NordVPN Review

Updated Mar 14, 2024
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Written By

VPNGuide
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NordVPN

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs

User Rating
4.8
Expert Rating
7.5/10
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Our Research

Nord VPN is a virtual private network service provider that offers online privacy and security solutions to users. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Panama. Nord VPN has over 14 million users worldwide and offers services for desktop, mobile, and browser applications.

 

One of Nord VPN’s key features is its strict no-logs policy, which means that the company does not collect or store any user data. This is an important feature for users who are concerned about their online privacy and want to keep their internet activity private.

 

In addition to its no-logs policy, Nord VPN offers features such as double VPN, which encrypts data twice for added security, and a kill switch, which automatically disconnects the user from the internet if the VPN connection drops.

 

Overall, Nord VPN is a popular and trusted virtual private network service provider that offers robust security and privacy features to its users

NordVPN Category Rating
Expert Rating:
7.5/10
Streaming
7
Speed
7
Privacy and Logging
4
Security & Features
5
Price and Value
8
Torrenting
6
Server Locations
6
Bypassing Censorship
7
Device and OS compatibility
8
Ease of Use
7
NordVPN Key Features
Data capUnlimitedSpeed(in MBPS)98
Logging PolicyNoData LeaksNo
JurisdicstionPanama (Privacy Haven)Servers56131
IP Addresses5613Countries59
US NextflixYesTorrentingPartially
Simul. Connection6Works In ChinaNo
Kill SwitchYesCheapest Price$3.29
Money Back Guarantee(in Days)30VPN Sitehttps://nordvpn.com/
Why Trust Our Review?
We’ve spent thousands of hours testing and reviewing 56 VPN services using our impartial review process to recommend you the best VPN software.
Our Research Methodology

30,000+

VPN Services Reviewd

30,000+

How Much We’ve Spent On Testing

30,000+

Weekly Speed Tests

30,000+

Streaming Platform Tests Daily

30,000+

IP & DNS Leak Tests Performed

30,000+

Total Hours of Testing

NordVPN: Quick Look
Before reading our comprehensive NordVPN test results, see our short video showing the VPN’s software.

NordVPN Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Advanced security features, including 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
  • Large server network in more than 59 countries.
  • Fast and reliable connections, with the option to use the NordLynx protocol for faster speeds.
  • Compatibility with a range of devices and operating systems.

Cons

  • Pricier compared to some other VPN services.
  • Some past incidents of security vulnerabilities, although the company has taken steps to address and improve its security measures.
  • Limited customer support options.
  • Automatic renewal of subscriptions can result in unwanted charges.
  • Advanced security features, including 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
  • Large server network in more than 59 countries.
  • Fast and reliable connections, with the option to use the NordLynx protocol for faster speeds.
  • Compatibility with a range of devices and operating systems.
  • Pricier compared to some other VPN services.
  • Some past incidents of security vulnerabilities, although the company has taken steps to address and improve its security measures.
  • Limited customer support options.
  • Automatic renewal of subscriptions can result in unwanted charges.

Launched in 2012, Nord VPN is a VPN service provider that has gained a reputation for being a reliable and secure option for users seeking online privacy and security. One of the key features that set Nord VPN apart from other VPN providers is its commitment to security. Nord VPN uses strong encryption protocols to protect its users’ online activity, and it offers features like Double VPN and CyberSec that provide additional layers of security.

 

In addition to its security features, Nord VPN also boasts a vast server network. With over 5,600 servers in 59 countries, users have access to a wide range of locations and can choose the server that’s closest to their physical location for faster connection speeds. This server network also allows users to access content that may be restricted in their location, making it an ideal choice for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content.

Who Should Get NordVPN

Get NordVPN if:

    • Users who are concerned about online privacy.
    • Users who frequently use public Wi-Fi.
    • Users who want to access geo-restricted content.
    • Users who want to avoid ISP throttling.

Avoid NordVPN if:

    • Users who don’t frequently use the internet.
    • Users who trust their internet service provider.
    • Users who only use secure networks.
  • Users who are concerned about online privacy.
  • Users who frequently use public Wi-Fi.
  • Users who want to access geo-restricted content.
  • Users who want to avoid ISP throttling.
  • Users who don’t frequently use the internet.
  • Users who trust their internet service provider.
  • Users who only use secure networks.

Streaming

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
7/10

Nord VPN is a reliable virtual private network (VPN) service provider that is known for its ability to stream US Netflix and other services efficiently. With its vast server network, Nord VPN allows users to connect to a server in the US and access US Netflix content from anywhere in the world. Nord VPN can also efficiently stream other streaming services, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Nord VPN’s fast connection speeds, optimized servers for streaming, and ability to bypass geo-restrictions make it an ideal choice for users who want to stream their favorite content from anywhere in the world.

Streaming service Does it work
Netflix Yes
Amazon Prime Video Yes
HBO Max Yes
BBC iPlayer Yes
Hulu Yes
YouTube Yes

 

Nord VPN can access US Netflix & nine other regions

The table shows the countries where NordVPN was tested for streaming Netflix and the speed test results for each server location. These tests were conducted to evaluate NordVPN’s speed and streaming capabilities when using the VPN to access the Netflix libraries in different countries. The results indicate that NordVPN’s servers delivered fast speeds across multiple countries, making it an excellent choice for users who want to stream their favorite content on Netflix while using a VPN.

Country Server Speed test (Mbps)
United States Chicago 95.12
United Kingdom London 90.53
Australia Perth 91.94
Brazil Sao Paulo 95.21
Germany Berlin 89.23
France Paris 88.11
Japan Tokyo 90.82
Netherlands Amsterdam 85.47
Italy Milan 93.96

 

One drawback of NordVPN for Netflix is that it may not always work to bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions. While NordVPN has a vast server network and can efficiently stream US Netflix and other services, there have been instances where NordVPN users have reported difficulties accessing Netflix content from certain regions. This is because Netflix is constantly updating its technology to detect and block VPN services from accessing its content libraries.

How Fast Does Nord VPN Operate?

Extremely fast and consistent

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
7/10

Nord VPN’s fast and consistent performance is particularly useful for users who want to stream video content or engage in online activities that require fast and reliable internet connections. Additionally, Nord VPN’s fast connection speeds make it an excellent choice for users who want to avoid ISP throttling or reduce lag time during online gaming.

Country Servers Download Speed Upload Speed Pings
United States 93.57 Mbps 89.52 Mbps 194 ms
Brazil 96.92 Mbps 38.58 Mbps 487 ms
Germany 90.59 Mbps 25.67 Mbps 124 ms
United Kingdom 92.84 Mbps 97.67 Mbps 265 ms
Hong Kong 91 Mbps 93.09 Mbps 112 ms
Japan 92.25 Mbps 93.41 Mbps 156 ms
Singapore 89.59 Mbps 98.09 Mbps 84 ms
Israel 92.09 Mbps 87.75 Mbps 477 ms
Australia 91 Mbps 91.25 Mbps 131 ms

 

Fast Ping for Lag-Free Gaming

Nord VPN is a great option for lag-free gaming, as it offers fast ping times and reliable connections. When playing online games, ping time is an important factor that can affect game performance, and Nord VPN’s optimized servers for gaming and fast connection speeds can help reduce lag time and improve the overall gaming experience.

Privacy & Logging Policy

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
4/10

Nord VPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that the VPN service does not collect or store any logs of its users’ online activity.

Data Type Logged by Nord VPN Data Type Logged by Nord VPN
Browsing Activity No No. of Sim. Connections No
Device Information No Originating IP Address No
DNS Queries No Personal Information No
Individual Bandwidth Usage No VPN Server IP No
Ind. Connection Timestamps No VPN Server Location No
ISP No Date of Last Connection No

Nord VPN has a strict no-logging policy, which means that the VPN service does not collect or store any logs of its users’ online activity. This includes information such as browsing history, IP addresses, timestamps, and other identifying information.

Nord VPN is committed to protecting its users’ online privacy and security, and its no-logging policy is a key part of this commitment. The company is based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws, and its servers are also located in countries that have strong privacy laws.

VPN service Logging Policy Jurisdiction Independent Audit
Nord VPN No Logs Panama Yes
Express VPN No identifying data BVI Yes
PIA VPN No Logs US No
SurfShark No identifying data BVI No
Proton VPN No identifying data Switzerland Yes

Nord VPN is based in Panama, which is considered to be one of the strongest data protection jurisdictions in the world. Panama does not have any mandatory data retention laws, which means that Nord VPN is not required to store or disclose any user data to the government or any other third party.

In addition, Panama has a strong commitment to online privacy and freedom of speech, making it an ideal location for a VPN service provider that values user privacy and security. Nord VPN’s location in Panama also allows the company to operate outside the jurisdiction of other countries that may have weaker privacy laws or government surveillance

Security & Technical Features

Best-in-class Security Features

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
5/10
Protocols Available in NordVPN
IKEv2/IPSec Yes
NordLynx (WireGuard) Yes
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) Yes

 

Encryption Available in NordVPN
AES-128 No
AES-192 No
AES-256 Yes
Blowfish No
ChaCha20 Yes

 

Security Available in NordVPN
DNS Leak Blocking Yes
First-party DNS Yes
IPv6 Leak Blocking Yes
Supports TCP Port 443 Yes
VPN Kill Switch Yes
WebRTC Leak Blocking Yes

 

Advanced Features Available in NordVPN
Ad Blocker Yes
Dedicated IP Yes
Double VPN Yes
Smart DNS Yes
Static IP No
SOCKS Yes
Split Tunneling Yes
Tor over VPN Server Yes
Tracker Blocker Yes

 

How Much Does Nord VPN Cost?

Provide great value for your money

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
8/10

NordVPN offers different pricing options depending on the length of the subscription. Here are the current NordVPN subscription options and their respective prices:

2 Year Plan 

  • Complete Plan: $6.39 per month
  • Plus Plan: $4.39 per month
  • Standard Plan: $3.39 per month

1 Year Plan

  • Complete Plan: $7.99 per month
  • Plus Plan: $5.99 per month
  • Standard Plan: $4.99 per month

Monthly Plan

  • Complete Plan: $15.99 per month
  • Plus Plan: $13.99 per month
  • Standard Plan: $12.99 per month

 

NordVPN occasionally offers discounts and promotions, so the actual price may vary. It’s also important to note that NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so users can try the service risk-free and receive a refund if they are not satisfied with the service.

Payment methods:

Credit Card, Crypto, iTunes

Torrenting

Safe option for torrenting

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
6/10

NordVPN is an excellent choice for users who engage in torrenting activities. When tested for torrenting, NordVPN performed exceptionally well in terms of speed, security, and privacy.

Torrent Attribute Results
Average Download Bitrate 9.5MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers 5,613
Logging Policy No logs
Kill Switch Yes
Port Forwarding No

 

NordVPN is a popular VPN service among users who engage in torrenting activities. When tested for torrenting, NordVPN performed exceptionally well in terms of speed, security, and privacy.

NordVPN’s use of advanced encryption protocols and strict no-logging policy ensures that users’ online activity and personal information are kept private and secure. The VPN service also offers features like Kill Switch, DNS Leak Protection, and Obfuscated Servers, which add additional layers of security and help to prevent data leaks.

Server Locations

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
6/10
Continent Number of Servers
North America 2287
Europe 2540
Oceania 203
Asia 428
Central America 12
South America 59
Africa 20

NordVPN has servers in every continent, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. This vast server network allows users to connect to servers in different locations, providing them with access to content that may be restricted in their region.

In addition, NordVPN has over 5,600 servers in total, making it one of the largest VPN server networks in the industry. This large number of servers allows NordVPN to provide fast and reliable connections, even during peak usage times.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
7/10

NordVPN is an excellent choice for bypassing web censorship and accessing restricted content. The VPN service offers several advanced features that help users bypass internet restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region.

Dedicated NordVPN App for China

The NordVPN for China app uses advanced encryption and obfuscation technologies to help users bypass internet restrictions and access restricted content. It also has a built-in Kill Switch feature, which automatically shuts down internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost to prevent any accidental exposure of user data.

Device & OS Compatibility

User-friendly apps for all devices and platforms

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
8/10

NordVPN provides easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS, which can be downloaded from their website. The VPN service can also be manually configured on routers, gaming consoles, and other devices that support VPN protocols

VPN Protocol Kill Switch Split Tunneling Alternative Routing
Windows WireGuard, OpenVPN & IKEv2
macOS WireGuard, OpenVPN & IKEv2
iOS WireGuard, OpenVPN & IKEv2
Android WireGuard, OpenVPN & IKEv2

Games Consoles & Streaming Devices

Using NordVPN on games consoles and streaming devices can be useful for users who want to access geo-restricted content, protect their online privacy, and bypass internet restrictions. However, it’s important to note that not all devices support VPN protocols or NordVPN apps, so it’s important to check the device’s compatibility before using NordVPN.

Browser Extension 

NordVPN offers browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox that allow users to connect to NordVPN servers directly from their browser.

The browser extensions are easy to install and use, and they provide a lightweight VPN solution for users who only need to protect their browser traffic. The extensions use HTTPS encryption to secure browser traffic and offer features such as CyberSec, which blocks ads and malicious websites, and WebRTC Leak Protection, which prevents websites from detecting a user’s real IP address.

Ease of Use

Intuitive apps for beginners, with some advanced features.

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
7/10

NordVPN offers intuitive apps that are user-friendly and easy to use, making it a great option for beginners. The apps are designed with a clean and simple interface that allows users to connect to NordVPN servers and access advanced features easily.

In addition to its user-friendly interface, NordVPN also offers several advanced features that more experienced users will appreciate. These include features such as Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Obfuscated Servers, which provide additional layers of security and privacy.

Nord VPN Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)

NordVPN offers user-friendly apps for both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it easy for users to protect their online privacy and security on their desktops and laptops.

The NordVPN apps for Windows and Mac are designed with a clean and simple interface, allowing users to easily connect to NordVPN servers and select the features they need. These apps also offer advanced features such as CyberSec, which blocks ads and protects against malware and other online threats, and the Kill Switch, which automatically shuts down internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost.

NordVPN’s apps for Windows and Mac also offer several VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, providing users with options to choose the protocol that best suits their needs

Customer Support

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
7/10

NordVPN’s customer support is comprehensive and responsive, with several channels available to users who need assistance. The live chat support is particularly helpful for users who need immediate assistance or have urgent issues that need to be resolved quickly.

Customer Support Available in NordVPN
24/7 Live Chat Support Yes
24/7 Email Support No
Chatbot No
Email No
Email Support via Online Form No
Tutorial Videos No
Online Resources Yes

Is Nord VPN Worth It?

Ranked #3 out of 35 VPNs
Expert Rating :
7.5/10

NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that offers excellent privacy and security features, fast speeds, and a user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for users who want a reliable and comprehensive VPN solution.

When compared to other VPNs, NordVPN stands out for its advanced features, including Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Obfuscated Servers, which provide additional layers of security and privacy. NordVPN also has a vast network of servers, with over 5,600 servers in 59 countries, offering users a wide range of options for server locations and improving connection speeds.

In terms of pricing, NordVPN is competitive with other top-tier VPNs, with affordable long-term plans and frequent discounts and promotions. While NordVPN’s monthly plan is more expensive than some other VPNs, the savings offered by longer-term plans make it a great value for users who want to use the service long-term.

Overall, while there are other VPNs on the market, NordVPN’s comprehensive feature set, fast speeds, and user-friendly interface make it a worthwhile investment for users who want a reliable and secure VPN service.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is NordVPN trustworthy? -

    Yes, NordVPN is a trustworthy virtual private network (VPN) provider that offers strong security and privacy features, such as military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It has been independently audited and has a proven track record of protecting user data and privacy.
  • How much does NordVPN cost per month? +

    NordVPN offers several pricing plans, ranging from $11.95 per month for a monthly plan to $3.30 per month for a 2-year plan. The longer the plan you choose, the lower the monthly cost.
  • What exactly does NordVPN do? +

    NordVPN is a VPN service that provides users with a secure and private internet connection. It does this by encrypting users' internet traffic and routing it through a remote server, hiding their IP address and location. This can help to protect users' online privacy, security, and freedom.
  • Can NordVPN be hacked? +

    While no VPN service is 100% immune to hacking attempts, NordVPN has strong security features that make it difficult for hackers to penetrate. It uses military-grade encryption, secure protocols, and has a strict no-logs policy to protect user data.
  • Does NordVPN sell your data? +

    No, NordVPN does not sell user data. It has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not track or store any user activity or data. This ensures that users' online activity remains private and secure.
  • Is it worth it to buy a VPN? +

    Whether or not it is worth it to buy a VPN depends on your specific needs and concerns. A VPN can help to protect your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address and location. It can also allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. If these are concerns for you, then a VPN may be worth the investment.
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