Proton Pass vs NordPass
Two privacy-focused password managers from two different companies โ here's how they actually differ.
Proton Pass and NordPass are both built by companies that made their name on privacy and security first โ Proton with its Mail/VPN suite, Nord with NordVPN. But they take different approaches: one prioritises open-source transparency, the other aggressive pricing at scale.
| Proton Pass | NordPass | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Open-source, audited | Closed-source, audited (Deloitte) |
| Encryption | AES-256 | XChaCha20 |
| Incident history | None | 2018 server breach, disclosed 2019 |
| Price (yearly plan) | ~$1.99/mo | ~$1.59/mo on a 2-year term |
| Ecosystem | Mail, VPN, Drive, Calendar | NordVPN, NordLocker |
| Best for | Maximum trust and privacy | Best price at scale |
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Pick Proton Pass if open-source code, a clean security record and the option to bundle it with a full privacy suite (Mail, VPN, Drive) matter more to you than shaving off a dollar a month.
Pick NordPass if you already use NordVPN, want the lowest price on a 2-year commitment, and are comfortable with a closed-source app that has a repeated independent audit history despite a disclosed 2018 incident.
FAQ
Is Proton Pass more secure than NordPass?
Both use strong, modern encryption and a zero-knowledge design. Proton Pass has a cleaner incident history and open-source clients; NordPass has repeated independent no-logs/security audits despite one disclosed past breach. For most people, either is secure enough โ the difference is trust model, not raw strength.
Can I import my passwords from one to the other?
Yes. Both support standard CSV/JSON export-import, so switching between them takes minutes, not hours.
Which one has a better family plan?
NordPass tends to be cheaper for a family plan; Proton Pass's value comes from bundling with the rest of the Proton suite if you'd use that anyway.