NordVPN has been at the top of the VPN game for years, consistently ranking first in speed, privacy, and overall security. Even in 2025, it’s still the go-to recommendation you’ll hear in threads from streamers, gamers, and people serious about locking down their data. But with new VPN brands launching every month, it’s fair to ask: is NordVPN still worth the hype and the price tag?
To find out, we pulled in real user experiences from Reddit alongside recent speed tests and security audits. Here’s how NordVPN holds up across security, performance, usability, pricing, and overall value.
Pros
- Blazing-fast speeds with NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
- Multiple third-party audits back its no-logs policy
- Huge server network with advanced features
- Great for streaming and torrenting
Cons
- Renewal pricing is significantly higher than the initial term.
- Desktop app feels dated compared to newer rivals.
- Transparency reports don’t always come on schedule.
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Security & Privacy
Security is NordVPN’s strongest card, and it’s why so many users stick with it. It runs AES-256 encryption and supports multiple protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, plus its own NordLynx protocol. Reddit users often mention NordLynx specifically because it feels like a sweet spot — you get WireGuard-level speed but without privacy trade-offs, thanks to Nord’s double NAT setup.
The company is based in Panama, outside of Five Eyes surveillance reach. Independent audits from PwC and Deloitte have verified its no-logs policy, and Cure53 has done penetration testing on its infrastructure. Users also call out the kill switch, DNS leak protection, and extras like Onion Over VPN and Double VPN for hardcore privacy.
One knock: NordVPN doesn’t publish a traditional warrant canary. Instead, it issues transparency reports, but Reddit users noticed that 2025 updates have been spotty, which stirred some conversations about whether the company is slipping on that front.
Performance Metrics
Speed has always been NordVPN’s selling point, and 2025 results don’t disappoint. On NordLynx, tests clock in close to 950 Mbps, which is nearly double OpenVPN speeds. With 7,000+ servers in 118 countries, users rarely report congestion, and the low latency makes it a safe pick for gaming and Zoom-heavy jobs.
On Reddit, streamers especially highlight Nord’s consistency at unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Torrenters also prefer dedicated P2P servers, which they find faster than general-use options. Many long-term users say they’ve gone years without a single significant downtime, which is rare in this space.
Usability & Features
NordVPN works pretty much everywhere — Windows, macOS, Linux (where the client is open-source), iOS, Android, smart TVs, and browsers. Each account covers six devices at once.
The map-based desktop interface is polarizing. Some like the visual layout, others on Reddit call it clunky and “due for a facelift.” Mobile apps, on the other hand, earn praise for being sleek and stable.
Feature set is another big win:
- Threat Protection Pro blocks malware, trackers, and ads
- Meshnet lets you link devices together into your secure private network.
- Advanced tools like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and dark web monitoring give power users plenty to play with
Customer support is 24/7 and generally responsive. The only gripe? A few users say NordVPN’s marketing emails are too aggressive.
Pricing & Value
This is where NordVPN takes heat. Intro deals are competitive, but once renewal hits, prices can spike by 200%+ over the first term. Redditors almost universally recommend turning off auto-renewal and waiting for another promo.
Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and crypto, so privacy-conscious users have choices. Overall, NordVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN, but if you care about speed, security, and a deep feature set, it’s still a solid buy.
Final Verdict
NordVPN earns an overall rating of 8.5/10 from our team. Its security is industry-leading, speeds are among the fastest available, and the feature set is rich enough for both casual users and power users. The main drawbacks are its steep renewal rates, slightly outdated desktop UI, and some inconsistency in transparency reporting.
NordVPN is best suited for users who prioritize streaming and accessing geo-restricted content, as well as gamers and heavy downloaders who benefit from its fast speeds. It’s also ideal for privacy-conscious individuals seeking audited security and advanced features. However, it may not be the best choice for budget shoppers sensitive to renewal price increases or users who prefer an ultra-minimalist interface.
Category | Score (out of 10) |
Security & Privacy | 9.5 |
Speed & Performance | 9.0 |
Usability & Features | 8.5 |
Pricing & Value | 7.5 |
Overall Score | 8.5 |
StageSeat's Top 5 VPNs of 2025
| Best For | VPN | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Proton VPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Unlimited Devices | Surfshark | 8.7/10 |
| Best for Reliability | ExpressVPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Advanced Security | NordVPN | 8.5/10 |
| Best for Value | CyberGhost | 8.3/10 |
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about NordVPN.
Yes. It uses AES-256 encryption, offers a kill switch, and has a verified no-logs policy audited by independent firms.
Yes. It reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other streaming services.
Using the NordLynx protocol, users can achieve speeds close to 950 Mbps on well-connected servers.
Yes. It supports P2P traffic and has servers optimized for torrenting.
For users who value performance, security, and extra features, the answer is yes. Although renewal rates are high, many users still seek discounted re-subscriptions.
