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Monday, February 10th
NordVPN is perhaps the most recognizable VPN provider in our review. With over 6,400 fast servers in 111 countries, you'll have plenty of options to connect and access content from different places. In operation since 2012 with their home base in Panama, they're not subject to any data retention laws nor do they participate in any intelligence-sharing alliances. That means they should be able to stick to their commitment of not keeping any user logs - but keep reading for more detail on this point.
$12.99 for monthly plan is $2 to $3 higher than average
NordVPN is a little more expensive than some competitors, but you can save money by purchasing a longer plan:
30-day guarantee and private ways to pay
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try this VPN service risk-free. NordVPN occasionally offers special deals and discounts around holidays, especially on longer-term subscriptions. NordVPN accepts common payment methods like major credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay, as well as more anonymous cryptocurrencies.
NordVPN's NordLynx is considered the best for gaming
NordVPN has a comparatively limited list of options of compatible protocols. (A VPN protocol is a set of rules and processes that determine how data is encrypted and transmitted between your device and the VPN server, and it can affect your connection speed.) You can choose between OpenVPN, which users like because it's open-source and can be reviewed for vulnerabilities by the public, and WireGuard, which is a newer and faster protocol. NordVPN runs its own protocol based on WireGuard called NordLynx, which is reported to perform even faster on both local and international connections. If you're gaming with a VPN, this is the protocol you'll want to use.
Rich in features
NordVPN has a well-rounded set of features for extra security, privacy, and censorship circumvention, including:
Will log your data if asked to do so by enforcement
NordVPN's privacy practices have come under scrutiny due to a change in their stance on data logging. Their previous stance on data requests by law enforcement read, "NordVPN operates under the jurisdiction of Panama and will not comply with requests from foreign governments and law enforcement agencies.” But, after a joint operation led by Europol shut down another VPN service for non-compliance, NordVPN updated this statement to say they would "[... ] comply with requests from foreign governments and law enforcement agencies if these requests are delivered according to laws and regulations.” That implies if they were ordered to start logging your data, they would - despite claiming to be a "no-logs” VPN service. While this isn't likely to concern the average VPN user, we felt it important to alert you, as it raises questions about NordVPN's transparency.
Use on practically any device
NordVPN offers broad device compatibility, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems. You can set up NordVPN on various routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. One NordVPN account allows for usage of 6 devices simultaneously, which is about average for VPN services.
Tech support from real humans, 24/7
There's a reason NordVPN is so well-known: their interface is about as easy to use as it gets. If you're trying to protect your grandparents from phishing and malware, they shouldn't have any problems using this VPN service. Should they happen to need assistance at any point, NordVPN's customer service is available via email, live chat, and phone 24/7. Customers say support connects you with a real person rather than a chat bot.
Good reputation, with some bugs
NordVPN has a decent reputation among users, with a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot and 73% of reviews being 5 stars. Those who like this VPN service praise it for its reliability, speed, and excellent customer support. For example, one long-time user reported "smooth sailing" with no downtime or glitches over 10 years of use. Another was happy with the VPN's effectiveness in protecting their online privacy in a restrictive country. However, there are common complaints, too: some users have experienced issues with auto-renewal of subscriptions and occasional connection problems. It also appears to be highly unlikely you'll be able to connect if you're in China. On the bright side, NordVPN actively responds to customer feedback. They offer solutions to issues and show appreciation for positive reviews.
Streaming content from another country might not be possible
NordVPN being a top competitor has one major downside - you'll probably encounter difficulties with bypassing geoblocking on streaming platforms. That's because streaming services often target well-known VPNs and use advanced detection methods to block their IP addresses. While VPN providers try to stay ahead by refreshing IPs and using obfuscated servers, there's no guarantee of consistent access. That doesn't necessarily mean using a lesser-known VPN will guarantee you access to your favorite foreign content, though - streaming services sometimes employ browser fingerprinting techniques to figure out if you're using a VPN. To improve your chances of bypassing geoblocks, try experimenting with different browsers, clearing your cache, or waiting a few hours between connecting to different servers.
Fine for most users
NordVPN can give you a good balance of security and speed and will be the right choice for most people in need of a VPN service. However, it's not the cheapest, most secure, or best for getting past censorship. We can't give NordVPN our highest rating, but it still ranks near the top of the list.
When you browse the internet, your personal information can be at risk. Whether you're checking your bank account from a café, streaming content from abroad, or simply browsing from home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through secure servers, making it harder for hackers, governments, or companies to track your online activity.
VPNs are especially useful for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone concerned about security when using public Wi-Fi. They can also help bypass geographical restrictions, so you can access websites or content not available in your region. But not all VPNs are created equal.
Some offer blazing-fast speeds, while others might slow your connection. Some provide extra security features, like multi-hop encryption or malware protection, while others focus on ease of use and broad device compatibility. Free VPNs exist, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or even questionable privacy practices. (Ironic, no?)
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the availability of advanced features like split tunneling and kill switches. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is helpful if you want to protect sensitive activities, like online banking, while still using your regular internet speed for things like streaming or gaming. A kill switch, on the other hand, is a safety feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed during those brief moments when you're not protected, ensuring that your privacy remains intact at all times.
You should carefully consider the country where the company operates. This is important because of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These alliances are agreements between countries to share intelligence information, which could potentially include data collected by VPNs. If you're using a VPN based in a country within these alliances, your data might be at risk due to laws requiring VPN providers to collect and share user information. For maximum privacy, you might want to choose a VPN provider based outside of these alliances, in countries with strong privacy laws. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your data being shared or accessed by government agencies, even if requested.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a VPN provider:
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