NordVPN stands out as a top-tier VPN, boasting an unparalleled network of servers, a robust arsenal of security features, and a seamless user experience. What’s more, it delivers lightning-fast and rock-solid VPN speeds across its global server locations.
While it may not be the most affordable option, NordVPN’s comprehensive package makes it an attractive choice for everyday users seeking a reliable and secure online experience. With its impressive range of features and performance, it’s no wonder why NordVPN has earned its spot as one of the most popular VPNs on the market.

NordVPN – Best VPN Deals
Here’s a quick overview of the price plans, and savings, available on NordVPN subscriptions:
As a side note, subscription names can vary depending on the region per my research (NordVPN Complete being synonymous with NordVPN Ultimate or Ultra; NordVPN Basic being the same as NordVPN Standard).
Basic | Plus | Complete | |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly | $12.99 per month | $13.99 per month | $14.99 per month |
1 year | $4.99 per month | $5.99 per month | $6.99 per month |
2 years | $3.09 per month | $3.99 per month | $4.99 per month |
Feature differences | Main VPN service, Threat Protection ad blocker | All Basic features plus tracker blocker, anti-malware and browsing protection, password manager, and data breach scanner | All Plus features plus 1TB of encrypted cloud storage |
NordVPN’s Features
Servers Around the Globe
NordVPN’s server network is on a roll, with a growth rate that’s unmatched among the VPNs we’ve been tracking. This year alone, it’s expanded its server fleet by a significant margin, now boasting an impressive 6,500+ servers worldwide.
But what’s even more impressive is its global reach. NordVPN has a physical and virtual server presence in a whopping 111 countries, a feat that puts it ahead of the competition – including ExpressVPN, which comes in second with 105 countries. And here’s the clever part: NordVPN’s servers are a mix of physical and virtual, offering users a range of benefits.
Physical servers provide users with IP addresses from the same country where the server is located, giving them a more authentic connection to that region. For instance, connecting to a physical server in the US will give you a US IP address. On the other hand, virtual servers offer IP addresses from a different country than where the server is physically located. This is particularly useful for countries with restrictive laws or poor internet infrastructure.
NordVPN’s virtual servers, for example, allow users to access Indian IP addresses from a server located in Singapore, bypassing India’s new data storage law that conflicts with NordVPN’s privacy policy. This flexibility is a major advantage, as it enables users to stay connected and secure, no matter where they are in the world.
Meshnet encrypted file-sharing
Meshnet is a game-changer for anyone who needs to share sensitive files across multiple devices. This innovative feature allows you to create a secure, end-to-end encrypted virtual network, connecting up to 10 devices at a time. With Meshnet, you can transfer, send, or receive files with ease, ensuring that your most important documents remain protected.
I put Meshnet to the test by sending a few files from my Android phone to my laptop, and I was impressed by its seamless performance. The ability to share sensitive files, such as contracts or financial information, across devices with complete confidence is a major advantage. Whether you’re a business professional or a busy individual, Meshnet provides a secure and convenient way to share files, giving you peace of mind and reducing the risk of data breaches.
Threat Protection Pro web and file protection
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro is a powerhouse of security, offering a dual-layer defense against online threats. On the web front, it deploys real-time protection to block malware, trackers, and ads, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
But that’s not all – Threat Protection Pro also goes the extra mile by scanning all downloaded files in the background, identifying and deleting malicious content on the spot. This means you can rest assured that your device is protected from the moment you download a file.
What really sets Threat Protection Pro apart, however, is its transparency. When you visit a website, it provides a detailed breakdown of the threats it’s blocked, giving you a clear picture of which sites might be putting your online security at risk. This level of insight is invaluable, empowering you to make informed decisions about where you browse and what you download. With Threat Protection Pro, you can browse with confidence, knowing that NordVPN has got your back.
Dark Web Monitor
NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor is a cutting-edge tool that takes the guesswork out of online security. This innovative feature automatically scans the dark web for any signs of your email addresses being involved in a breach or data leak. And if it finds any matches, it springs into action, alerting you immediately so you can take swift action to protect your digital identity.
What I love about the Dark Web Monitor is its flexibility. You can add as many email addresses as you need to the monitoring list, making it a game-changer for online businesses with multiple email addresses or teams that need to stay on top of their digital security. With this tool, you can rest assured that your credentials are being monitored 24/7, and you’ll be the first to know if any of your email addresses are compromised. It’s a powerful way to stay ahead of the cybercriminals and keep your online presence safe and secure.
Dedicated IP Address
NordVPN’s shared dynamic IP addresses are the default setting, but for those who need an extra layer of anonymity and security, dedicated IP addresses are available as an add-on. With a dedicated IP address, you’ll be assigned a server IP address that’s all yours, and yours alone.
NordVPN Dedicated IP | 2 years | 1 year | 1 month |
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Average cost per month | $4.19 | $5.89 | $8.99 |
Total cost at checkout | $100.56 | $70.68 | $8.99 |
There are several advantages to having
The benefits of having a dedicated IP address are numerous. For one, you’ll be less likely to encounter those pesky CAPTCHAs that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Websites can detect when multiple users are connecting from the same IP address, and that’s a red flag that sets off their security alarms. With a dedicated IP address, you’ll be the only one using that IP, so online services will be less likely to flag your connection requests.
NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses in a range of countries, including the United States, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Germany, Canada, and Japan. This means you can choose the location that best suits your needs, whether you’re a business professional looking to access region-specific content or a gamer seeking to reduce lag and improve your online gaming experience. With a dedicated IP address from NordVPN, you’ll be able to browse the web with confidence, knowing that your online identity is secure and protected.
Performance and speed: How fast is NordVPN?
NordVPN’s speed and reliability are a match made in heaven. During my testing, I put its servers to the test, simulating a typical day in the life of a writer. I browsed multiple webpages for research, attended online video meetings with multiple attendees, and worked on Google Docs and Drive, among other tasks.
The results? Zero issues with NordVPN’s speeds. It was like having my own personal internet superhighway, with minimal to no difference compared to my usual internet service provider. And when I switched servers and connected to different VPN locations, the transition was seamless, with no drops in connection whatsoever.
Testing computer | MacBook Pro | Acer Aspire 5 |
---|---|---|
Ping without VPN (in ms) | 42 | 5 |
Ping with VPN (in ms) | 46 | 160 |
Ping difference | 10% | 3100% |
MacBook download speed without VPN (in Mbps) | 54.86 | 23.49 |
Download speed with VPN (in Mbps) | 41.37 | 21.7 |
Download speed difference | -24% | -8% |
Upload speed without VPN (in mbps) | 33.86 | 24 |
Upload speed with VPN (in mbps) | 27.21 | 7.91 |
Upload speed difference | -20% | -67% |
But don’t just take my word for it – NordVPN’s speed testing results are impressive. For download speeds, it outperformed my ISP with a 0.78% increase. That’s a significant boost, especially considering the added layer of security and encryption that VPNs typically introduce. On the other hand, upload speeds were less impressive, with a 44% decrease. While still respectable, it’s not quite up to par with the 15-25% decrease I consider excellent.
If you’re a heavy uploader, you may want to look elsewhere. But for everyday users, I’m confident that NordVPN can provide consistently fast speeds. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or working online, NordVPN’s reliable connection and fast speeds make it an excellent choice.
NordVPN customer service and support
NordVPN’s customer support is a well-oiled machine, offering a range of options to help you get the most out of your VPN experience. From an online knowledge base packed with tutorials, FAQs, and guides, to email support, an AI chatbot, and 24/7 live chat support, you’re never far from a solution.
I put NordVPN’s AI chatbot to the test, and I was impressed by its ability to answer simple questions with ease. It was also quick to offer helpful follow-up prompts to help me dig deeper into my query. And if you have a more specific question, you can ask the chatbot to connect you with a live agent. I was connected to an agent in under two minutes, and they provided fairly helpful answers to my questions.
One thing to note is that NordVPN’s subscription names can vary depending on the region or country, which can lead to some confusion. For example, the “Ultra” subscription I mentioned earlier is actually NordVPN Complete or NordVPN Ultimate in some regions. I hope NordVPN will consider making their naming more consistent across regions to avoid any confusion.
But don’t worry, NordVPN’s live chat support is available 24/7, so you can get help whenever you need it. Whether you’re experiencing a critical issue or just need some guidance, NordVPN’s support team is always available to lend a hand.
NordVPN pros
- Offers around 6,500+ servers in 111 countries.
- Threat protection against malware, ads, and trackers.
- Meshnet encrypted file-sharing system.
- Independently audited no-logs policy.
- Built-in dark web monitor.
- Consistently fast and stable VPN speed.
- Well-designed and intuitive VPN app.
NordVPN cons
- Priced relatively high.
- Renewal pricing could be confusing.
- Latest audit results not available to the public.
NordVPN’s Security Measures:
Protecting Your Online Activities with Military-Grade Encryption
If you’re looking for a VPN that prioritizes your online security, NordVPN is a top contender. The service employs military-grade encryption, which means that your internet traffic is protected by an impenetrable wall of code. To put it in simpler terms, it’s like your online activity is wrapped in a digital force field that’s virtually impossible to break through. This type of encryption ensures that your personal information, such as your passwords and credit card details, are always kept safe from prying eyes.
But NordVPN doesn’t stop at encryption. The service also offers a range of security protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and L2TP/IPSec, to give users even more control over their security settings. OpenVPN, for example, is a highly configurable protocol that offers both speed and security, while IKEv2/IPSec is designed for mobile devices and offers fast connection speeds. With these security measures in place, you can rest assured that your online activities are well-protected from hackers, identity thieves, and other cybercriminals.
So, if you’re looking for a VPN that takes your online security seriously, NordVPN is a great option to consider. With its military-grade encryption and robust security protocols, you can browse the web with confidence, knowing that your personal information is always kept safe and secure.
NordVPN Apps
When it comes to buying a subscription, keep in mind that NordVPN has a device limit of six devices that can connect at a time. While this may be sufficient for most users, if you need to connect more devices, you may want to consider purchasing multiple subscriptions or exploring other options like Private Internet Access, which offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
NordVPN offers a range of VPN apps for different systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux for desktops and laptops, as well as Android and iOS for smartphones. They’ve also recently released an Apple TV app, which is currently our top-rated VPN for Apple TV. Additionally, NordVPN has apps for Android TV and Fire TV.
Each app has its own unique features and functionality. The desktop and smartphone apps offer advanced features like split tunneling, multi-hop, and Threat Protection, while the Apple TV app is more basic, simply changing your IP location and connecting you to a VPN server. If you’re looking for a VPN for a specific device, be sure to test NordVPN within the first 30 days to take advantage of the money-back guarantee.
For this review, we tested NordVPN on Windows and macOS, and we’re excited to share our findings with you. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, NordVPN has something to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see for yourself why NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is NordVPN?
A: NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that allows users to browse the internet securely and privately.
Q: Is NordVPN a free VPN?
A: No, NordVPN is a paid VPN service. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Q: What devices does NordVPN support?
A: NordVPN supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Fire TV.
Q: Is NordVPN secure?
A: Yes, NordVPN uses military-grade encryption and has a no-logs policy, which means that your online activities are not monitored or recorded.
Q: Does NordVPN have a kill switch?
A: Yes, NordVPN has a kill switch that can be enabled to shut down your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost.
Q: Can I use NordVPN with Tor?
A: Yes, NordVPN can be used with Tor, but it’s not recommended as it can slow down your internet connection.
Q: Is NordVPN fast?
A: Yes, NordVPN has fast speeds and is suitable for streaming and online gaming.
Q: Can I use NordVPN with multiple devices at the same time?
A: Yes, NordVPN allows up to 6 devices to be connected at the same time.
Q: Does NordVPN have customer support?
A: Yes, NordVPN has a 24/7 customer support team that can be reached through email, live chat, or phone.
Q: Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied with NordVPN?
A: Yes, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and get a refund if you’re not satisfied.
Q: Can I use NordVPN with my router?
A: Yes, NordVPN can be used with your router to protect all devices on your network.
Q: Can I use NordVPN with my smart TV?
A: Yes, NordVPN has apps for Android TV and Fire TV, so you can use it with your smart TV.