Whether you’re simply looking to watch Netflix or have more serious privacy concerns, NordVPN is a fast, user-friendly, and fully-featured virtual private network.
NordVPN remains the best VPN we’ve tested to date. Long celebrated for its robust features, impressive speeds, and vast server network, our latest tests reaffirmed its reputation — arguably more so than ever before.
That said, it’s not without its shortcomings. It’s not the most budget-friendly option we’ve come across, its apps could do with a bit of refinement on platforms like the Fire Stick, and while cybersecurity isn’t its core focus, its antivirus and antimalware features leave something to be desired. Still, none of these minor drawbacks detract from the fact that NordVPN stands out as the leading VPN provider currently on the market.
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While NordVPN’s impressive range of features may not be immediately obvious upon launching the app on any given device, that’s not to say they’re absent. A quick exploration — via the left-hand panel on MacOS and Windows, or the bottom navigation bar on Android and iOS — soon uncovers the extensive suite of tools NordVPN has to offer.
Whether you’re looking to stream overseas Netflix catalogues, dodge throttling, or simply bolster your online privacy, NordVPN is a reliable contender. Its brisk connection speeds easily support 4K streaming, smooth online gaming, and lag-free Zoom calls. The apps are intuitive and straightforward, making them accessible to both privacy newcomers and seasoned users. On top of that, Nord offers advanced privacy tools — including double VPN and Onion over VPN servers — designed to make tracking your online activity significantly more difficult.
While I found Nord’s introductory pricing appealing, its renewal rates — unfortunately in keeping with a widespread trend in the VPN industry — are rather steep, even by comparison with close rivals. There is the option to stack subscriptions to sidestep the pricier auto-renewal, but I’d welcome the kind of clarity in pricing that Nord already brings to its privacy policy. All told, NordVPN largely delivers on its bold claims and remains a strong choice for both streaming fans and privacy purists, though the renewal costs do take the shine off its long-term appeal.
Speed: As fast as you like – and then some
Speed loss: 2% average download reduction
Number of servers: 7,700+
Countries covered: 118
To put NordVPN through its paces, I conducted over 250 internet speed tests — and the results were impressive. Nord delivered a remarkably low average download speed loss of just 2.2%, making it one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested.
It’s worth noting that all VPNs will, to some degree, slow down your internet connection. Think of it like ordering a takeaway: the fewer stops along the way, the quicker it arrives. Routing your internet traffic through a VPN adds a stop — for privacy’s sake — as it masks your public IP address. But with Nord, that added step has barely any noticeable impact.
In 2024, I recorded an industry-leading average speed loss of just 11% across VPNs, and Nord managed to beat that figure convincingly this year. On MacOS, using both OpenVPN and the NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard), I even saw VPN-connected download speeds outperforming my base internet speeds. This anomaly can often be attributed to dodging ISP throttling or Nord’s more efficient server routing compared to standard DNS handling.
Windows performance saw slightly more pronounced slowdowns — 11% with NordLynx and 21% with OpenVPN — though the difference was negligible over a solid Google Fiber Wi-Fi connection. As expected, OpenVPN lagged slightly behind WireGuard in terms of speed, but Nord’s Windows app still held up well.
For context, Netflix recommends a minimum of 15Mbps to stream content in 4K UHD. If your connection clocks in at 50Mbps or higher, you’re unlikely to notice any slowdown with NordVPN — it really does offer top-tier performance.
NORD VPN ：Excellent software compatibility
With an intuitive interface, outstanding streaming capabilities, and broad device compatibility, it stands out across the board.
Using a VPN can sometimes feel like you need a degree in computer science — but fortunately, NordVPN keeps things refreshingly straightforward. Whether you’re new to VPNs or a seasoned privacy enthusiast, Nord’s apps are accessible and easy to get to grips with.
I tested Nord across a wide range of devices, including a Windows PC, MacBook Air, Android phone, iPad, Chromebook, Nvidia Shield TV, Android TV box, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV. Pleasingly, the experience was broadly consistent throughout. The apps feature a clean, modern design that makes connecting to a server and adjusting settings remarkably simple. It’s not quite as stripped-back as ExpressVPN, but it remains easy to navigate. Nord’s signature server map adds a bit more visual flair than you’ll find with Express or Surfshark, but it’s all logically laid out and never overwhelming.
Nord also offers native apps for Apple TV and Windows ARM devices, meaning it’s available on just about anything you’d want to run it on. On streaming-focused platforms like Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, the interface takes a more pared-down approach, swapping out the map for a straightforward list of countries — which works perfectly well for casual browsing or streaming.
As of May 2025, NordVPN has also launched its first Linux GUI app, which is a welcome addition for users less comfortable with the command line. That said, the original CLI app remains available for those who prefer it.
NordVPN’S fast speeds and extensive global server network make it an excellent choice for streaming
NordVPN remains one of the top choices for streaming from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and others. Thanks to its minimal speed loss, it’s a particularly strong option for watching 4K UHD content without interruption. Its vast server network also makes bypassing geo-restrictions remarkably straightforward.
During testing, I had no trouble accessing a range of US-only streaming platforms, including Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. Nord handled them all with ease.
I also successfully unblocked a wide selection of international Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video libraries. I was able to stream M3GAN via Netflix Canada and Star Trek: The Next Generation on Netflix Romania — both of which aren’t available on the US catalogue. Other libraries tested included Netflix UK, Australia, France, Germany, South Africa, Romania, and Japan. The only disappointment was Netflix Egypt, which stubbornly defaulted to US content — if you’re looking to watch Arabic-language exclusives from that region, you may have better luck with Proton VPN or ExpressVPN.
Nord also gave me access to Longlegs on Amazon Prime Video UK, Prey on Disney+ (a Hulu exclusive in the States), Murdoch Mysteries on CBC, and The Jetty on BBC iPlayer. In a couple of cases — Amazon Prime UK and Netflix Japan — I needed to switch servers once, but the issue was quickly resolved.
Whether you’re looking to bypass regional sports blackouts, explore international libraries from home, or keep up with your favourite shows while abroad, NordVPN is a reliable, buffer-free solution. It can even help you save on subscription costs by accessing regional pricing differences.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Despite its ease of use, there may still be times when you need a helping hand — whether it’s installing the app, sorting out billing, or something else entirely. NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support via email and live chat, though there’s no option to phone in. As with many tech services these days, the live chat initially connects you to a bot.
In my case, I asked Nord’s chatbot about subscription renewals, and it returned a clear, detailed answer — including useful guidance on stacking subscriptions to avoid hefty renewal costs. I appreciated both the clarity of the information and the upfront acknowledgement that I was speaking with a bot.
Of course, not every query can be handled by automation, so I simply typed “real person” and was swiftly connected to a live support agent — no faffing about. Pedro (cheers, if you’re reading this) was courteous and knowledgeable, and clearly explained how to upgrade a NordVPN plan partway through a subscription.
If you prefer to tackle things yourself, Nord also offers a wealth of support materials including a blog, help centre and setup guides. I followed their instructions for turning a Windows PC into a VPN hotspot and found the walkthroughs both straightforward and easy to follow.
NordVPN’s user-friendly apps and top-tier ability to unblock streaming services make it a smart choice — whether you’re focused on online privacy or simply want to stream buttery-smooth 4K content from abroad.
SHOULD YOU USE NORDVPN?
NordVPN is an excellent choice for a wide range of users, from privacy-conscious torrenters to streaming enthusiasts and frequent international travellers. Its expansive server network offers plenty of options for reliable connectivity, while a handful of distinctive privacy features stand out. For example, the Tor Over VPN servers simplify using Tor for added anonymity, and Meshnet provides handy tools such as secure file sharing between remote devices and a workaround for streaming services’ password-sharing restrictions.
Despite packing in many advanced features, NordVPN remains accessible and straightforward enough for less technical users. While its one- and two-year plans come with competitive introductory prices, the sharp price increases on renewal were somewhat disappointing — especially given the company’s otherwise transparent approach to privacy and security. This means you’ll need to keep an eye on your subscription to avoid unexpected charges, more so than with providers that maintain consistent pricing.
That said, NordVPN’s speed and suite of privacy tools make it a strong contender, delivering excellent performance whether you’re streaming your favourite shows or prioritising your online security.
NORDVPN FAQS
NordVPN doesn’t currently offer a free trial. However, you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’d like to try the service before committing to a longer subscription.
Yes, NordVPN is currently the best VPN for streaming. In our tests, it effortlessly unblocked a range of services, including Netflix across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and Japan, as well as Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, 9Now, 10Play, and several others.
You can use NordVPN on up to 10 devices at the same time. If you need to connect more devices simultaneously, we’d suggest considering Surfshark, which allows unlimited connections.