NordVPN Review
NordVPN was built in 2012 by four childhood friends who share the same big picture. To sum up, with the internet growing so fast and so much in the last couple of years, they have identified the need for people to feel more secure while using the internet. And this is how they have designed the software. They offer solutions for all kinds of devices like Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, and many more. Moreover, the software network offers 5,421 servers in 81 locations across 59 countries. If I have to define this tool only by its name, I would say that they inspired by the Nordic ideals of confidence, trust, and innovation. They aim to offer the excellent security solution that people are craving. But let’s see from this NordVPN review what precisely this tool can do for you or your business.
NordVPN Pricing
Starting from $12.99 /month
Pricing Model: Subscription
Unlike other VPN providers, NordVPN price is not expensive, especially if you opt for a multi-year plan. However, there are not many variations in the plans or pricing. Moreover, they are not offering a free version or a free trial; it is more of a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied. NordVPN also offers three special plans for your business to keep it safe and secure.
Why do you need a VPN?
A VPN is one of the greatest tools that developers created to help people protect their online presence. VPNs encrypt your data and redirect it through a secure server. As a result, you can browse online and be untraceable. When your VPN is on, your browsing data is encrypted, sent to a secure server, and decrypted before passing it to its original destination. The same process occurs when information is sent back to you. So, while enjoying the internet, you don’t have to worry about your data because the software is not holding any of them.
Why choose NordVPN
Protect yourself against cybercrime
In 2020, more than half of your most valuable possessions exist digitally. For cybercriminals, your identity and financial details are valuable assets. One of the best ways to protect yourself is with a VPN. When you use a VPN, you make it much harder for attackers to access your private information.
Bypass geographical restrictions
A good VPN provider will maintain servers across the globe. That means you can funnel your data through an IP address in another country, bypassing any local browsing restrictions. For example, if you’re based in Europe but want to watch a sport streaming exclusively in the US, you need the best VPN for streaming. When you connect to a US server, your device will appear under a US IP address, granting you access to geo-blocked sites.
Get past firewalls and network restrictions
VPNs can help you circumvent firewalls imposed by governments and institutions like universities. To restrict your online movements, these organizations need to see said movements in real-time. VPNs can mask your activities, letting you slip through the firewalls. Unfortunately, some VPNs suffer connection losses, which could momentarily expose your activity. That’s why NordVPN comes with the in-built Kill Switch. If your data isn’t fully protected, this feature automatically cuts your internet connection and only reconnects once your VPN is active again.
Maintain personal privacy
Everyone has a right to privacy, both in the real world and online. But there’s no shortage of people and corporations who’d like to get a look at your browsing activity. In fact, many ISPs are legally allowed to sell their data to corporations, advertisers, research bodies, and government agencies. A VPN gives you back control of your internet privacy. When you switch it on, even your ISP won’t be able to track you. So if you’re tired of third-party companies buying your browsing data, it might be time to get a VPN.
VPNs can make digital sharing more secure
You don’t want a stranger spying on the transfer when you share files with someone. Poor quality VPNs don’t offer effective P2P file sharing, but premium services like NordVPN do. Your uploads and downloads will be safe from prying eyes with robust encryption protocols and a strict zero-logs policy.
About the company behind NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most trusted internet security software in the market. It serves over 14 million users worldwide and has more than 550 servers worldwide. It offers solutions for all kinds of devices like Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, and many more.
A short history of NordVPN
In 1989, the World Wide Web was launched. It then envisioned a world without surveillance, free from censorship and online threats. Nowadays, however, it couldn’t be farther from that vision. Thus, in 2012, “four childhood friends” saw the need in the market for an internet security tool accessible to everyone. That’s how NordVPN began.
First, they searched for approval amongst their friends. Then, after creating the first VPN server, they shared the prototype, and the feedback was incredibly positive. Second, in 2013 they reached their first milestone – hitting 1 thousand users on their Windows app. By 2014, they were already at 10k users.
Third, in 2015, applications for iOS & macOS appeared. Moreover, as some laws changed in Australia, their market has extended. By 2019, there was no doubt that their product was excellent. The growth is exponential. NordVPN now has over 550 servers, an Android app, a browser extension for Chrome & Firefox, Android TV & Linux apps, and – drum rolls – over 8 million users!
Finally, after a close look at the market, the founders saw other opportunities in the market and decided to launch three new products: NordPass, NordLocker, and NordVPN Teams. At present, they are looking for next-gen solutions to improve the products. For example, in 2020, the speed was significantly boosted by NordLynx. Moreover, they are now serving over 14 million users worldwide!
Details of NordVPN Features
Even though it looks like robust software, I can’t say the same for its features. Of course, he offers the essential ones and a range of individual servers, but some small extras are missing. Namely, there isn’t a speed test or dedicated split tunneling like other products on the market. But let’s see in this NordVPn review what it’s got to offer and make the best of it.
Secure Internet
NordVPN protects your online data, so third parties can’t view or misuse it. The software routes your online traffic through a tunnel – an encrypted connection between your device and the destination on the web.
Not only does a VPN tunnel encrypt your data, but it also hides your IP address and location. Even if we don’t notice, we have data on our devices that can be used, like bank accounts, medical history, private conversations, work email, etc. What is great about this tool is that you don’t have to understand how it works to help you stay safe and protected.
VPN Protocols
This VPN protocol will show your VPN connection’s functionality, like speed, required resources, encryption strength, and overall security. In addition, NordVPN allows you to choose between two protocols: OpenVPN and IKEv2/ IPsec.
NordVPN doesn’t support the PPTP protocol, unlike other VPNs on the market. This type is widely considered outdated and poorly secured, but its fast speeds and low resource requirements make it helpful for those with bad connections, old hardware, or a need for maximum speed.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol that is the best you can use these days. Fast, secure, and actively developed, OpenVPN is supported by most modern devices, and it is NordVPN’s default protocol. However, you must know that while most operating system developers support OpenVPN, iOS and macOS don’t have native OpenVPN support.
However, iOS and macOS apps allow you to use OpenVPN without any extra software or configuration – a unique feature for Apple users. OpenVPN protocol utilizes AES-256 encryption for a balance of security and speed. In addition, you can choose whether to run it over TCP (for lower detectability, more excellent reliability, and fewer dropped packets) or UDP (for more incredible speeds).
IKEv2/ IPsec
NordVPN supports the IKEv2/ IPsec protocol, which is the default option for iOS and macOS apps and other operating systems. Both protocols use AES-256 encryption. Besides, it uses Perfect Forward Secrecy to prevent the encryption from being cracked in the long run. However, this protocol uses UDP only.
This means that while it can be faster than OpenVPN, it’s more detectable.
Double VPN
Suppose you want to know for sure that your internet is private and your data safe. The answer is yes. This unique Double VPN, instead of encrypting and re-routing your traffic, repeats the process by sending your request through two servers. This feature helps you in case your VPN traffic is compromised.
The Double VPN will force your attacker to decrypt it twice, which is nearly impossible. So for average users, it’s not that necessary for an extra layer of security that Double VPN provides. Still, it will probably be the peace of mind for any individual subject to online attacks or surveillance. However, it is always nice to feel safe and protected and have more options.
CyberSec
CyberSec is a unique feature besides its alternatives, and you can say that it offers something more than simple privacy and security to your network connection. This NordVPN feature is its advanced technology solution taking your privacy and security to the next level. Thus, NordVPN is becoming an adblocker for your devices and blocks websites that can threaten your safety. CyberSec technology can block websites known for hosting malware or phishing scams, making you safer from online threats. Moreover, this feature can prevent all these unwanted ads that slow your device and connection.
Onion over VPN
As funny as it may sound, as special as this feature can be. If you want, this is the gate to the Heaven of security. Onion Over VPN is a unique feature that gives you all the advantages of The Onion Router (Tor) combined with a VPN tunnel’s extra security.
This feature will give you the anonymity you need to stay safe and protect, especially politically or socially implicated people, human rights activists, journalists, and bloggers, who work and live in censorship-heavy countries. Using Onion over VPN, you will get privacy from ISP or authorities, and your online presence can’t be tracked. And also, encryption; NordVPN will send your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, adding another layer of security over your browsing.
Kill Switch
Another great feature that makes NordVPN worthy of its price, but at the same time is not something unique, is the Kill Switch. This one will monitor your connections to the VPN server, and in case the connection drops, the Kill Switch will block your device from accessing the web. Basically, NordVPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it to a VPN tunnel, masking your IP address and protecting your private data from third parties. But the Kill Switch is the last line of your defense, which secures your private data from accidental exposure. Your connection to the internet will stay blocked until the VPN tunnel is restored or you disable the Kill Switch.
Platforms & Devices
NordVPN offers a user-friendly interface for most operating systems like Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and even browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Android TV. What is good about their subscription is that you can connect six devices simultaneously with one plan. Moreover, you will get the same speed connection and security on any device.
As I said before, there are many basic features that you can find at any other VPN provider, but I wanted to show you why NordVPN can be different from the others. What makes it unique and worthy of your money? Speaking of money, are you curious to determine how much you would pay for a tool like this? Let’s move on to the pricing section of this NordVPN review and see what you are getting into.
Threat Protection
This new feature offers comprehensive security against cyber threats by blocking trackers, phishing attempts, intrusive ads, malicious websites, and infected files.
The NordVPN Threat Protection feature protects you from three primary kinds of threats:
- Web trackers and malicious ads – enhance the whole web privacy experience by blocking trackers entirely. In addition, you can monitor & manage the blocked trackers in real-time.
- Harmful websites – display a warning prompt before the page loads. It allows you to exit instead of continuing to a harmful site & being phished or having your data collected.
- Infected files – when you download a file from the internet, it will scan for malware, and if no threats are detected, the file will be marked as safe without any interruptions. But if malware is found, the file will be deleted before it can do any harm. You will also be able to access a log of the scanned files available to view at any time.
NordVPN Review Conclusion
In summary, NordVPN provides adequate privacy and security features, although its speed test results are not the best. What sets NordVPN apart from other service providers is its double encryption technology, which offers superior security. It’s a useful tool if you want to access Netflix content from different regions or use public Wi-Fi safely. NordVPN has a user-friendly interface and offers apps for most operating systems.
Additionally, its CyberSec technology eliminates disruptive ads by serving as an ad blocker. Whether or not NordVPN is a great tool for you depends on your individual experience with it. We invite you to share your NordVPN review and help spread honest software reviews to assist everyone in finding the right product to make their lives easier.
