Table of Contents
Introduction
NordVPN has emerged as one of the most popular VPN services in recent years. As the owner of the SERPRisr YouTube channel, I rely on VPNs for both personal and business use. After using NordVPN extensively for over 2 years, I wanted to provide an updated and in-depth review based on my hands-on experience in 2024. In this NordVPN review, I will give you an overview of the service, break down the features and performance, and help you decide if NordVPN is worth it today.
An Introduction to NordVPN
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN service founded in 2012. It has quickly become one of the most well-known and recognizable brands in the VPN space. NordVPN offers several key features:
- Strict no-logs policy: NordVPN doesn’t track or store any user activity logs.
- Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption: This ensures all your internet traffic is securely encrypted.
- Over 5,700 servers in 60 countries: One of the largest VPN server networks globally.
- 6 simultaneous device connections: Connect up to 6 devices on one NordVPN account.
- Apps for all major platforms: Including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, and more.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Get a full refund within the first month if not satisfied.
My NordVPN Review: Features, Speeds, and Experience
I have extensively used NordVPN over the past couple of years on both desktop and mobile devices. Here are my key takeaways:
Quick and Painless Setup Process
Getting started with NordVPN was quick and straightforward. I simply signed up for an account on their website, downloaded the app on my devices, and logged in. The apps walk you through the setup process smoothly. Within a couple of minutes, I was able to establish a secure connection and start browsing privately. The installation and setup experience was seamless.
Strong Encryption and Global Server Network
NordVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption by default to secure all internet traffic. This is the gold standard for VPN encryption today. They also offer a large global server network, with over 5,700 servers located in 60 different countries around the world. I typically connect to US-based servers which provide the fastest speeds for me. But NordVPN also makes it easy to switch my connection to servers in other countries if I want to access geo-restricted content.
Reliably Fast Connection Speeds
In my experience, NordVPN delivers fast and consistent connection speeds across their large server network. I routinely get 180+ Mbps download speeds and 200+ Mbps upload speeds while connected to US-based NordVPN servers. This is nearly the full speed provided by my home 400 Mbps fiber optic internet connection. NordVPN leverages their NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard to help optimize speeds. Performance remains quick even when connected to distant international servers. This allows me to browse the web and stream content smoothly when traveling abroad.
Helpful Extra Features Beyond VPN
Beyond just VPN access, NordVPN includes a number of handy additional privacy and security features:
- Threat Protection: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Meshnet: Securely connects devices together on one private network.
- Double VPN: Routes traffic through two VPN servers for extra encryption.
- Dedicated IP: Get a unique IP address for all your traffic.
- Onion over VPN: Adds an extra layer of encryption on top of the VPN.
- Obfuscated Servers: Hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: Route your traffic through a proxy server.
The Threat Protection feature is excellent for ad and malware blocking when browsing the web. Meshnet also provides a simple way to connect devices remotely as if they’re on the same LAN.
User-Friendly Apps for All Platforms
NordVPN provides native apps for all major platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. I mainly use the Windows desktop app and Android mobile app. Both apps have clean, modern designs and are very easy to use. Connecting to the fastest server is as simple as clicking “Quick Connect”. You can also manually select a specific country and city server if needed. The apps make it seamless to toggle on useful features like Threat Protection, CyberSec, Double VPN, and more.
Areas for Improvement
While I am overall extremely satisfied with NordVPN, there are a couple of areas that could be improved:
- Server switching delays – Occasionally takes longer than expected to switch servers, especially during peak traffic times.
- Connectivity drops on mobile – The VPN connection will sometimes drop if I temporarily lose mobile signal.
- Newer features need refinement – Some newer additions like Meshnet feel unfinished and a bit buggy.
However, these are fairly minor complaints. NordVPN delivers fast speeds and stable connections consistently in my experience.
NordVPN Pricing & Subscription Plans
NordVPN offers a few different pricing tiers and subscription plans:
- 1 month – $11.99 per month
- 1 year – $4.99 per month ($59.88 total for the year)
- 2 years – $3.99 per month ($95.75 total for 2 years)
The 2-year plan brings the monthly cost down to only $3.99 which I feel is an incredible value. NordVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Is NordVPN Still Worth It in 2024?
Without question, NordVPN remains one of the top VPN providers in 2024 and is absolutely still worth it. For less than $4 per month, NordVPN gives you:
- Lightning fast speeds
- Access to thousands of worldwide servers
- Strict no-logs policy and military-grade encryption
- Easy to use apps for all major platforms
- Handy privacy tools like Threat Protection
After using NordVPN extensively for over 2 years now, I plan to continue relying on it as my primary VPN for both personal and business needs going forward. It provides everything I need to browse the web privately, securely access restricted content from anywhere, and maintain fast connection speeds at all times.
So in summary, yes – I can confidently recommend NordVPN if you’re considering investing in a VPN service. It remains the leader in VPN performance, features, and value in 2024.