If you want to protect your connection while surfing the web, NordVPN may be one of the best providers on the market right now. With over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, they offer completely anonymous connections via the very latest encryption technology. You can also use up to six different devices at the same time, which is recommended for those who want to secure both their mobile phone and computer at the same time. Or why not your tablet and your smart TV?
Given that you’ll be completely anonymous when using the service, you can bypass internet censorship in more restrictive areas of the world, or send files privately if you have a need to do so. You can also unblock content that is really only available in other countries, for example when using Netflix or similar streaming media services.
Since NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs, you’re offered a very secure service where privacy is top of mind for you as a user, but you also get high speeds at the bargain, which we always appreciate with modern VPN connections.
The majority of their servers are located in Sweden, which is of course advantageous for us Swedes, but you’ll find many of them strategically located in the US, UK, Spain and Germany to ensure that you always have access to geographically restricted content.
Advantages and disadvantages
To describe NordVPN a bit more comprehensively, take a look below where we go through all the pluses and minuses. This will also give you a slightly clearer overview of how they differ from their competitors.
Benefits
- High speeds
- Over 5,000 servers to choose from
- Stream foreign content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.
- Offering the NordLynx protocol for even faster connections
- Several additional services such as CyberSec, multi-hop encryption and the possibility of a dedicated IP
- 30 day money back guarantee
- Servers in 59 different countries
- Supports up to 6 devices simultaneously
- Saves no logs
- Discounted subscriptions if you subscribe for 1 or 2 years
- Registered in Panama for enhanced privacy and anonymity
- Round-the-clock support with helpful chat operators
- Apps for every device imaginable
- Student discounts
- Accepts payments even with cryptocurrencies
Disadvantages
- Slightly more expensive monthly subscription compared to a number of competitors
- No “try for free” period
- Some users find the interface somewhat cluttered
- The help centre on the website is only available in English
Can you test for free?
NordVPN doesn’t currently offer a free period, but you can always get your money back if you’re not satisfied. This is made possible by a 30-day guarantee that gives you a full, hassle-free refund, whenever you want it.
All you need to do is contact support at any time of the day or night, either via live chat or by sending an email. You can also log in directly to the website to activate various services on your subscription.
Several different price plans to choose from
If you’ve chosen NordVPN, you can choose from a variety of subscriptions ranging from 1 month to 2 years, but you’ll often find unique offers that push the price down even further. At the time of writing, for example, they’re offering 69% off if you sign up for 2 years, while also giving you 3 months for free.
The price is always pushed down the longer periods you choose, which is the practice for most VPNs in Sweden.
Below you will find the current prices at the moment:
- 1 month: 9,56 eur
- 1 year: 3,93 eur per month / 47,20 eur for 1 year
- 2 years: 2,93 eur per month / 79,20 eur for 2 years
Please note that you need to pay the full amount directly, except for the monthly subscription which will be charged at the end of the period.
Speed
NordVPN was recently included in a speed test conducted by AV-Test, an independent research company from Germany that tests most things related to internet-based services. Their report found that NordVPN was by far the fastest when it came to downloading and uploading compared to competitors such as ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN and Private Internet Access.
On the website, you’ll also find a total connection speed of 6,730 Mbps, compared to 2,220 for ExpressVPN, for example. In fact, there are few VPN providers that can match NordVPN when it comes to speed.
However, the measurements carried out varied depending on how fast the connection was at the time of testing, but NordVPN was usually always at the top of the comparisons. The company has also linked to the research report to offer a high level of transparency, or if you’re just interested in how speeds differ between providers.
Servers
Right now, NordVPN offers servers in 59 different countries, but you’ll actually find over 5,500 of them in total, which is an awe-inspiring figure in the industry. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, they can also offer higher average speeds than many of their competitors who don’t have the option of this new encryption technology.
Some examples of countries where you can connect from are:
- USA
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Sweden
- China
- Malta
- Brazil
- Belgium
You can also specify different activities that select a suitable server for the specific purpose. These could be, for example, a more secure connection, access to geographically blocked content, or because you are connecting from a country with a very limited internet.
Security and privacy
When you use NordVPN, all information between you and their server is secured with 256-bit AES, an encryption algorithm that is now recommended by the NSA to protect classified information.
At the moment, there are no computers capable of cracking a 256-bit encryption key, so all data is safe when you surf with the VPN connection turned on. It also comes with a so-called “Kill Switch” that temporarily shuts down your internet if the connection between you and NordVPN stops working.
Nord VPN to Netflix
Many Swedes subscribe to a VPN to watch geo-blocked content on Netflix, a well-known streaming service that offers a unique selection depending on the country you’re in. With NordVPN, you can trick the service into thinking you’re browsing from the US, UK or other geographies and gain access to larger movie libraries and more TV shows.
NordVPN to SVT, TV3, Kanal 5 etc.
When you’re in another country, webcasts from popular Swedish TV channels may be blocked, but thanks to the ability to connect via a Swedish IP address, you can enjoy them even when you’re on holiday, or if you’re based in another country.
The most well-known streaming services in Sweden right now are SVT Play, TV3 and Kanal 5 (Viafree), but also TV4 Play. All of these can be accessed when surfing abroad, as long as you connect to NordVPN via your login and password.
NordVPN for iPhone and Android
NordVPN has downloadable apps for both iOS and Android that can be found on Google Play and the App Store, making it even easier to connect to the service. With these, you not only get a clear interface, but also access to support directly in the device you’re using.
The applications also work on tablets such as iPads, Windows-based ones, or for those who prefer Android. In addition, macOS, Chrome, AndroidTV and Linux are also supported. If you use Apple TV, you can instead configure your router via a guide on the website to make everything work optimally.
Customer service
As a user, help is always close at hand thanks to the customer service offered both via live chat on the website, or via the numerous apps you can download to your devices. You also have access to additional contact channels via a complete help centre, an FAQ, or by emailing the staff.
Unfortunately, customer support in English is not included, but all contact is in English. However, you do have access to English headings using the chat bot which presents you with the most frequently asked questions, but also the answers to these. What’s pleasing about NordVPN in particular is that the customer service is open 24/7!
NordVPN for torrenting
You always have access to P2P servers designed to download material via Bittorrent, a protocol used in the file sharing of large Linux distributions, videos and music files, among others. Your IP address is always protected to hide your identity during downloads, but also during uploads called “seeding”.
The P2P addresses are reserved for high speeds and heavy traffic, and you’ll find them in almost every country NordVPN is available in.
What do people say on various forums about NordVPN?
On Flashback you’ll find a thread of over 100 pages where most users praise NordVPN for their exclusive discount you get when you sign up for a longer subscription, but the same goes for Reddit where the moderators have attached messages when a discount code is offered.
Overall, opinions are positive and this is of course a good sign in itself, especially given that these discussion forums are neutral sites where opinions are not bought by various companies.
Summary and conclusion
Our final verdict on NordVPN is that it provides a very secure and effective VPN service that works on every device imaginable, but also at a reasonable price where you get a lot for your money. The servers are also lightning fast and easy to connect to, no matter which device you prefer to use.
Whether you need a VPN connection for work or just want to protect your smartphone and computer, we highly recommend this service. It’s also great for holiday travel, or if you want to access geographical blocks and watch content that’s only available to residents of certain countries.
NordVPN has also put a lot of focus on extra services like enhanced security via double encryption, reserved IP addresses, ad blocking, round-the-clock support, and global access from all corners of the world.
To top it off, they are also faster than most of their competitors in terms of speeds, partly because they can offer WireGuard in addition to the OpenVPN protocol that is standard today.
All in all, they are an excellent provider that lives up to expectations, but their strength lies mainly in the wealth of extra features included. If you want to surf 100% anonymously, you won’t find many services that are as comprehensive, fast and secure as NordVPN!
Frequently asked questions and answers
How much does NordVPN cost?
You’ll find three different price plans for NordVPN: monthly, yearly, or biannually. At the moment, these cost 9.56 EUR per month, 47.20 EUR per year, or 79.20 EUR for two years.
How good is NordVPN?
As a VPN provider, they are absolutely world-class, especially with all the extra services available for purchase. It’s also the fastest compared to many of its competitors, according to a recent research report published via AV-Test GmBH.
How does NordVPN work?
The service creates a secure tunnel where all traffic between you and NordVPN is sent encrypted so that no third party can see what you’re doing online. When you connect, you can also choose a server in a different geographical area to make it look like you’re visiting websites from another country.