NordVPN review 2024 : It Still The Best ?
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NordVPN stands out as one of the premier VPN choices for users in 2023, acclaimed for its exceptional speed, robust online security features, and adeptness in streaming and torrenting. Reviews from VPN users consistently highlight its browsing tools, making it a standout product in the market.
At the forefront of NordVPN’s offerings is its proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, ensuring high-speed connections. The service boasts advanced encryption and a rigorously audited no-logs policy, guaranteeing user anonymity. Its user-friendly applications are laden with distinctive features, including the complimentary Meshnet, catering to both novices and seasoned users alike.
However, there are occasional reported issues with it, notably sporadic glitches following software updates, which have raised concerns among its users. This review delves deeper into NordVPN, evaluating its suitability for beginners and experienced users, its safety measures, performance in streaming and torrenting, as well as its pricing structure.
These insights provide a glimpse into the extensive examination conducted by our Cybernews experts in this comprehensive Nord-VPN review. Leveraging hands-on testing and our extensive expertise, we thoroughly evaluated Nord-VPN’s capabilities. While Nord-VPN emerges as a top-tier VPN service, it’s imperative to recognize that its features might not align with everyone’s preferences. In the subsequent sections, we aim to guide you in determining if Nord-VPN aligns with your specific needs.
NordVPN pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
RAM-only server infrastructure Fastest VPN in our testing Eliminates ISP bandwidth throttling Meshnet feature for remote device access Intuitive apps for most devices Solid, independently audited security features Unblocks geo-restricted streaming websites Safe for torrenting Speedy 24/7 customer support Affordable price 30-day money-back guarantee 7-day free trial | Absence of a graphical interface for the Linux client Absence of an unlimited free plan Restricted number of simultaneous connections |
What Is the Pricing for NordVPN
Nord-VPN simplifies its pricing structure by offering three primary plans – Standard, Plus, and Complete, with variations based on subscription duration: 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year options.
Choosing a longer subscription period translates to greater savings. Here’s a comparison of the pricing
between a 1-year and 1-month subscription for each plan:
- Standard Plan: $4.49/month (1-year plan) versus $12.99/month (1-month plan)
- Plus Plan: $5.49/month (1-year plan) versus $13.99/month (1-month plan)
- Complete Plan: $6.49/month (1-year plan) versus $14.99/month (1-month plan)
Regarding payment methods, it offers a diverse array of options for user convenience. These include traditional methods such as credit cards, AmazonPay, Sofort, PayPal, and ACH Transfer. Additionally, users can utilize prepaid cards for payments. For added ease, NordVPN supports Apple Pay and Google Pay as alternative payment options, catering to varying preferences and convenience.
Speed and Performance
Nord-VPN stands out as one of the swiftest and top VPN services in the industry, particularly when utilizing its proprietary NordLynx protocol. This protocol, an enhancement of the renowned WireGuard protocol, effectively blends speed with robust security measures. Despite Nord-VPN’s exceptional speeds, other VPNs known for their speed performance are not far behind. For instance, Surfshark ranks as the second-fastest provider, maintaining an average speed retention rate of 86%, whereas Nord-VPN consistently upholds a 90% retention rate.
Nord-VPN’s remarkable speeds are largely attributed to its innovative NordLynx technology, robust server infrastructure, and extensive global server network. These factors collectively contribute to its excellent performance in delivering swift and reliable connections.
How does NordVPN work?
Nord-VPN operates as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, designed to enhance online privacy and security by establishing a secure, encrypted connection between a user’s device and the internet. Here’s an overview of how Nord-VPN works:
- Encryption: When a user connects to NordVPN, their internet traffic is encrypted. This encryption process scrambles data, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties attempting to intercept it.
- Tunneling: Nord-VPN employs a secure tunneling protocol to transmit encrypted data between the user’s device and Nord-VPN’s servers. The service uses various tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and its proprietary NordLynx, providing options for different levels of security and speed.
- Server Network: Nord-VPN operates a vast network of servers located in numerous countries worldwide. Users can choose a server location to route their internet traffic through, allowing them to appear as if they are browsing from that specific location.
- IP Address Concealment: By routing internet traffic through its servers, NordVPN masks the user’s IP address, replacing it with the IP address of the selected NordVPN server. This action helps protect user anonymity and privacy.
- Bypassing Restrictions: NordVPN enables users to bypass geographical restrictions and censorship by allowing access to content and websites that might be otherwise restricted or blocked in their region.
- Enhanced Security Features: Alongside encryption and IP masking, NordVPN provides additional security features such as CyberSec, which blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts, adding an extra layer of protection during browsing sessions.
Overall, Nord-VPN functions by securing a user’s internet connection, safeguarding their data from potential threats, and granting them greater control over their online privacy and access to online content.
Accessing Netflix content using NordVPN
Nord-VPN proves to be a top choice for streaming Netflix content across different global regions. It flawlessly unblocks the UK and US libraries, and impressively grants access to even notoriously challenging libraries such as Japan.
FAQ
Is Nord-VPN reliable?
Nord-VPN currently stands as a reputable premium VPN service provider, assuring user safety through its business location, strict no-logs policy, and robust infrastructure. Having undergone two public audits and holding ioXt certification, Nord-VPN ensures data privacy.
Can NordVPN be traced?
Nord-VPN prioritizes user anonymity by encrypting internet traffic, ensuring online activities remain private. The service does not collect user data, ensuring user privacy.
Does NordVPN work in China?
Yes, Nord-VPN operates in China, although a manual setup is required for most operating systems. Users traveling to China need to set up Nord-VPN using configuration files due to restrictions on using Nord-VPN’s clients.
How many devices can I connect with NordVPN?
Nord-VPN allows simultaneous connection of up to 6 devices under the same account. Additionally, if Nord-VPN is set up on a router, it can be used with as many devices as the router supports.
Does Nord-VPN offer SOCKS5 proxy?
NordVPN includes SOCKS5 proxy in its subscription, allowing users to connect to the proxy alongside using the VPN, particularly useful for torrenting clients.
What are NordVPN P2P servers?
NordVPN’s P2P servers support torrenting and P2P sharing. Users can select a server from the provided list to enjoy an encrypted connection.
Does NordVPN work with Netflix?
NordVPN is compatible with Netflix, allowing users to access additional libraries hosting exclusive movies and TV series. Users have access to 15 Netflix libraries and can employ SmartDNS for unblocking without VPN software installation.
Is Nord-VPN faster than ExpressVPN?
Based on performance tests, Nord-VPN showcases higher speed than ExpressVPN. Nord-VPN maintained an average of 90% of initial connection speeds across 5 countries, while ExpressVPN retained 77%.
Can I cancel Nord-VPN anytime?
Cancellation of your Nord-VPN account or recurring subscription is possible at any time via the main NordAccount screen.
How much does NordVPN cost?
NordVPN offers a monthly price of $2.99 with a 2-year plan, delivering the best value for money. Alternatively, users can opt for a 1-year plan at $4.49/month or a monthly plan at $12.99.