NordVPN Review: Is It the Best VPN for Security and Privacy?

With hundreds of VPN services competing for your attention, it’s hard to know which one delivers the best digital security, speed, and privacy. The truth is, not all VPNs were created equal — and some outperform others.

This NordVPN review will examine its security features, speed, supported devices, connection reliability, server coverage, and price.

We’ll review the direction NordVPN is going in and the additional cybersecurity features it offers — so you can decide whether it’s the right VPN choice for you.

What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is one of the leading VPN providers, with over 14 million users worldwide. It was developed by Nord Security — a global company specializing in cybersecurity solutions for personal and business use.

With 5,000+ servers globally, NordVPN offers a secure connection, lightning-fast speeds, and an IP address in most countries.

NordVPN features

NordVPN has a wide range of VPN features offering more online security, privacy, and additional benefits. Let’s look at the main features of NordVPN in more detail.

Fastest VPN on the market

NordVPN has developed NordLynx — a WireGuard-based VPN protocol that stands out with its speed and lightweight design. NordLynx delivers much faster speeds than other VPN protocols.

The combination of NordLynx and NordVPN’s extensive server network makes NordVPN the fastest VPN on the market.

Extensive server network

Choosing a VPN provider with thousands of servers worldwide means finding a server closer to you is easier. The closer you are to the server, the better your connection speed.

NordVPN’s ever-growing server network has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. The company has servers in the most popular locations, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and Canada. You’ll find servers in specific cities in all of these countries.

Easy to use on any device

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux users can get NordVPN apps loaded with traditional VPN and additional cybersecurity features. These apps are easy to use, making online protection accessible on any device.

You can also get Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser VPN proxy extensions to conceal your IP address without downloading the NordVPN app.

One NordVPN account secures up to six devices, keeping you safe online 24/7 — whether you’re working on your laptop or watching reels on your phone.

Specialty servers

NordVPN also offers several specialty servers for specific user needs and additional layers of encryption.

• Double VPN encrypts your internet traffic twice for extra protection.
• Obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN and let you browse privately — even in regions with heavy restrictions.
• Onion Over VPN provides the advantages of The Onion Router (Tor) combined with the additional security of a VPN tunnel.

Additional features

NordVPN has many more features for tailoring VPN protection to your needs.

• Kill Switch prevents your data from being exposed if your VPN connection drops by stopping all internet traffic.
• Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps need VPN protection and which can access the internet without a VPN.
• Quick Connect finds the best server for you and connects you with a click.
• Dark Web Monitor scans the dark web for your credentials and alerts you if it finds a leak.

24/7 customer support

If you run into a problem or need advice, NordVPN’s customer support is available 24/7. You can contact them by dropping an email or starting a live chat.

Advanced cybersecurity

NordVPN offers more than just a VPN — for the price of a VPN. It recently added two handy advanced digital security features beyond a traditional VPN: Threat Protection and Meshnet.

What is Threat Protection?

NordVPN’s Threat Protection is an advanced cybersecurity tool that provides anti-malware benefits. It comes with every NordVPN subscription for free and increases your online security and privacy.

When you turn on Threat Protection, it keeps you safe online by:

• Blocking intrusive ads and trackers.
• Preventing you from visiting malicious sites.
• Scanning the files that you download for malware.

What is Meshnet?

Meshnet is an excellent tool for secure file sharing and team projects.

With Meshnet, users can form a secure, encrypted private network. Instead of connecting to a VPN server, users can connect to other devices anywhere in the world. Like when using a VPN, your traffic is secured with encryption.

Meshnet can be used for team collaboration, storing files in a centralized location, and even traffic routing to unlock location-based testing and IP-based access.

How secure is NordVPN?

NordVPN uses next-generation 256-bit AES encryption, considered the gold encryption
standard by cybersecurity experts, governments, and cryptographers worldwide.

AES encryption offers high-level security — no known practical attack could break it.

You can trust NordVPN to keep your data safe: it will never sell your online activity logs to third parties. NordVPN is a twice-audited service that ensures your online activity remains confidential.

The apps are regularly improved with new security updates to keep your data safe.

NordVPN’s server network runs on diskless RAM servers, with no data stored locally. Using RAM-only servers means no information can be physically stolen from servers — and can be wiped easily and remotely to protect user privacy.

When it comes to NordVPN’s server infrastructure, the company has started building a network of colocated servers owned exclusively by NordVPN. These servers offer even better connectivity and network security.

NordVPN protocols

NordVPN uses three widely-recognized VPN protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and
NordLynx (NordVPN’s version of the WireGuard protocol).

OpenVPN is a common protocol recognized as having the strongest level of encryption.
Developed in 2001, OpenVPN is open source — anyone can access its code.

NordLynx is a revolutionary protocol NordVPN developed based on the popular WireGuard protocol. It is lightweight but cryptographically secure — and faster than most other VPN protocols.

NordVPN pricing

NordVPN offers 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans, with the 2-year plan giving you the biggest discount and the best value for money.

You’ll find great deals and campaigns on the NordVPN website throughout the year, with an excellent offer right now: two years of NordVPN for just $4.19/month! This deal gets you NordVPN with a whopping 49% off.

NordVPN bundles: Get more than a VPN

Nord Security offers several other digital security and privacy solutions, such as:

• NordPass – a highly rated, cross-platform password manager.
• NordLocker – a file encryption and storage service.

You can get these products together with NordVPN as a bundle. Combining them offers
additional benefits, such as securing your passwords, sensitive information, and files.

If you choose a bundle, you will also save more. Here’s how much you’ll pay for a 2-year
bundle plan right now:

• Plus (NordVPN + NordPass) — $5.19/month with 50% off
• Complete (NordVPN + NordPass + NordLocker) — $6.69/month with 59% off

NordVPN: Digital security for everyone

NordVPN is a trustworthy VPN service that delivers excellent speed, privacy, and security. Its NordLynx protocol and extensive server network provide lightning-fast connection without compromising security.

With NordVPN, you get the most sought-after VPN features in one package for an attractive price. While it is slightly above average compared to other VPN providers, NordVPN offers additional features and a user-centric experience, delivering excellent value for money.

With the recent additions of Threat Protection and Meshnet, NordVPN continues expanding its offering beyond a VPN service. Let us know what are your views on NordVPN. Is it worth or not?

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