An Overview of NordVPN
As of March 2025, our review confirms that NordVPN remains one of the top VPN services available. It offers a robust set of features, including an extensive server network capable of masking your IP address and bypassing geo-restrictions on various platforms with minimal speed loss. NordVPN also delivers exceptional performance, thanks to its proprietary Nord Lynx protocol—an advanced enhancement of the open-source WireGuard technology.
Key Features and Benefits
NordVPN offers a wide range of features that make it a top choice for secure and fast internet browsing. It provides advanced encryption to protect your data and privacy, ensuring that your online activities remain anonymous. One of its standout features is the NordLynx protocol, which enhances connection speed without compromising security.
Additionally, NordVPN has a vast server network spread across 60+ countries, allowing users to easily bypass geo-restrictions and access content from around the world. It also supports double VPN encryption, which adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive tasks. For streaming enthusiasts, NordVPN efficiently unblocks popular platforms like Netflix and Hulu, providing smooth and buffer-free viewing.
Another useful feature is the kill switch, which automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure. NordVPN also includes split tunneling, enabling users to choose which apps should use the VPN while others access the internet directly.
Speed and Performance
NordVPN offers top-notch speed and performance, perfect for streaming, gaming, and downloading. Its NordLynx protocol ensures minimal speed loss, and with 5,500+ servers in 60+ countries, you’ll always find a fast, nearby server for smooth, secure browsing.
| Feature | NordVPN | Other VPNs |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast, minimal lag | Slower, may buffer |
| Security | Advanced encryption, NordLynx | Basic encryption |
| Server Network | 5,500+ servers worldwide | Fewer servers |
| Streaming Access | Unblocks most platforms | Limited access |
Pros & Cons
- Support for multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Bevy of available features and add-ons
- Good speed results
- Built-in antivirus tools
- Excellent design
- Friendly onboarding wizard
- Expensive
- Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
- Deceptive annual renewal pricing
How Much Does NordVPN Cost?
NordVPN’s Standard plan ($12.99 per month or $59.88 for the first year) includes just the VPN itself. The Plus tier ($13.99 per month or $69.48 for the first year) adds the NordPass password manager, breach scanning similar to HaveIBeenPwned, and malware protection via the company’s in-house antivirus option, Threat Protection Pro, which we’ll get into later. The Ultimate tier, formerly known as the Complete tier ($14.99 per month or $83.88 for the first year), throws in 1TB of encrypted cloud storage with NordLocker, as well as identity protection services insured up to $1 million in the case of losses for the user. These renew at their respective annual rates on a per-year basis.
Comparison with Other VPNS
NordVPN outshines other VPNs with its fast NordLynx protocol, strong security features, and a vast server network of 5,500+ servers in 60+ countries. While many VPNs offer basic encryption, NordVPN adds extra protection with features like Double VPN. It also provides 24/7 customer support, making it easier for users to get help when needed. Add an image here comparing NordVPN with other VPNs.
| Feature | NordVPN | Other VPNs |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast, minimal lag | Slower, may buffer |
| Security | Advanced encryption, NordLynx | Basic encryption |
| Server Network | 5,500+ servers worldwide | Fewer servers |
| Streaming Access | Unblocks most platforms | Limited access |
Security Features
Highlights:
- VPN and encryption protocols
- “Threat Protection Pro”
- Obfuscation
- Post-quantum encryption
- Identity protection
NordVPN can keep you private and anonymous online really well – we’ve seen as much – but it can also keep you safe from online threats. The main thing here is encryption. All VPNs encrypt traffic that they route through their servers, so even if it’s intercepted, your online activity and data is safe. But that’s just the bare minimum. Let’s take a closer look at how NordVPN’s features offer online security.
VPN and Encryption Protocols
If you’ve ever wondered how a VPN works, the VPN protocol is the answer. It’s a set of detailed instructions that tells the VPN software how to route traffic from your device to the server. This includes how to encrypt data, which network ports to use, and how to chop up blocks of data into data packets. We won’t get into the specifics, but we made a VPN protocol guide that explains everything you need to know.
NordVPN lets you choose which protocol to use, as VPNs normally do. The options we saw were OpenVPN, NordLynx (based on WireGuard), and the new NordWhisper protocol.
- OpenVPN: We found this to be the most robust in terms of encryption, as it uses the gold standard 256-bit AES. However, it’s not the fastest (5 to 10 percent slower than NordLynx in our tests) and it appears to use more resources than NordLynx. The iPhone we use for testing tends to heat up faster when using OpenVPN, so we recommend using it on desktops and laptops.
- NordLynx: NordVPN created this protocol based on WireGuard, which has emerged as a great and faster alternative to OpenVPN. While it’s incapable of using 256-bit AES, it uses the similarly secure ChaCha20 encryption. Plus, it’s the only protocol offered by NordVPN that supports post-quantum encryption (more on this later).
- NordWhisper: NordVPN also built this protocol with the primary purpose of securing data in restrictive local network environments, such as office and school networks. We are yet to test it extensively because it’s new, but we asked our IT team to monitor and block VPNs on our office network. NordWhisper was able to get through.
Threat Protection Pro
We’d consider any VPN good as long as it has strong encryption and trustworthy VPN protocols, but NordVPN didn’t stop there. It offers “Threat Protection” with any subscription, and “Threat Protection Pro” for “Plus,” “Complete,” and “Prime” users.
- Threat Protection: This feature filters ads and third-party trackers as you browse websites. It doesn’t get rid of all ad banners – there are better ad-blockers out there. But it was able to hide about 80 percent of ads on ads-heavy websites we visited.
- Threat Protection Pro: In addition to blocking ads and trackers, this feature also blocks you from accessing fraudulent websites and from downloading files that contain malware. We tested this by downloading the EICAR malware test file,5 and sure enough, “Threat Protection Pro” denied it.
Conclusion on NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most trusted and feature-rich VPN services on the market. It offers strong encryption, fast speeds, and a strict no-logs policy to keep your data private and secure. With user-friendly apps, multi-device support, and the ability to access geo-restricted content, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced users.
Conclusion:
If you’re serious about online privacy and want a fast, secure, and e asy-to-use VPN, NordVPN is definitely worth considering. It delivers great value for the price and consistently ranks as one of the top VPNs worldwide.
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