Comprehensive NordVPN Review 2024 – Worth the Hype?

NordVPN has made quite a name for itself in the VPN industry. Its features promise to keep your online activity invisible to any third parties, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP). NordVPN offers a comprehensive range of features, including robust encryption, a large server network, and specialized security measures like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitoring, making it a great option for privacy-conscious users and frequent travelers.

Curious if NordVPN is the right choice? This NordVPN review examines its performance, security, and usability. We’ll help you decide if it meets your needs for privacy, streaming, or general internet use.

Before diving into the detailed review, here’s a brief summary table of NordVPN’s basic information:

Website	NordVPN.com
Location	Panama
Price	$3.09/mo.
Logs	No logs (audited)
Servers	6,400+ servers in 111 countries
Support	24/7 chat; Email
Deal	74% Off Coupon

We follow a strict testing methodology at Cyber Insider to maintain objectivity in our reviews. I scrutinized NordVPN’s performance across various parameters, including speed, security, privacy, and value for money. My tests were conducted on multiple platforms to provide a comprehensive perspective on the service’s reliability.

+ NordVPN Pros

• Based in Panama, a leading pro-privacy jurisdiction
• Audited no-logs VPN with excellent privacy policies
• Support for most operating systems and devices
• Reliable and user-friendly VPN apps with DNS leak protection and kill switch
• Advanced security features like Threat Protection, split tunneling, and multi-factor authentication
• Huge network of fast, 100% RAM-only (diskless) servers with WireGuard support and private DNS
• Specialized servers including Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Obfuscated, and P2P servers
• Colocated and 10Gbps servers being strategically deployed throughout the network
• Impressive support for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and most others
• Responsive 24/7 live chat support

– NordVPN Cons

• Cheapest rates only come with a long-term subscription

Key features of NordVPN

NordVPN offers an extensive range of features designed to enhance your online privacy, security, and overall internet experience. With a large server network, high-speed connections, and robust security measures, NordVPN is a reliable choice for anyone looking to protect their online activities and access geo-restricted content.

Key features of NordVPN include:

• Large server network with over 6,400 servers across 111 countries

• Impressive speeds thanks to its NordLynx protocol, based on the WireGuard VPN protocol

• Essential security features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection

• Specialized servers, including Double VPN servers for extra security and P2P-optimized servers for enhanced torrenting performance

• Advanced security measures like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitoring

• Panama-based headquarters with favorable privacy laws

• User-friendly interface and extensive customer support

• Diskless server infrastructure with 10 Gbps bandwidth channels

• 30-day money-back guarantee

See all NordVPN features here >

NordVPN speed test results: Is NordVPN fast?

Connection speed is a key consideration in selecting a VPN provider, and NordVPN touts its exceptionally fast connections. To verify these claims, I conducted extensive speed tests using the NordLynx protocol, an adaptation of the WireGuard VPN protocol known for its efficiency and high performance.

My baseline speed was 900 Mbps, and I tested NordVPN across various locations. The download speeds measured were impressive, reflecting the impact of internet traffic on the results. Here are my speed test results:

NordVPN server location	Download speed (Mbps)	Download speed drop	Upload speed (Mbps)
Seattle	755	16%	23
Los Angeles	636	29%	33
New York	613	32%	19
London, UK	592	34%	12
USA – Canada (Double VPN)	511	43%	21

The download speed on the Seattle server was 755 Mbps, a drop of about 16% from the baseline speed.

In Los Angeles, the server recorded a download speed of 636 Mbps, which represents a drop of about 29% from the baseline speed.

The New York server showed a download speed of 613 Mbps, resulting in a drop of about 32%.

Similarly, the London server had a download speed of 592 Mbps, indicating a decrease of about 34%.

Even with the Double VPN feature, the speed remained substantial at 511 Mbps (a drop of about 43%) on USA-Canada servers, which is excellent given that this feature routes your traffic through two different servers for added security, typically resulting in a more significant speed reduction.

These results indicate that NordVPN maintains high speeds across different locations, making it suitable for activities that require substantial bandwidth, such as streaming and gaming. The percentage drops are within acceptable ranges, ensuring that I had a smooth online experience without significant lag or buffering.

What’s more, I found that NordVPN offered a solid online gaming performance, with the Seattle server having a ping of 77 ms. However, on more distant servers, like the one in the UK, the ping measured at 157 ms which is far from suitable for online gaming.

Generally speaking, NordVPN’s speed performance meets expectations, and it stands out as one of the fastest VPN services available today.

NordVPN's privacy and security features

Privacy and security are of the utmost importance when evaluating VPNs, and NordVPN purports to be exceptional in these aspects.

NordVPN’s commitment to privacy is evidenced by its strict no-logging policy, which has been confirmed by four independent audits conducted by the auditing firm Deloitte. This means that NordVPN does not store any user data, ensuring that your online activities remain private.

Additionally, NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor is a unique feature that scans the dark web for your login credentials and alerts you if they’ve been leaked in a data breach. This proactive approach to security is a significant advantage if you’re concerned about your online safety.

The following subsections will provide a more in-depth analysis of NordVPN’s leak protection, encryption methods, and Threat Protection feature, which collectively enhance its overall security profile.

NordVPN leak test results (no leaks found)

Leak protection is a crucial aspect of any VPN service, and NordVPN performs admirably in this regard. During my tests, NordVPN prevented DNS leaks by using its own operated DNS servers and sending all DNS queries over an encrypted tunnel. This ensures that your browsing activities are not exposed to your ISP or other third parties.

I conducted DNS leak tests on various platforms, including iOS, Android, and macOS, and found no leaks. Specifically, testing on an Android device and on macOS revealed no DNS leaks. Additionally, NordVPN passed the WebRTC leak test on both Windows and Mac platforms, ensuring robust protection against this type of vulnerability.

Encryption and VPN protocols

NordVPN employs robust encryption methods to secure user data. It uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered the gold standard in the industry and is virtually unbreakable. This ensures that your data remains safe from hackers and other malicious entities.

In terms of VPN protocols, NordVPN supports several options, including OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, and its privacy-focused implementation of the WireGuard protocol called NordLynx. The combination of these protocols provides you with a balance of security and speed, catering to various needs and preferences.

NordLynx, in particular, stands out for its efficiency and high performance, making it an excellent choice for fast and secure connections.

Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers, and malware

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature is designed to enhance your online security by blocking malicious websites and files, removing trackers and ads, and identifying vulnerable applications on your device. This comprehensive protection ensures a safer browsing experience and prevents potential threats from compromising your data.

The full version of Threat Protection, known as Threat Protection Pro, is available for Windows and macOS, while a lighter version is made for Linux, mobile devices, and browsers.

By incorporating Threat Protection into its service, NordVPN provides an additional layer of security that is crucial in today’s digital landscape.

NordVPN user experience

In terms of user experience, NordVPN excels with its user-friendly interface and straightforward installation process. To get started, you simply need to download the dedicated app for your device, log in, and connect to a VPN server. The Quick Connect feature allows you to easily connect to an optimal server with just one click.

The sign-up process is smooth and user-friendly, although some users might experience minor confusion over password creation. Once signed up, installing NordVPN is quick and easy, enabling you to start enjoying the benefits of a secure VPN connection almost immediately.

One of NordVPN’s standout features is Meshnet, which allows you to turn your devices into a private network. This feature is particularly useful for securely connecting and sharing files directly with other devices, even when they’re in different locations.

Overall, NordVPN provides an intuitive and smooth user experience. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy to navigate and configure settings. This versatility ensures that anyone, regardless of their technical expertise, can effectively use NordVPN to enhance their online security and privacy.

NordVPN Apps

NordVPN provides a wide range of apps and extensions to ensure compatibility with various devices and platforms. These include:

The NordVPN app on Windows features an information hub that shows the status of your VPN connection, Threat Protection, and File Sharing. You can choose a spot on the map or select from a list of servers, making it easy to find the best connection for your needs.

For browser protection, NordVPN offers lightweight proxy extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, so you can easily secure your browser traffic.

NordVPN also supports different routers, allowing you to extend VPN protection to all devices on the network using just one device slot. This is particularly useful for devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs, such as gaming consoles and certain smart TVs.

NordVPN's server network

NordVPN’s extensive server network is one of its standout features, with over 6,400 servers spread across 111 countries. This vast network helps prevent overcrowding and ensures good speeds, as you can always connect to a nearby server for optimal performance.

In the US alone, NordVPN has 1,900+ servers across 16 cities. If you’re in the US, this extensive coverage ensures that you can always find a nearby server for optimal performance.

What’s more, NordVPN offers specialized server options for added security and performance, including:

• Double VPN servers for extra security

• P2P-optimized servers for optimal torrenting performance

• Onion Over VPN and Obfuscated servers, which help bypass internet restrictions in areas with heavy censorship.

Streaming and torrenting with NordVPN

NordVPN is highly regarded for its streaming and torrenting capabilities, making it a popular choice among users who want to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from various streaming services. With over 4,000 P2P-optimized servers, NordVPN ensures reliable connections and consistent speeds for large downloads.

In the following subsections, I will explore NordVPN’s streaming capabilities, performance with popular streaming platforms, and features for secure and efficient torrenting.

Streaming capabilities

NordVPN works with a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Max (formerly HBO Max), YouTube TV, and many more. This means that you can easily access your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.

The streaming performance of NordVPN includes:

• Highly consistent connections

• Minimal lag or buffering

• Smooth streaming experience

• High-quality playback without interruptions.

Thanks to these qualities, NordVPN is one of the top VPNs for Netflix and other popular streaming platforms.

NordVPN works with Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more

One of NordVPN’s most attractive features is its ability to access geo-restricted content. During my tests, NordVPN managed to stream US-only content from Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+ without any issues. This capability extends to Australian streaming services like 9Now and 10 Play and UK services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4.

However, it is worth noting that using NordVPN for Netflix and other streaming platforms can sometimes be challenging due to potential VPN IP address blocks. Despite this, NordVPN’s performance in accessing various Netflix libraries was impressive in my tests, including:

• Netflix US

• Netflix UK

• Netflix Australia

• Netflix Canada

• Netflix Japan

• Netflix France

• Netflix Germany

• Netflix Netherlands

• Netflix Italy

NordVPN’s ability to access region-specific content on platforms like Hulu and Disney+ further enhances its appeal for streaming enthusiasts. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for users who want to explore content from different parts of the world.

Torrenting

For users who engage in torrenting, NordVPN offers specialized servers optimized for P2P file sharing, ensuring fast and reliable torrenting. These servers are available in 47 countries, including major regions like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

One of the important features for torrenting is NordVPN’s kill switch, which automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. This feature is essential for maintaining privacy during torrenting sessions.

NordVPN’s split tunneling allows you to route some of your internet traffic through the VPN while letting the rest access the internet directly. For example, you can use split tunneling to encrypt your torrenting activities through NordVPN while still being able to browse local websites or access your online banking without the VPN, ensuring faster speeds and localized content access.

Despite the lack of support for port forwarding, which is crucial for uploading and seeding during torrenting, NordVPN’s robust encryption, no-logs policy, and specialized servers make it a reliable option for secure and efficient torrenting.

NordVPN customer support

Customer support is an essential component of any VPN service, and NordVPN doesn’t disappoint in this regard with its 24/7 live chat support. Whenever I reached out, the representatives were helpful and provided prompt assistance for any issues or queries I had. Notably, live chat support is also available to non-customers, making it accessible to a broader audience.

In addition to live chat, NordVPN offers other types of support, including:

• Email support: provides quick and friendly responses, ensuring that you receive timely help for your concerns

• Social media support: allows you to reach out for assistance through platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook

• Comprehensive knowledge base: includes detailed articles and tutorials with screenshots, making it easy to follow along and resolve issues.

It is worth mentioning that support seems to be handled in-house rather than outsourced, which often results in better quality and more personalized assistance. Overall, I found NordVPN’s customer support to be reliable and effective, adding to the overall positive experience of using their service.

NordVPN pricing

NordVPN offers various pricing plans to suit its users' diverse needs. While its prices after the first term are above average, the comprehensive features provided justify the cost. And thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try the service risk-free. When I tried canceling my subscription, I found the process to be very straightforward. My money was refunded within 4 days.

There are three main plans offered by NordVPN:

1. Standard plan: Provides access to NordVPN’s core features.

2. Plus plan: Includes additional services such as the NordPass password manager.

3. Ultimate plan: Offers even more features, including NordLocker encrypted cloud storage.

For the best savings, be sure to use the 74% off coupon here >

Subscription length	Basic plan	Plus plan	Ultimate plan
1 month	$12.99/mo.	$13.99/mo.	$15.99/mo.
1 year	$4.99/mo.	$5.99/mo.	$7.99/mo.
2 years	$3.09/mo.	$4.39/mo.	$6.39/mo.

If you plan to get a NordVPN subscription, you can pay using a variety of payment methods, including:

Extra services and features

Beyond its primary VPN service, NordVPN provides several additional services as part of its Plus and Ultimate plans that enhance its overall value.

NordPass is a secure password manager designed to store and manage passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information in an encrypted vault. It's included in NordVPN's Plus plan. This service helps you maintain strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, reducing the risk of security breaches.

NordLocker is another valuable service, providing file encryption to secure sensitive files and data. It comes as part of NordVPN's Ultimate plan. With end-to-end encryption, you can ensure that only you have access to your protected files, offering an extra layer of security for your important documents.

NordVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses, which are unique IP addresses assigned exclusively to a single user. This feature enhances online security and reduces the risk of IP blacklisting, making it useful for users who need a stable and secure online presence. For example, a dedicated IP address can help you access corporate networks securely without triggering security alerts.

NordVPN comparison to other top VPNs

A comparison of NordVPN and its main rival, ExpressVPN, reveals a number of significant distinctions and parallels. Both services are renowned for their strong security features, utilizing AES-256 encryption and supporting protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. However, NordVPN offers more servers, with over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, compared to ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers in 105 countries.

As for pricing, NordVPN is more affordable, with its lowest monthly subscription starting at $3.09, while ExpressVPN’s starts at $6.67. This price difference makes NordVPN a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have independently-audited no-logs policies, ensuring that your online activities are not recorded or stored, so your privacy is protected even in the event of a data breach or legal inquiry.

Additionally, both VPNs feature diskless servers, which operate entirely on RAM. This means that no data is permanently stored on the servers, reducing the risk of sensitive information being compromised.

A significant advantage of NordVPN is its support for up to 10 simultaneous device connections, whereas ExpressVPN allows only up to 8 devices. This makes NordVPN a better choice for users with multiple devices or larger households.

For a detailed comparison, including in-depth analysis and recommendations, check out our ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN comparison article.

User opinions about NordVPN

User feedback is an essential aspect of any product review, and NordVPN generally receives positive reviews. Many users praise NordVPN for its fast speeds, strong security, large server network, and ease of use. These features make it particularly useful for streaming content and bypassing geo-restrictions.

While some users mention that NordVPN is not the cheapest VPN on the market, they believe its comprehensive features justify the cost. Users appreciate the value provided by NordVPN, especially its ability to access a wide range of streaming services and maintain a high level of privacy.

Overall, user opinions about NordVPN are favorable, with many recommending the service to others. The positive feedback highlights NordVPN’s effectiveness in delivering on its promises and providing a reliable VPN experience.

Final thoughts on NordVPN

In summary, NordVPN's features make it a top recommendation if you're seeking a reliable and secure VPN service.

While the pricing may be higher after the first term, the features and benefits provided justify the cost. NordVPN’s ability to unblock geo-restricted content, maintain high speeds, and offer robust security features make it a valuable tool for various online activities.

Overall, NordVPN delivers on its promises and provides a comprehensive VPN service that caters to a wide range of user needs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your online privacy, access streaming content, or ensure a secure browsing experience, NordVPN is a solid choice.

FAQs about NordVPN

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Top alternatives to NordVPN

These are some alternative VPNs worth checking out (click on the name to read our full review):

1. Surfshark Review

2. ExpressVPN Review

3. IPVanish Review

4. Proton VPN Review

Discover other great VPN options on our best VPNs list.