NordVPN was often cited as one of the best choices when I started looking into VPNs. I was interested to see if NordVPN could live up to the hype after reading features of excellent security, remarkable speed, and an intuitive user interface. I’ve been using NordVPN a lot over the last few months, and here is an in-depth review of my experience. It also has the Nordvpn extension which is very easy to access.
Introduction To NordVPN
Since its launch in 2012, Panama-based NordVPN has emerged as a major force in the VPN industry. NordVPN, well-known for emphasizing security and privacy, offers many features designed to keep your online activities safe. It guarantees high speed and an effortless browsing experience owing to its more than 5,400 NordVPN servers spread out around 59 countries.
Setup And User Interface
The NordVPN setup process was simple. After downloading the app from their website, the app was operational on my device in minutes. I had no trouble completing the installation process because I was given clear instructions at every stage.
After installation, I was welcomed with a straightforward and user-friendly interface. The world map on the main screen has dots representing the Nordvpn locations of the servers. Establishing a connection with a server is as easy as clicking on a place on the map or choosing a nation from the sidebar. The quick connect option was really useful, and it instantly matches you with the best NordVPN server based on your location.
User Experience Across Devices
NordVPN has dedicated apps for many platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. I tried it on several devices and found that everything worked well and consistently.
Mac And Windows
The desktop applications for Windows and macOS are sleek and easy to use. Features like server selection, split tunneling, and the kill switch are simple to access. Because of the user-friendly interface, changing settings and connecting to NordVPN servers are possible quickly and easily.
iOS And Android
The mobile applications are just as user-friendly as their desktop equivalents. They provide plenty of security measures together with one-click connections. Mobile devices have a simplified user experience that makes it simple to connect to NordVPN servers and explore while on the go.
Router
Although configuring NordVPN on my router required additional effort, it was still possible because of the comprehensive instructions on their website. I was able to safeguard every device on my network through this. If you want to safeguard your whole home network, NordVPN is an excellent solution.
Security And Privacy
Encryption And Protocols
NordVPN’s excellent security focus was one of the main factors in my decision. It employs AES-256 encryption, which is regarded as the industry standard. With this degree of encryption, hackers can’t genuinely access your data.
In addition, NordVPN provides a range of protocols, including IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and the more recent NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard. Combining the speed of WireGuard with extra security elements makes NordLynx especially excellent, in my opinion.
No-Logs Policy
For any VPN user, privacy is their top priority, so I was relieved to see that NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy. Because NordVPN is based in Panama, they are able to uphold a genuine no-logs policy because they are not bound by any required data-retaining rules. According to their privacy statement, they don’t track, gather, or share your personal information. This has been independently audited, adding an extra layer of trust.
Additional Security Features
Kill Switch
This feature automatically disconnects your device from the Internet if the VPN connection stops to avoid unintentional data exposure. It was beneficial to me while I was using public Wi-Fi networks.
Double VPN
Double VPN distributes your traffic over two servers rather than one for increased protection. Although speed may be impacted, individuals with high-security requirements may find this helpful since it adds another layer of encryption.
CyberSec
Ads, trackers, and dangerous websites are blocked by this feature. By preventing invasive advertisements and shielding me from hacking attempts, it significantly enhanced my browsing experience.
Performance And Speed
Speed Test Results
A VPN’s speed is an important consideration. I tested NordVPN’s performance several times on various servers. My findings are as follows.
Local Server (New York, USA)
- Ping: 20ms
- Download Speed: 85 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 75 Mbps
International Server (London, UK)
- Ping: 100ms
- Download Speed: 70 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 60 Mbps
Long-Distance Server (Tokyo, Japan)
- Ping: 200ms
- Download Speed: 60 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 50 Mbps
In general, NordVPN was incredibly fast. Despite the significant slowdown when connecting to distant servers, the performance was still more than sufficient for surfing, gaming, and streaming.
Streaming And Torrenting
I was interested to see how NordVPN addressed geo-restricted content because I greatly enjoy streaming. I tested it on BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. NordVPN could get around geo-restrictions in every situation and let me stream HD video without experiencing any lag.
NordVPN provides P2P-optimized servers for torrenting. I was pleased with the additional security features, such as the kill switch and IP leak protection, and my internet rates were constantly fast.
Compatibility And Apps
NordVPN offers apps for a wide range of devices and platforms. I tested it on my network and Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Below is an overview of my experience.
Windows And macOS
The desktop applications for Windows and macOS are slick and easy to use. They make it simple to access features like server selection, split tunneling, and the kill switch.
iOS And Android
The mobile applications are as user-friendly as their desktop equivalents. They provide several security measures and one-click connections.
Router
Setting up NordVPN on my router was a bit more complex, but the comprehensive guides on their website made it manageable. This allowed me to protect all devices on my network.
Customer Support of Nordvpn
Excellent customer service enhanced my experience with NordVPN. They provide live chat support 24/7, and I found it polite and informative. Over time, I asked them many different inquiries, and each time, I got timely, thorough responses.
On their website, NordVPN offers a comprehensive knowledge library and live chat. It has FAQs, setup instructions, and troubleshooting advice. The articles were comprehensive and well-written, making it simple for me to handle problems independently.
My Customer Support Experience
I once experienced trouble connecting to a particular server. I was pleased with how quickly they responded when I contacted their live chat assistance. A service agent who walked me through the troubleshooting process fixed the issue in a matter of minutes. I was particularly impressed with this quality of customer assistance, which reinforced my positive view of NordVPN.
Pricing And NordVPN Subscription Plans
NordVPN offers several pricing plans to suit different budgets. The following are the details of ‘Complete’ plan. The other two plans knows as ‘Plus’ and ‘Basic’ are also available.
- Monthly Plan: $14.99 per month
- 1-Year Plan: $6.99 per month (billed annually at $83.88)
- 2-Year Plan: $5.39 per month (billed biennially at $129.36)
- Get up to 69% off 2-year plans + a Saily eSIM data gift
Long-term plans provide substantial savings, even though monthly plans are more expensive. Additionally, NordVPN routinely runs discounts and promos, making it more affordable.
Every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can cancel NordVPN anytime because their service is risk-free. This is a fantastic way to try the service out before committing to a long-term plan.
Major Advantages Of Nordvpn
- Robust Security and Privacy: NordVPN offers excellent security with AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and extra features like Double VPN and CyberSec.
- Fast Speeds: NordVPN offers remarkable speeds even with the encryption overhead, which makes it appropriate for torrenting, gaming, and streaming.
- Broad Server Network: There are several possibilities, with over 5,400 servers spread throughout 59 countries.
- User-Friendly Interface: Even for novice VPN users, the apps’ interfaces are clear and straightforward to use.
- Fantastic Customer Support: A vast expertise base and round-the-clock live chat support guarantee that assistance is always available.
NordVPN – Practical Application
Daily Browsing And Work
I use the Internet for multiple purposes, such as online banking, emailing, and browsing. I felt relaxed knowing that my activities were protected with NordVPN. The CyberSec feature prevented intrusive advertisements and possible spyware, while the kill switch made sure my data was safe from exposure in the event of a connection loss.
Streaming
My everyday routine includes much streaming, and NordVPN has improved it. I had no trouble accessing stuff from different countries because I could get around geo-restrictions. NordVPN offered a seamless, buffer-free streaming experience whether I was watching Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or Netflix US. By optimizing the connection for streaming, the automatically enabled SmartPlay feature makes watching my favorite movies and television shows even simpler.
Torrenting
Support for P2P file sharing is yet another significant benefit of NordVPN. When I tested it using different torrent clients, the download speeds were amazing. P2P servers specifically designed for torrenting offer quick and safe downloads. Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy also assured me that my activities would remain hidden.
Travel And Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi networks when traveling is frequently required yet risky. NordVPN saved the day by safeguarding my connection and shielding my data from possible dangers. I could access NordVPN from any location, including a hotel, café, or airport, to make sure my private data was secured. This is very helpful when visiting important websites or online banking while on the go.
Advanced Features
Encrypted Servers
It can be difficult to access the Internet freely in places like China or the Middle East, where there is severe internet censorship. To bypass these limitations, NordVPN’s encrypted servers mask VPN data as standard internet traffic. When I tested this feature while visiting China, I had no trouble accessing banned websites.
Split Tunneling
With split tunneling, you can reroute some of your traffic through the VPN and allow other traffic to go straight to the Internet. This protects other browsing activity while being helpful for things like local content streaming and online banking. This feature was especially helpful to me in striking a balance between security and performance.
Onion Over VPN
The Onion Over VPN option is available from NordVPN for those who need an additional level of privacy. This maximizes your privacy by routing traffic through the VPN server and the Tor network. Although it may cause your connection to lag, this option is useful for people who value privacy highly.
Comparison: Nordvpn VS Competitors
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another popular choice in the VPN market, known for its high speeds and robust security features. NordVPN has an advantage over ExpressVPN due to its more extensive server network and extra security features like CyberSec and Double VPN. However, ExpressVPN did offer significantly quicker speeds on select servers. Furthermore, NordVPN offers more affordable prices, especially for long-term subscriptions.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an easy-to-use virtual private network that prioritizes privacy and streaming. While beginners may find CyberGhost’s UI easier to use, NordVPN has more sophisticated features and more reliable performance. NordVPN’s primary advantages over CyberGhost are its support for encrypted servers and the NordLynx protocol.
Surfshark
Surfshark is renowned for offering limitless simultaneous connections at a reasonable price. For those on a tight budget, NordVPN is an excellent choice, but it performs better than Surfshark in terms of speed, server network capacity, and cutting-edge security features. However, Surfshark can be a vital substitute for consumers who need to connect numerous devices simultaneously without incurring extra fees.
Final Thoughts
Security: With its sophisticated encryption, a no-logs policy, and extra services like Double VPN and CyberSec, NordVPN certainly values privacy and security.
Performance: NordVPN routinely offers high speeds appropriate for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, even with occasional speed drops on long-distance servers.
Usability: Regardless of your level of technical knowledge, setting up and using NordVPN is simple because of its user-friendly apps for various devices.
Support: Any problems are promptly fixed owing to the extensive knowledge base and 24/7 live chat service.
Value: The long-term plans are very cost-effective, even though the monthly plan is rather pricey.
Let’s Conclude
I have used NordVPN for several months. It is among the best VPN services currently available. It’s an excellent option for beginners and experts because of its strong security measures, remarkable speeds, and intuitive UI.
With its solid and dependable VPN service, NordVPN protects your online activity. It is a wise purchase to safeguard your privacy, unblock geo-restricted content, and secure your internet connection.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is NordVPN Safe?
Yes, NordVPN is one of the safest VPN services available. It has a strict no-logs policy, employs AES-256 encryption, and offers extra security features like CyberSec, a kill switch, and a Double VPN.
2. Does NordVPN Work With Netflix?
NordVPN is compatible with Netflix and may be used to unblock different Netflix libraries globally. I tested it with Netflix in the US, UK, and Japan, and it operated without a hitch in every scenario.
3. How Many Devices Can I Use With NordVPN?
NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously with a single subscription. Most users won’t require more than this, but if you do, consider installing NordVPN on your router to protect every device connected to your network.
4. Is NordVPN Worth The Price?
With cutting-edge security features, quick speeds, and dependable performance, NordVPN is quite affordable, especially when purchasing long-term plans. The 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to test it risk-free.
5. Can I Use NordVPN In China?
Yes, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are designed to bypass internet censorship in countries like China. I tested this feature during a trip to China and could access blocked sites without any issues.
Also Read: 5 Things You Should Know Before Using A VPN
