NordVPN Review 2024: My Honest Opinion After 12 Months!
In this NordVPN review, we're going to cover in depth everything related to this service.
We’ll analyze the features, performance, security and much more. This information is brought to you after 12 months of personal experience.
I will explain both pros & cons of NordVPN, so you can decide yourself if it’s worth the money or not. Let’s begin!
What can you do with NordVPN?
I’m sure you think about getting NordVPN to do specific things and not just to have a virtual private network available once in a while.
Let’s see how this service acts in different scenarios. I tested all of the following examples.
Online privacy & security
Public Wi-Fi networks are an essential part of your daily life. However, they pose significant security risks.
That’s because public hotspots are prime targets for cybercriminals looking to steal sensitive information. To protect yourself, you need a VPN.
This is true, whether you are in coffee shops, hotels, airports or libraries. Public Wi-Fi rarely has encryption and lacks security.
Among the most common security concerns are malwares & phishing attacks, as well as eavesdropping (gaining access to your credentials).
The last thing you want to do is to use your credit card information or reveal sensitive data.
Man in the middle attacks is a common concern with public wi-fi networks, since it means monitoring your information without your approval.
Another issue would be evil twin attacks, which involves a fake network with a similar name to the real hotspot. You can connect to it and easily all your information is stolen.
In these circumstances, NordVPN offers an effective solution for securing your online activity. You protect yourself from data breaches and cyberattacks, getting a better experience in the long term.
Access content abroad
Many websites are not available in all countries.
With a VPN service, you can access the content that normally you wouldn’t be able to see – from anywhere.
In other words, you’ll bypass internet censorship easily. Also, you can go to places where a social media app like Twitter or Facebook is banned with no worries.
How about geo restricted content that’s blocked due to copyright, licensing or legal restrictions? This will also be accesible for you.
Your location is changed with a simple click. If you plan watching a sports event or even access a game that’s banned in your area, you won’t have too much to do.
Connect to a NordVPN’s server in a country without restrictions and regain your online freedom.
NordVPN for gaming
Do you enjoy playing CS:GO, Minecraft and other MMORPGs? While it’s a great experience, there are a few issues you should keep in mind.
For instance, your ISP may throttle your internet speed during peak gaming hours. This results in lag and makes you lose all your battles. Also, you’re not safe playing with other people, since some of them are crazy and may search for your real IP address when getting mad.
The last thing you want is to see a stranger at your house.
Guess what? It can happen and it’s more common than you think in gaming world.
To solve both issues, you need to activate NordVPN for gaming.
This way your bandwidth is never compromised, allowing for a smooth experience even during high-traffic periods.
Also, you protect yourself from DDoS attacks and stop hackers from finding you in the real life.
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You can play titles before they’re released to your country. With NordVPN, you will unlock new horizons and enjoy an advanced gaming experience.
NordVPN for torrents
Torrenting is a popular method for sharing and downloading large files. Even so, your activity shouldn’t be visible
You need to install a VPN service to hide your IP address and become untraceable. This guarantee a strong privacy and helps you avoid legal issues.
A great feature of NordVPN is P2P(peer-to-peer) connection. This represents a decentralized networking architecture — where each device directly shares resources and information — without the need of a central server.
The result is a faster internet speed and more effective downloads for large files. Moreover, with no central point, there’s no point of failure.
Even if one device goes offline, the others will still work. P2P has been adopted in various apps and industries, such as streaming services, cryptocurrency networks or content distribution. You can benefit from this technology instantly with NordVPN, no matter what's your purpose.
NordVPN for streaming
Are you a fan of Netflix, HBO Now, Amazon Prime or Disney+?
If so, NordVPN is your ticket to a world of entertainment. SmartDNS technology is similar to a proxy, but it doesn't encrypt your data. That means you keep the same speed from regular Wi-Fi, while also avoiding triggering systems that large streaming sites have.
You won’t get banned from suspicious behavior and it’s unlikely to experience slowdowns or downtime. The real location is hidden, so you’re able to browse your favorite TV shows.
It’s a great solution even to binge watch 4K videos, because there’s no decrease in the performance.
NordVPN proves to be an exceptional choice for Netflix, effortlessly unlocking libraries such as the UK, US, and others with remarkable speed.
My experience was great in other countries as well, although some of them are harder to unlock and didn’t work at first try. Notably, NordVPN delivers impressive streaming speeds on all devices, including major operating systems and Smart TVs.
Yes, you can use it on Apple TV and Youtube TV as well. While it might take a little trial and error to find the right server, the results are certainly worth it.
NordVPN for TikTok
TikTok made a change in the world with its short-form videos. The only downside is the fact you’re forced to post in your own country.
I personally tried to change this and I’ll tell you how it works.
Let’s say you plan to target the United States or the United Kingdom. You can do this if you have a phone with a sim from that country and a VPN activated.
Yes, you can use the VPN without sim as well, but it doesn’t work perfectly and your account may get banned.
With both elements, your TikTok activity is completely changed.
Your #fy page will bring a different experience and reaching a new audience will be easier than you ever imagined.
NordVPN for cheap flights
When it comes to booking flights, every traveler loves a great deal.
But did you know that NordVPN can help you find cheaper flights? Probably not.
The reason is because airlines and travel websites use dynamic pricing, according to users' locations. If you’re in a wealthy country, the prices for flights are more expensive.
Your online activity is also tracked by cookies.
If you searched for a flight one week ago and didn’t buy it, the price will increase to create a sense of urgency.
Do you want exclusive deals? Certain promotions are online available to users from specific areas. By connecting to NordVPN, you can take advantage of different discounts you wouldn’t have otherwise.
You also protect your payment information and secure the entire booking experience.
Keep in mind there are cookies that increase flight prices if they detect multiple searches in one area. NordVPN is a valuable tool to get more affordable options for your next trip.
NordVPN for shopping abroad
When shopping abroad, you get the prices according to the country you’re in. Yes, it’s the same issue you have with flight tickets.
Some e-commerce stores have geo-restricted content or specific products available in just one region.
Whether you’re looking for fashion items, tech gadgets or anything similar, NordVPN will make the shopping experience more enjoyable.
You’ll also benefit from payment methods and services that retailers don’t offer to everyone. Explore more deals and shop with confidence, knowing all your data is protected.
Why is this brand so popular?
Let's see why everyone seems to recommend NordVPN. Unlike other VPN providers, this brand checks all the boxes you can think of.
For instance, it has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. That is more than enough for any purpose.
Also, here are a few of most important features:
With a single NordVPN subscription, you can secure up to 6 devices simultaneously. This means you can protect your computer, smartphone, tablet, and more with one account. It’s a great alternative for the entire family.
NordVPN offers round-the-clock customer support via live chat, email, and a comprehensive knowledge base to assist with any issues or questions you may have.
The servers are fast and the service doesn’t throttle your internet speed. You won’t see lag or interruptions, no matter what you do.
What are the cons of NordVPN?
As you can guess, NordVPN is not a perfect service. And that’s ok. There are disadvantages everywhere you look online.
For this VPN provider I’d say the following:
The final downside would be the fact there’s no phone support. For me that's not a problem, but maybe for you it is.
Overall, NordVPN is a premium service and it’s worth the money. The pros definitely are more than the cons, but it’s important to be aware of both.
F.A.Q about NordVPN
NordVPN is probably the most recognizable brand in the industry. With over 14 million users worldwide, it’s easy to understand that everyone is using the same service.
But it’s NordVPN safe? Of course it is! In fact, it’s less safer to NOT use this service on your devices.
Let me answer a few questions you may have.
Does NordVPN collect your data?
No, NordVPN does not save or sell any personal data. The company has a strict no-logs policy, which means nobody ever gets to see what you’re doing online.
Can you block ads with NordVPN?
Absolutely. Threat protection is a powerful anti-malware tool, available for free with your monthly subscriptions.
It’ll stop trackers and annoying ads from malicious websites. The result is a smoother experience and less viruses.
How much does the subscription cost?
NordVPN is not the cheapest service out there. On the other hand, it has more features compared to competition, so you’ll get value for what you’re paying.
Here are the current prices for all plans:
In addition to your regular VPN, most expensive packages include 1 TB cloud storage and security features(ex: password manager, data breach scanner, file encryption).
Regarding payment choices, there is a diverse array available. The typical credit cards, AmazonPay, Sofort, PayPal, ACH Transfer, and prepaid cards are all on the menu.
Additionally, there's the flexibility to utilize Apple Pay or Google Pay for those who prefer convenience. For those prioritizing privacy, the option to purchase with cryptocurrencies or even through retail outlets is provided.
NordVPN offers longer subscription plans at a comparatively modest price point. Given the comprehensive feature package and subscription perks, the cost appears to be quite the bargain.
Can you get your money back?
The short answer: Yes, you can get a refund if you’re not satisfied. NordVPN comes with 30-day money-back guarantee. This is enough time to make a final decision.
What information does a VPN hide?
A VPN can hide your IP address, location and browser history. It’s not antivirus software, even if you get security features.
So, you’re still vulnerable to phishing attacks and cyberthreats.
That means you need to be careful with your activities, implement strong passwords policy and use multi-factor authentication where possible.
Why not use a free VPN instead?
The term ‘’free’’ looks tempting, but it has hidden costs. Remember the saying: If you don’t pay for a product, you are the product.
With a free VPN all your data is tracked and sold to advertisers, compromising your privacy. Also, the encryption is weak, you don’t have features such as kill switch and it’s possible for your connection to drop anytime.
Remember everyone use the same servers and all of them are overcrowded. You also won’t get customer support. You get what you’re paying for.
Free VPNs have many drawbacks and these are just a few.
How to use NordVPN?
NordVPN is extremely easy to use and it doesn't require technical knowledge.
All you have to do is download the app and then do the installation. You will complete all the steps in a few minutes, whether you’re using a smartphone or PC.
Creating an account takes just 30 seconds. You don’t need advanced knowledge to set up all the features, since they’re available with just 1 click.
Click auto-connect to stay active all the time. Make sure you also turn on the kill switch to never be detected.
You can access the official app on various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Fire TV.
Additionally, you have the option to connect to the VPN using browser extensions designed for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
You will select your server from a list of countries on the left panel. If you can’t see your country of choice, use the search button.
The app displays the load on each server. You’re free to choose whatever you want. Just connect and your VPN is ready. NordVPN app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for beginners.
NordVPN extends a stable and persistent VPN connection for multiple devices when configured on a router. It provides a convenient solution for utilizing a VPN on Xbox for example, that lacks built-in support.
This approach is particularly handy if you're interested in streaming global Netflix content on a gaming console, offering a straightforward path to achieving this.
NordVPN is compatible with routers equipped with the OpenVPN client and those integrated with NordLynx technology.
The installation process may vary depending on your router's brand. You have free guides available online tailored to Asus, D-Link, Linksys, and Netgear routers.
Does NordVPN slow down my internet connection?
No, it doesn’t slow down your connection. If it happens, it’s probably a decrease of maximum 10%, so it’s not visible. You won’t even notice a difference while using the internet.
Will NordVPN drain my battery?
NordVPN is just an app and it doesn’t require intensive resources. That means it won’t consume more battery compared to another app, so you have no reason to worry.
Can your internet provider and the government follow your online activities when you use NordVPN?
When utilizing NordVPN, both ISPs and governmental entities are unable to monitor your online activities.
Thanks to NordVPN's location in Panama, it is beyond the reach of legal compulsion from governments to disclose customer data.
Furthermore, the company refrains from recording your genuine IP address or your web browsing history.
While your internet service provider can observe the IP address assigned by NordVPN, it's important to note that this address is shared by thousands of NordVPN users, ensuring your anonymity while navigating the web.
Does NordVPN work in China?
Yes, it works. China's online censorship is primarily achieved through a combination of IP blocking, DNS filtering, and deep packet inspection.
This effectively blocks access to popular websites and services like Google, Facebook, YouTube, and many others.
To bypass these restrictions, each person needs a tool that can outsmart the Great Firewall.
The country's digital infrastructure places strict controls on online content, restricting access to various websites and platforms.
This can be frustrating for both residents and visitors who wish to access a global internet. However, NordVPN offers a solution to the same problem.
Is it legal to use NordVPN in Australia?
Using NordVPN is completely legal in Australia since the country doesn't have any restrictions against VPNs.
As long as you don’t perform illegal activities, you’ll be safe. The same rule applies for any other country.
Is NordVPN compatible with my game console?
Indeed, NordVPN is compatible with the majority of gaming consoles.
This means that you can easily configure NordVPN on your Xbox Series X/S and PS5, enhancing your gaming experience with increased security, faster speeds, and stable connections.
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Furthermore, NordVPN enables you to play games in regions with restrictions, opening up the possibility for extended gaming sessions.
What is NordLocker?
NordLocker is a separate app that lets you establish a highly secure private vault with powerful encryption. In this space, you can easily store, organize, and share a wide range of files.
The essence of NordLocker's security lies in its employment of advaced encryption techniques. When you upload a file into NordLocker, it goes through a sophisticated transformation process.
This process converts the file's content into an intricate code that appears impossible to read to anyone who attempts to access it without the necessary decryption key.
And guess what? Only you hold the key!
This encryption methodology ensures that even if your files were to fall into the wrong hands, they would remain unintelligible and well-protected.
Use Cases for NordLocker:
NordLocker's commitment to user privacy and the advanced architecture makes the same app a versatile tool for anyone looking to take control of their digital security and safeguard their most precious data.
What is NordPass?
NordPass is a password manager designed to simplify and strengthen your online security. It is developed by the team behind NordVPN, but it’s a separated app.
With NordPass, you can securely store, organize, and manage your passwords, ensuring that your online accounts remain protected.
Key Features of NordPass:
Nowadays cyber threats and data breaches are increasingly common, so password managers like NordPass have become indispensable tools.
These platforms help users to create strong, unique passwords for each account and securely store them.
The days of using the same password across multiple platforms are long gone, as this practice leaves you vulnerable to security breaches.
NordPass provides peace of mind by offering a reliable solution to the password chaos many of us face. With this password manager, you can have strong, distinct passwords for every online account without the burden of memorization.
Why should you invest in NordVPN?
Just because this service costs money, doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. The sky's the limit when it comes to possibilities.
You have multiple use-cases described above, but that’s not all. If you ever need to hide your IP address for any particular reason, a VPN is the way to go.
It’s more than security and anonymity. It’s freedom to access content from everywhere.
News and updates
NordVPN was launched in 2012 and has had a significant evolution since then. The brand established itself as one of the most reliable VPNs, dedicated to providing users with top-notch services.
The company remains committed to continuous innovation and service enhancement, solidifying NordVPN's position as one of the leading VPN options in the 2023 market.
Here are some of the most recent updates from NordVPN:
VPN Protocols Supported by NordVPN
NordVPN employs NordLynx, which is an implementation of WireGuard, as the default protocol for its Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows applications. Furthermore, OpenVPN is accessible on all these platforms.
However, IKEv2 is exclusively available for iOS and macOS applications.
OpenVPN has traditionally held the title of being the benchmark for VPN protocols, but WireGuard is gaining popularity rapidly, and for good reason.
Much like OpenVPN, WireGuard is open source, but it utilizes more contemporary encryption methods, resulting in enhanced connection speeds.
What you should know about encryption?
Once you've set up your account and installed the client, you can establish a secure connection to any server within NordVPN's network.
This connection is fortified with encryption, showing your online traffic impossible to read to prying eyes. NordVPN achieves this through the use of the robust AES-256-CBC cipher, a benchmark within the VPN industry that continues to set the highest standard for data protection.
In addition to this, NordLynx incorporates the ChaCha20 protocol, further enhancing your privacy and security. Access to the server is granted through the implementation of the SHA-512 hash function.
This process transforms your credentials into a series of 512 binary digits, rendering them incomprehensible to external observers.
These binary digits are subsequently compared to the cryptographic hashes generated and stored on NordVPN's servers during your account creation. If they align, you gain access.
NordVPN's use of the SHA-512 function surpasses the typical VPN industry standard, as many of its competitors employ SHA-256.
This bold move by NordVPN reinforces their commitment to maximizing user security and creating a formidable barrier for any potential intruders attempting to breach their defenses.
NordVPN alternatives explained
While NordVPN offers robust features, you may consider the competition as well for a moment.
Well, ExpressVPN is a similar brand, but it's more expensive. It matches NordVPN in terms of unblocking streaming sites, speed, and security. It’s also a giant company into this space as well.
If you're seeking a budget-friendly option, CyberGhost is worth considering. It's one of the fastest VPNs available, priced similarly to NordVPN, and offers competitive security.
However, it may not perform well in China, and it doesn't unblock as many streaming sites as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
So, who's the best? Up to you, I tried all of them since they have free trials. At the end of the day, I decided to stay with NordVPN cause I like them more.
Ensuring Your Online Privacy
Privacy begins with the deployment of encryption technology, and NordVPN is no exception in this regard. This VPN provider is widely recognized for its robust privacy measures, including safeguards against DNS leaks and features designed to mitigate potential privacy breaches.
In this section, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of NordVPN's privacy-related attributes and elucidate how they safeguard your online activities.
NordVPN is headquartered in privacy-friendly Panama.
In the event of a government seeking access to user logs, they would need to engage with a Panamanian judicial entity. Given Panama's absence of data retention laws, NordVPN is not obligated to retain any user data.
Their privacy policy stipulates:
"NordVPN guarantees a strict no-logs policy for all services, meaning your internet activity is not monitored, recorded, logged, stored, or shared with any third parties."
The sole data collected by their applications is related to crash error reports and application diagnostics data.
This feature, though, is unlikely to be a deal-breaker. Besides the parent company (Tefincom S.A) that is based in Panama, the company also has offices in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
NordVPN evolution
When picking a VPN, trust matters. A good way to figure that out is by looking into its history. You need to know where it's based and if there were any data leaks in the past that caused problems.
It's worth mentioning that there were some rumors circulating about this VPN not long ago. According to these rumors, NordVPN was supposedly owned by a company called Tesonet, which is based in Lithuania.
While there is indeed a connection between NordVPN and Tesonet (both brands are part of the same team), this connection is entirely benign.
In October 2021, NordVPN's parent company, Nord Security, acquired Atlas VPN, a relatively new VPN service that's known for offering a free version.
Then, in February 2022, Nord Security merged with Surfshark, another well-known VPN service.
This means that NordVPN's parent company has strong business ties with Atlas VPN and Surfshark, but beyond this business connection, there are no further links between these VPN services.
To clarify, NordVPN, Atlas VPN, and Surfshark each have their own unique development paths and product plans. They cater to different types of users and customers, and they do not engage in data sharing among their respective brands.
NordVPN faced some issues before, but it's still known as one of the clear and easy-to-use VPNs. We will give it a score of 9.5/10.
No more IP/DNS leaks
This means that your true identity will remain concealed, as your IP address won't reveal it, and your online activities won't be exposed through your DNS requests.
When you establish a connection with NordVPN, your online traffic gets directed through their servers, ensuring that your actual IP address remains concealed from the websites and online services you access.
NordVPN employs a technology known as Network Address Translation (NAT) to allocate a temporary IP address from their server pool to you. This temporary IP address is what websites and services interact with, as opposed to your genuine IP address.
DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating domain names like "mysite.com" into numerical IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1). These DNS queries are crucial for accessing websites, but they have the potential to inadvertently disclose your real IP address to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other parties.
NordVPN ensures that DNS requests are encrypted and routed through their VPN servers, thwarting any attempts by your ISP or other external entities to monitor the websites you visit.
In the unlikely event of a DNS leak, where your DNS requests manage to bypass the VPN tunnel and reach your ISP's DNS servers, NordVPN has established protective measures. They operate their own DNS servers and employ various technologies to secure your DNS queries.
Threat Protection
NordVPN's Threat Protection is the latest feature set designed to replace CyberSec.
A Lite version is available for iOS, Android, and browser extensions, while Windows and Mac devices can access its full range of features.
This option provides protection against advertisements, malware, and trackers, even when you're not connected to a VPN server.
The same service is divided into two parts to address specific cybersecurity concerns:
It's important to note that the Lite version of Threat Protection is not as comprehensive as the full version and has some limitations. For instance, it operates via DNS filtering and is active only when you are connected to a VPN tunnel.
Privacy Audits
NordVPN no-logs policy was questioned 3 times. First 2 times were in 2018 and 2020, each audit confirming the validity of their privacy claims.
These audits were conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, a reputable audit firm. Another verification was made in early 2023, this time administered by Deloitte, another industry-leading audit firm.
Additionally, the cybersecurity consultancy VerSprite conducted comprehensive penetration tests on the official apps and infrastructure.
All identified vulnerabilities were promptly addressed even before the release of the audit report.
NordVPN continues to enhance its service and offers bug bounties to testers who manage to discover vulnerabilities on their HackerOne page.
ioXt Certification
NordVPN is one of the very few services that have a special certification called ioXt for their mobile apps.
This certification proves that their apps meet very high security standards. To get this certification, they go through a tough evaluation of their privacy policy and how secure their app is.
NordVPN did really well on this evaluation.
They got the highest scores, Level 4, in all categories, including how they handle security vulnerabilities.
They not only accept reports from people outside their company but also reward them for finding and reporting problems.
They got a Level 4 rating for how they handle passwords. And to make it extra safe, sensitive transactions in the app need special authentication.
This certification used to be only for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, but now it's also for VPN apps. So, only a small number of VPN services can say they have this special certification.
Split Tunneling
By default, NordVPN encrypts all of your internet traffic and directs it through a secure VPN server, a setup referred to as full-tunnel mode.
However, did you know that NordVPN also provides a feature known as split tunneling?
Split tunneling allows you to divide your internet traffic, permitting some data to travel through the secure VPN tunnel while letting the rest flow through regular, unencrypted networks.
How does this feature prove beneficial, you might wonder?
Consider this scenario: You're using NordVPN to stream content from Netflix UK during your daily commute. In full-tunnel mode, all of your applications connect through a UK server, including your weather app.
Consequently, you see weather information for the UK, and not for your local city.
With split tunneling, you have the power to direct your weather app to use the regular network, ensuring that it fetches weather data specific to your local area.
Dedicated IP Address
By default, NordVPN employs shared dynamic IP addresses, which means that multiple users can utilize the same IP address, and the address changes with each connection.
However, for an additional fee, NordVPN offers the option of dedicated IP addresses.
With a dedicated IP address, NordVPN assigns you a server IP address that is exclusively yours. There are several benefits to having a dedicated IP address. One significant advantage is the reduced likelihood of encountering CAPTCHAs.
Websites can detect multiple users connecting through the same shared IP address, often raising suspicion. This leads to an increased frequency of CAPTCHA challenges when using a VPN with shared IP addresses.
NordVPN's dedicated IP addresses ensure that no one else shares the same IP address as you, reducing the chances of online services flagging your connection requests.
NordVPN provides dedicated IP addresses in various locations, including the United States, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Germany, Canada, and Japan. Details regarding the associated costs can be found in the 'Subscription Options' section below.
Speed Tests
NordVPN has earned its place among the fastest VPN services, following closely behind CyberGhost, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN.
It boasts the capability to handle tasks like streaming 4K videos, hosting HD live streams, and conducting high-quality video conferences while maintaining robust security measures.
However, it's essential to note that its average speeds have experienced a recent decline. While it still stands as one of the top-performing services we've tested, this decrease is worth mentioning.
I conducted speed tests across various times of the day using NordVPN servers located in North America, Europe and other regions. Across all the times and locations tested, NordVPN delivered an average download speed of 200 Mbps, which is an impressive result.
Nevertheless, it's a notable drop from its average speeds from the previous year, which consistently exceeded 300 Mbps.
Here's a regional breakdown:
For the majority of users, the changes aren’t noticeable, especially if you're on a high-speed connection, such as 100 Mbps or higher.
There’s more than enough bandwidth to enjoy high-definition on-demand video streams and smooth live streams without buffering. Even fast-paced online games like Brawlhalla and Rocket League were playable when connecting to a VPN server located near myself or the game server.
It appears that the NordVPN app's automatic server selection feature may not be so effective, and I had better results when manually choosing a server from the list.
NordVPN now also offers the option to select a specific city in countries where it operates servers in multiple locations, such as the US and UK. Opting for a nearby server significantly improved speed instantly.
Please keep in mind the above tests provide a general indication of performance and cannot be considered definitive. The inherent variability of the internet introduces an element of randomness, and users with faster connections may experience more significant speed variations.
NordLynx, the new default VPN protocol in NordVPN's apps, delivers exceptional speed, outperforming other protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. These alternatives are still secure options, but NordLynx shines in terms of speed, as per our tests.
NordLynx builds upon Wireguard, a contemporary VPN protocol known for its efficiency, simplicity, and ease of auditability, setting it apart from rivals like IKEv2 and OpenVPN. However, Wireguard assigns each user a static IP address, necessitating the storage of user data on the VPN server.
In its commitment to the zero-logs policy, NordVPN has innovated its "double NAT" system to establish a secure VPN connection without retaining identifiable user data on its servers.
This enhanced protocol is aptly named "NordLynx," ensuring top-tier security while delivering lightning-fast performance.
NordVPN's Worldwide Server Network
The company expanded to nearly 6,000 servers, and they've even introduced a new location, bringing their global presence to 60 countries.
To clarify, you can use NordVPN in most countries, except those where VPNs are prohibited by law. The 60 countries we mentioned earlier are simply the locations of NordVPN's servers.
For those unfamiliar with VPNs, when you connect to a server, your IP address appears to be from that server's location.
For instance, connecting to a server in Australia makes it seem as if you're browsing the internet from Australia. Similarly, when you're abroad, you can obtain a U.S. IP address by connecting to a server in the United States.
The server's location also impacts your internet speed. In essence, the closer you are to a server, the faster your internet connection is likely to be.
For example, if you're traveling extensively in Europe, using a VPN with servers in Europe is beneficial. This is just a general rule, since you can get good results, no matter what you’re doing.
Apart from the big network we talked about earlier, NordVPN's server setup has some standout features that set it apart from other VPNs:
NordVPN's server network is like the powerful engine inside a Ferrari. It's what makes the VPN run smoothly and efficiently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN is still a top-tier VPN service in 2023. With its robust security, wide range of features, and reliable performance, it's a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy and security.
While it's not the cheapest option out there, the value it provides is worth every penny.
Whether you're a streaming enthusiast, want to download torrents, or you are someone who values their online privacy, NordVPN has got you covered.
If you found this tutorial helpful, don't forget to share it with your friends on social media. Thank you for reading and I hope I’ll still see you here in the future!
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This article contains affiliate links, which means when you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. The affiliate relationship does not impact the price you pay for any products or services and it doesn't influence my opinion. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to your life. Thanks for your support!