Our NordVPN review
This editorial review assesses NordVPN from its public specs, published independent audits and the documented behaviour of the technology - cross-checked with community feedback. Here's what works, what's annoying, and who should pick it.
Verdict in one line
NordVPN remains our #1 pick for most use cases: rock-solid streaming, documented DNS/WebRTC leak protection, strong WireGuard (NordLynx) performance. Downside: mobile UI still needs work.
What won us over
- Documented DNS, IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection (verify it with our leak-test tool)
- Strong reputation for unblocking Netflix US, BBC iPlayer and Disney+
- WireGuard (NordLynx) known for limiting speed loss
- Threat Protection (DNS-level anti-malware) included at no extra cost
- No-logs policy audited by an independent firm (Deloitte / PwC depending on the year)
What could be better
- Android app: UX still trails ExpressVPN
- No exportable WireGuard config (NordLynx is closed)
- High month-to-month price (~12 €/month without commitment)
The 14 criteria, assessed
Every criterion is scored out of 5. These are editorial assessments based on public specs, independent audits and consensus - not in-house measurements. The "Assessment" column sums up our qualitative take.
| Criterion | Assessment | Score |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard speed (NordLynx) | Low speed loss, widely reported | 4.5 |
| OpenVPN speed | Higher loss than WireGuard (heavier protocol) | 3.5 |
| Added latency (EU servers) | Low on a nearby server | 4.5 |
| DNS leaks | Documented DNS protection; verify with our leak-test tool | 5 |
| WebRTC / IPv6 leaks | Documented protection; check on the browser side | 5 |
| Netflix US | Reputed reliable unblocking | 4.5 |
| BBC iPlayer | Generally unblocked | 4 |
| Disney+ | Reputed reliable unblocking | 4.5 |
| Torrent / P2P | Documented dedicated P2P servers | 4.5 |
| Kill switch | System-wide and per-app kill switch offered | 5 |
| Desktop apps | Win / macOS / Linux supported | 4.5 |
| Mobile app | Android UX still trails | 3.5 |
| Support | 24/7 chat advertised | 4.5 |
| Price & transparency | Attractive commitment price, pricier renewal | 3.5 |
Speed: what to understand
A VPN's speed depends mostly on the distance to the server and the protocol used. On WireGuard (NordLynx), a nearby server loses little throughput; a transatlantic or Asia hop loses more, due to physical latency. Here's the expected order of magnitude:
| Server type | Protocol | Speed loss | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearby server (same country / EU) | WireGuard (NordLynx) | Low | Low |
| Neighbouring European server | WireGuard (NordLynx) | Low to moderate | Low to moderate |
| Transatlantic (North America) | WireGuard (NordLynx) | Moderate | High |
| Asia / long distance | WireGuard (NordLynx) | Higher | Higher |
| Any server | OpenVPN | Higher than WireGuard | Higher |
Speed loss grows with distance - that's physics, not a NordVPN quirk. To check on your own line, measure before and after connecting with a speed test.
What about your use case?
Streaming
ExcellentNetflix US, iPlayer and Disney+ are reputed to unblock reliably. When a server gets blocked, switching usually fixes it quickly.
Torrent / P2P
Very goodDedicated P2P servers and a reliable kill switch. WireGuard (NordLynx) is known for sustaining throughput.
Travel & censorship
GoodObfuscated servers are designed to get through restrictive networks. Install and connect before you leave.
Gaming
GoodOn a nearby server, added latency stays low. Just avoid intercontinental servers for multiplayer.
How we assessed it
This review is an editorial analysis: reading the provider's public specs, published independent audits (no-logs policy), official policies, and the documented behaviour of the technology (WireGuard/NordLynx, kill switch, obfuscation), cross-checked with community consensus. You can verify leaks yourself with our test tool.
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Sources & references
To dig deeper, here are the technical and institutional references we routinely consult.