NordVPN Review: Speed, Compatibility, Security

NordVPN, one of the major competitors in VPN market, seems to hit all the right notes in offering a service that has everything a customer could ask for. From the recommendations of expert critics such as Techradar, Comparitech and CNET, I tested all parameters and checked by our editors, I come into the conclusion that NordVPN is the fastest VPN service in the market. NordVPN is incredibly quick, loaded with valuable features, and simple to use. It is headquartered in a country that values privacy and provides all the security and privacy features that customers can expect from a top-notch VPN in addition to a few extras like double-hop VPN and Onion over VPN. Even if it isn’t the most affordable VPN available, it is still quite reasonable for what it can offer.

NordVPN Pros and Cons

PROSCONS
Numerous servers all around the world➖ Limited P2P servers
Easy to use ➖ No Port Forwarding
Fast speed and smooth connection  with NordLynax and OpenVPN Protocol➖Limited simultaneous connection
Supports multiple operating systems➖ A little expensive
Supports Split tunneling, Internet Kill Switch, and Torrenting (P2P)➖ Inconsistent customer support:
Provide a double VPN feature➖The Linux client lacks a graphical user interface (GUI).
SmartPlay- a SmartDNS feature for streaming. 
Unblock several streaming websites and channels.
High level of security
Provide extras like Cloud storage, NordLocker and Password Manager, NordPass.

Short and Important Point Summary

🖥️  Servers5500+ servers in 60 countries
🚀  SpeedExcellent
📝  LoggingNo Log Policy 
🖥️  Number of connections per account6
🍿  Unblock Streaming ServicesNetflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and many more
🛡️  Kill SwitchYes
🔀  Split Tunneling Yes
📥  P2P Torrenting Yes
🛡️Port ForwardingNO
🟢  Works in China, Russia, Iran etc Yes
💸  Price $12.99 Monthly Plan (Standard plan)
🗓️  Money Back Guarantee30 days
🌐  Based inPanama
🧑  Support24/7 Support

NordVPN Variety of Servers: Connect to the Location of Your Desired Content and Enjoy

Any user located anywhere in the globe can use NordVPN because it provides a range of servers worldwide. Your experience will be as seamless as possible thanks to NordVPN’s 5500+ servers spread across 60 nations. There are many servers available in the US and UK, and there are also many more in other nations across the world. 

NordVPN does not offer virtual server locations, in contrast to many other VPN service providers. The servers of NordVPN are divided into groups according to their specialties, such as P2P servers, obfuscation, onion over VPN, dedicated IP, or double VPN. These servers are classified as specialty servers. 

Server Location In North America

CountryLocationNumber of ServersServer Type
CanadaMontreal77P2P
CanadaToronto128P2P
CanadaToronto14Double VPN (United States)
CanadaToronto4Obfuscated
CanadaToronto10Static IP
CanadaVancouver39P2P
MexicoMexico City30P2P
United StatesAtlanta, GA115P2P
United StatesAtlanta, GA2Obfuscated
United StatesBuffalo, NY72P2P
United StatesBuffalo, NY39Static IP
United StatesCharlotte, NC34P2P
United StatesChicago, IL155P2P
United StatesChicago, IL2Obfuscated
United StatesDallas, TX183P2P
United StatesDallas, TX35Static IP
United StatesDenver, CO94P2P
United StatesKansas City, MO35P2P
United StatesLos Angeles, CA206P2P
United StatesLos Angeles, CA11Obfuscated
United StatesLos Angeles, CA44Static IP
United StatesManassas, VA108P2P
United StatesManassas, VA2Double VPN (Canada)
United StatesMiami, FL130P2P
United StatesMiami, FL5Obfuscated
United StatesNew York, NY332P2P
United StatesNew York, NY20Double VPN (Canada)
United StatesNew York, NY27Obfuscated
United StatesNew York, NY16Static IP
United StatesPhoenix, AZ47P2P
United StatesSalt Lake City, UT24P2P
United StatesSan Francisco, CA77P2P
United StatesSeattle, WA96P2P
United StatesSt Louis, MO22P2P

Server Location In Central America

CountryLocationNumber of ServersServer Types
Costa RicaSan Jose12

Server Location In South America

CountryLocationNumber of ServersServer Types
ArgentinaBuenos Aires9P2P
BrazilSao Paulo28P2P
ChileSantiago12P2P
ColombiaBogota10P2P

Server Location In Europe

CountryLocationNumber of ServersServer Types
AlbaniaTirana6
AustriaVienna61P2P
BelgiumBrussels60P2P
BosniaSarajevo5P2P
BulgariaSofia30P2P
CroatiaZagreb16P2P
CyprusNicosia13P2P
Czech RepublicPrague52P2P
DenmarkCopenhagen40P2P
EstoniaTallinn13P2P
FinlandHelsinki22P2P
FranceMarseille64P2P
FranceParis175P2P
FranceParis6Double VPN (United Kingdom)
FranceParis6Obfuscated
FranceParis15Static IP
GermanyBerlin56P2P
GermanyFrankfurt152P2P
GermanyFrankfurt7Obfuscated
GermanyFrankfurt21Static IP
GreeceAthens21P2P
HungaryBudapest20P2P
IcelandReykjavik10P2P
IrelandDublin60P2P
ItalyMilan54P2P
ItalyMilan2Obfuscated
ItalyMilan4Static IP
LatviaRiga12
LithuaniaVilnius10P2P
LuxembourgLuxembourg12P2P
MacedoniaSkopje2
MoldovaChisinau3
NetherlandsAmsterdam187P2P
NetherlandsAmsterdam4Double VPN (Sweden)
NetherlandsAmsterdam4Double VPN (Switzerland)
NetherlandsAmsterdam4Double VPN (United Kingdom)
NetherlandsAmsterdam4Obfuscated
NetherlandsAmsterdam15Static IP
NetherlandsAmsterdam2Tor
NorwayOslo84P2P
PolandWarsaw63P2P
PolandWarsaw4Obfuscated
PortugalLisbon33P2P
RomaniaBucharest21P2P
SerbiaBelgrade20P2P
SlovakiaBratislava15P2P
SloveniaLjubljana5P2P
SpainMadrid62P2P
SpainMadrid4Obfuscated
SwedenStockholm136
SwedenStockholm4Double VPN (Netherlands)
SwedenStockholm4Double VPN (Switzerland)
SwedenStockholm4Obfuscated
SwedenStockholm4Static IP
SwitzerlandZurich106P2P
SwitzerlandZurich4Double VPN (Netherlands)
SwitzerlandZurich4Double VPN (Sweden)
SwitzerlandZurich3Obfuscated
SwitzerlandZurich1Tor
Turkey14Obfuscated
TurkeyIstanbul12P2P
TurkeyIstanbul2Obfuscated
UkraineKyiv14P2P
United KingdomEdinburgh36P2P
United KingdomGlasgow36P2P
United KingdomLondon455P2P
United KingdomLondon6Double VPN (France)
United KingdomLondon4Double VPN (Netherlands)
United KingdomLondon6Obfuscated
United KingdomLondon54Static IP
United KingdomManchester54P2P

Server Location In Asia

CountryLocationNumber of ServersServer Types
GeorgiaTbilisi4
Hong KongHong Kong63P2P
Hong KongHong Kong1Double VPN (Taiwan#3)
Hong KongHong Kong2Obfuscated
IndonesiaJakarta10P2P
IsraelTel Aviv20P2P
JapanOsaka36P2P
JapanTokyo113P2P
JapanTokyo4Obfuscated
JapanTokyo8Static IP
MalaysiaKuala Lumpur12
SingaporeSingapore71P2P
SingaporeSingapore1Obfuscated
South KoreaSeoul33P2P
TaiwanTaipei19P2P
TaiwanTaipei1Double VPN (Hong Kong)
ThailandBangkok10
United Arab EmiratesDubai5Obfuscated
VietnamHanoi14

Server Location In Africa

CountryLocationNumber of ServersServers Types
South AfricaJohannesburg20 20

Server Location In Oceania (Australia and New Zealand)

CountryLocationNumber of ServersServer Types
AustraliaAdelaide20 P2P
AustraliaBrisbane32P2P
AustraliaMelbourne36P2P
AustraliaPerth34P2P
AustraliaSydney50P2P
AustraliaSydney4 Static IP
New ZealandAuckland27P2P

How good is NordVPN for streaming?

Your streaming experience can be considerably improved with NordVPN. Through its wide server network, which spans several nations, consumers may easily access streaming content from a variety of sources thanks to quick connections. 

You may enjoy a quick and seamless streaming experience using NordVPN’s customised NordLynx protocol. I tried watching some of the content using NordVPN, and to my surprise, I was able to do it effectively, quickly, and without any buffering. 

There are many platforms that you can easily set up NordVPN on. Certain devices, including those running MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Firestick, and Android TV, are compatible with NordVPN. NordVPN also provides a SmartPlay function for streaming.

OTT ChannelsWhere to Connect To Unblock Channel
Hulu United States
PeacockUnited States
BBC iPlayerUnited Kingdom
Amazon Prime VideoUnited States and all other locations
CrunchyrollUnited States
Sky TVUnited Kingdom
YouTubeUnited States
ITVXUnited Kingdom
Disney PlusUnited States & all other locations
Paramount PlusUnited States
MaxUnited States
Discovery PlusUnited States
ShowtimeUnited States
HallmarkUnited States
StarzUnited States
TubiUnited States
FreeveeUnited States
Acorn TVUnited States

Device Compatibility of NordVPN

Nord VPN has the following device compatibility.

DevicesCompatibility
ComputersWindows, MacOS and Linux
Smartphones / Smart DevicesAndriod and IOS
BrowersGoogle Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox platforms.
Other GadgetsRaspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV stick, Amazon TV, Kindle Fire and Chromecast

Can I watch Netflix with NordVPN?

YES!

Netflix can be seen with ease with NordVPN. Netflix is one of the streaming services that NordVPN is compatible with. With NordVPN, you can quickly unblock 21 Netflix libraries and enjoy watching geo-restricted Netflix content. 

You only need to establish a connection to the location of the content to begin watching Netflix video from that place. Connect to the NordLynx protocol for faster performance. By connecting the NordVPN app to the US location, I tested Netflix US and discovered that it functioned without a hitch or buffering. 

The US, UK, Japan, Australia, France, Italy, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, India, Brazil, South Korea, Finland, and Turkey are among the countries where NordVPN supports Netflix. It’s unusual to discover a VPN service that unblocks this many Netflix libraries.

Can I watch BBC iPlayer, SkyTV and ITV Hub with NordVPN?

YES!

With NordVPN, you may access BBC iPlayer, ITV, SkyTV and other UK-based channels. It is against the law to view some UK-based networks including BBC iplayer, ITV, and others from abroad. The NordVPN services make it simple to get over these geo-restrictions. 

You must connect the NordVPN app to the UK location in order to access the BBC iPlayer, ITV, and other streaming channels. Once connected, you ought to be able to use both services just as you were in the UK. Since I live in the UK and tested the BBC iplayer, I had no trouble watching BBC programming. Please connect to the NordLynx location so you may enjoy fast connection and a better streaming experience.

Can I  watch Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Disney+, Crunchyroll and other content with PureVPN?

YES!

With NordVPN, unblocking streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, Max, Disney+, and a few other services is simple. By hiding your IP address and redirecting your internet traffic through a server in a different location where the content is available, NordVPN unblocks a number of well-known streaming services. 

You may quickly connect to the server location of your content and watch it without any problems by using the NordVPN app, which offers a selection of servers and cities. You can also change between other cities in a certain nation for a better experience.

Smartplay Features

A feature of NordVPN called SmartPlay enables you to safely access all kinds of content. All you need to do is connect to the correct VPN server because this feature is effortlessly implemented into NordVPN’s apps, so there is nothing to install, update, or activate. With this feature, you get the advantages of smart DNS while being protected by VPN encryption.

To use SmartPlay you just need to follow the below steps:

  • Download the NordVPN app and Open it
  • Connect to any server or simply select their ‘Quick Connect’ option.
  • Enjoy streaming via using NordVPN. 

Why NordVPN’s SmartPlay is the Best Option?

The following are the three reasons why you should use NordVPN’s SmartPlay.

Unrestricted Access

The ability of VPN services to get around internet censorship and limits is one of their key draws. You will find it more difficult to find streaming services these days that don’t have certain limitations on their library. Various factors, such as licencing agreements between the platform and the content owners, may be the cause of the restriction. To overcome any possible VPN huddles, NordVPN has launched a distinct feature, SmartPlay, SmartPlay is a VPN + DNS feature that helps to unblock geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. SmartPlay is basically a VPN + SmartDNS technology.

The server will therefore read your IP address if you access a platform from your location and only display titles that are available. SmartPlay, though, alters everything. No matter where you are, you can easily stream your favourite TV series and movies. It would be challenging for your genuine information to be revealed because it masks your real IP and uses a pool of IP addresses.

Security and Privacy

SmartPlay is a plus if your privacy is important to you. To ensure that your privacy is protected, NordVPN uses a variety of strong security mechanisms, including military-grade encryption. The fact that SmartPlay offers the advantages of SmartDNS without further settings is another fantastic feature.

Automatic Service

SmartPlay was created by NordVPN to be applied automatically across all of its servers. In contrast to other services, such as Onion Over VPN, which are restricted to particular servers, SmartPlay allows you to select any server while still enjoying the service. Additionally, the feature functions flawlessly across all NordVPN client apps.

SmartDNS Features: Enjoy Streaming on Non-VPN Supported Devices Too

You can watch geo-restricted content on different channels using the SmartDNS feature without requiring a complete VPN connection.  It functions on your device as a proxy connection rather than offering the same level of protection as a VPN. It is exclusively designed for devices like smart TVs, Apple TVs, and others that are generally incompatible with VPNs.  

It functions by changing the user’s device’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings to give the impression that they are accessing the content from another location. Bypassing geographic limitations enables users to access content that might not be available in their home country.

To use SmartDNS you just need to follow the below steps:

  • Allowlist your original IP address, which is the one you have when your VPN is not active.
    Go to the Nord Account dashboard > Services > NordVPN and click Enable on the SmartDNS tab.
  • Activate the SmartDNS feature by clicking on Activate SmartDNS.
  • You will receive the email of the primary and secondary DNS. 
  • Once you have enabled the SmartDNS then open the settings of your Smart TV or any other device on which you want to use the SmartDNS connection
  • Select the Network-related settings and go to Internet settings (Wifi Settings) or Network settings.
  • In the internet settings, turn off the IPv6 and change your DNS settings, enter 103.86.99.103 (and 103.86.96.103 if allowed to enter a second), and Press OK.
SmartDNS features of NordVPN
Amazing SmartDNS Features. (Image Credit: Courtesy By NordVPN)

Streaming Service You Can Use With NordVPN’s SmartDNS

You can access the USA version of these platforms with SmartDNS’s.

  • ABC GO 
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Disney Plus 
  • Fox Now / Sports GO / News 
  • Showtime 
  • HBO Max 
  • Netflix 

Browser Extension: Proxy Connection For Easy Streaming On Desktop  

By altering your IP address, the NordVPN browser plugin for Chrome secures all of your internet traffic and hides your IP. You can choose the websites you want to secure with ease by using the split tunnelling option.

NordVPN The NordVPN Chrome addon includes the essential functionality. From the NordVPN-protected browser, you can visit prohibited or restricted websites. Your Internet Service Provider cannot see any of your Chrome-related actions because they are all encrypted.

How To Install NordVPN Chrome Extension

The NordVPN extension for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks is simple to use and set up. Follow these instructions to download and use the NordVPN Chrome browser extension on your desired device:

  • Open the NordVPN website and choose the appropriate plan
  • You need an account to use the Chrome Extension service for free
  • Open the Nord VPN website and click to ‘Add To Chrome’ button
  • Click on Add to Extension and you will get a notification of successful installation
  • On the Top right corner of toolbar Nord VPN logo will appear. Click on the logo to create an account to log in or sign up
  • For registration, add account details
  • After the successful signup process you can also change the extension setting according to your choice.
  • Click on the Setting option on the left side and enable ad-blocking and add sites to the Bypass list

Speed Test

When it comes to security, servers, and particularly speed, NordVPN is an outstanding choice. We tested nine different NordVPN server locations with our 100 Mbps internet connection to get an average number of how NordVPN operates on various servers. We specifically examined the ping, download, and upload rates on various servers.

Country ServerDownload SpeedUpload SpeedPings
United States93.57 Mbps89.52 Mbps194 ms
Brazil96.92 Mbps38.58 Mbps487 ms
Germany90.59 Mbps25.67 Mbps124 ms
United Kingdom92.84 Mbps97.67 Mbps265 ms
Hong Kong91 Mbps93.09 Mbps112 ms
Japan92.25 Mbps93.41 Mbps156 ms
Singapore89.59 Mbps98.09 Mbps84 ms
Israel92.09 Mbps87.75 Mbps477 ms
Australia91 Mbps91.25 Mbps131 ms

Can I have a free trial of PureVPN?

NordVPN does not provide a free trial but they do provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, which effectively enables you to test out their service risk-free for a month. In the first 30 days, if you’re not happy with the service, you may get a complete refund by getting in touch with NordVPN’s customer support staff.

Additionally, Android and iOS users can sign up for a 7-day free trial of NordVPN. You must download the NordVPN app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and register for a new account in order to get this free trial. You can use the full version of NordVPN for free for 7 days after creating your account. Just be careful to cancel prior to the trial’s end.

Plans and Pricing

Standard, Plus, and Complete are the three available packages, and you may choose to pay for the plan over a period of two years, one year, or month to month.

Subscription PackageStandardPlus Complete
Monthly$12.99$13.79$14.49
1-year Plan$4.99$5.79$6.99
2-year Plan$3.79$4.59$5.79

The price comparison chart makes it clear that NordVPN costs considerably less annually than it does monthly. The 2-year Standard plan, for example, lowers your monthly expense to $3.99 / month (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan), which is over $8 cheaper than the Standard plan. By adding up these figures, you can save almost $200 over the course of two years.

Payment options: 

You can find multiple payment methods while subscribing to the NordVPN services. You can go for the most suitable payment method.

  • Credit or Debit Card: You can use a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, or UnionPay card to pay for NordVPN.
  • Cryptocurrency: NordVPN accepts several types of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin.
  • PayPal: Customers can also pay for their NordVPN subscription through PayPal, which is a popular and secure online payment system.
  • GPay: You can also pay for the PureVPN subscription via GPay.
Payment options for NordVPN
Easy Payment options for users. (Image Credit: Courtesy By NordVPN)

What is the Cancelation and refund process of NordVPN?

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee after your purchase. With this option, you can ask for a refund of your purchase at any time. Cancellation can be asked at any time during the subscription period. NordVPN has a straightforward cancellation and refund process. 

To Cancel and Refund the Subscription of the Website Users:

  • For cancellation, login to your NordVPN’s Account Page, Click the three dots in the my service section, and then click on Cancel automatic payments. After that there will a confirmation Popup, click on the Confirm Cancellation button.
  • For a Refund, you need to contact NordVPN support via Live Chat or email and request a refund.
  • The support will ask some of the basic questions and then initiate the cancelation or refund process. 

To Cancel the Subscription from the Google PlayStore:

In order to cancel your NordVPN subscription purchased through the Google Play Store, please follow the steps below:

  • Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
  • Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the screen.
  • Tap on “Subscriptions” from the menu.
  • Find your NordVPN subscription in the list of subscriptions and tap on it.
  • Tap “Cancel Subscription” and follow the instructions to confirm the cancellation.

When you cancel your subscription, your NordVPN access will terminate at the end of your present billing cycle. You won’t be charged for further billing cycles, and you’ll lose access to the NordVPN service.

It’s important to understand that if you decide to cancel your subscription via the Google Play Store, you won’t be able to request a refund directly from NordVPN. Instead, you’ll need to get in touch with the customer support of the Google Play Store and ask for a refund.

To Cancel the Subscription from the Apple AppStore:

To cancel your NordVPN subscription purchased through the Apple App Store, please follow the steps below:

  • Go to the “Settings” app on your iOS device.
  • Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
  • Tap on “Subscriptions.”
  • Find your NordVPN subscription in the list of subscriptions and tap on it.
  • Tap “Cancel Subscription” and follow the instructions to confirm the cancellation.

If you want to ask for a refund, you must get in touch with customer support of the Apple App Store within 31 days of the date of purchase. Follow these instructions to contact the customer support of the Apple App Store:

  • Go to https://getsupport.apple.com/ on your web browser.
  • Select “Billing & Subscriptions.”
  • Select “Subscriptions & Purchases.”
  • Select “Request a refund.”
  • Follow the instructions to submit your refund request.
  • Note that Apple App Store’s refund policy may vary by country and region.

FAQs

Does NordVPN supports apps on gaming consoles?

Yes. you can easily use NordVPN gaming consoles like PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. It provide excellent speed and connection while playing games. 

Can NordVPN work in China, Russia, Iran, Turkey and other geo-restricted countries?

Yes, NordVPN can easily work in other geo-restricted countries like China, Iran, Russia etc. You can connect to the Obfuscated servers being offered by Nord under special servers options on NordVPN app. 

Does NordVPN offer a student discount?

Yes, students can avail of great discount by subscribing through MyUnidays.

Can NordVPN be hacked?

NordVPN has robust security and privacy measures, but no system is hack-proof. Users must stay vigilant with updates, strong passwords, and online security practices.

Wrap Up

I noticed that NordVPN, a reliable VPN service provider, costs less than some other VPN service providers. With NordVPN, you may benefit from extreme security, anonymity, privacy, and streaming freedom. It has made great efforts to protect the security and privacy of its consumers by introducing new and cutting-edge features. NordVPN is a decent but not particularly cheap or costly VPN service. 

On a variety of servers and its unique protocol, NordLynx, the connection speed is unmatched. It makes it simple to go around geo-restricted locations like China, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and others while also unblocking a number of blocked websites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. 

It provides you with user-friendly apps and is compatible with many different devices. Numerous features, including specialised servers, SmartPlay, SmartDNS, Meshnet, Threat Protection, and many more, will be available in the NordVPN apps. Users will have a wonderful experience using these cutting-edge and novel sets of functions.  

Overall, we found NordVPN to be a top-notch VPN service, unrivalled in terms of speed, security, and safety.

Abeer jawad

Abeer is an entertainment journalist, loves to put her thoughts out there through colors and letters. She's a social bird, exploring through feed and people for entertainment.

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