Proton VPN and NordVPN deliver top-notch security; you can’t go wrong with either. However, the providers differ in terms of the security features they support. Let’s dive into the details:
Protocols and Encryptions
Proton vpn and NordVPN support secure protocols and encryption ciphers. Proton VPN supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, Stealth and IKEv2 protocols, whereas NordVPN supports NordLynx and OpenVPN. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is a version of WireGuard.
NordVPN used to support IKEv2 on its apps, but the option is no longer available. However, you can install NordVPN’s IKEv2 manually.
NordVPN supports NordLynx, OpenVPN and IKEv2 VPN protocols.
OpenVPN and IKEv2 use AES 256-bit encryption to create a virtually unbreachable encrypted tunnel. AES-256 is a robust cipher that’s theoretically more difficult to decipher than other AES versions. NordLynx and WireGuard are lightweight protocols that use ChaCha20 encryption to deliver solid security and faster speeds. The Stealth protocol also uses ChaCha20.
Kill Switch
Both providers offer an internet kill switch, which disables your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. The kill switch provides always-on protection, ensuring no data leaks occur if the power flickers or the VPN malfunctions.
Proton VPN’s permanent kill switch blocks internet access when the VPN is disconnected.
In addition to the internet kill switch, NordVPN has an app kill switch, which lets you designate apps to quit when the VPN disconnects. Similarly, Proton VPN has an additional kill switch called a permanent kill switch. When activated, the permanent kill switch blocks internet access on your device when the VPN is not connected.
Obfuscation
Obfuscation removes the VPN metadata from your VPN traffic, making it look like regular HTTPS traffic. This enables users in restrictive regimes to use a VPN without being noticed. It also helps bypass geoblocks on websites that usually block VPN users.
Proton VPN doesn’t support obfuscation. On the other hand, NordVPN offers specialty obfuscated servers in 16 countries. You have to connect to one of these servers to obfuscate your connection.
When it comes to extra security features, NordVPN has the better suite. NordVPN’s threat protection thwarts ads and trackers that ad-tech companies use to build your online profile and target you. Threat protection also includes a file protection tool that scans newly downloaded files and removes infected ones to protect your device from malware and virus infections.
Besides blocking ads, trackers and malware, threat protection
alerts you when it detects a vulnerable app.
The vulnerability detection feature alerts you when it detects a vulnerable app. NordVPN also offers a dark web monitor, which scours dark web marketplaces for data associated with your email address and alerts you if it finds a hit.
Proton VPN’s suite of extra security features is limited to NetShield, which offers two levels of protection. The first level blocks domains that host spyware, malware and malicious software from loading on your browser. The second level blocks ads and online trackers.
