NordVPN is a company that provides customers with online security and privacy. The company offers its virtual private network (VPN) to individuals and businesses and comes with thousands of servers available internationally to allow for high-speed encrypted internet use.
If you’re currently looking for a VPN provider, the reliable and affordable long-term plans NordVPN offers make it a top choice. NordVPN is easy to set up, intuitive to use and specifically caters to businesses and teams.
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What is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a competitive choice for a high-speed and reliable VPN. The service allows you to connect to up to six devices, and you can use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
NordVPN uses a number of security features to protect your internet activity, including a feature called “double VPN” that routes your connection through two servers for increased security.
The company allows users to install its VPN directly onto the Wi-Fi router so that you can ensure all activity on every device connected to the internet is secure.
How does NordVPN work?
A VPN, or virtual private network, provides a user online privacy and security by masking their IP address and encrypting their internet activity.
A VPN will secure an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, which hides your location and allows you to show that your connection is being directed from nearly anywhere.
There are many uses for a VPN, including keeping your browsing data anonymous and transmitting sensitive information over public Wi-Fi.
A VPN can also enable you to view country-restricted content regardless of your location. Additionally, some subscription services adjust their prices based on where customers are located. So setting a VPN to the right location could potentially help you save.
NordVPN standout features
NordVPN offers a number of competitive features, including:
- Threat protection: a feature that blocks malware, trackers and ads when you browse the internet. This adds an extra layer of protection when browsing the web
- Dark web monitor: a feature that will notify users if their information is leaked to the dark web.
- Meshnet: allows you to connect to other devices directly through encrypted private tunnels, which is useful for file sharing and gaming.
- Kill switch: a feature that will automatically block your device from accessing the internet, should the connection drop. This way, you don’t have to worry about a potential vulnerability when your VPN disconnects.
- Split Tunnelling: a feature that allows you to select which apps and websites require VPN protection and which ones are safe to browse without it. This is helpful for websites that block access with a VPN, such as many bank websites.
NordVPN cost
NordVPN may be more expensive than other VPN options, but the company offers competitive pricing for multi-year plans. For example, the standard monthly plan costs £10.89 but when you sign up for two years it’s only £2.69 a month.
The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the product with no risk. You can also purchase the service with multiple payment options, including Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, while NordVPN provides 24/7 support and is easy to reach should any issues come up.
The company also offers NordVPN Teams a service that provides internet privacy for online businesses. NordVPN Teams makes it easy to manage and encrypt the accounts and activity of all the members on your team. The basic tier costs £4.94 per month per user.
NordVPN server types and locations
NordVPN has 5,610 servers in over 60 countries, including the UK, US, Canada and several countries throughout Europe. This helps ensure you’ll have a fast, stable internet connection wherever you are located while also masking your IP address.
The service also comes with a Kill Switch that will automatically block your device from accessing the internet, should the connection drop. This way, you don’t have to worry about a potential vulnerability if your Wi-Fi stops working.
NordVPN also offers access to a dedicated IP for slightly higher monthly cost. This is an IP that only you can use and can provide a solution to accessing IP-restricted networks while still maintaining your anonymity.
In addition to a regular VPN server, NordVPN also offers several different types of servers at select locations. Here are the other servers the company offers:
- P2P servers: specifically meant for fast file sharing
- Obfuscated: meant to prevent your traffic from being blocked in countries with high restrictions
- Double VPN: obfuscates your traffic twice, providing double encryption
- Dedicated IP: a user can purchase their own IP meant for faster connection
NordVPN offers all of the servers listed above in the UK, US, Canada, the Netherlands and France. The majority of the remaining countries where NordVPN has servers will also include P2P servers. NordVPN offers obfuscated, double VPN and dedicated IP in a select number of countries.
If you know in advance that a dedicated IP or a double VPN is essential to your business, it is worth considering where the servers are located to make sure it aligns with your intentions. You can find out more information about the different servers and locations NordVPN offers here.
Is NordVPN safe?
VPNs are considered one way to make your internet activity more private and secure. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure the VPN is safe as well. NordVPN uses a range of security features and also undergoes independent audits of its security.
NordVPN has gone through several audits to verify its no-logs promise and that the company uses the server configurations it claims to. The most recent independent audit was conducted in 2022 by Deloitte. The audit confirmed NordVPN’s no-logs assurance and tested multiple servers including obfuscated and double VPNs.
NordVPN security features
- Internet browsing encryption: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption to ensure all data transmitted over the servers is concealed and kept private. This level of encryption is industry standard and one of the strongest encryption methods available
- Double VPN: A security feature that routes your connection through two servers instead of one, providing double encryption
- Threat protection: NordVPN uses this feature to block unsafe websites and increase internet security
- Obfuscated servers: These servers conceal the fact that you’re using a VPN, allowing users to access otherwise restricted web pages
- 24/7 support: NordVPN offers email and live chat support, in addition to an extensive online knowledge base
- Dark web monitor: A cybersecurity feature that monitors the dark web for any exposure of your information.
NordVPN protocols
NordVPN utilises three different internet security protocols.
- NordLynx: NordLynx is NordVPN’s updated system of WireGuard, a popular VPN protocol. NordLynx enables a secure VPN connection without storing any data on the VPN server
- Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2)/IPsec: IKEv2 is a protocol that encrypts communication between a VPN client and a VPN server and securely exchanges keys over the internet. IKEv2 is often used in combination with Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) to provide secure communication over the internet
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a popular security protocol because it is open source, which means the entire cybersecurity community is able to monitor any potential bugs and fix them
How fast is Nord VPN?
Many users find that a VPN can slow down their internet speed. However, the actual speeds you experience when using a VPN will depend on a variety of factors including your location, internet service provider, where the servers are located and the distance between the server and your devices, and the specific device and VPN protocol you are using.
That being said, NordVPN is highly rated for providing high-speed encrypted internet connection. If you’re experiencing a slow internet connection when using NordVPN, read these tips on the company’s website on how to improve internet speed.
NordVPN device compatibility
Offering unlimited bandwidth and usage on up to six devices, NordVPN is an excellent option for users who want to protect their data no matter which platform they’re using. This flexibility makes it a strong candidate for use both at home and in a business setting.
What platforms does NordVPN support?
NordVPN works with a wide array of hardware and software, including:
- Desktops and laptops: NordVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems.
- Smartphones and tablets: NordVPN is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
- Routers: NordVPN can be installed on certain routers that will protect all devices connected to the router.
- Streaming devices: NordVPN is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Chromecast.
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Gaming consoles: NordVPN is compatible with gaming consoles including PlayStation,
Nintendo Switch and Xbox.
How many devices can you use at once?
Each account will cover up to six devices at one time. However, you are also able to install NordVPN on your router, which ensures that every device connected to your router will be protected with the VPN.
Installing NordVPN on your router only takes up one of the six available devices available for each account, which means you’ll still have five remaining slots available to use for other devices (or another router if you have more than one internet connection).
In short, if you configure the VPN to your router, one account is more than enough to cover as many devices needed in one household.
Is NordVPN good for streaming?
VPNs can often slow internet connection down, and therefore many users might avoid using them for streaming. NordVPN is known for its high number of servers and fast internet speeds, making it a solid VPN service for streaming.
Your internet speed when using a VPN is based on multiple factors, including the location of your server, the distance between you and the server you are connecting to, your VPN protocol and your original internet speed. The company provides tips on how to improve slow internet connection.
How NordVPN stacks up
There are plenty of VPN services out there, and it makes sense to research a few before committing to one. To help with your search, we’ve compared some of the key features of NordVPN with two competitors, ProtonVPN and CyberGhost.
NordVPN has the highest annual cost of the three companies. However, when you sign up for a two-year plan, the cost drops to £31.31 per year. A two-year plan for ProtonVPN totals £33.75 per year. CyberGhost still offers the most competitive pricing, at £29.58 per year for a two-year plan.
When it comes to the maximum number of devices you can use, NordVPN is on the lower end of the market with a limit of six devices. The company outshines the competition with the number of servers as well as operating countries (more than 60).
The company operates under the jurisdiction of Panama, where there are no laws that mandate data retention. This means it is able to maintain a strong commitment to privacy and a no-logs policy.
It’s worth mentioning that in 2019, NordVPN announced that web browsing activity had been breached in one of the Finland servers in March 2018. That being said, this was an isolated incident and the company has since upgraded its security measures.
Compare NordVPN with private internet access
Is NordVPN right for you or your business?
If you’re looking to protect your personal online activity, NordVPN is a strong choice to consider. A VPN can provide online protection if you need to visit unsecure websites, you often use public Wi-Fi or you simply want to make sure your online data and browsing history are safe.
NordVPN Teams is a business-centric offering that makes it easy to encrypt all your team members’ accounts through one portal. You’ll be able to protect every device connected to your network. If privacy is key to your business and there are multiple people working at your company, NordVPN Teams provides a convenient solution.
Summary: is NordVPN worth it?
NordVPN is a popular VPN suited for both business owners and individuals who are looking to increase their internet security.
NordVPN for personal use
NordVPN is likely best known for its service for individual internet browsers. This company is a great option for internet users who want online protection when visiting unsecured websites, using public Wi-Fi or simply ensuring that your online data and browsing history are safe. The VPN is easy to set up and navigate and the added Threat Protection feature that blocks unsafe websites also increases internet security.
The company’s no-log policy and independent audit reports make it a reliable and secure option for a competitive VPN. The company offers steep discounts for users who commit to multi-year plans.
NordVPN for business use
NordLayer (formerly known as NordVPN Teams) is a great option for business owners and teams looking to monitor the security level of their company and encrypt all of their team members’ accounts through one portal. You’ll be able to protect every device connected to your network. If privacy is key to your business and there are multiple people working at your company, NordLayer provides a convenient solution.