Free VPN vs NordVPN
Looking for a free NordVPN alternative with no sign-up? Here’s how Free VPN and NordVPN compare on accounts, privacy, prices and features, from each app’s US App Store listing.
Checked from the App Store
Quick answer
Free VPN needs no account, while NordVPN requires you to log in. Free VPN's App Store privacy label says Data Not Collected; NordVPN's lists Data Linked to You and Data Not Linked to You. Free VPN is a 67.1 MB download versus 251.3 MB for NordVPN. Free VPN has a free, ad-supported tier, and Premium costs $9.89 a week, $12.49 a month or $84.99 a year in the US; NordVPN's listing shows $11.99–$13.99 a month, $83.99–$99.99 a year. Only Free VPN lets you pick a specific service, such as Netflix or ChatGPT, and connect to a server for it. Both list ad blocking.
Why people choose Free VPN over NordVPN
- No account needed. Free VPN connects without an email or sign-up; NordVPN asks you to log in first.
- “Data Not Collected” privacy label. NordVPN’s label lists Data Linked to You (Contact Info, Identifiers) · Data Not Linked to You (Contact Info, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics).
- Choose a service, not just a country. Pick Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ChatGPT and more in Free VPN; NordVPN offers country and server selection.
- 73% smaller download. 67.1 MB versus 251.3 MB.
- Weekly, monthly or yearly. Free VPN offers all three; NordVPN’s listing shows no weekly plan.
- Runs on older iPhones. iOS 15.0 and later; NordVPN needs iOS 17.0.
Free VPN vs NordVPN at a glance
| Feature |  Free VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up to start | Not requiredNo account, email or sign-up | RequiredYou log in to an account before connecting |
| App Store privacy label | Data not collectedAs reported by the developer on the App Store | Data linked to youData Linked to You (Contact Info, Identifiers) · Data Not Linked to You (Contact Info, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics) |
| Pick a specific service | YesPick a service such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer or ChatGPT and connect | NoCountry and server selection |
| Ad blocking | YesSuper Ad Block filters known ads and trackers across apps (Premium) | YesTracker and ad blocking, depending on device and plan |
| App size | 67.1 MBDownload size on the App Store | 251.3 MBDownload size on the App Store |
| Minimum iOS | iOS 15.0 | iOS 17.0 |
| Weekly plan | $9.89 | Not listed |
| Monthly plan | $12.49 | $11.99–$13.99 |
| Yearly plan | $84.99 | $83.99–$99.99 |
Plan prices are US App Store prices. Free VPN shows its current Premium prices; for NordVPN, the range of prices Apple lists for that billing period.
Where NordVPN may suit you
- A lower listed yearly price, from $83.99 (Free VPN: $84.99).
- A lower listed monthly price, from $11.99 (Free VPN: $12.49).
- Ad blocking is listed: tracker and ad blocking, depending on device and plan.
From NordVPN’s App Store listing
In its description
- Sign-up“Download, login, and connect”
- Ad blocking“tracker and ad blocking, and other features available within the NordVPN app, depending on your device and the plan you choose”
In-app purchases Apple shows
- 1 year plan for the best price$99.99
- 12-Month Plan$83.99
- NordVPN: 1-month plan$13.99
- NordVPN: 1-month plan$13.99
- 1-Month Plan$11.99
- NordVPN: 1-month plan$13.99
- NordVPN: 1-month plan$13.99
- 1 Month$11.99
- 1-month plan$11.99
- NordVPN: 1-month plan$13.99
NordVPN: VPN Fast & Secure on the App Store · Developer: Nordvpn S.A.
Free VPN vs NordVPN: common questions
Does NordVPN require an account?
Yes. NordVPN's App Store listing says: “Download, login, and connect”. Free VPN needs no account, email or sign-up.
Is Free VPN cheaper than NordVPN?
NordVPN's US App Store listing shows $11.99–$13.99 a month, $83.99–$99.99 a year. Free VPN Premium is $9.89 a week, $12.49 a month or $84.99 a year in the US, and its free tier costs nothing.
Which is smaller, Free VPN or NordVPN?
Free VPN is 67.1 MB on the App Store; NordVPN is 251.3 MB.
Can I pick a specific service like Netflix or ChatGPT?
In Free VPN, yes: open Services and choose the service you want to use. NordVPN offers country and server selection.
Is Free VPN a good free alternative to NordVPN?
If you want to start without an account, yes: Free VPN has a free, ad-supported tier with no email or sign-up, its App Store privacy label says Data Not Collected, and you can choose a specific service to connect to. Premium removes ads and adds Boost Speed and Super Ad Block.
More comparisons
Try Free VPN. No sign-up.
Free forever, ad-supported. Premium is optional and priced for where you live.
Every competitor fact on this page comes from that app’s public US App Store listing, checked 13 Nov 2026: its description, App Privacy label, size, minimum iOS version and the in-app purchases Apple shows (up to 10). Privacy labels are self-reported by each developer and not verified by Apple. Prices, plans and features change, and some depend on the plan or device. NordVPN is a trademark of its owner; Free VPN is not affiliated with it.