NordVPN in test: is this the best VPN provider?

Large selection of servers and unique security features

NordVPN has complex security functions and many servers. Are there any weaknesses in VPN services? Our test.

table of Contents

1. NordVPN in practice: our experience with VPN services
   

   1. Use NordVPN with streaming services
      

   2. NordVPN bypasses local interference
      

2. Particularly powerful software
   

3. Mobile Applications
   

4. NordVPN speed
   

5. Transparency
   

6. Subscription and payment methods
   

7. Is there a free version of NordVPN?
   

8. Supported countries and agreements
   

9. in conclusion
   

NordVPN is from Panama and is responsible for coordinating the operation of nearly 5,900 secure VPN servers in more than 59 countries. Always use AES 256-CBC encryption which can be rated as particularly secure. The provider also promises not to store any user data-called no log. This is because Panama does not have the same regulations as Europe or the United States. Tefincom is located in Cyprus.

NordVPN uses a technology that is the service Dual VPN phone. Normally, your traffic is routed through a remote VPN server, which changes your IP address and encrypts all data you send or receive on the Internet. The dual VPN configuration not only hides your online activities behind one server, but even behind two servers. The principle of the so-called VPN server link is very simple: first, the browser connects to the VPN server and encrypts the line, and then encrypts the encrypted line again on the VPN connected behind it.

This type of connection is more secure than the standard connection through a single VPN. If you switch between different protocols of UDP and TCP, the effect will be better. NordVPN does not provide this service at all server locations. If you value this, you should carefully check whether the selected server provides this technology. If you are looking for "Specialty Server", you can find it in the application.

NordVPN in practice: our experience with VPN services

In addition to technical data such as encryption, server location and speed, we also tested the actual benefits of VPN services. Here, we specifically consider video streaming services and the possibility of accessing their content abroad or accessing domestic directories from abroad. At the same time, we studied whether NordVPN can use different services to handle local outages.

Use NordVPN with streaming services

We tested NordVPN through a variety of US services including Disney + USA and HBO Now. The two streaming services are usually only intended for use in the US-keyword: geoblocking. However, using a VPN that maintains servers in the United States can avoid these national barriers. At least until Netflix and Co. lock the server, this method has been effective.

We have NordVPN app on iPad Used for this flow test. This seems practical to us, but please consider that the results when using NordVPN on other terminal devices or through a router may vary. This is mainly due to the DNS technology used, which is based on SmartDNS in the NordVPN application.

Assuming a good line, all of the listed services will run perfectly. We can't find any faults or malfunctions, the speed of the VPN server is absolutely sufficient. NordVPN even 4k video is not a problem.

NordVPN bypasses local interference

Of course, NordVPN cannot repair DSL lines. The basic requirement is still that you can at least get online. However, if you encounter problems with individual services, they are sometimes limited to certain regions. This is related to routing through your provider and can be handled through VPN. This will then use another path to the target webpage.

NordVPN is here to support you More than 300 servers in Germany. Not only can you select these files for access from abroad, but you can also use servers in specific regions. For example, we can avoid local interruptions in Postbank and Netflix. If you find a service failure, NordVPN can of course lead you to your destination.

Particularly powerful software

One particular advantage of NordVPN lies in the desktop applications of Windows and macOS: they represent an important link between complex security features and ease of use; these applications are completely convincing in testing: despite the high security requirements and numerous functions , But these applications make it very easy to choose a VPN server for establishing a connection. The fastest server or special server for torrent file sharing or the above Double VPN will be available soon.

NordVPN under test

In addition to simple server selection by clicking the mouse on the world map, professionals also look forward to an extensive server list, through which any server can be selected individually. You can also view the server load before establishing a connection-however, this feature involves an unnecessary large number of mouse clicks. If you pay special attention to security, please configure the so-called termination switch: If the VPN connection is interrupted, NordVPN can automatically close the previously selected applications here, thereby eliminating the potential for unencrypted transmission of the corresponding content.

It is also pleasing to configure the service without using appropriate software: NordVPN has a large number of detailed instructions on its own website for setting up servers in routers and under special operating systems using various protocols.

The NordVPN application is already available for all known operating systems. Older operating systems, even Windows XP, can be manually configured via OpenVPN. The router must allow VPN services by default. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and the popular FritzBoxes and Speedport routers in Germany do not support this feature. Alternative router operating systems (eg DD-Wrt, OpenWRT, Tomato or AsusWRT) are here to help. Used in conjunction with OpenVPN, you can safely connect the entire home network to the Internet.

You are looking for the user interface in German in vain. NordVPN only provides English. In view of the small amount of content that needs to be set, and technical terms (such as P2P, kill switch or auto-connect) usually use more "English" expressions, the German version even looks strange.

Mobile Applications

NordVPN's Android and iOS apps are presented in a similarly convincing design. Naturally, less precise server selection options are provided here. Sometimes, we have to find the connection failure under iOS. This phenomenon is not limited to NordVPN, but also occurs in almost all VPN tests under iOS-a question arises here whether the entire operating system has a problem with stable VPN data traffic.

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NordVPN speed

In the speed test, NordVPN will not set any maximum value, but it can still convince you.
The prerequisite is of course a good internet connection, so there is usually no valid value. The download speed of an active NordVPN connection can convince us that the speed loss here is not too high. It looks different when uploading, and NordVPN has only obtained weaker values ​​in the test here. Competitor IPVanish also proved that ping can be better. The time to establish and terminate the connection with the NordVPN server is very good.

Transparency

The NordVPN service is operated by Tefincom S.A. Headquartered in Panama, another position in Cyprus. The server is rented from various hosting service providers around the world. The disadvantage of the company's position in Panama is that it has fewer restrictive data protection laws than the European Union and the United States. In theory, providers can use user data for commercial or even criminal purposes. A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers' auditor shows that NordVPN can do this: experts certified the company in 2018, proving that it actually complied with the strict data imposed during the audit Protection rules.

Subscription and payment methods

As a potential customer of NordVPN, you cannot avoid subscribing. If you pay annually, the monthly fee is about 6 Euros. The two-year subscription fee during the exam is approximately 106 Euros. The price of the three-year package is about 111 euros, which is 3.10 euros per month, it will be much cheaper. Unfortunately, no testing phase is planned. However, if you are not satisfied, the company will provide a 30-day money back guarantee.

You can pay for all subscriptions using the payment methods listed below. You can choose direct transfer, credit card payment or various online payment methods.

Is there a free version of NordVPN?

Unfortunately, there is no completely free version of NordVPN. There is not even a lite version with few servers or limited data. However, NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you do n’t like the service, you can simply tell them in a chat with the support staff and get your money back. Usually, this takes one to two working days. Therefore, if it is not permanent, you can at least test NordVPN for free. We have detailed the topic of "Free VPN Service" and explained in the article why the money back guarantee is better than completely free.

Supported countries and agreements

NordVPN currently maintains nearly 5,900 servers in 59 countries. The choice of the server fluctuates due to maintenance work or failure. This is one of the best VPN provider infrastructure on the market. VPN providers are constantly striving to expand their server infrastructure. In addition to traditional VPNs, they also provide special VPNs. For example, NordVPN also provides servers for "Onion over VPN", which you can use to access the Tor network via VPN. Our guide details the technology for you: VPN and Tor: Does it make sense to do this? illumination.

The following table lists all current server locations and the technologies supported there.