This VPN company started in 2012 in Panama, so it is not controlled by groups like Five Eyes. It offers VPN and password management. It encrypts data and provides cloud storage. NordVPN's main goal is to make the internet open, as Tim Berners-Lee imagined. They also helped create the VPN Trust Initiative. It aims to set high standards for all VPN services. To learn more, read this NordVPN Review 2024.
NordVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs. It's a good choice for people who want fast internet. It has many features, such as antivirus protection. It ranks number 1 on our Best VPNs of 2024 list with a score of 9.9 out of 10. It has over 5,600 servers in 60 countries. The Quick Connect feature helps you find the best server for your needs.
NordVPN is located in Panama, so it is not controlled by Five Eyes or other surveillance groups. It has a strict policy of not keeping user information, even if the government asks for it.
Using AES 256-bit encryption, NordVPN secures your data online. It has a kill switch to halt data transmission if you lose VPN connection. Reviewers appreciate its Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and harmful websites, scanning downloads for malware. NordVPN also offers double VPN for extra encryption, useful for sensitive tasks, but it might slow down your connection for everyday use.
When it comes to speed, our tester found that this VPN has good download speeds. It also has the quickest upload speed among all the VPNs we tested. While watching high-definition YouTube videos, there was no buffering or stuttering. Also, no DNS leaks occurred. This means the VPN hid the user's IP address from the internet service provider. It also hid the user's location and online activity. The NordLynx protocol is said to provide faster speeds. But, our tester didn't notice a significant difference.
NordVPN works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It works with Android and iOS devices. It also works with Android Smart TVs.You can install it on your router. This protects all devices on your Wi-Fi network. It's useful if you have more than five devices in your NordVPN subscription. NordVPN has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. If you like using the VPN in your browser, you can use these extensions.
The VPN allows split tunneling. This gives you the flexibility to choose which applications use the VPN tunnel. But, please note that this feature is not available for the macOS and iOS apps.
Observations on NordVPN
VPN Expert Review NordVPN 2024: Jeff Kinney, Senior Editor, 360 Reviews
I assessed our Top 10 VPNs and an more five that were before rated. My evaluations focused on ease of use, features, and user experience. I tested each VPN's applications for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
NordVPN Awards
I am an experienced VPN user and I understand technology well. I like software that I can customize. But, many users prefer software that works without needing any adjustments. This includes VPNs. I acknowledge and understand this.
NordVPN is ranked No. 1 in our Best VPNs of 2024 list. Here are my thoughts on using this service.Installation Process:
I quickly downloaded and installed NordVPN's apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. I had no problems. Each app installed smoothly in just a few minutes. I could start using them once I entered my username and password.
User Interface Review:
Look and Feel: NordVPN's dashboard is designed to be simple. It uses black or white colors. I find it easy to use. Some people might find it plain. Others may prefer TunnelBear's more visually appealing interface. NordVPN's dashboard also has a world map. The map shows about 5,500 servers. This makes it visually interesting.
Primary Controls: To connect to a server in NordVPN apps, use the primary controls. You can choose a server from a list of countries and cities. You can also navigate the world map by scrolling (desktop) or dragging (mobile). Click on a server in a specific country. You can filter for servers optimized for P2P file sharing. This can increase file-sharing speed. But, it's not necessary.
NordVPN has a 'quick connect' feature. It automatically links you to the fastest server. You don't need to browse through the server list or map. It's important to test many nearby servers. The default selection may not be the fastest for your location.
To ensure consistency, I tested all VPNs, including NordVPN , using a server in New York. Like many VPNs, NordVPN allows users to mark frequently used servers as favorites. This allows for quick access. I consider this feature essential for saving time and reducing hassle.
Using NordVPN:
You can easily find the settings menu in each NordVPN app. On desktop apps, it's on the left side. On mobile apps, you can access it at the Top by clicking on the settings icon. The settings layout is user-friendly and simple on all platforms.
NordVPN's features are mostly the same in all four apps. But, split tunneling is missing in the macOS and iOS versions. This feature is available in the Windows and Android apps. With split tunneling, users can select which apps use the VPN for internet access. This can be useful for tasks that need a faster connection.
The macOS app has a standout feature. It lets you combine customized connection settings. You can also add shortcuts to specific apps or websites. This helps you access them securely and quickly. It's especially useful for tasks like streaming or file sharing. It's faster and more convenient than manually adjusting settings each time. NordVPN
Streaming, Facebook, and DNS Leaks: NordVPN did well when I streamed a high-definition YouTube video without buffering. It also did well when I smoothly scrolled on Facebook and made sure there were no DNS leaks. This shows that the VPN effectively hid my IP address, location, and online activity from my internet service provider.
Review NordVPN Speeds 2024: The table below shows NordVPN's average upload, download, and torrenting speeds. It's compared to other VPNs we tested. The speeds are presented in the rating order rather than speed order. Refer to our VPN testing method for details on speed calculations.
VPN Speed Comparison:
| VPN | AVERAGE UPLOAD SPEED | AVERAGE DOWNLOAD SPEED | AVERAGE TORRENTING SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 238.73 | 319.33 | 63.25 |
| ExpressVPN | 179.73 | 421.17 | 49 |
| Private Internet Access | 151.30 | 266.60 | 117.25 |
| Surfshark | 138.83 | 289.08 | 100.75 |
| Mullvad | 206.78 | 400.43 | 180.25 |
| ProtonVPN | 153.00 | 314.28 | 110.5 |
| IPVanish | 191.70 | 423.50 | 202.25 |
| Windscribe | 192.10 | 384.88 | 160.5 |
| CyberGhostVPN | 215.33 | 334.23 | 176.75 |
| TunnelBear | 169.20 | 301.85 | 97.5 |
| PureVPN | 90.20 | 85.10 | 199.25 |
| VyprVPN | 132.83 | 314.83 | 195 |
| Hotspot Shield | 183.53 | 183.78 | 179 |
| PrivateVPN | 126.65 | 329.60 | 181 |
| HMA VPN | 51.95 | 142.85 | 669 |
Review NordVPN Speeds 2024 with their Competition.
VPN Expert's Recommendation
NordVPN is easy to use and has all the features most users need. You can understand how to use it in a few minutes. The interface is simple and easy to understand. But, some people might not like its plain appearance. NordVPN also has a server map that shows where the servers are, but it's not necessary.While macOS and iOS users miss out on split tunneling, I would recommend NordVPN to nearly anyone. I wouldn't recommend it to those specifically seeking vibrant colors or graphics.
NordVPN Services Review 2024
NordVPN provides a comprehensive service package, encompassing features expected from a Top-tier VPN. Key aspects include:- Encryption: Utilizes AES 256-bit encryption to ensure data security.
- Kill Switch: implements an automatic kill switch. It halts data transmission if the VPN disconnects.
- DNS Leak Protection: Guards against DNS leaks, ensuring the concealment of your IP address, location, and online activity from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Split Tunneling: Split Tunneling offers the option of split tunneling. It allows you to specify which applications use the VPN tunnel and which do not. Particularly useful for maintaining a speedy connection while streaming without VPN interference.
Dedicated IP Address: You can choose a dedicated IP address. It caters to users who prefer or need one.
NordVPN Pricing:
- Monthly Plan: $12.99
- 1-Year Plan: $66.85 (equal to $4.59 per month)
- 2-Year Plan: $88.83 (equal to $3.99 per month, with three months free)
No free trial is available, but NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Add-ons:
- NordPass Premium (Password Manager): $1.49 per month (two-year subscription)
- NordLocker Premium (10GB Cloud Storage): $1.49 per month (two-year subscription)
- Dedicated IP Address: $5.83 per month
Payment Methods:
- Debit or Credit Card
- Amazon or Google Pay
- Plaid Bank Transfer
Cryptocurrency through the CoinPayments Gateway
NordVPN vs The Competition
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
NordVPN is Top-ranked on our list of the Best VPNs of 2024. It is just below ExpressVPN, which is No. 2 VPN. Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have similar prices. They operate outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. This makes them suitable for handling sensitive data. NordVPN has more servers than ExpressVPN.
NordVPN has servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN has servers in only 60 countries. NordVPN is unique because it has servers in South America. Other VPNs like ExpressVPN don't usually cover that region. NordVPN also offers static IP addresses. ExpressVPN does not offer them. Both VPNs provide similar levels of protection. You should choose based on what you need and prefer.
Summary NordVPN Review 2024
In this NordVPN Review 2024 is a Top VPN provider. The company focuses on user trust. It does this by not keeping logs and having public audits. It also has ioXt certification. NordVPN gives a safe and private online space. It can be used on 6 devices at once and has many servers. NordVPN is a good choice for people who want privacy, and easy-to-use features. NordVPN remains a great VPN option.
FAQ
1. What is a VPN and how does it work?
A VPN is a secure way to connect to the internet. It creates a tunnel to encrypt your data, making it more secure and private. It also allows you to access blocked content and more.
2. Does NordVPN work with Netflix?
Yes, NordVPN works with Netflix. It lets you access 15 different libraries for exclusive movies and TV shows. You can even use SmartDNS to unblock them without installing VPN software.
3. Can you try NordVPN for free?
There's no traditional free trial. NordVPN offers a no-strings-attached money-back guarantee within the first 30 days of subscription.
4. Is NordVPN Trustworthy?
Yes, NordVPN is highly trustworthy. It has a strong commitment to data privacy and security.
5. How Many Devices Can I Use with NordVPN?
You can use NordVPN on up to 6 devices simultaneously.
6. Can NordVPN be Traced?
No, NordVPN encrypts your traffic, ensuring your online activities are private and untraceable.
7. Can I Cancel NordVPN Anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your NordVPN account at any time from the main NordAccount screen.
8. Can NordVPN be hacked?
Any online service can be hacked. NordVPN has strengthened its defenses considerably after a past incident.
9. How good is NordVPN for online gaming?
NordVPN can protect against DDoS attacks. It can also enable access to region-restricted gaming content.
10. Does NordVPN slow down your internet connection?
Using any VPN, including NordVPN, may slightly decrease internet speed. In tests, NordVPN showed an acceptable 6-8% drop in performance.
11. Will NordVPN drain my laptop or phone battery?
NordVPN uses system resources. Recent reports suggest it's no more battery-intensive than other VPN apps.
12. What is NordLocker?
NordLocker is an app by NordVPN. It creates a secure locker on your device for storing encrypted sensitive files.
13. What is NordPass?
NordPass is another app by NordVPN. It functions as a password manager and online form filler.
