NordVPN: Cutting-edge VPN security combined with a plethora of advanced functionalities.
Pros
- WireGuard (NordLynx) protocol in use across its network
- Verified zero-logs policy & no IP or DNS leaks
- Extra security features like multihop & diskless servers
- Impressive speeds across short & long-distances
- Streams US Netflix & allows P2P traffic on many servers
- Helpful 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- PC & Mac applications can’t be resized
- Less reliable for Netflix on Fire TV devices
- Unreliable at bypassing web blocks in China
- Doesn’t accept PayPal
- Minor server breach in 2018
- Renews at a much higher annual subscription price
Overall Rating: 9.4/10
This overall score is determined by evaluating the following nine category ratings.
- Privacy & Logging Policy: 8.8/10
- Speed: 9.7/10
- Security & Technical Features: 9.9/10
- Streaming: 9.8/10
- Torrenting: 9.0/10
- Ease of Use: 9.5/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 6.7/10
- Server Locations: 9.6/10
- Customer Support: 9.7/10
NordVPN stands as one of the globally renowned VPNs, reigning supreme in terms of security and cutting-edge technical attributes.
In the grand scheme of things, NordVPN rivals ExpressVPN in quality and comes at a notably lower cost for longer-term initial subscriptions.
Furthermore, this VPN service adeptly circumvents restrictions on various streaming platforms while employing robust encryption to safeguard your online traffic.
Cutting-edge security configurations and a confirmed absence of data retention
The NordVPN software encompasses an extensive array of top-tier security functionalities, with several enhancements made post a minor server breach incident in 2018.
NordVPN deploys secure encryption protocols such as OpenVPN and NordLynx (powered by WireGuard). Comparable to ExpressVPN, the VPN employs AES-256 encryption to fortify your data.
Supplementary attributes encompass a kill switch and Double VPN (multihop) capability, channeling your traffic through an additional VPN server to heighten anonymity levels.
NordVPN refrains from gathering any personal online logs. It abstains from logging your IP address, browsing history, or bandwidth usage details.
Furthermore, akin to ExpressVPN, this VPN service employs diskless servers that don’t store any data locally.
An integrated ad and malware blocker, CyberSec, is also included with the service.
Consistently reliable connections with minimal speed reduction
NordVPN boasts some of the swiftest VPN speeds we’ve evaluated across its expansive network of 5,754 servers worldwide.
During our proximity-based VPN speed assessments originating from New York, we were impressed by the marginal download speed reduction, as low as 5%. This performance matched that of Private Internet Access over the same distance, while ExpressVPN outperformed both with a 3% reduction.
For international connections, NordVPN’s performance closely paralleled that of ExpressVPN and PIA VPN. It maintained an average download speed of 86Mbps on a fixed 100Mbps base connection.
Visit NordVPN’s website
Optimal VPN choice for the UK, Canada & Mexico
While NordVPN’s server coverage isn’t as extensive as ExpressVPN’s, it excels in certain countries like the UK, Canada, and Mexico.
Particularly noteworthy is the performance of its 440+ UK VPN servers, all of which provide IP addresses based in London.
VPN connections to these London-based servers have demonstrated consistent speed and reliability over the years, facilitating dependable access to UK streaming services. NordVPN also offers the capability to acquire a Mexican IP address, enabling seamless streaming of Mexican TV content.
A similar experience can be observed with its 240 servers located in Canada, which performed exceptionally well during our testing. These servers situated in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver have maintained their speed and effectiveness in circumventing geo-restrictions.
Not as user-friendly as ExpressVPN
While we hold NordVPN in high regard, there is room for improvement in the design of its Windows and macOS applications.
Although the desktop and laptop clients are not difficult to navigate, we find that NordVPN’s VPN software for Windows and macOS lacks the same level of user-friendliness and intuitiveness as that of ExpressVPN.
As indicated by the screenshots above, the inclusion of a map displaying server locations seems unnecessary. This legacy feature contributes to a bulky VPN client interface, and unfortunately, it cannot be resized.
Who should consider NordVPN?
NordVPN is a suitable choice if:
- You prioritize swift VPN performance. NordVPN ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve assessed, with minimal speed reduction for short-distance connections.
- You seek a cost-effective alternative to ExpressVPN. NordVPN offers comparable quality to ExpressVPN and comes at a notably lower price for initial subscription periods.
NordVPN might not be the right fit if:
- You require a VPN for Fire TV. Although NordVPN’s Fire TV app functions, it’s comparatively less user-friendly with Netflix and other streaming applications when compared to ExpressVPN.
- You utilize an Android device. While NordVPN’s Android app is competent, configuring the kill switch feature might prove complex.
For more information, visit NordVPN’s website.
