Speed | 10.0 / 10 |
Servers | 10.0 / 10 |
User Experience | 9.0 / 10 |
Support | 10.0 / 10 |
Pricing | 8.0 / 10 |
NordVPN Review 2024 - Before You Buy, Is It Worth It?
NordVPN Overview
Popular opinion places NordVPN as one of the best VPN services out there. Is it just good marketing, or is it really the case? To find out, I put NordVPN to the ultimate test, examining its performance and reliability with streaming to whether it truly protects your online privacy.
My tests showed that NordVPN is worthy of the praise it receives. It offers a feature-rich service with advanced security that effectively anonymizes your online presence. On top of that, it’s one of the fastest VPNs available, courtesy of its proprietary NordLynx protocol. It also efficiently bypasses geo-blocked streaming services, and its customer support ranks as one of the best.
Since it comes with a legit money-back guarantee, you can always try NordVPN risk-free to come to your own conclusion. As long as you cancel within 30 days, you’re guaranteed a full refund.
Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary
- Unblocks streaming sites. NordVPN is incredibly reliable for bypassing geoblocks — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more were easy to access. You can read more about my testing here.
- Great speeds. My connection speed was fast enough to stream UHD video both locally and over long distances. My speed test results are available here.
- Good global coverage. NordVPN offers 6,200 servers in 110 countries. Click here for a breakdown of NordVPN’s specialty server options.
- Excellent choice for safe torrenting. Solid privacy practices and dedicated P2P servers make NordVPN a top option for fast downloads. Read more about my torrenting experience here.
- Advanced security features. Besides 256-bit encryption and a kill switch, NordVPN also offers a variety of customizable features to protect your privacy. Click here for my complete security run-down.
- No-logs policy validated by independent audits. Two reputable auditing firms have confirmed that the company adheres to a strict no-log policy. Read about when NordVPN’s policy was put to the test here.
- User-friendly apps and reliable customer support. It’s not the easiest VPN app to use, but still very intuitive. Plus, customer support is available 24/7 if you ever need help. More details about user experience here.
- Long-term subscriptions offer great value. You can get a much better price if you sign up for a long-term plan, but all plans come with a money-back guarantee. Check out the subscription plans here.
NordVPN Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Max, BBC iPlayer, and More
By using NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology, you can access more than 400 streaming services otherwise unavailable to you. It’s a feature that combines the security of a VPN and the speed and unblocking power of a Smart DNS. Unlike most other VPN services, it’s also always active and provides hassle-free, uninterrupted access to global content.
Even with Netflix, one of the most restrictive streaming platforms around, NordVPN was able to get around all the restrictions regardless of server location. Be it Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer — NordVPN provides a fantastic experience all-round, with low if not non-existent buffering and high-quality streams.
It’s also worth pointing out that NordVPN’s website-unblocking capability is available across all of its applications. The service is therefore capable of granting you access to Netflix (for example) via the company’s website, its Android/iOS app, or other devices like a Fire Stick.
Netflix: Unblocked
In my tests, NordVPN demonstrated a strong ability to unblock Netflix content globally. It also offered solid performance in various countries such as Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, the Netherlands, Japan, and India. I consistently streamed content in UHD during all of my test sessions.
Amazon Prime Video: Unblocked
NordVPN could easily access Amazon Prime Video. I tested multiple US servers in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix and was able to stream The Boys in UHD. My speeds were excellent, meaning buffering times before content loaded were minimal, generally under 5 seconds.
Hulu: Unblocked
Hulu was consistently accessible. Tapping into servers from Chicago to San Francisco, I streamed top titles like Palm Springs. Speeds were impressive, with content launching after just a brief buffering of under 4 seconds.
Disney+: Unblocked
Disney+ US, UK, Australia, and the Netherlands, all worked, except the login page took a little while to load. However, there were no major issues with speed after I reached the homepage. I streamed entire movies with no lag — only a couple of seconds of buffering at the start.
Max: Unblocked
Using servers in both Atlanta and Los Angeles, I was quickly able to start watching Westworld after just an initial few seconds of buffering. The viewing experience was smooth, although I occasionally experienced some minor mid-stream buffering at higher resolutions like UHD, but only a couple of times across several hours.
BBC iPlayer: Unblocked
I similarly encountered no difficulties when accessing the BBC iPlayer, a challenge that numerous other service providers face. In general, NordVPN offered strong performance and impressive capabilities for streaming media, regardless of the server’s location.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with NordVPN’s unblocking abilities, as it also works with sites such as DAZN, ITV Hub, RTL, Paramount+, ESPN, and many more.
Speed
- 10.0 / 10Exceptionally Fast Speeds on All Servers
Regarding speed and consistency, NordVPN ranks among the best VPN providers. I tested it in several scenarios, including basic browsing, intensive gaming, and downloading a few files. All in all, it delivered speeds that were more than sufficient for all activities I threw at it, and that outdid most other premium VPNs I’ve tested.
I selected four servers from NordVPN, specifically the UK, US, Germany, and Australia, and utilized Ookla’s online speed test tool. I then calculated the global average speed across all regions. Note that, due to several factors, like your baseline internet speeds, location, and local infrastructure, your personal experience may differ.
Speed Test Results
Using its proprietary NordLynx protocol, NordVPN performed well across a variety of servers, delivering average speeds of 348.6Mbps across 4 global locations. Though it’s a 64.4% drop from my baseline of 980Mbps, this isn’t surprising. In fact, only ExpressVPN has ever managed to maintain speeds close to baseline in my tests.
However, with the ability to reach these kinds of speeds, NordVPN can handle all activities, from downloading to streaming in UHD, and certainly low-bandwidth tasks like gaming or basic browsing. Note that UHD streaming requires just 25Mbps, meaning I had plenty of bandwidth left over.
Is NordVPN Fast Enough for Gaming? Yes!
With NordVPN’s impressive streaming results, you might be wondering if it can also be used for gaming. Once again, NordVPN provided impressive gaming performance, resulting in a pleasant online experience.
To test NordVPN, I connected to a local VPN server and loaded into some matches of Call Of Duty: Warzone and BattleBit Remastered. My average during Warzone was 62ms, while in BattleBit I consistently reached 75ms. In both cases, the ping was a little higher than the usual 40-55ms I’m used to, but it didn’t make a noticeable difference in gameplay.
However, your mileage may vary depending on the proximity to the server you play on (which may introduce more or less lag), as well as the type of game you prefer to play. Heightened latency will be far more noticeable in a fast-paced online shooter than in a slower-paced story-driven game!
Why Most Speed Tests are Pointless & How We Correctly Test VPN Speeds
Speed determines how fast content uploads, so if you're torrenting or streaming, you want the speed to be somewhat identical to your regular internet speed. Since a VPN encrypts your data, it usually takes a bit longer to send your data back and forth, which can slow down your connection. However, if your ISP deliberately slows down your connection (also known as throttling) a VPN might increase your internet speed. Testing a VPN is somewhat pointless because new servers pop up and affect speed. Your speed can also differ according to your location, so your speed test might not match ours. Having said that, we tested the speed in numerous locations to provide you with the average.
Servers
- 10.0 / 10Server Network — Huge Selection of Servers
The NordVPN network consists of more than 6,200 servers across 110 countries, including major cities and business centers in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, India, and the Middle East. This is an impressive collection of servers, with concentrations around the most popular global regions.
NordVPN has incorporated over 20% of its network with 10Gbps servers, compared to the typical 1Gbps. This provides greater bandwidth and enhances speed reliability for users. Furthermore, 90% of their network comprises diskless servers, boosting security since data can’t be permanently stored on them.
Additionally, the company has been expanding its network of colocated servers. These are servers entirely owned, operated, and maintained by NordVPN. By taking over total server control, it can guarantee top-tier security and quality — and protect you from any risk of third-party interference or mismanagement.
NordVPN’s obfuscation servers offer online privacy and freedom in restrictive countries like Russia by making VPN usage undetectable to ISPs or surveillance authorities. However, it’s worth noting that there are only a few of these servers per region, as opposed to some other premium VPNs that offer a large amount.
Additionally, you can select from a variety of P2P servers, or you can further enhance your online anonymity by using Double VPN protection. In case you want to boost your privacy protection even more, you may use Onion over VPN to have your traffic routed both through NordVPN’s servers and the Onion network (of the Tor browser).
Torrenting — Ideal for Anonymous Torrenting
On top of its basic ability to allow P2P traffic, NordVPN also provides thousands of specialty P2P servers in 50+ countries, which have been optimized for torrenting and the speeds this requires. The NordVPN app even automatically reroutes you to a P2P server if it detects that you’re trying to torrent, including P2P-based platforms like Popcorn Time.
I tested multiple P2P servers with clients BitTorrent and Transmission and had zero connection issues. I also felt reassured while torrenting with NordVPN thanks to its no-logs policy, reliable kill switch, and strong leak protection going hand-in-hand with P2P security.
Does NordVPN Work in China? Maybe
Navigating the Great Firewall of China with a VPN can be a bit of a hit or miss, and NordVPN is no exception. While it doesn’t guarantee 100% functionality due to the stringent regulations and advanced internet censorship in China, NordVPN does provide features that may improve your chances of success, particularly its obfuscated servers.
Obfuscated servers operate on well-known ports and deploy sophisticated packet re-writing technology, rather than standard VPN protocols. This effectively cloaks your connection, causing censors to confuse it for regular web traffic, a tactic which can be beneficial not just in China, but in other countries where VPN usage is restricted.
However, it’s essential to understand that while this offers a potential solution, its effectiveness may vary due to the constant escalation in censorship techniques. As such, NordVPN’s utility in China is best described as a “maybe” — effective at times, but not consistently.
If you’re intent on a VPN specifically for this purpose, ExpressVPN has been verified as one of the most reliable VPNs for China, with the ability to consistently bypass censorship in the country.
Security — Comprehensive Set of Advanced Security Features
Encryption — Military-Grade Encryption Ensures Data Privacy
NordVPN uses top-class AES-256 encryption to provide the highest level of security for your connection that would take an eternity to crack. This technology is combined with Perfect Forward Secrecy, which ensures that the encryption key changes for every session to prevent security breaches caused by stolen keys.
VPN Protocols — A Good Blend of Speed and Security
NordVPN offers three different VPN protocols: NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. The NordLynx protocol combines WireGuard’s security and speed with “double NAT,” a system that ensures your data is never written to the server. Better yet, unlike other protocols NordVPN offers, it’s available on Linux, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android.
On most devices, NordVPN supports the OpenVPN protocol. On iPhones, IKEv2/IPSec is also supported. Older protocols like L2TP/IPSec and PPTP aren’t supported, but since they use weaker encryption and have known security vulnerabilities, they’re generally best avoided anyway.
Kill Switch — Protects Traffic Data if Your Connection Drops
NordVPN also features a kill switch (as do the majority of high-end VPNs). It protects your privacy by disconnecting you from the internet in case the VPN stops working for whatever reason. The feature isn’t enabled by default (I prefer to have the choice anyway), but it’s very straightforward to use. You can activate it with one click in the “Settings” section of the app.
There are actually two kill switches; the internet kill switch disables system-wide internet access if the VPN connection drops, while the app kill switch terminates specific applications that you choose if the VPN connection drops. The internet kill switch is more secure and prevents any data leaks, while the app kill switch gives you more control and flexibility.
Leak Protection — Tested and Passed
I was happy to find that NordVPN made sure that my true IP address remained hidden. I ran five different IP and DNS leak tests, and each time the IP address and location of the server were displayed instead of my own.
Split Tunneling — Great Feature That’s Not Supported Across Devices
The split tunnel feature lets you specify whether certain apps use the VPN connection or not. On Windows, you can configure it so that it disables or enables the VPN tunnel only for specific applications — perfect if you’re gaming while downloading a torrent in the background, for instance.
There are fewer customization options with the Android version, where configuring apps can only be accomplished via inverse split tunneling. In this case, you disable the VPN for selected apps, causing them to be routed through your regular connection. Unfortunately, split tunneling is only available on Windows and Android.
Ad and Malware Blocker — Powerful Security and Quality-of-Life Tool
Threat Protection is another useful technology that bolsters your security and privacy. It cross-checks ad and malware domains against an enormous blacklist database, removing these annoyances and threats from your browsing experience.
You can use this feature on Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux. Threat Protection can’t block ads in the Google Play store version of NordVPN because of Google’s ad policy. So if you’re an Android user, I recommend you download the Android .apk file from the NordVPN website.
Meshnet — Unique Feature with a Wide Range of Use Cases
NordVPN’s Meshnet feature lets you create a secure private network for your devices (up to 50 devices). You can link them together, access them remotely, share files, and send your traffic through them. I found this super useful for setting up a virtual LAN party with friends, which is a particularly novel use case for a VPN.
Dark Web Monitor — Protects Your Identity While You Sleep
With the Dark Web Monitor feature, NordVPN ensures your personal data stays away from the uncharted waters of the dark web. If your personal information ever appears on the dark web, NordVPN alerts you, allowing you to take immediate action. This feature continuously scouts the dark web, so you can rest easy knowing your information is safeguarded.
NordPass — Securely Stores All Your Passwords
NordPass is an encrypted password management solution. You can store, organize, and access your passwords securely from any device, taking the hassle out of remembering complex passwords. The service uses zero-knowledge architecture, meaning only you can access your stored passwords, not even NordVPN.
Invisibility on LAN — Hides You From Other Local Network Devices
This ensures your device remains unseen to others on the same local network, bolstering your security. While this provides an added layer of security, it can hinder access to LAN-based services like shared printers or files. Fortunately, you can easily toggle this on or off within NordVPN’s settings.
Privacy — Verified No-Logs Policy
No-Logs Policy — Strong Commitment to Zero Data Storage
NordVPN’s no-logs policy means your online activities are genuinely private. The service doesn’t track, collect, or share your private data — it doesn’t even log your IP address.
This commitment to user privacy is reassuring and a must-have for users who need top-tier privacy assurance.
Company Jurisdiction — Outside of any Intelligence-Sharing Countries
NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a country that doesn’t participate in Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes international surveillance alliances and has no mandatory data retention laws. This provides an added layer of privacy, as NordVPN is not obliged to retain user data or collaborate with international surveillance efforts.
Independent Audits — Proven to Be True to Its Word
Cementing its commitment to privacy, NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by the reputed auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers AG. This third-party verification provides an unbiased confirmation of NordVPN’s privacy claims, offering users an additional level of trust in NordVPN’s privacy safeguards.
Server Locations
User Experience
- 9.0 / 10Simultaneous Device Connections — Secures up to 10 Devices
No matter what operating system you’re using, you can protect up to 10 devices at once with a NordVPN account. I tested the application simultaneously on my iPhone, iPad, Macbook, Samsung S22, and Windows PC. I was able to browse and stream from multiple platforms without any problems, no matter the activity I was performing on each.
Additionally, NordVPN can be set up directly on any wireless router so you can effectively connect all your home devices at once without limits.
Device Compatibility — Available for Almost All Platforms
NordVPN is designed to provide a one-stop solution for various devices and operating systems. The apps are available worldwide for Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. The service is also available for several other types of devices, including Fire TV (Amazon Fire Stick), Kodi, and multiple smart TVs.
There’s also great router support, with various guides on the NordVPN site to help you get your router set up.
Desktop (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
NordVPN is one of the top VPNs on Windows, with an interface that goes along with it. The servers are all accessible via either the list of countries or a clean map interface where you can zoom in on any region to choose your preferred server. I prefer the simplicity of a list, but it’s good to have options!
Note that there’s a separate app available on the Apple App Store for Macs with Apple Silicon chips (although they function essentially the same). You can also download packages for different Linux distros directly from the website.
Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)
NordVPN’s mobile apps share the same general appearance and have most of the same features as its desktop apps. It’s a good thing, as you won’t need to learn anything new when switching devices. However, the mobile apps are missing obfuscated servers and dedicated IP, which might be a drawback depending on your use case.
Streaming Devices (Fire Stick, Chromecast & Apple TV)
NordVPN provides dedicated apps for Fire Stick and Chromecast, enabling secure and unrestricted streaming on these devices. The native apps maintain a user-friendly interface similar to their desktop and mobile counterparts, assuring a seamless experience across platforms.
For Apple TV users, Apple now supports third-party VPN applications with the rollout of tvOS 16. Simply download the NordVPN app for Apple TV to stay protected while streaming.
Ease of Setup & Installation — Simple and Straightforward
From my experience, NordVPN stands out as one of the most straightforward VPN services to install and set up. The process is largely automated, with clear instructions provided each step of the way. It’s evident that the team has put thought into making this process as hassle-free as possible, catering to both tech-savvy users and those less familiar with VPNs.
How to Install NordVPN on Windows:
- Get the NordVPN app. You need to access the NordVPN website and obtain the appropriate software for your computer.
- Open the downloaded file. When the pop-up window comes up, click ‘yes’ to install the app, then ‘install’ to start it, and watch as it opens in a new window.
- Follow the steps. The application’s user-friendly interface will walk you through every step of setting up NordVPN and getting started.
- That’s it! You can then connect to any server available in a single click and browse the web knowing that your information is well protected using it.
Support
- 10.0 / 10NordVPN offers a variety of solid customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, email support, a knowledge base, and social media support. The live chat support is by far my preferred (and the quickest) way to get help from a NordVPN agent. If you prefer to troubleshoot issues on your own, the knowledge base is also a comprehensive resource.
24/7 Live Chat — The Easiest Way to Get Help
NordVPN’s live chat is available 24/7 and was always a great experience whenever I used it. Support agents were polite, swift to respond, and helpful with any queries I had. There were a couple of instances of initial canned responses that didn’t get to the bottom of anything, but in these cases, a follow-up from me prompted a more insightful chat.
Email Support — Fast, Professional Responses
On average, I received replies to emails within 2 hours, although there were some outliers either way. Overall, the experience was a good one, with friendly replies from all agents. I even emailed from an unregistered address to see if it made a difference, but replies were just as fast and up to the same professional standard.
Online Resources and FAQs — Detailed and High-Quality
If your issue isn’t urgent or you feel you can take it on yourself, NordVPN’s guides are a great thing to have by your side. First off, there’s a huge amount of them, covering both basic and more advanced topics. Secondly, they’re well-written and often come loaded with screenshots to make your life even easier. Overall, I had a great experience using them.
In-App Ticketing — A Convenient Time-Saver
NordVPN has eliminated the extra steps of you hunting down its live chat or email address by allowing you to submit a ticket from within the app.
Simply click the speech bubble with a question mark inside, and you’ll be greeted with a window that allows you to report a problem and include diagnostic information automatically. It’s not revolutionary, but I haven’t seen it elsewhere, and time is the most valuable currency, after all!
How We Test Customer Support and Why Should You Care
We personally test the customer support team of every VPN we review. This means asking technical question through the live chat feature (where applicable) and measuring the response time for email questions. Whether you need to connect to a specific server, change your security protocol, or configure a VPN on your router, finding a VPN with quality customer support should be important to you.
Pricing
- 8.0 / 10At $3.09/month with its 2-year + 3 months plan, NordVPN’s prices are pretty average for a top VPN service. For short-term plans, it’s the same, so it’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a premium VPN with a great monthly plan. However, for the high-end performance you get, as well as unique features such as Meshnet and its several specialized servers, I find it a price well worth paying.
Keep in mind that the initial discounted prices only apply for the first 2 years; after this period, the prices will increase (by how much is visible on the pricing page of the site). However, you should have a pretty good idea if it’s the right VPN for you during that time!
Payment Methods — Various Options for All Users
NordVPN accepts a variety of payment methods, including:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
- Wire transfer
- Various regional options
I’m personally a big fan of NordVPN accepting cryptocurrencies as payment, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. This is great if you want to pay with additional anonymity. NordVPN doesn’t store your payment information on its servers, so your privacy is protected even if you choose not to pay with cryptocurrency.
Note: NordVPN doesn’t accept payments through QIWI. I recommend using crypto to sign up from Russia if another payment method doesn’t work for you.
Money-Back Guarantee — Fast and Verified Approvals
All NordVPN subscription plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free. I tested this policy to check if it really works by requesting a refund via live chat. While the support agent first tried to offer me an extended trial, my request was confirmed within minutes when I said no. I had the money back a week later.
NordVPN offers the following plans
Final Verdict
After testing, I can confidently say that NordVPN is one of the best VPNs in 2024, thanks to its blazing speeds, robust security, and extensive server network. It offers great value for your money, with a variety of features that you won’t easily find elsewhere, such as Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, NordPass, and Threat Protection.
The best way to experience NordVPN is to try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you test all the VPN features without any limitations. If you’re not satisfied, you can easily get a refund from the friendly customer support team via 24/7 live chat — I’ve tested it and had my refund approved in just 3 minutes.
FAQs About NordVPN
Is NordVPN really safe?
Yes, NordVPN is one of the most secure VPN services available. With top-tier AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits, and a reliable kill switch, your online activities and data are well protected. Advanced features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Threat Protection further bolster NordVPN’s commitment to user safety.
Additionally, NordVPN’s Panama jurisdiction and audited no-logs policy add an extra layer of privacy, being free from data retention laws and international surveillance alliances. Overall, its multiple security and privacy measures make NordVPN a highly secure choice for any VPN user, ensuring robust protection while online.
What are the cons of NordVPN?
While NordVPN offers excellent performance and a great feature set, it does come with a few drawbacks. The biggest one is that it’s more expensive than other premium VPNs.
Another downside is the limited amount of specialized server locations. They work perfectly if they are in a nearby location, but if they’re not then you may notice a speed drop or have difficulty connecting.
Is there a better VPN than NordVPN?
Does NordVPN work with Netflix?
Does NordVPN work on game consoles?
Yes. Although NordVPN’s native apps don’t currently extend to game consoles, there are a few ways to use NordVPN on your game console.
Smart DNS changes your device’s DNS settings to simulate a different location, bypassing geo-restrictions (but without encrypting your traffic). For added security, you can set up NordVPN on your router. This encrypts all traffic passing through, though the setup is more complex.
Alternatively, a shared hotspot from a NordVPN-connected device can be used. This method is less secure but simpler to set up, with Windows PCs being the easiest to configure. Note that MacOS requires additional steps, and Android and iOS do not support VPN connection sharing over hotspots.
Can NordVPN be traced?
Can I use NordVPN for free?
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