NordVPN Review

Our Verdict

NordVPN Review: A Comprehensive Overview

NordVPN has earned an impressive rating of 9.4/10 based on our assessments, establishing itself as a versatile choice that excels in speed and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms. While it may be perceived as less user-friendly than some competitors and has limitations in circumventing internet censorship in certain regions, these drawbacks are largely mitigated by its competitive pricing.

Ranking: #2 out of 62 VPNs

NordVPN Category Ratings:

• Streaming: 9.8/10
• Torrenting: 9.0/10
• Privacy & Logging: 8.8/10
• Speed: 9.7/10
• Server Locations: 9.9/10
• Bypassing Censorship: 6.5/10
• Security & Features: 9.9/10
• Ease of Use: 9.5/10
• Customer Support: 9.7/10
• Price & Value: 8.5/10

Pros and Cons of NordVPN:

Pros:

• Regular privacy and security audits.
• Compatible with US Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services.
• Provides IP addresses from more countries than many alternatives.
• Fast connection speeds through the NordLynx protocol.
• Excellent application for Firestick and a reliable Smart DNS tool.
• Offers a 7-day free trial for Android users and a 30-day money-back guarantee across all platforms.

Cons:

• Retains connection timestamps for 15 minutes.
• The dedicated IP feature may pose privacy risks.
• Subscription renewals occur at a significantly higher rate.
• Lacks a GUI application for Linux users.
• Limited functionality in China.

Since its inception in 2012, NordVPN has emerged as the most recognized VPN service, with over 14 million paying customers globally. Headquartered in Panama, it is a highly trusted option within the industry.

NordVPN is operated by Nord Security, which also owns Atlas VPN and shares a holding company with Surfshark. Despite this corporate connection, all three VPN services operate independently.

Recently, NordVPN has diversified its offerings to include additional cybersecurity tools, such as a file encryption feature and a secure password manager. However, this review will concentrate exclusively on the features included in the NordVPN subscription.

NordVPN Key Data

Data Cap	Unlimited
Download Speed	95Mbps
Logging Policy	No Identifying Data
Data Leaks	No
Jurisdiction	Panama (Privacy Haven)
Servers	6,328
IP Addresses	6,328+
Countries with Servers	111
US Netflix	Yes
Torrenting	Partially
Simultaneous Connections	10
Works In China	No
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Cheapest Price	$3.29/mo over 2 years
Free Trial	7 Days (No Payment Info Required)
Money-Back Guarantee	30-day Money-Back Guarantee
Official Website	NordVPN.com

Streaming Capabilities

Compatible with US Netflix and Other Streaming Platforms

Streaming Performance Rating: 9.8/10

NordVPN excelled in our streaming assessments, successfully unblocking popular platforms such as Netflix and HBO Max. It consistently delivered geo-blocked video content in HD to 4K quality. Additionally, NordVPN features a dedicated app for Fire TV Stick and a Smart DNS capability, enabling compatibility with a variety of streaming devices.

Ranked #2 Among 62 VPNs for Streaming

Below is a selection of popular streaming services accessible through NordVPN:

Streaming Platform	Works with NordVPN
Amazon Prime Video	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes
Channel 4	Yes
Disney+	Yes
Hotstar India	No
Hulu	Yes
ITVX	Yes
Max	Yes
Netflix US	Yes

NordVPN’s outstanding streaming performance is attributed to its proprietary SmartPlay feature, which automatically switches between DNS servers when accessing geo-blocked content.

It is important to note that this feature is not exclusive to NordVPN. Many leading VPNs for streaming, such as Windscribe and PrivateVPN, utilize similar DNS-based methods to bypass restrictions, often achieving higher success rates across diverse content platforms.

Reliable Access to 17 Netflix Libraries

NordVPN is currently recognized as one of the leading VPNs for accessing Netflix. Over the past three months, it has consistently demonstrated the ability to access the US content library in all our tests. This represents a notable improvement from prior experiences, where Netflix frequently blocked NordVPN’s IP addresses.

Our comprehensive analysis revealed that, unlike competitors such as ExpressVPN and PrivateVPN, NordVPN automatically connects users to a server optimized for US Netflix. This feature eliminates the need for users to spend time searching for a functioning server.

Furthermore, we conducted tests on NordVPN servers in 111 countries to evaluate their ability to access popular Netflix libraries. NordVPN successfully unblocked nearly all of the most sought-after Netflix libraries. A detailed overview of NordVPN’s compatibility with various Netflix libraries is provided in the table below:

Netflix Library	Works with NordVPN
Australia	Yes
Brazil	Yes
Canada	Yes
France	Yes
Germany	Yes
India	No
Japan	Yes
Mexico	Yes
Netherlands	No
Switzerland	No
UK	Yes
US	Yes

Currently, NordVPN is unable to access Netflix’s libraries in India and the Netherlands. We anticipate improvements in this area, particularly given that competing VPN services, such as Windscribe and PrivateVPN, successfully provide access to these regions.

Compatibility with US Streaming Services

NordVPN stands out as one of the premier VPNs for accessing HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube TV, Peacock, and other US-based streaming platforms from abroad. During our initial testing, we found that the first server we connected to worked seamlessly with each platform. Additionally, NordVPN offers multiple servers in 16 US cities, providing flexibility should any issues arise.

When connecting to a NordVPN server in the US from Europe, videos consistently loaded instantly in 1080p (Full HD), with performance on par with our home non-VPN connection.

Unlike Surfshark, NordVPN does not include a fake GPS feature for Android devices. Consequently, we were unable to bypass location checks on our Android phone, preventing us from streaming blackout games on NBA League Pass or MLB.tv.

Access to BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and Other UK Streaming Services

NordVPN is our top-rated VPN for accessing BBC iPlayer. Through extensive testing over the years, the VPN has consistently succeeded in bypassing geo-blocks on this platform. By utilizing NordLynx and connecting to a UK server from the US, we experienced no buffering, and videos displayed at the highest resolution.

Notably, NordVPN was able to stream BBC content on all its UK servers. This is in contrast to other leading VPNs, such as ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, where we had to reach out to customer support to identify compatible servers.

Moreover, NordVPN effectively unblocked Channel 4, ITVX, and other streaming services requiring a UK IP address. Our connection speeds remained robust enough to stream live Premier League matches on Now and Sky Go without any issues.

Compatible with Kodi

NordVPN is an excellent option for safeguarding your Kodi activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), thanks to its outstanding streaming performance and robust privacy policy.

It is compatible with all major Kodi devices, including Fire TV and Android TV, ensuring seamless integration. During our tests on the Nvidia Shield, we successfully accessed widely used geo-restricted Kodi add-ons, such as Adult Swim, without experiencing any errors or data leaks.

Speed Performance

Fast Connection Speeds Across All Server Locations

Speed Rating: 9.7/10

Utilizing the NordLynx protocol, NordVPN consistently delivers exceptional connection speeds across all tested servers. On our baseline connection of 100 Mbps, we recorded an impressive average download speed of 95 Mbps when connected to a nearby server and maintained speeds of up to 90 Mbps for international connections.

Ranked #5 out of 62 VPNs for Speed

The following table displays NordVPN’s speed test results:

	No VPN (New York)	US (New York)	Canada (Toronto)	US (Los Angeles)	UK (London)	Germany (Berlin)	Brazil (São Paulo)	Japan (Tokyo)	South Africa (Johannesburg)	Australia (Sydney)
Server Location	New York	US	Canada	US	UK	Germany	Brazil	Japan	South Africa	Australia
Download Speed	100Mbps	95Mbps	97Mbps	91Mbps	90Mbps	92Mbps	83Mbps	89Mbps	66Mbps	84Mbps
Upload Speed	100Mbps	94Mbps	76Mbps	14Mbps	12Mbps	12Mbps	31Mbps	7Mbps	25Mbps	5Mbps
Ping	1ms	8ms	14ms	74ms	74ms	98ms	119ms	144ms	404ms	201ms
Distance	0mi	5mi	300mi	2,500mi	3,500mi	4,000mi	4,800mi	6,700mi	8,000mi	9,900mi

As illustrated, even when connecting to servers located as far away as Australia, NordVPN achieved remarkably high speeds, significantly surpassing the performance of many other VPN services.

NordVPN’s ability to sustain these excellent speed levels is attributed to its extensive network of servers. The service automatically connects users to less congested servers, thereby mitigating issues related to overloaded servers and throttled performance.

The chart below compares NordVPN’s local and average international download speeds with those of other leading VPNs:

These results demonstrate that NordVPN ranks among the fastest VPN options available. It is well-suited for streaming content from international libraries, rapidly downloading torrent files, and facilitating smooth general web browsing.

Low Latency for Seamless Gaming

NordVPN maintains a low ping rate across its server network. While connected to a nearby server, we recorded a remarkable ping of just 8 ms, positioning it as one of the top VPN choices for gaming.

With NordVPN, we successfully engaged in fast-paced games, such as CS, without experiencing any lag or performance issues. Although the ping increased when accessing gaming servers in Brazil, reaching 119 ms, this remained low enough to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

NordVPN’s Low Latency and Value

NordVPN’s low latency is largely attributed to its NordLynx protocol, which utilizes WireGuard technology. This protocol is designed to optimize data transmission, effectively reducing the time required to send packets between your device and the VPN server.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Exceptional Value Across Most Subscription Plans

Price & Value Rating: 8.5/10

NordVPN offers significant value for its quality of service. At a competitive rate of $3.29 per month on a two-year plan, it is less than half the price of its primary competitor, ExpressVPN. However, it is advisable to avoid the annual plan, as the renewal fee increases substantially after the initial payment period. Additionally, an extension of the free trial to include desktop and iOS platforms would be a welcomed improvement.

Ranked #6 out of 62 VPNs for Price & Value

NordVPN Pricing Plans:

• Monthly Plan:
  $11.99 per month
  Billed at $11.99 every month.
• Annual Plan:
  $4.99 per month
  Billed at $59.88 for the first 12 months, $99.48 every year thereafter.
• Two-Year Plan:
  $3.29 per month
  Billed at $78.96 for the first two years, $99.48 every year thereafter.

Note: This review focuses solely on NordVPN’s ‘Standard’ subscription plans, which include VPN services, malware protection, and Threat Protection. Additional features, such as cloud storage, require an upgrade to either the ‘Plus’ or ‘Complete’ subscription.

The two-year plan from NordVPN offers exceptional value, allowing usage on up to 10 devices simultaneously while providing access to numerous advanced features. The upfront payment is $78.96, with a slight increase to $99.48 upon renewal.

In contrast, the one-year plan at $55.98 renews at a considerably higher rate of $99.48, which aligns closely with the pricing of ExpressVPN and is approximately 66% more than that of Surfshark.

For a comparative analysis of NordVPN’s initial subscription prices and renewal rates alongside other VPNs, please refer to the table below:

VPN Service	Initial Annual Subscription Price	Renewal Annual Subscription Price
NordVPN	$59.88	$99.48
ExpressVPN	$99.95	$99.95
Surfshark	$47.88	$59.76
IPVanish	$47.89	$89.99

Overall, NordVPN continues to provide good value for its monthly and two-year subscription plans. However, for those considering an annual subscription, we recommend ExpressVPN, which ranks as our top VPN service.

NordVPN Free Trial

NordVPN offers a seven-day free trial for users who download its Android app and subscribe to an annual plan. After registration, users can access their accounts on any compatible device.

While competitors such as ExpressVPN, PIA, and Surfshark provide free trials on both iOS and Android, we hope that NordVPN will introduce similar offerings in future updates.

Users can effectively access a 30-day free trial across all platforms by utilizing NordVPN’s money-back guarantee. This guarantee provides a hassle-free refund policy: if you cancel your subscription within 30 days, you will receive a full refund.

For those seeking a completely free VPN alternative, Atlas VPN is a suitable option. Owned by Nord Security, Atlas VPN offers a monthly data limit of 5GB and does not require any payment information, making it one of the best free VPNs for various online activities.

Payment and Refund Options

NordVPN accepts the following payment methods:

• Alipay
• American Express
• Bank Wire / Direct Transfer
• Bitcoin
• Mastercard
• UnionPay
• Visa

Please note that NordVPN no longer accepts PayPal. However, additional region-specific payment methods may be available depending on your location.

Server Locations Overview

IP Addresses Available from 111 Countries

Server Locations Rating: 9.9/10

NordVPN has recently made significant enhancements to its server network, now providing IP addresses from an impressive 111 countries. This extensive reach is second only to HMA and ranks as the highest among our top 10 rated VPN services.

Ranked #1 Out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations

NordVPN’s servers are strategically distributed across various continents, allowing users to browse the internet as if they are located in several popular countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, NordVPN offers city-level servers, enabling connections to specific cities within these countries.

While city-level server options are not available in every country, users can still obtain an IP address from nearly every nation worldwide.

Continent	Countries with Servers
Europe	46
Asia	27
North America	15
South America	12
Africa	7
Oceania	4

NordVPN’s server availability surpasses that of many well-known VPN providers; it has servers in 58 more countries than IPVanish and 67 more than Mullvad. This represents a remarkable expansion of over 80% compared to 2023, when the service had servers in only 60 countries.

This growth has been facilitated through the implementation of virtual server locations. Although this approach may raise minor concerns regarding transparency and potential speed reductions, the benefits of accessing a broader range of server locations are well worth it.

Ease of Use

User-Friendly Interface for Most Users

Ease of Use Rating: 9.5/10

NordVPN effectively balances user-friendliness with technical sophistication. Its applications offer a range of additional features without a steep learning curve. However, the absence of labels on buttons for activating most features can lead to confusion regarding their functionality. Additionally, the interface’s inconsistency across devices may further complicate user experience when transitioning between platforms.

Ranked #3 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use

To begin using NordVPN, visit the website and click on ‘Get NordVPN’ to create an account. After that, download the appropriate software for your device.

Once installed, NordVPN provides a subpar onboarding experience. Unlike many other VPN services, it does not offer a tutorial on utilizing the app’s features during the initial launch.

In December 2022, all NordVPN applications received an update; however, we found the previous interface preferable, as it featured fewer settings obscured behind unlabeled buttons.

NordVPN incorporates various features aimed at enhancing usability across its applications. Below is a summary of these features and their impact on user experience:

• Auto-Connect: This feature automatically initiates a VPN connection whenever you connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of NordVPN without having to open the app. We found this particularly beneficial for encrypting traffic, although it was less useful for bypassing geo-restrictions.
• Pause Feature: This allows users to temporarily disconnect from NordVPN for 5, 30, or 60 minutes. However, we found this feature less useful and would prefer it be removed entirely rather than occupying a dedicated button on the app’s home screen.
• Presets: Users can create customized shortcuts to add to the app’s home screen. This feature allows selection of server locations, VPN protocols, and specific websites to open automatically, which can save time, such as when connecting to a Japanese server to access Japanese Netflix.
• Split Tunneling: This allows users to specify which applications route traffic through the VPN tunnel and which do not. This feature is beneficial for maintaining compatibility with applications that require your true IP address, such as smart home devices, without needing to disconnect from the VPN.

Device and Operating System Overview

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)
NordVPN provides user-friendly applications for both Windows and Mac. While the interfaces are similar, we prefer the Mac version due to a slight advantage.

On macOS, the complete server list is always visible in alphabetical order. In contrast, the Windows application requires users to click a drop-down icon and scroll through a lengthy list that begins with specialty and Meshnet servers. This can be frustrating for users who frequently change server locations, resulting in a slower experience compared to ExpressVPN and other competitors.

Desktop Clients

A key concern with both desktop clients is the minimum window size, which is overly large due to the server map. Our experience indicates that this limitation complicates using other applications simultaneously with NordVPN on devices such as the 13-inch Lenovo ThinkPad or MacBook Pro. We would appreciate the ability to minimize the window to a single column, akin to the design implemented by Proton VPN.

Additionally, we find the presentation of many app features, including server options and Threat Protection, to be less than ideal. These features are obscured behind vague icons, requiring users to hover over each one to discern its purpose.

On a positive note, NordVPN has recently introduced a dark mode to its Windows application. However, we would prefer if the app automatically matched the system settings, as this functionality is currently unavailable on macOS.

Mobile (iPhone & Android)

NordVPN’s mobile applications offer a more user-friendly experience than its desktop counterparts. The app prominently features a ‘Quick Connect’ button at the center of the home screen, facilitating easy connections to the fastest server. This layout is consistent across both iOS and Android platforms.

Unlike the Windows version, users can effortlessly scroll to view the complete list of countries, simplifying the process of locating the desired IP address. We also appreciate that there is no need to tap to access additional server locations, as is necessary with competitors like ExpressVPN or PIA.

The app’s bottom tabs enable navigation between the VPN, Meshnet, Statistics, and Profile. Based on our experience, we find the statistics feature less useful and would prefer the option to customize the tabs according to individual preferences.

However, the kill switch configuration on NordVPN’s Android app is not intuitive. To enable it, users must navigate to Settings > Wireless and networks > More > VPN > Always-on VPN. We would prefer a more straightforward toggle option within the app’s settings.

Linux

Currently, NordVPN does not provide a graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux, relying solely on the command line interface (CLI) for user interaction. This limitation poses challenges for usability.

Given NordVPN’s scale and reputation, we expect a more robust solution. Nevertheless, among Linux CLI VPNs, NordVPN stands out as one of the more user-friendly options. It clearly outlines available commands, provides access to a range of advanced features, and allows users to log in via a browser link, eliminating the need to enter account details directly into the Terminal.

We strongly advocate for the development of a dedicated Linux GUI that aligns with the offerings available for Windows and macOS.

Streaming Devices (Amazon Fire TV, Android TV & Apple TV)

NordVPN offers intuitive and fully-featured applications for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV. However, the interface differs from its other applications, which may lead to a steeper learning curve for new users.

Unlike the standard NordVPN applications, the TV app lacks a map interface. Instead, users must scroll through a horizontal list to select server locations, which can be time-consuming, especially with a TV remote, as the options are neither alphabetically nor continentally organized.

We believe the ‘Disconnect’ button should be larger and more prominently positioned on the home screen. Currently, users must scroll to the far left to disconnect from the VPN server, rather than having the option to simply click the location or a standard ‘Off’ button.

Despite these drawbacks, NordVPN’s TV apps remain more user-friendly than those of its competitors. For instance, PrivateVPN has not updated its user interface for larger screens, resulting in a less appealing and more cumbersome experience.

Browser Extensions

NordVPN’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are straightforward to set up and operate.

Rather than employing a map interface like the standard desktop applications, the NordVPN extensions allow users to efficiently search for server locations. This approach enhances user experience, making it more convenient than using the Windows or Mac applications.

The extensions are designed for ease of use, as all essential privacy features, such as WebRTC leak protection, are enabled by default. This allows users to begin using the extension immediately without the need for complex settings or customization.

Privacy & Logging Policy Overview

User Information Logging

Rating: 8.8/10

NordVPN is recognized as a reliable VPN service, operating from Panama—a jurisdiction devoid of data retention laws. The service explicitly does not log any data that could be used to trace your online activities back to you. While its privacy policy has been subjected to audits, it has yet to be validated through legal proceedings or law enforcement inquiries.