NordVPN is everywhere these days — from YouTube ads to sports sponsorships. Its massive marketing claims it's the most trusted VPN service worldwide. But does this popularity actually translate into superior performance, or is it just clever advertising?
The team and I spent several weeks thoroughly testing every aspect of NordVPN. We ran extensive speed tests, tried streaming on multiple platforms, and pushed its security features to their limits, among many other tests. We also analyzed its privacy practices, stress-tested various use cases, and evaluated customer support to give you the complete picture.
Our testing confirms that NordVPN deserves its spot among the top VPNs. It delivers reliable performance in every key area, with only minor issues that won't impact most users. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free. I tested the refund process personally and received my money back within 5 days.
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NordVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
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Fast local and faraway servers
It was super fast in most locations. However, its long-distance servers weren’t great for gaming.
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Strong security and privacy
With AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, you can trust NordVPN to keep you safe and to be responsible with your data.
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Optimized P2P servers
While I’ve tested other VPNs that are easier for torrenting and have entire P2P server networks, I didn’t have issues using uTorrent, BitTorrent, Popcorn Time, and other websites.
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Easy to install and configure
Its apps are really simple to navigate, even for beginners.
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A 30-day money-back guarantee
While it’s not the cheapest VPN, NordVPN lets you try its features free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.
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Great for streaming
Its speedy and reliable global server network makes it possible to access content from anywhere in HD without interruptions.
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NordVPN Features — 2025 Update
9.4
|
💸
Price
|
3.39 USD/month
|
|
📆
Money Back Guarantee
|
30 Days |
|
📝
Does VPN keep logs?
|
No |
|
🖥
Number of servers
|
7187+ |
|
💻
Number of devices per license
|
10 |
|
🛡
Kill switch
|
Yes |
|
🗺
Based in country
|
Panama |
|
🛠
Support
|
24/7 live chat |
|
📥
Supports torrenting
|
Yes |
Streaming — A Good VPN for Streaming
9.8
NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming we've tested — it worked with every major streaming platform we threw at it. Most importantly, we rarely needed to switch servers, as sites loaded smoothly on our first attempt. Its performance is nearly on par with ExpressVPN, our top-recommended VPN for streaming.
Be advised: This VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t monitor your traffic and data. This means you are responsible for ensuring your VPN usage complies with your local rules and regulations. We at vpnMentor do not condone or encourage any copyright infringement or other unlawful activities.
Popular Streaming Platforms We Tested
| Streaming Service |
Status |
| Netflix |
✅ |
| Hulu |
✅ |
| Disney+ |
✅ |
| BBC iPlayer |
✅ |
| Amazon Prime Video |
✅ |
| Max |
✅ |
| ESPN+ |
✅ |
| Hotstar India |
✅ |
| DAZN |
✅ |
| Sling TV |
✅ |
During our tests, it worked seamlessly with over 15 Netflix libraries. This includes popular ones like the US, UK, Japan, and Canada, as well as less common options like Argentina, Malaysia, and Thailand. Each library loaded on the very first server we connected to.
We tested 4 different US servers, and they all worked with Netflix
The VPN performed just as well with other streaming services. We streamed content smoothly from BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Max, and Amazon Prime Video with ease. It even worked reliably with platforms like Hotstar India, Jio Cinema, and DAZN.
We could stream in full HD without buffering even with its virtual server
Overall, NordVPN is a great choice for streaming. You can use it to safely access your favorite content in HD from anywhere.
Speed — Reliable Performance Across Most Regions
9.7
A VPN's performance heavily depends on its protocol, and NordVPN's custom NordLynx delivers strong results. Based on WireGuard technology, NordLynx is designed to reduce speed loss while maintaining security. While testing this protocol from Austin, Texas, we got speeds that put NordVPN among top providers like ExpressVPN.
Local connections showed minimal impact on performance. On nearby US servers, we could stream in 4K, download large files, and browse without noticing we were using a VPN. European servers also performed well, with speed losses mostly staying under 30% — perfectly fine for HD streaming and gaming.
Even long-distance connections stayed pretty fast. Asian and Australian servers showed expected higher speed losses but still maintained enough speed for HD streaming and torrenting. The most consistent performance came from US and European locations, which makes sense given our testing location.
NordVPN includes several features to help you maintain fast connections. For instance, its Quick Connect feature helps you find a fast, uncrowded server near your location. Plus, all servers support up to 10Gbps connections, ensuring the VPN won't limit even the fastest internet plans.
Take a look at how NordVPN stacks up to its competition
USA (Dallas)
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USA (Miami)
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USA (Los Angeles)
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USA (New York)
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Canada
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Brazil
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UK
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France
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Japan
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Australia
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Singapore
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220.88 Mbps
27.93 Mbps
4 ms
142.33 Mbps
87.98 Mbps
10 ms
187.67 Mbps
38.49 Mbps
37 ms
197.19 Mbps
93.72 Mbps
41 ms
206.54 Mbps
90.49 Mbps
43 ms
186.25 Mbps
94.41 Mbps
41 ms
156.15 Mbps
58.06 Mbps
145 ms
132.42 Mbps
66.77 Mbps
110 ms
169.97 Mbps
36.58 Mbps
108 ms
167.69 Mbps
14.87 Mbps
147 ms
179.31 Mbps
20.67 Mbps
188 ms
125.89 Mbps
10.57 Mbps
209 ms
212.13 Mbps
149.85 Mbps
4 ms
165.85 Mbps
146.63 Mbps
9 ms
147.75 Mbps
121.08 Mbps
50 ms
160.65 Mbps
120.16 Mbps
31 ms
196.12 Mbps
96.58 Mbps
49 ms
182.92 Mbps
132.81 Mbps
40 ms
193.48 Mbps
101.17 Mbps
143 ms
183.21 Mbps
40.65 Mbps
111 ms
227.91 Mbps
47.22 Mbps
117 ms
197.88 Mbps
74.95 Mbps
143 ms
182.81 Mbps
142.35 Mbps
185 ms
161.11 Mbps
73.42 Mbps
207 ms
198.21 Mbps
141.10 Mbps
3 ms
156.55 Mbps
95.30 Mbps
10 ms
135.78 Mbps
159.28 Mbps
49 ms
96.65 Mbps
174.48 Mbps
55 ms
141.41 Mbps
178.73 Mbps
43 ms
2.27 Mbps
5.08 Mbps
57 ms
102.62 Mbps
53.16 Mbps
142 ms
112.84 Mbps
202.20 Mbps
137 ms
133.72 Mbps
102.32 Mbps
139 ms
168.75 Mbps
60.91 Mbps
142 ms
80.95 Mbps
94 Mbps
209 ms
These tests are conducted from the USA
*N/A indicates that we do not currently have speed test data for this location
Note: A VPN can sometimes increase your speeds if your internet service provider (ISP) is throttling traffic, has poor routing to certain locations, or is experiencing network congestion. Your actual speeds will vary depending on your location, base connection speed, and chosen server.
Gaming — Low Latency for Lag-Free Gaming
9.4
Competitive gaming demands low ping, and NordVPN delivers. Our base ping of 10ms only increased to around 13ms on local connections — a minimal jump that kept games smooth and responsive. We played several matches of Valorant and CS2 without experiencing any lag spikes or input delays that could cost us rounds.
As expected, distance proved to be the deciding factor in our gaming tests. European servers raised our ping to 89ms — we could still play Warzone, but occasional lag spikes made close-combat situations tricky. Our top pick ExpressVPN did slightly better with 78ms on similar servers.
We could play Warzone with minimal lag even on distant servers
The real challenges came with Asian connections, where ping shot past 200ms on Japanese and Hong Kong servers, making fast-paced games essentially unplayable.
The verdict is clear — NordVPN works great for gaming, but server choice matters. Connect to a nearby server for the best experience, and you'll barely notice you're using a VPN at all.
Server Network — Extensive Coverage With Specialty Servers
9.5
A VPN's server network can make or break your experience — location variety, server quality, and network size all play crucial roles. NordVPN delivers on all fronts with 7,187 servers across 118 countries. The network covers Europe and North America extensively and maintains a strong presence in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. You'll even find servers in smaller markets like Nigeria and Andorra, though not in restricted regions like China and Russia.
The server network is reliable too. During our tests, we never experienced slowdowns or connection drops. Plus, since the network is large, you won’t have to worry about overcrowded servers.
Security is built into the network's foundation. NordVPN owns and maintains almost all its servers instead of renting them, only using third-party servers in a few remote locations. Each server uses RAM-only technology, which automatically wipes your data when servers restart. Some of its locations use virtual servers to expand coverage, but these are clearly marked and match physical server performance.
The network includes several specialty options for different needs. Want to torrent? Connect to P2P-optimized servers. Need to hide VPN use? Use the obfuscated servers. Looking for extra privacy? The Double VPN servers route your connection through two locations, and Onion over VPN servers add protection when using the Tor network.
You can also connect to the fastest server for your location with “Quick connect”
For an extra fee, you can get your own dedicated IP address. Choose from 6 US cities (Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Miami) or several international locations. A dedicated IP helps avoid CAPTCHAs and keeps your access to various services more reliable.
Does NordVPN Work in China? It Might
NordVPN might work in China, but our findings suggest that users regularly face connectivity issues and significant downtime. While the VPN offers obfuscated servers and manual IKEv2 configuration options designed for restricted networks, maintaining consistent connections in China remains a challenge.
The support team confirmed these limitations and provided specific setup instructions. They sent us detailed guides and a list of recommended servers but noted that connectivity isn't guaranteed.
The support agent sent a list of recommended servers in the US, UK, and Japan
To use NordVPN in China, you'll need to prepare in advance. The service's website and app stores are blocked there, so you must download and configure everything before entering the country. Even then, you might experience inconsistent performance.
The VPN faces similar challenges in other countries with strict internet controls like Iran, Russia, and the UAE. The obfuscated servers might help but don't count on consistent connections.
If you need a reliable VPN for China, feel free to check out our roundup of the best VPNs for China.
Editor's note: Non-government-approved VPNs are banned in China, though there have been no publicly reported cases of authorities targeting and punishing individual VPN users. We don't condone breaking local laws or regulations. Before using any VPN, we strongly recommend checking your country's current laws regarding VPN usage to ensure compliance.
Security — Advanced Features For Tons of Flexibility
9.8
NordVPN sets the bar high when it comes to security features and protection. From standard features like strong encryption to unique additions like dark web monitoring, it covers all bases — and then some. This combination of standard protections with innovative features makes it an excellent choice for online security.
Encryption and Protocols
Let's start with the basics — NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption paired with the SHA-512 hash function, which is stronger than the SHA-256 most VPNs use. You also get perfect forward secrecy that regularly changes encryption keys, so even if someone managed to grab one key, they couldn't access much of your data.
The protocol options give you plenty of flexibility. NordLynx, its custom protocol built on WireGuard, is fast and secure thanks to a clever double NAT setup. OpenVPN is there when you need maximum security, and IKEv2 is also an option for mobile users.
The NordLynx protocol was consistently the fastest protocol in our tests
Kill Switch and Leak Protection
NordVPN's kill switch offers two options. The Internet Kill Switch stops all internet if your VPN drops, while the App Kill Switch lets you choose specific programs to protect. Both worked as intended in our tests, preventing data exposure during forced disconnections.
Leak protection proved equally reliable. Tests on ipleak.net across multiple servers showed no DNS, WebRTC, or IP leaks. NordVPN runs its own DNS servers, too, so your browsing requests stay private.
We ran tests on 12 different servers and never found any leaks
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling gives you control over which apps use the VPN. You can choose specific programs to route through NordVPN while others use your regular connection. It's particularly useful when you need the VPN for certain activities but want faster speeds for local apps. The feature is only available on Windows and Android though.
Extra Security Features
Does NordVPN block ads? Yes, NordVPN blocks ads through its Threat Protection feature. When we tested it on ad-heavy news sites like Forbes and Daily Mail, it removed nearly all advertisements, making browsing much cleaner. This also stops trackers, malware, and suspicious websites. This is super helpful since around 16% of mobile malware comes from malicious advertising¹.
The Meshnet feature lets you create your own secure networks. You can connect up to 50 external devices, perfect for accessing your home computer remotely or sharing files safely with friends.
Dark Web Monitor keeps track of potential data breaches. It checks the dark web for your email address and notifies you if it appears in leaked databases. It's simple to set up and runs efficiently in the background.
Onion over VPN servers add an extra layer of privacy by combining NordVPN with Tor. Your traffic passes through NordVPN's encryption first, then through the Tor network — all without needing the Tor browser. This means your ISP can't see you're using Tor, and you get Tor's privacy benefits while using any regular browser.
Privacy — A Strict No-Logs Policy and Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction
9.5
When it comes to protecting your data, a VPN's promises mean nothing without proof. NordVPN backs its privacy claims with multiple independent audits, a transparent no-logs policy, and a privacy-friendly jurisdiction in Panama. The service consistently demonstrates why it's earned users' trust.
In 2018, NordVPN had a security incident when one of its rented servers in Finland was breached2. Someone exploited a vulnerable remote management system left by the data center provider, potentially exposing some user data. This led NordVPN to completely overhaul its security. The company switched to RAM-only servers that automatically wipe data, built its own colocated network for full control, and increased its audit frequency — practical changes that help prevent similar incidents.
Does NordVPN Keep Logs? No
NordVPN sticks to a strict no-logs policy. The service doesn't track your IP address, browsing activity, or connection timestamps. While it does collect some basic account information like your email and payment details, you can use a throwaway email and pay with cryptocurrency for extra privacy.
Recent privacy policy changes raised some eyebrows in the VPN community. The updated wording suggests NordVPN would comply with law enforcement requests that align with Panama's regulations. Is NordVPN really safe? Yes. Since it doesn’t log any identifying data, there's not much it could share, even if required to do so.
Thankfully, it’s based in Panama, so it’s not obliged to store logs of user data, so it won’t have anything to share
Was NordVPN Audited? Yes
Independent audits tell the real story about a VPN's privacy claims. NordVPN's no-logs policy has passed four separate audits by Deloitte, with the most recent analysis completed in late 2023. Each audit confirmed that it doesn't track user activity or store personal data on its servers.
Security gets just as much attention as privacy. In 2022, cybersecurity firm Cure53 conducted a thorough audit of NordVPN's infrastructure, servers, and apps. While they found some minor vulnerabilities, NordVPN's team fixed these issues promptly and got Cure53's approval on the changes.
Based in Panama
Panama's privacy-friendly laws give NordVPN a significant advantage. Unlike VPNs based in countries belonging to the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance (like the US, UK, or Canada), NordVPN isn't required to hand over user data to intelligence agencies. Its privacy policy clearly states it’ll only respond to court orders from Panama.
The company goes the extra mile to fulfill its commitment to privacy. For instance, NordVPN publishes detailed quarterly transparency reports, which show exactly how many government inquiries and DMCA requests it receives. In October 2024, it received a binding warrant from Panama authorities and could only provide basic information since it doesn’t log any browsing activity or connection data3.
Torrenting — Fast and Safe Downloads With Dedicated P2P Servers
9.4
Not all NordVPN servers support torrenting, but its dedicated P2P servers deliver exactly what you need. These specialized servers are spread across 100+ countries and are easy to find in the Specialty Servers menu. Even better, NordVPN automatically switches you to a P2P server if it detects torrenting activity on a regular one.
Our P2P speed tests showed excellent results. We downloaded a copyright-free 1.16GB movie (Carnival of Souls) in under 3 minutes, which is about the same time it took us without the VPN connected.
NordVPN’s privacy features ensure your personal data will stay safe and private while torrenting, like its advanced kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and privacy-friendly headquarters.
Does NordVPN have port forwarding? Unfortunately, no. This feature can help your torrenting client get the necessary data packets to connect directly to other clients, which can otherwise get blocked by your router. It also improves speeds but is not considered safe, so it’s not offered by many VPNs. If it’s important to you, feel free to check out the best VPNs with port forwarding support.
My team and I don’t condone any illegal activities. Remember that most P2P content is protected by copyright, so downloading it is illegal. You should always check the laws and regulations of your country before using NordVPN for torrenting and make sure the content you want to download is in the public domain.
Installation & Apps
9.5
Installation & Apps — Simple Setup With User-Friendly Interface
NordVPN strikes a great balance between simplicity and functionality. The apps look modern and clean, with all essential features easily accessible. Whether you're new to VPNs or an experienced user, you'll find the interface intuitive and straightforward to navigate.
Finding your preferred server is easy with the map interface
The main screen gives you several ways to connect. You can click locations on the interactive world map, use the search bar to find specific servers, or let Quick Connect pick the fastest option. Its Specialty Servers are visible as soon as you open the app, and each server group has its own Quick Connect option, so you don’t have to manually look for the server with the best speeds. This is particularly useful with its P2P-optimized servers.
All additional features are just a click away. The sidebar menu gives you instant access to Threat Protection, Meshnet, and Dark Web Monitor, while security settings like the kill switch and protocols are neatly organized in the settings menu.
My only complaint about NordVPN’s app is that it sometimes takes too long to connect to servers, especially at longer distances. For instance, I had to wait up to 45 seconds to connect to the Australian server. Occasionally, I even had to force quit the app and try again before I was finally able to establish a connection.
Setup & Installation
Getting started with NordVPN is quick and straightforward. It took me less than 2 minutes to download and install the VPN on my Windows PC. After installation, you log in through your web browser and the app opens automatically, ready to use.
NordVPN has apps for a ton of popular devices
The process stays simple across most devices. Mobile apps are installed directly from your app store, while macOS users can download from the website or App Store. Linux users need to use command lines, but NordVPN provides detailed setup guides. Smart TV and router setup takes more time, around 10-15 minutes, and requires following step-by-step configuration guides.
Device Compatibility
A VPN needs to work on all your devices to be truly effective. NordVPN offers apps for computers, phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Popular Devices We Tested
| Devices |
Compatibility |
| Windows |
Windows 7 or newer |
| Mac |
Native apps for Apple Silicon Mac devices |
| Linux |
✅ Command-based Linux app (Debian, Ubuntu, Elementary OS, Linux Mint systems, RPM-based distributions) |
| Android |
✅ |
| iOS |
✅ |
| Browser extensions |
Chrome, Firefox, and Edge |
| Smart TVs |
Native apps for Android TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV |
| Gaming consoles |
Its smart DNS works with Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and more |
| Router support |
Yes |
Desktop apps pack the most features but have some key differences. Windows users get everything — Threat Protection, split tunneling, custom DNS options, and all specialty servers. The Mac app comes in two versions: the App Store version with Threat Protection Lite, and a sideload version with full Threat Protection. Linux users get a command-line interface that works on Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.
Split tunneling is only available on the NordVPN Windows app
Mobile apps balance simplicity with security. Android app includes split tunneling and auto-connect for different Wi-Fi networks, while iOS users only get auto-connnect but miss out on split-tunneling. Both apps are ioXt-certified for security standards and include essential tools like the kill switch, though it's not as customizable as on desktop.
Split tunneling is only available on the NordVPN Windows app
Aside from this, you can also use it on your streaming devices. Android TV and Fire TV get dedicated apps. Does NordVPN work on Apple TV? Yes, it’s one of the few VPNs that has a native app for Apple TV. The Apple TV app includes full encryption and the fast NordLynx protocol — a big upgrade from typical Smart DNS solutions.
Gaming consoles and streaming devices have options too. You can use its smart DNS feature on PlayStation and Xbox for streaming, though it doesn't encrypt your traffic. For full protection on these devices, you'll need to set up NordVPN on your router.
The router setup covers your whole network. NordVPN works with popular ones like Asus, TP-Link, DD-WRT, Tomato, and Mikrotik routers running stock firmware. Installation takes about 10 minutes with its step-by-step guides.
Simultaneous Device Connections — Up To 10
NordVPN lets you protect up to 10 devices at once, which matches what other top competitors offer. This should cover most households, letting you secure your computer, phone, tablet, and TV simultaneously.
We tested this limit to see how the VPN handled multiple connections. Using NordVPN on a MacBook Pro, Windows laptop, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone at the same time, we noticed no slowdowns or connection issues. Each device maintained stable speeds whether streaming, browsing, or downloading.
If you need more connections, setting up NordVPN on your router counts as just one device. This way, you can protect every device on your home network while still having plenty of connections available for use outside your home.
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