Compare Proton VPN, NordVPN, and VPN Proxy Master: Which App is the Best?
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. | VPN Proxy Master is a popular free VPN service with 100M+ downloads and 4.8/5 rating, offering unlimited free access and 6,700+ servers, though it comes with significant advertising and connection stability issues. | |
| 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. | 7.3 | 8.3 Winner in this category | 5.8 |
| 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. | 8.5 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 | 7.0 VPN Proxy Master offers a solid set of features for a free VPN service, with unlimited data access and an extensive server network of 6,700+ servers worldwide. The service includes military-grade encryption, multiple VPN protocols (IPsec, ISSR, OpenVPN, SSR), and support for up to 10 devices simultaneously. What sets VPN Proxy Master apart is its completely free tier with no data caps or time limits, making it accessible to users who cannot afford premium VPN services. Unlike Proton VPN without ads, VPN Proxy Master relies on heavy advertising. The service offers good server coverage for basic geo-blocking and content access, and the one-tap connection interface makes it easy to use for beginners. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in premium VPNs, such as kill switch protection, split tunneling, and specialized servers for streaming or torrenting. The free model also means limited customer support and no advanced security features that premium services typically offer. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master offers more generous free features but with significant limitations in terms of reliability and user experience. The service provides basic VPN functionality but cannot compete with premium alternatives in terms of advanced features. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 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 | 5.0 VPN Proxy Master's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and server coverage, but the frequent disconnections and advertising make it difficult to use reliably. The service works well for basic geo-blocking and content access when connected, but many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The advertising also impacts performance, making the app slow and unresponsive at times. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the free model. Users expect basic functionality from a free service, but VPN Proxy Master's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with better performance. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's performance is below average. The connection stability issues and advertising make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer similar features with better performance and fewer limitations. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 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 | 5.5 VPN Proxy Master's interface is simple and functional, with a clean design that focuses on ease of use. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls and server selection, making it easy for users to connect to the VPN with minimal technical knowledge. The app's design is straightforward with a dark theme and clear connection status indicators. The server selection process is intuitive, and the one-tap connection feature works as advertised. The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options. However, the design is significantly impacted by excessive advertising that can make the app practically unusable. Many users report that ads interfere with the core functionality, and the app can become slow and unresponsive due to the heavy ad load. The advertising also affects the overall user experience and makes the interface feel cluttered. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's design is basic but functional. The interface works for basic VPN needs, but the excessive advertising significantly detracts from the user experience and makes it difficult to recommend over alternatives with cleaner interfaces. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 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 | 6.0 VPN Proxy Master's value proposition is mixed, with the completely free tier offering good value for basic VPN needs, but the advertising and connection issues significantly impact the overall value. The service provides unlimited free access with no data caps, which is generous compared to other free VPNs. The service offers good server coverage and basic VPN functionality without requiring payment, making it accessible to users who cannot afford premium VPN services. Unlike Proton VPN without ads, VPN Proxy Master relies on heavy advertising. The free tier includes most essential features needed for basic geo-blocking and content access. However, the service's value is significantly impacted by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. Many users report that the ads make the app practically unusable, and the frequent connection drops reduce the practical value of the free service. The premium subscription is necessary for a usable experience, but the pricing is competitive with other VPN services. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master offers more generous free features but with significant limitations. The advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with fewer limitations. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 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 | 6.0 VPN Proxy Master is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration. The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require registration or account creation, which simplifies the setup process. The connection process is straightforward and works well when the service is functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is significantly compromised by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. Many users report that ads interfere with the connection process, and the app can become slow and unresponsive due to the heavy ad load. The frequent connection drops also make the service frustrating to use. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with fewer limitations. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 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 | 5.5 VPN Proxy Master offers basic security features with military-grade encryption and multiple VPN protocols, but the free model raises significant privacy concerns. The service uses AES-128 encryption and supports various protocols including IPsec, ISSR, OpenVPN, and SSR. The service claims to have a no-logs policy, but the free model and heavy advertising raise questions about data collection and user privacy. The service is based in Singapore, which provides some legal protection, but the free model means the service needs to monetize through other means, potentially compromising user privacy. However, the service has faced criticism for privacy concerns, particularly around data collection and the free model. Many users report concerns about the service's data practices, and the heavy advertising suggests significant data collection for targeted ads. The service also lacks transparency about its data practices and privacy policies. Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's security practices are questionable. The free model and heavy advertising make it difficult to trust the service with sensitive data, and users seeking privacy protection would be better served by alternatives with more transparent privacy practices. |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | 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. | VPN Proxy Master offers a completely free VPN service with an extensive server network, but its value proposition is severely compromised by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. The service provides basic VPN functionality for users who can tolerate the ads and connection problems, but the overall user experience is significantly impacted by these limitations.
For users seeking a reliable free VPN solution, VPN Proxy Master's advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives like Proton VPN that offer more stable free tiers. While the service offers unlimited free access, the practical usability is limited by the heavy advertising and frequent disconnections.
Ultimately, VPN Proxy Master's free model comes with significant trade-offs that may outweigh the benefits for most users. Those seeking a reliable VPN experience would be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN that offer more stable free tiers or are willing to pay for premium services that provide better performance and fewer limitations. |
| Our Recommendation | |||
