THE BOTTOM LINE: Headquartered in Panama, NordVPN is currently one of the best VPN services out there. It offers a combination of lightning-fast speeds, a user-friendly interface, high-grade encryption, and an independently audited no-logs policy. Boasting features like obfuscated servers, double encryption, and Onion over VPN, NordVPN is perfect for journalists, activists, or anyone who regularly deals with sensitive data. And with unlimited bandwidth, ISP throttling is now a thing of the past. Still skeptical? Find out why this VPN is one of our favorites this year.
👍 PROS:- Advanced security features like double encryption, and Onion over VPN
- Located outside of global surveillance alliances like 5, 9, and 14 Eyes
- Unlimited bandwidth
- More than 5,000 servers in 60 countries worldwide
- Combines speed and security with their very own NordLynx protocol
- System-wide kill switch feature, multi-factor authentication
- Provides options to block ads and malicious websites
- Intuitive clients for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, gaming consoles, and more
- 24/7 customer support in more than 40 languages
- Accepts 3 kinds of cryptocurrencies for payments
👎 CONS:- OpenVPN configuration isn't the easiest
- A bit more expensive than other VPNs
Security and Privacy Features
First off, NordVPN is located in Panama, so it falls outside of any global surveillance alliances. As a result, your online data and activities are off-limits to intelligence-sharing countries like the US, UK, Germany, and more. In any case, NordVPN is a zero-log VPN service, so even if they are forced to hand over user data, it simply doesn't exist.
In terms of security, NordVPN protects your information with the virtually unbreakable AES-256 encryption, system-wide kill switch feature, multi-factor authentication, and three different security protocols: IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx. Thanks to NordLynx, which is based on the WireGuard® protocol, you’ll no longer have to trade speed for security.
Are you a journalist? Human rights and political activists? Or perhaps, you just want to keep your online activities private? Whatever it is, you will appreciate these NordVPN features:
Onion over VPN: Combines Tor and VPN so you can stay safe and anonymous on the internet without compromising speed.
Double VPN: Encrypts your data twice by using two VPN servers instead of one. Also known as double-hop, this feature puts more layers between your virtual location and your real one. Now, no one can see your online activities, not even your ISP!
CyberSec: Available on NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux, this feature blocks malicious websites, intrusive ads, malware, phishing attacks, and other threats.
Split-tunneling: Choose which apps, websites, or devices go through the VPN or connect directly to the internet. This allows you to securely access banking platforms and other sensitive websites simultaneously while using local networks and services.
Server Network
NordVPN offers 5,209 ultra-fast servers in 60 countries worldwide. This means no matter where you go on Earth, you wouldn't have to look too far for a server to use. You can hit the Quick Connect button to let NordVPN choose the best server for you. Or use the filter to find specialty servers optimized for your needs, such as Onion Over VPN, Double VPN, Dedicated IP, and Obfuscated.
Speed and Reliability
Encrypting and sending your traffic to servers across the world will always result in a slight speed loss. This is perfectly normal, but the decrease shouldn't be too drastic. On average, you can expect a speed loss of between 10-20%. We tested NordVPN by connecting to multiple servers in different locations and times of the day. The result? There was hardly any slow down while browsing, or playing online games like Call of Duty. With a base download speed of 100Mbps, NordVPN's output averages 88Mbps, a speed loss of just about 12%. Some servers did take a while to establish a connection, but this improved when we switched to NordLynx. While it took other protocols a minute or two to connect, NordLynx did it in 5 seconds or so.
Compatible Platforms and Devices
NordVPN lets you secure up to 6 devices in a single account, and they have intuitive apps for just about every platform: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Kindle Fire, Raspberry Pi, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Chromecast, and more.
Pricing
Considering what's under the hood, NordVPN offers some of the most competitive pricing we've seen. Creating a monthly account costs $11.95, not too far off from the industry standard of $10-$13. NordVPN runs different promotions from time to time, and right now, you could save 58% when you sign up for a 1-year plan. Get the 2-year plan and walk away with a 69% discount pls 3-months free. Click on our link to grab this deal and pay only $3.67 per month.
Customer Service
For billing, general information, FAQ, and connectivity concerns, you may navigate to NordVPN's support page. The tutorials are pretty detailed, but if you prefer to talk to a customer support representative, send an email to support@nordvpn.com or use the live chat button. Customer support is available 24/7 in more than 40 languages, including Polish, Portuguese, Norwegian, Spanish, and more.