NordVPN review: the best VPN in 2024

With modern online experience being focused on gathering and selling your data, a VPN offers a great way to retain privacy and stay secure online. A reliable VPN service can hide your IP address, protect your data from malicious agents, and help you access geo-restricted content worldwide.

NordVPN expands on the basic secure VPN features to offer its users much more for their money. With NordVPN, you get Threat Protection, a feature that blocks ads and malware. Unlike most VPNs, it can also unblock many more streaming sites, like Netflix.

In this NordVPN review, our research team and I tested all this VPN can offer, reviewed old information, and presented new facts about this market-leading VPN. We thoroughly examined this VPN to present you with accurate and relevant information that will help you decide whether NordVPN is worth getting.

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NordVPN score distribution

When testing NordVPN and determining its score in the Cybernews ranking, I rated each aspect of this VPN out of 10, with 10 being the highest score. Overall, NordVPN excels in privacy and security, speed and performance, and value for money categories while still ranking quite high in the server network, features, compatibility, and customer support. As I delve deeper into each of these categories further in the article, here is a summary of NordVPN’s scores:

• Privacy and security – 10/10. Threat Protection, an audited no-logs policy, and jurisdiction outside any of the Eyes Alliance countries ensure secure and completely private use.
• Value for money – 10/10. While NordVPN is not the cheapest VPN, it is packed with useful security features, essentially making it an antivirus, ad-blocker, and VPN in one.
• Speed and performance – 10/10. Just like in the past, during the recent test, NordVPN showed exceptional speed and performance results, making it one of the fastest VPNs we have tested.
• Server network – 9/10. While NordVPN does not have the largest server fleet our team has ever encountered, it still operates in every region of the world.
• Features and functionality – 9/10. The number of features depends on which plan you pick, but overall, there are plenty of handy features.
• Compatibility – 9/10. NordVPN is compatible with pretty much all operating systems, most new devices and browsers, and all major streaming services.
• Customer support – 9/10. NordVPN offers live chat and email customer support as well as FAQs and guides for personal research. However, there is no phone line to call directly.

Expert Comment

Akvilė Tamašiūnienė

Content editor and security expert

There’s a good reason NordVPN is considered the leader in the VPN market – it has it all. A massive network of 6300+ servers in 111 countries, fast speeds, advanced security and privacy features, impeccable support, and more ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

After testing numerous VPNs over the years, I can confidently say it’s one of the best VPNs for bypassing geo-blocks, too. Whether you want to access Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, or many other popular streaming platforms, you can find a server to facilitate that.

How we tested NordVPN

Our team and I employed trusted testing methods to gather data for this NordVPN review. We apply this methodology to every VPN we test so that the results are fair and accurate. During this latest update, NordVPN was tested on the following operating system devices:

• Android – version 11 on a Nokia 6.2 model TA-1198 device
• iOS – version 15.7.1 on an iPhone 7 model MN8X2 device
• Windows – version 11 on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4 device
• macOS – version 14.5 Sonoma on a MacBook Air M2 device

Additional research was conducted to determine NordVPN’s compatibility with AndroidTV and tvOS 17.

Here is the summary of tests our research team and I conducted to evaluate NordVPN:

• DNS and IP leak assessment to investigate if NordVPN protects your identity in case of a leak.
• Kill switch effectiveness to test how NordVPN protects user privacy in case of a connection drop.
• Malware-blocking efficiency in removing threats. The test was conducted by deliberately infecting the device to see how Threat Protection performs.
• Privacy Policy and Independent Audits analysis to ensure transparency and adherence to the best practices regarding data handling.
• Speed test and how NordVPN’s speed compares to past results.
• Usability and especially ease of use in cases like switching servers, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Feature functionality tests to investigate if all NordVPN’s features are operational and functioning as described.
• Cross-platform compatibility test by downloading and installing NordVPN on different devices/platforms.
• Customer support responsiveness by testing NordVPN’s customer support communication and ability to resolve issues.
• Connection consistency across different servers to ensure minimal interruptions.

Privacy and security – 10/10

NordVPN is a reliable and secure VPN thoroughly tested by the Cybernews research team and selected as the most secure VPN currently on the market. It ensures user privacy through several measures. Here's a quick rundown of the main NordVPN privacy features:

• NordVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy, and the provider is based in the privacy-oriented jurisdiction of Panama.
• Rigorous in-house tests have demonstrated that NordVPN is DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak proof, which is why it deserves the #1 place on our most secure VPNs list.
• NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature is capable of blocking between 70-100% of ads and malware, which makes it not only a great VPN but also a reliable ad blocker.

Although there are plenty of reliable VPN providers located in countries known for surveillance and monitoring, it’s great that NordVPN is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction – Panama. Companies headquartered here do not need to deal with strict government surveillance and share customer data. While there is a data retention law in Panama, the Personal Data Protection Law is similar to the EU’s GDPR and requires that data be completely confidential while stored for up to seven years. Plus, the owners of the data have the Right of Access, Right of Rectification, Right of Cancellation, Right of Opposition, and Right to Portability, which means users can ask services to remove any data they have about them.

Additionally, NordVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy. This means that the service keeps no logs of your activity, so the only way anyone can get this information is if the government or law enforcement specifically requests that NordVPN monitor your online activity. But even then, the provider would not be able to access any past activity.

NordVPN had its fourth independent audit fairly recently, performed by Deloitte. The firm assessed NordVPN’s no-logs policy, P2P servers, and more. The publicly available assessment reveals that NordVPN’s no-logs policy is indeed true, as no incoming or outgoing traffic data was detected.

I also looked through NordVPN’s Privacy Policy to check for any changes in user privacy agreements or data collection. I found nothing in the current Privacy Policy that would contradict no-log claims. However, NordVPN does state that since user accounts are linked to their email, there is a slim chance that their activities can be traced back to them.

NordVPN’s security features are just as great as its privacy ones. Its encryption and tunneling protocols are top-notch and up-to-date. For example, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption protocols are still uncontested for safety. While more advanced algorithms are being developed, these protocols remain the peak standard for safety.

Our research team and I also conducted a number of tests to confirm NordVPN’s safety. We tried simulating situations where the VPN app crashed, the internet had issues, or a mix of both. In all cases, the kill switch worked as intended and prevented our IP address from leaking. The tests were done on a Google Pixel 9 running Android 14, where the kill switch is enabled in the phone’s settings menu, making it less prone to issues.

Testing NordVPN’s browser extension and apps for DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks also issued positive results, as no leaks were detected.

Finally, I tested NordVPN’s Threat Protection to investigate its ad and malware-blocking features. The results were fairly positive. Threat Protection blocked 90% of live samples and 80% of malware prepared in advance. As for ad-blocking, NordVPN’s browser extension blocked between 70% and 100% of ads in different testing websites, such as Adblock-tester.com, canyoublockit.com, and D3ward.github tool. On the same testing websites, the NordVPN app has a success rate between 76% and 100%.

To summarize, NordVPN has an independently confirmed no-logs policy, highly secure data encryption, a functional kill switch, and the ability to block most online threats and ads. These features combined make NordVPN one of the most advanced VPNs for privacy and security.

Value for money – 10/10

Curious about how much does NordVPN cost? We’ll discuss that in detail in the following section. In short, NordVPN offers excellent value for money because it’s essentially an all-in-one package that includes a VPN, an antivirus, an ad-blocker, and a password manager. Here are the main aspects of NordVPN’s value proposition:

• NordVPN offers a competitive price range for both individual and business users. Its long-term subscription offers a more feature-rich and cheaper VPN compared to other popular providers, such as ExpressVPN or ProtonVPN.
• NordVPN doesn’t compromise on security – even with the cheapest plan Basic you get the full set of security features as well as one of the biggest and most reliable server fleets available in the VPN market.
• NordVPN can be purchased with additional features – a dedicated IP and Incogni, which empowers you to remove your personal information from online data brokers’ databases.

NordVPN pricing starts at $3.09/month, which is slightly more than the starter plans of Surfshark or CyberGhost. But it’s worth noting that NordVPN’s best value is with its more advanced 2-year Plus plan, as it has most of the antivirus features.

NordVPN offers three subscription periods: monthly, 1-year, and 2-year. Each of these has the same three plans and supports 10 simultaneous connections. Let’s briefly overview their main benefits and total costs:

• Basic. As its name indicates, this is the most basic plan. It offers a high-speed VPN and basic Threat Protection for 10 devices. The 1-month option costs $12.99 every month, the annual plan costs $59.88 for the first year, and the two-year plan costs $83.43 for the first two years.
• Plus. This is an averagely priced plan with everything from the Basic plan, as well as Threat Protection Pro, a Data Breach scanner, and cross-platform password manager features. The 1-month tier costs $13.99 each month, annual subscribers must pay $71.88 for the first year, and the most extended two-year plan initially costs $107.73 in total.
• Ultimate. The most advanced and priciest plan. It includes everything Plus plan has and extras like 1TB of encrypted cloud storage and cyber protection insurance from identity theft and cyber extortion. The monthly option costs $15.99 per month, the one-year plan costs $95.88 at first, and the two-year tier will set you back $161.73 for the first subscription period.

Note: pricing and plans can differ in different countries. You can check the plans and pricing in your location by visiting NordVPN's official website.

So, if you only need a high-quality VPN without additional functions, the Basic plan is the most pocket-friendly option. But if you want Threat Protection and a password manager, the Plus plan has the best value. The Ultimate plan is the most useful for those whose data might be at high risk or who simply want the most advanced level of protection.

Below is a table that illustrates the pricing differences between the plans.

Note: these prices are for the US market and are subject to change depending on seasonal offers, discounts, or existing subscription extensions

Get the best NordVPN deal

If I had to personally choose between NordVPN Basic or Plus, I would get the 2-year Plus subscription, because it has a better long-term value, is valid for longer, and has a list of great features. Getting a short-term plan is only useful if you don’t intend to extend it, as the promotional offer would no longer apply when renewing.

The main downside of the Basic plan is that it offers the fewest benefits for your money. It’s not that much cheaper, and, for example, Surfshark’s cheapest plan is more affordable and includes Surfshark’s security features. However, compared to other popular VPNs like Surfshark, CyberGhost, Norton Secure VPN, or even ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers better value for money.

NordVPN’s Plus plan has better features than Surfshark’s One despite being a little more budget-friendly, mainly because Surfshark does not have a password manager feature. CyberGhost or Norton Secure VPN, in general, do not have as many features as NordVPN, with Norton, for example, struggling to unblock streaming services. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN is overall more expensive than most NordVPN plans.

But I wouldn’t worry too much about subscriptions. Android users can try NordVPN for free for 7 days, and everyone in general gets a 30-day money-back guarantee. It ensures that if you’re unsatisfied with your plan, you can cancel your NordVPN subscription and get your money back. But if you do plan to cancel your subscription, make sure to disable auto-renewal first. And if you need to cancel your subscription after the 30-day period ends, contact customer support. It can be quite challenging to cancel once the subscription is in full effect.

Speed and performance – 10/10

NordVPN has excellent speeds and stable connections, which is frequently confirmed in our extensive in-house tests. Here are some of the key highlights regarding NordVPN's performance:

• In recent years, NordVPN has been our #1 fastest VPN out of all tested VPNs.
• The stability of NordVPN’s performance is one of the key factors differentiating it from competitors, ensuring smooth streaming and no noticeable lags.
• NordVPN doesn’t impose any bandwidth limits, meaning users are not restricted and can use the VPN to the fullest.
  

During the latest speed test, the speed retention rate didn't drop below 85% (compared to the 500Mbps baseline) in any of the ten locations (the US, the UK, Singapore, Sweden, the Netherlands, Japan, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia). Compared to previous tests conducted in June 2024, NordVPN performed approximately the same. In some areas, like the United Kingdom, upload speed retention actually increased by 3%. In the US, I noticed a slight decrease in download speeds from 93.4% to 91%, and the average upload speed dropped to 88% from the previous 92.4%.

Overall, NordVPN’s speed remains high and stable.

While testing NordVPN’s speed, I did not encounter any lag or buffering, even while streaming in 4K or ultra HD. In some Netflix locations, there was a slightly longer loading time when skipping episodes, but otherwise, I wouldn’t have noticed that the VPN was on while binge-watching my favorite shows. There are three main reasons why NordVPN is so fast:

• Fast protocols. NordVPN uses its own WireGuard version called NordLynx to transfer data. These protocols are some of the best for rapid VPN data transfer, so there’s a reduced natural loss of speed.
• Regular server updates. NordVPN describes its VPN speed as “lightning fast,” so the company is motivated to maintain its 6300+ global servers regularly.
• No data or bandwidth caps. Some VPNs, particularly free ones, have data caps or limited bandwidth to motivate customers to subscribe to pricier, more advanced plans. NordVPN has no such restrictions.

Here’s how NordVPN performed compared to other popular VPNs:

Note: table shows download speed retention compared to 500Mbps internet baseline speed

Server network – 9/10

NordVPN has 6300+ servers in 111 countries. While the VPN’s server network is not as expansive as, for example, CyberGhost’s (11500+ servers in 100 countries), it still has more servers than Surfshark, Norton Secure VPN, and many others. In terms of server choices, there are a few things I particularly enjoy about NordVPN that other VPNs cannot offer:

• NordVPN has 5390 P2P-optimized servers, 1768 of which are located in the US – that’s more than any other competitor of a similar caliber can offer.
• NordVPN offers a variety of specialized servers: Dedicated IP, Double VPN, Obfuscated servers, Onion Over VPN, and P2P. Not all top VPN providers can offer such rich variety.
• NordVPN’s apps are very user-friendly and make choosing the preferred server quick and easy. An interactive map allows you to select servers according to your preferred country and city. You can also use a convenient menu to connect to specialized servers.

There are two types of servers – owned and rented. Owned servers belong to the provider. This means that the VPN provider owns the hardware, implements its own security measures, and is solely responsible for server maintenance. Rented servers are leased from another provider. This means that the VPN provider does not own the hardware, does not have physical access to the server, and cannot fully ensure server security but still controls the software.

NordVPN uses a combination of owned and rented servers in its network. To avoid disadvantages associated with owned or rented servers, NordVPN has RAM-only servers. These servers operate within Random-Access Memory, so no information is stored, ensuring that the no-logs policy cannot be breached. So, essentially, NordVPN can use both rented and owned servers without the risk of its internal policies being breached by data centers.

The test showed that NordVPN has the slowest (mainly for upload speed) servers in geographically distant countries, such as Singapore and Australia. The fastest servers are in Europe, like Sweden or the UK, and North America, like the US. However, the average NordVPN speed is still very fast.

Switching between servers is very simple, too. Mac, Windows, or Linux apps have a very clear interface with an optional map to pick a server, and it takes mere seconds to connect. The mobile app and browser extension server switch is more minimalist, with a scroll-type list of countries and their servers to connect to. Additionally, NordVPN can automatically connect to your recently used server, so you wouldn’t have to visit the app or extension at all to be instantly connected.

Features and functionality – 9/10

A great VPN must have a global server network and demonstrate incredible speeds, but even that isn’t sufficient to ensure a comprehensive experience. NordVPN is the leading VPN in 2024 exactly because it combines great performance with advanced features and great functionality:

• NordVPN is the most versatile VPN in the market, offering next-gen encryption, Threat Protection, dark web monitoring, and many other features that ensure complete online privacy and security.
  
• NordVPN offers multiple extra features for smooth browsing, streaming, and torrenting activities (some of which, like NordPass, can be purchased for an additional cost).
• NordVPN’s Meshnet enables users to create secure networks that are accessible to multiple devices for secure file and data sharing.
  

NordVPN has many handy features. Some are available for all users, others only for those who subscribe to pricier plans. For example, Threat Protection Pro is not available with the Basic plan. Instead, Basic subscribers get a stripped-down version of the feature. Still, I found that all of these features function reliably and offer something useful to the overall experience.

In my opinion, the most useful feature is Threat Protection Pro. It scans the files you download for malware, removes threats, and notifies you about weaknesses. Additionally, it blocks ads and trackers and your access to dangerous websites. Threat Protection Pro is an excellent tool for increasing device security in addition to the general safety that a VPN provides.

Another handy feature is Meshnet. It allows you to share files, play LAN games, or securely link with other devices. With NordVPN, you can create a private network for up to 10 internal or 50 external devices.

NordVPN’s Dark Web monitor is another great security feature. Usually, if you get hacked or scammed, your details might get sold on the Dark Web for identity theft or ransomware purposes. NordVPN’s monitor scans the Dark Web 24/7 to see if your email address has leaked. If yes, you will be notified so that you can take action and secure your vulnerable data.

One effective way to minimize the risk of a data leak is to enable Double VPN. It works with NordVPN by routing traffic through two servers instead of the usual one. So, your activity gets double the encryption, and your anonymity further increases when you access the site you want.

In a theoretical scenario where your VPN experiences issues, like a connection drop, NordVPN has a Kill Switch function. It automatically cuts off your internet connection to prevent exposing your true IP until the VPN becomes functional again. This feature is automatic yet optional, but it’s handy to ensure complete safety and anonymity.

Split tunneling lets you route some of your traffic through a VPN. NordVPN uses this feature to access both home IP and server locations simultaneously. For example, when traveling, you can watch your home country’s TV series on Google Chrome and access local content on Microsoft Edge. In daily use, you can also turn on split tunneling to exclude some apps from VPN use. It’s handy when you want to have a VPN on but not have it affect your online gaming.

Our research team and I conducted DNS leak protection tests to further evaluate NordVPN’s ability to prevent data leaks. I also used NordVPN’s own test site with both the browser extension and the app, and no leaks were detected in any of the tests. But that’s still not the last feature that NordVPN has to ensure complete user data privacy.

NordVPN has a feature called Onion Over VPN, also known as Tor Over VPN. Similarly to Double VPN, Onion Over VPN passes your traffic through multiple layers (hence, onion), including the Tor network, until, with additional layers of Tor security added, it reaches the destination. By incorporating this feature, NordVPN gains an extra layer of user data privacy without you having to install the Tor browser.

Overall, NordVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. Additionally, each user can buy a dedicated IP. This feature eliminates the ever-changing IP address depending on the server and assigns a single, stable IP address in a preferred location. NordVPN offers dedicated IPs in 25 locations across 18 countries. That’s more than Surfshark, which has 13 locations, PureVPN, which has 8, and CyberGhost, which has 7.

Finally, those who subscribe to NordVPN’s Ultimate plan can get additional features. The first is 1TB of encrypted cloud storage to safely keep and access your files through any linked device. The second is cyber protection and insurance for people in the US. There is $1M insurance for identity theft (covered by HSB Specialty Insurance Company) and $100K insurance for cyber extortion.

To summarize, although there are a few major things that make NordVPN stand out among competitors, there is also some room for improvement.

Compatibility – 9/10

NordVPN has apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Additionally, you can install NordVPN on Android TV, tvOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Firestick, Chromebook, and more. Here are the most important aspects regarding NordVPN compatibility:

• NordVPN coverage of devices is very rich, and you can enjoy apps for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS operating systems. Plus, the provider covers more devices than most others.
• NordVPN ensures each user gets the same set of key features, despite the device they are using – an uncommon perk that I haven’t seen many other VPNs provide.
  

Setting up the NordVPN app or browser extension isn’t difficult at all. Essentially, you just need to subscribe to a plan of your choice, download the app or browser extension, log in, and start using it. Getting NordVPN for Xbox or Firestick is a bit more complicated. You would need to install a VPN directly on your home router, and then it will apply to all devices connected to the home network.

Generally, NordVPN works well on all devices and platforms. The recent test showed that previous issues with long establishing time on macOS have been resolved. Phones might operate a bit slower with a VPN installed, but that’s not much of a problem. However, smartphone apps tend to have fewer features than, for example, the Windows app, so keep this in mind when deciding between a PC app that you can link other devices to or a dedicated smartphone VPN app.

Customer support and troubleshooting – 9/10

Efficient customer support is the backbone of any service. While NordVPN is intuitive, and you are unlikely to need help, it’s good to know that professional assistance is available 24/7. Here’s what I like about NordVPN’s support:

• NordVPN offers highly efficient 24/7 customer support. Once the live chat chatbot registers your issue, it takes less than a minute to connect to a live agent.
  
• NordVPN is also highly active on social media and discussion forums, making it super easy to access support in emergencies.
  

NordVPN offers multiple tools to seek assistance:

With email inquiries, you will certainly talk to a person. The 24/7 live chat support might initially have bots responding to you, but if they cannot assist, you will be connected to a person. You can also access live chat through the help articles section if you cannot find the solution in the provided materials.

I also checked online forums like Reddit to see if people ran into any issues with NordVPN’s customer support. The general consensus is that it’s always possible to get help, but sometimes it might take longer.

For example, those who opt for email support rather than live chat usually wait longer for a reply. If you have any issues with customer support, I suggest writing a post on NordVPN’s subreddit. In many posts I checked, NordVPN representatives or experienced users respond with effective solutions.

NordVPN use cases

NordVPN isn’t just for privacy and security. It also offers a great way to access geo-restricted content, such as streaming service content libraries, study materials, or even better game servers. NordVPN’s anonymity also unlocks torrenting and visiting Dark Web opportunities without most of the associated risks.

NordVPN for smooth geo-unblocking

NordVPN can unblock all major streaming services. I personally use it to access Netflix’s other locations. Here are the test results of the platforms that NordVPN can unblock compared to some of its competitors:

There may occasionally be issues with lagging or restricted access, but keeping NordVPN up to date or trying other servers helps to resolve this issue. Personally, when Netflix detects that I’m using a VPN and prevents access, it’s usually because I haven’t updated the VPN app.

Meanwhile, until recently, Norton Secure VPN could not unblock Netflix at all, and even now, it only unblocks it after some effort (but not on German and French servers). CyberGhost, too, while being able to unblock all streaming services, did not impress with speed, as there was a slight lag when skipping episodes.

The internet speed remained very high during the test, dropping only slightly from the baseline of 500Mbps. I personally did not notice any lag, but I found complaints on Reddit about inconsistent access or significant speed drops, so that’s something to keep in mind.

The test also revealed that NordVPN can access Netflix libraries in all main Netflix locations: the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Australia. To improve accessibility to foreign libraries or stabilize the connection, install NordVPN directly on the home router. That way, you will be able to access any streaming service on a smart TV, Firestick, PlayStation, and other viewing platforms.

NordVPN also has streaming-friendly features called SmartPlay and SmartDNS. SmartPlay is already automatically enabled in all NordVPN apps, so no extra steps are required to use it. Meanwhile, SmartDNS is part of the SmartPlay feature, so no effort is required to use it either. Both of these features help when encountering stronger geo-blocks that prevent your access to streaming content.

While SmartDNS changes your DNS servers to bypass blocked access, SmartPlay increases your anonymity by hiding your IP address and further encrypting your online traffic. Together, these features ensure that even such advanced trackers like Netflix’s would not be able to find your true location.

If you’re still encountering issues that updates cannot resolve, NordVPN has useful articles on troubleshooting streaming. While not specifying any streaming services, NordVPN still offers helpful guides on how you can fix connectivity issues on different platforms.

NordVPN to protect your device while torrenting

NordVPN is a great way to stay safe and private while torrenting. Not only does it hide your IP address, permitting access to torrenting platforms in areas where such activity is restricted, but the Threat Protection feature also scans downloads to ensure that you’re not also downloading malware. I recommend doing an IP and DNS leak test prior to torrenting to ensure that your connection is truly private.

NordVPN works with the majority of the torrenting platforms: Vuze, qBittorrent, BitTorrent, uTorrent, and Deluge. However, I struggled to access Transmission, FrostWire, and Tixati. NordVPN itself provides helpful articles on how to connect to uTorrent, qBittorrent, Deluge, and BitTorrent.

During the test, I found that geographically closer servers (in my case, Germany, France, and the Netherlands) work better and result in higher speeds. However, the Double VPN feature reduced network speed by 40% compared to the 500Mbps baseline. Luckily, P2P servers helped increase the speed by at least 10%, so I recommend using these servers for torrenting, streaming, and gaming.

You can also set up a SOCKS5 proxy to improve speed, but remember that it reduces security. You can select SOCKS5 by going into the proxy server of your torrenting platform, entering its server address and your NordVPN login details, and saving the selection.

NordVPN to expand your gaming experience

You can use NordVPN to access different online gaming servers. You can do this by having a NordVPN app or browser extension on a smartphone, PC, laptop, or Mac or by installing NordVPN on a router to use it for console gaming.

Using NordVPN for a console is a bit more complicated. There are two ways to do it. You can set up NordVPN on a router or use another device as a hotspot. NordVPN has a useful guide on how to set it up on compatible routers. If your router is not compatible with a VPN, hotspotting is your best bet, but that will result in a significantly slower connection.

I tested NordVPN on Windows and PS4 for gaming. Without VPN, my ping on Rocket League was 36-38ms. But when connected to a UK server with OpenVPN UDP, my ping was around 70ms. While this is not terrible, and games are playable if the ping is under 100ms, I could still feel the lag, especially in action games. When connected to the US, ping got up to approximately 150-170ms, making it a bit harder to play the game. It was still possible to play it, but I couldn't enjoy it, as there was quite a lot of lag.

NordVPN as a trusty travel companion

There are three main uses for NordVPN when traveling: security, particularly when using public Wi-Fi, streaming to catch up with shows from your home country, and accessing home services that are inaccessible abroad, such as online banking. However, NordVPN either does not operate or operates with certain restrictions in a number of countries: Russia, China, India, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Some of these countries, like India and Turkey, restrict the use of VPNs, but you can still bypass restrictions following a NordVPN guide. Others, such as China and Russia, are completely restricted. While NordVPN does not deny access to its services to anyone from anywhere, governments that crack down on VPNs completely prevent the use of NordVPN.

For example, Russian internet control agency Roskomnadzor pressured Apple into removing 25 VPN apps, NordVPN included, from the Russian App store. However, if you already have a NordVPN app, you can access your home servers while visiting China, albeit with some difficulty.

If you want to get NordVPN for your trip, you can pay for your NordVPN subscription using cryptocurrencies, PayPal, Google Pay, or debit/credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, UnionPay, and more).

NordVPN also supports retail store payments. For example, in the US, you can purchase a subscription at BestBuy, Walmart, Staples, Amazon, and other popular retailers.

NordVPN video review

If you prefer listening over reading, you might appreciate our NordVPN video review. In it, you'll find every single fact from our review, but with the added bonus of a soothing voice.

NordVPN vs competitors

Overall, NordVPN is a well-performing, reliable, and secure VPN. Even when compared to other popular VPN providers, it stands out. Since the Cybernews team tested 43, it becomes very clear which categories which VPNs excel at. Here is a quick summary of the most popular VPNs vs NordVPN:

As this table indicates, NordVPN excels in speed. I also found that it is much more stable than other VPNs at unblocking streaming content, offering a wider variety of working servers. It’s not much more expensive either, as ExpressVPN is much pricier. I also found NordVPN’s app interface to be one of the most user-friendly out of all tested VPNs.

So, to summarize, I would definitely recommend NordVPN. It is fast, stable, and secure, as well as suitable for gaming, streaming, traveling, and torrenting. NordVPN is user-friendly, too, with an interface that won’t be complicated, even for beginners. If you would like to find out more about how NordVPN compares to other popular VPNs, here are some detailed reviews:

• NordVPN vs Surfshark: the comparison of two market-leading VPNs
• NordVPN vs CyberGhost: which one is better overall?
• NordVPN vs IPVanish: which is better in multiple categories?
• NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN: which one is more secure?

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