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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
NordVPN is an excellent service that provides just about everything you might want in a VPN. This includes access to regional streaming libraries, high levels of security and privacy, and fast connection speeds.
The lowest NordVPN subscription price for a two-year Basic plan is higher than some top-tier competitors, but the price could be well worth it for additional features and reliability. Keep reading our NordVPN review to see a complete breakdown of this VPN’s features, test results, pricing, and more.
| Price | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Max # of connected devices | 10 |
| # of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Headquarters | Panama |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Details | Get NordVPN |
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
We last tested NordVPN on October 10, 2024.
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
We started by downloading the virtual private network (VPN) onto our Lenovo laptop with ease. Once we purchased our subscription, we selected NordVPN for Windows directly from our portal to begin downloading the software.
Once NordVPN was downloaded successfully, we logged in to our account and were quickly able to access NordVPN's dashboard. The main dashboard has sections for the VPN, Threat Protection (ad blocker), and File sharing, but you can also select one of the buttons on the lefthand side to get more in-depth functions.
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We particularly like the VPN tab, which displays a world map with blue dots indicating available server locations. This is a user-friendly touch, allowing you to explore what servers NordVPN has worldwide. You can also directly search for servers with the search bar, hit quick connect for the best server option, or use one of the specialty servers.
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During our testing, it became clear that NordVPN cares about your security. But some of our struggles during testing, as a result of Nord's top security standards, may frustrate VPN beginners.
For instance, we shut off our VPN connection in order to determine a baseline speed. Although our kill switch was already turned off, NordVPN kept killing our internet connection. It took lots of searching and an eventual chat with Nord support to get the issue fixed.
Luckily, Nord provides 24/7 chat support should you ever run into an issue.
A VPN is designed to offer opportunities for people to privately and securely connect to the internet. NordVPN does this by using secure protocols such as OpenVPN and NordLynx (its version of WireGuard).
It also has a strict no-logs policy which means it won’t track your online activity. And although many VPNs might say their no-logs policies are strict, NordVPN has sound reasoning to back up its claim. This is because NordVPN headquarters are located in Panama, a country that doesn’t force VPN service providers to save users’ data.
Even better, using NordVPN typically doesn’t sacrifice your internet bandwidth (beyond a reasonable amount). As our test results show, you can connect to a server in Australia from the U.S. and still have fast speeds.
NordVPN also supports torrenting, as evidenced by its specialty "P2P" servers located in different countries worldwide. These are specific servers that are optimized for torrenting use.
NordVPN has four different plans — Basic, Plus, Ultimate, Prime — that offer access to different features. The plans above Basic provide more features beyond the VPN including a password manager, cloud storage, and identity theft protection.
You also have the option to choose between a monthly, one-year, or two-year plan. The longer the plan, the cheaper the monthly cost.
Paying under $4.00/mo isn’t the most expensive option out there for popular VPN services, but it’s also not the cheapest. ExpressVPN starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually), which is quite expensive, whereas CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access all start at about $3.00/mo or less.
Sometimes, however, NordVPN offers discounts that bring its cost below $3.00/mo. Waiting for one of these holiday promos might be worth it if your budget is tight.
| Plan | 1-month cost | 1-year cost | 2-year cost |
| Basic | $12.99/mo | $4.59/mo (billed annually) | $2.99/mo (billed every two years) |
| Plus | $13.99/mo | $5.49/mo (billed annually) | $3.89/mo (billed every two years) |
| Ultimate | $14.99/mo | $6.49/mo (billed annually) | $4.89/mo (billed every two years) |
| Prime | $17.99/mo | $9.49/mo (billed annually) | $7.89/mo (billed every two years) |
The Basic plan comes with NordVPN along with the initial Threat Protection feature. Every plan above Basic includes extras for a more comprehensive security stack like Threat Protection Pro, NordPAss, and identity protection benefits.
For the average VPN user, we recommend the Basic plan because it's the most affordable while still providing access to the secure VPN and basic ad blocker.
| Features | Basic | Plus | Ultimate | Prime |
| VPN | ||||
| Threat Protection Pro | ||||
| Anti-malware protection | ||||
| Data breach scanner | ||||
| Password manager | ||||
| 1 TB cloud storage | ||||
| Identity theft recovery | ||||
| Cyber extortion protection | ||||
| Dark web monitoring | ||||
| Cyber extortion protection | ||||
| 1-bureau credit monitoring | ||||
| Dark web monitoring | ||||
| Details | View plan | View plan | View plan | View plan |
Considering NordVPN doesn’t cost much more than similar options (and is a lot cheaper than ExpressVPN), it could be well worth the price for the value it offers. Payment options include:
NordVPN’s highlights include its overall server count, no-logs policy, and security features (strong encryption and protocols). However, it might be helpful for NordVPN to label certain servers that typically work with different streaming platforms (something that CyberGhost does well).
Additional features such as Threat Protection and Meshnet are not essential for all users but could be helpful in specific scenarios.
NordVPN has 6,800+ servers in 111 countries. Offering over 100 server locations worldwide is considered a top-tier industry average compared to other popular VPNs such as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark, but NordVPN surpasses them all. Plus, NordVPN regularly works to expand its server network.
Having more servers and countries is typically a good thing because it gives you more opportunities to establish the connection you need. For example, if you’re trying to stream content from another country, but it’s not working, simply try another NordVPN server.
If your VPN advertises that it can unblock streaming content and has loads of servers (like NordVPN), you’re likely to find a server that works eventually. Keep in mind that rules about using a VPN could vary depending on the country. See if NordVPN is legal before using it in another country.
Nord also has a section on its server list called Specialty servers. Here, you’ll find these features:
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If you want to use a VPN for privacy purposes, no-logs policies are essential. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means it won’t track (or keep logs of) your online activities.
The primary issue with some no-logs policies is that the VPN company doesn’t actually follow through with its claim. This isn’t the case with NordVPN for two important reasons:
Having independent experts find no saved logs in their audit is easy enough to understand, but what does Panama have to do with it?
Depending on where a VPN company is located, it might be legally required to save user data. Panama doesn’t have these data retention laws, so NordVPN isn’t obligated to hold onto this information and turn it over to the police or government officials — which could happen with some VPNs.
NordVPN has a kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects your device from the internet if you disconnect from the VPN or the VPN connection drops. You can also use this feature with specific apps.
Kill switches are important because they help prevent any of your online traffic from traveling through an unencrypted connection. The NordVPN kill switch can be easily found and turned on in the NordVPN settings. We turned it on and tested it with complete success.
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After turning it on while connected to the VPN, we disconnected from the VPN and tested our internet connection through a web browser. We were unable to connect to the internet (load any pages) until we turned our VPN connection back on.
NordVPN offers split tunneling, a feature that allows you to allow certain programs direct access to the internet for faster speeds. This means only the programs you allow would bypass the VPN connection.
To turn on split tunneling, head to your NordVPN app settings and select Split tunneling . Here, you can toggle the feature on and add apps you want your VPN to work or not work with.
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NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM encryption. This is considered the best VPN encryption currently available because it’s nearly impossible to crack.
But nearly impossible means possible, right? Correct, but also not really. It’s calculated that it would take billions of years for a supercomputer to crack this security, so it’s likely that time is on your side in this case.
NordVPN uses both the OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols, and NordLynx is built around WireGuard. OpenVPN and WireGuard are typically considered to be two of the strongest protocols available. Additionally, Nord uses the IKEv2/IPsec protocol, which is said to be one of the most stable VPN protocols available.
Select your NordVPN protocol options in the Connection area of your settings. VPN protocols and servers are automatically chosen by default, but you can toggle this off to make manual adjustments.
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Threat Protection is a fairly new feature from NordVPN that’s advertised to block risky websites, stop web tracking, clean up ads, and protect your device from malware and computer viruses (much like antivirus software). You can turn it on by selecting its icon from the sidebar.
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This feature comes in two flavors: Threat Protection Pro and Threat Protection. Unfortunately, Threat Protection Pro is now only available with NordVPN Plus plans and up.
If you're looking for a full security suite that blocks ads, trackers, malicious sites, and malware, turn on Threat Protection Pro from your computer app. If you prefer to just get rid of ads and trackers, turn on Threat Protection.
NordVPN provides an interesting feature called “Meshnet” that links remote devices over secure connections. This could be useful for:
If you’re into “LAN” parties with faraway friends (and no cables) or want a quick way to access movies, photos, or other files from anywhere, this sounds like an ideal solution.
Currently, Nord offers Meshnet for free so you can connect 10 of your own devices and up to 50 other devices. Meshnet is an excellent way to get around Netflix's password-sharing ban, so it's well worth checking this feature out to see if it works for you.
A LAN party is a physical gathering of gamers along with their computers or gaming consoles. The group uses a local area network (LAN) connection to connect all of the devices so they can play multiplayer video games together.
Access Meshnet by selecting its icon from the sidebar.
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We test VPNs to help ensure we can fairly judge whether they work as intended and deserve our recommendation. We conducted three tests — a speed test, a DNS leak test, and a WebRTC leak test — to see how NordVPN performs with internet speed and overall privacy.
NordVPN passed its tests with flying colors. Check out these details for each test.
The purpose of this test is to find out if your internet connection becomes significantly slower when using NordVPN to connect to different servers worldwide. We tested this by first running an internet speed test without being connected to the VPN and then running speed tests while connected to different VPN servers.
These tests were run using a Lenovo laptop running Windows 11 and Wi-Fi from a physical location in the U.S.
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Here are the speed test results for VPN connections to servers in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
| Test type | No VPN connection | US to US | US to CA | US to UK | US to AU |
| Download speed | 272.71 Mbps | 280.88 Mbps | 239.46 Mbps | 278.18 Mbps | 217.31 Mbps |
| Upload speed | 331.00 Mbps | 186.95 Mbps | 128.15 Mbps | 129.57 Mbps | 84.08 Mbps |
| Latency (ping) | 13 ms | 12 ms | 43 ms | 119 ms | 274 ms |
| Download speed % difference | N/A | +3.00% | -12.19% | +2.01% | -20.31% |
| Upload speed % difference | N/A | -43.52% | -61.28% | -60.85% | -74.60% |
| Latency % difference | N/A | +7.69% | +230.77% | +815.38% | 2,000.69% |
NordVPN slightly sped up our download speeds while connected to servers in the U.S. and the U.K. The difference was marginal, but it's still nice when your VPN doesn't tank your speeds.
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Our upload speeds dropped much more significantly across all servers. However, this should only affect you when sending data, like files and videos, to others.
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Connecting to servers in Europe and Australia had a larger impact on ping. However, these changes are to be expected because you’re connecting to servers across the world.
Overall, it was simple and easy to scroll through and connect to different servers. You can also use the Quick Connect option if you want Nord to choose a nearby recommended server for you.
It took NordVPN 10 seconds or less to make each connection, and any changes to download speeds and ping weren’t beyond reasonable ranges.
You might use a VPN to watch Netflix if you want to watch content from Netflix libraries other than where you’re physically located. For example, if you’re located in the U.S., you might connect to a VPN server in the U.K. to watch the Netflix content from that region.
We tested NordVPN with Netflix and didn't have any trouble connecting to libraries in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and the U.S. We didn't experience any lag and issues getting the Netflix site to load.
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Note that you typically don’t need to connect to specific servers for different streaming services to work with NordVPN — which is the case with some VPN providers, including CyberGhost. Any Nord server should work just fine (more on this later when we discuss our chat with a customer service representative).
However, Nord no longer lists Netflix support on its site. Although it worked for us during our testing, it's not guaranteed to work and Nord support won't be able to assist.
| US to US | US to UK | US to Canada | US to AU | |
| Did it work with Netflix? |
A VPN is supposed to keep your internet traffic concealed in an encrypted tunnel, but it’s possible to have domain name system (DNS) leaks that might show some of your activity. A DNS leak test basically lets you know if these leaks are happening and causing a privacy risk.
We used the DNS Leak Test service from BrowserLeaks to test whether we had DNS leaks before and after using NordVPN. Before connecting to the VPN, a lot of information showed up, including a list of servers, IP addresses, our internet service provider (ISP), and locations.
But after connecting to NordVPN, the information changed to mask all the previously visible information. Instead of showing our actual IP address, BrowserLeaks showed the IP address of the Seattle server we connected to.
One thing to note is that there was no large list of servers, which means our online traffic was being correctly routed through the VPN server we connected to.
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A VPN is also supposed to mask your location by hiding your true internet protocol (IP) address. But your IP address might be exposed if you’re suffering from WebRTC leaks or a vulnerability that can occur in certain web browsers and other applications.
We used the BrowserLeaks website to test for WebRTC leaks before and after using NordVPN. We specifically wanted to see if our IP address was exposed before and after testing.
Our true IP address showed up while running the test without connecting to the VPN, but once we connected to the VPN, the IP address for that server showed up instead. This is a good thing because it means Nord is working correctly to mask our IP address.
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A kill switch can prevent apps or your device from leaving your internet exposed if you're disconnected from the VPN. This is especially useful if you're using public Wi-Fi.
The kill switch works by disabling your internet connection until your NordVPN connection is restored. Our test results didn't show any IP address leaks as we switched from a France server to a Spain server.
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If our true IP address was leaked, we could've been left open to hackers and other unwanted third parties. Luckily, NordVPN kept our device secure.
You can set up NordVPN with a variety of mobile devices, mobile apps, and operating systems, including:
NordVPN has a Contact Us page and a help center. The contact page isn’t extensive but offers quick links that could be helpful, including to the help center or the live chat feature (also available at the bottom right of most pages on the website).
There are also emails here for different departments, such as support, business development, affiliate partners, business sales, and press. The support email is support@nordvpn.com.
Note that NordVPN advertises 24/7 live chat but doesn’t have a call center. You can also contact NordVPN through its social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Video tutorials are available on the NordVPN YouTube channel.
NordVPN encourages feedback in the form of bug reports. If you encounter an issue, submit a detailed report. The Report a Problem button is shown as an exclamation point on the server list screen.
NordVPN also offers a bug bounty program for ethical hackers to find and report any vulnerabilities in its system. This program — offered through the HackerOne platform — provides cash rewards for successful and accepted hacks
The chat function is typically available throughout the NordVPN website and shows up as a clickable button in the bottom right corner of the page.
If you click on the chat button, you get the NordVPN chatbot and a list of prompts to choose from, including “Order NordVPN,” “I'm having connection issues,” “How to use NordVPN on a specific device?,” and “Non-English support.”
We decided to take the chatbot for a spin and see whether it could be useful. We chose the “I’m having connection issues” prompt and went from there. Everything was fairly standard as we went through more prompts until we arrived at a point where the chatbot proposed a solution.
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The solution was actually quite detailed and easy to follow, including steps and screenshots of the process. But the solution was also outdated and no longer applicable to the version of NordVPN we had running. Turning off CyberSec isn’t an option in our settings, most likely because the Threat Protection feature replaced it.
It’s likely not an easy process to update the chatbot solutions all the time, but it could be disappointing to end up in a situation in which you aren’t receiving updated solutions. Maybe we’d have better luck with a live representative.
After testing the chatbot feature, we moved on to see how a discussion with a live representative would go. Using the same chat window from above, we used the magical phrase “speak with a representative” to initiate the conversation.
To continue the process, you must enter a valid email address, and then you’ll be put in the queue to speak with a representative. There was only one person ahead of us when we entered the queue, and we were connected to an agent (who said they were in Lithuania) in a matter of seconds.
The agent was quick to respond, easy to understand, and helpful in answering our inquiry about whether we needed to connect to specific U.S. servers to get streaming services to work while traveling internationally.
Overall, it was a pleasant chat experience that actually gave us useful information. We left the chat knowing that you can basically connect to any U.S. server from an international destination and access the U.S. content libraries of most major streaming services.
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The agent mentioned that there were some rare cases (such as with Acorn TV) where you might have to select a specific server to get a streaming service to work.
The help center is located at support.nordvpn.com. Here, you can search for relevant keywords, browse main support topics, and see frequently asked questions.
This is primarily a resource for finding answers to questions you might have about NordVPN on your own — whether about general information, billing, connectivity issues, or something else.
This can also be a resource for finding tutorials with step-by-step instructions for installing and using NordVPN on different devices and platforms. For example, you might want a quick guide on how to install NordVPN on an iPhone, Android, or router.
NordVPN is one of our top picks for fast and reliable VPNs. But every VPN has its strengths and weaknesses, so it makes sense to compare your options. Based on our testing and research, we'd also recommend these highly-rated VPN services.
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| Price | $1.99–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$6.99/mo | $4.99–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 7 | 8 |
| # of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 100 countries | Unlisted in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands | Romania | British Virgin Islands |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN |
Yes, NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It doesn’t have DNS leaks and successfully masks your IP address and location. NordVPN also employs a no-logs policy that it can back up since its headquarters are in Panama — a country that doesn’t fall within the Five, Nine, or 14 Eyes alliance countries.
NordVPN is a top-rated VPN service, but its premium price tag isn't the highest in the market. For a Basic 2-year plan, you'll pay $2.99/mo (billed every two years). If you opted for the same Basic plan but want to be billed monthly, you'll pay $12.99/mo.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its different annual VPN plans. This means you have within 30 days of your purchase to claim a refund. This doesn’t typically cover recurring subscription payments that happen after the renewal date or purchases made through the Apple App Store.
Yes. Although NordVPN no longer provides official Netflix support, you can still use It to access geo-restricted Netflix content. This includes watching Netflix with NordVPN from servers in the U.K., Canada, and Australia. NordVPN also works with other popular streaming services such as HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Yes, NordVPN is one of the best — if not the best — VPNs on the market because it offers an easy-to-use interface with high levels of security and privacy. You also have plenty of plan-based advanced security features to choose from, the server count reaches 6,800+ servers and NordVPN's server network is more expansive than competitors.
If you want a thoroughly tested, fast, and secure VPN connection, NordVPN is likely right for you. But you might forgo using NordVPN if you want a cheaper option and don’t necessarily need some of its additional features.
If you aren't sold on NordVPN, see how it compares to our top NordVPN alternatives:
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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