NordVPN Review (Save Up To 75% + Get 3 months Free)

In this NordVPN review, we deep dive into one of the best VPN services available today. Known for its strong security, privacy-first approach, and fast speeds, NordVPN stands out with a no-logs policy and diskless servers that ensure your online activities remain private at home, at work, and on public wi-fi.

NordVPN operates an extensive network of servers in over 111 countries, making it an excellent choice for bypassing geo-blocked content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Thanks to high-level encryption, a kill switch, and advanced features like Threat Protection Pro and Double VPN, users enjoy a safe and uninterrupted browsing experience.

NordVPN is based in Panama. This is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, free from mandatory data retention laws. Additionally, its device limit allows up to 10 connections, making it perfect for securing all your family’s devices. In this review, we’ll assess its speed, streaming performance, and security features to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for your needs.

NordVPN review key data

* Average speed over multiple global locations based across multiple speed tests per day.

NordVPN pros and cons

If you’re looking for a VPN that delivers strong security, privacy protections, and fast speeds, NordVPN is one of the top choices. Below, I’ve summarized the pros and cons based on my in-depth testing. I’ll provide more details on each VPN feature later in this review.

Do I recommend NordVPN?

Yes, I highly recommend NordVPN for users who need a powerful, trustworthy VPN with robust encryption protocols, advanced privacy tools like Double VPN, and top-tier security features such as a kill switch. Thanks to its custom NordLynx protocol, NordVPN delivers fast speeds. This makes it ideal for bypassing geo-blocking, streaming in HD, torrenting, and secure browsing.

NordVPN is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws. This allows it to enforce a strict no-logs policy. It offers over 7100+ servers in 118+ countries, making it one of the largest and most reliable VPN networks. The service supports split tunneling, so you can choose which apps use the VPN while others access the internet directly. You also get Meshnet, a unique Nord feature that lets users leverage the VPN to create private, encrypted networks – perfect for secure remote access and file sharing.

NordVPN is excellent for families or tech enthusiasts thanks to its device limit of up to 10 simultaneous connections. Customer support is available via 24/7 live chat, allowing you to ask questions and get help with setup or using the VPN. Whether you want to bypass regional restrictions, secure sensitive data, or use public wifi safe from hackers – NordVPN offers a feature-packed experience that balances privacy, speed, usability, and cost.

NordVPN features

NordVPN has spent a great deal of time and effort refining its service. Since its release in 2012, NordVPN has constantly sought to improve and expand its service. As a result of this proactive approach to self-improvement, NordVPN goes beyond VPN basics. It packs a comprehensive suite of security, privacy, and usability features designed to cater to casual and power users alike.

Below, I’ve broken down every feature NordVPN offers, highlighting what sets it apart in the crowded, highly competitive VPN market.

Core VPN features

NordVPN provides a choice of protocols that employ future-proof encryption. It uses 256-bit AES for OpenVPN connections and ChaCha20 for NordLynx. This ensures your browsing is protected with leading-edge security – without sacrificing performance.

The NordVPN apps let you pick between OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx (a WireGuard fork). Of these, I mainly used NordLynx due to its speed and efficiency. However, OpenVPN UDP remains a solid option for users needing robust privacy – or who perhaps are apprehensive about using a custom protocol.

A strict no-logs policy ensures that NordVPN never stores user activity logs, IP addresses, or browsing history. Best of all? Multiple independent audits have verified this claim, which adds transparency and increases my trust in NordVPN right out of the gate.

Massive server network

NordVPN’s expansive server network ensures the service is useful and versatile. The VPN provides access to more than 7,100 servers across 118 countries (including 5,390+ P2P-optimized servers). During my testing, I used it to get an IP address in multiple US states, the UK, Spain, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea. The connection was always free of leaks and stable, even while streaming HD content.

NordVPN’s expansive network makes it a reliable service for users wanting to bypass censorship in countries like the UAE or China. Plus, you can use it to torrent without being tracked.

Nord’s diskless servers ensure optimal performance with no downtime and optimal privacy. It also allows you to change your IP address to just about any country. And you can pick between servers in 17 US cities – ideal for bypassing blackout games.

Streaming enthusiasts will also appreciate Nord’s SmartPlay and SmartDNS, which provide seamless access to geo-restricted content across major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. I tested SmartPlay on my Xbox and a Samsung Smart TV and found it worked to access the US version of Netflix without installing the full VPN client.

Advanced security & privacy features

Users who demand the highest levels of VPN privacy will be impressed. NordVPN is packed with the very best privacy features:

• Double VPN: This routes traffic through two servers for reinforced encryption, while Onion Over VPN integrates Tor’s anonymity for heightened privacy.
• Kill switch: Prevents accidental data leaks by cutting internet access if the VPN connection drops. This applies to both full internet traffic and specific apps.
• DNS leak protection: Ensures no browsing activity is exposed to third parties, safeguarding your privacy.
• Onion over VPN: Servers that allow you to connect to the Dark Web while concealing access to Tor from local networks and ISPs.
• NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites while scanning downloads for malware. During my tests, Threat Protection Pro blocked intrusive ads and flagged a potentially harmful download – giving me a much-appreciated extra layer of security.
• Obfuscated servers: These are available when using the OpenVPN protocol. This feature makes it easier to get connected behind strict firewalls. It also camouflages VPN traffic, making it suitable for bypassing censorship without raising suspicions.
• Browser extensions: Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These provide location spoofing controls right within your browser. However, this creates a proxy connection and does not offer the same level of protection as the full VPN tunnel.

Additional features

NordVPN has spent a great deal of time analyzing its competitors and developing unique features. These features make the VPN even more versatile and useful, giving users optimal control over their private networking needs.

• Split Tunneling: This allows users to selectively route traffic through the VPN while keeping other connections on their regular internet. I used this feature to privately torrent using qBittorrent while streaming BBC iPlayer over my standard connection.
• Meshnet: NordVPN Meshnet is a unique feature that enables users to establish secure connections between devices. It allows remote access to a home computer while on the go and provides family and friends a safe way to share files.
• NordVPN’s Ultra Plan: This bundles the VPN with many other useful security features, at a price that makes sense. Opting for Ultra will give you dark web monitoring, personal data removal from 180+ people search sites and data brokers (Incogni), a reliable password manager (NordPass), and 1 TB of secure cloud storage.
• Dedicated IPs: A dedicated IP address is reserved for your use only. Users can pick a dedicated IP in the country they require for an additional cost of US$4.19 per month.
• Link checker: NordVPN offers a link-checking service that will tell you whether the URL is safe. This feature is available for free on its website.
• File checker: NordVPN offers a file-checking tool to check a file for malware and other exploits. You can use it for free to test files of up to 50 MB.

NordVPN also offers a plan called Prime. This US-only plan includes cyber extortion protection, identity theft insurance, and identity restoration services. You can only subscribe to the Prime plan if you live in the USA. Also, you will only be eligible to make an insurance claim if you are a US resident.

NordVPN price and plans

In most regions, NordVPN offers four subscription plans: Basic, Plus, Complete, and Ultra. Each plan includes the core VPN service, with the higher-tier options adding security and storage features.

• Basic Plan: Core VPN service only.
• Plus Plan: VPN + NordPass password manager + Threat Protection Pro.
• Complete Plan: Everything in Plus + 1TB encrypted cloud storage (NordLocker).
• Ultra Plan: Everything in Complete + Incogni data removal service

Another plan called Prime is available exclusively to subscribers in the USA. This plan comes with everything you get in Ultra + NordProtect (which gives you identity and SSN monitoring and alerts, credit monitoring services, up to $1M in identity theft insurance, and up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance. This plan is only available for US residents.

Price breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of what each NordVPN plan costs, as well as the differences between monthly, annual, and two-yearly pricing.

Monthly plans

Annual plans

Two-year plans

Add-ons

Users who need a dedicated IP address can purchase this as an add-on at checkout. The prices for a dedicated IP are:

• 2 years: $4.19/month ($100.56 total)
• 1 year: $5.89/month ($70.68 total)
• 1 month: $8.99/month

Discounts

NordVPN offers significant discounts on its long-term plans, with the two-year plan saving up to 73% compared to monthly pricing. You can get these discounted rates by clicking the link in this review. Our link takes you to a special landing page where the coupons have been applied automatically to save you time and money.

Remember that these introductory prices increase upon renewal, which is automatic and non-refundable. Unless you cancel and re-subscribe, you will automatically be billed for a higher rate when the initial subscription period ends.

We advise setting a reminder to cancel your account when the subscription period is nearing its end. This will allow you to shop around or re-subscribe to NordVPN at the lower introductory rate (which is still possible even if you previously subscribed and canceled).

Payment methods & refunds

Now that we’ve covered NordVPN’s pricing tiers let’s look at the payment options and refund policy. NordVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple). It supports retail payments in the US at BestBuy, Walmart, Staples, and Amazon.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can test the VPN risk-free. This great refund guarantee compares apples for apples with the best providers on the market.

Android users can get a 7-day free trial available exclusively through Google Play. If you decide against the VPN, you can cancel before being charged. Note that your Google Play account must have a valid payment method on file for you to access the 7-day trial. If you forget to cancel and are charged via the card connected to your Google account, you can still request a refund thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing the money-back guarantee

After reviewing NordVPN for three weeks, I requested a refund to evaluate the money-back guarantee. I sent my request via email and provided my account login details, payment history, the reason for the request, the email address associated with my Nord Account, the date of purchase, and the amount I paid.

The support team was polite and efficient, responding to my refund request within 24 hours. Their follow-up email ensured I knew everything was being processed seamlessly, and my refund was credited to my account in just five days. Overall, I found the refund process to be extremely straightforward, and the provider accepted my reason for a refund without any fuss: “I wanted to try out NordVPN but decided that I don’t need it.”

Does NordVPN offer value for money?

NordVPN provides an impressive balance of features, performance, and price. I could access US streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max – as well as dozens of international services (check the streaming section for more details). For instance, I could watch my BBC iPlayer account from Canada (which is where I tested the VPN for this review).

Its reliability for bypassing country-level restrictions in places like China and the UAE also makes it fantastic value for users who need to sidestep censorship. Its far-reaching server network and advanced features like Double VPN and Threat Protection make it a superb investment for privacy-conscious users and streaming enthusiasts alike.

Overall, NordVPN’s feature set and reliability justify its pricing, especially for users looking for security and unrestricted access to global content.

Speed: Is NordVPN fast?

Speed is always a key stress point when testing VPNs. Like most home VPN users, I want a service that ensures strong privacy and access to global streaming platforms. It also need to maintain my baseline speed without significant slowdowns.

The good news? NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs I have ever used. Its Tier-1 servers are implemented to an incredibly high standard, delivering optimal speeds for data-intensive tasks such as streaming and torrenting.

You can learn more about our speed test methodology by clicking the link. The TLDR? I tested the VPN’s USA (New York), UK (London), and Hong Kong servers three times in the AM, Noon, and PM. I used these results to get local and global averages.

The test server I used was based in the UK, and a Windows Virtual Machine was installed. I used Speed Test by Ookla to run my tests. The test server has a connection speed of 130 Mbps without the VPN. Below, you can see the results of my comprehensive speed tests on NordVPN:

Speed test results

As you can see, NordVPN performed exceptionally well in terms of speed. The Asian server slowed me down the most, which is to be expected due to the distances involved. However, it kept my internet running above the threshold for 4K streaming. As well as other data-intensive tasks such as gaming and torrenting.

Device compatibility (VPN apps)

NordVPN has custom apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Linux, along with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for families or people who own many devices. Ten consecutive connections also make the VPN suitable for use on a work computer if needed.

NordVPN is compatible with a variety of wi-fi router models. This allows all network-connected devices in your home to benefit from VPN protection. It ensures that your family is always protected without needing to connect to the VPN on individual devices.  The VPN provides various setup guides for many popular router models:

• ASUS WRT (native firmware)
• ASUS Merlin
• DD-WRT
• Privacy Hero
• Roqos
• Gl.iNET
• Mikrotik
• NetDUMA
• OPNsense
• OpenWRT
• Padavan
• Sabai
• Tomato
• pfSense
• DrayTek
• EdgeRouter
• TP-Link
• Starlink

Platform-specific details

Want to know which features are available in the different NordVPN apps? We have listed all available features below so that you can decide whether the app you need is suitable.

Windows

macOS

Android

iOS

Linux

The Linux CLI client is tailored for users comfortable with command-line interfaces, making it ideal for experienced Linux users who value speed and efficiency. While the Linux client lacks a GUI, it compensates for this with exceptional performance and a wide choice of advanced features that are accessible via straightforward commands. (Instructions are available on its website to make the Linux VPN setup easy)

Despite the lack of a graphical interface, users can easily enable advanced features like Multi-Hop (Double VPN) and Meshnet through straightforward CLI commands, as outlined in NordVPN’s official documentation.

NordVPN for Linux is surprisingly packed with features for a CLI VPN:

Browser extensions

NordVPN makes lightweight browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These extensions provide core VPN functionality but lack the advanced features available in desktop apps, such as access to specialized servers or advanced security options. While convenient for quick browsing, they may connect slower than the full client software.

These extensions are ideal for users who need quick location spoofing for web browsing without running the full VPN client. However, it is vital to understand that the browser-based proxy does not offer the same privacy and security as the fully encrypted VPN tunnel (which uses advanced protocols with military-grade encryption).

Is NordVPN easy to use?

I tested NordVPN thoroughly on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android to see how it performs. I am happy to report that the apps work seamlessly across platforms and offer similar functionality, which makes it easy to move from one version of the app to the next.

During my tests, NordVPN excelled in ease of use across all platforms. I found the installation process straightforward on every platform, requiring only a quick download, login, and setup. This simplicity makes it accessible even for first-time VPN users.

NordVPN for Windows

The Windows app is extremely impressive. I have tested dozens of VPNs, and Nord’s apps have better aesthetics and usability. Downloading the app from the website takes less than a minute, and the installation wizard handles everything you need for the VPN to work (TAP adaptors for virtual routing, etc.).

Anybody wondering whether it has an in-app guide or walkthrough on the first launch should note that it does not. Some competitors offer this type of walkthrough inside the desktop apps, but NordVPN posts comprehensive guides on its website instead.

The interface is clean and user-friendly. An interactive map is available for server selection, meaning that you don’t always need to search through the server list. Users looking for specialized servers like P2P and Onion over VPN can easily locate these in the server list.

All features, including Split Tunneling, Threat Protection Pro, and Multi-Hop (Double VPN), are easy to spot and activate in the menu.

In the example above, I tested adding Firefox and Chrome to my list of apps that are disabled using split tunneling. This allowed me to use my browsers to watch Netflix and access local Canadian search results for my area  – while simultaneously torrenting with the VPN engaged for my qBittorrent app. The split tunneling worked perfectly on my Windows Asus Zebook Pro laptop.

One of my favorite things about the Windows app was its automatic server reconnection feature. It always reconnected me to the VPN when switching networks, which is perfect for staying safe when using public wifi on a laptop.

Nord has also made setting up advanced features like the kill switch and Meshnet hassle-free. The menu is easy to navigate, and I can get all the needed features with just a few clicks.

Did NordVPN for Windows work as advertised?

Yes. In terms of functionality, everything in the Windows NordVPN App worked exactly as advertised. I tested the app extensively for three weeks and found it highly reliable, even under heavy usage. I suffered no crashes or significant slowdowns. This made it a pleasure to use for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and private video calls.

I tested the kill switch using a page refreshing extension attached to an IP address checking website. This checked my IP once every 0.4 seconds. I then crashed the VPN using Task Manager and monitored the API to see whether my real IP address would leak.

This test proved that the kill switch not only cut my internet access but did so at the system level without ever leaking my real IP address to the web.

NordVPN for Android

Next, I tested the NordVPN mobile apps for iOS and Android. These mobile VPN applications have minor differences (features listed above) but generally look and feel the same. This makes switching between mobile devices convenient (if you own an Android phone and an iPad like me). That point aside, you can read about my experiences using the Android app below.

The process of downloading the app is straightforward because it’s available from the Google Play Store. Downloading and installing the app took just under a minute. Next, I clicked “Already have an account? Login in” to enter my login details. The NordVPN app launches your browser to log in (which differs from most other VPNs). Once you have entered your credentials, the app will automatically sync and launch.

I found the Android app to be very smooth. The interface is uncluttered and easy to navigate. It provides a scrollable list of countries and servers but not a map like the desktop apps. The Android app also gives you access to all the different types of Speciality servers (P2P, Onion over VPN, Obfuscated, and Double VPN). This ensures that NordVPN is as versatile on a smartphone or tablet as on desktops.

To test the Android split tunneling feature. I bypassed the VPN for Chrome and left Firefox using the VPN. Following that, I ran leak tests in each browser. I was happy to find that Firefox used the VPN – but Chrome did not.

The Android app lacks some advanced features that are available on the desktop. Double VPN is available, but the app does not tell you where the two jumps are. Instead, it only tells you the exit location. Presumably, it is still bouncing you through two servers, but it is impossible to know whether this is the case in the app.

Threat Protection is available in the app. This filters out malicious websites and prevents phishing attacks. Remember that it is a lighter version of the Threat Protection Pro feature you get on the desktop version of NordVPN. It still uses DNS blacklists to block ads and malicious websites – but it is less comprehensive than the Pro version.

Overall, my experience using NordVPN for Android was very positive. I could perform everyday activities like streaming Netflix, watching YouTube videos, making Skype calls, and surfing the web while connected to the VPN.

The auto-connect feature was particularly effective when out and when using public Wi-Fi. I had it set to auto-connect on wifi networks, but you could use the VPN at all times if you prefer.

I tested it at a local mall and a coffee shop, and on both occasions, the VPN launched automatically when I joined the hotspot. This makes Nord a reliable VPN for people who want to stay secure on public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Did NordVPN for Android work as advertised?

Yes. NordVPN for Android is easy to use and effective for gaming online privacy in various situations. It has more features than similar apps with competing VPNs and makes the process of unblocking websites at work or in countries with widespread restrictions easy.

My tests revealed that the OS-based kill switch works perfectly, and I suffered no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks when using the mobile app. My Samsung tablet download speed went from 69.94 Mbps without the VPN to 52.10 Mbps with the VPN (Toronto server). This drop of 25.5% left me with plenty of overhead for streaming in HD or playing games like PUBG.

The Android app provided me with all the core features necessary for secure and private browsing – whether at home, work, or public wifi. The lack of Threat Protection Pro and app-based kill switch might put some people off. However, I found the basic Threat Protection to be pretty effective (and I use a standalone ad blocker for Android anyway).

I did find it annoying that you can’t see where the first bounce is when using the DoubleVPN feature for Android. However, the fact that you get this feature at all is pretty cool. All the core VPN features, such as the server selection, split tunneling, obfuscated servers, Onion over VPN, and Meshnet worked perfectly for me. This makes it one of the most comprehensive mobile VPN apps I have ever used.

Overall experience across platforms

NordVPN worked consistently on every platform I tested (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android), showing real effort toward seamless device-to-device transitions. The CLI offers more advanced control on Linux than many rivals, which is a definite plus.

“Quick Connect” is available across all apps, letting me tap or click once for the fastest server. While Windows and Mac have richer interfaces, that’s standard among top VPNs.

iOS and Android lack a per-app killswitch, but NordVPN provides guides for using each OS’s Always-On VPN feature. This system-level kill switch can be more reliable than an app-based solution (which has been found to leak if poorly implemented).

NordVPN server network

NordVPN’s server network is one of the most extensive and reliable in the personal VPN space. It offers a balance of quantity, coverage, and specialized servers. During testing, I focused on metrics like server availability, speed consistency, and resilience in accessing geographically restricted content. The VPN performed exceptionally well in all these areas.

Below, I have broken down NordVPN’s server metrics, highlighted unique network features, and compared them with competitors.

Server metrics

• Server count: NordVPN operates over 7,100 servers as of December 2024, with earlier reports in 2024 citing 6,800+ servers across 111 countries. By the end of the year, NordVPN expanded its network to cover 118 countries, demonstrating significant growth.
• Country coverage: With servers in up to 118 countries, NordVPN rivals top competitors. Some sources list 111 countries, highlighting minor discrepancies likely due to virtual server updates.
• Physical and virtual servers: NordVPN combines physical and virtual servers. Physical servers offer IP addresses from the country where they are located, while virtual servers provide IPs from different regions. For instance, NordVPN uses a virtual server in Singapore to provide Indian IP addresses, bypassing India’s stringent data retention laws. Unlike many other VPNs, NordVPN clearly labels which servers are virtual in its apps, which lets you stick to physical servers only if you prefer.
• P2P-optimized servers: A standout feature is the 5,390 P2P-optimized servers, including 1,768 US ones, ensuring fast and secure torrenting.

Comparison with competitors

While NordVPN’s server count is substantial, other providers offer similar and sometimes larger or more regionally focused networks. NordVPN does not offer streaming servers that are categorized by country or service.

Some competitors, such as CyberGhost and PureVPN, offer labeled streaming servers – which makes it easier for users to choose a server that will work to watch Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or other streaming and TV services from around the world.

Below, you can see how NordVPN’s network compares to its closest rivals:

Although competitors like Private Internet Access (35,000 servers) and CyberGhost (11,500+ servers) outpace NordVPN in raw server count, NordVPN’s geographical reach and optimization make it just as impressive and versatile.

Does NordVPN work in China?

NordVPN does not officially operate in countries with severe internet censorship, such as China and Russia.

However, we hired someone on the ground in China to test NordVPN, and they could use Nord’s obfuscated servers to bypass the Great Firewall of China. These servers hide VPN traffic, making it indistinguishable from regular HTTPS traffic. This makes NordVPN a reliable option for users living in or visiting regions where VPNs are restricted (or where VPN use could raise suspicions).

Streaming and unblocking

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming services. With advanced features like SmartPlay and a vast server network, it offers both speed and consistency, ensuring uninterrupted viewing experiences. Below, I have detailed its streaming capabilities and highlighted key features that enhance performance.

Streaming overview

NordVPN works seamlessly with most major streaming services, maintaining high speeds to support HD and 4K streaming. The SmartPlay feature is automatically enabled in NordVPN apps, blending DNS and VPN technologies to bypass geo-restrictions without requiring manual configuration. Split tunneling allows users to route only their browser or streaming app through the VPN, optimizing bandwidth.

Streaming service compatibility

Here’s an overview of which streaming services NordVPN is compatible with (based on our testing):

Netflix

Netflix remains one of the most sought-after streaming services, and NordVPN excels at unblocking various regional libraries. During testing, NordVPN accessed Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Australia, providing seamless playback with minimal buffering. Speeds were sufficient for both HD and 4K streaming, even during peak hours.

International streaming platforms

At Comparitech, we want to ensure that the VPNs we review cater to a global user base. To check that this is the case, I tested the VPN to access various free streaming services from around the globe. Below, you can see the results of those tests:

• Germany: I watched Dar Erste on ARD Mediathek. This channel is usually inaccessible outside of Germany. The channel loaded and played while connected to the NordVPN server in Hamburg.
• France: I tested NordVPN to watch France.tv. I was able to stream live TV on channel France 2 while connected to the Paris server.
• Brazil: I tested NordVPN to watch GloboPlay Brazil. I was happy to find I could watch all the free-tier channels while connected to the Sao Paulo server.
• Canada: I connected to the Toronto NordVPN server and was able to stream Heartland on CBC Gem. I could also load regional CBC Gem feeds without issues.
• Australia: Finally, I tested NordVPN’s Brisbane server down under to watch free TV feeds on 10Play. NordVPN let me watch 10 Peach Comedy without issues.

Does NordVPN allow torrenting?

Yes, NordVPN supports torrenting. It has dedicated P2P servers built into its apps – perfect for keeping your download speeds high and your privacy intact while sharing files. With over 5,390 P2P servers (including 1,768 in the US), NordVPN is one of the best torrenting VPNs.

I like features like the kill switch and split tunneling, which let me protect my torrent traffic while doing other stuff online. If the VPN connection ever drops, the kill switch cuts off your internet so you won’t accidentally expose your activity to your ISP. I tested the kill switch thoroughly, and it always cut my internet connection without leaking your IP address to the swarm.

The only real downside is that NordVPN doesn’t support port forwarding. Some people rely on this feature for smoother seeding, and although it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, you can download torrents without it.

I torrent relatively rarely, and NordVPN offers ideal performance for protecting my activities. However, power users who want to optimize their leech-to-seed ratio may prefer an alternative like ProtonVPN or PureVPN.

Is NordVPN safe?

NordVPN is a highly reputable VPN that takes user privacy seriously. The VPN is based in Panama, which puts it well out of reach of invasive jurisdictions like the US, the UK, and the EU.

NordVPN enforces strong privacy policies and has spent a great deal of effort optimizing its apps and network to ensure its infrastructure is at the forefront of the VPN industry.

NordVPN’s combination of military-grade encryption, strict no-logs policy, and headquarters in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction in Panama makes it one of the safest VPNs available. With advanced security features, consistent independent audits, and a proactive approach to resolving vulnerabilities, NordVPN offers a highly transparent and trusted VPN infrastructure ideal for home users, professionals, and subscribers with an elevated threat model, such as journalists, lawyers, and political activists.

Below, we have included the main reasons that we consider NordVPN safe.

Security features

NordVPN offers extensive features designed to keep your data private online. I’ve covered several of these earlier in my review, including a kill switch, double VPN, and DNS leak protection.

Below, I have included the results of my leak tests. As you can see, NordVPN did not suffer from IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. NordVPN’s encrypted tunnel is completely trustworthy for performing sensitive online tasks (such as bypassing blocks at work or in countries with high levels of censorship).

Logging policy

NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited multiple times by Deloitte. These audits confirmed that NordVPN apps, infrastructure, and policies are implemented so that NordVPN never stores user activist or traffic data records. This includes never storing user IPs or the VPN servers you use.

While user accounts are tied to an email address for account management, NordVPN only retains essential information like payment details and customer service interactions, ensuring minimal data collection.

Even under legal pressure, NordVPN has nothing to share with governments due to its no-logs policy. Due to its diskless server infrastructure, NordVPN can remotely pull the plug on any server to completely wipe its contents, adding an extra layer of security in an emergency.

Encryption protocols

NordVPN provides a choice of reliable VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and NordLynx. These VPN protocols employ the following ciphers:

• AES-256 Encryption: Often referred to as military-grade encryption, this cipher ensures that OpenVPN and IKEv2 are entirely safe against eavesdroppers.
• ChaCha20: This is a modern protocol employed by the NordLynx protocol. It provides a high level of security and faster speeds for data-intensive tasks.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy: This additional security feature generates a unique encryption key for every session. This ensures that your activities are secure both now and in the future.

Controversies

NordVPN’s security track record is generally strong. However, in 2018, a single server in Finland was compromised due to an error in setting up the server by a third-party server provider.

NordVPN responded by bringing its entire server network in-house, thereby removing any third parties from its network. It also introduced RAM-only servers and additional security audits to reinforce its defenses. Since then, no further incidents have been reported.

Customer support

NordVPN offers a range of customer support channels, ensuring users can access assistance when needed. While the support system is accessible and practical for basic inquiries, there are some limitations when handling more technical questions. Here’s an overview of my experience and a breakdown of the available support options:

My experience with customer support

During my testing, I contacted NordVPN’s live chat support with a specific query about the Double VPN feature on Android. I wanted to know the first bounce location when using Double VPN, as the app only displays the exit node.

Unfortunately, this question seemed to confuse the agent, and I had to wait for my answer to be sent via email. The email confirmed that my traffic was bouncing through two locations but explained they could not disclose the first server’s location due to system limitations.

The agents were always very polite, and they handled basic questions efficiently. Just bear in mind that more technical inquiries may require patience. This might be frustrating for users with advanced or niche queries. However, the escalation process worked most of the time, and I got the answers I needed.

What customer support channels does NordVPN have?

NordVPN provides various methods for you to contact its agents to get help:

• 24/7 live chat: The live chat feature initially connected me to an AI chatbot. However, it quickly forwarded me to a human agent when I asked for one. I found the wait time to be under a minute as soon as I requested an agent – which is impressive.
• Email support: Email support is available for detailed or complex issues. While response times are slower than live chat, this option is helpful if you don’t mind waiting up to 24 hours for a response.
• Help Center/FAQs: NordVPN’s website is packed with useful resources that can help you get answers to common questions. These resources can resolve many issues without needing to contact support and serve as an extra tool for agents to help users resolve problems with using the VPN.
• Social media and forums: Reddit’s NordVPN subreddit is active and helpful for asking official representatives and experienced users to provide solutions. This can be a valuable alternative to live chat support if you like communicating with other users.
• Guides and articles: NordVPN’s website is packed with setup and usage guides, often with video walkthroughs.

How could NordVPN improve its support?

Some areas of improvement were highlighted during my tests. I’ve listed them below.

• Technical training: While agents are polite and can answer basic queries, their knowledge of advanced features may sometimes be limited. If your agent seems confused, it is probably worth asking to be transferred.
• Phone support: NordVPN does not provide phone support. I do not find this to be a drawback – but it is worth keeping in mind that you will need an active internet connection to communicate with Nord’s agents.
• Email response time: Although email support is available for in-depth issues, it often lags behind the speed and convenience of live chat. During my tests, I had to wait between 3 and 24 hours for a response – depending on the complexity of the question.
• Outdated content: Some setup videos and guides on the support page are outdated, which could confuse users attempting to troubleshoot. If you have any trouble finding the guide you need it is a good idea to ask the live chat, which can link you to the newest guide.
• AI Chatbot: When you launch the live chat, you will communicate with a chatbot. If, like me, you don’t want to talk to a chatbot at all, you can type the word “agent” to be transferred to a human.

NordVPN Review conclusion

Yes. NordVPN is an excellent choice for users seeking strong security, reliable streaming access, and a user-friendly interface across devices. Its combination of advanced features, such as Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, and an independently audited no-logs policy, makes it a top contender for both privacy-conscious users and streaming enthusiasts.

NordVPN has everything you need to stay safe when using public wifi. It will also prevent ISPs from tracing your web visits at home. Even if you are in rented accommodation, NordVPN will ensure that whoever provides internet for your housing cannot track your activities. The VPN’s encryption also makes it safe for bypassing website blocks at work or in school.

The obfuscation feature makes it a reliable option for bypassing blocks in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, and China. Plus, it works to bypass censorship with complete privacy – ensuring that you can maintain access to unbiased information without concerns about overreaching government surveillance.

In terms of streaming, NordVPN is second to none. It effectively provides access to a wide variety of international streaming and TV platforms. This makes it a superb option for streaming Netflix on vacation – or for expats who miss home TV streams (such as the UK’s BBC iPlayer).

What are the best alternatives to NordVPN?

NordVPN offers impressive value for money and the best VPN features for the average VPN user. However, if you specifically require port forwarding or a VPN that allows unlimited connections, you may prefer to shop elsewhere.

We recommend Surfshark for users who want the cheapest option with unlimited connections. Proton VPN is a better option for advanced users in search of port forwarding. Users who want a wide choice of servers in the US can opt for IPVanish.

Our NordVPN video review

Further reading: NordVPN comparisons

How does NordVPN compare to some of the other leading VPNs? You can find out in the guides below:

• NordVPN vs IPVanish
• NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
• NordVPN vs Surfshark

NordVPN FAQs