In this review we talk to you about NordVPN, one of the most famous VPNs around and also one of the best. After trying it for about 2 weeks several thousand kilometers from Italy, we’ll tell you what we think!
NordVPN certainly doesn’t need much introduction. It is one of the most famous VPNs available on the market, with an audience of over 14 million users. You can certainly find dozens of reviews of this product on the web. Why is ours different? We went to the other side of the world – specifically to Japan – and used it for about 2 weeks. In fact, a VPN is especially useful when traveling. And it’s also the best way to stress the network a little. Let’s see what comes out of our NordVPN review!
Graphical interface and usage specifications | NordVPN review
We tested NordVPN on both mobile and desktop. In both cases the graphical interface seemed absolutely excellent: simple, intuitive and pleasing to the eye. To use our VPN in a simple way it will be enough to search for the country where we want to connect – in practice our devices will then appear connected from that country – and wait a few seconds for the connection. Nothing more! In any case, accessing other features such as Double VPN, dedicated IP, Meshnet and more is equally simple. Simply choose the correct tab from the menu on the side – or below in the mobile version. Also very useful history bar which allows us to quickly access the services we have used most recently so that we don’t have to search for them every time.
But how many devices can we protect? Our account allows us to connect up to 6 devices, however if we are connected to the same server we will have to use different VPN protocols (up to 5 available) or change servers. Given that NordVPN has over 5000 servers in 59 countries (just under 50 for each country therefore) this shouldn’t be a problem.
How does it work? | NordVPN review
This section is probably the most interesting one in which we will evaluate the performance of NordVPN from a technical and experiential point of view. We remind you that the tests were carried out from Japan, connected to servers in Italy. Exclusive technology NordLynx it essentially does two things. It first encrypts the data and encapsulates it in anonymous packets that arrive at the NordVPN server chosen previously. Here the packets are deciphered, reconstructed and sent to the destination, anonymously, as if they had left from the server itself. So what you put in your packets cannot be intercepted on the way to the server and when it leaves it cannot be traced back to you.
Performance
There are two things to consider first: stability and speed from our VPN. Our basic connection (without connecting to the VPN server) offers around 200 Mbps download and around 60 Mbps upload. By accessing an Italian NordVPN server instead, we drop to around 50 Mbps in download and around 10 in upload. A big leap, but we have enough bandwidth to do everything we want, from online meetings to watching TV series. Much of the decline is probably due to the geographical distance between Italy and Japan. In fact, by choosing a Japanese server we will have around 130 Mbps in download and around 20 in upload. There is always a bit of overhead, but the result is that we will have a safe network to use and above all we will be able to access content that is not available in the country we are in. A simple case is that of Netflix which in Japan obviously offers different content and without the Italian language. Using NordVPN we were able to access all content without any problems.
The connection is remained stable throughout the entire time of use which varied between approximately 30 and 60 minutes, even for streaming high resolution content. From this point of view we can therefore be satisfied!
Additional features
NordVPN not only offers the ability to use a virtual private network, but there are several advantages to using this provider. Let’s see some:
- Double VPN: Allows you to route traffic through two VPN servers, making it even more difficult to intercept and track traffic.
- Obfuscated servea: This way you won’t be able to tell that you’re using a VPN. In fact, in some countries they are not welcome or even illegal.
- Onion over VPN: Allows you to access the Tor network from within your VPN so you can stay protected.
- Dedicated IP: allows you to have an IP especially for you and not shared with others so you can exploit all the resources in an exclusive way
And others too. However, all of the above remain within the world of VPNs. But we have many other useful features. For example Threat Protection which will provide us with real-time protection against cyber attacks and our privacy. It essentially works as a kind of antivirus that monitors and blocks potentially dangerous websites, stops tracking, blocks dangerous or invasive ads, and protects against infected files. Another very interesting feature is Meshnet. In essence, it will be possible to create a simulated local network between devices spread across the world and securely connected via NordVPN technology. What does it mean? Easy: we can organize LAN parties with friends remotely or work on shared projects or even connect to PCs and files remotely. Finally last, but not least: Dark Web Monitor. This useful function allows us to obtain alerts if our personal data is somehow spread on the dark web. In fact, every day millions of data are poured into the illegal trading markets of the dark web. Only flaw? Not all features are available on both desktop and mobile.
Price and conclusions
So let’s get to the point: are we satisfied with NordVPN? Yes. It allowed us to use our devices as if we were in Italy. The price of the subscription is 6.79 euros per month for one year for the complete protection package with all the features we saw in our NordVPN review. The standard and Plus packages, however, are expensive 4.49 euros per month e 5.49 euros per month for a one-year subscription respectively.
But, on the occasion of Black Friday, we will have lots of discounts available! In particular, by accessing this link you will have the opportunity to have 3 months completely free on the two-year plans. Here’s what you’ll spend:
- The Standard 2 year plan will cost €2.99 per month.
- The 2 year Plus plan will cost €3.99 per month.
- The 2 year Comprehensive plan will cost €5.29 per month.
Not bad right? But is it worth choosing a paid VPN when there are so many free ones? The answer is yes, especially if you travel a lot or work with sensitive content. In fact, a paid product like NordVPN not only offers significantly superior performance and stability, but also offers a series of additional protection and productivity features. And the price isn’t that high!
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Can you find better?
Points in favor
- Simple and intuitive
- Top performance and stability
- Up to 6 connectable devices
- Great additional features…
Points against
- …but not 100% available on mobile