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NordVPN is one of the most well-known and popular virtual private network (VPN) services available today. With over 14 million users worldwide, NordVPN has established itself as a top choice for those looking to enhance their privacy and security online.
In this NordVPN review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features, benefits, pricing options, performance, ease of use, and more to help you determine if NordVPN is the right VPN solution for your needs.
About NordVPN
NordVPN is operated by Tefincom S.A., a Panama-based company founded in 2012. It offers robust encryption, a large server network, strong privacy policies, and excellent speeds. NordVPN provides access to over 5,300 servers across 60 countries worldwide.
Some important NordVPN facts:
- Headquarters: Panama
- Founded: 2012
- Servers: Over 5,300 worldwide
- Countries: 60+
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Network Infrastructure
NordVPN owns and manages its entire network infrastructure, including all VPN servers. This gives them better control over security and performance.
- 5300+ servers in 60+ countries across the world expand network capacity as needed.
- Servers located in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland.
- Owns all server hardware rather than renting from third parties.
- Heavy investment in the latest server technology for speed
- Multiple server locations in the same city or country for redundancy.
- Scaling capabilities to rapidly add more servers to meet demand.
- Modern datacenters with cutting-edge physical security protections.
- Regular hardware replacement cycles and infrastructure upgrades.
NordVPN's substantial network resources and ownership of infrastructure allow it to deliver exceptional speeds, reliability, and security. Their constant expansion and upgrades result in a high-performance network for users.
NordVPN's service is simple yet powerful. It offers an easy way to encrypt your internet traffic and bypass geo-restrictions, all through an intuitive app. NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy, accepts anonymous payments, and offers advanced security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Features and Benefits
NordVPN has an impressive set of features that help keep users secure and anonymous online:
- Encryption and Security Protocols
NordVPN utilizes strong encryption, including the AES-256-CBC cipher and the SHA512 hash algorithm, to secure user traffic. It offers a choice of VPN protocols, including IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx. NordLynx is NordVPN's custom WireGuard-based protocol that provides faster speeds.
- Large Server Network
With over 5,300 servers in 60+ countries, NordVPN offers more server locations than most other VPNs. This allows users to easily bypass geo-restrictions and access region-blocked content from anywhere. Popular server locations include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France.
- Strict No-Logs Policy
NordVPN operates under the jurisdiction of Panama and does not collect or store any traffic or activity logs. This means no logging of your online activities, including browsing history, traffic destination, IP addresses, bandwidth usage, session information, or other identifying data.
- Onion Over VPN
This advanced feature routes traffic through both the Onion network and NordVPN servers for enhanced anonymity. Traffic goes through multiple layers of encryption to better hide user activity and location.
- CyberSec Malware Blocking
NordVPN's CyberSec feature blocks dangerous websites and ads that can install malware or trackers. It acts as an extra layer of protection against viruses and cyberthreats.
- Kill Switch
If the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the kill switch will automatically disable the internet connection. This prevents private data from accidentally leaking out from the usual IP address.
- No Borders Mode
In restrictive regions like China and Russia, NordVPN can circumvent censorship and unblock websites through its obfuscated servers in No Borders Mode.
- Easy Setup & Use
NordVPN provides easy-to-use native applications for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Android TV devices. The applications allow you to connect to a VPN server with a single click. For the best performance, servers may be filtered by nation, specialization (P2P, double VPN), and distance.
- Responsive Customer Support
Customer service is available 24/7 through live chat or email support. The support guides on NordVPN's website also provide helpful setup tutorials and answers to FAQs.
- Affordable Pricing
NordVPN offers competitive pricing, often running special deals and discounts. The 2-year plan offers the best value at just $3.49 per month. NordVPN accepts anonymous cryptocurrency payments as well as credit cards and PayPal.
- Performance and Speed
In speed tests, NordVPN consistently provides fast connection speeds across its server network, with minimal speed reduction compared to non-VPN connections. Connecting to nearby servers typically results in the fastest speeds. NordLynx and NordVPN's optimized servers help deliver blazing-fast performance.
- Reliability
NordVPN earns top marks for reliability. The service maintains 99.9% uptime, ensuring servers are consistently online and accessible. Connections remain stable and fast for smooth streaming, browsing, and downloading.
- Bandwidth
There are no bandwidth restrictions imposed when using NordVPN, allowing for unlimited downloads and uploads. This makes NordVPN well-suited for P2P file sharing.
- Server Capacity
The large server fleet provides sufficient capacity to handle peak user loads. Congestion and sluggish speeds during high traffic periods are rarely an issue.
- Streaming and Torrenting
NordVPN earns our recommendation for streaming and P2P activities. Its fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and lack of throttling make NordVPN ideal for HD streaming. And NordVPN allows torrenting on all its servers.
- Bypassing Censorship
NordVPN successfully bypasses internet censorship and restrictions in regions like China, Russia, and the Middle East. Obfuscated servers and No Borders Mode make it possible to access blocked content and websites.
Mobile App Features
NordVPN offers simple, easy-to-use apps for all major platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The apps allow for quick and easy connections, with server filtering and selection right at your fingertips.
Getting started with NordVPN is a breeze. Just download the app, create an account, and you’re ready to connect with just a click. Helpful tutorials are available as well.
It’s easy to find the best NordVPN servers using the in-app server filter and map. Servers can be filtered by country, distance, current load, and special features like P2P and double VPN.
Advanced Features
While the core VPN features are simple to use, NordVPN also offers more advanced tools for those seeking greater control and customization. Features like split tunneling, CyberSec, dedicated IP add-ons, and DNS configuration provide power users with more flexibility.
- One-tap connect to instantaneously activate the VPN.
- Servers are listed by country and specialty, like P2P or Obfuscated.
- Map view to see all server locations and ping times.
- ability to whitelist trusted WiFi networks to auto-connect to a VPN when joining.
- Passwords and settings can be encrypted for extra security.
- Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel.
- CyberSec ads and malware blockers are built into the app.
- Automatic connection on startup for always-on VPN protection.
- The kill switch blocks the internet if the VPN disconnects.
- Obfuscated servers to evade censorship and firewalls.
- NoBorders mode for access in restricted regions like China.
The apps provide the full NordVPN experience, with all desktop features available on mobile. Advanced security tools and granular settings make it easy to customize the VPN experience.
Customer Support
NordVPN's customer support is available 24/7 through live chat or email. Support guides and FAQ pages on the site also provide useful troubleshooting resources. We found the customer support to be responsive and helpful for any issues encountered.
Platforms Supported
NordVPN offers native apps for Windows PCs, Macs, iOS, Android, Linux, and Android TV. Manual setup guides are also available for other devices, like routers and Linux platforms.
Simultaneous Connections
A single NordVPN account supports up to 6 simultaneous connections. This allows securely connecting multiple devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and media players on one plan.
Configurability
Users have control over VPN protocols, encryption, advanced security settings, and more. Settings like CyberSec, kill switch, split tunneling, and dedicated IPs can be toggled on and off. More advanced users will appreciate the higher levels of control offered by NordVPN.
Pricing
NordVPN offers four subscription tiers:
Monthly: $12.99/month
1-year: $4.99/month
2-year: $3.49/month (Best Value)
The longer-term plans offer the biggest savings, lowering the monthly cost significantly. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows for a risk-free trial.
NordVPN accepts payments via credit card, PayPal, Amazon Pay, cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple), and other international payment methods.
NordVPN frequently offers seasonal promotions and sales around the major holidays, dropping prices by up to 70%.
Privacy and Logging Policies
- NordVPN operates under Panama's jurisdiction, which does not have any data retention laws. This allows NordVPN to follow a strict zero-logging policy. They do not track or store user activity logs or connection logs.
- Independent audits have confirmed NordVPN does not log IP addresses, browsing history, bandwidth usage, session information, or traffic data. The only logs retained are basic account information, like email, for billing purposes.
- NordVPN accepts anonymous payments via cryptocurrencies. And they are owned by a private company, not a larger conglomerate. This insulation helps protect user data.
- While they do not log activity, NordVPN does track some metrics, like the number of connections, to improve service quality. But these general analytics do not identify individual users.
Advanced Security Features
In addition to standard VPN security, NordVPN offers sophisticated features to enhance privacy:
- Onion over VPN routes traffic through the Onion network and NordVPN servers for maximum anonymity.
- Obfuscated servers mask VPN traffic to bypass censorship in restrictive regions.
- CyberSec blocks dangerous sites and ads that may install malware or trackers.
- Double VPN chains connections through two VPN servers for double encryption.
- P2P servers optimize performance for high-bandwidth activities like torrenting.
- The kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Split tunneling allows assigning which apps use the VPN tunnel.
- No-Borders mode defeats advanced firewalls and evades VPN blocking.
- The dedicated IP add-on grants access to a static IP address for each connection.
How It Compares
NordVPN vs Surfshark
Surfshark is a cheaper alternative VPN known for its unlimited device support and affordable plans. NordVPN tends to edge out Surfshark in speed and reliability. But Surfshark offers comparable security at a lower cost. For those seeking the lowest price, Surfshark is a viable option over NordVPN.
NordVPN vs IPVanish
IPVanish is a decent VPN for beginners, with easy-to-use apps and unlimited P2P traffic. However, NordVPN surpasses IPVanish in speeds, server locations, and advanced features. NordVPN also offers competitive pricing. Overall, NordVPN is the superior choice over IPVanish.
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is a security-focused VPN with advanced features like port forwarding. But NordVPN beats PIA in speeds, reliability, and Netflix access. NordVPN has over five times as many servers. While PIA is solid for torrenting, NordVPN is the better all-around provider.
conclusion
I strongly recommend NordVPN because of its features, its wonderful reputation, and its respect for the privacy of its customers, as well as its competitive prices, its worldwide server network, and its very high level of security.
I hope that if you have benefited from the article, you will share it, and if you feel free to ask any question, I will answer you.
