NordVPN Review: Are You Really Protected?

With the growing sophistication of data breach attacks and privacy threats, enhancing the relevant security measures is becoming increasingly important to protect sensitive data effectively. Our NordVPN review highlights the abilities of one such VPN that can be a great ally in the process of making the cyber space safer.

But the question remains whether its tall popularity among the best VPN apps is just the glitter on the horizon or a beacon of true reliability and performance. We will find the answer to this question together in this breakdown of NordVPN.

Is NordVPN the real deal or just smoke and mirrors? Check out the rest of NordVPN Review to uncover surprising details!

Background of NordVPN

A group of childhood friends came together and founded NordVPN in 2012. To ensure the safekeeping of users’ data, NordVPN was founded with a strict no-logs policy. Two best friends, Tom Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas, are credited for the launch of this digital security product and currently, NordVPN S.A. is registered as the owner of the product.

Initially, in 2012, NordVPN was launched in the form of Windows Configuration. In 2013, the NordVPN app was officially launched. By 2014, it already had over 10k users and had established 24/7 user support. Fast forward to 2023, as an official NordVPN Survey states, over 33 percent of users are now using its VPN services.

Features of NordVPN

Thousands of Servers to Pick

NordVPN security is now accessible in over 111 countries. There are over 6,000 servers for you to pick from. This feature enhances your internet privacy whether you are looking to access streaming content from other countries or protect your location from cyber stalkers, an extensive range of servers can be great to confuse them.

Dark Web Monitor

NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor keeps an eye on the Dark Web to identify if your data has been leaked and published to be sold. If any of your sensitive information is detected, an automated alert can warn you instantly to help you take proactive steps. It's one of the essential cybersecurity tools for maintaining digital security in an age where data breaches are common.

Dedicated IP

Shared IPs often have cons, such as getting blacklisted from specific websites due to the actions of another user. Dedicated IP, however, can be great to keep your IP safe from such scenarios. The feature is great for personal as well as professional use cases where having a dedicated IP address can be helpful.

Obfuscated Servers

Such servers are known for hiding the fact that you are using a VPN. You can use NordVPN security features even in an environment where digital restrictions are tight. These servers can be great for countries that have strict regulations for internet use cases. This technology is vital for journalists, activists, and others who need to bypass censorship without being detected.

Double VPN

Having a double server is better than having one server to connect. Double VPN has multiple benefits, such as having two layers of encryption, difficult interceptions as hackers will require breaking into two separate servers, and hard to track. The feature is great for high-risk environments where data is precious.

Split Tunneling

So, VPN tunneling basically divides your traffic into two parts. One part of the traffic goes through a VPN tunnel, and the other part goes directly to the server. You have the option of selecting the apps manually to bypass the split tunneling feature. Apps that you have not selected while the feature is enabled will be connected to the internet through a VPN tunnel designed to hide your IP address.

How to Use NordVPN Extension?

Using NordVPN on the web is easy; you just need to install an extension. Here are the detailed steps you can follow and start using NordVPN security features.

Step 1: Find NordVPN on the Chrome Extension Store

Step 2: Add an extension to your browser

Step 3: Wait for the confirmation

Step 4: Click on the Signup if you are new

Step 5: Once signed up, use “Quick Connect” to find a server faster. Once connected, “NOT CONNECTED” will change to “PROTECTED.” Use the “Search” option to pick a location manually.

Step 6: Settings can help you review subscription status, make changes to the UI, change languages, export import tunneling settings, and more.

Step 7: Use the “Notifications” to stay in the loop with any possible news and updates regarding the VPN.

How to Use NordVPN Using Windows Tool?

Download the NordVPN installer from the Official Website

Step 1: Start the installation process and click on the Next button

Step 2: Select whether you want to install the NordVPN Chrome extension as well or not

Step 3: Once installed, Launch the VPN

Step 4: Now you will need to create an account

Step 5: But before that, you can also pick your preferred language if you like

Step 6: To unlock NordVPN features, you will need to subscribe to a plan. The cost might vary based on your location, when you are signing up, etc.

How to Use NordVPN on a Smartphone?

Step 1: Start with downloading the app from App Stores

Step 2: Create an account

Step 3: Connect your Google or Apple account for faster sign up or enter the email address manually

Step 4: Once signed up, tap on the “Continue” button on the “Can we notify you?” screen. Allow notifications from the next screen.

Step 5: The next screen will ask you to subscribe to a plan

Step 6: Once selected, click on the blue button, and the app store payment screen will appear.

Step 7: Once you are in, you will see a net of servers to choose from. This is a paid feature. It will enable VPN services on your smartphone.

Step 8: Meshnet, on the other hand, is a free feature that you can use to connect two devices for data transfer. You will have to allow NordVPN to create a VPN server to use this feature.

Step 9: You can use other features, such as Notifications, to keep up with new cyber threats, app updates, etc. In Profile, you will find General Settings, Split tunneling, DNS, Local Network Discovery, Unsafe Wi-Fi Detection, etc.

How much does NordVPN cost?

The NordVPN subscription costs vary depending on the tenure you subscribe to. If you go for a 2-year plan, you get additional perks such as 31-day money back guarantee. This can help you get refund if you do not like the feature. However, NordVPN deals change occasionally. 

It is ideal to keep an eye on the official website for great NordVPN promo codes and deals if you are not in a hurry. Additionally, the plan also reduces the cost of selected NordVPN pricing packages to a minimum.

NordVPN App Technical Specifications

• Are the NordVPN browser extensions good?

  NordVPN extensions for browsers such as Chrome provide essential VPN features that are also easily accessible, easy to use, and enhance privacy and online protection.

• Can NordVPN unblock Netflix and other streaming sites?

  As reviews by users and critics suggest, NordVPN unblocked sites such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other major streaming sites including torrents as well.

• Does NordVPN support torrents?

  Yes, NordVPN can help you unlock torrent sites and support peer-to-peer connections for faster downloading.

• How does NordVPN work?

  NordVPN routes your internet traffic through its secure servers, encrypting data and masking your IP address to protect your online activities from prying eyes. By connecting to servers in various countries, it also helps bypass geo-restrictions. 

  With robust AES-256 encryption and features like Double VPN, NordVPN provides comprehensive protection, keeping your identity, location, and data secure and private.

• How easy is it to set up NordVPN apps?

  Setting up NordVPN apps on smartphones is quite easy, just install, sign up, subscribe, and start using the app. You can follow usual steps to install NordVPN on Android, iOS, and other such smartphones.

• How good is NordVPN's Android app?

  NordVPN’s Android app offers excellent security features. However, it requires a paid subscription to use the VPN except the Meshnet feature which enables using another device to change the IP address.

• How good is NordVPN's iOS app?

  NordVPN’s iOS app offers an excellent user interface. The encryption standard of the app is also of the highest quality and is equipped with extensive set of features.

• How good is NordVPN's Mac app?

  NordVPN's Mac app is highly rated, offering a clean interface, excellent security features, and seamless performance, making it a top choice for macOS users.

• Is NordVPN legit?

  The VPN was launched in 2012 and is headquartered in Panama. The company offers its stunning features across 111 countries at least. You can also verify Nord Security's corporate identity on corporate databases.

• Is NordVPN safe?

  Yes, NordVPN applies a strict no-logs policy and offers AES-256 encryption, so the tool is reliable and safe for multiple use cases, whether personal or professional.

• Is NordVPN's Windows app good?

  Yes, NordVPN's Windows app is highly regarded for its intuitive interface, extensive features, and strong security, offering a reliable and seamless VPN experience.