NordVPN Review 2023: Is this VPN Service Worth the Hype?

The widespread acclaim for NordVPN is sufficient evidence that you shouldn’t ignore it; reviewers praise the platform’s quick downloads, built-in security features, media playback (including streaming and torrenting), and web browsing features.

In 2023, NordVPN is among the best virtual private networks (VPNs). The Panama-based VPN service uses its own NordLynx tunneling protocol to guarantee lightning-fast connections. There is unbreakable encryption and a no-logs policy that has been verified externally for maximum privacy. User-friendly and packed to the gills with extras like the free Meshnet, NordVPN is a great option for both new and seasoned consumers.

However, NordVPN does have a few recognized flaws and glitches which sometimes arise after software updates and might leave users suspicious.

However, let’s get into the details of this NordVPN Review to find out how well it works for beginners and experts alike. Is NordVPN safe to use? How does it fare when used for downloading and streaming content? Read on to find out the answer.

NordVPN Review 2023: An Overview

Virtual Private Network or VPN is a kind of network technology that helps to secure a private network over the Internet or any other public network. VPN technology plays a critical role as it provides security and privacy to your data and saves it from hackers. NordVPN solution creates a passage between your PC and server to send the data securely and safely.

This encrypted passage or tunnel protects your information from the malicious operators present online. It also saves you from phishing and visiting bogus web pages created for accessing your information for malicious reasons.

VPN has the capability to safeguard your network from malware and various surveillance. It also stops ISP from collecting your data to sell it to advertisers.

Today, we are going to talk about the different aspects of NordVPN in this review. One of the most exciting parts about NordVPN is that it has a feature named Smart Play, which allows you to watch US Netflix. NordVPN has a technology that manipulates Netflix into thinking that you are located in the US and irrespective of your location, you can use this facility.

Not only Netflix, but it also allows you to use BitTorrent if you are connected via the accepted territory or country. Selection of an approved location is a very simple process. You just need to open the interface, which provides an option to select one of the 51 regions from the given listing. It will quickly connect you to the bit torrent.

If you have a technical background, you can even select the server from the list of servers connected. This will also give you the details such as which servers are busy along with their response time. Hence, you can select the fastest or an available server from your place.

Along with all this information, you can also select a particular server that is dedicated to a specific function, from the server detail list. For Example, it will show you which service is appropriate for TV streaming, etc.

There are Anti-DDoS servers also available, which are developed with the technology that they will continue to work even if the network is infected or attacked. You also have an alternative to choose the dual VPN connection, which provides two encrypted passages for your traffic or data instead of a single encrypted tunnel. This dual solution makes it tougher for anyone to know the inception of your traffic. It is a vital feature for many people who want to secure their privacy.

Kill switch

The Internet Kill Switch will immediately stop all Internet access if the client finds that you are not connected to a virtual private network (VPN).

For instance, let’s assume you’re using a VPN to download torrents and you don’t want any of the P2P traffic to go straight via your ISP. The App Kill Switch just affects that one specific program. This would be prevented by the app kill switch. The program would be forced to shut down if the BitTorrent client had an app kill switch, preventing data leakage.

The system-wide kill switch is already built into iOS and macOS apps that are downloaded from the App Store. Additionally, this switch is on by default. If your VPN connection drops, your session will end right away even though you won’t notice a warning sign. Both Windows and macOS (when utilizing the sideloading app) allow you to customize the kill switch per app. On Linux and Android, a death switch that affects the entire system can only be turned on.

It wouldn’t hurt if they handled their features with greater consistency. Having said that, you are given a functional kill switch as a user that is applicable to the entire system, irrespective of the platform. If you want to be really exact, you can even configure it for certain programs on some. That alone is a noteworthy technological achievement, especially in light of the fact that platforms like iOS only very sometimes get these functions added.

Encryption

You can connect to any server that is a part of their network once you have signed up for a NordVPN account and installed their client software. Your communication cannot be read by anyone watching it from outside because this connection is encrypted. This is achieved by NordVPN using the AES-256-CBC cipher, which is currently regarded as the industry standard for VPNs. Additionally, NordLynx uses the ChaCha20 protocol, so you may be even more confident in your anonymity and security.

Following a successful application of the SHA-512 hash function, you will be given access to the server. Your login information will be converted into 512 binary integers, which are incomprehensible blobs of information to others. These are then contrasted with the cryptographic hashes that were produced and kept on their systems while you were making your account. You’ll be granted access if the two sets of hashes match.

This hash truly meets or exceeds the standards set by the VPN industry. Many rival VPN service providers employ SHA-256. As a result, NordVPN is truly going beyond what is practical in this circumstance. The SHA-512 function is more secure, offering consumers much better security, and is harder to crack for unauthorized users.

NordVPN Mobile Application

NordVPN mobile app when opens, shows a world map with exit nodes locations present worldwide. If you tap on a particular exit node, you will get connected through the location that this node represents. However, it is not s simple as it seems. The world map present has no labels on the exit node pins, and it is jam-packed with such nodes.

Hence, if you want to connect to a particular country, it will take you a while as it needs some hits and trials. Since it is hard to handle and involves a considerable amount of time to get the desired results, you end up using the conventional method of selection from the listing of countries to get connected instead of using this difficult-to-use map thing. By using the location listing, it is easy to create shortcuts to get connected to your preferred servers.

Other than the dubious world map links, the mobile app is quite useful. The application is user-friendly and can be installed quickly. Whenever you open the app on your mobile, it will connect you through the preferred server or location automatically. It also presents you with the option to choose TCP over UDP, which provides a more secure and stable connection. TCP connectivity may be more time-consuming, but it is a safer option.

The Smart-Play feature has been introduced in the interface of the mobile app also. This can be triggered with a single click and lets you watch US Netflix along with many other locked services for that particular location.

Nord VPN Connectivity

The connectivity provided by NordVPN is of little concern. We observed that the speed could be slow at times, and the bandwidth also stumbled while we tried the connection through the US. We recommend you take a wise decision based on your needs when it comes to speed and bandwidth.

NordVPN Features

NordVPN supports various platforms such as Linux, Windows as well as MacOS. We have tested NordVPN iPhone and Android apps both. The mobile client on these phones enables anyone to buy the entire subscription from their individual application stores. A few routers can also be installed to connect through NordVPN so that you can provide connectivity to all your required devices present in your network.

NordVPN Pricing

NordVPN has three payment plans to offer to its clients. These payment plans are based on monthly, half-yearly, and annual subscriptions. Charges for the monthly plan are $3.99 a month, $5.29 a month, and $6.69 a month, There are various payment options provided by the company that includes credit cards, PayPal, Webmoney as well as Bitcoin.

Payment through Bitcoin is a favorite mode of payment for many people who want to keep their financial details discreet. People, who opt for monthly subscription plans end up paying more, almost double the amount as compared to yearly prices. Besides, there is unlimited subscription recurrence, which can create a problem for clients who want to discontinue.

The NordVPN Company offers a money-back guarantee of 30 days, in case the service is not active. There is no refund for clients who dislike the solution or are not happy with the services provided.

Although for a trial NordVPN offers three days of Free Trial. However, it is a little complicated process. Though it has been years since the company is providing free trials to its customers, it is not easily accessible.

Nord VPN Pros & Cons

Pros

• NordVPN is a user-friendly application, which is easy to install.
• It is a very secure VPN service.
• It provides a vast range of server options that include a variety of ultra-secure to ultra-fast servers.
• It offers various data centers.
• NordVPN also offers P2P networking.
• You can have a maximum of six connections at the same time.
• It is compatible with all the leading OS.
• NordVPN supports various platforms besides mobiles and computers.
• It supports various payment options including Bitcoin.

Cons

• NordVPN is comparatively a slow service.
• It does not have the capability to prevent ad trackers.

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FAQs about NordVPN Review

Conclusion: NordVPN Review 2023 – Should You for it?

NordVPN is the best virtual private network (VPN) available since it flawlessly combines speed, functionality, and security. It uses the robust AES-256 encryption standard, the newest NordLynx protocol, and claims to have undergone an independent audit. It’s useful for streaming Netflix, but it also makes the Internet accessible to people in nations with Internet censorship.

You get a lot of functionality for your money with a VPN, in terms of capability. For Windows and Android users, the best clients will be made available. However, there are other alluring benefits offered to users of Apple devices. Regardless of the platform you select, your smartphone won’t feel left out in the least.

I heartily endorse this virtual private network (VPN) service. Whatever your motivation for needing a virtual private network (VPN), you can be sure that NordVPN will meet your needs.