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Review of NordVPN - Does it do what it says on the tin?

These days our online privacy and security have become more important than ever, having a trusty Virtual Private Network (VPN) by your side, could be the thing that saves you from the ever evolving criminal underworld. In this post, we're taking a look into NordVPN to see if it lives up to the hype and offers the protection it promises.  

 

Having put NordVPN to the test, I can confidently confirm that its performance is nothing short of impressive. In fact, it stands out as one of the speediest VPNs in our review roster.

But it's not just about speed. NordVPN also proved its mettle in unblocking a plethora of streaming content on Netflix and other platforms, giving you access to a wider world of entertainment.

 

 

Now, let's talk about NordVPN's user-friendliness. Their mobile apps are a cut above the rest, and even the Windows client is really a user-friendly. If you're not a tech wizard, NordVPN has a tonne of top-quality tutorials to guide you through the setup. Also if you ever find yourself in a mess, their customer support is there and they have been ready to answer any questions I have thrown at them so far.

What does NordVPN offer in terms of server network and their money-back guarantee policy?

With an extensive server network spanning the globe, they ensure you have plenty of options for a smooth online experience. Plus, their no-strings-attached 30-day money-back guarantee is like a safety net. If you're not happy with the service, you can easilly get a refund within the first month. After asking other clients, this process of getting the refund is not too difficult and they are very friendly about it.

NordVPN's got some pricing options for you. You can pick their Standard plan with three choices. If you go month-to-month, it's $11.99, but if you're up for a year, it's $4.99 a month. And if you commit for two years, it's an even cheaper $3.29 per month. The Plus plan adds Nord's password manager and a data breach scanner, all for just a bit more at $4.59 each month over two years. The Complete plan throws in 1TB of encrypted cloud storage and costs $5.89 per month on the two-year plan. The big question is, are the plans good value for money?

NordVPN gives you great value for what you buy, especially in the beginning. But truth be told, savvy bargain hunters might find sweeter deals elsewhere once that first year is over. Take Private Internet Access, for instance – their yearly plan sets you back just $3.33 each month. If you're really counting the pennies, Ivacy's five-year plan is a jaw-dropping $1 a month. But, keep in mind, with those rock-bottom prices, you might miss out on the other cool stuff we talked about earlier and you compromise on safety. Still, they won't break the bank. I'd say it's priced very fairly for the value it brings to the table. If you're still on the fence, newbies on Android and iOS get a whole week of free app usage. Plus, if you do decide to dive in, NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee gives you ample time to test the waters.

How does NordVPN prioritize privacy and security, including encryption, kill switches, and DNS leak protection?

Now, let's talk about privacy, a real MVP for VPNs. NordVPN steps up its game here with robust AES-256-GCM encryption and perfect forward secrecy. That means even if a hacker sneaks into one session, they're locked out of the next one. There's more to this -  The kill switch. Not one, but two. One shuts off all internet access when you're not on the VPN. The second one, the app kill switch, shuts down your chosen apps if the VPN connection dips. They also have great service blocking DNS leaks. We ran some tests and there were no leaks spotted. Your DNS address always matches your IP, and there's nothing sneaky with DNS, WebRTC, or other leaks. Your online security and privacy are looked after safely and securely.

What significant step did NordVPN take in terms of security and privacy, and what was the outcome of the independent audit?

With security, Unlike many VPNs who just talk on their websites, NordVPN does this properly. In November 2022, they hired Deloitte to conduct an independent audit on their services and infrastructure. They really dug deep, interviewing employees, inspecting server configurations, checking technical logs, and even poking around other servers in their setup. In a January 2023 they gave them a thumbs-up, saying they found no signs of any log policy violations. This move shows they are dead serious about keeping your online actions private and has the evidence to back it up. They really do have nothing to hide and this transparency speaks volumes for them as a company.

In conclusion, NordVPN's Virtual Private Network is a top-notch VPN. It's got the speed, the features, and a solid no-logs audit to boot, meaning you get what you pay for. There are a few minor app quirks, but with the recent improvements, NordVPN is a pro-level service that'll keep you safe and happy.

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