NordVPN is one of the most prolific VPNs, offering high speeds, a strong feature set, and good security for a reasonable price.
While not the best when it comes to streaming video, NordVPN’s fast speeds and reliable uptime allow for users to do just about everything else easily and quickly.
Additionally, NordVPN’s suite of features and security protection make it a good option for general VPN users who want private Internet browsing without having to get too involved with technical details.
Overall, NordVPN is an ideal VPN service for the average VPN user as well as users who are on a budget.
Features
NordVPN is one of the most expansive VPN services in the world today. Headquartered in Panama, NordVPN boasts 2,000 IP addresses and 1,087 servers located in 61 data centers in countries across the world. (1)
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN services available, with speed decreases of only ten to fourteen percent compared to regular browsing. While not as fast as some other services, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN more than holds its own when it comes to fast browsing. For customers who want to use streaming services, NordVPN offers streaming-dedicated servers that can be connected to when a user needs them. (2)
NordVPN also offers a clearly-labeled kill switch feature for terminating apps while connected. It is one of the easiest-to-use and most effective kill switches offered by any VPN service, and enables faster browsing when connected to the service. (3)
In addition to the standard OpenVPN protocol, NordVPN also offers support for PTP and L2TP/IPSec protocols. While not the most expansive of feature sets, NordVPN’s protocol support is adequate for standard users who want privacy with a minimum of fuss. (4)
Additionally, NordVPN’s interface is one of the cleanest and most functional of all VPN services, allowing users to toggle the VPN on and off at will. It also includes apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, ensuring that users can access their VPN wherever and whenever they need to. Even better, NordVPN offers the most number of simultaneous connections for its users: they can have up to six devices using the VPN at once, a number that has yet to be exceeded or even matched by its competitors. (5) (6)
Finally, due to the fact that NordVPN is based in Panama, it offers top-flight security options. Because Panama does not have mandatory data-retention laws for Internet service providers and other online operations, NordVPN’s promise that it does not keep logs of users’ information is one that it can actually fulfill. For users looking for the maximum amount of privacy when surfing online, NordVPN is one of the best options available. (7) (8)
One minor ding against NordVPN is their relatively small number of servers and server locations, which means there are fewer options to choose from when connecting. This won’t affect most users, but for those who looking to cover their tracks more effectively, a VPN service with a larger number of both might be more ideal. (9)
In regards to pricing, NordVPN is one of the most affordable VPN services out there considering its feature set. It costs only $69 a year, and its introductory package is priced at $3.29 per month for a two-year plan. While its monthly payment plan is quite pricey at $11.99 per month, NordVPN also offers a 30-day money back guarantee, allowing unsatisfied customers to recoup their investment easily. (10)
Streaming/Netflix
While not specifically designed for streaming, NordVPN offers reasonable speeds that make using Netflix and other streaming services relatively easy.
In various speed tests, NordVPN only saw a 10-14 percent reduction in overall Internet speed compared to normal browsing. This is slower than other, more expensive VPN services such as ExpressVPN, which are specifically geared towards Netflix use, but still fast enough for most streaming services with only a minor decrease compared to VPN-less browsing. (11)
However, as a compensatory measure, NordVPN offers dedicated servers for streaming, and these servers, if still a bit slower than ExpressVPN, are adequate for most streaming services. (12)
Additionally, NordVPN’s mobile apps allow users to stream from their smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, allowing for added flexibility. (13)
Customer Support
NordVPN offers some of the finest customer service in the VPN industry.
The company’s website offers extensive documentation on every aspect of their VPN service, allowing users to set up their VPNs and solve problems easily, with no guesswork or Googling required and no time wasted on searching for answers. (14)
In addition, for more serious problems, NordVPN offers around-the-clock customer support via chat, email, and phone, allowing users to get answers to any questions they may have. (15)
Recap
For users looking for a mix of features, speed, and security at a reasonable price, NordVPN is your best bet.
NordVPN’s relatively low price of $69 per year is an absolute steal considering its feature set, making it ideal for average VPN users who aren’t in need of specialized features.
While not the fastest VPN service, NordVPN is still quite fast and ideal for most Internet functions, and its specialized streaming servers are a good option for those who use Netflix and other similar services.
Additionally, its security features are quite extensive, and its location in Panama ensures that its policy of not logging its users activities will actually be enforced, making NordVPN an ideal option for users who want to leave no traces online. That said, those who want to be truly undetectable might be put off by its relative lack of servers and data centers.
Users who are in dire need of a streaming-optimized VPN service would be advised to go with ExpressVPN if they can afford it, due to its faster streaming speeds, though NordVPN will suffice for casual users.
Additionally, those who need specialized VPN protocols will likely not be satisfied with NordVPN’s relative lack of features in this department.
However, for the casual VPN user, who merely wants a way to browse the Internet securely and privately, NordVPN’s reasonable price, number of features, clean interface, and strong security make it a highly recommended option.