NordVPN is a consumer VPN with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Chrome, plus Scam and phishing protection (formerly Threat Protection), Meshnet, split tunneling, Dark Web Monitor and an optional dedicated IP. One account connects up to 10 devices at a time, and a router setup counts as one slot. People compare alternatives when they need more simultaneous connections, a different privacy model, open-source apps, or a sign-up that isn't tied to an email address.
Common reasons to look for a NordVPN alternative
An account connects up to 10 devices at the same time.
There is no free plan or free trial.
A dedicated IP is a paid add-on and is linked to your registered email.
Dedicated IP connections work over OpenVPN or NordLynx, not IKEv2.
Devices on the same server must each use a different protocol.
Ranked by Overall Score: our Editor Rating and Market Signal, 50/50. Market Signal uses Ahrefs and Semrush data through September 2026, pulled October 6 to 12, 2026. How we score
From $9.99/mo (1-month plan; longer plans cost less)Free plan
Why choose it: Someone who wants a VPN from the company behind Proton Mail, with Secure Core routing and a bundle that also covers mail, storage and passwords, can use Proton VPN or Proton Unlimited.
Strengths
• Secure Core routing and NetShield ad blocking.
• Proton Unlimited adds Mail, Drive and Pass premium tiers.
Why choose it: Users who want to block chosen ad and tracker domains on every device, and generate WireGuard or OpenVPN configs for routers, can use Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T. and config generators.
Strengths
• R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks chosen IPs and domains on all devices.
• Config generators for OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard.
• No limit on connected devices.
Limitations
• Team management needs a separate ScribeForce account.
Why choose it: A household or small team with more devices than a 10-connection limit allows can use Surfshark, which doesn't cap simultaneous connections.
Strengths
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections.
• Dynamic MultiHop and rotating IP on every plan.
• Bypasser split tunneling is included.
Limitations
• Antivirus and Incogni data removal need One or One+.
• Incogni coverage is limited to certain countries.
Why choose it: A user who wants RAM-only servers and the Lightway protocol, and the option to cover a whole home network through ExpressVPN's Fortify router, can look at ExpressVPN.
Strengths
• Lightway is ExpressVPN's own protocol.
• TrustedServer runs servers on RAM only.
• Up to 14 simultaneous connections.
Limitations
• Identity Defender is a US-only service.
• Fortify, the router that replaced Aircove, is a separate hardware purchase.
Why choose it: A privacy-first user who doesn't want to hand over an email address can open a Mullvad account with just an account number and pay with cash or Monero.
Why choose it: A technical user who wants open-source apps, port forwarding and per-app split tunneling, with no device cap, can use Private Internet Access.
Strengths
• The Windows app is fully open source.
• Port forwarding in selected server locations.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Limitations
• Port forwarding isn't available in every location.
Surfshark, Private Internet Access and Windscribe don't cap simultaneous connections, and ExpressVPN allows up to 14. Mullvad allows five per account. NordVPN's limit is 10, but a router running NordVPN uses only one slot while covering everything on that network, so a router setup can be enough for a busy household.
Is there a VPN that doesn't need an email address to sign up?⌄
Mullvad generates an account number when you sign up and doesn't ask for an email. It also accepts cash and cryptocurrencies, including Monero. By contrast, a NordVPN dedicated IP is linked to the email address on your account, which matters if keeping your identity separate from the IP you use is the goal.
Can I try NordVPN without paying?⌄
No. NordVPN has no free plan and no free trial. Its apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Chrome, so check device count and features such as Meshnet or a dedicated IP before buying, since those decide whether it fits better than the alternatives here.
