NordVPN Review 2024: Is It Still the Best VPN for Speed and Security?

NordVPN remains one of the top choices for securing your online presence in 2024. With increasing concerns over privacy and data protection, many users are turning to VPNs to safeguard their information. In this crowded market, NordVPN stands out due to its robust features, ease of use, and consistent performance.

Whether you’re looking to stream geo-blocked content or maintain anonymity while browsing, NordVPN has built a reputation for reliability. Its commitment to security, including military-grade encryption and advanced privacy measures, ensures that your data remains protected. Furthermore, its wide range of servers and fast connections make it a great choice for anyone who values speed without compromising on privacy.

NordVPN Features

256-bit AES Encryption

One of NordVPN’s most powerful features is its 256-bit AES encryption, which is recognized as the highest encryption standard available for securing online communications. This encryption method is so secure that it is used by government agencies and the military to protect classified information. With this level of encryption, all your online traffic is scrambled, making it virtually impossible for hackers, ISPs, or other third parties to intercept or decipher your data.

NordVPN’s use of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key ensures that sensitive information like passwords, browsing history, and payment details stay hidden. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi or securing your home network, this encryption keeps your data protected from any prying eyes.

NordLynx Protocol

NordLynx is NordVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol, designed for speed and security. It is based on the WireGuard protocol, which is known for being faster and more efficient than traditional protocols like OpenVPN. WireGuard is lightweight, making connections faster and reducing latency, which is especially useful for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.

However, NordLynx goes a step further by implementing a unique double NAT (Network Address Translation) system. This allows users to connect to servers without logging identifiable information, maintaining NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy. With NordLynx, you can enjoy a fast, secure connection without sacrificing privacy.

No-Logs Policy

NordVPN’s no-logs policy is one of its most reassuring features, ensuring that your online activities remain private. Unlike some VPNs that track your browsing habits, NordVPN promises not to record or store any data about the websites you visit, files you download, or content you stream. This has been verified through independent third-party audits, most recently by Deloitte.

NordVPN collects only minimal information like your email address and payment details necessary for account management. There is no tracking of your online sessions, so your data cannot be handed over to authorities or sold to advertisers. With privacy being a major concern for users, this no-logs policy ensures that your online footprint is invisible.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling is a feature that lets you control which parts of your internet traffic go through the VPN and which do not. This is particularly useful for users who want to access both local and foreign content at the same time. For example, you can route your banking through your local connection while streaming international content via NordVPN.

With split tunneling, you can prioritize bandwidth and avoid slowing down your connection for tasks that don’t need encryption. This flexibility is especially handy for users who rely on VPNs for both privacy and practical everyday tasks. NordVPN offers this feature on Android and Windows platforms, with plans to expand it further.

Kill Switch

NordVPN’s kill switch is a crucial feature that protects your data if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. When enabled, the kill switch automatically blocks your device from accessing the internet if the VPN disconnects, ensuring that your online activity is never exposed to unsecured networks.

This feature is particularly useful for users who often connect to public Wi-Fi or other vulnerable networks. The kill switch works across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and ensures that your data remains safe even during moments of unstable connectivity. Without this feature, a momentary disconnect could leave your data vulnerable.

Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities

NordVPN has made a name for itself in the world of streaming. It excels at bypassing geo-restrictions and providing access to a wide variety of content from different regions. Whether you’re trying to watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, or Disney+, NordVPN consistently unblocks these services with ease. Its ability to bypass Netflix’s notorious VPN blocks is particularly impressive, giving you access to libraries in countries like the U.S., U.K., Japan, and Canada.

In addition to streaming platforms, NordVPN also works well with region-restricted websites and services, including news outlets and social media platforms in countries with heavy censorship. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want to maintain access to global content while traveling. However, it’s important to note that streaming services occasionally update their VPN detection methods, so there may be rare instances where a server doesn’t work right away. In those cases, switching to another server is often a quick fix.

For torrenting and P2P file-sharing, NordVPN offers dedicated P2P servers. These servers are optimized for fast file transfers, making them a reliable option for users who need to download or upload large files. However, note that port forwarding is not supported, which may limit advanced users looking for maximum speed while torrenting.

Dark Web Monitor

NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor is a proactive security tool that scans the dark web for any breaches involving your personal information. If it detects that your email address or other sensitive data have been compromised and appear on the dark web, you’ll receive an alert. This allows you to take immediate action, such as changing passwords or securing accounts, to prevent potential identity theft or fraud. The Dark Web Monitor continuously runs in the background and is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It’s a unique feature that adds another layer of defense to your overall online security.

Meshnet

NordVPN’s Meshnet feature enables secure and encrypted connections between multiple devices. It’s like creating a private network over the internet, allowing you to route your traffic through another one of your devices or even a friend’s device securely. This can be extremely useful for file sharing, gaming, or remotely accessing devices without compromising your security. Meshnet uses WireGuard (NordLynx) to maintain secure communication between linked devices. You can link up to 10 of your own devices and invite others to join your secure network, making Meshnet ideal for anyone needing a secure, private connection for personal or work use.

Pricing & Plans

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the longer-term plans offer up to 73% savings compared to the monthly rates. The Ultimate plan includes the most features, such as encrypted cloud storage via NordLocker, while the Basic plan focuses on core VPN services without extras. On Black Friday deals, you’ll get extra discount on NordVPN.

NordVPN offers a range of pricing plans, designed to fit different needs and budgets. The pricing structure includes monthly, yearly, and two-year plans, with significant discounts offered for long-term commitments. The most cost-effective option is the two-year plan, which brings the monthly cost down to as low as $3.09 per month, making it an attractive option for users looking for affordable security. Additionally, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.

While the monthly plan is priced higher at $12.99 per month, opting for the annual or biennial subscriptions can save you up to 73%. These longer-term plans also include additional features like malware protection and data breach monitoring through NordLocker in the higher-tier plans, such as the Plus and Ultimate packages.

NordVPN’s pricing is competitive compared to other top-tier VPNs, and the added features, such as Meshnet and Dark Web Monitor, make it a great value for those looking for more than just basic VPN functionality. Overall, NordVPN’s pricing offers excellent value for its robust security features, high-speed connections, and ability to unblock content worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Is NordVPN safe to use?

Yes, NordVPN is extremely safe. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure your internet traffic, which is the highest level of encryption available. In addition, its no-logs policy ensures that your personal data and browsing history are never tracked or stored. NordVPN also undergoes regular independent audits to verify its privacy claims, making it a trusted choice for security.

Does NordVPN work with Netflix?

Yes, NordVPN works reliably with Netflix. It consistently bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing you to access different regional libraries, including popular ones like U.S., U.K., Japan, and Canada. If a server doesn’t work, switching to another one usually resolves the issue quickly.

How many devices can I connect to NordVPN?

NordVPN allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with one account. This is particularly useful for households with multiple users or for individuals who need to protect various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, at the same time.

What is NordLynx?

NordLynx is NordVPN’s proprietary protocol built on WireGuard. It offers faster speeds while maintaining the same level of security as traditional VPN protocols like OpenVPN. With NordLynx, you can enjoy faster browsing, streaming, and downloading, without sacrificing privacy.

Can I use NordVPN for torrenting?

Yes, NordVPN supports torrenting and has dedicated P2P servers optimized for file-sharing. These servers offer reliable speeds for downloading and uploading files. However, note that NordVPN does not support port forwarding, which may limit torrenting speeds for some users.

Wrapping Up

In 2024, NordVPN remains one of the best VPN options for privacy, security, and streaming capabilities. With military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and the fast NordLynx protocol, it offers a solid balance between speed and security. Whether you’re looking to access geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix or protect your personal information on public Wi-Fi, NordVPN delivers.