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If you want to spend big on your security, you must choose wisely
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If you’re shopping for a new VPN this Black Friday, it makes sense to compare NordVPN and Proton VPN, both of which rank among the best VPN services available. Although both offer vast server networks, fast connection speeds, and robust encryption, each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
For its part, NordVPN, the best VPN overall, is known to offer an almost unrivaled array of features, including Threat Protection Pro and NordPass password manager. Yet Proton VPN, one of the best VPNs for privacy, stands out for its strict no-logs policy and for being one of the few VPN providers that accepts cash payments.
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NordVPN Prime vs Proton Unlimited: Features
Whether you opt for NordVPN Prime or Proton Unlimited, you’ll get access to that VPN’s full suite of features. A standout NordVPN feature is Threat Protection Pro, which, aside from blocking ads and trackers, blocked 86% of malware sites in testing – far more than rivals. It also blocked 91% of phishing sites, earning certified phishing protection from AV-Comparatives.
With Proton Unlimited, you’ll also have access to threat blocking through Proton VPN’s NetShield feature. It stopped 88% of phishing sites in testing – slightly less than NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro. Where Proton VPN excelled was in ad-blocking, blocking 88% of ads compared to Threat Protection Pro’s 54%.
Another key feature included with NordVPN Prime is NordPass, the best password manager overall, thanks to its many security features. NordVPN Prime also comes with 1 TB of NordLocker storage – another valuable extra considering it ranks among the best cloud storage solutions, balancing a high level of security with impressive ease of use.
One NordVPN Prime-exclusive feature is NordProtect, an identity theft and cyber protection service. Available to US residents only, it monitors for the exposure of personal data on the dark web, alerts of any leaks, and even offers identity theft coverage of up to $1 million. As for Proton Unlimited, it opens up Proton VPN’s many premium, privacy-first products. Like NordVPN Prime, this includes a password manager (Proton Pass) and cloud storage (Proton Drive).
NordVPN’s features are slightly more impressive, with Threat Protection Pro providing better all-around protection. Proton VPN has the advantage of offering Proton Mail, one of the best email providers, and although its Proton Pass password manager made our list of the best password managers, it’s ultimately trumped by NordPass. If you’re in the US, the inclusion of NordProtect further adds to the value on offer with NordVPN Prime.
NordVPN Prime vs Proton Unlimited: Pricing
NordVPN and Proton VPN offer one-month, one-year, and two-year subscriptions. There are no Black Friday savings with the NordVPN Prime ($17.99) and Proton Unlimited ($12.99) one-month subscriptions, however.
A NordVPN Prime one-year subscription now costs $8.49 a month and includes an extra three months free ($127.35 upfront for the first 15 months), a 72% saving. A Proton Unlimited one-year plan is currently 50% off and works out at $6.49 a month ($77.88 upfront).
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The biggest Black Friday discounts come with the two-year subscription plans. NordVPN is offering 77% off a NordVPN Prime two-year plan with three extra months free. This works out at just $6.89 a month ($186.03 upfront for the first 27 months). A Proton Unlimited two-year plan is $7.99 a month ($191.76 upfront), a smaller saving of 38%.
Note: Proton VPN already includes any applicable taxes in the prices listed. NordVPN’s taxes are only added at checkout. NordVPN's one and two-year subscriptions renew at $381.78 a year, whereas Proton VPN’s plans renew at $119.88 each year.
At $2 less per month, Proton Unlimited’s one-year deal is better value than the one year with NordVPN Prime. Over two years, NordVPN Prime is slightly more affordable and includes an extra three months free while offering US residents the added benefit of NordProtect. Just be careful not to get caught out by NordVPN’s significantly higher renewal rates.
Verdict
NordVPN and Proton VPN are quality VPNs that balance the performance and protection required for everyday browsing and streaming. If you’re looking for top-tier privacy products at an affordable price, Proton VPN’s Black Friday deal for one year of Proton Unlimited is a safe choice. Yet if you’re looking to try the best VPN at an even lower price, all while benefiting from unrivaled malware blocking and identity theft insurance, NordVPN is your best bet.
NordVPN Prime: now only $6.89/month + 3 months freeNordVPN Prime is NordVPN's most premium option, and the spread of features you get proves why. While it's not as cheap as Proton VPN for 1 year, a two-year plan is superb value and includes:
🔒 Threat Protection Pro, NordPass, and NordLocker🪪 NordProtect identity theft and cyber protection🔏 The best VPN experience available
While often this deal is too pricey for what you get, getting NordVPN Prime for under $7 per month is a steal if you'll make use of NordProtect. Plus, if you don't like it, you can make use of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Proton Unlimited: was $12.99, now only $6.49/month
While Proton Unlimited's features are slightly less impressive than those of NordVPN, its 1-year deal is superb value at the moment.
Giving you access to Proton's full suite of secure tools (and all the premium features they have), you'll rarely need to use Google again. If you're unsure, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee to help you try it risk-free.
View Deal Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. TOPICS Black Friday NordVPN
Mark GillSocial Links NavigationTech Security WriterMark is a Tech Security Writer for TechRadar and has been published on Comparitech and IGN. He graduated with a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Lincoln and spent several years teaching English as a foreign language in Spain. The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal sparked Mark’s interest in online privacy, leading him to write hundreds of articles on VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, and other cybersecurity topics. He recently completed the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, and when he's not studying for the CompTIA Security+ exam, Mark can be found agonizing over his fantasy football team selections, watching the Detroit Lions, and battling bugs and bots in Helldivers 2.
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