NordVPN Review: Industry-Leading Security with Impressive Speed

Who Should Use NordVPN?

After testing NordVPN extensively for 60 days across multiple devices and locations, I can confidently recommend it for users who prioritize security and privacy without sacrificing performance. As an IT Director with over 23 years of experience, I've evaluated dozens of VPN services, and NordVPN consistently ranks at the top.

Performance & Speed

NordVPN delivered impressive speeds on most servers, with minimal impact on my 500 Mbps connection. US and European servers maintained 85-90% of my base speed, which is excellent for a VPN. However, Asia-Pacific connections showed more variability, sometimes dropping to 60-70% of base speed.

Security & Privacy

NordVPN's security credentials are impressive. The service uses AES-256 encryptionEncryption🛡️The process of converting data into a coded format that can only be read with the correct decryption key., offers multiple protocols (OpenVPNOpenVPN🔐An open-source VPN protocol widely considered secure and reliable, though slower than WireGuard., IKEv2/IPSec, and their proprietaryProprietary📖Software owned by a company with restricted access to source code. NordLynx based on WireGuardWireGuard🔐A modern, lightweight VPN protocol known for high speeds and strong security.), and has undergone independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Bottom Line

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs available, especially for users who need a balance of security, speed, and ease of use. The Meshnet feature adds unique value that competitors don't offer. While Asia-Pacific performance and pricing transparency could improve, these don't outweigh the service's many strengths.