NordWhisper claims to go where most VPNs won’t

If you're a VPN (Virtual Private Network) user in Australia, there's a pretty strong chance you're aware of NordVPN. The popular choice for internet privacy has been a staple in the industry thanks to its reliable speeds and competitive pricing. In our tests, it's also been one of the most reliable VPN services when it comes to skirting geo-restricted parts of the internet (e.g. websites blocked in certain countries and locations.) Not satisfied with its comparatively spotless track record, NordVPN has developed its very own VPN protocol, known as NordWhisper. 

Every VPN service offers a selection of protocols. The most commonly used VPN protocols are OpenVPN, Wireguard and IKEv2. Every VPN service uses some combination of those three services and they all have their own strengths and weaknesses. WireGuard typically offers speedier encryption, whereas OpenVPN can be slower but safer. Then there are proprietary protocols, like NordVPN's NordLynx (a custom version of WireGuard) and ExpressVPN's Lightway. 

NordWhisper is a new option exclusive to NordVPN users that has a unique selling point: it mimics regular web traffic. Most VPN protocols can be identified as 'VPN traffic' and are sometimes blocked by restricted networks and countries that don't play nicely with VPNs.

Public WiFi connections, like cafes, and WiFi networks in schools and offices can occasionally identify when someone is using a VPN and block the connection. There are also some countries and local internet providers that block VPN traffic, making it difficult to access certain websites and networks from home. NordWhisper doesn't claim to be bulletproof but it does attempt to mask VPN usage by imitating regular internet traffic, making it harder for networks to notice when a user is browsing with NordVPN. 

It doesn't come without some caveats, however. As mentioned, Nord doesn't make any claims about NordWhisper having a 100% success rate; it's a try-and-see situation. Secondly, Nord recognises that NordWhisper can slow traffic. So if you're trying to stream something abroad using NordVPN, you should probably opt for one of NordVPN's other available protocols (OpenVPN or NordLynx.)

NordWhisper has been "gradually" rolling out to Windows, Android and Linux users worldwide (with more device support on the way.) There's no confirmed date for specific countries but when it does become available, the option will be available alongside OpenVPN and NordLynx under 'VPN Connection' settings in the NordVPN app. 

As for when you'll use it? Basically anytime you, a NordVPN user, is blocked by a network for using a VPN. Whether that's at school or overseas trying to transfer some emergency money between accounts. NordWhisper doesn't guarantee it will evade internet security filters, it's just another tool in your belt if you are faced with a restriction. 

No. NordWhisper is just another feature being rolled out for users already subscribed to one of their plans. Here's how much NordVPN costs at its Basic tier.