NordVPN Review - Pros, Cons and Features

Online security and privacy have become a major concern for internet users. With the increase in cyber-attacks and data breaches, it has become more important than ever to protect personal information while browsing the internet.

NordVPN is a digital product that offers a solution to this problem by providing online security, privacy, and freedom to users. In this blog post, we will discuss the various features and benefits of NordVPN, including its origin and how it works.

• What is NordVPN

• What is a VPN

• Kill Switch

• Double VPN

• CyberSec

• Onion Over VPN

• Automatic Kill Switch

• No-Logs Policy

• DNS Leak Protection

• Military-Grade Encryption

• Dedicated IP

• Ad Blocker

• Obfuscated Servers

• Split Tunneling

• Pros & Cons

• Before Making a Decision

What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider based in Panama. It was founded in 2012 by four childhood friends who wanted to create a secure and private way to browse the internet. NordVPN is known for its advanced security features, high-speed connection, and vast network of servers located in over 60 countries worldwide. The VPN service encrypts user data and hides the IP address, providing users with anonymity and privacy while browsing the internet.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that allows you to create a secure and private connection to the internet. It works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server, which masks your IP address and location, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. Essentially, a VPN acts as a tunnel between your device and the internet, keeping your online activities safe from prying eyes. VPNs are becoming increasingly popular as more people become aware of the importance of online privacy and security.

With a VPN, you can browse the internet safely and securely, even when using public Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, VPNs can also help you bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. Overall, a VPN is an essential tool for anyone who values their online privacy and security.

With that said, let's go over some of NordVPN's features and get to know them.

Kill Switch

The Kill Switch feature is one of the most important features of NordVPN. It is designed to protect user data in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

In such cases, the Kill Switch immediately cuts off the internet connection, preventing any data from being leaked. The Kill Switch feature is essential for users who want to protect their data from being compromised, especially while using public Wi-Fi networks.

Double VPN

The Double VPN feature is another unique feature of NordVPN. It encrypts user data twice, providing an extra layer of security.

This means that the data is first encrypted on the user's device and then again on NordVPN's server, making it nearly impossible for anyone to intercept and decrypt the data. The Double VPN feature is particularly useful for users who handle sensitive information online, such as journalists, activists, and researchers.

CyberSec

The CyberSec feature is designed to protect users from malware and other online threats. It blocks suspicious websites and ads, preventing users from being exposed to harmful content.

It also protects against phishing scams and other cyber attacks. CyberSec is an excellent feature for users who want to browse the internet safely and avoid being tricked into downloading malicious software.

Onion Over VPN

The Onion Over VPN feature is designed to provide users with maximum online privacy. It routes user data through NordVPN's servers and then through the Tor network, providing an additional layer of encryption and anonymity.

This feature is particularly useful for users who want to access the dark web or other restricted websites without being traced.

Automatic Kill Switch

The Automatic Kill Switch feature is designed to protect user data at all times. It automatically cuts off the internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data from being leaked.

This feature is particularly useful for users who want to ensure that their data is always protected, even when they are not actively monitoring the VPN connection.

No-Logs Policy

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any user data.

This policy ensures that user data is not collected or monitored, providing users with complete privacy and anonymity. The no-logs policy is an essential feature for users who want to ensure that their data is not being tracked or monitored by anyone.

DNS Leak Protection

The DNS Leak Protection feature is designed to prevent any data leaks from occurring. It ensures that user data is not leaked through DNS requests, providing an extra layer of protection.

This feature is particularly useful for users who want to ensure that their data is not being leaked, even if the VPN connection drops.

Military-Grade Encryption

NordVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect user data. This means that user data is encrypted using AES-256-bit encryption, which is considered one of the most secure encryption methods. This feature is essential for users who handle sensitive information and want to ensure that their data is protected at all times.

Dedicated IP

NordVPN also offers a Dedicated IP feature, which allows users to have a static IP address. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require a specific IP address to access their networks or servers. It also ensures that the IP address is not shared with anyone else, providing users with additional security.

Ad Blocker

The Ad Blocker feature is designed to block ads and other annoying content while browsing the internet. This feature provides a more pleasant browsing experience and also protects users from potentially harmful ads. The Ad Blocker feature is an excellent addition for users who want to avoid being bombarded with ads while browsing the internet.

Obfuscated Servers

The Obfuscated Servers feature is designed to provide additional privacy and security for users who live in countries with strict internet censorship laws. It disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for anyone to detect that a VPN connection is being used. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to access restricted content in countries where the internet is heavily censored.

Split Tunneling

The Split Tunneling feature allows users to select which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which do not. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to access local content or use apps that are only available in their country. It also ensures that the VPN connection does not slow down other internet activities, such as online gaming or video streaming.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy

• Military-grade encryption to keep your online activities secure

• Vast network of servers in over 60 countries

• Additional features such as Dedicated IP, Ad Blocker, Obfuscated Servers, and Split Tunneling for customization options

• 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and support tickets

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to other VPN services

• The desktop app can be a bit slow to load and connect

• The mobile app may drain your battery faster than usual

• The Windows app can sometimes interfere with other programs

• Some features are only available on specific devices or platforms

Get started with NordVPN ➜

Before Making a Decision

Let's go over some competitors to make sure you cover all that is out there, before making a decision.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a VPN service provider based in the British Virgin Islands. It offers similar features to NordVPN, including military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a Kill Switch. ExpressVPN also has a vast network of servers located in over 90 countries. However, it is more expensive than NordVPN and does not offer some of the unique features that NordVPN provides.

Pros

• Large server network

• High-speed connections

• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Expensive compared to other VPN services

• No Double VPN feature

• Limited customization options

Get started with ExpressVPN ➜

Surfshark

Surfshark is a newer VPN service provider based in the British Virgin Islands. It offers many of the same features as NordVPN, including a Kill Switch, a no-logs policy, and military-grade encryption. Surfshark also offers unlimited device connections, making it an excellent option for families or businesses. However, it has a smaller server network than NordVPN and does not offer some of the unique features that NordVPN provides.

Pros

• Unlimited device connections

• Affordable pricing

• High-speed connections

Cons

• Smaller server network

• Limited customization options

• No Dedicated IP feature

Get started with Surfshark ➜

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a VPN service provider based in Romania. It offers similar features to NordVPN, including military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a Kill Switch. CyberGhost also has a vast network of servers located in over 90 countries. However, it is more expensive than NordVPN and does not offer some of the unique features that NordVPN provides.

Pros

• Large server network

• Easy-to-use interface

• High-speed connections

Cons

• Expensive compared to other VPN services

• Limited customization options

• No Double VPN feature

Get started with CyberGhost ➜

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN service provider based in the United States. It offers similar features to NordVPN, including a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and military-grade encryption. PIA also offers a dedicated IP address feature and has a vast network of servers located in over 78 countries. However, it has a more complicated interface compared to NordVPN and has had some privacy concerns in the past.

Pros

• Dedicated IP feature

• Large server network

• Affordable pricing

Cons

• Complicated interface

• Has had privacy concerns in the past

• Limited customer support options

Get started with Private Internet Access ➜

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a VPN service provider based in Switzerland. It offers similar features to NordVPN, including a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and military-grade encryption. ProtonVPN also offers a unique Secure Core feature that routes traffic through multiple servers, providing additional security. However, ProtonVPN is more expensive than NordVPN and has a smaller server network.

Pros

• Secure Core feature

• Easy-to-use interface

• High-speed connections

Cons

• Expensive compared to other VPN services

• Smaller server network

• Limited customization options

Get started with ProtonVPN ➜

Choosing the right VPN service provider can be challenging, as there are many options available. NordVPN offers a comprehensive solution for online security and privacy with its advanced features, strict no-logs policy, and military-grade encryption. It also provides additional features, such as Dedicated IP, Ad Blocker, Obfuscated Servers, and Split Tunneling, which provide users with flexibility and customization options.

ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and ProtonVPN are all viable alternatives to NordVPN. Each of these VPN service providers offers similar features, such as a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and military-grade encryption. However, they also have their unique features, pricing, and limitations.

When choosing a VPN service provider, it is important to consider your specific needs, such as the number of devices you will be connecting, the location of the servers, and the features that are most important to you. By doing your research and comparing the different options, you can find a VPN service provider that meets your needs and provides you with the online security and privacy you need.

Final Thoughts

NordVPN offers a comprehensive solution for online security and privacy. Its advanced features, such as the Kill Switch, Double VPN, CyberSec, and Onion Over VPN, provide users with complete anonymity and protection from online threats. Its strict no-logs policy and military-grade encryption ensure that user data is always protected.

NordVPN also offers additional features, such as Dedicated IP, Ad Blocker, Obfuscated Servers, and Split Tunneling, which provide users with flexibility and customization options. Overall, NordVPN is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to browse the internet safely and securely.

The VPN space is growing and evolving, helping us secure our data in the best way nowadays. Much like anything, technology evolves and changes, and some ideas have already risen about VPN services on the blockchain, and a decentralized form of this service that could potentially grant even more levels of protection.

Go check out what consumers rated and reviewed NordVPN on Digital Products. Feel free to share your opinions as well!