Free Alternatives to NordVPN
No Subscription Needed
Stop paying $12.99/month for NordVPN. These free and open-source alternatives give you the core features without the subscription.
NordVPN at $5/month ($60/year) provides VPN service. WireGuard is a free, open-source VPN protocol. Proton VPN has a free tier with no data limits. For self-hosting, Algo is a set of scripts that deploys a VPN server in the cloud. The VPN market is based on well-established protocols that are free and open-source — you're paying for convenience, not technology.
The following free and open-source alternatives have been evaluated for features, usability, and long-term viability. Each one eliminates the $$12.99/month subscription cost while keeping the core functionality you need.
How Much You Save
Switching to a free alternative saves you $155.88/year — $467.64 over 3 years
NordVPN costs
$155.88/yr
3-year cost
$467.64
Free alternative
$0
Free Alternatives Comparison
Detailed Alternatives
WireGuard
Top PickFast, modern VPN protocol. Self-host on your own server for free, unlimited VPN.
What you gain
- +Fastest VPN protocol
- +Self-hostable
- +No subscription
- +Full control
What you lose
- −Requires server setup
- −No GUI by default
- −Need technical knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free alternatives to NordVPN any good?
Yes, many free alternatives to NordVPN are excellent. The top pick is used by millions of people and offers most of the core features that NordVPN provides, without any cost.
What is the best free alternative to NordVPN?
The best free alternative depends on your needs. GIMP is the most popular free option that can replace NordVPN for most users. It has an active community and regular updates.
Is free software safe to use?
Free and open-source software is often safer than proprietary alternatives because the code is publicly auditable. Many of the alternatives listed above are open source, meaning their code is transparent and community-reviewed.
Will I lose features by switching to a free alternative?
You may lose some advanced or niche features, but free alternatives cover the core functionality most users need. The trade-off is worth it for the cost savings — $155.88/year that stays in your pocket.
Can I switch back to NordVPN if I don't like the free alternative?
Absolutely. Most free alternatives can export your data in standard formats, making it easy to switch back or try another option. There's no lock-in with free software.
Related Free Alternatives
Ready to stop paying for NordVPN?
These free alternatives let you own your tools without spending a dime.