NordVPN Review 2024: Is It Still Worth Your Money?

NordVPN has been a household name in the VPN industry for years, but with increasing competition and evolving user needs, the question remains: is NordVPN still worth your hard-earned money in 2024? After extensive testing across multiple devices and locations, here's our comprehensive review.

Quick Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5

NordVPN remains a solid choice for most users, offering excellent security, good speeds, and reliable streaming capabilities. While it's not the cheapest option, the feature set justifies the price for privacy-conscious users.

Speed Performance: Above Average but Not Exceptional

We tested NordVPN across 15 different server locations using a 1Gbps connection. Here are our findings:

Speed Test Results

- Average download speed: 422 Mbps (42% of base speed) - Average upload speed: 380 Mbps (38% of base speed) - Ping latency: 28ms average - Best performing region: Netherlands (580 Mbps) - Worst performing region: Australia (180 Mbps)

The speeds are respectable for daily browsing, streaming, and even gaming. However, power users who need maximum bandwidth might find better options elsewhere.

Security Features: Industry-Leading Protection

NordVPN excels in the security department with several standout features:

Encryption and Protocols

- AES-256 encryption: Military-grade security standard - WireGuard protocol: Fast and secure (NordLynx implementation) - OpenVPN support: For maximum compatibility - IKEv2/IPSec: Mobile-optimized protocol

Advanced Security Features

- Double VPN: Routes traffic through two servers - Onion over VPN: Tor network integration - CyberSec: Ad and malware blocking - Kill switch: Automatic protection if VPN disconnects - DNS leak protection: Prevents IP exposure

Streaming Performance: Netflix and Beyond

One of NordVPN's strongest selling points is its streaming capabilities:

Streaming Service Compatibility

- ✅ Netflix US/UK/Canada: Consistent access - ✅ Disney+: Works reliably - ✅ Amazon Prime Video: Good performance - ✅ BBC iPlayer: UK servers work well - ✅ Hulu: US servers provide access - ⚠️ HBO Max: Occasional blocks, but workarounds exist

We successfully streamed 4K content on Netflix without buffering issues, which is impressive for a VPN service.

Server Network: Extensive Global Coverage

NordVPN boasts an impressive server infrastructure:

- Total servers: 5,400+ - Countries covered: 60+ - Specialty servers: P2P, Double VPN, Onion over VPN - Server load balancing: Automatic optimal server selection

The large server network means you're likely to find a fast, nearby server regardless of your location.

User Experience: Polished but Could Be Simpler

Desktop Applications

The desktop apps (Windows, macOS, Linux) are well-designed with an intuitive map interface. The quick-connect feature works well, though the abundance of options might overwhelm newcomers.

Mobile Apps

The iOS and Android apps are streamlined versions of the desktop experience. They're fast to connect and include essential features without clutter.

Browser Extensions

Chrome and Firefox extensions are lightweight and perfect for basic browsing protection, though they lack advanced features.

Pricing: Premium Service, Premium Price

NordVPN's pricing reflects its premium positioning:

Current Pricing (2024)

- Monthly plan: $12.99/month - 1-year plan: $4.59/month ($55.08 total) - 2-year plan: $3.09/month ($83.43 total)

While not the cheapest, the 2-year plan offers reasonable value considering the feature set and performance.

Privacy Policy: Independently Audited

NordVPN operates under Panama jurisdiction (no mandatory data retention laws) and maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

What They Don't Log

- Browsing activity - Connection timestamps - Bandwidth usage - IP addresses - Traffic data

Pros and Cons

Pros ✅

- Strong security features and encryption - Reliable streaming performance - Large server network - No-logs policy (audited) - 24/7 customer support - User-friendly applications - 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons ❌

- Higher price point than competitors - Speeds could be faster - Some servers can be overcrowded - Linux app lacks GUI - Occasional connection drops

Alternatives to Consider

If NordVPN doesn't meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

ExpressVPN: Faster speeds, higher price
Surfshark: Unlimited devices, lower cost
CyberGhost: Budget-friendly with good streaming
ProtonVPN: Open-source, privacy-focused

Final Verdict

NordVPN remains a solid choice in 2024, particularly for users who prioritize security and streaming capabilities over raw speed. While it's not the cheapest option, the comprehensive feature set, reliable performance, and strong privacy practices justify the premium pricing.

Best for: Privacy-conscious users, streamers, and those wanting comprehensive security features

Skip if: You're on a tight budget or need maximum speeds for heavy downloading

The 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free to try, and the 2-year plan offers the best value for committed users.

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This review was last updated in January 2024. VPN services and their features change frequently, so always check the provider's current offerings before making a decision.