Proton VPN alternatives (October 2026)
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3 VPN services to consider instead of Proton VPN, ranked on the same published prices, free plans and features. Proton VPN ranks 1st of 4 in our VPN services ranking with 83/100. 2 of them start cheaper.
Proton VPN at a glance. Free plan, then USD 3.49 per month, 2-year term. Free plan: yes. Free plan: yes. 30-day money-back guarantee: yes. Dedicated IP option: see the vendor site. Check on Proton VPN's site. Full pricing.
The alternatives
- 1
Surfshark
Lowest entry priceLow-cost VPN with unlimited devices on every plan.
Compared with Proton VPN
- Cheaper entry price: USD 2.49 against USD 3.49 (29% less)
- Confirms dedicated IP option (check Proton VPN's site for these)
70/100From USD 2.49 per month, 2-year term - 2
ExpressVPN
Good all-round optionPremium VPN known for reliability, with a dedicated IP included on its top plan.
Compared with Proton VPN
- Cheaper entry price: USD 2.99 against USD 3.49 (14% less)
- Confirms dedicated IP option (check Proton VPN's site for these)
66/100From USD 2.99 per month, 2-year term - 3
NordVPN
Good all-round optionOne of the largest VPN services, with fast servers in many countries and a dedicated IP add-on.
Compared with Proton VPN
- Confirms dedicated IP option (check Proton VPN's site for these)
63/100From USD 3.49 per month, 2-year term
Side by side
| Product | Score | Entry price | Free plan | Free plan | 30-day money-back guarantee | Dedicated IP option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | 83 | USD 3.49 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Surfshark | 70 | USD 2.49 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | 66 | USD 2.99 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| NordVPN | 63 | USD 3.49 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Entry price is the cheapest paid plan in USD. Scores use the formula on the best VPN services page; commissions never change them.
When to stay with Proton VPN
Proton VPN confirms free plan, which most of the alternatives do not. If that matters to you, switching may cost more than it saves.