NordVPN Swiftness snippetsRating: 4.7 stars out of 5.
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NordVPN stands as one of the foremost, if not the leading, VPNs in today’s digital landscape — and for valid reasons. It brings forward an expansive server network, a diverse spectrum of protective attributes, and a polished user interface. All these are in addition to ensuring quick and trustworthy VPN speeds throughout its server placements.
Though it may not fit the bill as a bargain buy, NordVPN encompasses an all-encompassing bundle that renders it an enticing VPN for the majority of routine users.
Is NordVPN complimentary?
No, NordVPN doesn’t come free of charge and lacks a no-cost edition. If you’re particularly in search of a free-of-charge VPN, I suggest experimenting with Proton VPN or hide.me VPN. These alternatives shine, especially with their unrestricted bandwidth and data.
EXPLORE: NordVPN vs Proton VPN (2024): Which VPN to Opt for? (TechRepublic)
In place of a costless setup, NordVPN pitches in a seven-day trial accessible for Android platforms. While I acknowledge Nord’s grant of a gratis test via Android, I trust they will eventually extend the offer to iOS or Apple patrons too.
NordVPN charges
NordVPN sections its paid memberships into three categories: Primary, Additional, and Whole. Each category provides a monthly, yearly, and biennial contractual option.
As an aside, the nomenclature of subscriptions might differ based on the geographic location, as per my investigation (NordVPN Whole being interchangeable with NordVPN Ultimate or Ultra; NordVPN Primary being the same as NordVPN Standard).
| Primary | Additional | Whole | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99 monthly | $13.99 monthly | $14.99 monthly |
| 1 year | $4.99 monthly | $5.99 monthly | $6.99 monthly |
| 2 years | $3.09 monthly | $3.99 monthly | $4.99 monthly |
| Feature discrepancies | Primary VPN service, Menace Defending ad blocker | Supplementary to all Primary traits, tracker blocker, anti-malware with browsing protection, password administrator, and a data breach scanner | All Added attributes plus 1TB of encrypted cloud space |
Among its schemes, I vouch for opting for NordVPN Additional annual subscription at $5.99 per month. This offers a robust array of supplemental security features from NordVPN over a sensible annual engagement.
When juxtaposed with other VPNs, NordVPN stakes a place in the upper echelon regarding pricing. For instance, Surfshark’s Surfshark One likeness is tagged at $4.09 monthly, while Proton VPN’s Additional blueprint stands at $5.99. If you’re on a tight purse-string, these choices might prove more pocket-friendly.
EXPLORE: Private Internet Access vs NordVPN: The Superior VPN? (TechRepublic)
However, if you’re financially poised, I deem that NordVPN brings onboard enough substantial add-ons to validate the expenditure. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of Nord Security’s NordPass password manager with NordVPN Additional, a judicious value-add, especially for users eyeing for both a VPN and a robust password-centric tool.
In search of a reliable password manager. What’s more is that it includes anti-malware and browsing protection in addition to the primary VPN service.
It’s worth mentioning that NordVPN’s yearly and biennial plans come with varying renewal prices. While this practice isn’t unique to NordVPN, I believe having consistent pricing throughout would be more convenient for users. It could eliminate the need to reevaluate pricing once the initial contract expires.
All NordVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you the opportunity to try out the service and request a refund within the specified period.
How secure is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a secure and trustworthy VPN provider for the year 2024. It employs AES 256 encryption, which is widely regarded as one of the most robust encryption methods available today. Notably, U.S. government agencies and financial institutions also rely on AES encryption to safeguard user data.
Concerning VPN protocols, it supports the OpenVPN protocol and its proprietary NordLynx protocol based on the WireGuard communication protocol. I appreciate that Nord offers users the flexibility to select a VPN protocol based on either speed via NordLynx or enhanced security with OpenVPN.
SEE: Alternative Options to NordVPN for 2024 (TechRepublic)
An essential aspect of NordVPN is its no-logs policy, assuring that it does not store any information about users’ browsing activity or online traffic. NordVPN has undergone independent assessments to validate this policy.
In late 2023, NordVPN’s no-logs policy was confirmed through a third-party audit conducted by Deloitte. This marks the fourth security audit that validates NordVPN’s no-logs policy and exemplifies the company’s dedication to safeguarding user privacy and security.
While I appreciate NordVPN’s commitment to independent audits, there is a minor concern. With the fourth no-logs audit, only active NordVPN subscribers have access to the complete report and findings.
NordVPN states that this approach “ensures the audit results are not misrepresented or misinterpreted.” Although I understand NordVPN’s perspective, I believe that sharing the full report with the public would enhance overall transparency.
Overall, NordVPN stands out as one of the most dependable VPN services available today.
Notable Aspects of NordVPN
Secure encrypted file-sharing through Meshnet
Meshnet enables you to link multiple devices to an end-to-end encrypted virtual network, allowing secure sharing of critical files among devices. Specifically, it supports connectivity for up to 10 devices on the network and facilitates seamless transfer, sending, or receiving of files via Meshnet.
I tested it by transferring a few files from my Android phone to my laptop, and the process was remarkably smooth. I see this feature as particularly valuable for securely sharing sensitive files like contracts or financial details among user-owned devices.
Comprehensive web and file protection with Threat Protection Pro
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro stands out by offering web and file protection services. On the web front, it provides real-time protection and blocking against malware, tracking elements, and advertisements.
Simultaneously, the background file protection scans all downloaded items, detects malware, and promptly removes any malicious files identified.
Personally, I admire the comprehensive record of blocked threats offered by Threat Protection with each website visited. This grants users deeper insights into which websites might be potentially more harmful than beneficial while browsing the web.
Dark Web Monitor
Ultimately, NordVPN showcases a Dark Web Monitor that automatically scans the dark web to check if any of your emails have been compromised in a breach or data leak. This feature also functions as an alert by promptly notifying the user upon detecting a leak of sensitive data.
Based on my experience with it, I value the flexibility of the monitor to accommodate numerous email addresses in the monitored credentials list. This feature is likely to be convenient for online businesses with multiple email accounts or a small team wishing to ensure none of their login details are implicated in any dark web exposure.
Performance and speed: How swift is NordVPN?
Not only does NordVPN deliver rapid VPN speeds, but it also provides a consistently reliable connection. Throughout my evaluation, I connected to NordVPN servers and carried out my typical writing tasks. This involved browsing multiple web pages for research, participating in online video conferences with multiple participants, and collaborating on Google Docs and Drive, among other activities.
SEE: What is the Cost of a VPN? + Money-Saving Tips (TechRepublic)
Across all scenarios, I encountered zero speed issues with NordVPN. The speeds were impressive and showed minimal to insignificant deviation from the usual performance of my internet service provider. Additionally, I noticed that transitioning between servers and connecting to different VPN locations was swift and seamless, with no interruptions in connectivity at any point.
Regarding speed tests, NordVPN demonstrated mixed-to-positive outcomes. It excelled in download speeds, displaying a remarkable 0.78% increase compared to my ISP. This is commendable considering that VPNs typically result in some speed reduction due to the redirection of user connections through additional channels. However, upload speeds were less remarkable, showing a 44% speed decrease in the same test. While still satisfactory, it falls short of the 15-25% decrease threshold that I typically observe.
outstanding.
If you frequently need to upload files as part of your work process, my testing revealed that NordVPN might not be the most suitable choice for you. However, for everyday use, I am certain that NordVPN can deliver consistently rapid speeds for the majority of regular users.
NordVPN servers and locations
Upon examining NordVPN’s server infrastructure, it continues to leave a strong impression. The array of servers stands at 6,350+ units spread across 111 nations. This places them comfortably among the upper echelon of VPN server networks. In comparison, Surfshark operates 3,200 servers in 100 countries, while ExpressVPN covers 105 countries with an estimated 3,000 servers.
One aspect I admire about NordVPN is their consistent enhancement of their server arsenal. During my initial review of NordVPN in 2023, they operated with 5,800+ servers in over 60 countries. By 2024, this count has nearly doubled in both locations and countries.
SEE: Why Your Business Needs Cybersecurity Awareness Training (TechRepublic Premium)
While the quantity of servers may appear attractive, the more pivotal figure here is the number of geographical locations. This becomes especially crucial if your primary purpose for using a VPN is to bypass regional content restrictions. With a vast coverage of 111 nations, I consider NordVPN’s server network to be a significant asset for those interested in unblocking or streaming videos.
In addition to its server selection, NordVPN includes several specialized servers. These include a double VPN server for dual-location traffic routing to enhance security; obfuscated servers to disguise VPN usage, particularly useful in regions hostile to VPNs; and Onion over VPN servers for users seeking anonymous browsing through the Onion network.
Additionally, users have the option to acquire a dedicated IP address, providing a unique personal IP for enhanced security in remote corporate access and to bypass CAPTCHAs, among other benefits. It’s important to note that the dedicated IP feature with NordVPN requires a separate subscription and is not included in the standard NordVPN plan.
NordVPN app experience
Upon my initial setup of the NordVPN application, my main focus was on how it streamlined its various functions. Right from the start, it was evident that Nord had integrated a plethora of features into its service, notably through the supplementary menus and dashboards accompanying the core VPN.
Thankfully, upon exploring the application, I discovered how user-friendly NordVPN has everything arranged. It showcases a primary home dashboard that conveniently displays not just your VPN connection status but also quick widgets for Threat Protection Pro and document sharing.
Displayed on the left side are distinct tabs for the VPN servers, Threat Protection Pro, document transfers, Meshnet, and the Dark Web Monitor. Each function has its individualized dashboard, providing the application with a less cluttered and better-organized feel.
I especially appreciate the collapsible dropdown menus in the VPN Servers dashboard, which ensure a tidy appearance. Within this section, you can easily navigate through server countries, Nord’s specialized servers, and recent connections — all within a single panel. Despite its variety of features, I commend NordVPN for its orderly approach and methodically organizing each feature into its dedicated section.
Regarding aesthetics, NordVPN also impresses me. It adopts a contemporary user interface that appears refined and meticulously planned. Frankly, it exudes a feel of software unveiled in 2024 — precisely what we desire.
NordVPN customer service and support
In the realm of customer assistance, NordVPN provides a diverse array of support choices. It boasts an online knowledge base portal with tutorials, FAQs, and guides; email support; an AI chatbot; and 24/7 live chat support.
Upon engaging with NordVPN’s AI chatbot, I discovered its ability to handle most basic queries effortlessly. It responded promptly and offered useful prompts for further exploration into your queries.
If you have a more specific query, you can prompt the Nord chatbot to connect you with a live representative. My personal encounter led me to a swift connection with an agent, within approximately two minutes or so. I dare say that,The Nord assistance representative provided rather useful responses to the queries I presented.
The agent managed to clarify which NordVPN subscription includes NordPass access. It’s important to note that Ultra in this context refers to either NordVPN Complete or NordVPN Ultimate. Based on my investigation, NordVPN’s subscription names may differ based on the region or country. Personally, I advocate for NordVPN to adopt a more uniform naming convention across regions to prevent confusion.
Luckily, NordVPN’s live chat aid operates round the clock, ensuring you can always get necessary support in times of critical issues.
Advantages of NordVPN
- Provides about 6,350+ servers in 111 nations.
- Defense against malware, advertisements, and trackers.
- Encrypted file-sharing system with Meshnet.
- Independently verified policy of zero logs.
- Includes a dark web monitor.
- Consistently rapid and reliable VPN speeds.
- Intuitively designed and user-friendly VPN application.
Disadvantages of NordVPN
- Relatively high pricing.
- Renewal pricing might be perplexing.
- Recent audit findings not publicly available.
Who should consider NordVPN?
To me, NordVPN reigns supreme in the VPN sector due to its robust performance, valuable security features, and polished user interface.
NordVPN suits most individuals and enterprises seeking an all-encompassing VPN that delivers high VPN speeds, privacy and security functionalities, and an extensive VPN server array.
It also caters excellently to security aficionados. From its encrypted file-sharing through Meshnet to its specialized obfuscated and dual VPN servers, NordVPN offers extensive security reinforcement.
I appreciate how NordVPN justifies its premium cost. While it may not be the cheapest VPN service, the value provided in a single subscription is undeniable.
Moreover, opting for a NordVPN Plus or Complete scheme grants you access to Nord’s NordPass password manager – an additional security asset in your arsenal.
Substitutes for NordVPN
| CyberGhost VPN | Surfshark VPN | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating (out of 5 stars) | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Starting price | $6.99 per month (6-month plan) | $3.69 per month | $6.67 per month |
| Server network | Servers in 100 countries, 126 locations, 21 dedicated IP locations | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Servers across 105 countries |
| Standout features | Special servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting; 24-hour free trial for desktop without payment info requirement | Surfshark Search ad-free search engine, economical subscription packages, limitless device connections simultaneously | Prompt and consistent VPN speeds; user-friendly and well-designed VPN app; 18 independent audits as of 2024 |
CyberGhost VPN
If you’re eager to explore a premium VPN at no cost, my suggestion is CyberGhost VPN. Its 24-hour desktop free trial is among the most accessible, requiring no payment details for access. Moreover, CyberGhost VPN is ideal for users aiming to stream content, play games, or torrent files.
This is because the desktop app neatly organizes optimized servers into these categories, facilitating easy access to the best server for your specific requirements.
For further insights, check out our full CyberGhost VPN review.
Surfshark VPN
If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend considering Surfshark VPN. Surfshark offers great value through its services, providing a server fleet in 100 countries and rapid VPN speeds — all at very reasonable rates. It also comes equipped with practical security features like the Surfshark Search feature, which gives users access to a personalized search engine that automatically eliminates advertisements or sponsored content.
Personally, I admire Surfshark for enabling unlimited device connections, allowing users to link multiple devices without requiring an extra plan. This further enhances the already cost-efficient pricing.
To dig deeper, explore our complete Surfshark VPN examination.
ExpressVPN
If user experience is your top concern, one of my top picks is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN masterfully balances a well-crafted VPN application with an effortless interface. Its polished user experience stands out as a key feature, making it an excellent choice for users with limited technical expertise or beginners.
In addition, ExpressVPN delivers swift VPN speeds for tasks that require both downloading and uploading. It also boasts an impressive array of third-party audits, with a count of 18 independent audits as of 2024.
If you’re interested in learning more, go through our detailed ExpressVPN analysis.
Evaluation Approach
My assessment of NordVPN included an extensive examination of its attributes, pricing, and real-world performance. I utilized NordVPN through a NordVPN Plus subscription for a year, enabling hands-on experience with the service.
When evaluating NordVPN, I rated it across various aspects, including its server network, pricing, and more. I particularly considered five main categories, each with their corresponding importance:
- Pricing (20%).
- Main VPN features (30%).
- Usability (15%).
- Support services (30%).
- Professional insights (5%).
Based on this framework, I awarded NordVPN a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. I also delved into user reviews and other respected assessments to shape my final recommendations. Discussions about NordVPN can also be found on the TechRepublic platform. For example, opinions were gathered on the topic of the most suitable VPNs for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
For evaluating speed and performance, I employed Ookla’s public Speedtest to gauge both download and upload speeds. Furthermore, I ran NordVPN through DNSLeakTest on multiple occasions to detect any DNS leakage. Lastly, I considered the types of businesses or individuals that would derive the greatest benefits from utilizing NordVPN.
To gain further insights into our VPN assessment process, refer to our comprehensive VPN Evaluation Approach.
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