NordVPN offers broad server geography and up to 10 connections, but another VPN may be a better fit for a specific need. NordVPN has no permanent Free plan and doesn't support port forwarding. Below are five alternatives compared on price, devices, free access, and features.
In Brief: What to Choose Instead of NordVPN
Surfshark — for unlimited connections.Proton VPN — for a permanent Free plan.Mullvad — for signing up without an email and password.PIA — for port forwarding and unlimited connections.CyberGhost — for a trial without a card on Windows and macOS.
NordVPN and the Alternatives in Numbers
| VPN | Key difference | Price | Devices | Free / trial | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | The original service | $3.49/mo for 27 months | Up to 10 | 3 days on Android | 8400+ servers, 167+ countries |
| Surfshark | Unlimited connections | $2.49/mo for 27 months | Unlimited | 7 days, up to 3 devices | 4500+ servers, 100 countries |
| Proton VPN | Permanent Free | Free; Plus from $2.99/mo on the 2-year plan | Free — 1; Plus — up to 10 | Free | 20,000+ servers, 140+ countries |
| Mullvad | Account without email | €5/mo regardless of term | Up to 5 | No | About 570 servers, 50 countries |
| PIA | Port forwarding | $2.03/mo for 39 months | Unlimited | 7 days with the annual plan | 91 countries, 154 locations |
| CyberGhost | Flexible trial | $2.19/mo for 26 months | Up to 7 | 24 h Windows/macOS; 3 days Android; 7 days iOS | 100 countries, 125 locations |
The data and prices were verified in September 2026 against the services' official websites and may change.
5 Best NordVPN Alternatives
1. Surfshark — for Unlimited Connections
Surfshark supports unlimited connections and is currently cheaper than NordVPN over the long term: $2.49 versus $3.49 per month. NordVPN has more countries — 167+ versus 100 for Surfshark.
Learn more: NordVPN vs Surfshark.
2. Proton VPN — the Best Free Alternative
Proton VPN Free doesn't limit traffic, works without a bank card, and supports one connection. Plus offers up to 10 connections and 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. NordVPN has more countries, but no permanent Free plan.
Learn more: NordVPN vs Proton VPN.
3. Mullvad — Without Email or Password
Mullvad doesn't require an email or password at sign-up: a random account number is created instead. The price is fixed — €5 per month regardless of term. The trade-off is up to 5 devices and a significantly smaller network.
Learn more: Mullvad vs NordVPN.
4. PIA — for Port Forwarding and Unlimited Connections
PIA supports unlimited connections and port forwarding on selected servers. The long-term offer costs $2.03 per month for the first 39 months, but its geography is narrower: 91 countries versus 167+ for NordVPN.
Learn more: PIA vs NordVPN.
5. CyberGhost — for a Trial Without a Card
CyberGhost offers 24 hours without a bank card on Windows and macOS, 3 days on Android, and 7 days on iOS. The long-term plan costs $2.19 per month for the first 26 months but supports up to 7 devices.
Learn more: NordVPN vs CyberGhost.
How to Choose a NordVPN Alternative
If 10 connections isn't enough, look at Surfshark or PIA. If you need a permanent Free plan, look at Proton VPN. Mullvad is appealing for its fixed price and email-free sign-up, CyberGhost for its card-free trial on a computer. Also consider the countries and features you need.
Need a NordVPN Alternative Without a Bank Card?
If you'd like to test a VPN on your own first, you can consider VolnaLink. The service provides 8 hours of full access without a bank card and locations in 100+ countries. In that time you can check the country, sites, and apps you need and decide whether you want a subscription.
See also: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs Proton VPN · Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs CyberGhost · NordVPN vs Surfshark · Surfshark vs ExpressVPN · Surfshark vs Proton VPN · Surfshark vs CyberGhost