Why choose NordVPN?
Our Verdict
NordVPN achieved an impressive rating of 9.4/10 based on our tests. It’s a versatile option that excels when it comes to speed and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming websites. It can feel less user-friendly than its competitors and it doesn’t bypass internet censorship in some countries, but this issue is mostly offset by its affordable price.
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- Regular privacy & security audits
- Works with US Netflix, Hulu & more
- Offers IP addresses from more countries than alternatives
- Fast connection speeds with NordLynx
- Excellent Firestick app and Smart DNS tool
- 7-day Android free trial and 30-day money back guarantee on all platforms
- Retains connection timestamps for 15 minutes
- Dedicated IP feature is a privacy risk
- Renews at a much higher subscription price
- No GUI app for Linux
- Doesn’t work in China
Since its launch in 2012, NordVPN has become the most well-known VPN service. Based in Panama, it’s a highly-trusted VPN with over 14 million paying customers worldwide.
NordVPN is operated by Nord Security, which also owns Atlas VPN and shares a holding company with Surfshark. Despite this, all three VPN services run independently.
Recently, NordVPN has expanded into other cybersecurity tools, including a file encryption feature and a secure password manager. As VPN experts, we’ll only focus on the features included in the VPN subscription in this NordVPN review.
Who Should GetNordVPN?
Get NordVPN if:
- You want an excellent all-around VPN. ExpressVPN is a well-polished option that performs exceptionally well in all of our testing categories.
- You want to access geo-blocked streaming services. ExpressVPN works to unblock every popular streaming service, including US Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer.
- You haven’t used a VPN before. ExpressVPN’s apps are easier to use than all other VPN software we’ve reviewed. It requires no learning curve, so you can get started without prior experience.
Avoid NordVPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget. ExpressVPN is the fourth most expensive VPN of all 65 VPNs that we’ve reviewed.
- You want an all-in-one cybersecurity product. ExpressVPN only includes a VPN, a poor tracker blocker, and a password manager. It won’t protect you from viruses, malware, or ads.
- You need to seed torrent files. ExpressVPN doesn’t support port forwarding, so you won’t be able to connect directly to other users’ torrenting clients.
- You’re on a tight budget. ExpressVPN is the fourth most expensive VPN of all 65 VPNs that we’ve reviewed.
Streaming
Works with US Netflix & Other Streaming Sites
NordVPN performed superbly in our streaming tests, successfully unblocking Netflix, HBO Max, and every other popular streaming platform. It reliably streamed geo-blocked video content in HD to 4K video quality, and it has a Fire TV Stick app and a Smart DNS feature so you can use it on a range of streaming devices.
Ranked #2 out of 65 VPNs for Streaming
Streaming Platform
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
- Channel 4
- Disney+
- Hotstar India
- Hulu
- ITVX
- Max
- Netflix US
- YouTube TV
Works with ExpressVPN
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
Speed
Fast Speeds, Regardless of Server Location
Using its NordLynx protocol, we recorded fast connection speeds on every NordVPN server we tested. On our 100Mbps baseline connection, we measured an impressive average download speed of 95Mbps when connected to a nearby server and as quick as 90Mbps for international connections.
Ranked #5 out of 65 VPNs for Speed
Privacy & Logging Policy
Doesn’t Log Any User Information
NordVPN is a trustworthy VPN service. It’s based in Panama, a country without data retention laws, and it doesn’t log any data that can link your web activity back to you. Though its privacy policy has undergone an audit, it hasn’t been proven through a court case or law enforcement request.
Ranked #15 out of 65 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
Nord VPN Details
