NordVPN Review 2026: Still the Best VPN? (Tested)

On the VPN scene, NordVPN remains one of the most well-known and widely trusted providers. With massive YouTubers like PewDiePie and Gus Johnson regularly praising its performance, and with consistently clever marketing, it’s no surprise that NordVPN frequently ranks at the top of VPN comparison lists.

That popularity isn’t just hype. NordVPN backs it up with a strong set of features: it’s one of the fastest VPNs available, supports split tunneling, offers obfuscated servers for bypassing censorship, and provides double VPN functionality for extra anonymity. The built-in Threat Protection feature blocks malware, trackers, and malicious websites, while NordLocker secures your files and NordPass manages your passwords safely.

→ Get 76% off NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee
[Limited Deal]

All of that comes at a compelling price point. At just $3.49/month on a 2-year plan, NordVPN isn’t the absolute cheapest (Surfshark slightly undercuts it), but the overall value is hard to beat. Combine its speed, reliability, and wide feature set, and you’ve got one of the strongest VPN contenders out there.

But does NordVPN really live up to the hype? In this in-depth review, I’ll put it to the test and break down everything you need to know, including where it falls short.

NordVPN Overview

NordVPN pricing starts at $3.49/month for a 2-year plan and goes up to $12.99/month for a monthly subscription, fairly standard for a premium VPN. If you want to lower the long-term price, NordVPN is currently running a sitewide 76% OFF sale on its 2-year plans, so it’s worth checking a NordVPN coupon before you subscribe.

The NordVPN app uses AES-256-GCM encryption, paired with modern tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx (NordVPN’s custom implementation of WireGuard). It also recently introduced a new protocol called NordWhisper, designed to improve connectivity in restrictive network environments.

NordVPN’s server network is one of the largest in the industry, currently offering 9,000+ servers in 181 locations. That makes bypassing geo-restrictions and streaming region-locked content easy. In our tests, NordVPN unblocked Netflix in four different regions in addition to unblocking regional content providers like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Paramount+. That makes NordVPN one of the best VPN providers out there for streaming.

Torrenting is also a breeze with NordVPN. Many of its servers are optimized for P2P file sharing, and its Onion over VPN option routes your traffic through the Tor network for an extra layer of anonymity. You’ll never need to hunt for a compatible server, just connect and go.

From a privacy perspective, NordVPN excels. It has a strict audited no-logs policy, and its headquarters in Panama (a country with no mandatory data retention laws) gives it a major advantage over VPNs based in 14 Eyes alliance jurisdictions. Simply put, NordVPN is designed to keep your online activity private.

OVERALL RANK:	#1 Out of 30 VPNs
USABILITY:	Very Easy To Use
LOG FILES:	Strict No Logging Policy
LOCATIONS:	181 Locations, 9,000 Servers
SUPPORT:	Live Chat (24/7)
TORRENTING:	P2P & Torrenting Allowed
NETFLIX:	Unblocks Netflix USA and 11 Other Regions (UK, Aus, Japan, Brazil, France, and More)
ENCRYPTION/PROTOCOL:	4096-bit DH key AES/OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper
COST:	From $3.49/mo
OFFICIAL WEBSITE:	www.NordVPN.com

NordVPN Pros

1. An Incredibly Far-Reaching Server Park

NordVPN currently operates 9,000+ VPN servers across 181+ locations, including highly sought-after locations like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Japan. In some regions, you can even narrow it down to specific cities, such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, or New York, for more accurate geo-targeting.

In addition to standard VPN servers, NordVPN offers a suite of specialized server types designed for unique use cases:

• Double VPN: For those seeking an extra layer of protection, Double VPN routes your data through two servers instead of one, encrypting it twice. This adds an extra layer of anonymity and is ideal for journalists, whistleblowers, and others who require heightened security.
• Onion Over VPN: Want to access the Tor network without downloading Tor? These servers send your traffic through NordVPN first, then pass it through the Onion network. Your ISP won’t even know you’re using Tor, and no one monitoring the Tor entry node can trace your real IP.
• Obfuscated Servers: In restrictive countries (like China, Iran, or the UAE), even using a VPN might get you flagged. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all, making them ideal for bypassing firewalls and deep packet inspection.
• P2P Servers: These servers are specifically optimized for torrenting and peer-to-peer file sharing, offering better performance, privacy, and reliability for activities like downloading large files via BitTorrent.

2. Top-Tier Speed

Speaking of speed, NordVPN remains one of the fastest VPNs available today. In fact, the performance gap was so wide at one point that in AV-Test’s November 2024 evaluation it was named the fastest VPN provider. While some competitors have caught up since, our latest internal speed tests show that NordVPN still ranks at the top.

One of the key reasons for this sustained performance is NordLynx, NordVPN’s custom protocol built around WireGuard, a lightweight and ultra-fast tunneling protocol. While WireGuard is known for speed, it previously raised privacy concerns due to its handling of user IP addresses. NordLynx solves this with a double NAT (Network Address Translation) system, delivering high speed without sacrificing privacy.

In our tests, NordLynx consistently outperformed older protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, making everything from HD streaming to competitive online gaming a smooth, lag-free experience.

At the time of testing, our baseline ISP connection was 251Mbps down / 251Mbps up. Results using NordVPN (with NordLynx enabled) maintained high performance with minimal drops in speed, especially when connected to nearby servers.

We tested the NordVPN download speed from our testing server to the east and west coast in the US, as well as servers in Asia and Europe. For all of the tests, the download speed was above 195 Mbps, a result that sits among the best VPN speeds on the market currently. There’s not a lot you can’t do with speeds like that.

Quick Connect: Fastest/Closest Location

• Ping: 1ms
• Download: 242 Mbps
• Upload: 239 Mbps

US East

• Ping: 96ms
• Download: 228 Mbps
• Upload: 233 Mbps

US West

• Ping: 171ms
• Download: 201 Mbps
• Upload: 227 Mbps

Asia

• Ping: 242ms
• Download: 197 Mbps
• Upload: 207 Mbps

Europe

• Ping: 47ms
• Download: 234 Mbps
• Upload: 234 Mbps

3. Vast Majority of Servers Unblocked Netflix

When VPNs first gained mainstream traction, one of the biggest draws was the ability to access Netflix libraries from other countries. That use case remains incredibly popular, but these days most VPNs struggle to bypass Netflix’s advanced geo-blocks.

NordVPN is one of the few providers that consistently gets it right.

Despite Netflix’s aggressive efforts to block VPN IPs, NordVPN stays ahead of the curve with a constantly refreshed pool of working servers. In our most recent tests, NordVPN successfully unblocked Netflix in every region we tested, tying with Surfshark and Proton VPN at a 100% success rate.

This means we were able to access Netflix US with ease and stream the entirety of Stranger Things without issue.

Switching over to the Netflix UK servers for streaming also worked without a hitch.

Next, we jumped over to Netflix DE to check out the library from Germany. Yet again, NordVPN worked first time.

Finally, our tests on Netflix JP performed as you’d expect: flawlessly. We loaded up Killing Eve without a problem.

To be clear, we know for certain that NordVPN will unlock content in the following Netflix regions:

• The US
• The UK
• Germany
• Japan

Based on our results, we believe NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for watching foreign Netflix libraries from anywhere in the world.

But NordVPN isn’t just about Netflix. Thanks to its built-in SmartPlay DNS feature, it also works seamlessly with other geo-restricted platforms like BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Paramount+. We’ve tested to confirm that NordVPN works with all of the above providers, too.

So whether you’re a fan of British dramas, American sitcoms, or international sports, NordVPN has your viewing needs covered.

4. User-Friendly Interface and Great Additional Features

When it comes to usability, the NordVPN interface is a strong selling point. It’s clean, modern, and easy to navigate, suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

The overall experience is smooth and fast. From sign-up to connecting to a server, the process is quick and hassle-free.

NordVPN is also one of the most feature-rich VPNs on the market, offering 25+ tools that enhance privacy, performance, and control. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Any smartphone user will be able to tell you about multi-factor authentication these days; it’s become one of the most popular ways to keep your device and online accounts safe from prying eyes. In a nutshell, it’s an extra layer of security that requires more than just a password to access your account.

NordVPN employs multi-factor authentication, meaning that even if someone has your login credentials, they still can’t get into your account without the extra verification code. This is a great way to keep your data safe, especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi networks.

With NordVPN, there are two main ways you can use multi-factor authentication:

• Download an authentication app. NordVPN supports a number of apps, including Google Authenticator, Authy, and Duo Mobile. You can download any of these and use them to generate verification codes that expire periodically.
• Use a security key. If you have a physical Bluetooth, NFC, or USB security key, you can use it to log in to your NordVPN account.

The setup instructions are nice and simple, too:

Using one of these methods isn’t essential, but you can’t always guarantee the safety of your VPN password, so it’s best to have another layer of security in place.

Dark Web Monitoring

The dark web is a small, deliberately hidden corner of the internet that standard search engines don’t index. Because the sites there require special tools to access, they’re often used for illegal activities such as drug and human trafficking, and increasingly for selling private data and hacked information.

Dark web monitoring is the process of tracking and investigating activity that takes place within these hidden networks. It’s a challenging task that typically requires specialized tools and expertise. With the rising scale of dark web threats, monitoring has become more important than ever.

NordVPN takes your security a step further by proactively monitoring for potential data leaks on the dark web. If any of your credentials are detected in known breach dumps or black market forums, you’ll receive an instant alert, giving you a critical window to reset passwords and protect your accounts before damage is done.

Here’s how it works:

Browser Extensions

Back when VPNs first emerged, setting one up required a fair bit of technical know-how. These days it’s a different story. NordVPN offers lightweight browser extensions that make securing your connection easy.

NordVPN claims it takes just a minute to download, install, and activate its browser extension. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and once installed, connecting to a server takes only a couple of clicks.

With the extension active, your browsing traffic is encrypted even if the website itself isn’t. It’s a simple but effective way to add an extra layer of security to your everyday online activity.

Minimal Interruptions

Depending on your internet provider, you might occasionally notice sudden slowdowns when streaming, downloading, or gaming. That’s no accident. ISPs often throttle bandwidth during high-usage periods, especially when they detect large data transfers like HD streaming or torrenting.

The goal is usually to nudge you toward a pricier plan or reduce strain on their network.

NordVPN helps stop throttling in its tracks by encrypting your traffic and hiding your online activity from your ISP. If they can’t see what you’re doing, they can’t selectively slow you down, which means fewer interruptions and smoother performance across the board.

Easy Sports Streaming

We’ve all been there. Your favorite team is playing, but the game’s blacked out in your region. Or maybe you’re traveling and can’t access your usual streaming service. In the past, that meant struggling with unstable proxies or low-quality VPNs.

NordVPN makes sports streaming easy and reliable. With thousands of servers, many of them optimized for high-speed streaming, you can usually find a fast, stable connection to bypass regional restrictions. Its built-in SmartPlay technology automatically combines VPN and smart DNS to help you access geo-blocked sports content without extra setup.

Whether it’s football, F1, NBA, or the Olympics, you’ll have a reliable way to catch the big moments.

CyberSec

NordVPN’s CyberSec feature appears as a simple toggle in the app’s settings. While a VPN already encrypts your traffic and hides your IP, CyberSec adds another layer of protection against digital threats like intrusive ads, malware, phishing sites, and botnet attacks.

Though optional, enabling CyberSec comes with three key benefits:

• Automatic protection from malware, spyware, phishing domains, and other online threats.
• Defense against DDoS botnets, even if your device is already compromised. CyberSec severs the connection instantly.
• Ad-blocking for a cleaner, faster, less distracting browsing experience.

CyberSec runs quietly in the background, filtering harmful content so you don’t have to. It’s a small switch that brings a meaningful security boost.

Specialty Servers

NordVPN offers a variety of specialty servers to fit your specific privacy or performance needs:

• Double VPN routes your traffic through two servers instead of one, encrypting your data twice for extra protection.
• Obfuscated servers let you bypass network restrictions and VPN blocks, ideal for heavily censored regions.
• Onion Over VPN combines the privacy of Tor with the security of NordVPN, letting you browse anonymously without needing the Tor browser.
• P2P servers are optimized for secure file sharing, with no bandwidth caps or activity logs.

Whatever your use case, NordVPN has a server type tailored for it, all accessible from the app with a single click.

AES Encryption and Data Protection

One of the core functions of any VPN is to protect your data, and NordVPN does this using AES-256 encryption, the standard used by governments and cybersecurity experts worldwide. It scrambles your online traffic so that even if someone intercepts it, they won’t be able to read or use it.

But it’s not just hackers you need to worry about. ISPs are known to monitor your activity and throttle your connection, especially if you’re streaming or downloading large files. NordVPN hides your activity, so your ISP has no visibility into what you’re doing and no reason to slow you down.

Add to that NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy, independently audited, and you’ve got a VPN whose privacy claims are backed by outside verification.

You might be thinking, “I don’t need a VPN, I’ve got nothing to hide.” But the truth is you’re producing far more data than you realize. From your medical history to your physical location, shopping habits, and even banking details, it’s all being tracked and stored by corporations, advertisers, and governments.

NordVPN safeguards this data with AES-256 encryption and a 4096-bit DH key, the same standard recommended by the NSA for securing classified information. On top of that, it supports multiple secure VPN protocols: IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx (based on WireGuard), and OpenVPN (UDP/TCP).

The app automatically selects the best protocol for your device and network, but you can always choose a different one manually if you prefer.

Double VPN

One of NordVPN’s standout features is its Double VPN option, which routes your traffic through two separate VPN servers and encrypts it twice. This adds an extra layer of security for users who want maximum anonymity.

Here’s how it works. Normally, a VPN encrypts your data once and sends it through a secure tunnel to a server. With Double VPN, your data is encrypted at the first server, routed through a second one, and encrypted again before reaching its destination.

This makes it significantly harder for anyone, including hackers or surveillance agencies, to trace your activity or intercept your data. It also hides your real IP behind two different server IPs for added privacy.

You probably won’t need Double VPN for everyday tasks like streaming or casual browsing, and NordVPN doesn’t recommend it for torrenting either. But for journalists, activists, or anyone operating in a high-risk environment, it’s a great security feature to have.

No Logging Policy

As mentioned previously, NordVPN is adamant about its no logging policy. Let’s explore it in further depth.

NordVPN takes its no-logging policy seriously, and it’s a major reason why so many users trust the service.

NordVPN doesn’t log user activity, browsing traffic, or original IP addresses. So even if someone came knocking with a court order, there would be nothing to hand over. That’s not a marketing gimmick either. This policy has been independently audited multiple times to confirm compliance.

But shouldn’t all VPNs operate like this? Unfortunately, no. While some claim to offer privacy, many collect and store your data, either to improve service or, worse, to monetize it through third-party partnerships.

This is where third-party tracking comes in, a web of cookies, pixel tags, and beacons used by countless websites (including big ones like Google, Facebook, and Amazon) to quietly build user profiles and serve personalized ads.

NordVPN shields you from both ISP snooping and third-party trackers, helping keep your data yours alone.

That said, NordVPN does retain a minimal amount of data to keep your account functional:

• Service performance metrics (to recommend the best servers)
• Your email address
• Payment details (although you can use crypto for added privacy)

This is standard account data that any subscription service needs for performance and billing. If you want the detail, you can read the NordVPN logging policy in full.

Kill Switch

No matter how security-conscious you are, there may be times when your device is left unintentionally exposed. Your VPN connection could drop, or you might access an unsecured website while thinking you’re protected. In those moments, your personal data becomes vulnerable.

To safeguard against this, NordVPN includes a built-in Kill Switch. If the VPN connection fails, the Kill Switch instantly cuts off your internet access, preventing any data from leaking onto unsecured networks.

The feature is enabled by default, and for good reason.

NordVPN also offers an Advanced Kill Switch option. This lets you specify which apps should be blocked if the VPN disconnects. For instance, you might want to shut down your torrent client while keeping your browser running.

DNS Leak Test

With certain VPN setups, there’s a risk of DNS leaks, when your system defaults back to your ISP’s DNS servers instead of routing through the VPN. This can compromise your privacy by exposing your identity or location to your ISP and other third parties.

NordVPN is fully aware of this vulnerability. That’s why the app is designed to force your devices to use only NordVPN’s DNS servers, helping keep your data and browsing habits private.

We confirmed this in our own leak testing below, with no DNS leaks detected across the servers we checked.

Multiple Devices

NordVPN is our top pick for both Mac and Android, and it isn’t hard to see why.

It allows you to connect up to ten devices simultaneously under one account. Whether you’re juggling a laptop, phone, and tablet, or sharing your plan with family, NordVPN makes it simple.

Better yet, you can configure NordVPN on your router, which protects every device connected to your home network, all while using just one of your ten available slots.

Meshnet

Meshnet lets NordVPN users create private, encrypted networks by linking multiple devices directly, a form of secure mesh networking.

With Meshnet, you can safely share files, remotely access work documents, or even play LAN games with friends, no matter where they are in the world.

It’s a powerful feature for advanced users, though it might feel a bit technical at first. NordVPN provides a helpful Meshnet resource center with step-by-step guides to help you get started.

SmartPlay

5. Supports Torrenting and P2P With Onion Over VPN Special Feature

NordVPN fully supports torrenting and P2P file sharing, making it a top choice for users looking to exchange files securely. While not every server supports P2P, the app will automatically connect you to an optimized server when you select the P2P option, with no manual searching required.

For users seeking maximum anonymity, NordVPN also offers Onion Over VPN servers, combining the privacy of the Tor network with the encryption of a VPN.

This is why NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for torrenting. One caveat worth flagging for power users: NordVPN does not offer port forwarding, which some torrenters rely on to connect to more peers. We cover that in the Cons section below.

Tor Network

NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN feature lets you access the Tor network directly through NordVPN’s servers, with no separate Tor browser required. This adds an extra layer of encryption and anonymity, shielding your IP before your traffic even hits the Onion network.

Unlike standard Tor access, which relies on unvetted volunteer-run entry nodes, NordVPN encrypts your connection first, reducing the risk of exposure. It’s a great option for privacy-focused users who want to browse anonymously without compromising on security.

6. Absolutely No Leaks Found in Our Tests

To test whether NordVPN is as secure as it claims, we checked several aspects of the client to make sure it’s working correctly. Every result confirmed that NordVPN is as leak-proof as it needs to be to protect your privacy.

First, we checked for DNS leaks using IPLeak.net.

Full marks there, so next up is checking for IP leaks using WebRTC via BrowserLeaks.com.

Once again, NordVPN performs perfectly. Some VPNs struggle to keep your IP totally under wraps because of WebRTC, but that’s not the case with NordVPN.

We also tested NordVPN’s Kill Switch extensively and are happy to report that in all cases, the VPN client cuts access to the internet as soon as your connection to NordVPN’s servers goes down.

Last but not least is NordVPN’s obfuscation protocol. Like the rest of our results, NordVPN deserves top marks here for implementing an obfuscation protocol that can’t be easily detected by packet inspection.

VirusTotal.com Report: Scan on the Installer

There were no viruses detected in the installer package.

7. Strategically Based in Panama (No Data Retention)

VPNs have surged in popularity, yet some users remain skeptical, often due to concerns around data retention laws. In many countries, VPN providers are legally obligated to store user data, which can be accessed by authorities if requested.

NordVPN avoids this issue by being headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws. This legal environment allows NordVPN to maintain a true no-logs policy.

In other words, even if someone came knocking with a court order, there would be nothing to hand over. NordVPN doesn’t collect, store, or share your activity data, and they’re transparent about this. Their commitment to privacy is one of the biggest reasons they remain one of the most trusted VPNs on the market.

8. Helpful and Proactive Customer Support

One of NordVPN’s strengths is its comprehensive resource menu and proactive customer support. The company has a 24/7 live chat feature, as well as an extensive help center that includes user guides, troubleshooting tips, and an FAQ section. NordVPN also runs a blog covering a variety of online privacy and security topics.

Helpful Live Chat and Email

In this day and age, I’d be surprised to find any major provider that doesn’t offer live chat support. NordVPN is thankfully one of the companies that does. Although my questions were given copy-paste answers at first, you’ll eventually connect with a human. The email support is also good, with knowledgeable and friendly staff replying to queries rapidly.

Extensive Knowledge Base

Sometimes you won’t have free time to speak to customer support or wait on an email reply. Fortunately, NordVPN has covered all of its bases with an extensive knowledge base. This is one of the most comprehensive I’ve seen, and it’s easy to navigate.

There are setup tutorials for a wide range of devices and platforms, as well as articles on general security topics and specific NordVPN features. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, there’s also a search bar.

After going through their directory and skimming any support page I could find, I estimate NordVPN to have well over 500 guides and tutorials.

9. Excellent VPN for Your Gaming Needs

Lag and latency can ruin any gaming session, but with NordVPN you’re set up for a smooth experience.

In our hands-on testing, NordVPN delivered strong performance with no connection issues or noticeable slowdowns on nearby servers. It consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, which is exactly what gamers need for real-time responsiveness.

For gaming, ping matters more than raw throughput, so that’s what we focused on. Connected to a nearby server, the added latency was barely there, well within the range that keeps competitive play responsive.

Nearby Server (EU to EU)

On a nearby connection you couldn’t really tell the difference between using NordVPN and going without. Packet loss was a mere 0.1%, and ping rose only 5.1ms.

• Ping: 54.9ms (+5.1ms)
• Jitter: 1.3ms (+0ms)
• Packet Loss: 0.1% (+0.1%)

Long-Distance Server (EU to US)

When connecting far away, there’s always going to be a delay simply because of the physical distance the data has to travel, and there’s nothing any VPN can do about that. What a provider can control is the overhead it adds on top, and NordVPN keeps that low. On a transatlantic hop, ping rose to 128ms, which is workable for casual play but not ideal for twitch-reflex competitive titles.

• Ping: 128ms (+122ms)
• Jitter: 3.3ms
• Packet Loss: 0.0%

The takeaway: for gaming, connect to the nearest server you can. Throughput tracks the speed-test results above (195 Mbps+ on every route we tested), which is far more than any online game needs. Ping is the variable to manage, and NordVPN handles it well at short range.

10. Great Third-Party Ratings

Apple App Store

NordVPN holds roughly a 4.7-star average across hundreds of thousands of App Store ratings, consistently ranking near the top of the Utilities category and making it one of the most trusted VPNs among iOS users.

Google Play Store

On Google’s Play Store, NordVPN holds over 1 million ratings with an average score of 4.6 stars, and has been downloaded over 100 million times, a clear testament to its popularity and performance.

Trustpilot

NordVPN continues to earn high praise on Trustpilot, holding a solid 4.1-star rating based on over 46,000 user reviews. This consistent performance across platforms speaks to the service’s reliability and customer satisfaction.

11. Great Security and Privacy

NordVPN continues to set a high bar for consumer VPN security. It uses AES-256-GCM encryption, the same encryption cleared by the NSA for securing TOP SECRET data. Even with today’s most powerful computers, it would take an impractical amount of time to crack.

Your connection is further protected by the Kill Switch feature, which automatically cuts off your internet if the VPN drops. This helps prevent accidental data leaks, especially useful if you’re switching Wi-Fi networks or dealing with unstable connections.

On the infrastructure side, NordVPN runs all of its servers on RAM-only memory, meaning nothing is stored locally and all data is wiped with every reboot. NordVPN has also moved much of its network to a colocated server model, where only NordVPN staff control the physical infrastructure, reducing third-party risk.

And of course, there’s the strict no-logs policy. Based in Panama, a country outside the 14-Eyes Alliance and without data retention laws, NordVPN is legally free to uphold this policy. It has also been independently audited multiple times, by PwC in its early audits and by Deloitte in the most recent rounds, with the latest no-logs assessment reported in early 2026. Each audit has confirmed that NordVPN does not track, store, or share user activity.

Threat Protection

NordVPN’s Threat Protection is one of its most practical features for everyday browsing. It blends elements of antivirus software, ad blockers, and DNS filtering to proactively safeguard your device. Once enabled in the NordVPN app, Threat Protection works continuously in the background to block:

Ads.

By blocking most online ads, including banners and pop-up windows, Threat Protection improves your browsing experience and keeps you safe from malicious ad-based attacks (also known as malvertising). YouTube ads, however, remain unaffected due to platform restrictions.

Malicious Links.

Threat Protection maintains a database of known dangerous URLs and automatically blocks access to suspicious domains. This helps prevent phishing attacks and stops you from landing on compromised websites.

Web Trackers.

The feature also blocks third-party tracking scripts that attempt to monitor your activity across different websites. While not as critical as malware protection, disabling trackers improves your privacy and helps stop intrusive ad targeting.

One unique advantage of Threat Protection is that it works even when you’re not connected to a VPN server, as long as the NordVPN app is running. This makes it especially useful in scenarios like online gaming, where you might prefer to pause the VPN connection but still want essential security protections.

NordVPN Cons

No VPN is perfect, and NordVPN has a handful of genuine trade-offs worth weighing before you commit. None are dealbreakers for most users, but they’re the things we’d want to know about up front.

1. Renewal Prices Climb After the First Term

This is the one to watch. NordVPN’s headline pricing is an introductory rate that applies to your first term only. The 2-year Basic plan works out to $3.49/month up front, but it renews at the standard annual rate afterward (around $11.59/month equivalent). The intro deal also only applies once, so you can’t keep re-subscribing to the 2-year offer to dodge the increase.

The fix is simple: set a renewal reminder, and if you don’t want to pay the higher rate, disable auto-renewal in your account settings before the first term ends (Billing > Subscriptions > Cancel auto-renewal). You’ll keep your access through the term you paid for.

2. No Port Forwarding

NordVPN doesn’t offer port forwarding. For most people this never comes up, but if you’re a heavy torrenter who wants to connect to the maximum number of peers, or you’re hosting a game server, port forwarding can help. NordVPN’s position is that it leaves the feature out partly for security reasons, since open ports can create exposure. If port forwarding is a must-have, it’s worth knowing some competitors offer it and NordVPN doesn’t.

3. Access in China and Other Restrictive Countries Isn’t Reliable

NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are built to bypass censorship, and they often work, but in heavily restricted regions like China, Iran, and the UAE, connectivity is hit or miss. NordVPN’s own support team acknowledges that stable access in China isn’t guaranteed. If you’re traveling somewhere with serious internet controls, set the app up and test it before you go (the website and app stores are often blocked once you arrive), and go in expecting some downtime. If reliable China access is your primary need, NordVPN may not be the safest bet.

4. Distant Servers Can Be Slow to Connect

While speeds on nearby servers are excellent, connecting to far-flung servers occasionally takes longer than it should. It’s a minor annoyance rather than a real performance problem, and once connected the link is stable, but it’s worth noting if you frequently hop to servers on the other side of the world.

5. App Store and Reseller Purchases Can’t Be Refunded by NordVPN

If you purchase NordVPN via the Apple App Store, you’re subject to Apple’s refund policies, not NordVPN’s, so you’ll need to contact Apple directly for any refund request. Similarly, NordVPN can’t refund purchases made through resellers like Amazon, Best Buy, or StackSocial, and payments via prepaid or gift cards are also non-refundable. This is standard across most subscription apps, and it’s easily avoided by subscribing directly through NordVPN.com, where the 30-day money-back guarantee applies in full.

How To Sign Up With NordVPN

The process for signing up and installing NordVPN is straightforward. First, head to NordVPN.com to choose your payment plan. You can choose between 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans. Once you select a plan and create an account with your billing information, you’ll be directed to the setup process below.

Step 1: Sign Up

Head to NordVPN.com and select from the three payment plans. You’ll be prompted to create an account, which you can then use to log in and download the app.

Step 2: Download the App

Next, download the app for your operating system. You can find the download page by logging into your account, or grab the app from your Mac or Windows app store.

Step 3: Download Other Apps

With your NordVPN subscription, you have access to NordPass and NordLocker (depending on your plan tier). You can download these from the same page.

Step 4: Log In and Connect

And it’s as easy as that. Once NordVPN is installed, select ‘Log In’ and you’ll be redirected back to the app. From here you can launch and begin using your VPN for secure browsing, streaming, and torrenting.

Once installed, NordVPN will provide automatic software updates when available. You can choose to update right away or be reminded later.

Pricing: Subscription Plans, Payment Options, and Money-Back Guarantee

NordVPN offers tiered pricing, depending on the length of plan you commit to:

• The 1-month plan: NordVPN Basic costs $12.99 per month (paid monthly).
• The 1-year plan: NordVPN Basic costs $4.99 per month for the first year (paid as $59.88 up front), renewing at the standard annual rate afterward.
• The 2-year plan: NordVPN Basic costs $3.49 per month for the first two years (billed up front for the term), then renews at the standard annual rate (around $11.59 per month equivalent).

Besides Basic, NordVPN offers three higher subscription tiers:

• NordVPN Plus (+ NordPass)
  • 1-month: $15.29/mo ; 1-year: $71.88 ($5.99/mo) ; 2-year: $105.36 ($4.39/mo)
• NordVPN Complete (+ NordPass and NordLocker)
  • 1-month: $18.69/mo ; 1-year: $83.88 ($6.99/mo) ; 2-year: $129.36 ($5.39/mo)
• NordVPN Prime (+ NordPass, NordLocker, and identity protection)
  • 1-month: $25.29/mo ; 1-year: $107.08 ($8.99/mo) ; 2-year: $177.36 ($7.39/mo)

NordVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN out there, but it’s one of the best when it comes to overall value. It leans toward the premium side of the market, but with top-tier speed, 9,000+ servers, and one of the most feature-rich setups we’ve seen, you get more than your money’s worth.

One subscription lets you use NordVPN on up to ten devices simultaneously. Plus, if you install it on your router, every device on your Wi-Fi network is protected, stretching that limit even further.

All NordVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Whether it’s technical issues or you simply change your mind, you’ll get a full refund if you request it within the window. We tested this ourselves through live chat: after a quick “are you sure” from the agent, the refund was processed without fuss.

It’s worth noting that all core VPN features covered in this review are included in the Basic plan. The higher tiers bundle in other Nord Security tools (like NordPass or NordLocker), but you don’t need to pay extra to get the full VPN experience.

NordVPN Trial

While NordVPN doesn’t offer a free trial on its website, it makes up for this with a 30-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. Android users can also access a 7-day free trial through Google Play. Just make sure to cancel on time if you want a refund, or you’ll continue to be charged.

With one plan, you can secure up to ten devices, including a smart TV and router.

All subscriptions come with the same one-size-fits-all VPN, including:

• No logging: Yes.
• Ease of the VPN software: Signing up and using the app was very user-friendly.
• Hidden fees & clauses: Refunds aren’t granted for purchases made through the iTunes/App Store. Payments made using prepaid or gift cards aren’t refundable.
• Upsells: No pushy upsells.
• DNS leaks: None.
• Jurisdiction: Panama
• Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx (WireGuard), and NordWhisper.
• Kill-switch: Yes.

NordVPN doesn’t set a bandwidth limit like many free VPNs do. The plans are one-size-fits-all on the VPN itself; the only difference between Basic and the higher tiers is the bundled extras, not the VPN.

Payment Options

Along with all major credit cards and payment services, NordVPN accepts PayPal, Google Pay, and multiple cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero) for added privacy.

Conclusion: A Deserving Number One

In short: NordVPN is the best VPN for everyday use. Threat Protection alone puts it ahead of most consumer VPNs, offering security on par with comprehensive cybersecurity bundles. NordVPN stands out from the crowd with a huge selection of servers, impressive speeds, and a great list of useful extra features, which is why it tops our list of the best ExpressVPN alternatives.

It isn’t flawless. Renewal prices jump after the first term, there’s no port forwarding, and access in heavily censored countries can be patchy. But for the overwhelming majority of users, none of those are dealbreakers, and the combination of speed, security, and audited privacy is hard to beat at this price.

You can get a NordVPN $3.49 deal here.