NordVPN is one of the most well-known VPN companies. People know it for its strong security, large server network, and easy-to-use interface. We’ll look at its features, performance, price, and possible downsides in this 2025 review to help you decide if it’s the best VPN for you. This article gives a fair look at whether NordVPN lives up to its reputation as a privacy powerhouse based on a lot of testing and user feedback.
An overview of NordVPN
NordVPN, which started in Panama in 2012, has a strict no-logs policy that keeps your online activities from being tracked or stored. It has one of the biggest server networks in the business, with over 7,800 servers in 125 countries. This makes it great for getting around geo-restrictions and making sure connections are fast. NordVPN works with most major platforms, like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, and browser extensions. It can connect up to 10 devices at once.
Important Features
NordVPN has a lot of great features that work for both casual users and people who care about privacy.
• Best Security: NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the same standard that the NSA uses to protect top-secret data. The Kill Switch feature stops data leaks by disconnecting your internet if the VPN goes down. The RAM-only servers make sure that no data is stored on your computer.
• NordLynx Protocol: This is a private protocol that is based on WireGuard. It delivers lightning-fast speeds with very little latency, often reaching download speeds of up to 2,964 Mbps in the US.
• Specialized Servers: You can choose from Double VPN for extra encryption, obfuscated servers to get around VPN blocks in countries with strict internet rules, and Onion over VPN for anonymous browsing on the Tor network.
• Threat Protection Pro: This feature stops ads, trackers, and malware from getting to your computer, making your browsing safer. It also has a Dark Web Monitor that will let you know if your data shows up on the dark web.
• Meshnet: A free feature that lets you share files and play games over a LAN with up to 60 devices through encrypted tunnels.
• Policy of No Logs: NordVPN has been independently audited five times, most recently in 2024. Its promise not to log user activity is a big draw for people who care about privacy.
Speed and Performance
NordVPN is always one of the fastest VPNs because of its NordLynx protocol. In tests done in 2025, NordVPN’s average download speeds ranged from 75 to 900 Mbps across different server locations. This was only a 3 to 15% drop in speed compared to baseline connections. For instance, tests on servers in Barcelona, New York, and Tokyo showed that they all worked well, with speeds of 78 Mbps, 76 Mbps, and 72 Mbps, respectively, even though the baseline speed was 252 Mbps.
NordVPN is great for streaming because it can unblock Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer in 11 or more regions, with a success rate of over 90% on its servers. It can stream 4K video without buffering, which makes it a great choice for people who love media. Gamers also benefit from low latency and protection against DDoS attacks and ISP throttling, but occasional spikes in latency can make competitive gaming less fun.
Plans and Prices
NordVPN has three subscription levels: Basic, Plus, and Ultimate. The Basic plan costs $3.09 a month for two years, and then it renews at $8.29 a month. Depending on the level, monthly plans cost between $12.99 and $15.99. NordPass (a password manager) and NordLocker (encrypted cloud storage) are two extras that come with higher tiers. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, but users should be careful because there have been reports of problems with auto-renewal, which can lead to unexpected price increases (for example, $166 per year after initial discounts).
NordVPN’s prices are in the middle of the range compared to its competitors. For instance, Mullvad is cheaper at about $5.52 per month, but it doesn’t have all the features that Surfshark does.
Help for Customers
NordVPN has a huge knowledge base with over 500 guides and tutorials, and they offer customer support 24/7 through live chat and email. At first, the live chat goes through a chatbot, which may not be as helpful for complicated problems. However, if you type “live agent,” you will be connected to a real person. Most of the time, agents respond in less than a minute, and they know a lot about their jobs. However, some users say that troubleshooting isn’t always consistent.
Pros and Cons
• Industry-leading encryption and no-logs auditing • NordLynx protocol for lightning-fast speeds • 7,800+ servers in 125 countries for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions • Feature-rich, with Threat Protection Pro and
Disadvantages
• Not the cheapest choice when compared to Surfshark or PIA • Problems with the kill switch after system reboots • Prices that automatically renew can be high and not well explained • Chatbot support can be unhelpful for complicated questions
• Performance is not always good in places with strict rules, like China and Russia.
User Comments and Issues
NordVPN has a 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot based on more than 41,000 reviews, which shows that users are very happy with it. People like how easy it is to use, how well it streams, and how private it is. But some people say they have problems with slow customer service responses and connection timeouts. A class-action lawsuit in California and North Carolina in 2024 said that companies were using deceptive renewal pricing practices, which meant that users had to pay a lot more after their subscription ended. There is still an arbitration case.
Also, posts on X have raised questions about NordVPN’s past security holes and marketing methods. However, these claims are not backed up and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Who should use NordVPN?
NordVPN is great for: • People who stream: It is a top choice because it can unblock major platforms and stream in 4K.
• People who care about privacy: The audited no-logs policy and the fact that the company is based in Panama make sure that privacy is strong.
• Travelers: A large network and hidden servers can help get around restrictions in many countries.
• Gamers: Low latency and DDoS protection are good for casual gaming.
It might not be right for:
• Users Who Care About Their Budget: Surfshark and PIA are cheaper options that offer similar features.
• Users in Very Restrictive Areas: People in places like China or Iran may have trouble connecting, which could be annoying.
The decision
NordVPN is still one of the best VPNs in 2025, with great speed, security, and streaming features. It has a lot of servers, the new NordLynx protocol, and privacy-focused features, which make it a good choice for most people. However, its high price, occasional connection problems, and reports of renewal problems are major drawbacks. NordVPN is a good investment if you care more about performance and privacy than the cost. If you need unlimited connections or are on a tight budget, Surfshark or Mullvad might be better choices.
