NordVPN Review 2026: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

We've tested over 50 VPNs, and NordVPN ranks as the best overall, as well as the best for streaming, security, and features. After repeated hands-on testing, NordVPN consistently maintains fast speeds, unblocks geo-restrictions with ease, and prevents data leaks so you can have a safe, encrypted connection.

We're also fans of its privacy-friendly headquarters and the frequent audits of its no-logs policy. NordVPN may not be the cheapest VPN available, but we believe it's worth the price. 

Learn more about why we love this service in our NordVPN review.

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Overview

Star rating summary

We last tested NordVPN on February 2, 2026.

PROMOTION: Save Up to 70% On 2-Year Plans

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Overall VPN

VPN

NordVPN

• #1 rated VPN with 9,000+ servers in 165+ countries
• Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
• All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more

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Our experience

NordVPN lives up to the hype every time we test it. It's user-friendly, and there are usually no hiccups when connecting to servers, maintaining our speeds, unblocking geo-restrictions, and preventing data leaks. 

Setting up NordVPN is easy, and there are browser extensions as well as dedicated desktop and mobile apps. We tested NordVPN on the Windows app this round and were impressed with NordVPN's ease of use, sleek dashboard, and intuitive navigation. We were disappointed that there's no longer a VPN tab that fully displays the world map, but it's still displayed in the top-right corner of the home tab.

The main dashboard has sections for the virtual private network (VPN), Threat Protection (ad blocker), and Dark Web Monitor, but you can also select a button on the left-hand side to access more in-depth features. NordVPN makes finding and connecting to servers simple. 

We could click Quick Connect to automatically connect to the fastest server near our physical location, or use the search bar. There's also an option to use one of the specialty servers, like P2P or obfuscation. 

During our most recent test from a physical location in North Carolina, we did experience some connectivity issues with nearby U.S. servers. We did see improved speed once we enabled NordVPN's proprietary NordLynx protocol, but we think interference from the mountains was the cause of the overall performance drop. 

Ironically, connecting to distant servers in Japan and Brisbane was seamless, as we only experienced a noticeable slowdown with nearby U.S. servers.

However, when we conducted the same speed tests from Texas, we saw a much stronger performance. This tracks with our historical testing, since we've never had connection issues. In fact, NordVPN consistently proves why it's our best overall VPN recommendation.

Reviewed by Kalleigh Lane

“As a Canadian working for an American company, I use the NordVPN browser extension to easily make sure I'm viewing the right prices on every webpage. It's super reliable and easy to swap servers if needed.”

Mobile experience

We also downloaded the NordVPN app for Android to see how well it works on mobile. We appreciated that the mobile dashboard also includes a world map view, making it easy to see the available servers. 

Although the mobile app had a larger impact on our speeds than the desktop app, NordVPN still didn't significantly affect our ability to browse without issues. It also easily passed the DNS leak test and kill switch test. 

NordVPN also still has plenty of features on mobile, including the kill switch, split tunneling, and Threat Protection to block ads and trackers. Overall, we enjoyed using NordVPN on mobile and recommend it, especially if you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks when you're out.

NordVPN prices and plans

NordVPN offers four plans — Basic, Plus, Complete, and Prime — priced from $3.39–$25.29/mo. The plans above Basic provide more features beyond the VPN, including a password manager, cloud storage, and identity theft protection.

You can also choose a monthly, one-year, or two-year plan. The longer the plan, the cheaper the monthly cost.

• The cheapest option for NordVPN: Basic two-year plan at $3.39/mo
• The most expensive option for NordVPN: Prime monthly plan at $25.29/mo

Paying under $4.00/mo isn’t the most expensive option available for popular VPN services, but it’s also not the cheapest. Sometimes, 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.

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, so you can try out its VPN services and features for free.

Plan comparison

NordVPN used to have three plan tiers, but now it has four, which could make picking a plan even more confusing. Here's the breakdown of each NordVPN plan:

• Basic includes the VPN and basic Threat Protection feature.
• Plus adds Threat Protection Pro, which has anti-malware protection, advanced browsing protection, and ad and tracker blocking. You'll also get the NordPass password manager and a data breach scanner. 
• Complete adds up to 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage with NordLocker. 
• Prime adds a suite of identity theft protection features, including dark web monitoring, three-bureau credit monitoring, and insurance to cover identity theft and cyber extortion.

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.

Considering NordVPN doesn’t cost much more than similar options, it could be well worth the price for the value it offers. Payment options include:

• Credit or debit card
• Google Pay
  
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, ethereum, and more)

NordVPN features

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).

Server count and countries

• 9,000+ servers in 165+ countries

Offering over 100 server countries 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 expands 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 VPN rules can vary by country. See if NordVPN is legal before using it in another country.

NordVPN also has a section on its server list called Specialty servers, where you’ll find the following:

• Dedicated IP address: Works like a standard server, available only to you.
• Double VPN: Routes traffic through two VPN servers rather than one.
• Obfuscated servers: Bypass VPN-block firewalls.
• Onion Over VPN: Combines The Onion Router (Tor) privacy with a VPN.
• P2P: Optimized for torrenting and large file sharing.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• NordVPN logs policy: No logs
• NordVPN headquarters: Panama

If you want to use a VPN for privacy, a no-logs policy is 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 provider doesn’t actually uphold its claim. This isn’t the case with NordVPN for two important reasons:

1. It has a third-party company (most recently Deloitte) verify its claims.^[1]
2. It’s headquartered in Panama.

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 data retention laws, so NordVPN isn’t obligated to retain this information or turn it over to the police or government officials, unlike some VPNs.

Kill switch

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 your online traffic from traveling over an unencrypted connection. The NordVPN kill switch can be easily enabled in the NordVPN settings. We turned it on and tested it with complete success.

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.

Split tunneling

NordVPN offers split tunneling, a feature that lets you choose which programs receive direct access to your unencrypted internet for faster speeds. This means only the programs you allow would bypass the VPN connection.

To turn on split tunneling, open your NordVPN app settings and select Split tunneling. Here, you can toggle the feature on and add apps you want to include or exclude from your VPN connection.

Encryption

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 also offers the option to use post-quantum encryption when you're connected to the NordLynx protocol.

VPN protocol

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. 

NordVPN has also developed a new protocol called NordWhisper. It was developed for use in restrictive local network environments, such as office or campus networks. 

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.

Threat Protection

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.

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. 

Meshnet

NordVPN offers a unique feature called Meshnet, which links remote devices over secure connections. This could be useful for:

• Playing video games with friends from wherever
• Working on projects with co-workers
• Remotely accessing your files from anywhere

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, NordVPN 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.

NEW: eSim

Saily is an eSIM app developed by the team behind NordVPN, designed to give travelers quick and secure mobile internet access in over 200 countries. You can purchase prepaid data plans directly through the app and be immediately connected — no physical SIM card, no store visits, and no lengthy setup. 

Saily is especially useful for travelers who want reliable connectivity on the go without racking up significant roaming charges.

As part of NordVPN's family, what really sets Saily apart is its integration of privacy-focused features, such as web protection, ad blocking, and a virtual location toggle. These tools help safeguard users against malicious sites and intrusive tracking while browsing on public or unfamiliar networks abroad. 

With plan durations ranging from seven to 30 days and straightforward one-time payments, it’s a flexible solution for short-term trips or extended stays.

The best part is that you can get Saily bundled with all of Nord Security's products — NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker — plus Incogni data removal. This is still a new product, and they're working on adding even more features that you're used to on premium credit cards, like airport lounge access and priority service at security and check-in. 

Learn more here:

Avoid Roaming Costs and Stay Connected Wherever You Go — Starting at $3.79

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Get Deal

On Saily's website

eSim

Saily

PROMOTION: Get Up to 20% Off eSIM Data

• Offers flexible, prepaid data plans ranging from 7 to 30 days with no recurring fees
• Developed by the team behind NordVPN, with privacy and security features built in by default
• Avoid roaming costs while blocking ads and avoiding malicious websites

NordVPN test results

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 evaluate how NordVPN performs in terms of internet speed and overall privacy.

NordVPN passed its tests with flying colors. Check out these details for each test.

Speed tests

• Speed test results: NordVPN decreased our download speeds by an average of 16%.

The purpose of this test is to determine whether your internet connection slows significantly when using NordVPN to connect to servers worldwide. We tested this by first running an internet speed test without the VPN, then running speed tests while connected to different VPN servers.

These tests were run using a Lenovo laptop running Windows 11 from a physical location in the U.S. For all the countries we tested, we selected the fastest server option. Here is our baseline speed when not connected to a NordVPN server:

In our previous tests, NordVPN dropped our download speeds by an average of 30%, which was much slower than usual. So we were pleased that NordVPN showed much improvement during this latest round of testing. 

First, the U.S. server reduced our speeds by only about 15% and improved our ping. We chose the Quick Connect option, and NordVPN selected a nearby recommended server for us.

Our upload speeds also increased when connected to the U.S. server. This should affect you when sending data, like files and videos, to others. 

Connecting to servers outside the U.S. led to larger drops in download speeds, but these changes are to be expected because you’re connecting to servers that are located much farther from your physical location. Considering Australia is on the other side of the world, having only a 23% drop in download speeds is solid. 

Overall, it was simple and easy to scroll through and connect to different servers. There was no noticeable impact on our speed with any of the servers we tried. 

It took NordVPN 10 seconds or less to establish each connection, and any changes in download speeds and ping weren’t outside reasonable ranges.

Netflix tests

• Netflix test results: NordVPN unblocked all the regional Netflix libraries we tested.

You might use a VPN to watch Netflix if you want to access content from Netflix libraries outside your physical location. 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 or issues loading the Netflix site.

Note that you typically don’t need to connect to specific servers for different streaming services to work with NordVPN, unlike with some VPN providers, including CyberGhost. Any NordVPN server should work just fine (more on this later when we discuss our chat with a customer service representative).

However, NordVPN no longer lists Netflix support on its site. It has always worked for us during testing, but it's not guaranteed to work, and support might not be able to assist.

DNS leak tests

• DNS leak test results: NordVPN passed its DNS leak tests.

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 tells you whether these leaks are occurring and pose a privacy risk.

We used the DNS Leak Test service from BrowserLeaks to test for 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.

WebRTC leak tests

• WebRTC leak tests: NordVPN passed its WebRTC leak tests.

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 appeared when running the test without connecting to the VPN, but once we connected to the VPN, the IP address for that server appeared instead. This is a good thing because it means NordVPN is working correctly to mask our IP address.

Kill switch test

• Kill switch test results: NordVPN passed its kill switch test.

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 when we switched from a U.K. server to one in Atlanta, Georgia.

If our true IP address had been leaked, we could've been left open to hackers and other unwanted third parties. Luckily, NordVPN kept our device secure.

NordVPN compatibility

You can set up NordVPN with a variety of mobile devices, mobile apps, and operating systems, including:

NordVPN is also compatible with gaming consoles, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, as well as other devices like Meta Quest (Oculus), Kindle Fire, and Raspberry Pi.

NordVPN customer support and reputation

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 various departments, including 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.

Bugs and feedback

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 reports.

Chatbot

The chat function is typically available throughout the NordVPN website and appears 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 reached a point where the chatbot proposed a solution.

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.

Chat with a 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 that actually provided us with 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.

The agent mentioned that there were rare cases (such as with Acorn TV) where you might have to select a specific server to get a streaming service working.

Help center

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 step-by-step tutorials on installing and using NordVPN across different devices and platforms. For example, you might want a quick guide to installing NordVPN on an iPhone, an Android device, or a router.

NordVPN user reviews

• Apple App Store rating: 4.7
• Google Play Store rating: 4.6
• Trustpilot rating: 4.1

NordVPN received high ratings for its mobile apps, especially compared to most premium providers. NordVPN's Trustpilot score was lower than its app ratings, chiefly because users experienced issues accessing the internet while connected and using the Windows desktop application. In our experience, it is better to enable the NordLynx protocol from the start for the best speeds. We also recommend using NordVPN's Quick Connect feature, which automatically connects you to the fastest server. We've seen mixed results when manually selecting servers in the Windows app for those two reasons. 

Top alternatives

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 Surfshark and Proton VPN as highly-rated VPN services. Here's how NordVPN compares:

	NordVPN	Surfshark	Proton VPN
Award	Best overall VPN	Best value VPN	Best privacy VPN
Star rating	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	$3.39–$25.29/mo	$1.99–$20.85/mo	$2.99–$9.99/mo
Max # of connected devices	10	Unlimited	10
# of servers	9,000+ servers in 165+ countries	4,500+ servers in 100 countries	17,800+ servers in 120+ countries
Netflix access
Learn more	Get NordVPN	Get Surfshark	Get Proton VPN

Bottom line: Is NordVPN good?

Yes, NordVPN is one of the best — if not the best — VPNs on the market. It offers an easy-to-use interface, provides high levels of security and privacy, and impressive performance for speed and unblocking geo-restrictions. 

You also have plenty of plan-based advanced security features to choose from, along with a server network that's more expansive than most competitors.

If you want a thoroughly tested, fast, and secure VPN connection, NordVPN is likely a good fit. But you might choose not to use NordVPN if you want a cheaper option and don’t need all its additional features.

We recommend NordVPN for people who want a high-speed VPN that offers loads of features, unblocks streaming libraries, and doesn’t compromise on cybersecurity or privacy.

If you aren't sold on NordVPN, see how it compares to our top NordVPN alternatives:

• NordVPN vs. Surfshark
• NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN
• NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN
• NordVPN vs. PrivadoVPN
• NordVPN vs. Total VPN
• NordVPN vs. Proton VPN
• NordVPN vs. Norton Secure VPN
• NordVPN vs. Private Internet Access
• NordVPN vs. CyberGhost
• NordVPN vs. Avast SecureLine VPN
• NordVPN vs. PureVPN

NordVPN FAQs

#1 Rated VPN for Privacy and Security

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Get Deal

On NordVPN's website

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Overall VPN

VPN

NordVPN

PROMOTION: Save Up to 70% On 2-Year Plans

• #1 rated VPN with 9,000+ servers in 165+ countries
• Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
• All-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more

Author Details

Ben Walker

About the Author

Ben Walker is a security, travel, and credit card writer with a passion for all things internet and technology, whether it's using VPNs while away from home or organizing his life with password managers.

Steph Trejos