Compare Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN, and NordVPN: Which App is the Best?
Aloha Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser with 10M+ downloads and 4.8/5 rating, offering built-in VPN, ad blocking, and video downloading features, though it has faced some recent connection issues and download problems. | NordVPN is a premium VPN service with 100M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering advanced security features, fast speeds, and a global server network, though it comes with a higher price point and some connection stability issues. | Proton VPN is a premium privacy-focused VPN service with Swiss-based privacy protection, independent audits, and an excellent free tier that offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.4 | 7.3 | 8.3 Winner in this category |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Aloha Browser VPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its all-in-one positioning. The service includes built-in VPN functionality, ad blocking, video downloading capabilities, and file management tools. The combination of browser and VPN functionality provides users with a complete privacy solution in one app. What sets Aloha Browser VPN apart is its unique approach to privacy browsing, offering built-in VPN access, ad blocking, and video downloading capabilities. The service also includes advanced features like Wi-Fi file sharing, secure vault for passwords, and gesture controls for enhanced user experience. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN offers significantly more features, but the connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need comprehensive privacy features. | 8.5 NordVPN offers an impressive array of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols like NordLynx (based on WireGuard). The kill switch protection, double VPN, and split tunneling provide comprehensive security options for different use cases. What sets NordVPN apart is its specialized server network, including servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and enhanced privacy. Unlike Proton VPN which offers a free tier with limited servers, NordVPN provides access to 7,000+ servers across 60+ countries. The service also includes Threat Protection for ad and malware blocking, which adds value beyond basic VPN functionality. The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously is generous for most users. However, some advanced features like Meshnet (which was recently discontinued) and certain specialized servers may not be available in all regions. The service also lacks some cutting-edge features found in newer VPN providers, but it covers all the essential security and privacy needs effectively. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN offers significantly more features, but the premium pricing means users need to evaluate whether these additional capabilities justify the cost. | 9.0 Proton VPN delivers an exceptional set of features that prioritize privacy and security over flashy functionality. The app's feature set is comprehensive and focused on providing genuine privacy protection, which aligns perfectly with its target audience of privacy-conscious users. Key features we found most valuable include:
Proton VPN excels in providing advanced privacy features that are typically only available in premium VPNs. The free tier offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads, which is exceptional in the VPN market. The premium features are genuinely useful and not just cosmetic add-ons. While the core features are excellent, some limitations affect the overall experience. The free tier has limited server locations, and some users report connection issues. However, these limitations are reasonable for a privacy-focused service. For users who need advanced privacy features, Proton VPN offers the most comprehensive solution available. Alternatives like NordVPN provide more server locations, while Thunder VPN offers a more user-friendly free experience. We rate features at 9.0 out of 10—excellent privacy-focused features with genuine value for privacy-conscious users. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Aloha Browser VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent browsing speeds and VPN functionality, but the frequent connection problems and download issues make it difficult to use reliably. The service works well for basic browsing and privacy protection when connected, but many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection stability issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a privacy-focused service, but Aloha Browser VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the privacy-focused positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. | 6.0 NordVPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that impact usability. The service offers fast connection speeds with the NordLynx protocol, and the extensive server network provides good coverage for most use cases. The service works well for streaming and geo-blocking when connected. However, the service's performance is significantly impacted by connection stability issues. Many users report frequent disconnections, slow connection times, and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The auto-connect feature doesn't work reliably, and some users experience issues with the app not connecting at all. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing. Users expect reliability and performance from a paid service, but NordVPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the premium pricing, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. | 7.0 Proton VPN's performance presents a mixed picture that reflects the challenges of maintaining a privacy-focused VPN service. While the app can deliver good connections when working properly, some users report performance issues that impact the overall experience. Performance strengths include:
However, some performance issues undermine the user experience:
User reviews reveal mixed experiences, with some users praising the app's performance while others report connection issues. The app's focus on privacy over performance may be impacting server quality and maintenance. For users seeking reliable performance, alternatives like NordVPN offer more consistent performance with better server maintenance, while Thunder VPN provides more user-friendly performance. We rate performance at 7.0 out of 10—good performance when working but some connection issues and speed limitations that impact the overall experience. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Aloha Browser VPN's interface strikes an excellent balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to browsing controls, VPN settings, and key features. The VPN toggle is easily accessible, and the interface is clean and modern. The app's design is intuitive and well-organized, with clear navigation between browser and VPN functionality. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is well-structured. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features. The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about connection status and app performance. The design reflects the all-in-one positioning of the service, making it easy for users to switch between browsing and VPN functionality. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. Winner in this category | 7.5 NordVPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The map-based server selection is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries. The app's design is clean and professional, with a dark theme that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed. However, some users have reported issues with the interface, particularly around server selection and connection management. The app can sometimes feel clunky when switching between servers, and the connection process isn't always as smooth as advertised. The recent interface updates have received mixed feedback from users. Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's design is competitive but not exceptional. The interface is functional and professional, but it lacks some of the polish and refinement found in newer VPN services. | 8.5 Proton VPN's design philosophy centers on functionality and privacy over flashy aesthetics, which works well for its target audience of privacy-conscious users. The interface is clean, professional, and focuses on providing clear information about privacy and security features. Design strengths we observed include:
The design experience is significantly better than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN, with no advertising interruptions. Users consistently praise the app's clean interface and professional appearance, making it one of the most trustworthy-looking VPNs available. While the core interface design is excellent, some users find the interface less intuitive than more user-friendly alternatives. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall design quality. For users who value a clean, professional interface, Proton VPN offers one of the best experiences available. Alternatives like Thunder VPN offer more user-friendly design, while NordVPN provides a more modern interface. We rate design at 8.5 out of 10—excellent design principles with professional aesthetics that inspire trust and confidence. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Aloha Browser VPN's value proposition is strong, with a generous free tier and comprehensive features for a competitive price. The service offers excellent value for money compared to other browsers, with the ability to get built-in VPN functionality for free being a significant advantage. The service's pricing is competitive with other privacy-focused browsers, and the generous free tier makes it particularly attractive for users who want to try the service before committing to a paid plan. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic browsing functionality. However, the service's value is impacted by recent connection issues and download problems. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN offers more features but at a similar cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. | 6.5 NordVPN's value proposition is mixed, with strong security features but questionable reliability for the premium price. The service offers comprehensive security features, extensive server network, and good performance when working properly. The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously is generous for most users. However, the service's value is significantly impacted by connection stability issues and customer service challenges. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, but the connection issues make it difficult to justify the cost. Users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection problems might find value in the service, but those seeking reliability and performance might be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. | 8.5 Proton VPN's value proposition is excellent for privacy-conscious users, offering a genuinely useful free service with no ads and comprehensive privacy protection. The app provides exceptional value for users who prioritize privacy over cost. Value strengths include:
The free tier's value is exceptional, offering unlimited bandwidth with no ads and comprehensive privacy protection. However, some limitations affect the overall value:
The premium pricing is higher than some competitors, but the Swiss-based privacy protection and independent audits justify the cost for privacy-conscious users. Premium VPN services like NordVPN offer more comprehensive features for similar pricing, while Thunder VPN provides a more user-friendly free experience. For users seeking genuine privacy protection, Proton VPN offers exceptional value. Alternatives like NordVPN provide more server locations, while Thunder VPN offers a more user-friendly free experience. We rate value for money at 8.5 out of 10—excellent value for privacy-conscious users with exceptional free tier and premium features that justify the cost. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Aloha Browser VPN is generally easy to use for basic browsing and VPN functionality, with a simple interface that requires no technical knowledge. The app's design is intuitive, and most users can get started quickly without any setup or configuration. The service offers automatic VPN connection and browsing features, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the browsing experience is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection issues and download problems. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the VPN not working reliably. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a privacy-focused service. Winner in this category | 7.0 NordVPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without technical knowledge. The automatic server selection works well for most use cases, and the connection process is straightforward. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by several factors. Many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably. The connection process isn't always as smooth as expected from a premium service. The service also lacks some user-friendly features found in competitors. The server selection process can be confusing, and the app doesn't always provide clear feedback about connection status. Some users report issues with the kill switch not working properly, which can compromise security. Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience, and the connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a paid service. | 7.5 Proton VPN provides good usability with its one-tap connection approach, though the interface is more complex than simpler alternatives. The core functionality is straightforward, but the advanced features require some technical knowledge to use effectively. Usability strengths include:
However, the ease of use is somewhat compromised by the complexity of advanced features. Some users find the interface less intuitive than more user-friendly alternatives, and the advanced privacy features require some technical knowledge to configure properly. While the core interface is generally easy to use, the complexity of advanced features may overwhelm casual users. For users seeking a truly simple VPN experience, alternatives like Thunder VPN offer a more user-friendly interface, while NordVPN provides a more intuitive experience. We rate ease of use at 7.5 out of 10—good core usability with professional interface, but complexity of advanced features may overwhelm casual users. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Aloha Browser VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with built-in VPN functionality and ad blocking capabilities. The service includes basic encryption and privacy protection features. The secure vault for passwords and private browsing mode provide additional security options. The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a browser-based solution, with built-in VPN access and ad blocking. The service also includes advanced features like secure file sharing and password protection for enhanced security and privacy protection. However, Aloha Browser VPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices and VPN reliability. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's data practices and connection stability. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features. | 8.0 NordVPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and NordLynx. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops. The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. NordVPN is based in Panama, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like double VPN and split tunneling for enhanced security. However, NordVPN has faced some security concerns in the past, including a data breach in 2019. While the company has since improved its security practices, some users remain concerned about the service's track record. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers. Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features. | 9.5 Proton VPN's security and privacy practices represent the gold standard in the VPN industry, offering exceptional protection that goes far beyond basic VPN services. The app's commitment to privacy and security is unmatched by competitors. Security strengths include:
Proton VPN excels in providing genuine privacy protection that goes beyond marketing claims. The Swiss-based privacy protection and independent audits provide unmatched transparency and trust. Users consistently praise the app's privacy features and security practices. For users who prioritize privacy and security, Proton VPN offers the most comprehensive solution available. Alternatives like NordVPN provide good privacy protection, while Thunder VPN offers basic privacy features. We rate security and privacy at 9.5 out of 10—exceptional privacy protection with independent verification and transparent practices that inspire complete trust. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Aloha Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser that offers excellent convenience with built-in VPN functionality and comprehensive features, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection issues and download problems. The service provides good privacy protection and convenience, but the connection problems and download issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives.
For users who prioritize convenience and are willing to work within the app's limitations, Aloha Browser VPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking specialized VPN functionality or experiencing connection issues might find better value with dedicated VPN services like Proton VPN that offer more reliable performance.
Ultimately, Aloha Browser VPN's all-in-one approach and built-in VPN functionality make it a good choice for users seeking convenience, but the connection stability issues and download problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Brave Browser VPN that offer similar features with better performance. | NordVPN is a premium VPN service that offers comprehensive security features and extensive server coverage, but its value proposition is compromised by connection stability issues and customer service challenges. The service provides good security and privacy protection, but the frequent disconnections and reliability problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives.
For users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection issues, NordVPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking reliability and consistent performance might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better stability, or Thunder VPN for a more user-friendly free experience.
Ultimately, NordVPN's premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. While the service offers good security features, the connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost over free alternatives that provide similar performance with fewer limitations. | Proton VPN represents the gold standard for privacy-focused VPN services, offering exceptional privacy protection with Swiss-based privacy laws and independent security audits. While the app delivers on its core promise of secure, private VPN access with no ads, some users report connection issues and speed limitations that may impact the overall experience. The app's exceptional popularity (50M+ downloads, 4.7-star rating) reflects genuine demand for privacy-focused VPN services, and many users do find value in its comprehensive privacy protection. However, the recent rating decline (4.7 to 4.04 in last 100 reviews) and increasing complaints about connection issues suggest that the service may be experiencing some technical challenges. For users who prioritize privacy over performance, Proton VPN provides the most comprehensive privacy protection available. For users seeking a more user-friendly VPN experience, Thunder VPN offers a more intuitive interface with better performance, while NordVPN provides more comprehensive features with better reliability. For those who prioritize privacy above all else, Proton VPN remains the best choice available. |
| Our Recommendation | |||
