When people search for NordVPN alternatives, they are usually comparing practical details: device limits, protocol support, independent audits, and how transparent each provider is about what it does. This page focuses on documented signals you can verify, so you can shortlist options that fit your needs without making unfair assumptions about any service.
All VPN services are built around the same idea: an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. The real differences are in policies, implementation details, and day-to-day usability.
Alternatives Overview
This table is designed for fast shortlisting. It highlights device connection limits, the kind of transparency you can verify, and the typical “best fit” profile for each service.
| Service | Simultaneous Device Connections | Transparency Signal (Documented) | Useful When You Prioritize |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 10 / 12 / 14 (plan-based) | Plan-level connection limits are clearly documented | Clean “one plan per household” structure with a defined cap |
| Surfshark | Unlimited | Unlimited connections are explicitly stated | Many devices under one subscription |
| Proton VPN | Up to 10 on Plus plan | Third-party no-logs audits are published | Audit-forward trust signals and a feature-rich ecosystem |
| Mullvad | Up to 5 | Flat-rate pricing and device limit are published together | Simple pricing and minimal account overhead |
| IVPN | 2 (Standard) / 7 (Pro) | Connection caps are spelled out by plan | Plan tiers that map to “few devices” vs “many devices” |
| Private Internet Access | Unlimited | Unlimited connections are published in support docs | Covering lots of devices without counting |
| Windscribe | No fixed cap for personal devices (usage-based policy) | Policy explains personal-device expectations | Flexible use across many personal devices |
| CyberGhost | 7 | Device cap is provided in support guidance | Simple device limit for common households |
How to Compare VPN Alternatives
A good comparison avoids guessing. Use provider documentation to validate what is promised and what is measurable on your own devices.
- Connection Limits: count how many devices you can protect at the same time without extra add-ons.
- Protocol Options: confirm the provider supports modern protocols you recognize (and that your devices support).
- Kill Switch and Leak Protection: check whether apps include fail-safe controls and DNS leak protections.
- Independent Audits: look for published third-party reports (not just marketing claims).
- Client Transparency: open-source clients and reproducible builds are easier for outsiders to inspect.
- Network Switching Behavior: stable reconnection matters for laptops, tablets, and phones moving between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Feature Scope: features like tracker blocking or split tunneling are practical if you know you will use them.
- Support and Documentation Quality: detailed support articles reduce setup friction, especially on routers or niche platforms.
Protocol Names You Will See
WireGuard is frequently mentioned because it uses a compact design and modern cryptographic primitives (including ChaCha20, Poly1305, Curve25519, BLAKE2s, SipHash24, and HKDF). [Source-1✅]
IKEv2 is standardized and widely supported across many operating systems; the formal specification is published as an RFC by the RFC Editor. [Source-2✅]
Trust Signals That Scale
Two signals tend to matter over time: repeatable audits and publicly inspectable client code. These do not automatically make a service “better,” but they do make claims easier to verify.
What “Audit” Usually Means in VPN Documentation
It typically refers to an external security firm reviewing a defined scope (apps, infrastructure, policy controls, or a combination). Always check the scope and date.
Provider Deep Dives
Below are popular alternatives with specific, verifiable details. Each section focuses on what the provider itself documents, plus a few practical notes for matching a service to your usage.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is often shortlisted by people who want a clear device cap and a straightforward subscription structure that is easy to explain to a household or a small team.
- Simultaneous Connections (Plan-Based)
- ExpressVPN documents different caps by plan: 10, 12, or 14 devices depending on the subscription tier. [Source-3✅]
- Who This Fits
- People who prefer a defined limit rather than “unlimited,” especially when budgeting or managing shared logins.
What to Verify on Your Devices Before Committing
Check that your primary devices (desktop, phone, tablet, and any streaming boxes) all have first-party apps, and confirm how the service handles reconnection when switching networks.
Surfshark
Surfshark is commonly evaluated as an alternative when “one subscription for everything” matters. The defining characteristic is unlimited simultaneous device connections, which removes device counting from the decision.
Documented Connection Policy
Surfshark’s support documentation states that you can use the service on an unlimited number of devices at the same time. [Source-4✅]
- Best-fit pattern: lots of devices across a household, including secondary phones and tablets.
- Operational note: unlimited devices is most valuable when you regularly sign in on new hardware (new phones, guest laptops, extra tablets).
Proton VPN
Proton VPN stands out in many comparisons because it publishes recurring third-party materials and ties the VPN to a broader privacy ecosystem. If you care about verifiable reports and a long-term product roadmap, it is a natural option to evaluate.
No-Logs Audits (Published)
Proton VPN publishes information about annual third-party no-logs audits and links those audits from its own materials. [Source-5✅]
Device Coverage (Plus Plan)
Proton VPN’s documentation notes that the Plus plan can connect up to 10 devices. [Source-6✅]
Proton also positions itself as an open-source organization and publishes related engineering updates, which can be useful if you prefer products that invite independent review. [Source-7✅]
If built-in tracker blocking matters to you, Proton VPN documents its own feature called NetShield. [Source-8✅]
Mullvad
Mullvad is frequently considered by users who prefer a simple account model with minimal moving parts. The pricing structure is unusually easy to compare because it is a flat monthly rate rather than a deep discount ladder.
- Flat Monthly Price
- Mullvad publishes a flat rate of €5 per month across short and long durations. [Source-9✅]
- Device Cap
- The same pricing page states you can use one account on up to 5 devices.
For policy-minded readers, Mullvad also publishes a dedicated explanation of its no-logging approach and what categories of data it does or does not store. [Source-10✅]
IVPN
IVPN is typically reviewed by people who want plan tiers that map directly to device count and who prefer providers that publish security work in a readable way.
Plan-Based Device Connections
IVPN’s help center states that the Standard plan supports 2 devices at once and the Pro plan supports 7 devices at once. [Source-11✅]
IVPN also publishes updates on completed app security reviews, which is useful if you value periodic, external scrutiny of client software. [Source-12✅]
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is often compared as a NordVPN alternative when the priority is covering many devices without managing a device list.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections (Published)
PIA’s support portal states that it offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections from a single subscription. [Source-13✅]
PIA also publishes a dedicated page describing its open-source VPN positioning, including the claim that its apps are publicly reviewable and linked to its code hosting. [Source-14✅]
Windscribe
Windscribe is commonly evaluated by users who want a flexible, policy-described approach to using a VPN across many personal devices, without obsessing over a fixed device counter.
- Device Usage Policy
- Windscribe’s knowledge base explains that you can use it on all of your personal devices, framing usage around personal ownership rather than a strict fixed cap. [Source-15✅]
- Best Fit
- People who rotate between many personal devices and want policy clarity on what “normal” use looks like.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is often considered when buyers want a familiar consumer VPN experience with a clearly stated device limit and mainstream app support.
Device Limit (Support Documented)
CyberGhost support documentation states that one account or subscription can be used on 7 devices at the same time. [Source-16✅]
Split Tunneling (Android)
If you need app-level routing on Android, CyberGhost documents a split tunneling feature that lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection. [Source-17✅]
If your shortlist is still long, narrow it with two filters: device connections (because it’s objective) and verification signals (audits or inspectable client code). That usually produces a clear top 2–3 to test on your own devices.
FAQ
What Makes a “Good” NordVPN Alternative for Most People?
A good alternative is one whose limits and claims you can verify quickly: device connections, protocol options that your devices support, and transparency signals like published audits or openly reviewable client code.
Should I Choose Unlimited Devices or a Fixed Device Cap?
Unlimited devices is convenient when you regularly add new hardware. A fixed cap is easier for budgeting and for shared accounts because you always know the maximum. Both are valid; the best choice depends on how often your device list changes.
Do Independent Audits Matter If I Only Want Basic VPN Protection?
Audits are most valuable when you want fewer assumptions. Even if you only need basic protection, published audit work can help you compare providers using external review rather than relying solely on marketing language.
Is Open-Source Client Software Important for a VPN?
Open-source clients can be inspected by independent reviewers, which strengthens transparency. It is not the only trust signal, but it is a practical advantage if you prefer products that invite verification.
What Features Are Worth Paying Attention To After Device Limits?
Most people benefit from a reliable kill switch, good reconnection behavior when networks change, and optional features they will actually use (for example, tracker blocking or split tunneling). “More features” is not automatically better if they add complexity you do not need.
What Is a Simple Way to Test a VPN Alternative Before Committing Long-Term?
Test on your primary devices for a few days: switching between networks, video calls, and everyday browsing. Confirm the settings you care about are easy to find, and check that the service behaves predictably when the connection drops and reconnects.