NordVPN Review – Is it Worth It in 2024?

When you visit the NordVPN website, you’ll see a bold claim: “the Best VPN service”. It’s short and to the point, but is it true? We’ve done detailed tests on NordVPN to see if it’s worth the cost in 2024. We looked at safety, speed, and performance.

First, let’s give credit where it’s due. NordVPN is one of the top VPNs out there. It has fast network speeds and over 5500 servers worldwide. It can unblock all streaming platforms and supports P2P file sharing. Plus, it has apps for almost every device, letting you customize your experience.

But, NordVPN didn’t hit the mark in a few areas. We’ll explore these points in more detail.

TL; DR – Table Overview of Crucial NordVPN Features

How Fast is NordVPN? – Speed and Reliability Test

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. It’s great to know that NordVPN does not apply any bandwidth and speed limits.

This means NordVPN can keep up with your network speed. It’s why so many users choose it for its speed and performance.

When choosing a VPN, connection speed is key. Let’s see how NordVPN performs on a network for 1-2 users. The network speed without a VPN is:

Next, we used NordVPN’s “Quick Connect” feature to find the best nearby server. You can see a slight drop in performance across the board:

Then we used NordVPN’s interactive map to connect to a server from halfway around the globe to test the service’s long-distance performance:

Aside from the large increase in ping with the increase of server distance, NordVPN fared pretty impressively in download and upload performance. Distance definitely played a factor in the VPN’s performance, but to a much lesser extent than what we expected before the test.

Lastly, we tested on a nearby server again to determine how NordVPN performs with their NordLynx protocol:

We should also mention that the company started rolling out 10Gbps servers at the end of 2020 and will continue adding new 10Gbps servers this year. This is a significant speed upgrade for their service. It will provide a more stable infrastructure for existing customers and future-proof NordVPN’s servers for the next several years.

NordVPN Servers – Locations and Availability

NordVPN has over 5500 servers in its network in 59 countries globally. This isn’t the biggest network, but it has plenty for all your online needs.

NordVPN’s network is spread out all over the world. You can get a good connection no matter where you are. They have servers in the USA, UK, Australia, Africa, India, and the Middle East. They even have a server in Turkey for P2P file sharing.

How to Find the Best NordVPN Server?

NordVPN makes it easy to find the right server for you. The server section in the NordVPN apps is split into two parts: the server map and the scrollable server list.

You can also use a search function to quickly find a specific server. If you prefer, the “Quick Connect” option connects you to the nearest VPN server.

It’s good to know that NordVPN’s entire infrastructure runs on RAM-disk servers. This means nothing is stored locally. If there’s a breach or someone takes their server, there won’t be any data or usable files.

NordVPN Server Colocation

After a server breach in 2018, NordVPN improved its security. In October 2020, they introduced their first colocated servers. These servers are fully managed by NordVPN, ensuring no third-party breaches.

Are there any Virtual Servers?

NordVPN doesn’t use virtual servers like ExpressVPN does. Virtual servers are seen as less reliable. NordVPN ensures all their servers are real and listed correctly.

What About the NordVPN Obfuscated Servers?

NordVPN has obfuscated servers for bypassing strict geo-restrictions and firewalls.

Though their site doesn’t detail how these obfuscated servers work, they’re great for countries with heavy censorship. They hide your VPN connection.

Is NordVPN Safe? – Security and Privacy

NordVPN is packed with security and privacy features. Key features include:

• CyberSec – Blocks malware and phishing sites, removing ads for a faster experience. It’s available in apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• DDoS Protection – Protects against DDoS and other cyberattacks.
• Onion over VPN – Combines NordVPN’s security with Tor’s anonymity for safer browsing.
• Kill Switch Feature – Automatically blocks your device if the connection drops. You can customize settings and add apps to close in case of drops.
• DNS Leak Protection – Uses only NordVPN’s DNS servers to prevent leaks.
• Split Tunneling – Allows specific internet traffic to bypass the VPN. Available on Windows, Android, and Android TV.

Does NordVPN Log User Activity?

No, NordVPN does not store user activity data. They only keep your email address and billing info. They use your email for logging in, marketing, and troubleshooting. This is clearly stated in their Privacy Policy page:

Also, you can pay in cryptocurrencies for this service. This means you can keep your personal info private. You can even buy a NordVPN subscription with cash at a store for complete anonymity.

NordVPN also gets regular checks from outside experts. In 2018, they were the first to ask for an independent review. PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland found that NordVPN followed its data-logging rules perfectly.

NordVPN Available Protocols

To give you a full list of NordVPN features, we’ll cover all the available protocols. This includes the lesser-known ones:

• IKEv2/IPSec – This is the default on NordVPN iOS and macOS apps. It offers top security and privacy. It also has reliable network speed. NordVPN’s IKEvs/IPSec uses NGE (Next Generation Encryption).
• OpenVPN – A mature protocol for various online activities. It works on TCP and UDP ports. You can enable OpenVPN in the NordVPN app, under “Advanced Settings”.
• NordLynx – A high-performance protocol combining WireGuard and NordVPN’s network system. It doesn’t store identifiable data on servers. We’ll discuss it more in the next section.

NordLynx – Unmatched Inhouse Protocol

NordVPN is known for innovation. Their new protocol, NordLynx, is a great example. Built on WireGuard, NordLynx uses Double NAT (Network Address Translation) system.

NordLynx aims to be fast without losing security. Its Double NAT system creates a secure VPN tunnel without storing your activity data.

There’s a note about WireGuard bugs. NordVPN says it might have bugs. But, there are no user complaints about this.

How Effective is the NordVPN Double-VPN Feature?

NordVPN’s Double-VPN feature routes your traffic through two servers. This encrypts your data twice. It offers enhanced protection and privacy. Here’s how to Use Double VPN on your NordVPN app:

1. Open the NordVPN app.
2. Click on the “Specialty Servers” tab.
3. Click on the Double-VPN option to connect automatically or on the settings icon beside it to manually choose your desired server.

Note that the Double-VPN feature won’t appear in your app sometimes if you’re using the default protocol. We’ve seen this issue with NordVPN Windows and android apps. If it happens, restart the app or switch protocols and try again.

To compare our experience with Double-VPN, let’s look at how our network performed with a regular VPN connection:

And here’s how it fared with the Double-VPN feature on:

The two pictures show the average results of ten speed tests on servers in the same country. It’s clear that the Double-VPN feature greatly increases ping and affects download speed. Upload speed, on the other hand, sees a slight improvement but not enough to notice.

NordVPN Streaming Capabilities

NordVPN is a top choice for unblocking streaming platforms worldwide. Its server speeds support Ultra HD quality streaming.

NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature helps access websites with heavy geo-blocking. This is very useful for unblocking streaming sites. Here’s a list of major streaming platforms NordVPN can access:

• Netflix
• BBC iPlayer
• Amazon Prime Video
• Hulu
• Disney+
• Hotstar
• HBO GO

NordVPN doesn’t label streaming servers or suggest the best locations for unblocking major sites. This can be frustrating, as you can’t know if a server will work before trying it.

In most cases, NordVPN works well. But sometimes, you might need to switch servers to access a site. If this happens, contacting support is a good idea. They’ll quickly suggest a working server.

You can also check the Help section for recommended servers. These servers are known to reliably unblock popular streaming platforms.

NordVPN P2P Support – Can You Torrent Using this VPN?

NordVPN makes P2P file sharing easy. They have a list of servers suitable for torrenting on their website. While most servers support torrenting, not all do. This is true for many servers in the Asia Pacific region.

If you want to torrent without choosing servers, NordVPN has a P2P tab in the “Specialty Servers” section. Clicking this tab connects you to the best P2P server for your location.

To see how well NordVPN works for torrenting, try it yourself. First, download a file without a VPN. Here are the results of our base test:

After that, we downloaded the same file from the same client. This time, we used one of NordVPN’s P2P servers. Here’s how NordVPN performed for torrenting:

We also tested NordVPN with its NordLynx protocol. Here’s how NordLynx performed for torrenting files:

When connected to a P2P VPN server, download speeds dropped noticeably. This was true even with the NordLynx protocol. NordLynx did offer better torrenting than OpenVPN. But, the difference in speeds can vary based on the P2P file and the number of seeds/peers.

NordVPN does not support port forwarding.

Is NordVPN Expensive? – NordVPN Subscription Plans and Prices

NordVPN has three subscription plans: monthly, yearly, and bi-yearly. Their monthly fee of $11.95 is higher than many other VPNs.

Choosing a longer plan can save you money. The bi-yearly plan, for example, costs less than a third of the monthly plan per month.

But, the bi-yearly plan requires a big upfront payment of $89. You also get NordPass, which adds a few dollars to your bill.

NordVPN offers many ways to pay. You can use Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or cryptocurrencies. You can also pay with Amazon Pay, GooglePay, iTunes, Sofort, or PayPal. Plus, you can buy a plan in NordVPN’s retail stores.

All NordVPN plans come with the same security, unlimited bandwidth, and up to six connections at once. Here are the prices for each plan:

As shown in the image above, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to all new customers. If you want a refund, NordVPN will ask why you’re canceling. But they always give you your money back.

Remember, NordVPN can’t refund purchases made on Apple’s App Store. Their guarantee doesn’t cover subscription renewals if you cancel after renewing.

NordVPN Apps and Programs

NordVPN lets users pick from many supported apps. Here’s a full list of available NordVPN apps:

NordVPN for Windows

The NordVPN Windows app is packed with features. It’s easy to install and has a simple interface for choosing servers. It offers the most options, including dedicated IPs and Double-VPN.

The app connects fast and has a pause or disconnect option. It also has a kill switch, CyberSec, and split tunneling.

NordVPN for macOS

The macOS app has all the security features. It’s designed like the Windows app and easy to use. It offers Specialty Servers and extra features like CyberSec and obfuscated servers.

NordVPN on Android

The Android app has over 10 million downloads and a 4.3 rating on Google’s Play Store. It’s streamlined and easy to use, with many features similar to Windows.

The app supports split tunneling and CyberSec. It doesn’t have a kill-switch feature.

NordVPN for iOS

The iOS app is simple, fast, and uses NordLynx to the fullest. It encrypts your device and offers advanced features.

The iOS app has Specialty Servers, including Onion over VPN and P2P. It also has a DNS server address option and a built-in kill switch.

NordVPN for AndroidTVs

The NordVPN APP for AndroidTV unblocks streaming sites directly from your TV. It has essential security features.

It includes CyberSec, TCP, and UDP protocols, and offers specialty servers. You can download it from the Google Play Store.

NordVPN Browser Extensions

NordVPN has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. They encrypt your browser traffic and have WebRTC leak protection. You don’t need to install plugins or manage settings.

You can find the extension in the Chrome Store or Firefox Add-ons page. While it has fewer features, it provides a secure VPN connection.

NordVPN for Routers

NordVPN doesn’t have an app for your router, but you can use it on your router. You just need to change your router settings to use a VPN server. But, not all routers can use NordVPN. Your router must support OpenVPN as a client, not just a server.

You can also use NordVPN on many other devices. This includes gaming consoles, Linux, Amazon Fire devices, Raspberry Pi, and more.

How to Install NordVPN Apps?

NordVPN is known for great customer support. They have special setup guides for each device and platform.

Each device has its own steps for installation. But, some steps are the same for all devices. Here’s a short step-by-step guide on how to install NordVPN apps:

1. Go to the NordVPN site and choose the right app for your device.
2. Follow the steps to complete the installation.
3. Open the app and log in.
4. Connect to a server you like.

NordVPN Customer Support and User Experience

NordVPN is a reliable VPN service. But, if you have problems, they have your back. Their customer support is top-notch, with 24/7 user support.

Live chat is the fastest way to talk to a NordVPN agent. You might need to answer a few questions first. They also have email support, and you’ll get a reply in 24 hours.

You can even reach out to them on social media. Their support team is friendly and helpful.

Their FAQ section is also very useful. NordVPN has a huge knowledgebase. You can easily find answers with their functional search bar.

NordVPN Customer Experiences From Around the Web

NordVPN is well-known and has a strong online presence. Their marketing team makes sure they’re everywhere. But, finding unbiased opinions can be tough.

So, what do real users think? Reviews can be fake, but some platforms are more reliable. Let’s look at two platforms that offer honest feedback:

How Does NordVPN Poll on GooglePlay?

GooglePlay has lots of reviews about NordVPN. With over 320,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating, NordVPN does well. But, users also share any issues they’ve had.

Looking at the comments above, it’s clear that NordVPN users share their true thoughts. What’s even more impressive is NordVPN’s effort to answer every question and help request. They don’t just give generic answers. They directly address the issues users face, thanks to their dedicated support team.

What Does Reddit Think of NordVPN?

Reddit is another place to see what people think of NordVPN. Most users on Reddit are tech-savvy and honest about their experiences. They share their opinions openly.

On Reddit, many say NordVPN is one of the top VPN services. They praise its features and server network. But, some users complain about slow speeds and issues with streaming.

Is NordVPN worth its Price Point? 

Yes, NordVPN is worth its price, even with longer subscription plans. NordVPN has everything you need in a top-quality VPN service.

It’s great for all your needs, from fast gaming VPN to torrenting or streaming your favorite shows.

It’s not perfect, but it’s the best VPN for your money. It’s easy to use, even for beginners. It works well on all devices.

NordVPN FAQs

Can NordVPN be Trusted?

Yes, NordVPN is very trustworthy. It updates its warrant canary daily. It also follows a zero log policy and doesn’t keep user data.

Where is NordVPN Based?

NordVPN is in Panama, a country friendly to VPNs. Panama doesn’t require data retention and isn’t part of the Five or Fourteen Eyes alliances.

How Many Simultaneous Connections Does NordVPN Allow?

NordVPN lets you connect up to six devices at once. You can also secure your whole home by connecting your router to NordVPN servers. This gives you many ways to use its services.

Does NordVPN work in China?

Yes, NordVPN can bypass China’s Great Firewall. It also works in countries with strong censorship, like Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and North Korea.