NordVPN is a strong default pick, but it’s not the only VPN worth considering for a location-independent ecommerce business. I run Ecommerce Paradise, where I teach high-ticket dropshipping, and different VPNs fit different priorities, whether that’s device limits, price, or raw speed.
Here are the alternatives to NordVPN genuinely worth considering in 2026.
| VPN | Starting Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | ~$2-3/mo | Multiple devices, budget | Unlimited simultaneous connections |
| ExpressVPN | ~$6-10/mo | Premium reliability | Consistently fast across all servers |
| PureVPN | ~$2-3/mo | Budget-conscious | Large server network at low cost |
Haven’t decided if NordVPN is right for you yet? Read my full NordVPN review first →
1. Surfshark: Best for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark runs roughly $2 to $3 a month and, unlike NordVPN’s 10-device cap, allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account. For a household or small team sharing one VPN subscription across multiple laptops and phones, that alone can justify the switch, and it also happens to be one of the cheaper options on this list.
2. ExpressVPN: Best for Premium Reliability
ExpressVPN runs roughly $6 to $10 a month, noticeably more than NordVPN, but delivers consistently fast speeds across its entire server network rather than just top-tier servers. If speed consistency matters more to you than price, ExpressVPN is worth the premium.
3. PureVPN: Best Budget Option
PureVPN runs roughly $2 to $3 a month and offers a large server network at a lower price point than NordVPN. According to PCMag’s VPN service comparisons, budget VPN providers in this price range have closed much of the performance gap with premium options over the past few years, making the price difference less of a real tradeoff than it used to be.
Best Alternative If You Share a VPN Across Devices
Surfshark wins here. Unlimited device connections on one account solves the exact problem NordVPN’s 10-device limit creates for a household or small team.
Best Alternative If Speed Is Your Top Priority
ExpressVPN is the stronger pick, since its consistency across all servers (not just flagship ones) matters more for video calls and large file transfers than NordVPN’s occasionally variable speeds on less popular server locations. Independent speed testing from TechRadar’s VPN reviews has repeatedly ranked ExpressVPN among the most consistent performers across its full server network rather than just a handful of flagship locations.
How I Evaluated These Alternatives
I compared current pricing, device limits, and server network size directly from each provider, weighted toward what actually matters for a high-ticket ecommerce operator working while traveling rather than a general consumer use case.
Do These Alternatives Support Streaming and Torrenting Like NordVPN?
Yes, all three alternatives on this list support streaming service access and torrenting, though NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature has historically had a slight edge unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms specifically. If streaming access is a priority, verify current unblocking performance directly before switching, since this changes frequently as services update their VPN detection.
According to CNET’s VPN service reviews, unblocking performance across all major providers fluctuates month to month as streaming platforms actively work to detect and block VPN traffic, so no single provider holds a permanent advantage here.
Budgeting a VPN Into Your Business Costs
If you are still working through business formation and financial planning, a VPN is a small enough recurring cost that the choice should come down to feature fit rather than price alone. Budget it alongside your other operating costs as standard overhead if you work while traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to NordVPN?
Surfshark for unlimited devices, ExpressVPN for premium speed consistency, and PureVPN if budget is your main concern.
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?
For households or teams sharing one subscription across many devices, yes. NordVPN’s server network and streaming features remain slightly stronger overall.
Is ExpressVPN worth the higher price?
If consistent speed across every server matters more to you than saving a few dollars a month, yes. Otherwise NordVPN offers comparable performance at a lower price.
Why would I choose PureVPN over NordVPN?
Lower price point with a comparably large server network. It’s a reasonable budget pick if cost is your primary constraint.
Can I switch VPN providers without losing my setup?
Yes, VPN subscriptions aren’t tied to your device or business setup, so switching between providers is as simple as canceling one and signing up for another.
Building a location-independent ecommerce business? See how my done-for-you store build service works →
Or grab my free beginner’s guide to see how tools like a VPN fit into a complete high-ticket dropshipping system.
Trevor Fenner is an ecommerce entrepreneur and the founder of Ecommerce Paradise, a platform focused on helping entrepreneurs build and scale profitable high-ticket ecommerce and dropshipping businesses. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Trevor specializes in high-ticket dropshipping strategy, niche and product selection, supplier recruiting and onboarding, Google & Bing Shopping ads, ecommerce SEO, and systems-driven automation and scaling. Through Ecommerce Paradise, he provides free education via in-depth guides like How to Start High-Ticket Dropshipping, advanced training through the High-Ticket Dropshipping Masterclass, and fully done-for-you turnkey ecommerce services for entrepreneurs who want a faster, more hands-off path to growth. Trevor is known for emphasizing sustainable, real-world ecommerce models over hype-driven tactics, helping store owners build scalable, sellable, and location-independent brands.
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