Nord VPN Review: is it really that good?
Internet security and privacy are some of the top concerns in the world of online technology. With so many cyberattacks and government restrictions, it’s challenging to enjoy the best streams, torrents, and online gaming servers worldwide.
To combat these issues, many people are turning towards virtual private networks (VPNs). However, the internet is saturated with several options, and it’s hard to tell which one would suit you best.
NordVPN delivers top-notch security to protect your information while granting you access across several platforms. You’ll enjoy fast server speeds with numerous servers across international countries. Furthermore, it doesn’t log your browsing activity, so no one will be able to spy on you.
If you’re interested in a specific section, please use our table of contents to jump further down the page.
Pros & Cons
- Top of the line privacy and security
- Connect up to six different devices on various platforms
- Fast and consistent internet speeds
- Cryptocurrency and cash are accepted as payments
- Strict no-logs policy means your personal data is safe
- Kill switch ensures privacy
- Over 5,000 servers across 59 countries
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- Works with:
- Torrenting is only supported on some servers
- Apps can be slow because of server connections
- Configuration for OpenVPN is not user-friendly
Pricing
NordVPN has different packages varying in length and price. It’s excellent value for the quality of service you receive. You can have a one-month plan, and it’ll cost you $11.95, with no discount offered.
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1-Month Plan
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2-Year Plan
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1-Year Plan
A one-year plan has a total cost of $59.00, which is $4.95 per month. This gives you 58% in savings when compared to the one-month option. With a two-year cover, you’ll pay a total of $89.00, which comes to $3.71, which is a 68% discount on the shortest option. The two-year package also includes three free months.
The longer you choose to sign up for, the less you’ll pay in the long run. NordVPN boasts a risk-free 30 days when you sign up. If you’re not satisfied with the features available within that time frame, you’ll get a full refund. If you commit to a more extended period than that, you can’t get your money back if you change your mind after that initial 30 days are over.
Speed
NordVPN has over 5,400 servers worldwide, and all maintain consistent and fast speeds, which is essential for user experience. NordVPN is powered by Nordlynx, which serves to optimize internet speeds at all times. This VPN provider doesn’t limit your speed, but sometimes VPNs can impact performance to a certain degree.
Sufficient internet speed will make sure there are no limitations when you’re using NordVPN. Without a VPN, an ISP may be able to manipulate certain connections to censor or block content. Speed impacts everything you do on the internet, and the NordVPN package makes running at an optimal level with your privacy protected straightforward. Proper internet speed lets you browse and stream all the content you want at the highest quality available.
“With NordVPN, you’ll not have to worry about bandwidth limits slowing you down. It gives you a seamless experience, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or downloading.”
outstanding security and consistent speed and reliability
Servers
NordVPN is successful primarily because of its servers. With over 5,400 servers in 59 different countries, you’ll get the fastest speeds available to you with unlimited bandwidth. Having numerous servers in various countries ensures you always have a trusted connection.
With NordVPN, there are no concerns around data caps limiting what you do on the internet, and having many servers ensures a stable and consistent connection consistently.
Additionally, this allows NordVPN to facilitate services in countries where the internet may be limited or manipulated, giving a route to those who would otherwise be incapable of accessing certain online content.
| Data Caps | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Number of servers | Over 5,000 |
| Top download speed reached | 98Mbps |
| Server locations | Over 80 in 59 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Up to six |
NordVPN will also allow you to have up to six devices connected simultaneously through the same account. This means that you’ll be able to connect using as many devices as your router can handle.
User Experience
NordVPN provides one of the most accessible and easy to use platforms on both desktop and laptop. One of the most appealing features is the Quick Connect button. It makes NordVPN straightforward to use for anyone unfamiliar with how VPNs work. The Quick Connect permits you to change servers by simply clicking on a map.
If you’re unsure about what location to select, NordVPN keeps its specialized servers at the top of the list, ensuring you can get connected as quickly as possible.
NordVPN also has apps designed to enhance the user’s experience no matter what platform they’re on. It does a solid job making sure anyone can use its VPN and get the services they’re expecting. NordVPN also provides plugins for both Firefox and Chrome web browsers.
The NordVPN mobile apps will share many of the design features seen on the desktop or laptop. This makes sure users can transition to mobile without running into any unnecessary obstacles.
NordVPN works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. NordVPN makes sure that compatibility won’t be an issue regardless of the device you’re using. Having that seamless transition, along with an easy-to-use interface, puts users in the best position to enjoy NordVPN’s services.
However, on the mobile app, you may see some differences between Android and iOS. While on Android, you’ll only be able to use OpenVPN. iOS users also have the option to use IKEv2. Apple has a more strict security policy than Android, limiting it to Onion Over VPN and P2P for specialty servers. With Android, you can have access to Double VPN, dedicated IP servers, obfuscated, and P2P.
Languages
- English (US)
- English (UK)
- Japanese
- English (AU)
Security
Having a no-log policy is one of the most essential features of a VPN. It means you can remain anonymous, and your data won’t be tracked while you’re on the internet. NordVPN was developed in a privacy-friendly country, making sure it has an honest and straightforward no-logs policy.
You can rest assured that all your sensitive information will be safe, and it’ll be impossible to identify you while using the internet. This allows you to overcome many obstacles that could arise from an ISP that uses and tracks your data.
While split tunneling for your desktop is something NordVPN doesn’t have, the browser extension can function similarly
Your browser traffic is encrypted through the add-ons provided. As is the case with split tunneling, any apps used outside of the browser extension will continue to route through your local IP address. The browser extension will automatically route all your apps through the VPN, which you can adjust by changing the default settings and adding your trusted apps to the list.
Encryption is one way that NordVPN gives you additional security that’s not found with most VPNs. NordVPN runs all your traffic through two servers rather than one. This makes it impossible to track anything you’re doing online or log any of your data. Additionally, with NordLocker, all your files will be encrypted before you share or upload them to the cloud. Remember, you can only share files with people who have NordLocker installed.
Browser extensions are another beneficial feature covered by NordVPN. The browser extension is what allows NordVPN to have the function of split tunneling. Having browser extensions available for both desktop and mobile devices can help you have a user-friendly experience regardless of the device, without having to make unnecessary adjustments.
A kill switch may not be the first thing you think of with a VPN, but it’s one of the most powerful security features at your disposal. The purpose of the kill switch is to ensure that all traffic can remain protected if your connection becomes compromised. It will prevent any DNS requests or your IP address from being leaked, and it’s a feature for both mobile and desktop. Keep in mind that the kill switch is automatically set up for mobile devices, but you’ll need to turn it on for desktop.
NordVPN currently uses hard drive storage rather than RAM. This means that all data from servers is stored on a physical hard drive, so it can only be erased manually. It may be a bit concerning to some users that physical storage needs to be cleared. That being said, NordVPN is planning to incorporate a RAM system to ensure users don’t have concerns about their anonymity.
Support
ExpressVPN has world-class customer support, with your first port of call being the website. On offer here are dozens of guides, FAQs, and articles that cover some of the most common problems and issues you might encounter with the service.
Many will find the answers they need in these articles but, If your problem is a little more complex, you can opt to contact customer support via live chat or email. The service is available 24/7, has fast response rates and you’ll get to speak to a human being and not a chatbot.
How to install
- Log into your router – check the product manual or ask the service provider if you need more details
- Configure router settings to redirect traffic to the VPN
- After configuring, test your VPN to make sure the connection is working
24/7
If your problem is a little more complex, you can opt to contact customer support via live chat or email. The service is available 24/7, has fast response rates and you’ll get to speak to a human being and not a chatbot.
Service Agents
The service agents are happy to cover all topics and will discuss your issues in detail until a resolution is found. They’ll even be happy to tell you which servers are the best for streaming services in different countries.
Popular Categories
Streaming and Torrenting
NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that can get around Netflix’s geoblocks, and that alone makes it one of the better VPNs for streaming. Its SmartPlay feature is the tool that allows you to bypass geoblocks while also maintaining a secure connection. In addition to Netflix, NordVPN will give you access to BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Hot Star, and HBO Go. If social media is where you go for streaming content, NordVPN will allow you to access Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and many other platforms that may be blocked at your location.
The fastest VPN in the world is our #1 best-rated VPN for 2020 for its outstanding security and consistent speed and reliability
NordVPN has many different advantages for torrenting and you have access to popular platforms, including BitTorrent, Vuze, and uTorrent. With unlimited bandwidth, no data limits, and a no-log policy, you’ll be able to use these without worrying about being tracked or overcharged. NordVPN has proven to be one of the better VPNs available for torrenting, and it’s easy to see why.
Gaming and Consoles
Having consistent and reliable internet speed is different from having a usable gaming connection, particularly on consoles. No matter what kind of game you’re playing, excessive buffering or lag is a frustration you’ll want to avoid.
Keep in mind that NordVPN will allow several devices to connect at the same time. With the reliability of NordVPN’s servers and the availability of them across the world, you’ll be able to maintain smooth and consistent gaming on your consoles without having to worry about slow internet speed, buffering, or lag getting in the way. Whether you’re using a server in the United States or across the world in Australia, using NordVPN will ensure your gaming experience is optimized.
Desktop and Laptops
With NordVPN, you’ll get one of the most complete experiences on your desktop and laptop. We’ve already discussed how easy this VPN is to use with the Quick Connect feature, but it becomes even more appealing when used for gaming. It’s much easier to get consistent speeds for browsing the internet with this VPN, so you don’t have to worry about games being too slow to enjoy.
The complete laptop and desktop experience with NordVPN also includes security. You want to make sure that it’s functioning as it should and not putting your data at risk. That being said, with IP address leakage and a lot of data logging out there, using NordVPN means you’re never sacrificing security for enjoyment. This provider uses the BlockWebRTC feature to help keep you protected, and NordVPN will encrypt and protect all of your traffic, easing any worries you might have about using it with a laptop or computer.
Browsers
Browsers are one of the areas where NordVPN excels the most and offers users something that cannot be found elsewhere. NordVPN is one of the only VPNs that will provide you with browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome on both desktop and mobile. Few VPNs allow you to have these extensions on mobile, meaning no obvious limitations on the 5,400+ servers available to you.
With the added security on NordVPNs browser extensions, you’ll be able to go to sites that don’t have HTTP protections and remain anonymous, and prevent any ISP from blocking you. Additionally, the browser extension allows you to continue using the Cyber Sec ad blocker, no matter what device you’re using.
Mobile and Tablets
NordVPN is easy to set up on any mobile device or tablet. Once the app is installed, all you need to do is sign in and enable the ad blocker. There’ll always be the Quick Connect feature, so you’re still able to use your VPN services whenever you need them. The Quick Connect feature is ideal for mobile devices and tablets, too. You never want to go through an extra process to connect on a different device, and this feature will get you connected to reliable servers as efficiently as possible.
Having the potential to have six devices set up simultaneously, with apps and browser extensions that make for an easy transition from desktop, NordVPN gives one of the best mobile and tablet experiences available from a VPN.
Routers
NordVPN helps accommodate any restrictions you might have with an app that allows you to connect to a VPN compatible router. With the app, you’ll also be able to have unlimited device connections to your router. This makes the most significant difference to WiFi devices. Whether it’s a console, a smartTV, or a computer that’s not hard-wired, you’ll still be able to take advantage of all the VPN services.
The NordVPN website has clear instructions to help you install the router app with a tutorial to ensure you can enable and use everything safely and correctly You’ll be able to initiate the security protocols that you need in this process.
Summary
With NordVPN, you’re getting an established and well-trusted VPN. This company is renowned for offering features that are unique and difficult to find elsewhere. With more than enough servers scattered across the globe, it has all the accessibility while being one of the easiest to use VPNs on the market.
NordVPN provides the extra features for additional protection while ensuring you’re able to stream, browse, or game on any device. With the possibility of unlimited connections, even on WiFi devices, NordVPN serves to give you more than just seamless internet access. It helps to improve any experience you might have involving the internet.
With some of the easiest-to-use features, browser extensions, and apps for mobile and desktop devices, you don’t have to worry about getting confused when switching between. NordVPN keeps everything simple for you while providing the most reliable speeds you can find. You’ll get the protection needed to stay safe on the internet, no matter where you’re located.
FAQ
How much does NordVPN cost?
With NordVPN, the longer you subscribe, the better the deals get. There are subscriptions as short as one month available to you. However, as you increase the length of your subscription, the prices come down. Right now, it can be as little as $3.71 per month.
Which NordVPN server is best?
Determining what the best server is will vary depending on multiple factors. Your location is the most relevant, but different servers will also perform alternate purposes better. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or gaming, there’ll be a server suited to your needs.
Will my ISP have a problem with a VPN?
Your ISP shouldn’t have any issues with you running a VPN, but most will be aware of the fact that you’re using such software. That being said, the security features mean your ISP won’t be able to track what you’re doing, even if they can tell what VPN you’re using.
How can I delete my account?
With NordVPN, deleting your account is easy. You’re able to go to the website and fill out a form at any time. It shouldn’t take too long to do, and there’s clear information about what you need to provide to delete the account.