NordVPN is among the extra standard, if no longer the preferred, VPNs these days — and for excellent explanation why. It brings an outstanding server community, an intensive vary of security measures, and a sophisticated person enjoy. This is on most sensible of offering each rapid and dependable VPN speeds throughout its server places.

While its pricing isn’t essentially the most budget-friendly, NordVPN supplies an all-around package deal that makes it a compelling VPN for many on a regular basis customers.

Is NordVPN unfastened?

No, NordVPN isn’t unfastened and doesn’t have a unfastened model. If you’re particularly on the lookout for a unfastened VPN to make use of, I like to recommend testing Proton VPN or disguise.me VPN. They’re excellent choices, particularly since each have 0 bandwidth or information limits.

SEE: NordVPN vs Proton VPN (2024): Which VPN Should You Choose? (roosho)

Instead of a unfastened plan, NordVPN gives a seven-day unfastened trial to be had for Android. While I recognize Nord providing a unfastened trial by way of Android, I am hoping it extends get entry to to iOS or iPhone customers someday as effectively.

NordVPN pricing

NordVPN divides its paid subscriptions into 3 tiers: Basic, Plus, and Complete. Each tier has a per thirty days, a annually, and a two-year contract possibility.

As an aspect observe, subscription names can range relying at the area consistent with my analysis (NordVPN Complete being synonymous with NordVPN Ultimate or Ultra; NordVPN Basic being the similar as NordVPN Standard).

Of its plans, I like to recommend going for NordVPN Plus one-year subscription at $5.99 per 30 days. It will provide you with a wholesome set of NordVPN’s further security measures at an inexpensive one-year contract duration.

In comparability to different VPNs, NordVPN falls within the higher vary relating to value. For instance, Surfshark’s similar Surfshark One subscription is priced at $4.09 per 30 days, whilst Proton VPN’s Plus plan is at $5.99. If you’re on a tighter finances, those choices are most probably a better option.

SEE: Private Internet Access vs NordVPN: Which VPN Is Better? (roosho)

However, in case you have the cash, I think NordVPN gives sufficient significant add-ons to make it well worth the spend. In explicit, the truth that you get get entry to to Nord Security’s NordMove password supervisor with NordVPN Plus is a vital value-add, particularly when you’re additionally on the lookout for a devoted password supervisor. You additionally get anti-malware and perusing coverage on most sensible of the primary VPN provider.

One factor to notice: NordVPN’s one-year and two-year plans have other pricing upon renewal. While it isn’t the one VPN supplier to try this, I do want it had constant pricing all all through. This would save customers the confusion of getting to recalculate pricing previous the preliminary contract.

All of NordVPN’s plans be offering a 30-day money-back ensure, permitting you to check out the provider and refund it inside the allocated duration.

Is NordVPN secure?

NordVPN is a secure and safe VPN to make use of in 2024. It makes use of AES 256 encryption, widely known as one of the safe encryption algorithms these days. This is evidenced via how U.S. executive companies and banking establishments additionally use AES encryption to offer protection to person information.

For VPN protocols, it carries the OpenVPN protocol and its personal NordLynx protocol in response to the WireGuard conversation protocol. I really like how Nord provides its customers the versatility to select a VPN protocol with both rapid efficiency by way of NordLynx or extra safety with OpenVPN.

SEE: The Top 7 NordVPN Alternatives for 2024 (roosho)

Most importantly, NordVPN has a no-logs coverage, which states that it doesn’t log any information about customers’ surfing task or on-line site visitors. While any corporate could make safety guarantees like this, I’m satisfied to file that NordVPN has passed through impartial trying out to verify this coverage.

In overdue 2023, NordVPN’s no-logs claims had been verified via a third-party audit carried out via Deloitte. This is NordVPN’s fourth safety audit confirming its no-logs coverage — appearing the corporate’s dedication to upholding person privateness and safety.

While I indisputably commend NordVPN for having its provider independently audited, I’ve a small nitpick. With its fourth no-logs audit, simplest the ones with an lively NordVPN subscription are ready to get entry to the whole file and effects.

According to NordVPN, this “ensures the audit results are not taken out of context or misunderstood.” While I perceive the place NordVPN is coming from, I think that sharing the whole file with the general public is a greater transfer relating to general transparency.

With that being stated, NordVPN is among the maximum safe VPN products and services to make use of these days.

Key options of NordVPN

Meshnet encrypted file-sharing

Meshnet means that you can attach more than one gadgets to an end-to-end encrypted digital community and serves so as to securely percentage necessary recordsdata throughout gadgets. Specifically, you’ll be able to have 10 gadgets attached to the community and seamlessly switch, ship, or obtain recordsdata thru Meshnet.

To its credit score, I used it to ship a couple of recordsdata from my Android telephone to my computer and it labored beautiful flawlessly. I envision this to be helpful for sharing delicate recordsdata, akin to contracts or monetary data, to person gadgets.

Threat Protection Pro internet and dossier coverage

Another standout is NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro, which gives each internet and dossier coverage. For the internet facet of items, it gives real-time coverage and blockading in opposition to malware, trackers, and advertisements.

Meanwhile, dossier coverage occurs within the background because it scans all downloaded pieces, tests for malware, and in an instant deletes malicious recordsdata which might be discovered.

Personally, I really like how Threat Protection supplies an in-depth checklist of blocked threats with every internet web page visited. This provides customers extra perception into which web pages may just doubtlessly be bringing extra hurt than excellent whilst they browse on-line.

Dark Web Monitor

Finally, NordVPN includes a Dark Web Monitor that routinely scans the darkish internet to peer if any of your emails had been fascinated with a breach or information leak. The device additionally acts as an alert, because it in an instant informs the person as soon as a leak of delicate information is located.

Per my time with it, I recognize how the track permits you to upload as many emails as you wish to have within the checklist of credentials monitored. I believe that is going to be handy for on-line companies with more than one e-mail addresses or a small staff that desires to ensure all their credentials aren’t a part of any darkish internet leak.

Performance and velocity: How rapid is NordVPN?

NordVPN gives each rapid VPN speeds and an general dependable connection. During my trying out, I attached to NordVPN servers and did my standard paintings as a creator. What this seems like is surfing more than one webpages for analysis, attending on-line video conferences with more than one attendees, and dealing on Google Docs and Drive, amongst others.

SEE: How Much Does a VPN Cost? + Savings Tips (roosho)

Across all use instances, I had 0 problems with NordVPN’s speeds. It was once rapid and had minimum to negligible distinction in comparison to how my web provider supplier in most cases plays. I additionally noticed that switching servers and connecting to other VPN places was once fast and snappy, with out a drops in connection all all through.

In phrases of velocity trying out, NordVPN were given mixed-to-positive effects. It carried out extremely effectively for obtain speeds, in reality having a nil.78% build up in comparison to my ISP. This is superb making an allowance for how drops in velocity are anticipated with VPNs, because the person connection is routed to further channels. On the opposite hand, add speeds had been much less spectacular, because it recorded a 44% lower in velocity at the similar check. While nonetheless excellent, it nonetheless isn’t on the 15-25% lower that I imagine superb.

If your workflow calls for widespread importing of recordsdata, my trying out confirmed NordVPN will not be the best resolution for you. But for day by day use, I’m assured that NordVPN can give constantly rapid speeds for many on a regular basis customers.

NordVPN servers and places

When we take a look at NordVPN’s server community, it continues to provoke. Its server fleet has 6,350+ servers throughout 111 international locations. That falls conveniently within the higher vary of VPN server networks. To examine, Surfshark has 3,200 servers in 100 international locations, whilst ExpressVPN has servers in 105 international locations (with a reported 3,000 servers as effectively, however those are estimated figures).

What I in my opinion commend NordVPN for is its steady growth of its server suite. When I first reviewed NordVPN in 2023, it had 5,800+ servers in 60+ international locations. In 2024, the positioning and nation rely have nearly doubled.

SEE: Why Your Business Needs Cybersecurity Awareness Training (roosho Premium)

While having a ton of servers would possibly glance engaging, the extra necessary quantity here’s the selection of places. This is particularly true in case your number one use for a VPN is to unblock geo-restricted content material. With extra VPN international locations, you’ll have extra selection within the IP places you’ll be able to have. At an enormous 111 international locations, I to find NordVPN’s server community to be a vital characteristic when you price unblocking or video streaming.

On most sensible of its server suite, NordVPN comes with numerous specialised servers. You have a double VPN server that routes your site visitors to 2 places for an extra layer of safety; obfuscated servers that masks your VPN use, which can also be helpful in non-VPN pleasant international locations; and Onion over VPN servers for customers that need to get entry to the Onion community for extra nameless surfing.

You additionally get the solution to avail of a devoted IP cope with, providing you with your personal non-public IP cope with for extra safe company faraway get entry to and to steer clear of CAPTCHAs, amongst different issues, Take observe, NordVPN’s devoted IP characteristic is a separate subscription and isn’t incorporated to your primary NordVPN plan.

NordVPN app enjoy

When I first put in the NordVPN app, my number one fear was once how it will arrange all its incorporated options. From the bounce, it was once transparent that Nord packed a ton of capability in its provider, particularly with the extra menus and dashboards it had along the primary VPN.

Fortunately, after exploring the app, I spotted how intuitive NordVPN has the entirety arrange. It has a major house dashboard, which comfortably homes no longer simplest your VPN connection standing but additionally fast widgets for Threat Protection Pro and dossier sharing.

On the left facet, you get separate tabs for the VPN servers, Threat Protection Pro, dossier transfers, Meshnet, and the Dark Web Monitor. Each characteristic has its personal devoted dashboard, making the app really feel much less cluttered and extra arranged.

I in particular like how the VPN Servers dashboard has collapsible dropdown menus to make the entirety really feel neat. Here you’ll be able to get entry to server international locations, Nord’s strong point servers, and up to date connections — all in one pane. Even with its abundance of options, I give credit score to NordVPN for retaining issues tidy and designating every characteristic with its personal segment.

For design, NordVPN will get excellent marks from me as effectively. It employs a modern-looking person interface that appears polished and effectively concept out. Honestly, it appears like tool launched in 2024 — which is precisely what we would like.

NordVPN customer support and strengthen

In phrases of purchaser strengthen, NordVPN gives a wholesome vary of strengthen choices. It has an information base on-line portal with tutorials, FAQs, and guides; e-mail strengthen; an AI chatbot; and 24/7 reside chat strengthen.

When I used NordVPN’s AI chatbot, I discovered it was once ready to respond to simplest questions with relative ease. It was once additionally fast and presented useful follow-up activates to dive deeper into what you requested about.

If you’ve a extra explicit query, you’ll be able to ask the Nord chatbot to attach you with a reside agent. From my enjoy, I used to be attached to an agent briefly, at round beneath two mins or so. I may just say that, with the questions I requested, the Nord strengthen agent equipped slightly useful solutions.

As observed above, the agent was once ready to respond to which NordVPN subscription incorporated get entry to to NordMove. Note, on the other hand, that Ultra on this case is NordVPN Complete or NordVPN Ultimate. Per my analysis, NordVPN’s subscription names can range relying at the area or nation. Personally, I am hoping NordVPN chooses to make the naming extra constant throughout areas to steer clear of confusion.

Fortunately, NordVPN’s reside chat strengthen is to be had 24/7. This method you received’t have to fret about no longer gaining access to lend a hand when a essential factor arises.

NordVPN execs

• Offers round 6,350+ servers in 111 international locations.
• Threat coverage in opposition to malware, advertisements, and trackers.
• Meshnet encrypted file-sharing machine.
• Independently audited no-logs coverage.
• Built-in darkish internet track.
• Consistently rapid and strong VPN velocity.
• Well-designed and intuitive VPN app.

NordVPN cons

• Priced quite top.
• Renewal pricing might be complicated.
• Latest audit effects no longer to be had to the general public.

Who is NordVPN for?

To me, NordVPN sits on the most sensible of the VPN house with its robust stability of efficiency, helpful security measures, and polished person enjoy.

NordVPN is highest for many customers and companies on the lookout for an all-around VPN that can give rapid VPN speeds, privateness and safety features, and a big VPN server community.

It’s additionally a main selection for safety lovers. From its Meshnet encrypted file-sharing characteristic to its specialised obfuscated and double VPN servers, it brings so much to the desk relating to bolstering person safety.

I in particular like how NordVPN doesn’t take with no consideration its costlier price ticket. While it’s no longer essentially the most inexpensive VPN, it may’t be denied that you just get so much in one subscription.

In addition, when you go for a NordVPN Plus or Complete plan, you get get entry to to Nord’s NordMove password supervisor — including every other safety device in your arsenal.

Alternatives to NordVPN

CyberGhost VPN

If you’re itching to check out a top rate VPN without spending a dime, I like to recommend CyberGhost VPN. Its 24-hour desktop unfastened trial is among the maximum out there out there, no longer requiring any cost data to get entry to. In addition, CyberGhost VPN is highest for customers who particularly plan on the usage of a VPN to circulation content material, play video games, or torrent recordsdata.

This is as a result of its desktop app well organizes its optimized servers into those classes, making it clean to get entry to the most efficient server to your explicit wishes.

If you wish to have to be informed extra, learn our complete CyberGhost VPN evaluation.

Surfshark VPN

For the ones on the cheap, I recommend shopping at Surfshark VPN. Surfshark brings a ton of price with its provider, providing a 100-country server fleet and rapid VPN speeds — at beautiful inexpensive costs. It additionally comprises helpful security measures like its Surfshark Search capability, which gives customers with a devoted seek engine that routinely eliminates advertisements or backed posts.

I in particular like Surfshark for providing limitless instrument connections, letting customers attach more than one gadgets with out an extra plan. This provides much more price to its already cost-effective pricing.

If you wish to have to be informed extra, learn our complete Surfshark VPN evaluation.

ExpressVPN

If person enjoy is your most sensible precedence, considered one of my favorites is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN moves a wonderful stability between providing a well-designed VPN app and an easy-to-use interface. Its subtle person enjoy is considered one of its spotlight options, making it a super selection for much less tech-savvy customers or inexperienced persons.

On most sensible of that, ExpressVPN supplies rapid VPN speeds for each obtain and upload-heavy duties. It additionally boasts an outstanding portfolio of third-party audits, now with 18 overall impartial audits as of 2024.

If you wish to have to be informed extra, learn our complete ExpressVPN evaluation.

Review method

My evaluation of NordVPN concerned a complete research of its options, charge, and real-world efficiency. I had hands-on time with NordVPN thru a one-year NordVPN Plus subscription.

To review NordVPN, I scored it on the entirety from its server community to pricing. In explicit, I took under consideration 5 primary pillars, every having corresponding weights:

• Pricing (20%).
• Core VPN options (30%).
• Ease of use (15%).
• Customer strengthen (30%).
• Expert research (5%).

From this rubric, NordVPN won a ranking of four.7 out of five stars. I additionally seemed into person comments and different respected critiques to spherical out my ultimate suggestions. There also are discussions at the roosho discussion board about NordVPN. For instance, I requested customers their perspectives at the highest VPNs for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

For velocity and function, I used Ookla’s public Speedtest to measure obtain and add speeds. I additionally ran NordVPN thru DNSLeakTest more than one instances to test for any DNS leaks. Lastly, I took under consideration which sorts of companies or person customers would highest take pleasure in the usage of NordVPN.

To be told extra about how we evaluation VPNs, learn our complete VPN Review Methodology.