8 Cheaper and More Flexible NordVPN Alternatives

NordVPN is the first among the top-rated VPN providers based on several VPN reviews. However, being first doesn’t mean being best. For many VPN users, especially those who just want to secure the internet on one or two devices, NordVPN is expensive. For users who don’t mind the subscription fee, there are limitations that make […]

January 3, 2026
5 min read

NordVPN is the first among the top-rated VPN providers based on several VPN reviews. However, being first doesn’t mean being best. For many VPN users, especially those who just want to secure the internet on one or two devices, NordVPN is expensive. For users who don’t mind the subscription fee, there are limitations that make other contenders win the competition. Here’s a shortlist of NordVPN alternatives:

  1. Surfshark
  2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
  3. HidzoVPN
  4. IPVanish
  5. Proton VPN
  6. Windscribe
  7. Hide.me
  8. PrivadoVPN

NordVPN Alternatives for Pricing

The first thing that scares off potential clients and makes existing users turn to other options is the pricing. Currently (Dec, 2026), the best deal you can get from NordVPN is its 2-year Plus Plan + 3 months extra for €3.89/mo. The Ultimate Plan costs €6.39/mo, and it features 1TB cloud storage in addition to the Plus options.

Surfshark provides a similar plan called One, and it costs 2.29/mo. The ultimate plan called One+ costs 4.19/mo. Private Internet Access VPN offers an even cheaper service for 1.75/mo, but it’s a 3-year plan.

The table below summarizes all premium plans of NordVPN, Surfshark, and PIA to help you find a cheap NordVPN alternative.

PlanNordVPNSurfsharkPIA VPN
1-monthBasic: €12.99
Plus: €13.99
Ultimate: €16.49
Starter: €15.45
One: €17.95
One+: 20.85
€11.69
1 year (+3 monthsBasic: €68.85 (€4.59/mo) Plus: €82.35 (€5.49/mo) Ultimate: €119.85 (€7.99/mo)Starter: €47.85 (€3.19/mo)
One: €50.85 (€3.39/mo) One+: €94.35 (€6.29/mo)
€37.19 (€3.10/mo)
2 years (+3 months)Basic: €68.85 (€4.59/mo) Plus: €82.35 (€5.49/mo) Ultimate: €119.85 (€7.99/mo)Starter: €53.73 ($1.99/mo)
One: €61.83 (€2.29/mo)
One+: €113.13 (€4.19/mo)
3 years€70 (€1.75/mo)

There’s still one problem with these prices. You have to purchase a long-term subscription to get a good price. HidzoVPN Premium monthly plan costs just $2.99. You get all the essential features of a solid VPN without having to commit long-term to get a good deal.

NordVPN Alternatives for Device Connection

Another thing that tempts users to look for NordVPN alternatives is the number of supported devices. With NordVPN, you can secure up to 10 devices at the same time. That’s more than enough for an average user. However, users who want to share one subscription would feel restricted by NordVPN’s simultaneous connection limit.

To solve this issue, you can turn to Surfshark, IPVanish, and PIA VPN. These VPN providers allow you to use one account on unlimited devices. But you should consider the risks of sharing your VPN account with others.

NordVPN Alternatives for Free Options

Let’s rip off the band-aid: NordVPN does not provide a free tier. You might expect the number one VPN provider to provide limited but free VPN access for those who, for any reason, can’t pay for a VPN, but it’s what it is.

Users who can’t pay for a VPN, even when money isn’t the issue, can use the free tier of reputable VPN providers. Installing random free VPNs on your device can seriously compromise your privacy. Read “How Do Free VPNs Make Money?” to learn about the risks involved.

The table below summarizes the features you get with the free tier of trustworthy VPN providers. All of the listed items are no-log VPN providers, meaning that they don’t keep any user activities on their servers. Therefore, they’re the best free VPN choices for privacy-conscious users.

ProviderFreemium options
Proton VPNUnlimited data, 3 server locations, no ads, Kill Switch, 1 device
Windscribe10 GB per month, 10 server locations, unlimited devices
HidzoVPNUnlimited data, 3 server locations, time-limited sessions, 1 device
Hide.meUnlimited data, 8 server locations, Kill Switch, 1 device
PrivadoVPN10 GB per month, 13 server locations, Kill Switch, unlimited devices

Why Look for a NordVPN Alternative?

There’s no doubt that NordVPN is a reliable VPN provider, but no one VPN has all the answers. VPN users who turn their back on NordVPN typically do so due to the following reasons. Other than that, you count on NordVPN.

  1. High renewal prices after the introductory plan
  2. 10-device limitation
  3. Absence of a free plan
  4. Complicated user interface for beginners

Conclusion: What’s the Best NordVPN Alternative?

In the end, if you’re looking for a cheap VPN without having to make a long-term purchase, HidzoVPN is the best choice. HidzoVPN’s monthly plan is just $2.99, and you can try it for free to assess the speed and stability you get, plus the pure no-log privacy and secure VPN service.

FAQs

Is NordVPN owned by China?

No, NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, a global cybersecurity company headquartered in the Netherlands, with operations in multiple countries, including Panama, but no affiliations with China.

Which is the no.1 VPN?

There’s no straightforward answer to this question, as the best VPN is the one that satisfies your needs and offers the features you need. Nonetheless, most VPN reviews highlight Proton VPN as a leading choice.

Is HidzoVPN better than NordVPN?

As far as the pricing is concerned, HidzoVPN is a better option.

Can I be tracked if I use NordVPN?

NordVPN is a no-log VPN provider, and it has implemented cutting-edge encryption systems that prevent tracking users’ activities.

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