core - Double VPN through privacy-friendly countries
- Swiss-based - Strong privacy laws
- NetShield - Ad and malware blocker (paid plans)
- 10 simultaneous connections (paid plans)
- Open-source apps
Pricing
- Free: $0/month (limited servers, slower speeds)
- Plus: $9.99/month
- 12-month plan: $5.99/month
- 24-month plan: $4.99/month
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent free plan with no data caps
- ✅ Strong privacy protections
- ✅ Swiss jurisdiction (outside 5/9/14 Eyes)
- ✅ Secure Core for extra security
- ✅ Open-source and auditable
Cons:
- ❌ Free plan has limited servers and slower speeds
- ❌ Smaller server network than competitors
- ❌ Can be expensive for month-to-month plans
Why It's a Great Alternative
If you're looking for a free VPN or want the strongest privacy protections, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice. The free plan is perfect for occasional use, while the paid plans offer advanced features like Secure Core.
Comparison Table
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | PIA | CyberGhost | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Servers | 5,500+ | 3,000+ | 3,200+ | 20,000+ | 9,000+ | 1,900+ |
| Countries | 59 | 94 | 100 | 70+ | 90+ | 67 |
| Connections | 6 | 5 | Unlimited | 10 | 7 | 10 |
| Price (2-year) | $3.39/mo | $8.32/mo | $2.49/mo | $3.33/mo | $2.19/mo | $4.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Netflix | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Torrenting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 24/7 Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Money-Back | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days | 30 days |
How to Choose the Right NordVPN Alternative
When selecting a VPN alternative, consider these key factors:
1. Your Primary Use Case
- Streaming: Choose CyberGhost or ExpressVPN
- Privacy: Choose ProtonVPN or Private Internet Access
- Speed: Choose ExpressVPN
- Budget: Choose Surfshark or CyberGhost
- Torrenting: Choose Private Internet Access
2. Number of Devices
- If you have many devices, choose Surfshark (unlimited connections)
- For families, consider Private Internet Access (10 connections) or ProtonVPN (10 connections)
3. Server Locations
- Need servers in specific countries? Check each VPN's server list
- Private Internet Access has the most servers (20,000+)
- ExpressVPN has the best global coverage (94 countries)
4. Budget
- Tightest budget: Surfshark ($2.49/month) or CyberGhost ($2.19/month)
- Free option: ProtonVPN
- Premium experience: ExpressVPN (worth the extra cost for speed)
5. Privacy Jurisdiction
- Best privacy jurisdictions: Switzerland (ProtonVPN), British Virgin Islands (Surfshark)
- Avoid if privacy is critical: US-based VPNs (Private Internet Access)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN still a good VPN in 2026?
Yes, NordVPN remains a solid VPN service with strong security features, a large server network, and good performance. However, it's not the only option, and depending on your specific needs, one of the alternatives listed above might be a better fit.
Which VPN is faster than NordVPN?
ExpressVPN consistently outperforms NordVPN in speed tests, especially for long-distance connections. However, NordVPN's speeds are still excellent for most use cases.
Can I use a free VPN instead of NordVPN?
ProtonVPN offers the best free VPN plan with no data caps, but free VPNs generally have limitations like slower speeds, fewer servers, and limited features. For full functionality, a paid VPN is recommended.
Which VPN is best for Netflix?
All the VPNs listed above work well with Netflix, but ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are particularly reliable for unblocking streaming services. CyberGhost even offers dedicated streaming servers.
Is Surfshark as good as NordVPN?
Surfshark offers similar features to NordVPN at a lower price, with the added benefit of unlimited simultaneous connections. However, NordVPN has a larger server network and slightly better speeds on average.
Which VPN has the most servers?
Private Internet Access (PIA) has the largest server network with over 20,000 servers in 70+ countries, far more than NordVPN's 5,500+ servers.
Can I switch from NordVPN to another VPN easily?
Yes, switching VPNs is straightforward. Simply cancel your NordVPN subscription (or let it expire), sign up for your new VPN, download their app, and log in. Most VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free.
Conclusion
While NordVPN is an excellent VPN service, it's not the only option available. Depending on your specific needs—whether it's speed, price, privacy, or streaming—one of these alternatives might be a better fit:
- Best Overall: ExpressVPN - For speed and reliability
- Best Budget: Surfshark - For unlimited connections at a low price
- Best for Privacy: Private Internet Access - For maximum anonymity
- Best for Streaming: CyberGhost - For dedicated streaming servers
- Best Free Option: ProtonVPN - For a reliable free VPN
All of these VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees (45 days for CyberGhost), so you can try them risk-free and see which one works best for you.
Ready to make the switch? Click the links above to get started with your new VPN today!
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