NordVPN Review: A Deep Dive into One of the Best VPNs on the Market

NordVPN is one of the most well-known and widely used VPN services today, and for good reason.

Based in Panama and operating since 2012, this service offers a robust suite of features, high-speed servers, and excellent security practices. Scoring 9.4/10 in our tests, NordVPN impressed us with its reliable performance, especially in areas like streaming and speed. However, it’s not without its flaws, particularly when it comes to bypassing censorship and the usability of some of its features.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the various features and capabilities that make NordVPN stand out, as well as where it falls short.

Overall Performance Ratings

Before diving deeper, let’s take a quick look at how NordVPN performed across various categories:

• 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

Streaming: A Top Performer for Unblocking Content

NordVPN excels when it comes to unblocking streaming services, making it a great choice for binge-watchers who need access to geo-restricted content. With SmartPlay technology built into its servers, NordVPN can bypass geo-blocks on all the major streaming platforms, including Netflix US, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. This functionality allows you to stream in HD to 4K quality, ensuring that your video quality doesn’t drop while using the VPN.

Popular Streaming Platforms Unblocked by NordVPN:

• Netflix US: Yes
• Amazon Prime Video: Yes
• Hulu: Yes
• BBC iPlayer: Yes
• Channel 4: Yes
• Disney+: Yes
• ITVX: Yes

NordVPN’s streaming performance is among the best, particularly in its ability to automatically connect you to the right server for services like Netflix, so you don’t have to manually search for a working server. This is a feature many other VPNs lack.

However, there are still a few areas for improvement. For example, while NordVPN can reliably access Netflix in 17 regions, it still cannot unblock Netflix India or Netflix Netherlands, two important markets where competitors like Windscribe and PrivateVPN perform better.

That said, NordVPN’s consistent success in accessing major US and UK platforms, combined with its Fire TV Stick app and Smart DNS tool for streaming devices, makes it a top contender for those looking to expand their content library.

Speed: Consistently Fast Connections

Speed is where NordVPN truly shines. In our tests, NordVPN consistently delivered fast speeds across various server locations, thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard technology. This protocol is designed to optimize data transmission, making it faster and more secure than traditional VPN protocols like OpenVPN.

With a 95Mbps download speed on a 100Mbps connection, NordVPN ranks as one of the fastest VPNs available. Even when connecting to distant servers, such as those in Japan and Australia, the speed remained impressively high, making it ideal for activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Here’s a breakdown of NordVPN’s speed test results across different locations:

Even on distant servers, NordVPN’s speeds are fast enough for data-heavy activities like 4K streaming and lag-free gaming. When connecting to local servers, the VPN only resulted in a 5% speed reduction, making it one of the best in terms of minimal performance impact.

Security & Privacy: Excellent but Not Flawless

When it comes to privacy and security, NordVPN ranks as one of the safest options. It operates out of Panama, a jurisdiction known for its strong privacy laws, which means it’s not subject to mandatory data retention regulations. NordVPN also has a no-logs policy, which has been independently audited several times, confirming that it doesn’t store personally identifiable information.

Key Security Features:

• Encryption: AES-256 with ChaCha20 for enhanced security
• Protocols: NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
• Kill Switch: Prevents IP leakage if your connection drops
• Diskless Servers: Ensures no user data is stored on servers

NordVPN includes a kill switch on all its apps, a vital feature that prevents your real IP address from leaking if the VPN connection suddenly drops. It also has DNS leak protection, and we didn’t record any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks during our tests.

NordVPN has also introduced co-located servers, meaning the company owns and manages its own hardware, reducing the risk of third-party interference. This is a significant security improvement following a 2018 security incident, where one of its rented servers was compromised.

Concerns:

While NordVPN offers excellent security features, one area of concern is its dedicated IP feature, which ties a static IP address to your account. This can pose a privacy risk, as law enforcement or third parties could theoretically trace activities back to an individual user. For a service that prides itself on privacy, this feature feels like a bit of a misstep.

Torrenting: Reliable with Minor Limitations

NordVPN is a solid option for torrenting, offering P2P-friendly servers in over 85% of its network. With its no-logs policy, strong encryption, and kill switch, NordVPN ensures that your torrenting activity remains private and secure.

However, there are some limitations. While torrenting is allowed on most of NordVPN’s servers, it’s restricted in 14 countries, including South Korea and Israel. In these cases, your traffic is automatically redirected through nearby P2P servers, which can slightly affect speeds.

Here’s how NordVPN compares to other VPNs in terms of torrent download speeds:

Even without port forwarding, which is a feature often desired by torrenters for increased seeding speeds, NordVPN performs admirably when downloading large files. However, the lack of port forwarding may be a drawback for users who prioritize maximizing their upload speeds.

Bypassing Censorship: Inconsistent Performance in China

If you’re looking for a VPN that works in highly censored countries like China, NordVPN might not be your best bet. In our tests, NordVPN struggled to bypass The Great Firewall consistently, and its performance has been unreliable in China since early 2022.

For users traveling or living in censorship-heavy regions, this is a significant drawback. While NordVPN does work in countries like Russia and Turkey, where censorship is prevalent, it’s not as reliable in the most restrictive nations like China.

For better results in these areas, users may want to consider alternatives like Astrill VPN or ExpressVPN, both of which have a better track record in bypassing censorship.

Server Network: Expansive and Growing

NordVPN boasts an extensive network of over 6,300 servers spread across 111 countries, placing it among the best VPNs in terms of server availability. This network expansion has significantly improved its performance over the years, allowing users to access IP addresses from nearly every corner of the globe.

NordVPN offers city-level servers in 16 US cities, providing more localized options for accessing geo-restricted content and avoiding congested servers.

Server Breakdown by Region:

• Europe: 46 countries
• Asia: 27 countries
• North America: 15 countries
• South America: 12 countries
• Africa: 7 countries
• Oceania: 4 countries

The network growth has been achieved through the use of virtual servers, which simulate IP addresses from countries where physical servers might not be available. While virtual servers have potential transparency concerns, NordVPN’s use of them is minimal and well-documented.

Ease of Use: Clean Interface, But Not Perfect

NordVPN’s apps are user-friendly, with clean, intuitive interfaces across most platforms. The Quick Connect button simplifies the process of finding the fastest available server, and the app includes various customization options for advanced users, like split tunneling and auto-connect.

However, there are a few usability issues. For example, some features in the desktop app are hidden behind unlabeled icons, making it less intuitive for new users. Additionally, while the mobile apps are well-designed, the kill switch on Android requires a complicated setup, which could be streamlined for better user experience.

For Linux users, the absence of a graphical user interface (GUI) means all interactions must be done through the command line, which may deter less tech-savvy users.

Pricing & Value: Affordable Long-Term, But Pricey Renewals

NordVPN offers competitive pricing, especially on its two-year plan, which costs $3.29/month. This makes it one of the more affordable VPNs compared to premium services like ExpressVPN.

However, the price jumps significantly after the initial term, with the one-year plan renewing at $99.48/year, a 66% increase. This steep renewal rate is a drawback, particularly when services like Surfshark and CyberGhost offer more consistent pricing.

For users looking to try out NordVPN before committing, there’s a 7-day free trial available on Android, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

Customer Support: Fast and Knowledgeable

NordVPN excels in customer support, offering 24/7 live chat, email support, and a wide range of helpful self-service resources. The live chat agents are knowledgeable and able to resolve most issues quickly, though the addition of an automated chatbot has improved response times for simpler queries.

We found NordVPN’s support team to be more responsive and technically proficient compared to many competitors, providing accurate information on server availability, troubleshooting, and setup.

Conclusion: A Versatile VPN with Some Caveats

NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that excels in many key areas: speed, streaming, security, and customer support. Its vast server network, fast speeds, and robust privacy features make it a standout option for everyday use, streaming, and torrenting. However, its inconsistent performance in bypassing censorship and the steep renewal prices may give some users pause.

For those seeking a high-performing VPN with a strong focus on privacy and security, NordVPN remains one of the best options available today, particularly for long-term subscribers willing to take advantage of its two-year plan.