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NordVPN Review

Pros

  • 2048-bit SSL encryption
  • Logs are not stored in the system
  • VPN gateways for streaming media content
  • Automatic Kill Switch Button
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Has no bandwidth cap
  • No free trial
  • No phone support
Price: $2.99 a month
Good for:
Compatibility:

Technical Features

  • Max devices supported: 6
  • Number of IP addresses: 2254
  • Number of servers: 4701
  • Number of server locations: 62

NordVPN is one of the most secure VPN services that will help you establish a double VPN connection, log into Tor via VPN, and get access to previously blocked websites.

All this is available without your logs being tracked by the system. Very few services can boast of the same.

The company is registered in Panama, which says a lot about service quality. How is that connected to user safety?

The trick is associated with the fact that the state cannot force the company to issue logs of users; that is why NordVPN can honestly claim that it does not store such information on its servers and can protect you from some cybersecurity threats.

Some other VPN services do not have this feature at all, because they must obey the laws of the country they are registered in.

NordVPN Map

Features

NordVPN has the functions that an ordinary user is familiar with, such as 2048-bit encryption, emergency network disconnection, modern security protocols (OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, L2TP / IPSec). But most of them need to be configured manually.

CyberSec a new feature of NordVPN is an ad blocker with built-in antivirus; it is a very useful thing for those working on the network.

Due to this, NordVPN is ahead of its competitors that provide ordinary traffic encryption.

With CyberSec from NordVPN, you are never disturbed by ads and online marketing advertising.

On top of that, CyberSec blocks malware, detects phishing attacks, and prevents all kinds of other cybercrime-related unpleasantness.

Turning it on means an extra layer of protection for users surfing the web.

Security

NordVPN is proud of dual VPN functions.

Thus, if one server is attacked, a double VPN creates an additional level of protection. In other words, your logs and information you submit online cannot be detected by even your Internet provider. You remain absolutely anonymous on the web.

In case of cyber attacks or someone trying to steal your information, the software will automatically disconnect you from the network.

Also, read a comparison between NordVPN and PIA here

VPN Network

In April 2017, NordVPN stated that the number of its servers was 1,000, in September, there were already 1,103 servers reported by the company.

In December, the number has increased to 2,048. The company spends a lot of money on server infrastructure development. It also improves connection conditions.

You will find a server map online. Clicking on any of the markers connect you to the server that matches the best with you.

A choice is based on your browsing preferences as well as server load and distance. Switching between servers is very fast and smooth.

All you need to do is turn off the server being in use and click the one you would like to use instead.

NordVPN interface

Privacy Protection

NordVPN will keep your identity secret.

Owing to the two-layer encryption, your privacy is protected at the top level.

The service establishes a private network for your traffic. What is more, your logs are not recorded by the system. This means that no one can access them, whether it is your Internet provider or the NordVPN company itself.

Device Support

NordVPN is known for the professional and wide device and OS support for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, and even different versions and models of routers.

The service allows 6 simultaneous connections.

So you can work with any device and even get several family members using the VPN.

Of course, the mobile application allows you to connect to a fewer number of servers compared to its desktop alternative (1,600 vs. 4,000). Nevertheless, it is still a lot compared to company competitors.

In case you are an active mobile user, the NordVPN apps for Android and iOS are as good as the Windows version.

Pricing

Taking into account the service quality and diversity provided, NordVPN is not a cheap option to use.

Though the month-to-month plan is rather affordable at the rate of $12 per month.

However, you can save even more.

The one-year and the two-year plans are just great deals for you.

By paying $84 and $95, you get unlimited VPN access for one and two years accordingly.

Customer Service

NordVPN offers both live chat support available round-the-clock and a ticket system.

Company representatives on live chat support are quite responsive. They reply within two minutes and are knowledgeable about the product.

Instead of using templates for answering customer inquiries, reps handle each request individually.

What’s new with NordVPN?

Part of the new features added by the NordVPN Company, among other things, is the fast WireGuard-based protocol NordLynx. This feature delivers instant connection times and quicker downloads across all platforms. The company also improved the security standard of its data center. This means that all their servers are now diskless RAM-based systems with no persistent local storage and no logging credentials.

Besides, apps on all platforms can now automatically connect when you access unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Other added or improved features are;

  • Dark mode on iOS
  • Reduced battery usage on Mac
  • Split tunneling on TV mode for Android
  • Smarter kill switch for Windows

Logging policy

According to the NordVPN Company, it claims that the app has a ‘no logs’ policy. The privacy policy document says;

‘Nord guarantees a strict no-logs policy for NordVPN Services, meaning that your internet activity… is not monitored, recorded, logged, stored, or passed to any third party. We do not store connection time stamps, used bandwidth, traffic logs, IP addresses or browsing data.’

Speed

When it comes to speed, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN in the market. The VPN can peak as high as 350 Mbps on some data centers and locations depending on the data center’s speed line being reviewed.

Streaming

Regarding Nordvpn Netflix, it is the ideal streaming VPN for Netflix and other online streaming platforms. Even Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and couldn’t defeat NordVPN; the VPN provides access from its US, UK, and Australian servers.

Torrenting

Aside from direct peer-to-peer support, NordVPN has several features: the perfect torrenting VPN. Its strict no-logging policy, DNS layers, as well as traffic leak protections, makes torrenting easy.

Gaming

A VPN isn’t great for gaming, and the case is the same with NordVPN. However, if you are looking for latency, hence NordVPN can provide that latency. More so, the VPN can protect you from DDoS attacks and provides you with access to gaming content in countries that are not available to you.

Kill Switch

The NordVPN has a kill switch that protects you from data leaks when you lose your internet connection. The kill switch is available on both desktop and mobile. It’s available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Besides the kill switch, it also offers an extension – with this, you can control which apps are blocked.

Split Tunneling

The app doesn’t have a split tunneling for the desktop client, but it has a Chrome and Firefox browser extension. Though, during the NordVPN download, only the browser traffic is encrypted. The VPN split tunneling works perfectly on the mobile app – all you have to do is add every app you want to route to the trusted apps list and assign a foreign IP.

Leak Tests and Leak Protection

NordVPN provides DNS and IP leak protection that helps to stop any accidental exposure. This feature is available on both desktop and mobile applications. It works on all major UK, US, Netherlands, and China servers. The NordVPN blocks IPv6, so the user is invisible to any outsiders.

Tor Compatibility

The NordVPN is compatible with Tor with its dedicated Onion over VPN specialty servers that allows easy access and browsing on Tor. As a matter of fact, NordVPN gives you access to the Tor network through any browser.

Double Encryption

NordVPN offers a double VPN by routing your internet traffic through two separate servers instead of one. This makes it extremely hard for anyone to find your IP on the internet because your traffic bounces between different locations and servers.

Server Number and Locations

  • 5,480 servers
  • 60 locations
  • US, UK, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Hong Kong, servers.

NordVPN has numerous servers in almost all countries, with the majority in the US — the USA has more than 1,600 servers there. Moreover, it also has servers in the UK, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Hong Kong, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Conclusion

NordVPN is one of the best VPN services on the market that can bypass VPN locking on the popular Netflix television service.

The software is very easy to use. You can easily select the desired server and browse the web through it; all you need to do is to click the map marker the system will automatically connect you to the best options based on your preferences (video streaming, security, torrents, etc.).

Alternatively, you can select any server manually from the list.

In any case, if you want to save your time, first, register with NordVPN and then install the service attachments when you have your login and password.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • 4,000 servers in more than 60 countries
  • 2048-bit SSL encryption
  • Logs are not stored in the system
  • Dual VPN and “Tor over VPN” connections
  • VPN gateways for streaming media content
  • 6 device connections per account

Cons

  • No split tunneling
  • Has no bandwidth cap
  • No free trial
  • No phone support

FAQ

Does NordVPN have browser extensions, and do these work well?

Yes, NordVPN has browser extensions that work perfectly. NordVPN offers Chrome and Firefox proxy extensions that allow you to choose a VPN location, connect, and disconnect directly from the browser window.

How good is the NordVPN iOS app?

The NordVPN iOS app can be easily installed. When it comes to functionality, the app functions as perfect as the desktop client with its specialty server that includes all servers’ types, a dedicated IP option, and a peer-to-peer server that supports Tor over VPN. It also has a kill switch and CyberSec – an auto-connect feature connected to the VPN on untrusted networks.  Overall, the app is a perfect plus to the service.

How good is NordVPN's Windows client?

Although the windows clients have all the features identified above, it has its own glitches. It’s easy to use and provides you with control over your VPN status. Some of its features are:

  • An obfuscated Servers’ feature that helps you connect with more countries and locations which blocks VPNs.
  • Option to set your preferred DNS for VPN connections.
  • Protocol supports like OpenVPN TCP and UDP, and NordLynx.
  • A kill switch.

Does NordVPN Have an Ad blocker?

Yes, NordVPN has an ad blocker. This feature delivers ad blocking and malware protection with its CyberSec suite, an in-app feature.

Does NordVPN Keep Logs?

Yes, the VPN provides a right no-logs policy. The app is located in a friendly country, which means that they don’t keep logs and definitely won’t deliver your data to the government even if they received a legal request.

Can it Work in China?

Yes, NordVPN works in China with the help of the extra obfuscation and bulletproof encryption feature. These services encrypt your traffic and hide the fact that you are using an IP.

How Many Devices Can I Connect With NordVPN?

Six. NordVPN allows you to connect six separate devices at the same time. Including your computers, laptops, phones, tablets, and other devices that have the NordVPN app.

 

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