NordVPN Review
The proven choice for most people.
NordVPN is the benchmark other VPNs are measured against — and for good reason. After 18 months of continuous testing, it consistently outperforms competitors on the metrics that actually matter: speed retention, server reliability, and streaming unblocking rates.
Our scores
NordVPN
Overall score — April 2026
NordVPN has the largest verified server network, consistently fast speeds, and a independently audited no-logs policy. It costs more than Surfshark but the reliability gap is measurable — especially on streaming.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries — the widest real network we've tested
- Independent no-logs audit by Deloitte (2024)
- Meshnet feature lets you connect your own devices without extra cost
- Reliable on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
- Threat Protection blocks ads and malware without needing the VPN on
Cons
- More expensive than Surfshark or Private Internet Access
- Only 10 simultaneous connections (Surfshark is unlimited)
- No port forwarding (required for some torrenting setups)
Speed
730 Mbps
Download
480 Mbps
Upload
8 ms
Latency
96%
Speed kept
We measured 730 Mbps average download on a 1 Gbps line — a 96% speed retention rate. NordLynx (built on WireGuard) is responsible for the performance advantage over OpenVPN-only competitors. Latency overhead is just 8ms on nearby servers.
Tested: . 1 Gbps base connection.
Privacy & Security
Incorporated in Panama — outside US, UK, and EU jurisdiction. No-logs policy audited by Deloitte in 2024 on a rolling basis. RAM-only servers mean no data survives a server seizure. Double VPN feature routes traffic through two servers for maximum obfuscation.
Streaming
Unblocked Netflix US, UK, Japan, and Canada on every test across 6 months. BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max all worked reliably. Smart DNS (SmartPlay) handles streaming devices that can't install apps.
Pricing
$12.99/mo
Monthly
$4.99/mo
Annual plan
billed annually
$3.39/mo
2-year plan
billed every 2 years
At $3.39/month on the 2-year plan, it's not the cheapest — Surfshark and PIA undercut it. But if server reliability and streaming unblocking are priorities, the price gap (roughly $1/month vs. Surfshark) is justifiable.
User Ratings
4.5/5
Trustpilot
23k reviews
4.5/5
Google Play
180k ratings
4.7/5
App Store
95k ratings
52%
Community
Reddit sentiment
Ratings sourced from Trustpilot, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store. Community score is derived from Reddit/r/VPN sentiment analysis. Scores are aggregated periodically and may not reflect real-time data.
Verdict
NordVPN is the right choice if you want one VPN that does everything well without surprises. The 2-year plan makes the price competitive. If budget is the primary constraint, Surfshark matches most of its features for less.
Frequently asked questions
Is NordVPN safe to use?
NordVPN has been independently audited and verified to keep no logs. It uses NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 protocols and includes a kill switch to protect your IP if the connection drops. Privacy score: 9.1/10.
How much does NordVPN cost per month?
NordVPN costs $12.99/month on a monthly plan and $4.99/month on an annual plan, or $3.39/month on a 2-year plan. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How many devices can I use with NordVPN?
NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. It has native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, plus Linux and router support.
Does NordVPN work with Netflix?
Yes. NordVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and other major streaming services. Streaming score: 9.3/10.
NordVPN vs. Alternatives
| Feature | NordVPN9.2/10 | ExpressVPN8.6/10 | Surfshark9/10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 9.2 | 8.6 | 9 |
| Monthly Price | $3.39/mo | $8.32/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Servers | 6,400+ | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 111 | 105 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 8 | Unlimited |
| Speed (tested) | 730 Mbps (96%) | 755 Mbps (98%) | 695 Mbps (91%) |
| No-Logs Policy | |||
| Independently Audited | |||
| Kill Switch | |||
| Ad Blocker | |||
| Streaming | |||
| Torrenting / P2P | |||
| Port Forwarding | |||
| Obfuscation | |||
| Double VPN | |||
| RAM-Only Servers | |||
| Jurisdiction | Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes) | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands (EU jurisdiction) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
All data verified April 2026.