NordVPN Review 2023: 2 Cons and 8 Pros

by Vít Nováček

✅ Fact-checked by Petr Novák ​

updated July 5, 2023 (Report a bug)

1. NordVPN: Top VPN Choice for 2023

   • The app supports 10 languages only
   • Allows connection on up to 6 devices only

   • Offers exceptional security
   • Undergone independent privacy compliance audit by PwC
   • Special servers can mask VPN usage
   • High connection speed (download measured at 183 Mb/s)
   • Wide range of available countries (59) and servers (5,813)
   • Features numerous additional options, including Double VPN
   • Reliably unblocks streaming services such as US Netflix
   • Offers dedicated IP address in multiple locations for an extra fee

   Alongside NordVPN, Surfshark ranks among the leading VPN providers and boasts a rating of 9.4/10, making it one of the highest-rated services available. Since 2012, the company has been operating from Panama, offering users high levels of anonymity and data protection, thanks to a favorable jurisdiction. The exceptional security of NordVPN is affirmed by the repeated audits conducted by entities like PwC and VerSprite.

   Compared to other VPNs, NordVPN provides an above-average number of servers – 5,813 in 59 countries, offering users anonymity and global content accessibility.

   One benefit of NordVPN is the ability to personalize favorite servers or secure Wi-Fi networks. The app can be utilized on 6 devices simultaneously under one account, making it easy to protect an entire household due to its router compatibility.

   During our testing, we unblocked videos from all streaming platforms, including Netflix in the US, without any issues. NordVPN also provides servers specifically optimized for P2P file sharing.

   The NordVPN app for desktop and mobile devices comes with advanced features for secure browsing and enhanced anonymity. This includes kill switch features, malware blocking, multi-hop, and more. These security measures are supported by proven, high-quality protocols.

2. NordVPN Subscription: Discount Code, Free Trial, Money Back Guarantee…

   • Your Price: $13.94​71% off  $4.07 /mo (6 devices)
   • Money Back Guarantee: Yes (30 days)
   • Free Trial: No
   • Cryptocurrency payments:
     Yes

     Bitcoin :Yes
     Dash :Yes
     Ethereum :Yes
     Ripple :Yes

   

   9.4

   ★★★★☆

   Extremely secure and fast VPN that unblocked all streaming platforms in tests. Offers many premium features and successfully passed a privacy audit.

   $4.07 /mo​30-day money back guarantee

   Get this VPN 71% cheaper

   NordVPN offers subscriptions on a monthly, annual, and bi-annual basis. The most economical is the two-year subscription, currently available for $4.07 per month. Additional discounts or bonuses can be applied to this already favorable subscription during special events. The current promotion can be found on NordVPN‘s website.

   NordVPN provides three subscription options that include additional services alongside the VPN:

   • Standard: Includes VPN only, with no additional services
   • Plus: Includes Standard package plus password manager and data leak checker
   • Complete: Includes Plus package plus 1TB secure cloud storage and advanced file encryption

   NordVPN typically doesn’t offer a trial version (only occasionally during special promotions) or a free version. However, users can take advantage of the 30 days of money-back guarantee, with no conditions or limits on data transfer.

   Subscriptions can be paid to NordVPN via credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, among others.

   NordVPN offers discounts to students who can save 15% through the StudentBeans and Youth Discount platforms. If you refer NordVPN to friends who purchase a subscription, you receive 3 months of free service.

3. NordVPN and Supported Devices: Android, iOS, macOS…

   • Device limit: 6

   Platforms supported

   • Android:
     Yes

     Android is supported by 99 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Android TV:
     Yes

     Android TV is supported by 38 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Apple TV:
     Yes

     Apple TV is supported by 18 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Fire TV:
     Yes

     Fire TV is supported by 44 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Chromebook:
     Yes

     Chromebook is supported by 21 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Chromecast:
     Yes

     Chromecast is supported by 16 % of reviewed VPNs
   • iOS:
     Yes

     iOS is supported by 100 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Kodi:
     Yes

     Kodi is supported by 22 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Linux:
     Yes

     Linux is supported by 62 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Mac:
     Yes

     Mac is supported by 98 % of reviewed VPNs
   • NAS:
     Yes

     NAS is supported by 26 % of reviewed VPNs
   • nVidia Shield:
     Yes

     nVidia Shield is supported by 16 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Playstation:
     Yes

     Playstation is supported by 20 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Raspberry Pi:
     Yes

     Raspberry Pi is supported by 18 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Roku:
     Yes

     Roku is supported by 16 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Router:
     Yes

     Router is supported by 54 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Windows:
     Yes

     Windows is supported by 100 % of reviewed VPNs
   • xBox:
     Yes

     xBox is supported by 20 % of reviewed VPNs

   Browser Extensions

   • Brave :
     Yes

     The Brave browser add-on is offered by 45 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Chrome :
     Yes

     The Chrome browser add-on is offered by 45 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Edge :
     Yes

     The Edge browser add-on is offered by 19 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Firefox :
     Yes

     The Firefox browser add-on is offered by 35 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Opera :
     Yes

     The Opera browser add-on is offered by 45 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Safari :
     No

     The Safari browser add-on is offered by 0 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Vivaldi :
     Yes

     The Vivaldi browser add-on is offered by 45 % of reviewed VPNs.

   NordVPN is compatible with all major operating systems and devices, and can also be used as an extension for browsers and routers. You can connect up to 6 different devices under one account.

   The NordVPN app is available for download on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Nintendo, Chromebook and other less commonly used platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, and Brave.

   NordVPN service is compatible with NAS devices and offers the ability to protect an entire household through a router. Pre-configured routers with NordVPN are available, or you can install a VPN on your own router using our tutorial.

4. NordVPN App: User-friendliness, whitelist, server selection…

   • App Languages: 🇺🇸 English +9 more🇩🇪 German 🇪🇸 Spanish 🇫🇷 French 🇵🇹 Portuguese 🇮🇹 Italian 🇨🇳 Chinese 🇰🇷 Korean 🇯🇵 Japanese 🇦🇪 Arabic
   • Whitelisting:
     Yes

     Whitelisting is supported by 52 % of reviewed VPNs

   The NordVPN app is available in 10 languages, including English.

   There are various display settings available in the status bar and on the main menu, including the option to switch between light and dark mode, and to enable automatic application updates. NordVPN allows data transfer without any limit.

   While the application might seem complex at first due to its wide range of features, a basic connection to a VPN server is easily accessible on the app’s homepage. Here, you can select from a list of countries and servers, or pick a country by clicking on the map. An automatic VPN connection to the recommended country can be activated whenever you start your computer.

   Connection to nearby servers was quick, while connections to more distant servers or double multi-hop connections took a bit longer. During our testing, this did not affect the overall user experience. You can also create custom lists of favorite servers or recommended servers for file downloads, seamless surfing, or maximum speed. A list of DoubleVPN servers and Onion Over VPN servers for accessing the Tor network is also provided.

   More advanced users can access several additional tabs in the app to personalize or adjust settings for maximum security and smooth internet usage. The app also displays VPN usage time, protocols used, etc.

   In the app’s settings, you can enable protection against malware and other internet threats, activate a custom mesh network, and select a protocol from the Open VPN UDP/TCP or NordLynx menu (IKEv2 is also available on mobile). The app allows whitelisting of secure websites, apps, and Wi-Fi networks, and activating a kill switch. A referral code is provided in the app which you can use to invite friends to use NordVPN and receive a free service period.

5. NordVPN Connection Speed: Upload, Download & Latency

   • Traffic limit: Unlimited

   Download speed

   Higher is better. The average download of all tested VPNs is 107 Mb/s.

   Upload speed

   Higher is better. The average upload of all tested VPNs is 74 Mb/s.

   Server latency

   A lower value is better. The average response rate of all tested VPNs is 61 ms.

   Launching the app and establishing a VPN connection was quick on all devices with NordVPN. Users are not restricted by the amount of data transferred.

   NordVPN utilizes the NordLynx protocol to ensure maximum speed. During testing, we measured the average download speed at 183 Mb/s. Compared to competing VPNs, this is above average and suitable for downloading large files and streaming video in high 4K resolution.

   Upload speed, sufficient for uploading larger files, was measured on average at 103 Mb/s, which is faster than many other VPNs.

   Response speed is crucial for online gaming, and NordVPN‘s latency was significantly lower (11 ms) compared to other companies in our database. Lower latency is better for response times.

6. NordVPN Server Locations

   • Number of servers:
     5,813

     The average number of servers for the reviewed VPNs is 1679.
   • Number of countries:
     59

     The average number of countries available for the reviewed VPNs is 40.

   Europe	🇦🇱 Albania 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇬 Bulgaria 🇨🇿 Czech Republic 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇫🇮 Finland 🇫🇷 France 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇮🇸 Iceland 🇮🇹 Italy 🇨🇾 Cyprus 🇱🇹 Lithuania 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇱🇺 Luxembourg 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇲🇩 Moldova 🇩🇪 Germany 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇱 Poland 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇦🇹 Austria 🇷🇴 Romania 🇬🇷 Greece 🇲🇰 Northern Macedonia 🇸🇰 Slovakia 🇸🇮 Slovenia 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇷🇸 Serbia 🇪🇸 Spain 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇻🇦 Vatican City
   North America	🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇷 Costa Rica 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇺🇸 USA
   South America	🇦🇷 Argentina 🇧🇷 Brazil 🇨🇱 Chile
   Asia	🇬🇪 Georgia 🇭🇰 Hong Kong 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇮🇱 Israel 🇯🇵 Japan 🇰🇷 South Korea 🇲🇾 Malaysia 🇸🇬 Singapore 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates 🇹🇭 Thailand 🇹🇼 Taiwan
   Africa	🇿🇦 South Africa
   Oceania	🇦🇺 Australia 🇳🇿 New Zealand

   NordVPN offers a sizable number of 5,813 servers in 59 countries worldwide. While it’s not the highest among all VPN providers, it’s certainly ample for most users to unblock local content. Servers are available in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

   Automatic connection to the fastest server at the time is available. Servers can be selected from the list or on the map. Each server displays a connection quality indicator to help you choose a stable and fast server.

   NordVPN has servers in countries with internet censorship, such as the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Turkey. While NordVPN used to have servers in China, these have been unavailable for some time.

   NordVPN provides dedicated servers for P2P torrenting in certain countries. In selected locations, “obfuscated servers” are available, which can hide VPN usage from streaming platforms or the local government.

   For an extra fee, NordVPN offers a dedicated IP address, with locations including the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, Italy, and Sweden. The dedicated IP address belongs solely to the user who pays for it.

   For heightened security, the Double VPN (also known as Multi-hop) feature can be utilized on selected servers, which uses two different servers simultaneously for connection.

7. NordVPN Security Features: DNS Leak Protection, Kill Switch…

   • DNS leak protection :
     Yes

     DNS leak protection is offered by 93% of the reviewed VPNs.
   • Kill Switch:
     Yes

     Kill Switch is supported by 82% of the reviewed VPNs.
   • Multi-Hop:
     Yes

     Multi-Hop connection is offered by 20 % of the VPNs reviewed.
   • Tor:
     Yes

     Tor support is offered by 16 % of the reviewed VPNs.

   NordVPN Security Features: DNS Leak Protection, Kill Switch, and More

   NordVPN provides a high level of security, including several advanced features. These include DNS leak protection, WebRTC, and a kill switch to guard against insecure connections. If a VPN server connection fails, the application promptly disconnects the user from the internet, preventing their real IP address from being exposed or their data from being compromised.

   In our testing, NordVPN consistently concealed our IP address and DNS. The application also screens for personal data leaks on the dark web and notifies users immediately if their data has been compromised.

   All data transmitted is secured by NordVPN with 256-bit AES encryption, utilizing OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, and IKEv2 protocols. These are widely trusted security standards commonly employed by most VPN providers.

   NordVPN also provides its proprietary NordLynx protocol, based on the modern WireGuard protocol. NordLynx offers leaner source code, making it the most modern and fastest option for VPN services. It is set as the default protocol for most NordVPN applications, but can be easily altered in the settings if necessary.

   For users needing maximum security and privacy, NordVPN offers a multi-hop connection feature that routes VPN traffic through two separate servers simultaneously. NordVPN refers to this as Double VPN. This feature significantly enhances anonymity and security as data is encrypted twice. If the first VPN layer is compromised, only the next VPN layer is exposed, not the user’s data.

   NordVPN also supports connection to Tor via special Onion Over VPN servers.

   For enhanced account security, NordVPN encourages users to activate multi-factor authentication at login. This can be easily enabled in the app and confirmed through the email provided during registration.

   NordVPN also operates a bug bounty program to ensure high-level security. Users who discover VPN security issues or bugs in the app and report them to NordVPN can receive a financial reward. The reward is determined based on the severity of the bug discovered. This allows NordVPN to rectify the problem, thereby increasing security for all users.

8. NordVPN & Streaming: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime…

   • Amazon Prime:
     Yes

     Amazon Prime streaming is supported by 52 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Disney+:
     Yes

     Disney+ streaming is supported by 54 % of reviewed VPNs
   • HBO:
     Yes

     HBO streaming is supported by 57 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Hulu:
     Yes

     Hulu streaming is supported by 48 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Netflix:
     Yes

     Netflix streaming is supported by 64 % of reviewed VPNs
   • YouTube:
     Yes

     YouTube streaming is supported by 92 % of reviewed VPNs

   While NordVPN doesn’t offer dedicated servers for streaming videos, it enables users to unblock foreign content on all servers in countries where the service is accessible. If streaming is unsuccessful, disconnecting and reconnecting to the server or switching servers can resolve the issue by changing the IP address. Some streaming services continually block VPN IP addresses to limit VPN usage. If you encounter issues, NordVPN suggests connecting to the newest server, identifiable by its higher number.

   We successfully unblocked all popular streaming platforms with NordVPN, including US Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. If your goal is to unblock streaming platforms using a VPN, NordVPN is a solid choice.

   For streaming foreign content, NordVPN offers a SmartDNS feature, which is part of NordVPN SmartPlay. This feature can also be utilized on smart TVs. SmartDNS isn’t primarily designed to offer user protection over VPNs, but it makes unblocking foreign content streaming services more straightforward.

9. Features of NordVPN: AdBlock, Static IP…

   • Blocks Ads:
     Yes

     Ad blocking is offered by 44 % of the VPNs reviewed.
   • Blocks Malware:
     Yes

     Malware blocking is offered by 35 % of the VPNs reviewed.
   • Blocks Trackers:
     Yes

     Trackers blocking is offered by 38 % of the VPNs reviewed.

   NordVPN offers a plethora of features to ensure security and convenience when surfing the internet. One useful feature allows users to select unsecured networks and connect to them only with an active VPN. We always recommend securing Wi-Fi via VPN when connecting to public networks in cafes, airports, or similar places.

   Alongside the kill switch feature, NordVPN offers split tunneling, allowing some applications to connect via VPN while others connect directly to the internet simultaneously. Any website or application can be added to a whitelist, exempting it from VPN use. This list of secure websites can be easily imported into a browser extension via a JSON file.

   A valuable feature of NordVPN is its capacity to block malware, ads, malicious files, and trackers during web browsing. This feature, referred to as “Threat Protection” within the app, doesn’t require an active VPN to function. The full version of this feature is available on Windows and macOS desktops. iOS and Android devices, along with web browser extensions, can utilize a lightweight version of Threat Protection Lite to guard users against ads and harmful websites.

   NordVPN allows users to create a so-called Meshnet, essentially a secure home network consisting of multiple devices. Within a Meshnet, users can safely share files, play LAN games, or simply access connected devices.

   A Double VPN (also known as a multi-hop connection) provides users with enhanced protection when surfing the internet. This feature connects the app to two different servers simultaneously, making user tracking exceedingly difficult. NordVPN offers 82 servers from which pairs of multi-hop (Double VPN) servers can be established. These server pairs are predetermined to ensure top-quality connection; users cannot select their own combinations. A trade-off for this heightened privacy is a slightly reduced speed due to connecting through two servers simultaneously.

   A notable feature of NordVPN is Dark Web Monitoring, which monitors the email address used to create the account. If the email address has been leaked onto the dark web and is at risk of misuse, the user is notified.

   For those requiring maximum anonymity, NordVPN provides three servers for Onion Over VPN. This allows the use of the Tor browser or access to sites requiring Tor. With an active connection to NordVPN, your ISP cannot track the sites you visit.

   As an additional service, NordVPN offers the option to purchase a dedicated IP address. Users can select from various locations in different countries; the dedicated address will be exclusively used by the purchaser. No other internet user will have the same IP, which can be used to further secure devices connected to the account.

   While NordVPN doesn’t offer a standard camouflage mode to hide VPN usage, it does provide dedicated servers with equivalent functionality. Users needing to conceal their VPN use can connect to “Obfuscated Servers”.

   In addition to VPN services, NordVPN offers:

   • NordPass: A secure password manager that can be used across all connected devices. The NordPass app can verify if passwords or credit card data have been leaked online.
   • NordLocker: Secure cloud storage for files
   • NordLayer: VPN security for businesses

10. NordVPN‘s CPU usage and App Performance

    Like most desktop VPN apps, NordVPN doesn’t place a heavy load on your computer, allowing you to work without hindrance. The app continues to run in the background when closed, but you can fully shut it down if desired. Similarly, you can disable automatic connection upon system startup.

    The running application consumes only 0.5% of the processor’s power. RAM usage averages around 70 MB, slightly higher than competing applications but minimally impacting the performance of a modern computer. Battery usage remains within 0.5% during normal use.

    NordVPN regularly releases updates to improve app functionality, optimize performance, and guard against emerging threats.

11. NordVPN Torrenting Servers

    • Torrenting servers:
      Yes

      Torrenting support is offered by 88 % of the reviewed VPNs.

    NordVPN fully supports torrenting and P2P file sharing.

    NordVPN offers specific P2P servers optimized for file sharing and torrenting. A comprehensive list of servers is available in the app, allowing users to choose by server or country. For instance, P2P optimized servers are located in countries such as the US and the UK.

    With download speeds of 183 Mb/s and upload speeds of 103 Mb/s, NordVPN is well-equipped to handle large file transfers. Downloading data through the VPN app also ensures privacy protection.

12. What is the country of origin of NordVPN?

    • VPN Provider: NordVPN s.a.
    • Country of origin: 🇵🇦 Panama

    NordVPN is operated by Nord Security, a software company based in Panama. Nord Security has offices in Kaunas and Vilnius (Lithuania), London (UK), and Berlin (Germany).

    Panama is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Countries group, an alliance of countries that collect and share user data. Panamanian law doesn’t require companies to collect user data, which means NordVPN cannot release any data even if ordered to do so. This is due to the fact that they don’t store any user data. Therefore, even if the company’s servers are seized, no data will be accessible to the authorities.

    Moreover, NordVPN has undergone several audits for application security and data handling conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte.

13. NordVPN and Privacy: Logging Policy, Security Issues…

    • No-Logs Policy:
      Yes

      The No-Logs Policy is followed by 79% of reviewed VPNs.

    NordVPN operates under a strict “no logs” policy, which means it does not store any logs or user activity information. This has been consistently confirmed by independent audits by PwC. Additionally, the app has been audited by VerSpite.

    High levels of privacy are maintained through the use of servers with RAM-only storage. NordVPN‘s servers lack hard drives, so data cannot be stored. Data from RAM cannot be retrieved or read after a shutdown, reboot, or overwrite. This ensures user data, such as browsing history, cannot be recovered.

    Panama‘s laws are favorable to VPN service providers, eliminating the need to store user data. If a data release is requested, the court order must be processed first. However, NordVPN cannot comply as it holds no user data.

    The only data NordVPN stores are the email address (used for login) and the payment information provided at the time of purchase, which includes the country (for VAT calculation). NordVPN accepts anonymous payments in cryptocurrencies.

    The company collects anonymized data within the applications to improve functionality and conduct error analysis. This feature can be deactivated in the settings.

    If you use a chatbot or live chat when visiting a website, NordVPN may collect data such as your operating system or IP address. It may also collect information about cookies and access logs to optimize performance and functioning.

    Additionally, when using a friend referral program, you may need to provide your name, phone number, and other personal information for detection and fraud prevention purposes.

    Some personal data may be shared with external service providers, such as support providers or external companies for marketing purposes. This includes entities like Google Analytics.

14. NordVPN Support: Chat, e-mail…

    NordVPN‘s technical support can be contacted via live chat, available 24/7. Before speaking with a human representative, users first interact with a capable chatbot. Communication with both the chatbot and live representative is machine-translated and can be conducted in any language.

    Users can also contact NordVPN via email at support@nordvpn.com, with responses typically received within a few hours, depending on the complexity of the query. In our tests, the chat operator was competent, knowledgeable, and addressed all our questions thoroughly.

    Phone support is not available. However, in many cases, support might not be necessary as NordVPN provides an extensive database of detailed tutorials and answers to frequently asked questions.

    A handy feature allows users to contact support directly from the app, where they can easily generate and attach logs to assist in resolving the issue.

15. NordVPN FAQ

    Is NordVPN free?

    NordVPN is a professional VPN service, with the most affordable subscription option priced at $4.07 per month. There is no free version of NordVPN. However, there is a 30 days of money-back guarantee if the service does not meet your expectations.

    Trial periods are typically not available, although occasionally the company offers trials as part of promotional campaigns. By referring friends, you can gain free access to NordVPN for a certain period.

    Is a NordVPN subscription worth it?

    NordVPN is an excellent choice for users who prioritize maximum privacy and data protection while using the Internet. The service can safeguard personal data from theft or misuse and ensure anonymity while torrenting. Significant savings can also be achieved with a long-term subscription. With the option to pay in cryptocurrencies, users can maintain utmost anonymity.

    Nord Security ranks among the top in the internet security industry, offering advanced features such as multiple connections, the ability to connect to Tor, and servers that conceal VPN usage. It’s also reliable in unblocking foreign content on streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and others.

    Is NordVPN the best?

    Determining the best VPN service can be challenging due to the various criteria involved in evaluations. Nevertheless, NordVPN consistently ranks as one of the top companies, scoring 9.4/10 during our testing. We disclose how the score was calculated in our Review Guidelines on the VPN wiki.

    The company offers many advanced features, reliable fast connections, absolute privacy, and user security, all verified by independent auditors.

    Is NordVPN secure?

    Using NordVPN ensures safe and anonymous internet browsing by masking the real IP address and location. NordVPN does not store any data about users, their internet usage, the amount of data or files downloaded. Independent auditors confirm these claims, as well as the security of the VPN application itself.

    NordVPN uses trusted security protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard. With its bug bounty program, any potential issues are quickly identified and resolved.