NordVPN Review: The Best VPN in 2024

26/09/2024

NordVPN Review: The Best VPN in 2024. NordVPN has consistently maintained its position as one of the top-rated Virtual Private Network (VPN) services on the market. With a variety of advanced VPN and security features, extensive streaming unblocking capabilities, and round-the-clock customer support, NordVPN is the go-to choice for millions of users worldwide. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes NordVPN stand out, explore its features, and explain why it continues to be one of the best VPNs available in 2024.

In a digital world where privacy is constantly under threat, VPNs have become essential for online security. NordVPN goes beyond basic VPN functionalities by offering a host of additional features, such as Threat Protection, ad-blocking, and malware prevention. In this comprehensive review, I will provide a detailed look at all that NordVPN has to offer, backed by extensive research and testing.

NordVPN is a security-focused VPN service founded in 2012 by Tefincom S.A., a company based in Panama, a jurisdiction known for its strong privacy laws. NordVPN is designed to protect your online activities by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. This not only prevents malicious actors and governments from tracking your online behavior but also allows access to geo-restricted content, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Key Features of NordVPN

Double VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic twice for extra security.
Threat Protection: Blocks ads, malware, and malicious websites.
Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring no data leaks.
No-Logs Policy: NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, ensuring your data isn’t stored or shared.
Dedicated IP: Allows users to have a static IP address for personal use.
P2P Support: Optimized for peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, making it a great option for torrenting.
Streaming Unblocking: Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more streaming platforms.
CyberSec: Blocks ads and malicious websites for safer browsing.
Multi-Device Support: Supports up to 6 devices simultaneously on one account.

Why NordVPN Is the Best VPN in 2024

NordVPN continues to outperform its competitors in several areas, making it the best VPN in 2024. Let's explore the factors that contribute to its success:

1. Privacy and Security – 10/10

NordVPN places the utmost importance on user privacy and security. With its headquarters in Panama, it operates outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances, meaning it is not legally required to share user data with governments.

NordVPN employs military-grade AES-256 encryption, which is currently the most secure encryption standard available. Additionally, it supports a variety of tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN and NordLynx, a custom protocol based on WireGuard, known for its speed and security.

The no-logs policy has been independently audited multiple times by Deloitte, confirming that NordVPN doesn’t store any personally identifiable data. This is a major advantage for users concerned about privacy. Furthermore, NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature goes beyond typical VPN services by actively blocking malware, phishing attempts, and trackers.

Kill Switch and Leak Protection

NordVPN has a built-in kill switch that ensures no data is exposed in case your VPN connection drops. During our tests, this feature worked flawlessly across different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

The VPN also passed all DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests, ensuring that your real IP address remains hidden at all times.

2. Speed and Performance – 10/10

NordVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs available. It offers lightning-fast speeds, which are particularly important for streaming, gaming, and large file downloads. This is largely due to the NordLynx protocol, which is faster than traditional protocols like OpenVPN without compromising on security.

In our speed tests, NordVPN delivered download speeds of over 700 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed. This performance ensures buffer-free streaming of 4K content and lag-free gaming experiences.

3. Unblocking Streaming Services – 9/10

NordVPN is an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts. It can easily bypass geo-restrictions on popular platforms such as:

Netflix (various regions)
Hulu
Amazon Prime Video
BBC iPlayer
Disney+

During our tests, NordVPN successfully unblocked all of these services without any issues. Whether you're traveling abroad and want to access your home country's streaming library or are trying to view content available only in specific regions, NordVPN makes it possible.

NordVPN Score Breakdown

Here’s a summary of how NordVPN ranks across key areas:

Category	Score (out of 10)
Privacy and Security	10
Value for Money	10
Speed and Performance	10
Server Network	9
Features	9
Compatibility	9
Customer Support	9

NordVPN Pricing and Plans

NordVPN offers three subscription plans: Basic, Plus, and Ultimate. Each plan is available for one month, one year, or two years. Here’s a breakdown of the plans:

Basic Plan: Includes high-speed VPN and basic Threat Protection for 10 devices. Prices start at $12.99 per month.
Plus Plan: Adds Threat Protection Pro, a Data Breach scanner, and a password manager. Prices start at $13.99 per month.
Ultimate Plan: Includes 1TB of encrypted cloud storage and cyber protection insurance. Prices start at $15.99 per month.

Value for Money – 10/10

While NordVPN is not the cheapest option on the market, it offers excellent value for money, especially when you consider its comprehensive feature set. The 2-year Plus plan provides the best value, combining high-speed VPN with additional security features like a password manager and data breach scanner.

Additionally, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans, allowing you to try the service risk-free. Android users can also enjoy a 7-day free trial before committing to a plan.

Server Network – 9/10

NordVPN operates a network of over 5,600 servers in 59 countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks globally. While it doesn’t have the absolute largest server fleet, it covers all major regions and offers specialized servers for P2P, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN.

Specialty Servers

P2P Servers: Optimized for torrenting.
Double VPN: Encrypts your traffic twice for enhanced security.
Onion over VPN: Routes your traffic through the Onion network (Tor) for maximum privacy.
Obfuscated Servers: Helps bypass VPN blocks in countries with strict internet censorship (e.g., China, Russia).

Compatibility – 9/10

NordVPN is compatible with almost all major operating systems and devices, including:

Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Linux
Routers

Additionally, it offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and can be configured to work on smart TVs and gaming consoles.

NordVPN supports up to 6 simultaneous connections on a single account, making it an ideal choice for families or users with multiple devices.

Customer Support – 9/10

NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. It also has an extensive knowledge base, including FAQs, setup guides, and troubleshooting articles. However, NordVPN does not offer phone support, which could be a drawback for some users.

In our tests, the live chat support was responsive and resolved issues quickly. The agents were knowledgeable and provided clear instructions for more technical inquiries.

Is NordVPN Worth It in 2024?

Absolutely. With top-tier security features, fast speeds, and excellent streaming capabilities, NordVPN continues to be the best VPN for privacy-conscious users, streamers, and anyone seeking online protection. Its feature-rich plans, combined with solid performance and a strong commitment to user privacy, make it the ideal VPN choice for 2024.

For those looking to enhance their English pronunciation, using NordVPN to access global content is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in different accents and dialects while keeping your internet activities secure.

You can purchase NordVPN via Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, or even buy a prepaid card to pay in-store. This flexibility in payment methods is another advantage, making it easier for users to subscribe without leaving a trace of their payment information.

NordVPN for business use
NordVPN is not only a personal security tool but can also be useful for businesses. Companies can purchase NordLayer, a business VPN solution, to secure their team’s connections. NordLayer is especially useful for remote or hybrid teams that require secure access to company data from multiple locations. It allows businesses to control network access, monitor employee activity, and ensure secure data transmission, all while maintaining GDPR and HIPAA compliance.

Additionally, NordLayer’s integration with existing security systems makes it a viable option for businesses looking for a reliable and scalable VPN solution. With this, businesses can provide their employees with dedicated IP addresses and create secure networks for better protection against data breaches.

Pricing – 8/10

NordVPN offers several pricing plans depending on the features you need. Here’s a breakdown of its pricing structure:

Standard Plan: This is the most basic plan that includes the VPN service only. It costs $11.99 monthly, $59.88 annually ($4.99/month), or $83.76 for two years ($3.49/month).
Plus Plan: This plan offers everything from the standard plan, plus a password manager and data breach scanner. The pricing is $12.69 monthly, $69.48 annually ($5.79/month), or $100.56 for two years ($4.19/month).
Complete Plan: It includes all the features from the Plus plan along with 1TB of encrypted cloud storage. The cost is $13.99 monthly, $83.88 annually ($6.99/month), or $119.76 for two years ($4.99/month).

While NordVPN’s prices are not the cheapest on the market, they offer great value considering the features provided. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free before committing long-term.

Freddy Farel