NordVPN Review 2023: Is it Still the Best VPN?
Is NordVPN good? Many people consider it to be one of the best virtual private networks (VPNs) currently available. It boasts impressive speeds, reliable security measures, and extensive streaming and torrenting options, which have all been praised by users.
This Panama-based VPN service utilizes NordLynx tunneling technology to ensure lightning-fast connections and complete anonymity with unbreakable encryption and a third-party audited no-logs policy.
Even if you’re new to VPNs, NordVPN offers easy-to-use tools and Meshnet features make it a great choice. However, there are some occasional bugs that arise after software upgrades that may cause concern among users.
If we take a closer look at this NordVPN review, we can see if it is appropriate for both newcomers and experienced VPN users. What can we say about the protection provided by NordVPN? How does it handle downloading and streaming videos online?
To find out the answers to these questions, keep reading!
Our Verdict – NordVPN Review
Because NordVPN is based in Panama, a nation that is not part of any global surveillance coalitions, it is an ideal selection for those concerned about their internet confidentiality. Moreover, NordVPN offers some of the most robust privacy and security functions, like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.
NordVPN Pros
- Exceptional productivity and speed
- These applications are user-friendly and can be utilized on many different operating systems
- Thoroughly verified security protocols that have been tested by an independent entity
- Provides the ability to visit video-sharing websites that are generally not available in the user’s country
- Outstanding customer service available 24 hours a day
- Has the ability to exchange messages with 8,000 different machines located in 100 different data centers
- A refund is available within 30 days if the customer is not happy with the product
- A seven-day trial period of no risk
NordVPN Cons
- The Linux version does not have a user-friendly graphical interface
- No router program is accessible
- Pricey
- The inability to effectively stop malware
- An overcrowded user experience on occasion
To begin with, NordVPN is situated in Panama, an ideal place for privacy since it has no data retention regulations and is not part of the 14 Eyes alliance. This means that Big Brother will not be able to interfere with NordVPN’s attempts to keep its clients’ data confidential.
Within the VPN business, NordVPN is one of the most innovative companies. They often introduce new security measures which greatly increase users’ privacy. NordVPN was one of the first VPNs to offer Tor over VPN reviews and has been renowned for its Double VPN feature for a while. (We will go into it in detail later on.)
Although NordVPN has a few drawbacks, it is not the most budget-friendly VPN service and could be complicated to understand for those unfamiliar with virtual private networks. In the end, this review is concerned with NordVPN, and it is our task to determine if this VPN is worth it.
NordVPN Review at a Glance
NordVPN is an appealing service due to its NordLynx high speed, P2P-enhanced servers, and Bitcoin support. Despite some cons, such as slower OpenVPN speeds and higher renewal charges, it is still a highly suggested VPN service.
When asking if NordVPN is good, the torrenting support it provides is outstanding, and its many privacy-improving components are just as remarkable.
It is one of the fastest VPNs we have tried, its performance is good, and we had no issues accessing Netflix or any other restricted website.
The mobile applications NordVPN provides are much better than those of other VPN services. It is effortless to utilize and access the various programs, and the Windows client works well. If you are not tech-savvy, have no fear; helpful tutorials will guide you through setting up the VPN, and the customer service is excellent.
Moreover, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee where you can get a refund without any questions asked if you are not satisfied. It also has a wide server network in addition to this.
Therefore, NordVPN is sort of like a multi-purpose tool: it does most tasks well. A few of its competitors may have more advanced features in some areas, but NordVPN will not disappoint if you are looking for a reliable service to do it all.
Who NordVPN is Best For
NordVPN is a great choice for anyone who values online security and privacy. It’s especially beneficial for
- Internet users who want to protect their online activities from cyber threats such as hackers, identity theft, and phishing
- Individuals who use public Wi-Fi networks frequently and need a secure VPN to prevent eavesdropping and data theft
- Users who want to access content that may be restricted in their region, such as streaming services or social media platforms
- People who are concerned about their online privacy and want to keep their browsing history and personal information private
- Businesses and organizations that need to secure their online communications and data from unauthorized access
NordVPN Price
NordVPN has three basic plans, known as “Standard,” “Plus,” and “Complete,” and the cost of each of these plans depends on the chosen length of membership.
The length of service includes one month, one year, and two years, and the longer you commit to one of these plans, the more money you can save.
To get a better idea of what to anticipate in terms of cost, compare the monthly and yearly prices.
- The Standard: $4.49/month (1-year plan) and $11.99/month (1-month plan)
- The Plus: $5.49/month (1-year plan) and $12.99 (1-month plan)
- The Complete: $6.79/month (1-year plan) and $14.29 (1-month plan)
According to NordVPN reviews, if you are in search of the greatest blend of benefits and cost, the perfect choice is to commit to the Full plan for two years.
There is a range of payment options: credit cards, Amazon Pay, Sofort, PayPal, ACH, and prepaid cards. Additionally, Apple Pay or Google Pay can be used for checkout. The most privacy-aware buyers can also make their purchases in-store or online with cryptocurrency.
NordVPN Reviews Additional Offerings
NordVPN not only offers a VPN service, but it also has a password manager (NordPass) and a file-encrypting storage service (NordLocker) available as part of its subscription package.
The Standard plan ($11.99/month or $67.35/year) provides just the VPN security, with the cost rising to $99.48/year after the first year.
The Plus tier offers data breach detection similar to HaveIBeenPwned, in addition to the NordPass password manager, and costs $12.99 per month (or $82.35 for the first year and subsequently $126.96 per year).
The Complete plan comes with one terabyte of secure cloud storage and is priced at $14.29 per month (or $101.85 for the first year, followed by $198.84 per year).
Customers also have the option of purchasing a two-year subscription to NordVPN for $99.63, $126.63, or $161.73, respectively, for the Standard, Plus, or Complete packages. All of these subscriptions are renewable annually at the original prices.
>> Get Started with NordVPN
NordVPN Reviews Features
In this article, we’ll give you an in-depth look at why we think NordVPN is one of the best VPNs we’ve tried, as well as the features that make it stand out from the rest.
One of the Largest Server Networks
NordVPN is renowned for its vast and reliable network of servers, with more than 5,500 individual servers located in 59 countries around the world. To get the best speeds from your VPN, it is essential to select a provider that has servers based in the area you will be using the VPN.
Even though the number of countries represented is only a fraction of the nearly 200 nations, there is a range of the best VPNs for travelers that offer a broad selection of server locations and connection speeds.
Panama-based VPN
Despite its broad influence, NordVPN is located in Panama, which does not have ties to the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes surveillance unions.
International surveillance alliances are what they seem to be – organizations that can access and share data from VPN users if the company’s headquarters are located in a nation where this is allowed by law.
Law enforcement can request a customer’s IP address in the context of a criminal inquiry. We don’t encourage wrongdoers, but it’s a major warning sign if the government can get to a VPN user’s data without limitations.
This is why we suggest NordVPN – they don’t have any governmental agencies that can access the data.
Kill Switch
We tested NordVPN to make sure it possessed the key component of a VPN, which is a kill switch. During a storm, when our VPN connection faltered while downloading something substantial, the kill switch kicked in and shut down the download, as well as all our apps on our mobile device.
If this hadn’t happened, our ISP would have been able to observe what we were doing on the web. We understand that if the VPN ceases, so does our access to the internet for our own safety.
It was irritating having to start the download all over again, but we place our privacy above all else.
Data Usage
NordVPN made torrenting very simple and convenient thanks to its speedy download speed. We were able to watch as much as we wanted on the internet thanks to the service. We were very impressed with the Netflix viewing experience, and it was all possible because NordVPN has so many servers in multiple countries. We were able to access content from Netflix libraries in other countries simply by switching our location.
Encryption
After signing up for NordVPN and downloading the software, you are free to connect to any of their servers. With the encryption in use, any outside listeners to the connection won’t be able to comprehend the data being sent. NordVPN utilizes the industry-standard AES-256-CBC cryptography, and NordLynx takes advantage of the ChaCha20 protocol to give more anonymity and security.
The SHA-512 hash algorithm is employed in order to grant access to the server. When signing in, your credentials are transformed into a form of 512 binary digits that are indecipherable to anyone else apart from you. These digits are then compared to the cryptographic hashes you set up and stored on the company’s servers during account registration.
SHA-512 surpasses what is typically considered the basic security requirement for a VPN. There are many VPN services that make use of the SHA-256 algorithm, making NordVPN a leader in the field by using an even more secure SHA-512 function to give their clients enhanced protection.
>> Try NordVPN
Threat Protection
With NordVPN, your smartphone will be more protected than ever before. Threat Protection is responsible for this increase in security, and it is capable of blocking a variety of different attacks, such as:
- You can stay away from potential risks to your computer by avoiding websites that could contain hazardous material.
- Tired of seeing countless ads when you go to your preferred websites? No need to fret anymore, as Threat Protection will put an end to this problem.
- Your IP address and the sites you have visited are only two pieces of information that can be collected by websites that use trackers. Fortunately, NordVPN will make sure that these trackers will not be able to bypass its security measures in the future.
- Threat Protection will serve like a virtual antivirus and scan any executable files that you download that are smaller than 20 megabytes for any possible malicious content.
NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature can now be accessed on all the company’s apps, including those for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. This service is quite advantageous, as it starts working automatically once activated, without the need to establish a VPN connection.
Dark Web Monitor
This strange safety precaution will warn you about any possible risks to the security of your private data. Your email address will be looked up in dark web markets and pastebins. In case it is found there, it means that hackers may have infiltrated the services you have been utilizing.
If the same password is used for a lot of websites, hackers will soon be able to get access to your account on multiple services. If your email address is available on a dark web marketplace, NordVPN will immediately notify you. The feature is compatible with all primary operating systems.
Logging
Based in Panama, an area that highly respects user privacy, NordVPN is a great choice. To obtain data on a customer’s activity, a court in Panama must be involved. Since there are no regulations requiring the storage of user information, NordVPN is lawfully able to operate in Panama. Therefore, it is essential to pick a VPN service provider that is not situated in a Five Eyes nation or a jurisdiction that may be intrusive.
As per NordVPN’s privacy policy, even if a warrant were to be issued and a server captured, the government would not find any records of the customer’s activity. Their policy also states that your online activities while using the NordVPN services will not be watched, documented, trailed, retained, or shared with any third parties.
Their programs merely accumulate diagnostic data and details about crashes. If this is not acceptable to you, their client enables you to revoke consent for anonymization.
Their applications simply gather diagnostic information and information about crashes. Let’s say you decide you absolutely cannot accept this. If that’s the case, their client makes it simple to withdraw consent for anonymous app use at any moment. It’s not a deal breaker, however.
Security and Privacy Audits
If you were reading the preceding section and wondering if NordVPN’s promises have any value, you’re in the right place. To prove this, NordVPN commissioned the accounting company PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers). PwC, which is one of the Big Four accounting firms, was ranked #5 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies last year. NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been successfully audited twice in 2018 and 2020, confirming the company’s statement that users remain anonymous.
In addition, NordVPN also undertakes its own security checks. This year, VerSprite, a cybersecurity advisory company, tested and examined its systems and applications. Before the report was released, all vulnerabilities had already been fixed.
NordVPN is proactively trying to improve the quality of its service by providing incentives to users who test the product and bring any potential problems to their attention via their HackerOne website. As a result, they are displaying responsible behavior as a provider of security services.
>> Try NordVPN
ioXt Certification
NordVPN has one of the few mobile applications to be approved by ioXt, indicating it abides by the most recent security protocols. Every applicant must pass rigorous tests to evaluate the privacy policy of the service and the safety of the applications.
The results of the assessment were impressive; NordVPN achieved a perfect 100% score in all areas, including the top-tier vulnerability reporting program. Moreover, they grant a public research awards program and allow entries from the public.
Even their password security achieved a level 4 ranking. Also, there is a requirement for re-authentication of all sensitive transactions made through the application’s API. The entire report from the certifying body is accessible to the public.
This authentication document has only been implemented for use in VPN applications recently. It was only available for Internet of Things (IoT) devices before this shift. As a consequence of the change, only a limited number of VPN providers can claim to possess it. NordVPN is one of the finest VPN services, and it is positioned at the top.
Meshnet
Meshnet allows you to construct a safe and secure network that can be connected to up to 60 distinct computers, including those running on Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, or Android. It offers a safe way to access your home computer from work or to enjoy LAN gaming, file sharing, secure project collaboration, and more.
Moreover, the Windows application has been updated with a modern user interface, and the Android app enables voice commands to be used to connect, while the iOS version has been tweaked with advanced in-app debugging tools.
>> Try NordVPN
Does NordVPN Offer a Good Level of Privacy?
The advantages of virtual private networks (VPNs) come from their capacity to utilize encryption. With NordVPN’s AES-256-GCM encryption and perfect forward secrecy (utilizing a 4096-bit Diffie-Hellman this time), If an attacker compromises one session, they will be unable to access the others.
Once you connect to NordVPN, it runs a specialized private DNS server to make sure that nobody can follow what sites you’re browsing online. To add another layer of security, its applications stop DNS leaks.
You can take advantage of the Double VPN method that NordVPN offers (for Windows, Mac, and Android) to have your traffic protected by one server, re-encrypted by another, and sent on its way. The best option for protecting your anonymity when using the internet is the additional layer of security that makes it more difficult to link your actions to you directly.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers Onion over VPN support. This service encrypts the data as it goes through a NordVPN server, and then through the Tor network, it will cross three random Tor nodes to reach the final destination. This is the most secure way to use the internet, but it won’t be a bargain. The already slow Tor’s performance will be substantially decreased due to having to go through multiple servers.
>> Try NordVPN
Is NordVPN Safe?
NordVPN is an exceptionally safe option due to the presence of a kill switch, which offers protection in the event of a broken VPN connection. This switch immediately cuts off all online traffic.
To add to this, NordVPN has two kill switches – one which closes down only the chosen applications when the VPN connection is lost, and the other which stops all internet access. Tests conducted by DNS Leak Test, IPLeak, etc., demonstrate that NordVPN does not allow for any DNS, WebRTC, or other leaks, and the DNS address always coincides with the IP address.
This demonstrates that both safety and confidentiality are preserved. Check out our roundup of the most reliable safe VPN companies, in which NordVPN has a prominent position, for further information about virtual private networks (VPNs) that provide top-tier protection.
Can NordVPN be hacked?
In 2018, one of NordVPN’s servers (not one with account information) was infiltrated by hackers. Because the corporation was so sluggish in informing the general public about the assault, it came under a great deal of scrutiny when it was finally revealed. But since, NordVPN has made a significant number of changes in order to regain its consumers’ faith.
The entire system of NordVPN servers is now based on Random Access Memory, with no disks, meaning that, even if a server were to be hacked in the future, the intruder would have no access to any stored data.
VerSprite, a security research firm, was asked to review and audit NordVPN’s applications to detect and patch any potential security flaws. Additionally, the organization launched a bug bounty program to motivate third-party users to identify and report any vulnerabilities in the service.
It seems unlikely that the installation of these measures would be sufficient to compensate for NordVPN’s tardy reaction to the events that transpired in 2018. However, this is a significant step forward and will force the company’s products and services to undergo a degree of scrutiny that is seldom encountered.
>> Try NordVPN
Alternatives to NordVPN
ExpressVPN
We have placed these two services on the same level because of the mentioned causes. They are both based outside of the boundaries of intelligence contracts, and they have declared that they are immune to any type of backdoor that could be used to try to get access to user information.
In regards to protecting confidential data, NordVPN is unrivaled as it uses the well-known OpenVPN protocol. Some customers may feel more secure knowing that ExpressVPN has built its own technologies and systems.
ExpressVPN claims that dynamic IP addresses are more secure, even though they do not offer this service despite its advantages. As an extra benefit, NordVPN also offers a password manager and access to cloud storage.
Both of these services are fast enough for streaming and file transfers, but NordVPN is the fastest VPN, thanks to its wide network of servers (having a total of 5,000+).
>> Get Started with ExpressVPN
IPVanish
IPVanish VPN is the most cost-effective choice when it comes to the cost and features it offers, providing the required level of protection and privacy needed by customers. This VPN masks your IP address, thus allowing you to stay anonymous while using it.
NordVPN is the ideal option if you are dealing with sensitive data or if you are operating in a high-risk environment. This VPN has provided free or heavily discounted services in emergency circumstances to people like democracy activists and journalists based in countries like Belarus and Hong Kong, courtesy of its vast global network of servers.
Both services have similar features including no-logging, kill switch, split tunneling, and leak prevention. NordVPN, located in Panama, is not subject to the jurisdiction of either US or European courts or the intelligence-sharing agreement of the Five, Nine, and 14 Eyes.
NordVPN includes additional services such as dedicated IP and antivirus security, but they must be purchased separately.
IPVanish is more generous in terms of its six simultaneous connections, however, NordVPN is the better option for streamers as it allows them to access streaming services no matter where they are.
NordVPN Review – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who owns NordVPN?
It appears that there is not enough openness regarding the physical location and the personnel of the company. The NordVPN brand name is the property of Tefincom S.A. Furthermore, it is one of the companies that come under the umbrella of NordSec, which also incorporates NordLocker, NordPass, and NordVPN Teams (a business-oriented VPN). The offices of the security and privacy enterprise NordSec can be found in the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Cyprus (CY), Lithuania (LT), Switzerland (CH), and Panama (PAN).
Can you try NordVPN for free?
We clarified in the article that although there is no free trial, NordVPN does provide a money-back guarantee. Customers are allowed to cancel their subscription within the first 30 days of their membership and receive a full refund should they be unsatisfied with the service for any reason.
Is NordVPN good for online gaming?
Utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) might not be the best option for online gaming, as it could impede your connection speed and consume some of your bandwidth (as we discovered in our NordVPN speed testing). It could even result in more latency (although the exact amount of lagging may vary substantially based on the placement of your VPN server and the game server).
If you often play games that require quick responses, like first-person shooters, the additional latency will be annoying. However, if the “internet winds” are blowing in the right direction and the server positions are advantageous, you may not detect any difference for other games and those who are more casual gamers.
While a VPN could improve your security from the unlikely possibility of being attacked by DDoS attacks and allow you to access gaming content in locations where it is otherwise blocked, it won’t be of much help when actually playing games.
Does NordVPN slow down your internet connection?
When utilizing a Virtual Private Network, even NordVPN, there is always a small lag as the data is encrypted and transferred through the VPN passage. Despite the fact that there is some change, it is oftentimes insignificant. Our most recent performance testing uncovered that, when NordVPN was used, users experienced a decrease in speed ranging from 6% to 8%, which is normal for VPN services. Most regular online activities should not be affected by this.
Will NordVPN drain my laptop or phone battery?
Considering NordVPN is a program that runs on your device, it will consume some of your system’s resources, and this may reduce the battery life of your portable device. Despite a few older complaints, NordVPN should not be any more draining on your battery life than any other VPN program.
Does NordVPN work in China?
The business claims that its service will operate in China. By downloading one of the NordVPN programs, you can connect to any server, and if you’re in China, you can get even better results by activating the Obfuscated Servers feature.
Bottom Line on NordVPN Review
When it comes to VPNs, NordVPN is a clear leader. It has successfully passed a third-party audit and has top-of-the-line AES-256 encryption and NordLynx protocol. It is great for getting around the censors when traveling to places with restricted Internet access.
You will get a lot for your money, with dedicated clients for Windows and Android and a range of bonuses for Apple users. No matter what kind of OS you are using, you won’t be left out.
I highly recommend NordVPN as a VPN service. It is sure to meet any and all of your VPN needs. Is NordVPN good? Yes, absolutely!
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