NordVPN remains one of the most recognizable names in the VPN industry, consistently ranking among the best. Its aggressive marketing is undeniable, but the service largely delivers on its promises. Even after a public data breach in 2019, NordVPN has maintained strong performance and has actively improved its security practices. Despite being more expensive than some competitors, the value proposition remains strong.
Pricing: Premium Cost for Premium Features
NordVPN does not offer a free plan, unlike some competitors such as Proton VPN. The Basic plan is on the pricier side, offering core VPN functionality with 10 simultaneous connections and DNS servers for ad blocking. Upgrading to the Plus plan unlocks Threat Protection Pro, which includes advanced ad blocking, malware protection, and a paid version of NordPass, a robust password manager.
The Complete and Prime plans add 1TB of encrypted cloud storage and identity theft insurance, respectively, but these are unnecessary for most users. NordVPN’s pricing structure favors long-term discounts, making it less competitive on a month-to-month basis. A biennial plan can save significant money upfront, but the full price kicks in after the initial term.
A Battle-Tested App Ecosystem
NordVPN offers a wide range of apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and even native support for Google TV and Apple TV. The native smart TV apps are a major advantage, simplifying streaming access without router configuration.
The desktop app, while solid, has become cluttered with advertisements for features users may not have. Navigating the numerous servers and modules can be frustrating, and a profile system would streamline connections. Meshnet, a feature allowing private network creation between devices, was almost discontinued due to community backlash but remains available.
The Chrome extension offers a simplified experience with core features like Threat Protection and split tunneling, allowing selective VPN routing for specific websites.
Security: Lessons Learned and Proactive Measures
NordVPN’s 2019 data breach, while concerning, led to significant security improvements. The company has since implemented colocated servers (fully owned and operated), disk-less servers (preventing log storage), and annual third-party security audits.
The breach itself was attributed to improper configuration by a third-party data center provider, and no user account credentials were compromised. NordVPN’s transparency and proactive response stand in contrast to other breaches, such as the LastPass incident, which continues to cause financial losses.
Additional security features include NordPass, a top-tier password manager, and Threat Protection Pro, which scans for malware and blocks malicious websites. The recent addition of scam call protection on Android is a welcome bonus.
Performance: Fast and Consistent Speeds
NordVPN delivers consistently fast speeds, averaging a 15.32% reduction in unprotected speed across five US locations. This is comparable to Proton VPN (15.23%) and significantly better than Surfshark (18.84%) and Mullvad (24%).
While speeds vary depending on location and server load, NordVPN remains a reliable choice for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. The company maintains a large network of over 7,400 servers, with detailed information on features and server types.
Conclusion: Still a Top Contender, Despite the Price
NordVPN remains a leading VPN provider, offering a robust feature set, fast speeds, and a commitment to security. While the pricing is higher than some competitors, the value proposition remains strong, especially for users prioritizing performance and reliability. Despite the 2019 breach, NordVPN has responded proactively, implementing significant security improvements and maintaining transparency with its user base. If you’re willing to pay a premium, NordVPN is still one of the best choices on the market
