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Proton VPN vs NymVPN is the closest privacy match-up in our series. Both are Swiss, both publish audits and open-source apps, and both target privacy-minded users.
The differences are in design and speed: Proton is a fast conventional VPN with a free plan, while NymVPN adds a mixnet that hides metadata. This guide compares both in detail. Our NymVPN review covers the second service in depth.
Proton VPN vs NymVPN on Audits
Proton VPN has 5 audits by Securitum in our table, and its apps are open source.
NymVPN’s case rests on open code and repeated checks: Cure53 audited the apps in 2024, and three more reviewers examined parts of the system, Nym’s audit list shows. On proof, they are close: both have repeated outside checks and public code.
A Mixnet vs a Standard VPN
The mixnet is NymVPN’s defining feature. In Anonymous mode, packets travel through five hops mixed with dummy traffic, so observers struggle to match what goes in with what comes out.
Proton VPN has no mixnet, but its Secure Core servers route traffic through privacy-friendly countries first. That adds a hop without NymVPN’s cover traffic, so it protects against different threats.
Speed
Proton VPN lost 16% of its speed in CNET’s testing, our speed table records.
NymVPN is slow by design: Tom’s Guide found Anonymous mode too slow for normal browsing, and PCWorld found Fast mode hit-or-miss for streaming. For everyday speed, Proton VPN is the clear winner, while NymVPN trades speed for anonymity.
Two-Year Cost
Proton VPN Plus costs about $2.99 a month on two years, roughly $71.76 for the term, then about $83.88 a year, our tables record.
Monthly NymVPN costs $12.99, two years work out at $5.49 a month, and the blog now advertises plans from $2.39 a month. On long plans, both cost about the same after Nym’s price cut, though Proton also offers a free plan.
Free Use and Devices
Proton VPN has a free plan with no data cap, our refund table notes. Our Proton VPN free guide explains its limits.
NymVPN offers a free trial rather than a free plan, and covers up to 10 devices, VPNCentral reports. Only Proton VPN offers a permanent free plan, and it sets no data cap.
Jurisdiction and Ownership
Proton VPN has its base in Switzerland, outside the Fourteen Eyes, and is moving infrastructure to the EU, our audit table notes.
Nym Technologies has its base in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Both sit in Switzerland, outside the Fourteen Eyes, so jurisdiction does not separate them.
Security Features
Proton VPN includes a kill switch, Secure Core servers that route through privacy-friendly countries, and NetShield ad blocking on paid plans.
Open-source apps and a mixnet with cover traffic give NymVPN protections that go beyond encrypting the connection.
Platforms and Support
Proton VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and TVs. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Proton offers support through its help centre and tickets. Nym runs a support site and publishes technical notes openly.
Protocols and Streaming
Proton VPN supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, plus its Stealth protocol for blocked networks.
Fast mode runs AmneziaWG, a WireGuard fork built to resist blocking, while Anonymous mode uses Sphinx packets; Tom’s Guide also reports a QUIC disguise since November 2025. Proton is the more practical choice for streaming.
Which Is Better Value?
For most readers, Proton VPN gives more value: a free plan, faster speeds and audits. For metadata privacy, NymVPN offers protection Proton does not.
Over four years, Proton Plus renews near $83.88 a year, so the free plan remains the cheapest way to stay protected if your needs are light.
Which Plan to Pick
Start on Proton’s free plan; move to Plus on two years if you need speed, streaming or more locations. With NymVPN, the monthly plan is a low-risk test thanks to pro-rated refunds, and paying in NYM tokens halves the price.
Payment and Checkout
Before paying for either, read the renewal line at checkout and note the date. For NymVPN and Proton VPN alike, tax can raise the headline price.
Refunds
Proton VPN refunds within 30 days, our refund table records.
NymVPN refunds the unused part of your plan within 30 days. Proton refunds in full within 30 days; NymVPN refunds the unused part.
Who Each Is For
Proton VPN suits privacy-minded readers who want audits, a Swiss base and a genuine free plan. NymVPN suits journalists, activists and anyone who needs metadata privacy more than speed.
In short, Proton suits most privacy-minded readers; NymVPN suits those who face surveillance of their traffic patterns, such as journalists and activists.
What Else to Know About NymVPN
One more point: Nym’s network belongs to no single company: node operators run it and earn NYM tokens, which spreads trust widely.
What Else to Know About Proton VPN
Proton also sells Mail, Drive and Pass, and its Unlimited bundle includes the VPN. For the VPN alone, Plus is enough.
Testing Both
Try Proton VPN and NymVPN back to back on one connection. Then compare speed, the services you stream and a leak test, using our guide to checking if a VPN is working.
Switching Between Them
Switching is simple: set up the new VPN on every device, confirm it works, then cancel the old plan. Keep any refund deadline in mind.
Related pages on NymVPN cover NymVPN refund terms, Surfshark vs NymVPN, whether NymVPN is safe and what NymVPN costs.
Readers weighing similar options can also read Proton VPN vs Mysterium VPN.
How We Research
For this Proton VPN vs NymVPN comparison, Proton VPN’s audits, prices, devices, speed and refunds come from our tables. NymVPN’s figures come from our research for the NymVPN review, mainly Tom’s Guide’s NymVPN review, read on 21 October 2026. We do not run our own tests. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
Proton VPN vs NymVPN FAQ
NymVPN hides metadata with a mixnet; Proton is a fast audited VPN.
Yes, both have Swiss bases.
Proton VPN, with no data cap.
Proton VPN, by a wide margin.
Yes, both publish their app code.
The Verdict
Proton VPN vs NymVPN: both are audited, open source and Swiss. Choose Proton for speed, streaming and a free plan; choose NymVPN when hiding your traffic patterns matters most.