NordVPN Review: Secure and Private Internet Browsing
What Is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that allows users to browse the internet securely and privately. In this NordVPN Review, we will cover features, performance, pricing, and user opinions. This NordVPN review compares the solution to 7 top VPN competitors to see how it stacks up. The solution encrypts internet traffic and masks IP addresses to help protect users' online identities and activities.
Founded in 2012, NordVPN was developed by Nord Security, a cybersecurity company based in Panama. It has become one of the most popular and highly-rated VPN services, with over 14 million users worldwide. NordVPN provides robust security features, fast connection speeds, and access to restricted content and websites.
The primary purpose of NordVPN is to enhance users' privacy and security when accessing the internet. It creates an encrypted tunnel between the user's device and a remote VPN server, hiding the user's IP address. All internet traffic passes through this protected tunnel, preventing snooping by hackers, internet service providers, and government surveillance.
NordVPN Review vs. 7 Competitors: Secure, Private Browsing
Read our comprehensive NordVPN review. Learn about its features, pricing plans. See how it ensures secure and private internet browsing. We compared to 7 VPNs.
Price: 3.29 – 11.29
Price Currency: $
Application Category: virtual private network (VPN) service
4.8
Pros
- Provides strong encryption and security
- Fast connection speeds with little slowdown
- Large server network across 60 countries
- Allows P2P and torrenting on certain servers
- Works well with streaming services like Netflix
- Offers extra features like Dark Web Monitor
- Easy to use apps for all major platforms
- Generous 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors
- Only allows 6 simultaneous connections
- Customer support lacks phone option
Learn about our Oasis RankTM Review Methodology
Key Features of NordVPN
- Military-grade encryption to secure connections
- Strict no-logs policy to prevent tracking of user activities
- Over 5,500 high-speed servers in 60 countries to bypass geo-restrictions
- Support for torrenting and P2P activities
- Apps for all major platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Ability to connect six devices simultaneously under one account
- Specialty servers for streaming, double VPN, Onion over VPN
- CyberSec ad-blocking and anti-malware technology
With NordVPN, users can securely access blocked or censored content, share files, stream videos, and protect online privacy. It offers reliable security for a smooth browsing experience.
Benefits Of Using NordVPN
There are many benefits to using a premium VPN service like NordVPN rather than browsing the web unprotected. The NordVPN Windows app makes securing your internet traffic, changing locations, and connecting to the fastest servers easy. Some key advantages include:
Enhanced Online Privacy
NordVPN allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses and encrypting traffic. This prevents websites, ISPs, and snoopers from tracking browsing activities or harvesting personal data. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy to ensure users' privacy.
Access Restricted Websites and Content
Certain websites and online services block access based on geographical location. NordVPN lets users bypass these restrictions by routing connections through remote servers in other countries. This provides access to geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc.
Secure Public Wi-Fi Connections
Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure and prone to attacks. NordVPN secures these connections by creating an encrypted tunnel to protect sensitive info like passwords, emails, credit card details, etc., from being intercepted by hackers on public networks.
Shield Torrenting Activity
NordVPN allows P2P file-sharing and torrenting by offering dedicated high-speed servers optimized for the purpose. This shields users' identities while torrenting by hiding their IP addresses.
Remote Access to Local Network
NordVPN provides secure remote access to home or work networks and devices when traveling by creating an encrypted VPN connection. This is useful for accessing company resources securely when working remotely.
Ad-blocking and Malware Protection
NordVPN's CyberSec feature blocks intrusive ads and protects against malicious websites and files, improving the browsing experience and security.
24/7 Customer Support
NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. This helps users troubleshoot issues and get quick assistance from knowledgeable support reps.
NordVPN for Mac
NordVPN has a Mac app provides robust encryption and private browsing with an intuitive interface.
NordVPN for iOS
The NordVPN iOS app lets iPhone and iPad users browse the web privately, access restricted content, and secure public WiFi.
NordVPN for Android
Android users can download the NordVPN app to encrypt their mobile traffic and protect sensitive data on public networks.
NordVPN for routers
NordVPN has an app for flashing routers to encrypt all traffic for any device connected to the WiFi network.
NordVPN for streaming
NordVPN allows bypassing geo-restrictions to access streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+ abroad.
NordVPN for gaming
NordVPN reduces lag by connecting to nearby high-speed servers optimized for gaming and bypassing bandwidth throttling.
NordVPN for torrenting
NordVPN permits P2P filesharing on designated servers and hides your IP address to keep torrenting anonymous.
How Does NordVPN Compare to Competitors?
NordVPN is among the top VPN services, competing closely with leading providers like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, PureVPN, PrivateVPN, Private Internet Access, and ProtonVPN. NordVPN compares favorably to competitors on speed, number of servers, and security features. NordVPN stands out from other VPNs with innovative features like Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor, Meshnet, and Obfuscated Servers. From our head-to-head reviews, here's how we find that it compares:
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has slightly faster speeds and is very reliable for streaming. However, NordVPN has more security features, is better for torrenting, and is significantly cheaper. Both are excellent choices overall.
NordVPN vs. Surfshark
Surfshark has unlimited device connections, while NordVPN is capped at six devices. But NordVPN has faster speeds, more servers, better streaming and unblocking, and additional features like dedicated IPs. It's the better option for power users.
NordVPN Vs. PrivateVPN
With faster speeds, more servers, and better unblocking abilities, NordVPN delivers a smoother, more reliable VPN experience than PrivateVPN. Though PrivateVPN is cheaper, NordVPN provides robust security and privacy protections, making it the superior choice for most users.
NordVPN Vs. PUREVPN
Regarding speed, security, and streaming access, NordVPN outperforms PureVPN. NordVPN offers faster connections, more robust encryption, better privacy protections, and wider unblocking of streaming sites like Netflix. Though PureVPN has more server locations, NordVPN's 5,700+ servers in 60 countries are all physical and deliver smooth, fast performance. NordVPN is the superior choice for the best overall VPN experience.
NordVPN vs CyberGhost
CyberGhost has over 7,000 servers, more than NordVPN's 5,500+ servers. However, NordVPN delivers faster speeds, allows P2P on all servers, and has more advanced security tools. Overall, NordVPN is the superior service.
NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access
NordVPN has better speeds compared to PIA and can access more streaming services. It also offers more security tools. But PIA is significantly cheaper. NordVPN is preferable for robust features and performance.
NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN has a stronger privacy policy and is more transparent. But NordVPN has faster speeds, better global coverage with more servers, and is better for streaming. NordVPN is the better choice for most use cases.
NordVPN Product Pricing Options
NordVPN offers four pricing tiers:
- Standard (starting at $3.29/month for a 2-year plan) – Includes core VPN features.
- Plus (starting at $5.29/month for a 2-year plan) – Adds password manager NordPass.
- Complete (starting at $6.29/month for a 2-year plan) – Includes 1TB encrypted cloud storage.
- Ultimate (starting at $11.29/month for a 1-year plan) – Bundles NordVPN, NordPass, and NordLocker
The best value is the 2-year Standard plan, which costs $3.29/month and $79 upfront. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans.
NordVPN accepts payment through credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and other options. There are often limited-time promos available, like free months or discounts.
Step-By-Step NordVPN Setup Guide
Setting up NordVPN is quick and easy across platforms:
1. Go to NordVPN and sign up for an account. 2. Download and install the NordVPN app on your device.
2. Log into the app using your NordVPN credentials. The app will detect your location and select the best server.
3. Connect to a VPN server by clicking ‘Quick Connect' or manually choosing a server location. The app will create a secure encrypted tunnel.
4. Verify your new IP address has changed by searching ‘what is my IP' on Google. The IP shown should match the VPN server location.
5. Adjust settings like auto-connect, CyberSec, split-tunneling, protocol, etc., through the app's settings menu.
6. Connect other devices by downloading NordVPN on them and logging in with your same credentials. Up to 6 devices can use the account simultaneously.
7. Contact 24/7 customer support via live chat or email if you face any connection issues or need assistance.
8. Optionally enable NordVPN browser extensions for secure private browsing in Chrome and Firefox browsers.
That's it! With these simple steps, you can use NordVPN to browse the web privately and access your favorite apps and websites securely. NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email for troubleshooting connections, billing, or other issues.
Is NordVPN Right For You?
NordVPN is a top choice for many internet users due to its excellent features and performance. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if NordVPN meets your needs:
- If you want leading security and privacy features like multi-hop connections, obfuscated servers, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy, NordVPN is a great fit.
- If you need consistently fast speeds for streaming HD videos or gaming, NordVPN delivers excellent speeds and minimal lag.
- If you want to access geo-restricted platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere, NordVPN can reliably unblock them.
- If you do a lot of P2P sharing or torrenting, NordVPN allows it on all servers and has dedicated P2P servers.
- If you need to connect many devices like smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices, NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections.
- If you want extra features like ad-blocking, anti-malware, and password manager, NordVPN offers them under different pricing tiers.
- If you travel abroad frequently, NordVPN lets you bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites.
However, NordVPN may not be the best choice if you require very customized VPN configurations, as it lacks that level of manual settings. But for most users, NordVPN delivers an ideal blend of security, speed, reliability, and ease of use.
According to CSRC, a VPN provides a Protected information system link utilizing tunneling, security controls, and endpoint address translation, giving the impression of a dedicated line.
NordVPN Review Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN is one of the top VPN services available today for enhancing online privacy and security. With its fast speeds, watertight security, extensive server network, and unrestricted access – NordVPN enables users to browse freely and safely.
While it may not be the cheapest option, the ad-blocking, malware protection, and other bonus features make the pricing worthwhile. NordVPN provides a complete VPN solution for secure web access.
Take your online privacy and security into your own hands and browse the internet without restrictions! After signing up, you can download and install the NordVPN app for your operating system, such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc. So try out NordVPN today with its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up for NordVPN by choosing a plan, entering your email, and providing payment information.
NordVPN FAQ
Is NordVPN independently audited?
Yes, NordVPN has undergone independent audits by firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers to verify their privacy and security claims. These audits help give NordVPN credibility that what they say is indeed what they do. When choosing a VPN, it's reassuring to know a trustworthy third party has peeked under the hood.
How fast is NordVPN in speed tests?
NordVPN earns top marks in speed tests, with many users reporting great performance for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. In Cybernews‘ tests, NordVPN maintained 85% of its original speed across different server locations. That kind of speed is plenty fast enough for most folks' needs.
Can NordVPN give me a dedicated IP address?
Yes, NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses, which can help you maintain a consistent online identity over time. For people who need to preserve their online reputation for work or other reasons, having a dedicated IP with NordVPN can be a great feature.
Does NordVPN support linking devices together?
Yes, NordVPN offers “Meshnet” support, which lets you securely link together two or more of your devices into a little private network. This can be handy for things like streaming media from one device to another without any privacy or security worries.
What do users say about NordVPN?
Users are very happy with NordVPN, praising its incredible speeds, reliability, and extra features. In independent user reviews, NordVPN earns positive marks for performance and also for customer support. Users say NordVPN's apps are easy to use too. Even free users can try it out.
What extra security does NordVPN offer?
On top of standard VPN encryption, NordVPN provides extras like Threat Protection, which blocks malicious sites and files. Features like this give added security on top of hiding your online activity. For the security-focused, these extras help NordVPN go beyond basic VPN services.