Pros & Cons
Honest assessment of NordVPN's strengths and limitations based on our testing
What We Love
- Audited no-logs policy with RAM-only servers
- NordLynx (WireGuard) delivers excellent speeds
- Threat Protection blocks malware and trackers
- Double VPN and Onion over VPN options
- 24/7 chat support with knowledgeable agents
- Clean, intuitive apps across all platforms
Areas for Improvement
- Streaming servers can change—may require trial and error
- Advanced features add complexity for new users
- Some specialty servers have limited availability
- Premium pricing compared to budget alternatives
Speed Test Results
Recent results over NordLynx/WireGuard on a 1 Gbps fiber line. Your results will vary by location and server load.
| Region | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Protocol | Speed Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US-East | 820–860 Mbps | 330–380 Mbps | NordLynx (WireGuard) | 82–86% |
| EU-West | 760–820 Mbps | 310–360 Mbps | NordLynx (WireGuard) | 76–82% |
| APAC | 620–700 Mbps | 260–320 Mbps | NordLynx (WireGuard) | 62–70% |
Streaming Performance
NordVPN typically accesses major platforms, though availability changes. Try several regions if the first attempt fails.
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Spotify
Streaming Tips
- Clear cookies or use a fresh browser profile
- Try different city servers within the same country
- Contact support for current working servers
- Keep the app updated for latest fixes
- Use dedicated streaming servers when available
Best Streaming Features
- Fast NordLynx protocol for 4K streaming
- SmartPlay combines VPN + Smart DNS
- Dedicated IP option for consistent access
- No bandwidth limits or throttling
- Works on smart TVs via router setup
Privacy & Security
NordVPN's security features and privacy protections analyzed
Core Protections
- Audited no-logs policy by PwC
- RAM-only servers (no data storage)
- Kill switch prevents IP leaks
- DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection
- AES-256 encryption standard
- Perfect forward secrecy
Advanced Features
- Threat Protection blocks malware
- Double VPN for extra encryption
- Onion over VPN for Tor integration
- Meshnet for secure device connections
- Dark Web Monitor alerts
- Dedicated IP addresses available
Server Network
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- RAM-only server infrastructure
- Specialty servers (P2P, Double VPN)
- Obfuscated servers for restricted regions
- Regular server upgrades and maintenance
- Self-owned data centers in key locations
Apps & Features
Clean apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions. Up to 10 devices per subscription.
Platform Support
- Windows, macOS, Linux desktop apps
- iOS and Android mobile apps
- Chrome, Firefox browser extensions
- Android TV and Fire TV apps
- Router firmware and manual configs
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
Key Features
- One-click Quick Connect
- Auto-connect on untrusted networks
- Split tunneling (Windows, Android)
- Custom DNS server options
- Protocol selection (NordLynx, OpenVPN)
- Server favorites and recent connections
Advanced Options
- Meshnet for gaming and file sharing
- Port forwarding for P2P applications
- Multi-hop connections via Double VPN
- Threat Protection ad/malware blocking
- Dark Web Monitor identity protection
- 24/7 live chat customer support
Pricing & Plans
Plans change—always confirm current offers on the provider site. We've seen promo pricing from $3.09/mo on multi-year plans.
Get NordVPN's Latest Deals
Check NordVPN's current pricing and take advantage of limited-time offers. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
View Current Pricing →What's Included
- All NordVPN features and servers
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Threat Protection malware blocking
- 24/7 customer support access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Cross-platform compatibility
Payment Options
- Credit and debit cards accepted
- PayPal for convenient payments
- Cryptocurrency for anonymity
- Google Pay and Amazon Pay
- Bank transfer and ACH payments
- Gift cards and vouchers