NordVPN Review
Final Verdict
NordVPN Features Overview
Owned Company Name | Nord Security |
Geographical Location | Panama City, Panama |
Does Privacy Policy Imposed by Govt | No mandatory data retention laws |
Countries with Servers | 111 Countries & 6,300+ Servers |
Simultaneous Connections | Up to 10 |
Streaming Supported | Yes |
Torrenting Supported | Yes |
Works in Russia? | Yes |
Works in China? | Yes (via obfuscated servers) |
Works in the Middle East? | Yes |
Free VPN Available? | No |
Customer Support Available? | Yes, 24/7 live chat & email |
Routers Supported? | Yes |
Extensions Available? | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
AdBlocker Available? | Yes (Threat Protection) |
Dedicated IP Available? | Yes (as paid add-on) |
NordVPN Rating
- Speed = 9/10
- Privacy = 10/10
- Server Locations = 9/10
- User Experience = 9/10
- Applications and Extensions = 9/10
- Streaming = 9/10
- Security = 10/10
- Torrenting = 9/10
- Device Compatibility = 9/10
- Additional Features = 9/10
NordVPN Pros & Cons
NordVPN Pros
- Exceptional privacy with Panama jurisdiction and no-logs policy
- Fast and stable speeds using NordLynx protocol
- Works with Netflix and other major streaming services
- Advanced security tools (Double VPN, Threat Protection, Onion over VPN)
- User-friendly interface across all platforms
- Supports 10 simultaneous connections
- Extensive server network in 111 countries
- Reliable 24/7 live chat support
NordVPN Cons
- Slightly higher cost than budget VPNs
- Occasional connection delays with some servers
- Dedicated IP costs extra
- No free version (only 30-day money-back guarantee)
NordVPN Review
NordVPN is one of the world’s most recognized VPN providers, known for its excellent balance of speed, security, and usability. Based in Panama — a privacy-friendly country outside intelligence-sharing alliances — NordVPN provides users with top-tier anonymity and performance. Whether you want to stream international content, protect your online data, or bypass censorship, NordVPN offers one of the most robust VPN solutions on the market.
Nord VPN Recognition by Privacy and Security Experts
- NordVPN won the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Award for “Managed Security Solution of the Year.”
- It was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2022 (in the “Apps & Software” category) for its cybersecurity offering.
- NordVPN has verified its no-logs assurance for the 5th time via an independent audit by Deloitte Audit Lithuania.
- It also had its no-logs policy confirmed for the 4th time by Deloitte, verifying its commitment to privacy and transparency.
- And its no-logs policy was confirmed for the 3rd time by an independent assurance engagement with Deloitte.
- NordVPN completed independent infrastructure and app security audits by Cure53 (a recognized security firm). The auditing covered servers, network infrastructure, desktop & mobile apps, browser extensions, etc.
- It received the Best VPN Award at CES 2019 (including “Best Overall” and “Best Customer Service”) from BestVPN.com.
- Also awarded the Speedtest Recommended Badge by Ookla for fast connectivity.
- NordVPN won PCMag’s Readers’ Choice 2021 and Business Choice 2021 awards in their respective VPN categories.
NordVPN Background Check
NordVPN is operated by Nord Security, headquartered in Panama. Panama has no mandatory data retention laws, making it an ideal jurisdiction for a VPN service focused on privacy. Nord Security also owns other privacy-focused brands like NordPass, NordLocker, and NordLayer. The company’s commitment to user privacy and security has earned it a reputation as one of the most trustworthy VPN providers globally.
NordVPN for privacy – Is it the Right Choice?
Panama Jurisdiction: Why It Matters for NordVPN
- NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a country outside the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances.
- These alliances (which include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and several EU nations) are known for government surveillance and data-sharing agreements between countries.
- Since Panama isn’t part of these alliances, it means NordVPN cannot be legally forced to hand over user data to foreign governments.
How This Affects NordVPN’s Privacy Policy
Because of its Panama jurisdiction:
- NordVPN can legally operate under a true “no-logs” framework.
- It doesn’t keep any identifiable user data such as IP addresses, connection timestamps, or browsing history.
- It doesn’t keep any identifiable user data such as IP addresses, connection timestamps, or browsing history.
- Even if a government requested data, NordVPN has none to give.
- Its privacy policy explicitly states that it stores zero activity logs, and this has been confirmed through multiple independent audits by PwC and Deloitte.
- Its privacy policy explicitly states that it stores zero activity logs, and this has been confirmed through multiple independent audits by PwC and Deloitte.
- Enhanced anonymity and user protection.
- Your activities are shielded from both domestic surveillance and foreign data requests.
NordVPN Privacy Policy: What’s Under the Hood?
NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store connection logs, IP addresses, or browsing history. The policy has been verified through multiple independent audits by PwC and Deloitte. NordVPN also operates its servers on RAM-only technology (colocated infrastructure), ensuring no data is ever written to physical drives.
In addition, NordVPN offers advanced security features like Threat Protection (which blocks ads, trackers, and malware), Double VPN (which routes your connection through two servers), Onion over VPN (for added anonymity), and a reliable kill switch. The inclusion of diskless servers further enhances user privacy by ensuring all data is erased upon reboot.
NordVPN Massive Server Network
NordVPN operates over 6,300 servers in 111 countries, providing users with extensive global coverage for fast, stable, and secure connections. Obfuscated servers help users in restrictive regions (like China or the UAE) access blocked content easily.
NordVPN Server Network (Updated 2024–2025)
- Total Servers:
- Over 6,200 active servers globally (official NordVPN data, March 2024).
- Some sources and reviewers report 7,000 – 8,000+ servers, depending on counting method (physical + virtual).
- Over 6,200 active servers globally (official NordVPN data, March 2024).
- Number of Countries:
- 111 countries covered worldwide — including both physical and virtual locations.
- This gives NordVPN one of the largest geographic coverages among all VPN providers.
- 111 countries covered worldwide — including both physical and virtual locations.
- Number of Cities:
- Servers spread across 150 + cities in those 111 countries.
- Multiple servers are often hosted per city (for example, multiple cities in the US, UK, and Germany).
- Servers spread across 150 + cities in those 111 countries.
- Number of IP Addresses:
- 50,000 + unique IP addresses available.
- This large IP pool helps reduce overcrowding and improves anonymity.
- 50,000 + unique IP addresses available.
- Virtual vs. Physical Servers:
- Around 40–45 % of server locations use virtual servers (where the IP represents a country even if the hardware is elsewhere).
- The remaining are physical servers located directly within the target country.
- Around 40–45 % of server locations use virtual servers (where the IP represents a country even if the hardware is elsewhere).
- Server Infrastructure:
- NordVPN uses RAM-only (diskless) servers, meaning no data is ever stored locally.
- They are gradually moving toward fully colocated servers, meaning all hardware is owned and controlled by NordVPN — enhancing privacy and security.
- NordVPN uses RAM-only (diskless) servers, meaning no data is ever stored locally.
NordVPN’s Speed and Performance
NordVPN delivers excellent speed performance thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol — built around WireGuard — offering both security and speed. During speed tests, NordVPN consistently maintained above-average download and upload rates, even on distant servers. It is suitable for streaming, gaming, and torrenting without lag or buffering.
NordVPN Compatibility
NordVPN supports all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and smart TVs. It can be configured on routers and offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Supported Operating Systems & Devices
- Windows
- Windows 11
- Windows 10 (64-bit, version 1607 and later)
- Legacy support: Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 32-bit
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS / iPadOS
- iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.0 or newer
Extensions & Add-ons (Browsers etc.)
Routers & Router Firmware / Network Hardware Support
- Routers that are supported (devices & firmware) include:
- Asus routers (native AsusWRT firmware)
- Asus Merlin firmware
- DD-WRT
- Tomato firmware
- OpenWRT
- Padavan firmware
- Roqos routers
- Privacy Hero routers (pre-configured)
- MikroTik
- NetDUMA
- TP-Link routers (provided they support compatible firmware / OpenVPN)
- EdgeRouter / Ubiquitiy
- DrayTek / DrayTek Vigor
- pfSense (various versions)
- Routers / brands that do not support NordVPN natively (unless modified/flashed) include:
- Arris
- Belkin
- Cisco
- Huawei
- Linksys (native firmware except certain models WRT32X / WRT32XB AC3200)
- Netgear (unless using custom firmware)
- Tenda, TRENDnet, TotoLink, Ubee, Orbi, ISP-provided routers generally not supporting VPN setup native firmware
NordVPN Security and Privacy Features
- AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Double VPN servers for enhanced anonymity
- Threat Protection against ads and malware
- RAM-only servers (colocated)
- Onion over VPN support
- Kill Switch for data protection
- DNS/IPv6 leak protection
- Split tunneling support
- Obfuscated servers for restricted regions
Streaming & Unblocking Websites with NordVPN
NordVPN is among the best VPNs for streaming, unblocking platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Its SmartPlay technology ensures fast, reliable access to geo-blocked libraries without buffering.
NordVPN and Torrenting: A Safe and Fast Choice
NordVPN allows P2P traffic on many of its servers, making it an excellent choice for torrenting. The VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic, ensuring your privacy is maintained. Its high-speed servers and split tunneling feature make downloading large files efficient and secure.
Pricing Plans and What’s Included
NordVPN offers flexible pricing options:
• 1-Month Plan: $12.99/month
• 1-Year Plan: $4.99/month (billed annually)
• 2-Year Plan: $3.79/month (billed every 2 years)
All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Included Features:
• Unlimited bandwidth and high-speed connections
• Access to 6,300+ servers in 111 countries
• 24/7 live chat support
• Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitor
• AES-256 encryption and RAM-only infrastructure
Is NordVPN Worth It?
Yes, NordVPN is absolutely worth the investment. It offers an exceptional blend of privacy, speed, and advanced features, making it suitable for everyone from casual users to professionals. While slightly more expensive than some competitors, its reliability, consistent speeds, and extensive feature set justify the cost.
Conclusion
NordVPN stands out as one of the most advanced and privacy-focused VPNs in the market. With a global network, audited no-logs policy, and premium features like Threat Protection and Double VPN, it delivers excellent value. Whether your goal is secure browsing, streaming, or torrenting, NordVPN ensures top-tier performance and privacy.
Pricing Plans
- 1 month $12.99 ($12.99/mo)
- 12 months $59.88 ($4.99/mo)
- 27 months $83.43 ($3.09/mo)
- Money-Back Guarantee 30 days
- Free Trial 7 days (Android only)
- 100% Free Plan (No)
