NordVPN Review

In a perfect world, there would be only one VPN and we would all use it. That would eliminate some of the guesswork on which app you need to protect your Internet connection, maintain your privacy, and surf in peace.

While that’s not possible, there are some VPN clients that rise above the rest. NordVPN has 5,600 servers available for connecting. While some VPNs provide a way for five devices to connect with one account, NordVPN gives you six.

Since not every VPN is able to make a claim about zero logging for your web history and other Internet usage, it’s refreshing to see this company make some direct claims: They don’t log any activity and even you as the user can’t request your own history. I mean, you were looking for privacy, right?

For those who are looking for the best VPN app around, look no further. The NordVPN app addresses some of the most common security issues, such as a compromised IP address or a DNS leak. Some VPN services use a remote server that encrypts data on the fly in a way that can slow down your internet connection speed, but NordVPN works much smoother. You won't notice as much of an impact on download speed, according to our own speed test. You can use an Android app or iOS app, install a browser extension, connect to a remote server location, and benefit from an easy-to-use Windows client.

We should mention right away that there are other VPN options for a lower price, including IPVanish, which is offering a one-month plan for as low as $5 per month as of April 22.

But for those in the market for a VPN service to protect your Internet feed, NordVPN is one of the best. It provides a massive number of servers (5,600), doesn’t log your Internet usage, and runs quickly on multiple platforms like Windows, Mac, and mobile.

If you choose the monthly plan, NordVPN costs $11.95, which is comparable to the more robust clients such as ExpressVPN but is more expensive than Hotspot Shield VPN ($7.99 per month).

With any VPN service, and honestly with any software, you pay for what you get. But if you need the best protection and a high number of servers, NordVPN is one of the best options. There are only a couple of minor caveats to mention.

ExpressVPN actually offers more country locations for servers—96 total. NordVPN offers 59—which is still plenty and sufficient for most users. The number of country connections matters most for people who travel abroad frequently or for those who are trying to circumvent the policies of a website or download a site—which we don’t recommend. (Circumventing policies, that is. We highly recommend traveling.)

NordVPN also does not offer a VPN app that you can add to a gaming console directly like the Xbox One. ExpressVPN is one of the few we’ve found that does offer that. However, you can install NordVPN on a smart television, a router, or on laptops, desktops, and smartphones easily enough.

When a VPN offers an incredibly high number of servers, it means you have more flexibility in where and how you connect. It adds another layer of security if you decide you don’t want to connect to the closest and fastest server to you but prefer to use one that helps you download files or stream media.

With 5,600 servers, NordVPN has more than ExpressVPN’s 3,000.

It’s also worth noting that having a high number of servers means the backbone is solid—you can expect to always find a connection, even if you travel frequently. On a trip to Malaysia for example, you could connect to a server in Canada. You have extreme flexibility in the VPN service to click any server you want.

One small note here is that ExpressVPN does offer a way to run a speed test for a server and then decide to use that one for your connection. NordVPN provides flexibility in how you connect and can choose the fastest option, but not based on a speed test.

A VPN provides added security and privacy for anything you want to do online. You could say it’s a “must own” for those of us working remotely. The challenge sometimes is to examine what is included with a VPN and whether that is valuable to you.

NordVPN includes the CyberSec app for free, which protects you from malware and phishing scams.

As an app, CyberSec runs in the background and monitors websites that distribute this junk software meant to trick you into purchasing goods and then stealing your confidential information. Remember that a VPN does protect you from hackers and encrypts your connection using a VPN tunnel. However, once you start typing in a credit card or registering for a site using your personal email, all bets are off.

That means if you purposefully add your own information to a website that is trying to steal information, a VPN can’t protect you. That’s where CyberSec adds another layer of security. The app will warn you if the site you are visiting is suspicious and will block the malware or adware installs from occurring in the first place.

Not every VPN makes clear assurances about how they record and store your personal information, or about how they track your Internet usage. Some make half-hearted claims about deleting this activity or not tracking it in real-time as you surf. It’s an important feature to note with any VPN service—does the VPN company claim to not log anything?

NordVPN does make that assurance, and they back it up with the claim that they have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG in Zurich, Switzerland. And, the company has gone a step further. Last fall, the company announced they will start using RAM servers that are incapable of storing any records in the first place.

Some VPN companies dance around this topic, but NordVPN is clear about how they use their servers and how they don’t track the data for your Internet visits, downloads, or media streaming. This means you can expect 100% privacy and security.

Who it’s best for: Those who need the best VPN possible for the long haul Why we recommend it: You get one of the best VPNs for an extremely low price

NordVPN is a top VPN app. You can connect to one of 5,600 servers around the world in 59 countries. The company claims they do not log your Internet activity. It works on everything from your smart television and router to your smartphone.

• Prices and plans: Our take and reasons why.
• Includes thousands of servers: 5,600 in 59 countries
• Free malware protection software: CyberSec included
• Zero traffic logs: RAM servers forthcoming

Not every VPN provides an installer for game consoles like the Xbox One. NordVPN doesn’t offer this option while ExpressVPN does. However, that doesn’t mean you are unprotected. You can install the VPN service on your router instead, which protects all connected devices including game consoles. Here’s how to do that.

The honest answer here is that most users will likely only connect using the server in their own country. In the U.S., this might mean you connect to a server in Chicago and you are good to go. However, it is reassuring to know you could connect to any server for any reason. And, it means connecting will be reliable from anywhere.

Not really! We've gone through the process already so for more information, check out our guide to canceling a NordVPN subscription.