Hi folks! I recently tried out NordVPN, and I’m here to tell you all about it.
In 2024, NordVPN is among the best virtual private networks (VPNs). The Panama-based VPN service uses its own NordLynx tunneling protocol to guarantee lightning-fast connections.
Unbreakable encryption and a no-logs policy that has been verified externally ensure maximum privacy.
User-friendly and packed to the gills with extras like the free Meshnet, NordVPN is a great option for both new and seasoned consumers.
However, NordVPN does have a few recognized flaws and glitches, which sometimes arise after software updates and might leave users suspicious.
Let’s explore the details of this NordVPN Review to see how well it works for beginners and experts alike.
Is NordVPN safe to use? How does it perform when downloading and streaming content?
Read on to find out the answer!!
NordVPN Review 2024: An Overview
NordVPN is considered the best virtual private network (VPN) available as it seamlessly combines speed, functionality, and security.
It uses the robust AES-256 encryption standard, the newest NordLynx protocol, and claims to have undergone an independent audit.
It’s useful for streaming Netflix, but it also makes the Internet accessible to people in nations with Internet censorship.
One of the most interesting aspects of NordVPN is its Smart Play feature, which allows you to watch US Netflix.
NordVPN uses a technology that tricks Netflix into thinking that you are located in the US, regardless of your actual location.
NordVPN not only unlocks Netflix, but it also allows you to use BitTorrent when connected via an accepted location or country. Selecting an approved location is a simple process.
You just need to open the interface, which provides an option to select one of the 51 regions from the given list. It will quickly connect you to BitTorrent.
If you have a technical background, you can even select a server from the list of connected servers.
This will also provide details such as which servers are busy and their response time, so you can select the fastest or an available server from your location.
In addition to this information, you can also select a specific server dedicated to a particular function from the server detail list. For example, it will show you which server is appropriate for TV streaming, etc.
There are also anti-DDoS servers available, which are developed with technology that ensures they will continue to work even if the network is infected or attacked.
You also have the option to choose a dual VPN connection, providing two encrypted passages for your traffic or data instead of a single encrypted tunnel.
This dual solution makes it harder for anyone to determine the origin of your traffic, making it a vital feature for those concerned about their privacy.
NordVPN Features:
1. Strong Encryption:
NordVPN uses advanced encryption protocols like AES-256-bit encryption to secure your internet traffic, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or decipher your data.
2. Wide Server Network:
It has a large network of servers in various countries around the world. This allows users to connect to servers in different locations to access geo-restricted content or to enhance their online privacy.
3. No-Logs Policy:
It claims to have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep records of your online activities, ensuring your online privacy.
4. Kill Switch:
It has a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed in case of a connection failure.
5. Double VPN:
NordVPN offers a feature called Double VPN, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of security and anonymity.
6. Onion Over VPN:
This feature allows you to route your traffic through the Tor network in addition to the VPN for enhanced privacy.
7. CyberSec:
It includes a feature called CyberSec that helps block malicious websites and ads, providing an additional layer of protection against online threats.
8. Dedicated IP Addresses:
You can get a dedicated IP address from NordVPN if you need one for specific purposes, like remote access or gaming.
9. P2P Support:
It is P2P-friendly and allows for secure and anonymous torrenting on specific servers.
10. Streaming Compatibility:
It works with many popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, allowing you to access content from different regions.
11. Multi-Platform Support:
It is compatible with various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. They also provide browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
12. Simultaneous Connections:
Depending on your subscription plan, you can connect multiple devices simultaneously with a single NordVPN account.
13. 24/7 Customer Support:
It offers customer support around the clock to assist with any issues or questions.
14. NordPass:
It also offers a password manager called NordPass as part of its cybersecurity tools suite.
15. Split Tunneling:
This feature allows you to choose which applications or websites should use the VPN and which ones should connect directly to the internet.
NordVPN Pricing:
NordVPN has 2-year plans that offer significant savings and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Complete Plan saves you 72%, costing $4.99 per month, with 3 extra months included. The total is reduced from $493.83 to $134.73 for the first 27 months, plus VAT if applicable.
It includes a secure, high-speed VPN, anti-malware and advanced browsing protection, an ad and tracker blocker, a password manager with a Data Breach Scanner, and 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage.
The Plus Plan, the most popular, saves 73%, costing $3.99 per month, and has 3 extra months. The total is reduced from $404.73 to $107.73 for the first 27 months, with VAT possibly applied. This plan includes similar features, excluding cloud storage.
Lastly, the Basic Plan also offers 73% savings at $3.09 per month with 3 extra months. The price drops from $312.93 to $83.43 for the first 27 months, with VAT applicable, and includes a secure, high-speed VPN.
NordVPN Speed & Performance:
1. General Performance:
NordVPN is known for offering top speeds, security, and features, making it a strong contender among VPN services. It provides seamless streaming, even for HD content, without a noticeable slowdown or lag.
2. Streaming Capabilities:
| Platform | Does it work? |
| Netflix | ✔Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✔Yes |
| Hulu | ✔Yes |
| HBO Max | ✔Yes |
| Disney+ | ✔Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ✔Yes |
| YouTube TV | ✔Yes |
It is excellent for streaming, working reliably with over 30 global streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
It provides smooth and reliable connections, supporting Ultra HD streaming without interruptions.
3. Torrenting and Gaming:
The service includes specialized P2P servers, offering optimal performance for torrenting with great speeds and no throttling.
These servers effectively hide your IP during downloading, enhancing safety and anonymity. NordVPN is also suitable for online gaming, maintaining good connection speeds even on distant servers.
4. Speed Test Results:
In various speed tests across different server locations, NordVPN consistently showed strong performance.
For instance, in the United States, it achieved download speeds of up to 93.57 Mbps and upload speeds of 89.52 Mbps.
In other locations like Brazil, the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Israel, NordVPN’s servers either maintained speeds close to the base connection or, in some cases, improved them.
The service typically experiences only minor speed drops, which is impressive for a VPN.
5. Server Network:
It boasts a vast network of over 6000 servers spread across 61 countries, including specialized servers for different needs.
It also offers dedicated IP addresses for an additional cost, which can provide faster speeds and reduce the risk of being blocked on streaming platforms and other websites.
NordVPN stands out for its speed, reliability in streaming, torrenting, and gaming, and vast server network, making it a strong choice for those seeking a fast and secure VPN experience.
NordVPN Privacy & Security:
NordVPN offers a variety of security features in addition to its core VPN encryption, including Threat Protection, a kill switch, obfuscated servers, and more.
1. Kill switch:
The Internet Kill Switch will immediately stop all Internet access if the client finds that you are not connected to a virtual private network (VPN).
For instance, let’s assume you’re using a VPN to download torrents, and you don’t want any of the P2P traffic to go straight via your ISP.
The App Kill Switch just affects that one specific program. This would be prevented by the app kill switch. The program would be forced to shut down if the BitTorrent client had an app kill switch, preventing data leakage.
The system-wide kill switch is already built into iOS and macOS apps downloaded from the App Store and is on by default.
If your VPN connection drops, your session will end right away, even though you won’t notice a warning sign.
Both Windows and macOS (when utilizing the sideloading app) allow you to customize the kill switch per app. On Linux and Android, a death switch that affects the entire system can only be turned on.
It wouldn’t hurt if they handled their features with greater consistency. Having said that, you are given a functional kill switch as a user that is applicable to the entire system, irrespective of the platform.
If you want to be really exact, you can even configure it for certain programs on some.
That alone is a noteworthy technological achievement, especially in light of the fact that platforms like iOS only get these functions added very sometimes.
2. Encryption:
Once you have signed up for a NordVPN account and installed their client software, you can connect to any server on their network.
Because this connection is encrypted, anyone watching it from outside cannot read your communication.
This is achieved by NordVPN using the AES-256-CBC cipher, which is currently regarded as the industry standard for VPNs. Additionally, NordLynx uses the ChaCha20 protocol, so you may be even more confident in your anonymity and security.
Following a successful application of the SHA-512 hash function, you will be given access to the server.
Your login information will be converted into 512 binary integers, which are incomprehensible blobs of information to others.
These are then contrasted with the cryptographic hashes produced and kept on their systems while you made your account. If the two sets of hashes match, you’ll be granted access.
This hash truly meets or exceeds the standards set by the VPN industry. Many rival VPN service providers employ SHA-256. As a result, NordVPN is truly going beyond what is practical in this circumstance.
The SHA-512 function is more secure, offering consumers much better security, and is harder to crack for unauthorized users.
NordVPN Mobile Application:
When the NordVPN mobile app opens, it shows a world map with exit node locations worldwide. If you tap on a particular exit node, you will be connected through the location that this node represents.
However, it is not as simple as it seems. The world map present has no labels on the exit node pins, and it is jam-packed with such nodes.
Hence, if you want to connect to a particular country, it will take you a while as it needs some hits and trials.
Since it is hard to handle and involves a considerable amount of time to get the desired results, you end up using the conventional method of selection from the listing of countries to get connected instead of using this difficult-to-use map thing.
By using the location listing, it is easy to create shortcuts to get connected to your preferred servers. Other than the dubious world map links, the mobile app is quite useful.
The application is user-friendly and can be installed quickly. Whenever you open the app on your mobile, it will connect you through the preferred server or location automatically.
It also presents you with the option to choose TCP over UDP, which provides a more secure and stable connection. TCP connectivity may be more time-consuming, but it is a safer option.
The mobile app’s interface also includes the Smart-Play feature. This feature can be triggered with a single click and lets you watch US Netflix and many other locked services for that particular location.
NordVPN Connectivity:
The connectivity provided by NordVPN is of little concern. We observed that the speed could be slow at times, and the bandwidth also stumbled while we tried the connection through the US.
We recommend you make a wise decision based on your needs when it comes to speed and bandwidth.
NordVPN supports various platforms, such as Linux, Windows, and MacOS. We have tested NordVPN iPhone and Android apps both.
The mobile client on these phones enables anyone to buy the entire subscription from their individual application stores.
A few routers can also be installed to connect through NordVPN, allowing you to provide connectivity to all the devices you require in your network.
NordVPN Customer Support:
| 24/7 live chat | ✅ |
| ✅ | |
| Phone line | ❌ |
| Social Media | ✅ |
| FAQs | ✅ |
1. 24/7 Customer Support: NordVPN offers round-the-clock customer support, which means you can reach out for assistance at any time, day or night.
2. Live Chat: It provides a live chat feature on their website and within their applications. This allows you to chat with a support representative in real time to get immediate assistance.
3. Email Support: You can also contact NordVPN’s support team via email. They typically respond to email inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.
4. Social Media: It is active on social media platforms like Twitter, where they may also provide support and updates.
NordVPN Pros & Cons:
NordVPN Pros:
- NordVPN is a user-friendly application.
- It is a very secure VPN service.
- It provides a vast range of server options.
- It offers various data centers.
- It also offers P2P networking.
- Maximum of six connections at the same time.
- It is compatible with all the leading OS.
- It supports various platforms besides mobiles and computers.
- It supports various payment options including Bitcoin.
NordVPN Cons:
- It is comparatively a slow service.
- It does not have the capability to prevent ad trackers.
FAQs
👉 Is NordVPN safe to use?
Yes, NordVPN is known for its strong commitment to security and privacy. It uses robust encryption, has a strict no-logs policy, and employs various security features to protect your online activities.
👀How do I use NordVPN?
To use NordVPN, you need to sign up for a subscription, download the NordVPN app for your device or operating system, install it, and then log in using your credentials. Once connected, you can choose a server location and enjoy secure browsing.
🤷♀️Does NordVPN work on all devices and platforms?
NordVPN supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. They also provide browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
💁♀️How many devices can I connect with NordVPN simultaneously?
The number of devices you can connect simultaneously depends on your subscription plan. NordVPN offers plans with different device limits, so you can choose one that suits your needs.
👍 Is NordVPN legal to use?
Using a VPN like NordVPN is generally legal in most countries. However, it's essential to use it responsibly and comply with the laws and regulations of your specific location.
❓Can I use NordVPN for torrenting and P2P file sharing?
Yes, NordVPN allows for secure and anonymous torrenting on specific servers that are optimized for P2P file sharing.
Quick Links:
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Conclusion: NordVPN Review 2024
NordVPN is the best virtual private network (VPN) available since it flawlessly combines speed, functionality, and security.
It uses the robust AES-256 encryption standard, the newest NordLynx protocol, and claims to have undergone an independent audit. It’s useful for streaming Netflix, but it also makes the Internet accessible to people in nations with Internet censorship.
You get a lot of functionality for your money with a VPN, in terms of capability. For Windows and Android users, the best clients will be made available.
However, there are other alluring benefits offered to users of Apple devices. Regardless of the platform you select, your smartphone won’t feel left out in the least.
I heartily endorse this virtual private network (VPN) service. Whatever your motivation for needing a virtual private network (VPN), you can be sure that NordVPN will meet your needs.
