NordVPN Review 2024: A Top VPN Option Tested by Experts

Overview

NordVPN is a leading player in the virtual private network (VPN) industry, offering a comprehensive service that caters to the needs of discerning customers. With lightning-fast speeds, a rich set of features, and user-friendly operation, NordVPN stands out among its competitors. Operating from a jurisdiction that prioritizes user privacy, it provides essential security and privacy features expected from a top-tier VPN, along with noteworthy extras such as the double-hop VPN and Onion over VPN functionality. Furthermore, its affordability ensures that customers receive substantial value for their investment.

The Pros and Cons of NordVPN

In-Depth Analysis

While it appears to be an excellent VPN choice at first glance, a closer examination reveals notable shortcomings, particularly in the areas of privacy and transparency. The most significant issue is the routing of user traffic through residential IP addresses provided by a company with a questionable track record. Additionally, their transparency efforts leave much to be desired.

User Segmentation

It remains an excellent choice for casual VPN users who seek content unblocking or basic activity concealment from their Internet Service Providers (ISPs). However, for those who prioritize online privacy, it may not be the ideal solution. The uncertainty and opacity surrounding NordVPN make it challenging to wholeheartedly endorse.

Transparency Matters

Choosing a VPN provider involves entrusting them with your data and online security, making it a significant decision. While NordVPN’s claims of not keeping logs and its multiple security audits provide a good foundation, they fall short without an annual transparency report and clear information about partnerships and corporate structure. NordVPN needs to reevaluate its approach to transparency if it wants to maintain its status as a leading player in the VPN industry and the broader online privacy sphere.

Speed: The Second-Fastest VPN We’ve Tested

In our speed tests conducted in July and August, NordVPN showed impressive performance. Compared to previous tests in 2020, where NordVPN registered an average speed loss of 53%, the latest round of tests only resulted in a 13% speed loss. This places NordVPN as one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, second only to ExpressVPN, which had a minimal 2% speed loss.

Please refer to the A Comprehensive Analysis of VPN Comparative Test by AV-TEST 2024 for more details

NordVPN’s speeds were tested in various locations, including New York, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and Singapore. The average internet speed without the VPN was 368.07 Mbps, while the average speed connected to NordVPN servers was 321.28 Mbps. Surprisingly, the speeds in New York (343.12 Mbps) were slightly slower compared to the UK (351.41 Mbps) and Europe (345.70 Mbps). However, it’s worth noting that New York experiences heavy VPN traffic, which could have affected the speeds. Australia and Singapore had the slowest speeds, averaging 260.81 Mbps and 305.34 Mbps, respectively.

NordVPN’s speed performance remained consistent throughout the testing period, without any significant fluctuations. However, it would be beneficial for NordVPN to expand its network of 59 server locations to improve overall speeds and provide more options for users.

Pricing Structure

NordVPN offers three pricing options. The two-year plan costs $79 for the first two years, the yearly plan costs $60 for the first year, and the monthly plan costs $12 per month. After the initial periods, the prices increase to $100 annually for subsequent years. It is not recommended to commit to a single provider for more than a year due to the rapidly changing VPN industry. The monthly plan remains at $12 per month, resulting in $144 annually.

Accepted payment options include major credit/debit cards, AmazonPay, Google Pay, ACH transfer, and various cryptocurrencies. NordVPN has also partnered with retail stores such as Staples, BestBuy, and Walmart, allowing customers to purchase subscriptions with cash.

Highlight: Enjoy full access to the award-winning VPN completely risk-free. If you are not 100% satisfied, tell us within 30 days of buying NordVPN and get a full refund.

Payment Options

While they don’t accept PayPal, it offers multiple payment options, including major credit/debit cards, AmazonPay, Google Pay, ACH transfer, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Dogecoin. Furthermore, NordVPN has partnered with select retail stores such as Staples, BestBuy, and Walmart, where you can even purchase your VPN subscription with cash.

Security and Privacy: Excellent Encryption, but Red Flags Abound

NordVPN excels in providing online security and streaming freedom. It supports a wide range of platforms and devices, ensuring that users can safeguard their online presence regardless of the device they use. One of NordVPN’s standout features is its flexibility, allowing up to six simultaneous connections on a single subscription, which is more generous than many other VPN providers.

Streaming enthusiasts will also appreciate NordVPN’s ability to bypass geo-blocking and access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. With dedicated servers optimized for streaming, NordVPN ensures a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience.

In terms of security, NordVPN utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is considered military-grade and provides robust protection for your data. It also offers a range of security protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, giving users flexibility in choosing the level of security and speed they prefer.

However, there are some concerns regarding NordVPN’s privacy practices. In 2019, it was revealed that NordVPN had experienced a security breach in one of its data centers, which could have potentially exposed user data. While NordVPN has taken steps to address the issue and improve its infrastructure security, the incident raised questions about the company’s ability to protect user privacy.

Another privacy concern is the use of residential IP addresses provided by a third-party company called Luminati. Residential IP addresses are typically associated with individual internet users, but Luminati has been involved in controversies regarding its practices, such as the use of its network for scraping and data mining. Routing user traffic through these residential IP addresses raises privacy and security concerns, as it is unclear how much control NordVPN has over the IPs and how they are used.

Furthermore, NordVPN’s jurisdiction in Panama is often touted as privacy-friendly, as Panama has no mandatory data retention laws. However, the lack of clear information about NordVPN’s corporate structure and partnerships raises questions about how the company operates and handles user data.

Customer Support

NordVPN provides customer support through various channels, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and an extensive knowledge base. The live chat option is particularly convenient for quick queries and technical assistance. The support team is generally responsive and helpful in resolving customer issues.

The knowledge base is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics and providing step-by-step guides for various platforms and devices. It also includes troubleshooting articles and frequently asked questions to assist users in resolving common issues on their own.

Conclusion

They offer a robust VPN service with impressive speeds, a rich set of features, and user-friendly applications across multiple platforms. It excels in providing security and privacy features, with strong encryption and support for various protocols. Its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming platforms makes it a popular choice among streaming enthusiasts.

However, NordVPN’s privacy and transparency concerns, particularly the use of questionable residential IP addresses, raise red flags for privacy-conscious users. The lack of transparency regarding the company’s corporate structure and partnerships further complicates the trustworthiness of the service.

While NordVPN remains a viable option for casual VPN users seeking content unblocking and basic online security, those who prioritize privacy may want to explore alternative VPN providers that provide more transparency and a stronger privacy track record. It’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and requirements before making a decision.