NordVPN Review 2026: Still Worth It After 3 Months of Testing

NordVPN is one of the most recognized names in the VPN industry, but brand recognition doesn’t always equal quality. We put NordVPN through three months of daily use to see if it lives up to the hype—testing speed, streaming access, security features, and real-world reliability.

Here’s what we found.

Quick Verdict

NordVPN delivers on its core promises: fast speeds, reliable streaming access, and verified security. It’s not the cheapest option, but the combination of performance and features justifies the price for most users. The main drawback is interface complexity—there’s a learning curve if you want to use advanced features.

Bottom line: If you need a VPN that “just works” for streaming and privacy, NordVPN is a solid choice. Power users will appreciate the depth of features once they learn the interface.

Speed Test Results

We tested NordVPN on a 1 Gbps fiber connection across servers in 10 countries over 90 days. Here’s how it performed:

Server Location	Speed Reduction	Average Mbps
United States	12%	880 Mbps
United Kingdom	14%	860 Mbps
Germany	16%	840 Mbps
Japan	28%	720 Mbps
Australia	35%	650 Mbps

NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) delivers impressive results. Nearby servers barely impact speeds—most users won’t notice the difference during normal browsing or streaming.

Long-distance connections show more significant drops, which is expected. The 28-35% reduction to Asia-Pacific servers is competitive with other premium VPNs and still fast enough for 4K streaming.

Streaming Performance

This is where NordVPN shines. We tested weekly access to major streaming platforms throughout our review period:

• Netflix: US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada libraries all accessible
• Disney+: Works consistently across US and international catalogs
• BBC iPlayer: Reliable access from UK servers
• Amazon Prime Video: US and UK libraries functional
• HBO Max: US-only, worked without issues
• Hulu: Requires US servers, worked in our tests

We encountered occasional blocks on specific servers, but switching to another server in the same country resolved the issue within seconds. NordVPN’s server network is large enough that finding a working server never took more than 2-3 attempts.

Security and Privacy

NordVPN operates under Panamanian jurisdiction—outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances. The company has undergone multiple independent audits:

• PricewaterhouseCoopers (2018, 2020): Verified no-logs claims
• Deloitte (2022, 2023): Infrastructure and security audit
• Cure53 (2019): App security assessment

The RAM-only server infrastructure means data is wiped on every reboot. This was tested in practice when authorities seized NordVPN servers in 2019—no user data was compromised because none was stored.

Key Security Features

• Kill Switch: Blocks all traffic if VPN drops (works reliably in our tests)
• DNS Leak Protection: Built-in, enabled by default
• Double VPN: Routes through two servers for extra encryption
• Onion Over VPN: Combines Tor and VPN for maximum anonymity
• Threat Protection: Blocks malware, trackers, and ads at the VPN level

The Interface: Learning Curve Required

NordVPN packs a lot of features into its apps, which creates complexity. The main dashboard shows a world map with server locations—intuitive for basic use, but advanced features hide in submenus.

Features like Meshnet (create your own VPN network), Dark Web Monitor (alerts if your credentials leak), and Threat Protection (ad/malware blocking) each have their own settings panels. New users may feel overwhelmed.

On the positive side, quick-connect buttons and recently used servers make daily use simple once you’ve configured your preferences. The mobile apps are cleaner than desktop versions.

Pricing

NordVPN isn’t the cheapest option, but the price is competitive for what you get:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Total Cost
1 Month	$12.99	$12.99
1 Year	$4.59/mo	$55.08
2 Years	$3.59/mo	$86.16

The 2-year plan offers the best value. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee—enough time to test streaming access and speeds in your location.

Who Should Use NordVPN?

NordVPN is a good fit if you:

• Stream content from multiple countries
• Want verified security without trusting marketing claims
• Need a VPN that works reliably across many devices
• Don’t mind a learning curve for advanced features

Consider alternatives if you:

• Want the absolute lowest price (look at Surfshark)
• Prioritize open-source apps (look at ProtonVPN)
• Need maximum customization (look at Private Internet Access)

Final Verdict

NordVPN earns its reputation through consistent performance rather than marketing hype. Speed, streaming access, and security all meet or exceed expectations. The interface complexity is the main drawback—but it’s manageable once you spend time learning the layout.

At $3.59/month on the 2-year plan, NordVPN offers good value for users who want a capable, well-rounded VPN. The 30-day guarantee means you can test it risk-free.

Our Rating: 4.7/5