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Kyle JuffsUpdated 2 weeks ago

A reliable, simple, and fast VPN network

NordVPN is a popular VPN service that lets you build secure and anonymous connections. With this program, you don’t have to worry about authorities being able to track your IP address or physical location. The company uses 5,436 VPN servers in 60 countries, ensuring your browsing activity can’t be tracked.

With a skilled development team, the service adds new features, security protocols, and functionalities regularly. NordVPN comes with varied pricing plans to suit every budget. It has become an excellent choice for users worldwide within a short time.

A tool packed with excellent features

NordVPN’s network is made up of several servers that have been configured for special purposes. Specialty VPN servers aren’t always the only ones that can perform their assigned tasks. For example, torrenting is allowed on all servers, not just the ones with a P2P designation. However, they are designed to ease their jobs. This software has five types of specialty servers: Double VPN, Obfuscated servers, P2P servers, Onion over VPN, and Dedicated IP servers.

The Dark Web Monitor, an active feature by default, patrols sources of stolen credentials on the dark web, and if it discovers your email address anywhere, it sends you an alert. Further, a kill switch automatically shuts off your internet connection if the VPN software stops working, preventing you from being unprotected online. This tool also supports split tunneling, which lets you decide whether a particular app will be included in your VPN protection or not.

What are the safety features?

The program offers high-end security and encryption compared to TouchVPN, Free VPN, and other similar services. The tool uses AES 256-bit encryption, which successfully hides your data and content. However, the encryption process and routing of your traffic through remote servers can slow down your internet connection. Meshnet lets you create a secure connection between two devices so that if one moves to another location in the world,. This is great for sharing data and gaming—and also for working.

This VPN software's Threat Protection feature is one of its most powerful. It guards you against online threats like malware and trackers every day, protecting your privacy for as long as you use it. It scans files for malware and deletes them before they download, and it also protects your privacy and prevents malicious programs from infecting your device. Moreover, this feature also blocks intrusive and malicious ads before they even load. The result is a safer, more streamlined experience for you.

What about torrent support?

In the past, services like Hotspot Shield have given tough competition to NordVPN. However, the program has been updated with new features, providing access to advanced functionalities. The software supports torrent downloads, which lets you watch various movies, shows, and originals.

With 5,436 VPN servers in 60 countries, you have plenty of options to build secure connections. The simple interface lets you choose a preferred server from the sidebar. Since you don’t need more than a couple of clicks, you can save a reasonable amount of time. 

Each server on the network comes with unlimited bandwidth and data. Thus, you can upload or download almost anything from the internet. Like other browsing activity, even torrenting data isn’t retained, and you can expect complete anonymity.

While using reliable VPN servers, you can choose from multiple torrent services. For instance, the program offers support for BitTorrent, Vuze, uTorrent, and other software. NordVPN download comes with a server recommendation tool, which helps you identify your network's fastest and most reliable server. You only need to choose the server protocol and location, and the program takes care of the rest.

Additionally, the application uses SOCKS5 proxies, which can substantially improve download speed for multiple torrent clients. Compared to ExpressVPN and other VPN providers, NordVPN offers a faster and hassle-free service. With the Quick Connect feature, you can quickly get online with a couple of clicks. 

It’s important to understand that the Quick Connect feature automatically chooses servers for secure connections. The current version of the program doesn’t let you select a server manually. However, this feature will be helpful if you want less anonymity and faster speed. On the other hand, casual users interested in specifically unblocking content or some geo-restricted websites should choose a server manually.

Does NordVPN unblock Netflix?

Over the years, Netflix has become one of the most popular video streaming services. Currently, it blocks several VPN services, restricting access to the program’s shows, movies, originals, and other content. However, NordVPN comes with a SmartPlay feature, designed to build secure connections and bypass geo-blocks to access applications like Netflix. While combining VPN with DNS protocols, this feature successfully evades unwanted blocks.

Reasons to choose NordVPN

NordVPN offers users secure and anonymous online connections, access to blocked websites, and the ability to bypass government restrictions. It ranks as one of the best VPN services available, with a no-logging policy that has been independently audited for enhanced privacy assurance.

Device support and versatility

NordVPN supports up to six devices per account, but by installing it on your router, you can protect every connected device. This versatility makes NordVPN an attractive option for users looking for a quality VPN service.

Efficient ad-blocking and malware protection

NordVPN's Threat Protection feature blocks intrusive ads, tracking cookies, and malware-hosting domains for a safer browsing experience. This ad-blocking tool works across various devices and browser extensions.

Improving internet speed and easy setup

NordVPN provides tips for optimizing internet speed while using the service. The setup process is simple: download the software, activate the VPN, and choose your preferred server location.

Subscription management

Managing your NordVPN subscription is user-friendly, with easy cancellation options. NordVPN is based in Panama, a country with strong privacy laws, providing an additional layer of confidence for users concerned about online privacy and security.

Support and device compatibility

NordVPN has a solid user base and is active in discussion forums, online communities, and social media. While the company offers good customer support, you can also seek help from other users. The program comes with an interface that will allow you to start using it from the get-go, albeit with a learning curve at first. That said, all the secure VPN servers are listed in an easy-to-access sidebar. This VPN also runs smoothly on multiple operating systems. The best part about it is that you can simultaneously use the same account on up to six devices.

Support for ARM-based devices 

With the latest update, NordVPN kickstarts an app for accommodating Surface Pro and other Windows ARM-based devices. ARM devices are gadgets that use ARM architecture, a type of computer chip design. In simpler terms, ARM chips are like the brains inside many smartphones, tablets, and other electronics. They’re known for being energy-efficient, which helps devices run longer on a battery. 

This recent innovative move allows users to be safe from online threats through seamless and uninterrupted traffic encryption and IP address modification through the ARM-native app. So, you can surf the internet all you want without worrying about your cyber security. Plus, not only do you get the benefits of a VPN, but you also do not have to be concerned about lagging and glitching. 

What differentiates ARM-native apps from emulated apps on ARM devices is they smoothly follow the logic and instruction of a particular device processor’s architecture, allowing it to execute commands without all the filler processes. On the other hand, emulated apps that are made to run on different architectures mean they have to do real-time translation for that particular processor, creating more cycles that make the whole process slow. 

Potential drawbacks

Despite its many advantages, NordVPN is not without its flaws. One significant downside is the occasional slowdown in internet speed due to the encryption process and routing through remote servers, which can be particularly noticeable when connecting to distant servers. Additionally, while the Quick Connect feature is convenient, it doesn’t allow users to manually select specific servers, which can be a limitation for those needing to access certain geo-restricted content. 

Some users may also find the pricing plans relatively expensive compared to other VPN services, especially when opting for a monthly subscription. Lastly, although NordVPN offers a wide range of features, its interface can sometimes be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a bit of a learning curve to fully utilize all its functionalities.

A powerful VPN service

NordVPN stands out as a reliable and versatile VPN service, offering a wide range of features and robust security measures to protect users' online activities. With its extensive server network, efficient ad-blocking, and malware protection, it provides a secure and streamlined browsing experience. 

While it has some drawbacks, such as occasional slowdowns and a higher price point, its overall performance and ease of use make it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy and access restricted content. Whether for torrenting, streaming, or general browsing, it proves to be a valuable tool for maintaining anonymity and security on the internet.

  • Pros

    • Offers good security and privacy
    • Ensures reliable and quick connections
    • Encrypts data and content
    • Supports 5,436 servers
  • Cons

    • Can slow down internet connection
    • Quick Connect feature doesn’t allow manual selection of specific servers
    • Can be expensive
    • Overwhelming interface
 0/3

App specs

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages



User reviews about NordVPN

by Noshy

First they overcharged me, then they deleted my accountI'd been a long time user of NordVPN, and had had issues with them renewing my membership automatically numerous time until I was 8 years in advance on my payments. I'd sorted this and managed to get the last payment refunded and they agreed to not charge me any more. Yet the direct debit requests continued, but I'd cancelled their paypal payment settings so continued to get payment declined messages from their payment provider Paddle.Whatever, I'll always use a VPN, so left the remaining 5 years worth (about $250 worth) of service on the account.Except the other day they simply cancelled my account and took the entire remaining credits on the account and locked me out. At first I could log in and discuss with support who said that I had been web scraping, whatever that was, and to look on pwned.com to check my email address. Nothing there.today I find that they've completely locked me out of my account and I cannot even discuss anything with support.I have no idea what web scraping is, how to do it, or why you would even do it. They have provided no evidence of anything or even a salient description of what I'm supposed to have done.I'm not a complicated user, I torrent a bit, browse the web a bit, read but not often comment on social media and never share details, my passwords are via a password manager and are incredibly long, and run antivirus checks regularly.I have an old slow computer and an iPad which are the only things that I use to connect to the internet.I feel that I'm really careful and safe online. my web traffic from my service provider hasn't changed at all, and when I spoke with my internet provider, they didn't know what web scraping was either.If this can happen to me, it can happen to absolutely anyone.I would strongly recommend that people don't sign up to pay anything recurring to NordVPN, and constantly check your bank accounts for random charges from them if you are a current user.Most companies are fine if everything goes well. The bad companies are the ones that treat you like dirt when something goes wrong. Something went wrong with their systems and they are treating me like dirt.It's not a good system, not good treatment of their customers, and an altogether crappy experience.I completely don't recommend their service. It's not worth the money if anything goes wrong.

by Robert J. Sivori

Nord VPN, I am sorry to say, slows my internet speed dramatically...I have asked for support but the suggested "fixes" don't seem to be on my dashboard...

by Les Kette

I feel my system is secure and do not worry about identy fraud issue

by Shirley Durham

Easy download and seems to be working great for the moment. I have windows 10 now and so I am a very thankful it hooked up fine and didn't slow the computer down.

by DJ FakeReVASpiRinG .

Very Good VPN Software, but it's only for 30 daysThe creators of NordVPN must make it free for LIFETIME

by Steve StJohn

I would not recommend it if you are in the West Indies. After installing my download speed went from 195 Mbps to 23 Mbps. Upload speed was the same prior to and after installation (about 45Mbps). The 30 day guarantee was decidedly not no hassle. There was a whole lot of required information that Nordvpn required before my request for a refund could be considered. I am trying to accumulate the information now

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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws. The regulation about the use of VPN services varies per country; If the Law of your country forbids or limits its usage, don’t download. Any unlawful behaviour of this software is not permitted. You are solely responsible for any use of the service. Softonic may receive a referral fee if you click or buy any of the products featured here.
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In Softonic we scan all the files hosted on our platform to assess and avoid any potential harm for your device. Our team performs checks each time a new file is uploaded and periodically reviews files to confirm or update their status. This comprehensive process allows us to set a status for any downloadable file as follows:

Clean

It’s extremely likely that this software program is clean.

What does this mean?

We have scanned the file and URLs associated with this software program in more than 50 of the world's leading antivirus services; no possible threat has been detected.

Warning

This software program is potentially malicious or may contain unwanted bundled software.

Why is the software program still available?

Based on our scan system, we have determined that these flags are possibly false positives.

What is a false positive?

It means a benign program is wrongfully flagged as malicious due to an overly broad detection signature or algorithm used in an antivirus program.

We’d like to highlight that from time to time, we may miss a potentially malicious software program. To continue promising you a malware-free catalog of programs and apps, our team has integrated a Report Software feature in every catalog page that loops your feedback back to us.

Flag any particular issues you may encounter and Softonic will address those concerns as soon as possible.