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Best Free Alternatives to NordVPN
Stop paying $3.09 - $14.99/mo. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Security & PrivacyVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Proton VPN
FREEBest for Transparency & Privacy
Why we like it
Swiss-based with a strict, audited no-logs policy; the only major VPN with a 'Free Forever' plan that has NO data limits; open-source apps; includes 'Secure Core' for double-hop encryption.
Keep in mind
The free tier does not allow manual server selection; paid plans are slightly more expensive than budget competitors like Surfshark.
Mullvad VPN
Best for True Anonymity
Why we like it
Unique account system requires no email or personal info; flat pricing that never changes (no sales, no 'intro' rates); supports cash and Monero payments; highly transparent about its server infrastructure.
Keep in mind
Not optimized for streaming (struggles with Netflix/Hulu); smaller server network than NordVPN; no 'extra' features like password managers.
Surfshark
Best Value for Families
Why we like it
Unlimited simultaneous connections (protect every device in your home); includes 'Alternative ID' to mask your email and persona; often the cheapest premium provider for 2-year plans.
Keep in mind
Renewal prices can be high; headquartered in the Netherlands (part of the Nine Eyes alliance), which may concern extreme privacy purists.
Windscribe
FREEBest Flexible Pricing
Why we like it
Generous 10GB free tier; unique 'Build-A-Plan' allows you to pay $1 per server location; includes R.O.B.E.R.T, a powerful server-side ad and tracker blocker.
Keep in mind
The user interface is compact and can be fiddly on high-resolution screens; based in Canada (Five Eyes member).
Tailscale
FREEBest for Private Networking (Meshnet Alt)
Why we like it
The gold standard for creating a private 'mesh' network; zero-config setup; uses WireGuard exclusively; free for personal use on up to 100 devices; incredible for remote access to home servers.
Keep in mind
Not a traditional 'commercial' VPN for changing your IP address to another country (though 'Exit Nodes' allow this, it requires setting up your own hardware).
IVPN
Best for Ethical Privacy
Why we like it
Zero tracking on their website; weekly audits; does not use affiliate marketing (no 'paid' reviews); ethical pricing model with no deceptive 'sales' countdowns.
Keep in mind
Focuses strictly on privacy; lacks the streaming-unblocking power and the massive server count of NordVPN.
ExpressVPN
Best for Absolute Simplicity
Why we like it
One-click 'Lightway' protocol is arguably the most stable in the industry; best-in-class router app for protecting an entire home natively; works in high-censorship regions like China better than most.
Keep in mind
Significantly more expensive than NordVPN; lacks advanced power-user settings (no custom port selection).
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