I have used NordVPN for over a year - I switched to NordVPN from F-Secure Freedome and I wanted to provide an in-depth review from the perspective of an actual user.
I'll share my experiences with the speeds, security features, ease of use, streaming capabilities, and more.
This review covers everything you need to know about NordVPN to decide if it's worth your money. Let's take a closer look!
An Overview of NordVPN
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider that offers robust security features and fast speeds. It first launched in 2012 and has become one of the top players in the VPN industry.
Here are some key facts about NordVPN:
- Over 6,000 servers in 110+ countries worldwide
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, browsers, and routers
- Encryption with AES-256 and support for major protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard-based NordLynx)
- Strict no-logging policy (independently audited)
- Built-in ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malware protection
- Up to 6 simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN has servers worldwide, giving you many options for routing your traffic. It also has specialty servers for P2P file-sharing and accessing the Tor network.
The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, an industry standard trusted by governments, banks, and high-security organizations. NordVPN has also undergone independent audits to verify its no-logging claims.
One of the best parts of NordVPN is how intuitive the apps are. Everything is laid out in a clean interface, and connecting is quick. I'll cover the apps in more detail later in this review.
Speed and Performance
One of the most important factors for any VPN is speed. After all, what good is a VPN if it slows your internet to a crawl?
I consistently get fast speeds with NordVPN across all kinds of connections. Here are some examples comparing my speeds with NordVPN enabled versus disabled:
- On my home Wi-Fi (400 Mbps), speeds dropped only 15% with NordVPN connected.
- At a coffee shop (100 Mbps), speeds dropped only 10%.
- On LTE on my phone (50 Mbps), no noticeable change.
This speed is right on par with the fastest VPNs I've tested. NordVPN has optimized its servers to deliver consistently zippy performance.
I haven't experienced any bandwidth throttling from my internet service provider when using NordVPN, either. It provides a true broadband experience, even when connected to distant servers halfway across the world.
The speeds have been reliable, too. I don't get random dips or interruptions, even when streaming video or downloading files. The VPN remains snappy whether working, watching Netflix, or gaming online.
NordVPN gives you multiple protocol options (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx) in the apps. I get the best performance using NordLynx, the company's own next-gen WireGuard-based protocol. It strikes the ideal balance of speed and security.
Server Network Coverage
NordVPN has over 6,000 servers located in five continents and 110+ countries worldwide, giving you many options for routing your traffic.
The highest server concentrations are in the US and Europe. But NordVPN also has servers in Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Some of the more unusual server locations include:
- South Africa
- Turkey
- India
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
While the network isn't as massive as some competitors, I've always been able to find a server nearby, no matter where I am. Latency remains low, and I don't experience sluggishness.
Server diversity is handy for accessing region-blocked content. For example, I can easily watch the UK or Canada version of Netflix by routing through a NordVPN server in those countries.
Unblocking Streaming Sites and Services
One of my top use cases for NordVPN is accessing streaming content that would normally be blocked in my region. It's great for bypassing geo-restrictions since it works consistently with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Throughout my time as a NordVPN user, I've had success unblocking the following streaming services:
- Netflix - Unblocked multiple international libraries like UK, Japan, Canada
- Hulu - Accessed full US library from outside the US
- BBC iPlayer - Unblocked and streamed content in HD quality
- Amazon Prime Video - Accessed US-only shows from Europe
- Disney+ - Unblocked full US library from restricted regions
- YouTube TV - Accessed US-only content from abroad
The key is that NordVPN provides servers in the regions where top streaming platforms originate. For example, I can connect to a UK-based server to access BBC iPlayer.
Streaming performance is excellent, too. I consistently get HD-quality streams with smooth playback. NordVPN has streaming-optimized servers that provide the speed and reliability needed for buffer-free streaming.
The only caveat is that streaming platforms constantly try to detect and block VPNs. NordVPN rolls out solutions to stay ahead, but there can be brief periods when a service blocks NordVPN IPs before a fix is implemented.
Luckily, the NordVPN interface makes it easy to change to a new server if you ever run into an access issue. With thousands of IPs available, you can quickly find one that works.
💡Tip: You can watch YouTube ad-free with an Android TV using NordVPN. Just connect the VPN to Albania since Albania doesn't allow YouTube ads.
Security and Privacy Features
As a VPN, NordVPN's primary purpose is to protect your online security and privacy. It offers robust features to keep your browsing anonymous and secure.
Military-Grade Encryption
NordVPN encrypts your internet traffic using AES-256 encryption with a 4096-bit RSA key. This industry-leading encryption standard is used by organizations like the US government and financial institutions to keep data secure.
In short, it would take even the most powerful supercomputer longer than the universe's age to break AES-256 encryption. Your data is safely scrambled and rendered unreadable to outside parties.
Secure Protocols
Along with AES-256 encryption, NordVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx protocols.
OpenVPN is the highly secure standard protocol used by most VPNs. IKEv2 offers greater reliability for mobile devices. NordLynx is NordVPN's own next-generation protocol built on WireGuard that provides the fastest speeds.
I typically use NordLynx for the best combination of speed and security, but it's nice to have options based on your specific needs.
No-Logging Policy
One of NordVPN's security pillars is its strict no-logging policy. The company does not record or store your online activities and traffic when you connect to the VPN.
Independent audits from firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers have verified NordVPN's policy. The company has no data to share, even if pressured by authorities.
NordVPN's policy states it does not log "browsing history, traffic destination, data content, DNS queries, or anything else that could associate specific online activity" with a user. The only usage information logged is the total bandwidth used during a session.
Having a true no-logs policy means you can feel confident NordVPN isn't tracking what you do online. Your privacy is maintained.
Kill Switch
NordVPN has a kill switch feature to prevent data leaks if your VPN connection drops. If you get disconnected from the VPN server, it will block all internet traffic.
The NordVPN Windows app's kill switch is enabled by default. You can also configure it to kill only certain apps in the event of a dropped connection.
Having a kill switch is essential to avoid exposing your true IP address and location if the VPN stops working correctly. It's a simple but important privacy protection.
Jurisdiction
NordVPN is based in Panama, which is advantageous for privacy. The country has no laws requiring companies to store user data. NordVPN only has to comply with Panamanian regulations.
This puts it safely out of reach from intelligence-sharing agreements between other countries like the US and UK. There's less risk of NordVPN having to share any user data with government agencies.
Malware and Ad Blocking
NordVPN's apps include a built-in Threat Protection system that blocks malware, ads, and trackers. It functions like a simple antivirus program to add an extra privacy layer.
In my experience, malware protection is pretty basic. I wouldn't rely on it as a replacement for a full antivirus suite like Norton or Bitdefender. But it's better than nothing and catches some malicious sites and files.
The ad blocking, on the other hand, works much better. It successfully blocks ads from displaying on websites and within apps. This reduces clutter while also enhancing privacy by stopping ad trackers.
The Threat Protection features run constantly in the background once enabled. You don't need the VPN active to benefit from the ad and malware blocking.
Advanced Options
For users who want maximum privacy, NordVPN offers several advanced connection options:
- Double VPN - Your traffic is encrypted and routed through two VPN servers for double security.
- Onion over VPN - Traffic is routed through the Tor anonymity network after passing the VPN server for enhanced privacy.
- Obfuscated servers - Allows bypassing VPN blocking in countries like China and the UAE.
- P2P servers - Specialized servers optimized for peer-to-peer sharing and torrenting.
- Dedicated IP - Get a static IP address that is not shared with other users. Helpful for accessing region-restricted content.
The double VPN and Tor combinations represent the pinnacle of VPN privacy. There are some speed trade-offs, but tracking the traffic source using those modes is incredibly difficult.
Ease of Use
Despite having tons of features under the hood, NordVPN offers a streamlined user experience. The desktop and mobile apps are intuitive and easy to navigate.
Clean Interface
I like that the NordVPN interface is uncluttered. The main screen shows a map you can use to select your server location. There's also a list of countries and popular server types like P2P and Dedicated IP.
Dark and light mode options are available to match your aesthetic preferences. But overall, the apps favor simplicity and getting users connected fast.
Quick Settings
Connecting to the VPN takes just a couple of clicks. But NordVPN also has presets that allow you to set up preferred server types and protocol settings.
For example, I created a "Streaming" preset that connects to NordVPN's dedicated streaming servers using NordLynx protocol with CyberSec enabled. With one click, I'm optimized for streaming anywhere in the world.
The presets are convenient for non-technical users who want quick access to the best settings for everyday use cases.
Mobile Apps
The NordVPN mobile apps provide the full suite of desktop features in an easy-to-use mobile interface. I can securely stream, torrent, and browse on my iPhone or Android just as easily as on my laptop.
You can even use NordVPN on multiple devices simultaneously. I often have it running on my phone while also being connected to my laptop. Up to six total connections are allowed per NordVPN account.
Customer Support
NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. I've had uniformly positive experiences dealing with their support staff.
The chat responses are fast, and the agents are knowledgeable. Whenever I had VPN configuration issues or trouble accessing streaming platforms, the support team quickly resolved the problems.
Support is also available directly within the NordVPN apps themselves. You can initiate a chat without having to go to the website.
The NordVPN support site also has an extensive library of setup guides and troubleshooting articles. Between support docs and helpful live agents, it's easy to get assistance when you need it.
Torrenting Capabilities
NordVPN accommodates P2P file-sharing and torrenting activities. It has hundreds of specialized servers optimized for fast download speeds when torrenting.
The VPN software clients even include a shortcut list of P2P-enabled servers to connect to for torrenting easily. Downloads consistently maintain fast speeds on any server I use.
NordVPN's no-logging policy also assures privacy when using P2P sharing. The company doesn't monitor torrenting or share data with anti-piracy groups.
From both a speed and privacy standpoint, NordVPN delivers excellent performance as a torrenting VPN.
Bypassing VPN Blocking
Some repressive countries, like China, Iran, and Russia, block access to VPNs at the network level. NordVPN has a few tools to help you bypass VPN censorship in restricted regions.
Obfuscated servers mask the VPN traffic to look like regular web activity and avoid deep packet inspection blocking methods. You can enable "Obfuscation" on Windows, Android, and iOS to scramble your VPN connection.
There are also proprietary techniques like NordVPN's SOCKS5 proxies that can sometimes evade VPN detection. Using obfuscated servers or SOCKS5 helps avoid VPN blocking and maintain access.
Nord Account Security
To use NordVPN, you must create a Nord Account registered to your email address. NordVPN uses standard security protections, such as a password and optional two-factor authentication via an authenticator app.
However, some VPNs like TunnelBear require a password and authenticator code each time you log in from a new device. NordVPN's account security would be even stronger by making 2FA mandatory.
Parental controls are another missing account security feature. Many VPNs, like ExpressVPN, allow restricting which server locations can be accessed through the account. But NordVPN accounts don't currently have any restrictions.
Room for Improvement
While I'm overwhelmingly satisfied with NordVPN, there are some areas I feel could use improvement:
- Make two-factor authentication mandatory - This would improve account security by ensuring each new device login requires authentication. Currently, 2FA is optional.
- Add parental controls - The ability to restrict specific server locations would allow central management of what content kids can access.
- Reduce price after initial terms - NordVPN is competitive for the first year or two, but the renewal pricing is higher than alternatives like Surfshark.
- Expand server locations - Competitors offer more than 80 countries, but NordVPN tops out at 60 server locations.
- Customer support via phone - Live chat and email support work well, but support via phone could improve responsiveness for urgent inquiries.
- Enhanced leak protection - VPNs like ExpressVPN have features that make it even less likely for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to occur. NordVPN is still excellent at preventing leaks but has room to improve.
No VPN is 100% perfect, and the areas mentioned above are potential upgrades NordVPN could implement. But they don't degrade my overall experience. NordVPN handles the core fundamentals of a VPN very well across the board.
NordVPN Pricing and Plans
NordVPN offers premium features but comes with higher costs than some competitors. The company does run seasonal promotions, so be on the lookout for deals.
Here's a breakdown of NordVPN's Windows pricing tiers (complete plan):
- 1 month - $14.99
- 1 year - $6.99 per month (billed $83.88 upfront)
- 2 years - $4.99 per month (billed $119.76 upfront)
The longer you prepay, the lower the equivalent monthly cost. Two years gives you the best rate overall.
A NordVPN subscription allows securing up to six devices simultaneously. If you want to connect more devices, you'll need multiple accounts.
NordVPN accepts all major credit cards and other payment methods like Amazon Pay, PayPal, and cryptocurrency. There's also the option to purchase prepaid NordVPN gift cards from some retail stores.
Is NordVPN Worth the Money?
In my experience as a long-time user, NordVPN provides tremendous value and is worth the premium pricing.
The combination of fast speeds, worldwide access to streaming content, and airtight security/privacy protections hooked me. I don't mind paying extra for top-notch quality.
That said, you can certainly get cheaper VPN services like Surfshark and Windscribe if budget is your main concern. Speeds are still good with the value VPNs, but premium providers like NordVPN really excel.
Here's a quick summary of why I feel NordVPN is worth the money:
- Blazing speeds that minimize performance impact
- Unblocks top streaming sites and maximizes content access
- Ranked as the most secure VPN by third-party audits
- User-friendly and intuitive apps
- Responsive customer support via chat and email
- Advanced privacy features like double VPN and Tor
- Excellent for P2P sharing thanks to specialized servers
- Handy security extras like ad blocking and malware protection
While areas like pricing and server count could improve, NordVPN's core strengths make it one of the best choices for a premium VPN. The expertise and quality of service justify the premium price point for me.
NordVPN Review: Final Verdict
If you're in the market for a VPN, NordVPN should absolutely be on your shortlist of providers to consider.
Based on my first-hand experience, NordVPN delivers excellent speeds and airtight security backed by independent audits. Unblocking streaming content around the world works flawlessly.
The apps are polished and easy to use on all major platforms. Support agents quickly assist with any troubleshooting. Advanced users will appreciate the abundant privacy configuration options.
No VPN product is perfect, and NordVPN has some areas that could potentially improve, like periodic spikes in renewal pricing. However, the core VPN fundamentals are executed expertly.
If you're willing to pay a slight premium for quality, NordVPN is a top choice. The combination of great speeds, versatile apps, and robust security provides immense value.
