NordVPN Review: Is It Worth It in 2025?

Last Updated on August 31, 2025 by Editorial

If you’re looking for a VPN in 2025, you’ve probably seen a NordVPN review or two pop up. It’s one of the most talked-about VPNs out there, but does it live up to the hype? With privacy concerns growing and streaming blocks getting smarter, a VPN needs to do more than just hide your IP. 

Speed and security are always big selling points, but they only matter if they work well in real-life use. Nobody wants a VPN that slows everything down or randomly disconnects. NordVPN claims to offer all that, so it’s worth checking how well those promises hold up.

Some VPNs overload you with stuff you’ll never use, while others keep it clean and useful. NordVPN has added a few new tools lately—like threat protection and Meshnet—but do they help or crowd the app? Let’s break down what matters.

Quick Overview

CRITERIA	FEATURES
VPN Protocols	– OpenVPN – NordLynx – NordWhisper
Jurisdiction	– Panama
Independent Audits	– 5
Servers	– 7,400+ in 118 countries
Supported Devices	– Windows – macOS – Linux – Android – iOS – Browsers – Routers – SmartDNS
Simultaneous Connections	– 10
Customer Support	– 24/7 Live Chat – Email – Tutorials – FAQs
Features	– Meshnet – Dark Web Monitor – Threat Protection – Post-Quantum Encryption – Obfuscation – Double VPN
Streaming	– Netflix – Disney+ – Peacock – Max – Hulu – Paramount+ – Prime Video
Best Price	– $3.39/month for 24 months
Discount	– Exclusive NordVPN Offer
Official Website	– https://nordvpn.com/

NordVPN Security

NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption. It’s the same encryption used by governments, militaries, and banks. It’s fast, reliable, and, as of now, basically uncrackable by any known method. 

This level of encryption scrambles your internet traffic so thoroughly that no one can read it—not your internet provider, not hackers, and not public Wi-Fi snoops.

Furthermore, NordVPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS). This means your encryption keys change with every session. So if one key ever got compromised (which is unlikely), it wouldn’t help anyone read your past or future traffic. Each session is sealed off from the others.

Security Protocols

NordVPN uses three VPN protocols. These are the systems that move your encrypted data between your device and the VPN server. Each one handles encryption in its own way. These protocols include the following.

NordLynx (based on WireGuard)

This is NordVPN’s default protocol now, and for good reason. It’s fast, simple, and secure. WireGuard uses state-of-the-art cryptography, including:

• ChaCha20 encryption to secure data
• Poly1305 for authentication (basically checking that your data hasn’t been tampered with)
• Curve25519 for key exchange (so both sides agree on encryption without sharing the key openly)

NordLynx adds extra privacy by building in a double NAT system. This means you still get a secure connection without needing to store identifiable data like your IP address on the server. So even if someone tried to track you, they’d hit a wall.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is the old reliable—solid, tested, and still widely used. NordVPN supports both UDP and TCP modes, depending on what you need (UDP is usually faster, TCP is more stable).

It uses AES-256 encryption just like we mentioned earlier, combined with 2048-bit or 4096-bit RSA keys for key exchange, and SHA-512 hash authentication to make sure no one’s messing with your data in transit.

This protocol is a great pick if you’re in a place with firewalls or censorship. It can be configured to look like regular HTTPS traffic, which makes it harder for networks to block.

NordWhisper

NordWhisper is NordVPN’s new protocol for end-to-end encrypted messaging and file transfers. It’s part of their broader push into secure communication.

NordWhisper uses the following ciphers:

• XChaCha20 is a modern stream cipher that secures your messages by scrambling them with a 256-bit key. 
• Poly1305 is used alongside that to make sure your message hasn’t been tampered with in any way. 

VPN Security Tests

I connected to NordVPN servers and ran the encrypted traffic through the Wireshark app. The results were a mixture of symbols, texts, and numbers that didn’t make sense, as you can see in the screenshot below. This is proof that NordVPN’s encryption works by scrambling data, making it unreadable.

NordVPN Privacy

NordVPN puts privacy at the center of its service, offering users a way to keep their internet activity hidden from prying eyes. It does this by encrypting everything you send and receive online. This blocks third parties like internet providers, advertisers, and even governments from tracking your behavior. 

This is especially important in a time when companies collect user data, often without consent. By hiding your IP address and rerouting your traffic through secure servers, NordVPN protects not just what you’re doing online, but also where you’re doing it from.

The level of privacy offered by NordVPN matters to anyone who values control over their data. Journalists, political activists, and people living under strict internet censorship often rely on VPNs to stay safe. 

But even the average person benefits, especially if they’re using public Wi-Fi, working remotely, or just want to stop ads from following them around.

Jurisdiction

NordVPN is based in Panama, which is good news for privacy. Panama doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws, and it’s not a member of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes surveillance alliances. 

These alliances involve countries sharing intelligence data, and being outside of them means NordVPN isn’t legally forced to hand over user info to international governments. This gives NordVPN more legal ground to refuse data requests, making it safer for people who need real privacy.

Who Owns NordVPN?

NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, a company founded in 2012 by a group of childhood friends from Lithuania. It started as a small project aimed at creating safer internet tools and quickly grew into one of the most recognizable VPN brands in the world. 

Over the years, it hasn’t been bought or sold—it’s still under the same company that built it from the start. In 2022, Nord Security merged with Surfshark’s parent company, but both VPNs continue to operate separately under the same umbrella.

Current and Past Logging Policies

NordVPN has always claimed to be a no-logs provider, meaning it doesn’t track, collect, or share user activity. In the early days, this was mostly a promise. Over time, it’s backed that up with outside audits and policy transparency. 

Today, NordVPN doesn’t log IP addresses, traffic, bandwidth use, or session timestamps. It does store your email and payment info for account management, but none of that ties back to what you do online. 

There haven’t been any public changes to this policy that weakened privacy. If anything, the company has doubled down on privacy protections since 2018, when it started pushing out regular audits to prove it.

Independent Audits

As of April 2025, NordVPN has completed five independent no-logs audits. The first was done by PwC in 2018, followed by another in 2020. Deloitte took over and ran two more audits: one in 2022 and another in late 2023. The most recent was done at the end of 2024 by Deloitte Audit Lithuania.

These audits check if NordVPN follows its no-logs policy. They go through server setups, internal procedures, and even staff access controls. Passing each audit means that users can be more confident that the company isn’t secretly storing or leaking their data. It’s not about trust, it’s about proof.

NordVPN Features

If you’re looking at NordVPN and trying to figure out what sets it apart, its feature list gives you a good idea of what you’re working with. They include the following.

Kill Switch

NordVPN’s Kill Switch stops your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly. Without this, your real IP could leak, even for a second. You’ve got two options: the system-wide Kill Switch, which cuts off all internet access, and the app-specific one, which blocks traffic only from selected apps. 

Both versions are easy to find in the settings under the “Kill Switch” section and are available on the following devices.

• Available on: Windows & Linux(system-wide and app-based), macOS (system-wide version), Android (Available through system settings if you use OpenVPN), iOS (a version of Kill Switch is always on by default, but not user-controlled).

Split Tunneling

Split Tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. This is handy if you want to stream local content without disconnecting the VPN. 

This feature can potentially increase your VPN speeds. This is because less data is being encrypted, and that reduces the burden on your connection. Split tunneling is available on the following devices.

• Available on: Windows and Android.

Public WiFi Security

If you’re someone who uses cafes, airports, or hotel WiFi often, this feature matters. NordVPN can auto-connect the moment you join an unsecured network. That stops snoopers from spying on your data while it’s moving over public WiFi. 

You can set the app to automatically connect on unknown or untrusted networks, which saves you from forgetting to turn it on manually. This feature is available on the following devices.

•  Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.

DNS Leak Protection

When you visit a website, your device asks a DNS server to find the right IP address. If that request goes through your regular internet provider, even with the VPN on, it’s a DNS leak. 

NordVPN avoids this by routing DNS requests through its own secure DNS servers, also called PrivateDNS. It’s built in and turned on by default, so there’s nothing you need to configure. Private DNS prevents your internet provider or any third party from seeing your DNS traffic. There’s no setup needed.

• Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux.
  

Obfuscation

Obfuscation is what makes NordVPN work even in places where VPNs are blocked or restricted. It hides the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. Normally, VPN traffic has a certain “signature” that can be spotted by firewalls or deep packet inspection (DPI). 

Obfuscated servers scramble that signature so your connection looks like regular internet traffic. This is especially useful in countries with strict internet censorship, like China or the UAE.

In NordVPN, obfuscation kicks in when you connect to one of their special obfuscated servers. These servers use the OpenVPN protocol, which is necessary for the obfuscation to work. 

• Available on: Windows, macOS & Android.

Double VPN

Double VPN routes your traffic through two different servers for extra encryption. It’s useful if you’re focused on privacy. You’ll find this feature on Windows, macOS, and Android. It’s listed under “Specialty Servers” in the app, and you just pick one like you would any other server.

• Available on: Windows, macOS, Android.

Onion Over VPN

This combines the privacy of Tor (The Onion Router) with the protection of a VPN. Your traffic first goes through a NordVPN server, then into the Tor network. That way, your internet service provider can’t see you’re using Tor, and your entry point into Tor stays hidden.

Onion Over VPN is found under the specialty servers section. However, it’s slower than regular connections because it routes through multiple nodes.

• Available on: Windows, macOS, Android.

Threat Protection Pro

This tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware downloads even if you’re not connected to a VPN server. It scans files and webpages before they load. That’s especially useful for preventing phishing attempts or drive-by downloads from sketchy sites.

• Available on: Windows and macOS.

Meshnet

Meshnet lets you link your devices directly over encrypted tunnels. That means you can access your home PC while traveling, share files securely, or even play games with friends on a private connection. It’s like creating your private mini-network across devices.

To activate it, simply go to the “Meshnet” tab in the app, enable it, and link devices via Nord accounts or by sharing a link.

• Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.

Dark Web Monitor

This keeps an eye on data breaches involving your NordVPN-linked email. If your credentials show up in dark web marketplaces or leaks, you get an alert so you can change your passwords immediately. The setup is simple, as you only need to enable it in the app settings.

• Available on: Android and iOS.

Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP gives you the same VPN IP address every time you connect, instead of sharing with others. This can help with logging into banking apps, avoiding CAPTCHAs, or managing remote access tools that restrict unknown IPs. A dedicated IP address is a paid add-on that isn’t part of the standard plans.

• Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.

Post-Quantum Encryption

NordVPN has added Post-Quantum Encryption (PQE) to help protect your data from future quantum computer threats. It works through their NordLynx protocol and is already available on all major platforms.

PQE uses a mix of traditional encryption and a new algorithm (ML-KEM) that’s built to stand up to quantum attacks. You can turn it on easily in the app’s settings. While it may slightly affect speed, the extra security is worth it. It’s a strong step toward future-proofing your online privacy.

• Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, tvOS, Android TV.

NordVPN Server Network

NordVPN has one of the largest server networks out there, with 7,000+ servers in 118 countries. That kind of spread matters, especially if you’re trying to access websites or services that are restricted based on location. 

With more countries covered, you’ve got more chances to connect somewhere that gives you full internet access, no matter where you are.

The server variety also helps with speed. If you’re trying to stream, play games, or make video calls, being able to connect to a nearby server keeps your connection fast and stable. 

NordVPN also uses virtual servers, though very sparingly. A virtual server lets you appear in one country while the physical server is located in another. For example, a server might give you a Malaysian IP, but it’s physically in Singapore. These can be helpful in regions where setting up physical infrastructure is tough or risky.

Here’s a table showing the NordVPN server distribution.

REGION	COUNTRIES	SERVERS
Europe	45	54
North America	16	36
Asia	25	28
South America	11	11
Africa	11	11
Middle East	6	6
Oceania	4	8
Total	118	154

NordVPN Speed & Performance

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs around, and that’s not just marketing talk—it comes down to smart tech and smart choices. The biggest reason behind its speed is NordLynx, a custom protocol based on WireGuard. 

WireGuard is known for being lightweight and fast, and NordLynx takes it a step further with extra privacy features that don’t slow you down. server during peak hours.

Just to check, I ran speed tests using the fastest NordVPN server while using NordLynx and got a 19% speed drop. This was more than enough to handle streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Speed isn’t just about fast servers—it’s about how quickly you can connect, how stable your connection stays, and whether you can stream, game, or video call without annoying lag or buffering. 

NordVPN checks all those boxes. Whether you’re watching Netflix in HD, playing online games, or downloading large files, it keeps up without choking your connection.

One of the reasons it performs so well is its massive server network. With over 7,000 servers in 154 countries, there’s always a nearby server to cut down on distance, which directly affects speed. It also uses load balancing, so you’re not stuck on an overcrowded

NordVPN Streaming

NordVPN works well for streaming. It gets past geo-restrictions on a bunch of major platforms, which means you can watch content that’s blocked in your country. You just connect to a server in the region where the content is available, refresh your streaming site, and you’re in.

Their SmartPlay feature automatically picks the best connection for streaming, so you don’t have to mess around with manual settings. Here’s a quick look at the platforms NordVPN can get around.

SERVICE	UNBLOCKED?
Netflix	✅
Hulu	✅
Peacock TV	✅
Disney+	✅
HBO Max	✅
ESPN+	✅
Prime Video	✅
Paramount+	✅
BBC iPlayer	✅

NordVPN OS Support and Usability

NordVPN works across a wide range of devices, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. Being able to run it on phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, smart TVs, and routers means you don’t have to pick and choose where you stay protected. 

You can connect up to 10 devices at once with a single NordVPN account. That’s more than enough for most people, especially if you live in a household where everyone’s online at the same time. 

Here’s a breakdown of the major platforms NordVPN works with:

• Windows: 11, 10, and 8.1
• macOS: Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Sequoia
• Linux: Debian, Ubuntu, and other major distros (manual setup or via NordVPN’s app)
• Android: 9 (Pie) and up
• iOS: 13.0 and later
• Fire OS: Fire TV devices (including Fire TV Stick)
• Chrome and Firefox: Browser extensions are available
• Smart TVs: Android TV and TVs that support APK installations
• Routers: Works with many brands, including ASUS, Netgear, and Linksys (manual setup)

As for usability, NordVPN is one of the most user-friendly VPNs around. 

The setup process is quick, and the apps are clean and straightforward. You open the app, pick a server, and connect. That’s it. There’s a map you can click on, or you can scroll through a list of countries if you prefer that.

The desktop apps give you more advanced options, but they don’t shove them in your face. You can ignore them if you just want to stay protected, or dig into settings like Kill Switch and Threat Protection if you want more control.

Even on less common setups—like Linux or routers—NordVPN provides simple instructions that walk you through it without being confusing or technical for no reason. 

NordVPN Customer Support

Customer support matters because stuff breaks and people need urgent help, fast. NordVPN does a solid job here. They offer a few different ways to get help, so you’re not stuck waiting for one channel to work. 

If you’re just looking for a quick answer, their Help Center is usually the fastest route. It’s packed with how-to guides, setup instructions for every major device, and fixes for common issues. 

You can get there through their website—just scroll down to the bottom and click “Help Center,” or search straight from the homepage. The content is clear and updated often, so chances are high you’ll find what you need without talking to anyone.

If you do need to reach out, they’ve got 24/7 live chat support. You’ll see the chat icon in the lower right corner of the Help Center. Just click, type your question, and you’ll usually get a human within 30 seconds.

Email support is another option, but it’s slower. If your issue isn’t urgent or you need to attach screenshots or logs, you can send a message through their contact form or email them directly. Expect a reply in a few hours, sometimes up to a day, depending on the issue.

NordVPN also keeps an active presence on social media, especially Twitter. They respond to basic questions and direct you to the right place, but they won’t handle detailed support over public threads. It’s more of a backup option than a primary support channel.

NordVPN Pricing

NordVPN offers a range of subscription plans, each with varying features and pricing. Here’s a breakdown of their current offerings:

Basic Plan

• 2-Year Plan: $3.39/month, for the first 24 months
• 1-Year Plan: $4.99/month, for the first 12 months
• Monthly Plan: $12.99/month

This plan includes access to NordVPN’s high-speed VPN servers and allows connection on up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Plus Plan

• 2-Year Plan: $4.39/month, for the first 24 months
• 1-Year Plan: $5.99/month, for the first 12 months
• Monthly Plan: $13.99/month

In addition to the Basic Plan features, the Plus Plan offers Threat Protection Pro (anti-malware and advanced browsing protection), a password manager, and a data breach scanner.

Ultimate Plan

• 2-Year Plan: $6.89/month, for the first 24 months
• 1-Year Plan: $7.99/month, for the first 12 months
• Monthly Plan: $15.99/month

This plan includes all features from the Plus Plan, along with 1TB of encrypted cloud storage and cyber insurance benefits, such as scam loss recovery and ID theft recovery.

Prime Plan (US Only)

• 2-Year Plan: $7.89/month, for the first 27 months
• 1-Year Plan: $9.49/month, for the first 15 months
• Monthly Plan: $17.99/month

The Prime Plan encompasses all features from the Ultimate Plan and adds NordProtect, which includes identity and SSN monitoring, credit monitoring, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.

Our NordVPN pricing review goes deeper into this so be sure to check it out.

NordVPN Alternatives

NordVPN is popular, but it’s not the only solid choice out there. Here’s how some of the top alternatives compare.

1. Surfshark – Most Affordable

Surfshark stands out for one simple reason: unlimited device connections. That makes it ideal for families or people with lots of gadgets. It’s cheaper than most big-name VPNs, especially on long-term plans, and still includes features like ad blocking, malware warnings, and a kill switch.

You also get access to over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, which is great if you’re trying to access content from specific regions. Their Camouflage Mode helps hide VPN use from networks and ISPs, and NoBorders Mode lets you use the service in places with internet restrictions.

More in our Surfshark review.

2. CyberGhost – Large Server Network

CyberGhost is great for people who want something easy to use without giving up custom features. It has one of the largest server networks: over 11,000 servers in 100+ countries, which helps reduce crowding and improves speeds. 

One standout feature is its streaming-optimized servers. These are labeled for specific platforms like Netflix or Hulu, so you know what works before you connect. CyberGhost also includes split tunneling on Android and smart rules for customizing connection behavior. It supports up to 7 devices at once

3. ExpressVPN – Best Speeds

ExpressVPN is more expensive than most, but it earns that with top-tier performance and strong privacy. It’s known for fast speeds even on long-distance servers, which is great for streaming or video calls. The app layout is polished and works the same across desktop and mobile. 

The VPN service also runs on its custom encryption protocol called Lightway, built to be fast and stable. It also has TrustedServer tech, which means all servers run on RAM, so no data is stored.

Does NordVPN Measure Up?

After digging into everything this NordVPN review offers: from its solid security protocols and strict no-logs policy to its streaming support and huge server network, it’s safe to say this VPN still holds its ground in 2025. It’s not just riding on name recognition; the service delivers.

NordVPN stands out because it balances performance with privacy. You get strong encryption, independent audits, and advanced tools like Threat Protection and Meshnet, without losing speed or ease of use. 

Whether you’re streaming, gaming, traveling, or just trying to keep advertisers out of your business, NordVPN has something useful built in.

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