NordVPN Review: Speed, Security, Servers and Pricing

By Pamela Orange

Updated Sep 28, 2026Published Feb 13, 20219 min read

Note (September 2026): This 2021 review has been updated: NordVPN now allows 10 simultaneous devices (not six), runs a much larger server network, has completed six independent no-logs assessments, and has changed its plans and prices.

NordVPN is a paid VPN service from Nord Security, founded in 2012 and incorporated in Panama. As of September 2026 it offers the WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol, more than 8,000 servers, up to 10 simultaneous connections per account, a 30-day money-back guarantee and six independent no-logs assessments by PwC and Deloitte. Prices vary by plan length and promotion.

Privacy, cybersecurity, and open and safe Internet have become a challenging goal many Internet users strive to achieve. And NordVPN – one of the leading Virtual Private Network service providers – aims to do just that.

This NordVPN review was first published in February 2021 and updated in September 2026 with the current server network, device limit, audit record, plan tiers and price ranges.

NordVPN (Fastest and Reliable VPN)

In short, we found NordVPN speeds to be second to none, and the continuous audits and security upgrades make it worthy of your trust.

The fastest VPN in the industry

When it comes to VPNs, good server speeds are of utmost importance. Whether you’re downloading, streaming, or bypassing online restrictions, connection speed is what makes your experience comfortable.

NordVPN have been announcing upgrades to their server speed for quite some time, and we decided to check.

Ookla speed-test didn’t show any significant speed drop, and we dug deeper to understand this was due to the new NordLynx protocol, which is way faster than OpenVPN or L2TP/IPSec. Below is an Ookla speed-test results connected to a server 1500 kilometers away on a 100mbps Internet plan.

Get NordVPN with an amazing discount

AV-TEST, an independent organization which rates security products, compared different VPN speeds back in September 2020, and found NordVPN was ahead of the competition.

Advanced NordLynx protocol

Security is just as important as server speeds, if not more. NordVPN uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys, a security standard used by governments and military industries worldwide.

Moreover, to improve safety and speeds, they implemented WireGuard protocol, which uses advanced ChaCha ciphers. NordVPN team developed a double Network Address Translation (NAT) system to upgrade WireGuard protocol with sufficient user privacy features.

That’s how NordLynx protocol was born, which guarantees both speed and online safety.

An elaborate network of servers

When this review was first written in 2021, NordVPN listed 5,500+ servers in 59+ countries. As of September 2026, NordVPN’s support center says it has over 8,400 servers in 167+ countries, while Security.org (updated September 16, 2026) counts 9,300+ servers in 137 countries – totals differ by source and change often. Those looking to unlock full streaming service libraries will be happy to know that many of those are located in the US with the biggest streaming services libraries. Global coverage is also taken care of for it to be a solid choice for countries with tight Internet censorship.

Server variety

Different servers have specific configurations, and users looking for streaming options will want a different server than users looking for anonymity in tight-censorship countries.

NordVPN provides five different servers to choose from.

• Double VPN servers of extra anonymity;
• P2P servers for peer-to-peer trafficking;
• Onion over VPN will benefit from the Onion Network and VPN protection;
• Obfuscated servers for countries where the government limits VPN usage;
• Dedicated IP address servers provide a static IP address.

You can additionally customize DNS and turn on Invisibility on LAN features.

User-friendly interface

Cybersecurity services may get a bit tricky, and the comfortable App interface is a must-have if you’re planning to use VPN a lot.

NordVPN follows the one-click-away design, so after you turn it on, you can click on quick connect for it to choose the best server for you. There’s a map with all server locations and a neat list of countries and servers on the left side.

You can select different protocols on the options menu, enable additional security features, and configure auto-connect, among other functions. There are brief explanations of various options to help you navigate.

No-logs service

VPNs ensure your privacy by encrypting data-traffic and sending it through no-logs servers. No-logging means that users’ online activities are not stored on servers and whatever they do online is their business only.

Here’s where NordVPN truly shines because all of their servers run on RAM-only structure, which cannot store any data by design. When this review was written in 2021, NordVPN had completed two independent no-logs audits, both by PricewaterhouseCoopers (2018 and 2020). Since then Deloitte has carried out four more assurance assessments; the sixth covered November 10 to December 12, 2025, was announced on February 6, 2026, and again supported the company’s no-logs statement.

Device support and simultaneous connections

NordVPN has a native App for all major operating systems. You can use it on: Windows, macOS, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Linux, Android, Android TV. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

In 2021 one account covered up to six devices at once. As of September 2026, NordVPN’s support center says you can connect up to 10 devices to a single account at the same time, so one subscription can cover a smartphone, laptop and Android TV at no additional cost.

Plans, pricing, and refunds

In February 2021 there were three plan lengths to choose from. The 2021 prices below are kept for the record and no longer apply – see the current plans section further down.

1. The two-year deal cost $3.71/month or $89.00 in total (February 2021 price).
2. One year plan cost $4.92/month or $59.00 in total (February 2021 price).
3. One month plan cost $11.95 (February 2021 price).

And you can choose multiple payment options for that, including crypto currency.

The service is priced very moderately, and considering it is continuously upgraded with each new update committing for a two-year relationship is a good choice. On the other hand, one month plan is above the industry standards.

You will also get a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t like the service for any reason, you can cancel it within 30 days and get your money back.

What’s our final verdict?

NordVPN has secured a top position in the VPN market and the facts back it up. NordLynx protocol release has been a crucial milestone in improving the service’s user experience and security features.

It’s an easy-to-use cybersecurity software with numerous functionalities, which makes it more than just a VPN, but an integral part of Internet security, openness and comfort.

At the very end, it’s every buyer’s right to choose, and we hope that this review will help you make your mind.

NordVPN at a Glance

How Much Does NordVPN Cost Now?

NordVPN no longer sells a single plan in three lengths. According to Security.org’s pricing page (last updated September 16, 2026), NordVPN sells Basic, Complete and Prime tiers, each on one-month, one-year and two-year terms. The higher tiers bundle extra Nord Security tools on top of the VPN.

These figures are as listed by Security.org in September 2026 in US dollars. Other price trackers report different month-to-month figures, and NordVPN prices change with promotions, region and taxes, so check the checkout page before paying. The 30-day money-back guarantee still applies.

How Has NordVPN Proved Its No-Logs Policy?

NordVPN’s no-logs claim has been tested by outside auditors six times. A no-logs assessment checks whether a VPN’s servers and internal systems are configured so that user activity is not recorded.

According to Nord Security, the fifth assessment covered standard VPN, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, obfuscated and P2P servers. Reporting on the sixth assessment says it covered standard VPN, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN and obfuscated servers, with auditors interviewing staff and inspecting server infrastructure and technical logs.

What Security Incidents Has NordVPN Had?

NordVPN’s best-known incident is the 2018 breach of one server in Finland. According to Wikipedia, attackers gained root access in March 2018 and generated HTTPS certificates that could have enabled man-in-the-middle attacks, although there was no evidence such an attack ever took place. Readers comparing VPNs should weigh that history alongside the later audits.

What Has Changed Since This Review Was First Published?

• More devices: the simultaneous-connection limit rose from six to 10.
• NordWhisper (2025): a protocol designed to mimic regular web traffic so network filters find it harder to identify and block, according to Wikipedia.
• Post-quantum encryption: NordVPN launched post-quantum encryption support for its Linux app in September 2024.
• Threat Protection: a feature that blocks trackers, warns about malicious sites and blocks malware.
• Tiered plans: Basic, Complete and Prime replaced the single-plan pricing described above.

NordVPN Pros and Cons

Who Should Use NordVPN?

NordVPN suits people who want a fast, audited VPN for streaming, public Wi-Fi and privacy on several devices, and who are willing to commit to a one- or two-year plan to get the lower monthly rate. Anyone who only needs a VPN occasionally may prefer to compare options first – see our guide on how to choose the best VPN to protect your PC and the risks covered in using free VPNs safely.

A VPN is only one layer of protection. Strong, unique passwords matter just as much; the free secure password generator can create them, and this look at everyday data privacy explains other common risks.

Written byPamela Orange

Pamela Orange has published 162 articles on Justwebworld since 2020, mostly covering Tech, Business and Digital.

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