Based in Panama and operated by Tefinkom co S.A, NordVPN has gained popularity thanks to its solid performance, user-friendly setup and no logs policy. This VPN solution is designed to suit new users as well as those who have previous experience with this technology. Offering a VPN service that is easy to use is one of the most appealing aspects of NordVPN and it is what makes this provider an ideal choice for those who are just starting in the world of VPNs. Here is more information that will help you to decide if NordVPN is the right option for you.
Getting Started
As previously mentioned, NordVPN is recognized for its commitment to making things simple for customers, particularly those who are just starting to discover what VPNs can do. The software doesnt require installation, which means that you only need to download it and you can start using the service straight away. Once NordVPN is running, you can select the server that suits your needs with the help of a ping-o meter and additional helpful tools. It is also possible to set auto connect, automatic startup and other practical connection options. NordVPN is compatible with Mac OS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. There are detailed tutorials to configure the VPN in a variety of platforms and devices. They even offer a convenient tutorial that will allow customers in China to set up VPN access there.
Security and Speed
You can enjoy a high level of protection when you connect to internet using NordVPN. The main protocols are supported and each of them is designed to keep your information encrypted. However, it is important to keep in mind that OpenVPN is the only option that you should consider when security is your main concern. In Open VPN, NordVPN supports 2048-bit SSL encryption, while L2TP/IPsec comes with AES-256 encryption and PPTP offers MPPE-128 encryption. Additionally, NordVPN offers DoubleVPN, a solution that can enhance the privacy of your connection even more. When you use DoubleVPN, your data is encrypted twice using AES-256-CBC before it reaches internet.
Tor over VPN server is another option that will suit those who value privacy above all other aspects. When you choose Tor over VPN server, your data is encrypted before going through one of NordVPNs servers and then sent to Tor. The solution is easy to configure and it is a great way to improve the level of protection to your privacy. The encrypted data is sent through a limited amount of Tor nodes before reaching its destination. The main downside of Tor over VPN server is that the speed loss is considerable and you may also need to keep connecting and disconnecting a few times until you find a node that is not blocked. While it may not be the best solution for streaming or gaming, Tor over VPN server is ideal for guaranteeing your anonymity online.
Since NordVPN operates from Panama, where mandatory data retention laws are not imposed, the provider can guarantee that your information will not be intercepted or logged. Their strict no log policy ensures that there is no information kept about your usage of the service. They dont monitor of your browsing history, your data transfers or connection logs. When it comes to speed, the service is generally good but the performance is inconsistent across the network. Some servers offer impressive results, while others dont work as expected. Thankfully, NordVPN offers a comprehensive server status report and their interface offers effective tools that will help you to choose the right server.
Features
Although NordVPN is easy to set up and to use, it also supports a strong selection of advanced features that will be welcomed by users who are looking for more than standard VPN functionality. They offer automatic kill switch technology that is crucial to keep your privacy and anonymity intact. If the VPN connection drops out, the kill switch will close any site of software that you have previously specified. The DNS leak resolver is another option designed to protect your data as it maintains your DNS queries secure. If you are looking for a way to improve the speed of your connection when you are streaming content, consider Ultra Fast TV, a solution that gives you access to fast servers in the US, the UK and Canada.
Since NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections, you can enjoy a secure and versatile internet experience at home or on the go. In addition, NordVPN supports a great selection of free security tools that suit different purposes. There is a service known as Secret Notes, which allows users to send encrypted messages that delete themselves. The Encrypted chat gives you the possibility of holding secure group chats with up to 5 people. The YouTube proxy is a perfect option to watch YouTube videos even if they are not available in your country. There is also a special proxy extension for Chrome and a free web proxy for convenient browsing.
Plans
If you subscribe to NordVPN for one month, the price to pay is $8. To save more, you can choose a Standard plan which costs $30 for six months ( $5 per month) or a one year plan that costs $48, making the monthly price just $4. All plans come with 30-days money back guarantee and they accept Bitcoin as a method of payment.
Servers
Currently, NordVPN has over 450 servers located in more than 30 countries including Estonia, South Africa, Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong, Brazil and Poland. P2P is allowed and while the list of locations is not as extensive as what other providers offer, it is enough to ensure that all customers can access internet fast and conveniently.
Customer Support
NordVPNs website has an extensive list of guides and tutorials, as well as a comprehensive FAQ section. The customer support team can be contacted via live chat, email and webform. While the service is not impressively fast, you wont experience major delays to get a response. They generally get to the point and provide the information requested in a simple manner.
Conclusion
NordVPN provides an affordable, easy to use and fast service that will keep your information secure and private. Their list of features includes a good set of options that will enable you to maintain the security of your data, while accessing your favorite websites and applications without restrictions. Although the service is not the cheapest and the list of server locations is not as wide as what you can get with other providers, the fact that NordVPN doesnt keep any logs, will appeal to anyone who wants complete protection for their privacy.
