NordVPN
An encryption powerhouse with the biggest VPN bang for your buck
About NordVPN
NordVPN is a secure VPN service based in a privacy friendly location—Panama. This VPN service is known for its excellence in complete privacy, advanced security, and internet freedom. NordVPN does not keep any logs, and given its territory, the laws of the land do not require it to do so. It has the largest VPN server network—5,500 servers in 59 countries around the globe.
PROS
- Double-hop VPN servers
- One of the cheapest plans around
- 6 simultaneous connections
CONS
- Some servers aren't as fast as others
- No live chat
NordVPN Overview
NordVPN boasts of an extensive network of servers and locations – the most by any top VPN in the industry. The team now uses Ansible and SaltStack to automate the provisioning of new servers — meaning that happy users can expect to be even happier in the future as more endpoints are brought online. Additionally, NordLynx, which was first introduced to the VPN’s Linux app, is being rolled out on all platforms. This connection protocol is both ultra secure and provides extremely privacy to users.
All considered, the VPN now has over 5500 servers well distributed across 59+ countries around the world. The server network is now fully diskless. This means that even the operating system is loaded from another server. So in the event that a server were hacked, hackers would find nothing there on the software level.
Notably, all NordVPN servers support both shared and static IP addresses. Moreover, while in the past NordVPN had failed to identify the specific server regions, they now indicate regions where the servers are located.
Key Features
The team behind Nord VPN is a restless bunch! In the last 6 months alone the team has rolled out 22 new initiatives, from kill switches through to whitelists which are together designed to improve the user experience (UX) and bring hotly demanded features to users’ computers. These include:
SmartPlay Technology
SmartPlay is a special Smart DNS for NordVPN that is often automatically turned on when you run a client app – allowing you access to blocked websites and censored content. The VPN’s SmartPlay tech allows you to blend the numerous advantages of a VPN, super-fast speeds and impressive stability of a Smart DNS. Not to mention, the feature is easy to use. Moreover, the fact that the functionality is initially integrated at the base of the VPN server means that you won’t need to update or activate manually.
DoubleVPN
Double VPN is a unique security feature by NordVPN that guarantees a double layer of security. Normally, whenever you connect to a VPN, your traffic is rerouted to a VPN server for encryption before it’s exciting to the internet. However, with double VPN, your traffic is first tunnelled to a first VPN server, then it’s rerouted to a second VPN server before arriving its final destination. The feature ensures double encryption.
CyberSec
CyberSec is a NordVPN feature that automatically blocks suspicious sites to ensure your connection is not vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The feature also protects you from falling for DDoS attacks by keeping you off botnet control. Additionally, CyberSec acts as an Ad-blocker by preventing unwanted pop-ups, auto-play content and other annoying adverts on various websites.
Kill Switch
NordVPN also has a Kill Switch that is available in its client apps. The feature works by disconnecting your device from the internet whenever your VPN connection drops. A Kill Switch comes in handy when you want to leave your device unattended, and you don’t want to risk getting exposed. Moreover, the feature will also benefit you when toggling between VPN servers.
DNS Leak Resolver
A DNS leak could be fatal if you’re after total online privacy while connected to a VPN. If a leak were to happen, it means that your DNS will send unencrypted data to your ISP, or any other prying eyes – rendering you vulnerable. To go around the issue, NordVPN has a special DNS Leak Resolver functionality that is integrated into its client apps. The feature guarantees that no accidental data is leaked through your DNS. And while users might have a complaint of the infectiveness of the feature, NordVPN seemed to have resolved the issue, considering we got zero DNS leaks in our test.
Onion over VPN
Onion over VPN is a feature which allows you to connect to Tor – an Onion Router – via a NordVPN server. The feature enables you to connect to the Tor network without necessarily having to download the Onion Browser. Therefore to access the Onion Browser. First, you need to connect to a Tor server within the NordVPN network.
Pause Mode
Connections to servers can now be put on pause for periods of 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour. After the snooze timeout has completed, users can select to automatically connect to the fastest server in their area.
Direct Connectivity
One of the 22 feature upgrades which the team recently integrated into the solution is a direct connectivity functionality which allows users to more quickly navigate between servers. Now, there is no need for users to disconnect from one server before patching onto the next one.
Security
NordVPN is among the VPNs that use what is considered the best security infrastructure for a VPN of its capacity. The VPN uses the trendy DHE-RSA AES-256 SHA encryption combination on its OpenVPN protocol. This implies that NordVPN employs the RSA-2048 encryption and HMAC SHA2-384 authentication protocol to guarantee integrity. Additionally, the VPN uses the famous 3072-bit Diffie Hellman key exchange (DHE) – perfect for Perfect Forward Secrecy.
To enhance your security, NordVPN offers limited double-hop tech, which allows for double-encryption of your data.
Privacy
NordVPN has legal jurisdiction in Panama –a location best suited for a VPN. Moreover, the Panama government is always advocating for cybersecurity and online freedom. This means that the Panama authorities are against collecting users’ data – therefore very supportive of VPNs. The country is also outside the reach of the NSA, GCHQ and other global agency surveillance.
Additionally, the VPN was recently certified as an official no logs provider following an audit by PWC Switzerland. This rubber stamp means that users can now be fully confident that the VPN is not capturing their data or making it accessible for other parties.
The company is also well-known for having a strong focus on social responsibility. This year, it decided to remain operational in Hong Kong even when many other VPN companies had pulled out as a result of the government protests.
Performance and speeds
We were impressed with the performance levels NordVPN. Apart from minor glitches with the Windows client at startup, we didn’t experience noteworthy issues.
Pricing
NordVPN has 3 plans to choose from. Just like all top-rated VPNs, its plans offer the same features but differ in the period of subscription:
Reviews
I recommend NordVPN to people who value both privacy and speed
This top VPN is on the expensive side
NordVPN faces the stiffest competition the industry has yet seen.
Best VPN of 2022 (tie)
NordVPN has an advantage when it comes to the security of your data. It is passionate about privacy and is one of the founders of the VPN Trust Initiative, which aims to educate the public about cybersecurity and improve VPN services overall
Ranked Number 1 Best VPN 2022
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs, and for good reasons. It offers a one-size-fits-all solution for anyone looking to cover their digital footprints. Also, it offers pricing to fit any budget.
Lightning-fast speeds, robust protection, and a comprehensive set of advanced security features
I’m going to say yes, it lives up to the hype, but with some caveats. At 30,000 feet, NordVPN is a fantastic service. It’s secure, it’s fast, it’s affordable, its mobile app is tremendous.
The world's biggest VPN is still one of the best
With the NordLynx protocol delivering excellent speeds, great content unblocking, and some smart privacy-focused features, NordVPN is an excellent service with real brand power. However, watch out for increased prices on renewal, and be aware that the mobile interface may not be to your taste.
NordVPN's NordLynx accelerated speeds, P2P optimized servers and Bitcoin support make for an appealing service. OpenVPN speeds aren't the best and renewal prices are more expensive than many, but overall, this is a quality VPN with plenty to offer all levels of user.
