NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services available worldwide. It is used by more than 8 million users but a lot of rumors going around the web have left the users concerned. The users have been asking- “Is NordVPN safe to use or not?” If you are looking for a proper answer to this question, this post is specifically written for you.
Here, I will present a detailed security review of NordVPN that will help you to figure out if it is safe or not. Additionally, we’ll also take a look if the services and security provided by NordVPN are worth the money.
Overview: NordVPN
NordVPN is a well-known virtual private network (VPN) Service Provider. This fast, secure, and simple to use VPN works with PC (Windows, Mac, and Linux) as well as with mobile (Android & iOS). It uses a 256-bit AES encryption and OpenVPN tunneling protocol by default to protect your transferred data. It has more than 5600+ servers in over 60 countries worldwide.
NordVPN is especially popular for unblocking Netflix and other streaming services, gaming, torrenting, and P2P support. It also follows strict no-logs policy and operates out of the ‘privacy heaven, Panama.’ Their pricing plans start from $3.49 to $11.95 per month depending upon the subscription you choose. The longer subscription you opt for and the better prices you’ll get.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Let’s take a look at these NordVPN pros and cons to understand it deeply.
Pros of NordVPN:
- Easy to operate and understand.
- Provides Industry Standard 256-bit AES encryption.
- Wide server network in a lot of countries.
- Offers great connection speed constantly.
- Unblocks Netflix on 90% servers.
- Torrenting and P2P support.
- Built-in ad-blocker and malware protection tools.
- Advanced security measures are available.
- Affordable price with long-term plans.
- Helpful customer support available 24×7.
Cons of NordVPN:
- Built-in Split Tunneling is not available.
- The browser extension is basic with no advanced features.
- Prices of the short-term plans are high.
- Router client is not available.
- Suffered a security breach in early 2018.
Now you know both the good and the bad sides of this widely popular VPN.
Is NordVPN Safe?
The most straightforward answer to this question would be a simple YES. NordVPN is absolutely safe to use. It uses powerful security protocols that employ strong encryption algorithms and ciphers. This ensures that your data is always protected. Also, it follows a very strict no-logs policy so your online activity is never logged. You will stay anonymous at all times.
The only information they seek from you is your email address, billing information, and OS version. They also have a clean user-policy with nothing shady about it. The best thing is they are based out of Panama, which has excellent privacy laws. So, no one can force them to share your data. Therefore, NordVPN is completely safe to use.
NordVPN suffered a security breach in early 2018, that they admitted in late 2019. This made a lot of people question their integrity and security. But, immediately after knowing about the issue, NordVPN started auditing all their servers internally. They even partnered with VerSprite for penetration testing, source code analysis, and to maintain overall security.
Safety and Security Protocols Used by NordVPN
NordVPN uses a number of robust security protocols that ensure the maintenance of your privacy and safety at all times. Let’s take a look at the safety and security protocols used by NordVPN:
- 256-Bit AES Encryption along with a combination of IKEv2/IPsec or OpenVPN encryption protocols.
- NordLynx: It is an encryption protocol that is built specifically for the users who desire optimum speed.
- No-logs privacy policy built around the WireGuard VPN protocol.
- A double Network Address Translation (NAT) system to reinforce NordLynx. So, any identifiable information doesn’t stay in the NordLynx servers.
- ‘Onion over VPN’ feature to provide ultimate anonymity.
- An effective Killswitch that works as the last line of defense.
These are the security protocols that make sure that you browse the internet safely, securely, and anonymously while being connected via NordVPN. The only possibility of you being vulnerable to cyber threats is through your mistakes. For example, when you connect your device to a public WiFi with the VPN deactivated, you make yourself vulnerable. To avoid it, first, turn on the VPN and then go online.
Is NordVPN Safe for Browsing, Streaming & Gaming?
NordVPN is a great choice for browsing, streaming, and gaming. It has a ‘Quick Connect’ feature that allows you to go online easily. It automatically finds and connects you to the fastest server based on your location. So, you can browse any website at a nice pace. It is also able to unblock social networking websites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more. You can browse them without any restrictions.
If you want to use NordVPN for streaming, then you will never be disappointed. It offers a ‘SmartPlay’ feature that is specifically developed to bypass geo-blocked content while keeping you secure. NordVPN easily unblocks Netflix by combining DNS with VPN technology. You can stream in ultra HD without any buffering for both nearby and far servers. It is also able to unblock other significant services such as Hulu, Prime, ESPN, and more.
NordVPN is also the best VPN for gaming. While other VPNs can annoy you with excessive buffering and lagging, this VPN will give buffer-free and lag-free gameplay. You will get the best, steadiest, and most consistent ping with it.
Should you use NordVPN?
If you are still unsure and want to ask for my opinion, I’d definitely recommend that you should use NordVPN. It is an all-in-one package for all your VPN needs. It also delivers an extremely safe and secure browsing environment. You can maintain your privacy and stay anonymous at all times. There is nothing you need to worry about it.
NordVPN also provides frequent offers on their subscription. Currently, a new coupon is active where you can get a great discount of up to 65%. So, if you are thinking of buying a subscription, you can check them out.
Is NordVPN Safe- Final Verdict
NordVPN may have a handful of people questioning its integrity but it is a very safe and secure VPN service provider. If you ever get the question- Is NordVPN safe to use or not? You can easily answer it. You can also explain why it is safe and how it protects your privacy with very effective protocols.
That’s all for this post. I hope you find it helpful. Feel free to use the comment box for any queries or suggestions about anything written here.
