NordVPN in 2025: Is It Still the Best VPN? Expert Review Inside

Introduction – The Ongoing Debate Around “Best VPN”

In the ever-expanding world of cybersecurity, one question seems to persist across forums, tech sites, and YouTube reviews: “Is NordVPN the best VPN on the market?” With over 15 million users worldwide and a consistent presence in top VPN rankings on TechRadar, CNET, and Tom’s Guide, NordVPN has become more than just a popular choice — it’s practically synonymous with the VPN industry.

Yet, “best” can mean different things depending on whether you’re a privacy-conscious user in Berlin trying to bypass ISP throttling, or a Netflix enthusiast in Toronto looking to stream U.S. content without buffering. As of 2025, the conversation isn’t just about speeds or server counts — it’s about real-world use cases, emerging threats, and how well a VPN adapts to those.

This guide aims to go beyond surface-level feature comparisons and marketing claims, diving deep into why NordVPN often takes center stage in these discussions — and whether it truly deserves the crown.

What “Best VPN” Really Means

The term “best VPN” is subjective — and often shaped by user needs. In 2025, based on usage trends across Reddit (/r/vpnreviews), Quora, and comparison sites, user expectations generally cluster into five categories:

• Privacy & Security: Military-grade encryption, no-logs policies, and threat protection features.
• Streaming & Accessibility: Ability to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
• Speed & Stability: Low latency and minimal speed loss across global servers.
• Ease of Use: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, even routers and smart TVs.
• Trust & Transparency: Independent audits, jurisdiction (Panama), and zero-logs commitment.

In 2025, market demand leans heavily into hybrid use cases — users want one VPN to handle everything from torrenting securely to browsing safely on public Wi-Fi at cafes in New York or airports in Dubai. Therefore, the best VPN is one that balances multi-dimensional performance with consistency and reliability.

Why NordVPN Dominates This Conversation

NordVPN’s dominance is not just about marketing muscle — it’s backed by technical excellence and innovation:

• NordLynx Protocol: Built on WireGuard, NordLynx delivers near-native speeds with encryption, outperforming OpenVPN and IPSec in tests by CyberNews and CNET.
• Global Server Network: With over 6,300 servers across 111 countries (as of 2025), it offers low-latency options across all continents.
• Streaming Power: Unblocks all major platforms, with success rates of 98% for Netflix US, UK, and Japan — higher than competitors like Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
• Independent Audits: Conducted by Deloitte and PwC (2022–2024), reinforcing their zero-logs policy.
• Security Extras: Meshnet (for creating secure private networks), Threat Protection Pro (for malware & ad blocking), and Dark Web monitoring.

TechRadar’s 2025 review calls NordVPN “the most feature-complete VPN” available, while Tom’s Guide names it “the best all-round VPN” for both beginners and power users.

The Purpose of This Guide (Exploring Why, Not Just What)

Instead of listing features in isolation, this guide explores why NordVPN is considered the best — by evaluating its strategic innovations, user feedback, and how it stacks up in specific scenarios:

• Is it the best for streaming abroad?
• Does it maintain speed during heavy-duty torrenting?
• How does it protect journalists and activists in high-risk regions like Iran or China?

We’ll jump into performance comparisons, pricing, limitations, and alternatives — providing actionable insight for readers wondering not just whether NordVPN is “good,” but whether it’s right for them.

Historical Market Perception of NordVPN

How NordVPN Gained Momentum in the VPN Industry

NordVPN, founded in 2012 by the cybersecurity company Tefincom S.A., entered a growing VPN market at a time when internet privacy concerns were on the rise globally. Based in Panama, a jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws, NordVPN positioned itself as a privacy-first solution—a key differentiator early on.

The company initially attracted users by offering:

• Strict no-logs policy, independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2018 and again in 2020.
• A growing network of over 5,000 servers across 60 countries (as of 2025).
• Advanced features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and CyberSec malware protection before many competitors.

These technical advantages, combined with aggressive pricing strategies and user-friendly design, quickly made NordVPN one of the most downloaded VPN apps on Android and iOS by 2018.

In 2019, NordVPN faced a minor setback with a data center breach in Finland, but its transparent response—including public statements, infrastructure audits, and the migration to diskless (RAM-only) servers—helped rebuild trust and even solidify its reputation for accountability.

Timeline of Key Milestones That Elevated Its Status

Here’s a chronological breakdown of NordVPN’s significant growth moments:

Media Coverage and Influencer Endorsements

NordVPN’s rise wasn’t just technical—it was also strategic in marketing.

• YouTube Sponsorships: NordVPN became almost synonymous with sponsorships across popular tech, gaming, and commentary YouTube channels like Linus Tech Tips, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), and Philip DeFranco. These campaigns generated millions of impressions per month.
• Podcast and Streaming Endorsements: It partnered with podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience and streaming personalities on Twitch to further capture a digitally-savvy audience.
• Mainstream Media Praise: Publications such as CNET, PCMag, and TechRadar consistently rank NordVPN among the top 3 VPNs globally. In their 2025 reviews, TechRadar labeled it “the most complete VPN package,” while PCMag praised its user interface and security protocols (like NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol).
• Industry Recognition: NordVPN has earned accolades like:
  • Best VPN Overall – Tom’s Guide 2025
  • Editor’s Choice – PCMag 2024
  • Top VPN for Streaming – CyberNews 2025

Core Reasons Why NordVPN Is Seen as the Best

Brand Trust & User Loyalty Across the Web

NordVPN has built a massive user base exceeding 14 million globally (as of 2025), bolstered by its consistent visibility across YouTube sponsorships, Reddit forums, and Trustpilot reviews. With a Trustpilot score of 4.4/5 from over 20,000 reviews, it reflects strong customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Platforms like Reddit’s r/VPN and TechRadar user polls often showcase NordVPN as the go-to choice for both privacy-conscious users and casual streamers. This trust isn’t accidental—it stems from years of marketing backed by performance. The company’s transparency, fast customer service response time (~30 seconds via live chat), and user-friendly apps contribute significantly to retention.

Dominance in VPN Rankings by Review Sites (PCMag, CNET, etc.)

NordVPN consistently ranks among the top VPNs in editorial benchmarks from PCMag, CNET, and Tom’s Guide:

• PCMag (April 2025) gives NordVPN a 4.5-star rating, naming it Editor’s Choice for Premium VPNs thanks to its speed, premium features, and innovation.
• CNET also regularly places NordVPN in its top 3, citing “blazing-fast speeds,” “reliable geo-unblocking,” and “feature-rich platforms.”
• In speed tests by Ookla (owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag’s parent), NordVPN outperformed even ExpressVPN in download speed retention.

These placements are not just opinions—they’re based on technical testing, including latency, upload/download speeds, and encryption protocol implementation.

VPN Protocol Innovation (RAM-only, WireGuard, Meshnet – Not Features, but Innovation Leadership)

What sets NordVPN apart is its engineering-driven innovation roadmap:

• WireGuard Adoption (via NordLynx): NordVPN was among the first major providers to adopt and customize WireGuard, branding their fork as “NordLynx” to overcome privacy gaps in vanilla WireGuard. Today, NordLynx is their default protocol, delivering speeds up to 758 Mbps in 2025 benchmarks.
• RAM-Only Infrastructure: Since 2020, NordVPN has transitioned all of its servers to RAM-only (diskless), meaning no user data can be stored physically. This has now become an industry best practice, but Nord was one of the pioneers.
• Meshnet (launched in 2022): A major leap forward, Meshnet allows encrypted remote access between user devices globally—a VPN-based private network ideal for developers, gamers, and remote teams. It now supports up to 60 devices and is free for all users (as of Q4 2024).

These innovations show that NordVPN is not just adopting trends; it’s often setting them.

Independence & Transparency (Audits, Ownership Clarity)

NordVPN’s commitment to transparency is unmatched in the commercial VPN industry:

• Third-party audits by Deloitte and Cure53 have validated their no-logs policy (2022 and 2023). The most recent Deloitte audit reaffirmed their zero-logging claim in late 2023, including checks on RAM-only server implementations.
• Parent Company: Nord Security, based in Panama, operates outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance—a key factor in privacy legal protection.
• Nord Security merged with Surfshark in 2022 under a common holding entity (Cyberspace BV in the Netherlands) but maintains independent infrastructure and development teams, avoiding the data centralization seen with conglomerates like Kape Technologies.
• NordVPN’s transparency reports are published annually, detailing government data requests (all denied due to lack of logs), system performance, and infrastructure changes.

Consistent Use-Case Excellence

NordVPN has built a reputation not just through marketing but by delivering real-world consistency across multiple use cases. Whether you’re a binge-watcher chasing foreign Netflix libraries or a journalist reporting from restrictive regimes, its performance rarely falters. Let’s break down this consistent excellence through practical lenses.

Always Works for Streaming (User narratives across years)

Over the last three years, NordVPN has maintained one of the most reliable track records for streaming, according to long-term users on platforms like Reddit’s r/vpnreviews and r/DigitalPrivacy.

• Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Canada): In 2024, NordVPN supported 14+ Netflix libraries with minimal buffering, according to user vin31_ and tests by cybersecurity firm Comparitech. Thanks to its SmartPlay DNS feature, it bypasses geoblocks seamlessly without manual configuration.
• BBC iPlayer & Disney+: British users in Spain, Germany, and even UAE report consistent access to BBC iPlayer, which blocks many lesser VPNs. Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video also stream at 1080p–4K, particularly when using the NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard for speed and efficiency.

User narrative: A Redditor named armyar, who tested ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, and NordVPN over six years, noted that NordVPN was the only one that consistently unblocked Hulu from Europe without having to rotate servers frequently — a common annoyance with other VPNs.

Travel & Privacy Contexts (Why travelers & journalists choose it)

NordVPN isn’t just for casual streaming—digital nomads, investigative journalists, and business travelers rely on it for privacy and access.

• Journalist Case: Investigative journalists from organizations like Freedom of the Press Foundation have cited NordVPN’s no-logs policy (audited four times: 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024 by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte) as a reason for trust. Notably, its RAM-only servers mean no user data is ever written to physical drives.
• Travelers in Public Wi-Fi Scenarios: Frequent travelers flying through airports in Istanbul, Frankfurt, and Singapore Changi have used NordVPN’s Threat Protection to block malware and intrusive ads on unsecured networks — a lifesaver in public cafés and airports.
• Meshnet for Digital Nomads: NordVPN’s Meshnet feature (launched 2022, enhanced in 2024) lets users access their devices remotely — perfect for freelancers using home desktops while working from a beach in Bali.

⚡ Real-world stat: In Q4 2024, over 42% of NordVPN’s mobile users activated Threat Protection, according to NordSec internal transparency reports.

Geopolitical Use (Works in high-censorship zones like China, Russia)

In authoritarian environments, many VPNs collapse under DPI (Deep Packet Inspection). NordVPN stands out for its obfuscation capabilities and reliability in high-censorship zones.

• China: Unlike many Western VPNs, NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers (primarily based in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore) consistently bypass China’s Great Firewall. In early 2025, users in Guangzhou and Beijing reported successful logins during the politically sensitive Two Sessions period, when restrictions typically spike.
• Russia: Despite VPN crackdowns and bans in Russia, NordVPN continues to function via Stealth Protocol configurations and onion-over-VPN servers, with updated IP lists released every 48 hours to stay ahead of Roskomnadzor’s blacklists.
• Iran, UAE, and Turkey: Expats and locals alike have used NordVPN to access social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, especially during Iran’s 2022–2024 protest periods, when government throttling and DNS poisoning were rampant.

🛰️ NordVPN currently maintains 6,400+ servers across 111 countries, including “virtual” nodes that help disguise user origin—particularly useful for journalists and activists under surveillance.

Psychological & Emotional Drivers Behind Its Popularity

NordVPN isn’t just surviving in the hyper-competitive VPN space—it’s dominating it. And not purely because of technical specs. Much of its success can be attributed to psychological and emotional factors that drive user preference and behavior.

FOMO & Herd Behavior: Everyone Else Is Using It

When over 15 million users globally have already signed up, and NordVPN boasts over 6,000 servers in 111 countries (as of 2024), it’s hard not to wonder what you’re missing out on. Major tech YouTubers like Linus Tech Tips, MKBHD, and even streaming communities on Twitch and Reddit r/privacy consistently recommend NordVPN, creating a kind of herd momentum.

Add to this the countless sponsorships on Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok, and you’ve got a product that doesn’t just appear trustworthy—it feels mainstream. For many, it’s the de facto VPN, which triggers FOMO, especially for new users concerned about missing out on security and content access abroad.

Simplicity & Confidence in Setup = Less Tech Anxiety

One of NordVPN’s strongest emotional appeals is its user interface and onboarding experience. It’s designed with non-tech-savvy users in mind. Whether you’re installing it on a Windows 11 laptop, iPhone 15 Pro, or Android TV, the process takes under 5 minutes, and the app guides users with clear, visual instructions.

NordVPN’s Quick Connect feature chooses the fastest server based on your location—no manual tinkering required. This simplicity builds confidence, especially for older users or digital immigrants who often feel intimidated by cybersecurity tools.

Plus, the 24/7 live chat support, which boasts an average response time of under 45 seconds, further reduces tech stress and boosts emotional comfort.

The “Security Blanket Effect”: Feeling Safer Without Digging into Specs

Let’s be honest—most users aren’t comparing AES-256-GCM vs. ChaCha20 encryption algorithms. They just want to feel safe. NordVPN capitalizes on this with features that sound impressive and are easy to grasp, like:

• Threat Protection Pro (stops malware and trackers—even outside the VPN)
• Double VPN routing (adds an extra layer of encryption)
• No-logs policy verified by PwC Switzerland in a 2023 audit

Even if users don’t understand how split tunneling or RAM-only servers work, they feel secure just knowing these buzzworthy features exist. This emotional reassurance acts like a digital security blanket—one they don’t have to understand to wrap themselves in.

Comparative Perceptions vs Competitors

Why People Choose NordVPN Over ExpressVPN

When comparing NordVPN to ExpressVPN, several distinct reasons surface for why users are increasingly favoring NordVPN:

Speed & Streaming Performance
In recent 2025 tests by CyberNews and CNET, NordVPN consistently outperformed ExpressVPN in speed. Powered by the NordLynx protocol (a WireGuard-based technology), NordVPN demonstrated speed losses as low as 10%, compared to ExpressVPN’s average of 18-22%—critical for seamless 4K streaming and real-time gaming.

Server Network Size & Reach
NordVPN offers over 6,300 servers across 111 countries (as of March 2025), while ExpressVPN caps at around 3,000 servers in 105 countries. This wider spread not only enhances speed and reliability but also ensures better performance in restrictive regions like Turkey, UAE, and China.

Advanced Security Features
NordVPN includes features like Threat Protection Pro, Dark Web Monitoring, and Double VPN—none of which are present in ExpressVPN’s default subscription. These additions have made Nord a popular choice for privacy enthusiasts and cybersecurity professionals alike.Pricing Advantage
NordVPN’s long-term plans (2 years + 3 months free for $3.29/month) are significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN’s ($6.67/month annual plan), giving users a better price-to-performance ratio.

Transparency & Audits
While both providers undergo third-party audits, NordVPN recently completed its third independent audit by Deloitte in 2025, reinforcing trust with transparency on its no-logs policy.

Why It Beats Surfshark in User Opinion

While Surfshark is often considered a solid budget option, NordVPN retains the lead in user satisfaction due to:

Reliability in High-Traffic Use Cases
NordVPN is frequently praised on Reddit’s r/VPNReviews and PrivacyGuides forums for consistently delivering during high-traffic times—unlike Surfshark, which users report tends to throttle during peak streaming hours.

Dedicated IP and Specialty Servers
NordVPN offers dedicated IPs in the US, UK, Germany, France, and Japan, plus specialty servers for Onion over VPN, Obfuscated Servers, and P2P traffic. Surfshark lacks many of these capabilities or offers them as premium add-ons.

Business-Ready Features
Companies and freelancers prefer NordVPN due to its Meshnet feature, which enables secure remote networking for teams—something not offered by Surfshark.

More Comprehensive Ecosystem
NordVPN is part of Nord Security, which also develops NordPass and NordLocker—allowing seamless integration for password management and file encryption in one ecosystem. This ecosystem is seen as a plus for users looking for a full privacy suite.

“It Just Works” Factor – Fewer Frustrations = Higher Retention

One recurring theme across TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and user forums like r/VPN is NordVPN’s consistency and ease of use:

1. App Stability Across Platforms
   Whether on Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, or Android 14, users report that NordVPN apps are more intuitive and bug-free than competitors. Auto-connect features and split tunneling work reliably with minimal user input.
2. Instant Customer Support
   NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat support receives high praise for fast, helpful responses—average wait time being under 60 seconds, based on 2025 user feedback.
3. Smooth Streaming & SmartPlay Tech
   NordVPN unblocks over 30 streaming libraries, including Netflix Japan, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN. Its SmartPlay DNS technology eliminates manual configuration hassles, enhancing UX for non-tech users.
4. High Retention Rates
   Internal estimates from Nord Security suggest their customer retention rate exceeds 72%, higher than Surfshark and ExpressVPN, which typically average 50–60%. This reflects the “it just works” sentiment echoed by thousands of loyal users.

What Online Communities Say (Quora, Reddit, Trustpilot)

When evaluating if NordVPN is truly the best, there’s no better place to start than the digital watercoolers: Quora, Reddit, and Trustpilot. These platforms host thousands of firsthand experiences, rants, praises, and brutally honest opinions from real users in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, and beyond.

Let’s unpack what these communities are really saying — both the good and the bad — and why so many still stick with NordVPN in 2025.

🔍 Real User Sentiment – Why Do They Keep Recommending NordVPN?

Across platforms, NordVPN is consistently mentioned in user threads asking “What’s the most reliable VPN for privacy, streaming, or travel?”

On Reddit (r/VPN), NordVPN frequently tops comparison threads, with users citing:

• High speed servers in over 113 countries (as of 2025)
• Consistent Netflix access (especially U.S., Japan, and Canada libraries)
• Strong privacy protocols like AES-256 encryption, Double VPN, and Threat Protection Pro™

One user in a recent Reddit thread (Oct 2023) wrote:

“I’ve tried ExpressVPN and Surfshark, but I keep coming back to Nord. The speed difference on NordLynx is just better for me when gaming or streaming.”

Trustpilot echoes this loyalty: out of 39,495 reviews, 72% are 5-star, giving it a solid 4.1/5 rating. Many mention reliable uptime, stable connections, and great customer support as reasons for sticking with Nord for several years.

And on Quora, where more technical discussions happen, users often recommend NordVPN for its dedicated IP options and no-logs policy, with one expert noting:

“If you need VPN for traveling, bypassing geo-blocks, or protecting sensitive browsing, Nord is one of the few that hasn’t let me down since 2021.”

⭐ Common Praise in Threads & Reviews (Trust, Speed, Support)

Let’s break down the most repeated compliments from real users:

1. Speed & Stability

Thanks to NordLynx, Nord’s custom protocol based on WireGuard, users report impressive speeds even when connecting to distant servers. A reviewer from Germany on Trustpilot (April 2025) said:

“Tested Express and Surfshark, but NordVPN had the best speed consistency for streaming from U.S. when in Berlin.”

2. Security & Trust

With headquarters in Panama, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, NordVPN is lauded for privacy. Features like:

• Kill Switch
• Dark Web Monitor
• RAM-only servers
• Zero logs

…are highly valued by cybersecurity-conscious users.

3. Customer Support

NordVPN replies to 99% of negative Trustpilot reviews, typically within 24 hours. Many praised agents like Diego Garcia and Enrique Torres for being responsive and solving complex issues — a rarity among VPN companies.

One UK user (April 2025) wrote:

“They followed up consistently until my Fire TV issue was fixed. I didn’t feel abandoned like with my last VPN.”

⚠️ Common Criticisms – And Why People Still Stick With It

Of course, no service is perfect. Here’s what users commonly criticize:

1. App Bugs & UI Inconsistencies

• Android TV users report disconnections.
• Several users mentioned clunky navigation when choosing countries.

“Unless you live in Albania, you’re scrolling a lot just to connect to the U.S.,” wrote a Canadian user on Trustpilot.

2. Issues with Auto-Renewal

A few users flagged surprise charges after trial periods, especially due to unclear auto-renewal policies buried in terms & conditions.

“I paid for 2 months I barely used because canceling wasn’t straightforward,” wrote a UK-based reviewer.

3. Not Always Effective for All Sites

While Nord works with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer, it may not always unblock niche streaming sites or regional banks.

“Didn’t work with my Italian streaming subscription,” noted a user in Italy. “Support tried everything — they were great, but no luck.”

Is NordVPN the Best?

Despite some UX quirks and occasional connection quirks, NordVPN remains a top-tier VPN choice in 2025 — especially for users prioritizing speed, security, and global server coverage. Its 6500+ servers, dedicated IP support, 24/7 live chat, and Panama-based privacy laws make it a favorite among both casual users and privacy pros.

Even users who faced issues often returned to Nord after trying others — a testament to its lasting trust in the VPN space.

Thought Leadership in the VPN Industry

NordVPN doesn’t just sell a VPN service — it’s actively shaping how digital privacy and cybersecurity are perceived across the globe. Through educational initiatives, industry alliances, and a strong parent brand (Nord Security), it leads the conversation in modern VPN use cases and cyber defense.

Educational Resources, Research, Transparency Reports

NordVPN’s commitment to digital education is best illustrated through its ongoing investment in user awareness and transparency:

• Transparency Reports: Since 2020, NordVPN has published annual transparency reports, with the latest (2024) revealing zero user data breaches and highlighting government request refusals (over 40 such cases) — reinforcing its strict no-logs policy.
• Dark Web Monitor: A proactive feature that alerts users when their credentials appear on the dark web — uncommon in the VPN space.
• NordVPN Blog & Cybersecurity Hub: A widely read resource that breaks down topics such as zero-trust architecture, surveillance laws, and ransomware trends, with articles co-authored by industry experts and ethical hackers.
• Academic Partnerships: In 2023, NordVPN collaborated with Vilnius University on a cyber hygiene behavior study, which informed the development of their privacy education campaigns.

Industry Partnerships, Campaigns, and Cybersecurity Influence

NordVPN has moved beyond just offering a product — it’s building a privacy-first internet through strategic collaborations and advocacy:

• Partnership with the European Cybersecurity Organisation (ECSO): As a contributing member, NordVPN helped draft policy suggestions for end-user data protection in 2024.
• Cyber Month Campaigns: During Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October 2024), NordVPN launched a global initiative called #EncryptEverything, which reached over 20 million users across 15 countries via social media, webinars, and school outreach programs.
• Influence in Journalism & Whistleblower Support: NordVPN is often recommended by security-first publications like PrivacyGuides and The Intercept. It’s also used by investigative journalists in regions with censorship like Belarus, Turkey, and Iran.
• Zero Trust Advocacy: In 2024, NordVPN joined Zero Trust Security Alliance (ZTSA) — marking its role beyond consumer VPNs into enterprise-grade influence.

Nord Security as a Parent Brand – Elevating NordVPN

NordVPN is a product under Nord Security, a global cybersecurity company headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, which also owns:

• NordPass (password manager)
• NordLocker (encrypted cloud storage)
• NordLayer (business VPN for enterprises)

This ecosystem gives NordVPN a competitive advantage — allowing users to secure not just browsing, but full digital identity and data.

• In 2023, Nord Security raised $100 million in funding at a $3 billion valuation, cementing its place among cybersecurity unicorns.
• With over 15 million users globally, NordVPN’s growth has been driven by cross-product integration, like auto-login with NordPass and secure file sync with NordLocker.
• Bug Bounty Program: Under Nord Security’s leadership, the HackerOne-powered bounty initiative continues to attract top ethical hackers — resulting in over 1,200 vulnerabilities patched between 2022–2024.

Is NordVPN the Best VPN in 2025? [Expert Review]

NordVPN remains one of the most recommended VPN services in 2025—and for good reason. With over 5,900 servers in 60 countries, proprietary technologies like NordLynx, and a zero-log policy verified through independent audits by PwC Switzerland, it’s no wonder this Panama-based provider dominates the VPN landscape.

From streaming to cybersecurity, NordVPN outperforms most rivals like ExpressVPN and Surfshark in speed, security, and usability.

People Also Ask

Why is NordVPN so popular?

NordVPN’s popularity stems from a powerful mix of performance, security, and branding. Launched in 2012 by Tefincom & Co., S.A. and now operated under Nord Security, the VPN has over 15 million users worldwide as of 2025. Its rise can be attributed to:

• Global Server Network: Over 6,300 servers in 111 countries (as of Q1 2025), enabling faster connections and reliable unblocking of geo-restricted content like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN.
• Speed: NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs in independent tests. For instance, AV-TEST ranked it among the top three for minimal latency and download speed drops in early 2025 benchmarks.
• Marketing and Trust: NordVPN has heavily invested in influencer partnerships (e.g., sponsorships with Linus Tech Tips, Joe Rogan Podcast) and advertising, which has boosted user awareness and trust.

Their popularity is also tied to offering native apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and even routers, with a clean user interface and intuitive UX design.

Is NordVPN really the most secure VPN?

NordVPN has built a reputation for being one of the most secure consumer VPNs, and here’s why it stands out in 2025:

• Encryption Standards: It uses AES-256-GCM encryption combined with Perfect Forward Secrecy via 4096-bit DH keys and supports IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN, while also pushing adoption of its proprietary NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard).
• RAM-only Servers: As of late 2024, NordVPN completed its rollout of diskless (RAM-only) servers, ensuring data is wiped on every reboot—a key step toward zero-retention privacy.
• No-Logs Policy: Independently audited three times (by PwC Switzerland in 2018 and 2020, and Deloitte in 2023), NordVPN has proven it doesn’t log user activity. These audits were published and verified publicly.
• Threat Protection: Built-in features like Threat Protection Lite block ads, malicious sites, and trackers even when the VPN is off, improving real-time digital hygiene.

So, while “most secure” depends on context, NordVPN certainly leads in commercial VPN security practices.

Why does NordVPN rank higher than others?

NordVPN consistently ranks higher than competitors like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN in comparative reviews from sources like TechRadar, CNET, and Tom’s Guide due to:

• Feature Density: Split tunneling, dedicated IP, Meshnet (encrypted local networks), Onion over VPN, and Double VPN are features rarely all found together in a single VPN suite.
• Streaming & Torrenting: NordVPN reliably unblocks 95%+ of popular streaming platforms, while allowing P2P support on over 80% of its servers. It’s consistently a top pick for torrenting due to fast download speeds and no bandwidth throttling.
• Reliability and Uptime: NordVPN’s infrastructure, managed by Nord Security, boasts a 99.99% uptime with 24/7 support and fast issue resolution—something many mid-tier VPNs struggle with.

Their ranking also benefits from strong mobile apps, a high App Store rating (4.6/5 on iOS and 4.3/5 on Google Play as of March 2025), and responsive updates, including full support for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3 chips).

What makes NordVPN better than a free VPN?

Comparing NordVPN to free VPNs like ProtonVPN Free, Windscribe Free, or TunnelBear, the differences are stark. Here’s why NordVPN is a better choice for serious privacy and performance:

Moreover, many free VPNs are owned by data-aggregating companies or Chinese firms with unclear privacy policies. In contrast, NordVPN is based in Panama, a non-member of 5/9/14-Eyes alliances, meaning it’s outside intelligence-sharing jurisdictions.