NordVPN has long been a leader in the VPN industry, known for its commitment to privacy, security, and speed. As we enter 2024, the question remains: is NordVPN still the best VPN on the market, or have competitors managed to catch up? In this detailed review, we will examine NordVPN's features, performance, pricing, and customer service to help you determine if it's still the right choice for your needs.
Overview of NordVPN
Founded in 2012, NordVPN has grown to become one of the most popular VPN providers in the world, serving millions of users globally. NordVPN offers a combination of security features, speed, and ease of use that appeals to a wide range of users—from casual browsers looking to bypass geo-restrictions to privacy-conscious users aiming to shield their data from hackers and government surveillance.
NordVPN's key features include:
- Military-grade encryption (AES-256)
- Global network with over 5,400 servers in 60 countries
- No-logs policy, independently audited
- Threat Protection for blocking malware, ads, and trackers
- Double VPN and Onion over VPN for added security layers
- Meshnet for encrypted device-to-device connections
- Dedicated IP address options
- SmartPlay technology for seamless streaming
Let's dive deeper into NordVPN's performance across various aspects to determine if it's still the best VPN for 2024.
Security and Privacy
One of the biggest reasons people choose NordVPN is its emphasis on privacy and security. Here's how NordVPN stands out:
Encryption and Security Protocols
NordVPN employs AES-256 encryption, widely regarded as the gold standard for securing sensitive data. This encryption is nearly impossible to crack, ensuring that your internet activity remains private, even on public Wi-Fi networks.
In addition to its robust encryption, NordVPN offers several advanced security protocols:
- OpenVPN: A reliable and secure VPN protocol that balances speed and privacy.
- NordLynx: NordVPN's proprietary protocol based on WireGuard, offering faster connection speeds while maintaining top-tier security.
- IKEv2/IPSec: Ideal for mobile devices, providing fast and secure connections.
No-Logs Policy and Audits
NordVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn't store any information about your online activities. This policy has been independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), verifying that NordVPN truly doesn’t log user data.
As of 2024, NordVPN continues to build on its privacy credentials by regularly undergoing third-party audits to ensure transparency and trustworthiness. Users can confidently rely on NordVPN to safeguard their personal data and browsing history.
Additional Privacy Features
NordVPN offers several additional features designed to enhance privacy:
- Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two separate VPN servers, adding an extra layer of encryption for those who need maximum security.
- Onion over VPN: Combines the privacy benefits of the Tor network with NordVPN's encryption, ensuring complete anonymity online.
- Threat Protection: This feature blocks malware, intrusive ads, and trackers, further protecting your device and personal information.
- Kill Switch: If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the kill switch automatically cuts off your internet connection to prevent your IP address from being exposed.
In terms of privacy and security, NordVPN remains one of the most reliable and robust services available in 2024.
Speed and Performance
While security is critical, speed is equally important—especially for users who want to stream, game, or download large files without interruptions. VPNs can often slow down internet speeds due to encryption and routing through servers. However, NordVPN has invested heavily in technology to minimize speed reductions.
NordLynx Protocol
NordVPN introduced NordLynx, its proprietary version of the WireGuard protocol, to improve connection speeds. WireGuard is known for being lightweight and efficient, and NordLynx enhances it with additional security measures. The result? Faster connections without compromising security.
In 2024, NordLynx continues to outperform older protocols like OpenVPN, making NordVPN one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Whether you're streaming 4K content, gaming online, or video conferencing, NordVPN delivers reliable, high-speed performance.
Global Server Network
NordVPN boasts an extensive server network, with over 5,400 servers in 60 countries. This global coverage ensures that users have access to a server near their physical location, reducing latency and improving connection speeds. NordVPN’s servers are optimized for various uses, including P2P file sharing, streaming, and gaming.
NordVPN also supports specialty servers for specific purposes:
- P2P servers: Optimized for fast and secure torrenting.
- Dedicated IP servers: Ideal for users who need a static IP address.
- Obfuscated servers: Help bypass censorship in countries where VPNs are restricted (e.g., China, Iran, and Russia).
The combination of NordLynx and its vast server network makes NordVPN one of the fastest and most reliable VPNs in 2024.
Streaming and Geo-Unblocking
One of the main reasons users turn to VPNs is to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. NordVPN's SmartPlay technology automatically optimizes your connection for streaming, making it easier to unblock content from different regions.
Netflix and Other Streaming Platforms
As of 2024, NordVPN remains one of the top choices for streaming due to its ability to bypass geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The SmartPlay feature is built into the app, so users don’t need to configure any settings to stream geo-blocked content.
During testing, NordVPN consistently unblocks Netflix libraries from the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and other regions. It also provides reliable access to other streaming services, making it a great option for cord-cutters looking to expand their streaming options.
Pricing and Plans
NordVPN offers several pricing plans, with discounts available for long-term subscriptions:
- 1-Month Plan: $12.99/month
- 1-Year Plan: $4.99/month (billed $59.88 annually)
- 2-Year Plan: $3.29/month (billed $78.96 every 2 years)
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free. In addition, NordVPN frequently offers special deals and discounts, especially for new users or during holidays.
While NordVPN isn't the cheapest option, its pricing is competitive considering the premium features it offers. Users looking for the best value should opt for the 2-year plan.
Customer Support
NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. The support team is responsive and knowledgeable, offering assistance with everything from technical issues to troubleshooting streaming problems.
NordVPN also has an extensive help center with articles, tutorials, and FAQs that cover common questions and setup guides for various devices.
Conclusion: Is NordVPN Still the Best in 2024?
In 2024, NordVPN continues to be one of the top VPN providers thanks to its strong focus on privacy, speed, and global access. Its commitment to security is evident in features like Double VPN, NordLynx, and independent audits of its no-logs policy.
While NordVPN faces competition from other VPNs offering similar features, it remains one of the best choices for users seeking a reliable and user-friendly VPN service. Whether you're looking for secure browsing, geo-unblocking, or fast streaming, NordVPN delivers on all fronts.
Verdict: Yes, NordVPN is still one of the best VPNs in 2024, combining top-tier security, performance, and ease of use.