NordVPN

July 29, 2024

NordVPN Cover Image

NordVPN, a renowned VPN service provider based in Panama, maintains its industry-leading position through robust privacy protection, high-speed connections, and global server deployment. Whether you're looking to browse securely, unlock streaming content, or protect your mobile devices, NordVPN is an excellent choice.

Overview

  • 💰 Lowest price : $59/year, approximately $4.92/month
  • 🌐 Number of servers : 6,274 (104 countries/regions)
  • 🇵🇦 Company headquarters : Panama
  • 📱 Simultaneous connections : 6 devices
  • 📺 Streaming support : Full support for Netflix, Disney+, etc.
  • 🔥 Limited-time offer : Subscribe to NordVPN's two-year plan now and enjoy a 65% discount >>

Pros & Cons

What our experts like:

  • Strict no-logs policy, third-party audited
  • Ultra-fast connection speeds, supports WireGuard protocol
  • Servers spread across 104 countries/regions worldwide
  • User-friendly applications with multi-platform support
  • Cost-effective subscription fees with a two-year money-back guarantee

What our experts don't like:

  • MacOS application interface is somewhat basic
  • Manual router configuration can be challenging
  • Some optional features require additional payment
  • NordVPN is not available in China

NordVPN excels in privacy protection, connection speed, and global server coverage. With reasonable pricing and a two-year money-back guarantee, it's a high-value VPN choice. While it has minor flaws, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Speed

NordVPN demonstrated excellent connection speed performance in our tests. Through the WireGuard protocol, NordVPN servers maintain low latency and high throughput, providing stable and high-speed network connections for both local and remote nodes. When using the OpenVPN protocol, although speeds decrease slightly, even remote connections can maintain practical speeds close to 500Mbps. Such fast internet speeds not only meet daily browsing and streaming needs but are also generally sufficient for more demanding scenarios like file downloads and online gaming.

Speed Test Results

Last update: 2024/09/24

CountryDownload SpeedUpload Speed
US (NY)(467 Mbit/s)(239 Mbit/s)
United Kingdom(423 Mbit/s)(30 Mbit/s)
Australia(417 Mbit/s)(210 Mbit/s)
France(464 Mbit/s)(471 Mbit/s)
Singapore(460 Mbit/s)(391 Mbit/s)
Canada(425 Mbit/s)(258 Mbit/s)
Germany(441 Mbit/s)(351 Mbit/s)
Japan(432 Mbit/s)(259 Mbit/s)
Netherlands(411 Mbit/s)(411 Mbit/s)
Sweden(498 Mbit/s)(467 Mbit/s)

Download/Upload Average Speed : 500 Mbit/s

Overall, NordVPN can provide stable and high-speed VPN connections in most regions worldwide, with well-optimized performance and an excellent user experience.
Streaming Media Unblocking.

NordVPN also demonstrates outstanding capabilities in unblocking streaming content. We tested multiple popular streaming services, and NordVPN successfully unblocked them all through smart DNS and dedicated servers, including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. Even as these service providers continually upgrade their VPN detection methods, NordVPN's development team responds promptly, ensuring users can watch their favorite programs worry-free at any time.

Privacy and Security

NordVPN's headquarters in Panama, a country without mandatory data retention laws and outside the jurisdiction of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes countries, helps avoid network surveillance. The service promises a no-logs policy, ensuring users' online privacy and anonymity. This commitment has been audited by PwC, a top third-party auditing firm in the industry, guaranteeing fairness and transparency.

NordVPN employs advanced military-grade encryption technology, including AES-256-CBC encryption, 4096-bit RSA key exchange, and SHA256 authentication. It supports multiple VPN protocols, including traditional ones like OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) and IKEv2, as well as the new and efficient WireGuard protocol, providing users with stable and high-speed network channels while maintaining privacy protection.

NordVPN's Kill Switch feature prevents any data leakage if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted. It also supports split tunneling, allowing users to selectively protect certain applications. IPv6 and DNS leak protection are standard configurations, ensuring privacy security during connections.

Applications

NordVPN provides specially designed client applications for mainstream platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. These apps are easy to operate, logically laid out, and feature-rich. Whether you want to quickly connect to a VPN with one click or customize advanced encryption or connection settings, NordVPN applications offer options.

In addition to traditional platform clients, NordVPN also provides applications for smart TVs like Android TV and Amazon Fire TV, and configuration guides for common router firmware to achieve VPN protection for entire home networks. Its browser plugin extensions bring built-in privacy protection to Chrome and Firefox.

Servers Network

NordVPN servers
NordVPN currently has 6,274 servers deployed in 104 countries/regions worldwide, building an extensive server network. This not only provides users with more exit node choices but also helps better bypass IP address blocking and access restricted websites and online services worldwide.
Furthermore, NordVPN has specialized servers for P2P downloads, DDoS attack prevention, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN. These special servers provide a higher degree of privacy and security protection or are optimized for specific application scenarios, offering dedicated solutions for users with different needs.

Pricing and Payment Methods

NordVPN offers various subscription periods and payment methods, with good overall value for money:

  • Monthly subscription: $11.95
  • 1-year subscription: $59, approximately $4.92 per month
  • 2-year subscription: $89, approximately $3.09 per month (most economical)

Unlimited device connections and customer support within the subscription period
Multiple payment methods available, including anonymous cryptocurrencies

For new users, NordVPN offers a money-back guarantee period of up to 2 years. In terms of refunds, it uniquely accepts cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Cardano without requiring any personal information, further protecting user privacy.

Customer Support

As a top-tier VPN service provider, NordVPN also performs well in customer support.

NordVPN helpcenter

It offers 24/7 online chat and email support, with a professional technical team capable of solving various complex issues for users.

The website's rich FAQ section and basic setup guides also help users solve problems independently.

Conclusion

NordVPN offers a premium service that justifies its price point. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option available, its extensive array of advanced security features surpasses those of many competitors. With a vast global server network, users can effortlessly access geo-restricted content and digital services from anywhere in the world, all while enjoying fast connection speeds.