Best Proton VPN alternatives in 2026

Looking for an alternative to Proton VPN? Whether you've outgrown it, find the pricing steep, or just want to weigh your options, these are the strongest vpn alternatives in 2026 — ranked on pricing, features, and who each one fits best. Proton VPN itself has a free tier, so we've flagged where each option is cheaper, simpler, or more specialized.

1
NordVPN
Best for: privacy-conscious
Fast, security-focused VPN. A popular vpn alternative to Proton VPN — from $3.49/mo. Particularly strong for privacy-conscious.
4.4From $3.49/moVisit
2
Mullvad VPN
Best for: privacy-conscious
If Proton VPN feels like overkill or over-budget, Mullvad VPN is a leaner option. Privacy-first VPN with flat pricing. Pricing: from $5.50/mo.
4.6From $5.50/moVisit
3
Surfshark
Best for: budget-conscious
Surfshark goes head-to-head with Proton VPN on features. Affordable VPN with unlimited devices. Best suited to budget-conscious. From $2.50/mo.
4.4From $2.50/moVisit
4
Windscribe
Best for: budget-conscious
A well-rated vpn pick. VPN with a usable free tier. Windscribe offers a free plan and starts at free – $9/mo, making it a credible Proton VPN replacement.
4.4Free – $9/moVisit
5
Private Internet Access
Best for: budget-conscious
Configurable VPN with unlimited devices. A popular vpn alternative to Proton VPN — from $2/mo. Particularly strong for budget-conscious.
4.3From $2/moVisit
6
ExpressVPN
Best for: travelers
If Proton VPN feels like overkill or over-budget, ExpressVPN is a leaner option. Fast, reliable VPN with wide server coverage. Pricing: from $6.70/mo.
4.5From $6.70/moVisit
7
TunnelBear
Best for: beginners
TunnelBear goes head-to-head with Proton VPN on features with a genuinely usable free tier. A friendly VPN with a free tier. Best suited to beginners. Free – $3.33/mo.
4.4Free – $3.33/moVisit
8
CyberGhost
Best for: streamers
A well-rated vpn pick. Beginner-friendly VPN with many servers. CyberGhost starts at from $2.11/mo, making it a credible Proton VPN replacement.
4.3From $2.11/moVisit

Still considering Proton VPN itself? Read our Proton VPN review →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Proton VPN alternative?

NordVPN is our top-rated Proton VPN alternative for 2026. Fast, security-focused VPN. From $3.49/mo.

Is there a free Proton VPN alternative?

Yes — Windscribe, TunnelBear all offer a free tier you can start on without a credit card.

Why switch from Proton VPN?

Common reasons are price, a simpler feature set, better fit for a specific use case, or platform support. Each tool above notes where it has an edge over Proton VPN.