NordVPN has consistently been recognized as one of the top VPN providers for multiple years.
NordVPN’s fast speeds, P2P-optimized servers, support for Bitcoin, and ability to unblock Netflix are all compelling features that make it an appealing VPN service to use.
Although the interface layout and support could benefit from improvement, NordVPN remains a high-quality VPN service that caters to users with varying needs and preferences.
NordVPN, registered in Panama, offers a range of VPN products to approximately 12 million customers in various countries.
In addition, they offer encryption solutions and have recently introduced a password manager, with the aim of expanding their offerings as a privacy software provider.
Features offered by NordVPN:
Their top-tier package is priced at $2.99 per month for a 36-month subscription, amounting to a total cost of only $107.64.
The company places greater emphasis on the features of their products, which is understandable given their offerings. Their VPN service, for instance, provides access to more than 5,450 servers located in 60 countries. Moreover, they provide client software for various operating systems including Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and many more.
NordVPN supports up to six simultaneous connections, enabling you to use multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, their VPN service includes all necessary technical features, such as OpenVPN support, which ensures robust encryption and protection for your online activities.
NordVPN offers protection against DNS leaks and includes a kill switch feature to help safeguard your identity. In addition, they provide some unique features such as dual-layer encryption for data and support for Onion, which enhances overall security. Furthermore, their CyberSec technology protects against ads, malware, and phishing attempts.
The inclusion of P2P support is a significant and highly appreciated feature. Additionally, NordVPN’s “No Logging Policy” and registration in Panama provide assurance to users that their online activities will remain private and inaccessible to third parties.
In its latest update, NordVPN has made improvements to its speed, app interface, and encryption. Moreover, the company has undergone a third-party audit of its “No-logging” policy conducted by Price Waterhouse Cooper, further reinforcing its commitment to user privacy. They are also testing a new protocol named “Wireguard,” but there is no official release date yet.
Should you encounter any issues with the service or find these updates overwhelming, NordVPN’s customer support is available 24/7 to assist you in resolving any problems. Furthermore, their pricing is reasonable, and if you’re still unsure about the software’s effectiveness, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to try it out before committing, and if it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can request a refund.
Features that Prioritize Privacy
Each VPN relies on different encryption technologies to ensure privacy. NordVPN excels in this regard, particularly with its robust support for IKev2/IPsec encryption. This means that users benefit from 256-GCM encryption with good forward secrecy, utilizing 3072-bit Diffie-Hellman protection. This ensures that any attempts by attackers to penetrate the system will be limited to a single session, effectively blocking them from subsequent sessions. This system is now NordVPN’s default for iOS, Mac, Windows, and other operating systems.
NordVPN has updated its OpenVPN apps, switching from AES-256-CBC to AES-256-GCM encryption. While not a complete revolution in security, this upgrade provides better protection than the previous system, giving NordVPN a technical advantage over its competitors. Additionally, once connected, NordVPN offers further privacy-boosting tricks such as Onion over VPN, which routes user traffic through NordVPN’s network, then through the Onion network, and finally to its ultimate destination.
While the double-layer obfuscation used by NordVPN may slightly slow down the service, it also enhances security by making it more challenging for attackers to track the source of each action. Importantly, users do not need to know anything about the Onion network to use this service. No downloads, installations, or configurations are necessary; simply connect your device to one of NordVPN’s specialized Onion over VPN routers, and the system takes care of the rest.
NordVPN’s Double VPN feature allows your traffic to pass through two NordVPN servers, providing extra security. While this feature may not be essential for all users and some may not be concerned about it, it is reassuring that the system doesn’t significantly affect connection speeds. In our own test, we observed download speeds of 70 Mbps when not using the feature, and 45 Mbps when we enabled Double VPN for UK to France servers.
Features Related to Logging
NordVPN’s “No Logs” policy goes beyond the typical definition used by most VPN providers, as it encompasses logging of a user’s online activities, session information, as well as incoming and assigned IP addresses. Other VPN services may claim to have “No Logging” policies, but may still retain session logs, making NordVPN’s stance on logging more comprehensive and reassuring for users.
What about the performance?
While privacy is undoubtedly a top priority when selecting a VPN provider, performance is also a crucial factor to consider. A robust encryption and privacy system would be futile if it significantly hampers your internet speeds. As such, we always conduct thorough performance tests as part of our VPN reviews.
