NordVPN Review 2022
Are you wondering how fast the browsing and streaming speed of NordVPN is? To what extent is it secure? How good it is with torrenting? Does it provide services in different regions? Does it support a wide range of platforms and operating systems?
In this review, we will provide you with answers to all these questions.
Our testing methodology includes different performance assessments such as connection tests, speed tests (download and upload speed tests, ping), streaming, browser extensions, and more, using devices like android, iPhone, iPad, Windows and MacBook. We also contacted customer support to clarify any concerns.
Our key findings of NordVPN
| 🌍 | Country of Registration | Panama |
| 🖥️ | Number of Countries | 60 |
| 🖥️ | Number of Server Location | – |
| 🖥️ | Number of Servers | 5300+ |
| 💰 | Price | $11.99 per month |
| ⤵️ | Download Speed | Avg. 57.54 Mbps |
| ⤴️ | Upload Speed | Avg. 19.08 Mbps |
| Dedicated IP | Yes | |
| 📱 | Multiple Devices | 6 |
| 📺 | Netflix | Yes |
| 📥 | Torrenting | Yes |
| 💻 | Operation System | iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS |
| 🌐 | Browser Extension | Chrome, Edge, and Firefox |
| Does it Work in China | Yes | |
| 🆓 | Free Trial | Yes, full refund within 30 days of purchase |
| 👩💼 | Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
Servers and Locations
NordVPN is a diversified VPN service provider with over 5300 servers worldwide operating in 60 countries dispersed among various continents. With such features, the number of servers is notably higher than the industry’s average. In addition, it has servers in often neglected areas such as South Africa and different Latin American countries. With this many servers serving all over the globe, users can enjoy a fast and stable connection, especially in Europe and the Americas, which also means, users in these regions can ensure having a better download and upload speed.
| NordVPN | Industry Average | |
| Number of Countries | 60 | 60 |
| Number of Server Locations | No Data (Mainly the USA) | 120 |
| Number of Servers | 5300+ | 1000 |
Speed Test
Given the geographically dispersed number of servers, NordVPN provides a compatible speed in terms of downloading and uploading, however, when it comes to ping, the speed is relatively similar to other VPN providers, being occasionally higher or lower depending on the country. Even these ping speed fluctuations are within reasonable limits.
We studied download, upload and ping speeds for 58 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Upload and download speeds were measured in Mbps., while ping speed was measured in milliseconds (ms).
We also measured our internet speed without the VPN to compare it to test data.
Download Speed
Out of the 58 countries, we tested 7 countries in the Americas, 37 in Europe, and 14 in Asia Pacific, including South Africa as shown in the table below.
NordVPN Regional Comparison of Download Speed
| Header Label | Americas | Europe | Asia Pacific and South Africa |
| Number of Tested Countries | 7 | 37 | 14 |
| Average Download Speed | 67.21 Mbps | 58.59 Mbps | 46.85 Mbps |
| Lowest Download Speed | 3.64 Mbps (Argentina) | 10.09 Mbps (Turkey) | 0.95 Mbps (Vietnam) |
| Highest Download Speed | 140.24 Mbps (Canada) | 98.44 Mbps (Albania) | 114.55 Mbps (Singapore) |
| No VPN | 151.89 Mbps | 151.89 Mbps | 151.89 Mbps |
The average download speed for the Americas was 67.21 Mbps, which is the highest regional speed. For Europe it was 58.59 Mbps, and for Asia Pacific and South Africa it was 46.85 Mbps. These results do not vary much, with low deviation from the average of all countries which was 57.55 as shown in the table below. However, these speeds are significantly lower than downloading without a VPN.
NordVPN Download Speed
| Header Label | Country | Download |
| Fastest | Canada | 140.24 Mbps |
| Slowest | Vietnam | 0.95 Mbps |
| Overall | All Tested Countries | 57.55 Mbps |
| No VPN Connected | – | 151.89 Mbps |
We recorded the lowest download speed at 0.95 Mbps in Vietnam. While the highest download speed was recorded in Canada at 140.24 Mbps, lower than no VPN download speed. The average of all the countries we tested is 57.55 Mbps.
Upload Speed
Our following test was the upload speed, which is usually slower than the download speed. Even though the upload speed is not as important because it is only used for videos, posts, sharing of files, etc., it is essential for streamers. Similarly, we tested the upload speed in 58 countries with the same number of test distribution as with download speed, and conducted tests without VPN usage. It is also measured in Mbps.
NordVPN Regional Comparison of Upload Speed
| Header Label | Americas | Europe | Asia Pacific and South Africa |
| Number of Tested Countries | 7 | 37 | 14 |
| Average Upload Speed | 17.81 Mbps | 21.01 Mbps | 18.44 Mbps |
| Lowest Upload Speed | 0.37 Mbps (Argentina) | 1.04 Mbps (Croatia) | 0.44 Mbps (South Africa) |
| Highest Upload Speed | 35.33 Mbps (Brazil) | 34.13 Mbps (Bulgaria) | 33.2 Mbps (Japan) |
| No VPN | 37.72 Mbps | 37.72 Mbps | 37.72 Mbps |
The average upload speed for the Americas was 17.81 Mbps, for Europe it was 21.01 Mbps, counting as the fastest, yet relatively close to other regions, and for Asia Pacific and South Africa it was 18.44 Mbps. Moreover, the highest upload speeds for each region are comparatively very close to each other.
NordVPN Upload Speed
| Header Label | Country | Upload |
| Fastest | Brazil | 35.33 Mbps |
| Slowest | South Africa | 0.44 Mbps |
| Overall | All Tested Countries | 19.08 Mbps |
| No VPN Connected | – | 37.72 Mbps |
The maximum upload speed among all countries was 35.33 Mbps in Brazil, a bit lower than no VPN usage. The average upload speed as a result of all our upload tests throughout the globe was 19.08 Mbps, which is also slower than when no VPN is connected.
Ping
Ping is an indicator of how fast or slow your server or device can receive information or complete a data exchange cycle. It is measured in milliseconds (ms). A VPN usually increases ping speed, which is not preferred because the faster the data is exchanged, the lower the ping. Thus, being geographically closer to a server is essential to maintaining a low ping speed.
NordVPN Regional Comparison of Ping Speed
| Header Label | Americas | Europe | Asia Pacific and South Africa |
| Number of Tested Countries | 7 | 37 | 14 |
| Average Ping Speed | 318 ms | 240.59 ms | 159.35 ms |
| Fastest Ping Speed | 226 ms (Mexico) | 183 ms (Finland) | 19 ms (Hong Kong) |
| Slowest Ping Speed | 420 ms (Argentina) | 548 ms (Turkey) | 359 ms (India) |
| No VPN | 15 ms | 15 ms | 15 ms |
The average ping speed for the Americas was 318 ms, which is the slowest regional speed. For Europe it was 240.59 ms, and for Asia Pacific and South Africa it was 159.35 ms, being the fastest average speed. The results are highly deviant from the no VPN usage result, which is as high as 15 ms.
NordVPN Ping Speed
| Header Label | Country | Ping |
| Fastest | Hong Kong | 19 ms |
| Slowest | Turkey | 548 ms |
| Overall | All Tested Countries | 239.31 ms |
| No VPN Connected | – | 15 ms |
The best ping speed among all countries was 19 ms in Hong Kong, slightly lower than no VPN usage. The average ping speed as a result of all our ping tests all over the world was 239.31 ms, which is much slower than when no VPN is connected, yet much sharper than the slowest ping speed of 548 ms, in Turkey.
DNS Leak Test
Sometimes even tested and accredited VPNs can fail to protect a device’s DNS queries, exposing your online activities to third parties. As we connect our devices to the internet through an ISP provided DNS server, the internet service provider (or system administrator) will be able to track our activities since most service providers assign their customers a DNS server that can easily be controlled to record internet activities, even when connected to a VPN.
| No VPN Connected | VPN Connected (NordVPN) | DNS Leak Test |
| 172.253.6.1 (Hong Kong) | 23.82.193.146 (Manassas, United States) | Good |
| 172.253.6.2 (Hong Kong) | – | |
| 172.253.6.4 (Hong Kong) | – | |
| 74.125.179.131 (Hong Kong) | – | |
| 74.125.179.132 (Taipei, Taiwan) | – | |
| 74.125.41.2 | – |
Our DNS leak test was successful with NordVPN. NO DNS Leaks were detected.
Streaming
NordVPN has a variety of streaming platforms that can be unblocked easily from abroad, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, and more. We tested NordVPN for Netflix streaming in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea, however, it only works in the U.S. and South Korea, both with 1080p streaming quality, enough to watch Ultra HD (4K) with a good internet speed. In addition, the streaming buffer is only 5 seconds for the U.S. and 7 seconds for South Korea, both of which are efficient.
Netflix
Given that streaming is key for many users, NordVPN is working on becoming more compatible with different platforms. The service provider already excels in this regard, with easy accessibility to a number of streaming services. In the table below, we present our results after testing Netflix streaming on Library, Streaming Buffer, and Streaming Quality. We selected at least one country from each region.
Netflix Streaming in Different Regions
| Header Label | NordVPN – Library | NordVPN – Streaming Buffer | NordVPN – Streaming Quality |
| Americas | |||
| United States | Yes | 5 | 1080p |
| Europe | |||
| United Kingdom | No | – | – |
| Asia Pacific | |||
| Japan | No | – | – |
| South Korea | Yes | 10 | 1080p |
We successfully unblocked the U.S. and South Korea libraries, while the UK and Japan were not unblocked.
Torrenting
Torrenting allows for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing without uploading them to a server. The use of a VPN ensures safe and anonymous torrenting. NordVPN is a great service provider in this regard, as it does not limit P2P to a specific server, rather, it has specialty servers, which create a secure tunnel between a device and the Internet, as it also recommends the best P2P application for usage in different geographic areas.
NordVPN is supported by all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Torrenting – BitTorrent
We used BitTorrent to download certain content in effort to test the NordVPN torrenting performance. The file size was 2.61 GB, which had a download speed of 407 kB/s with only 0.538 seeders. Thus, the download time was 2h 17m, which is pretty disappointing given that the industry average time is only 11 minutes. This data is demonstrated in the table below.
NordVPN BitTorrent Test in Comparison with Other VPNs
| Header Label | File Size | Seeders | Download Speed | Time |
| NordVPN | 2.61 GB | 0.538 | 407 kB/s | 2h 17m |
| Other VPNs | 1.85 GB | 0.878 | 2.1 Mbps | 11 min |
Torrenting – uTorrent
This test was performed under the same conditions, using the same file size to determine NordVPN performance. The downloaded file size was again 2.61 GB, with 0.533 seeders recorded. The download speed was 405 kB/s, completed within 2h and 6m. This result was similarly disappointing, given the industry average of 22min.
NordVPN uTorrent Test in Comparison with Other VPNs
| Header Label | File Size | Seeders | Download Speed | Time |
| NordVPN | 2.61 GB | 0.533 | 405 kB/s | 2h 6m |
| Other VPNs | 1.85 GB | 0.219 | 2.1 Mbps | 22 min |
Router
Not many VPNs have a native app for routers, but NordVPN does, making the service provider unique in the industry as it is easier to use and more secure to use on various devices by simply installing the VPN on the router. In addition, NordVPN provides manual configuration on selected devices.
Based on the VPN provider’s official site, the supported routers for NordVPN are:
- ASUS WRT (native firmware)
- ASUS Merlin
- DD-WRT
- Gl.iNET
- Mikrotik
- NetDUMA
- OPNsense
- OpenWRT
- Padavan
- Sabai
- Tomato
- pfSense
- DrayTek
- EdgeRouter
Router recommended for home users without high-performance requirements (up to 10-40 Mbps with OpenVPN encryption):
- RT-AC66U B1, RT-AC86U, Asus RT-AX3000.
- Asus routers are among the most recommended by the official site, because they have a built-in OpenVPN client and require little effort to set up.
Routers with the best possible performance (up to 60 Mbps with OpenVPN encryption) are:
- Asus: RT-AX86U, RT-AX88U (AX6000), RT-AC5300
- D-Link (requires flashing with DD-WRT): DIR-885L, DIR-895L
- Linksys (requires flashing with DD-WRT): EA8500, WRT1900ACS, WRT3200ACM
- Netgear (requires flashing with DD-WRT): R7500, R7800, R8500, R9000
NordVPN Router App
NordVPN can easily be installed on different devices, and with the various features discussed above, it is important to ensure high security on all devices, including those that do not support VPNs. Connecting the VPN to a router ensures automatic safety the moment you connect to your internet. This security is essential for users who operate on different devices and require efficiency. Moreover, NordVPN is compatible with various routers, making it easier to install.
Router Manually Setup for NordVPN
NordVPN can be manually setup on different routers, from Asus RT-AC86U to DD-WRT. However, manual configuration takes time and may be complex, yet both the manual configuration and router app are controlled through your browser. There are routers with VPNs previously installed to avoid manual installation.
Browser Extension
NordVPN has a browser extension for prominent and often used browsers that include:
- Firefox
- Edge
- Chrome
Devices and Operating Systems
With a single subscription, NordVPN permits the usage of 6 devices simultaneously, regardless of the platform.
NordVPN provides access to its VPN app in the following devices and operating systems:
- Windows Computers
- Mac desktops
- iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods with iOS 11.0 or later
- Android phones and tablets
TV
NordVPN is compatible with Android-based TVs, however, by using other methods, we can access other streaming devices. For instance, using Smart DNS can be adjusted to set up NordVPN’s SmartDNS service on almost any Smart TV, which will allow you to access different streaming services such as ABC Go, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Fox Showtime, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix Originals. Although, this option does not guarantee the same level of protection.
Another option would be to install your VPN on a supported router, which will allow for VPN connection sharing to devices connected to the router, including your Smart TV. In the absence of a supported router, a virtual router can be a good substitute.
China
Yes, NordVPN works in China, capable of unblocking websites and censored content in the country. This censorship is specifically known as China’s Great Firewall.
Price
NordVPN offers 3 different subscription plans:
One-month plan – $11.99 per month
One-year plan – $4.99 per month
Two-year plan – $3.99 per month (30-day money back guarantee)
Discount
NordVPN offers 58% discount for the one-year plan, making the payment of the first year $59.88. the two-year plan also offers a huge discount of 66%, making a total payment of $95.76 for the first two years. This plan also offers ultra-fast 10Gbps servers, security for 6 devices, access to servers in all 60 countries and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Free Trial
NordVPN provides a 30-days free trial to its consumers, with full services. After the 30 days, the subscription can be cancelled to receive a full refund.
Customer Service
NordVPN provides a 24/7 online customer support service. We contacted customer support and were able to connect to an agent within 8 seconds. The reply speed was also 8 seconds and the quality of answers was great. The support team was able to respond to all inquiries effectively and efficiently, providing accurate and helpful information.
| Header Label | NordVPN | Industry AVG | Difference |
| Connect to an Agency | 8 seconds | 10 seconds | 25% less |
| Reply Speed | 8 seconds | 15 seconds | 87.5% less |
| Quality of the Answer | Great | Great | – |
Conclusion
Like all VPNs, NordVPN comes with its benefits and drawbacks. Our testing and review process examined both the performance strengths and technical weaknesses of the VPN provider, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the VPN’s high security and reliability, while also emphasizing its limitations in terms of browser extensions and TV compatibility. Moreover, although sometimes users face trouble while connecting and during usage, the 24/7 online customer service provides optimal support within a short period of time.
FAQ
1. What is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a VPN service provider that has a large number of servers distributed in different continents, which allows it to provide speedy service to most users, especially in Europe and the Americas. The digital tool is known for its high customer security, given its smart features that ensure online safety and anonymity.
2. How to cancel NordVPN subscription?
You can cancel your NordVPN subscription anytime you like. However, the cancellation method depends on where you purchased the subscription, whether from App Store, Google Play Store or the site. You can cancel a site subscription by:
– Accessing your NordVPN account
– Go to My Services, then Private and Secure Internet Access (VPN)
– Choose Cancel Automatic Payments and confirm your selection
3. How much does NordVPN cost?
NordVPN has 3 different subscription plans, for a month, which costs $11.99 per month, a year, which costs $4.99 per month with 58% discount, and a two-year plan, which costs $3.99 per month, with a discount of 66% and a 30-day money back guarantee, including other privileges.
4. NordVPN how many devices?
You can connect as many devices as you like to your NordVPN account, however, only 6 devices can be connected simultaneously.
5. Where is NordVPN based?
NordVPN is based in Panama, and is under its jurisdiction, yet the country is not part of the Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes intelligence sharing alliance. The headquarters of the VPN provider is also in Panama, however, they have offices in Lithuania, the UK and the Netherlands.
6. How to set up NordVPN on router?
On their official site, NordVPN identifies the list of routers its service is compatible with. they also have a list of routers that automatically install the VPN service in advance and can be readily purchased.
The official website also provides setup tutorials for each different router, while ensuring customer service support at all times with accurate and easily understood setup instructions.
7. How to use NordVPN on iPhone?
You can download NordVPN on iOS from 11.0 version and later by following the steps below:
– Download the NordVPN app from the App Store
– After installation, tap the NordVPN app icon
– Tap SIGN UP to create a new account or LOG IN if you already have one
The NordVPN iPhone app has blue and green design elements, in addition, a black header will appear if the VPN is not connected and a bright green header when it is connected.
For more usage tips, you can tap Quick Connect on the app so that it directs you to the best server available. Furthermore, the iOS app is equipped with data encryption that guarantees full security.
8. How to use NordVPN for Netflix?
NordVPN is known to be one of the best service providers with streaming Netflix from anywhere. Given that NordVPN has servers in various locations, much more than the industry average, users are able to enjoy streaming different platforms such as Netflix while enjoying foreign Netflix libraries, working with 11 Netflix Regions.
The method is as follows:
– Sign up for NordVPN
– Download custom application compatible with your device
– Select the content library of your choice to unblock
– Connect to a VPN server as per the service provider suggestion for better connection
– Navigate to Netflix and login
9. What is p2p NordVPN?
NordVPN peer-to-peer (P2P) is an efficient and safe way of file sharing. NordVPN P2P basically refers to the dedicated servers that NordVPN has for P2P activities, which assures users of further security when sharing files across all P2P platforms. This feature allowed NordVPN to excel in this regard, in comparison to other industry service providers. As it also enhanced customer trust.
10. How secure is NordVPN?
NordVPN has well established and highly secured encryption as it values safety. For instance, NordVPN uses 256-bit AES data encryption that consistently locks our online activity data. The AES 256-bit is in fact used by governments and cybersecurity experts. In addition to providing well-protected servers, using two internet protocols; IPSec and IKEv2, as well as an excellent firewall.