This NordVPN Review is authored by Troy from TROYPOINT. It comes after using the VPN service regularly for around three weeks.

NordVPN generously provided me with a free account. This was for the purpose of this review, along with other tutorials down the line.  It’s worth noting that this review is entirely unbiased. You’ll find that I highlight both the pros and cons of this well-known VPN service.

For this review, I’ll be using two common devices that people often pair with NordVPN. These are a Fire TV Stick 4K Max and a Windows PC.

If you’re interested, you can find our setup guide for Fire TV Stick/Fire TV and Android TV devices through the link provided below.

NordVPN Tutorial for Firestick & Android TV

It’s important to mention that NordVPN did not have any prior access to this review before it was published.

NordVPN Review

This NordVPN review will delve into all of its most popular features, and any that it may be missing. To find even more information, you can visit the NordVPN Website using the link below.

NordVPN Website

Fastest VPN

NordVPN proudly proclaims its service as the fastest available in the market today.

Anyone who’s used a VPN before knows that you typically get faster download speeds when connecting to a server that’s geographically closer to you. NordVPN boasts over 5,200 servers globally. This extensive network should ensure that customers can consistently enjoy the fastest possible connection. The following quote comes directly from the NordVPN Website. It explains their approach to server coverage.

The impressive speeds are also attributed to the new NordLynx VPN Protocol. I mentioned this earlier, and we’ll put it to the test later in this review. When we discuss VPN speeds, it’s crucial to remember that numerous factors influence performance. Network setup, your base internet speed, your distance from the server, and many other variables all play a role in determining your internet speed when you’re connected to a VPN.

Mask Your IP Address

There are several ways to mask your IP address, but using a VPN is arguably the best method.  This is primarily due to one key advantage.

A VPN will encrypt your internet connection. It also changes your IP address in the process. This means that even if someone were to gain access to your data, it would be unreadable. The encryption that occurs when you connect through a VPN tunnel makes it secure.

Every time you hit the Connect button in your NordVPN application, your IP address changes. This makes it much harder to identify you online.

Secure Internet

NordVPN uses AES with 256-bit encryption. This is the same level of encryption recommended by the NSA for securing classified information. This robust encryption standard is common among most reputable VPN services.

When evaluating VPN security, one of the most critical aspects to consider is the various protocols a service employs. NordVPN utilizes three different VPN protocols, each with its own strengths.

OpenVPN

The OpenVPN protocol has a long-standing reputation. It continues to offer a secure connection through both UDP and TCP ports. Many VPN users experience faster download and streaming speeds by using the UDP port with the OpenVPN protocol.

OpenVPN’s popularity among VPN services stems from its open-source code. This code is publicly available for review and modification. This means that thousands of developers are dedicated to ensuring OpenVPN remains secure and free of bugs.

NordLynx

This is the protocol I’m particularly eager to explore. Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Wireguard protocol in the VPN world, and for good reason. It often delivers faster speeds for many users.

Wireguard is remarkably concise, consisting of only 4,000 lines of code. This is 100 times less than OpenVPN, which should translate to a more streamlined and efficient VPN experience.

However, Wireguard in its basic form doesn’t fully guarantee user privacy. To address this, NordVPN developed its own protocol called NordLynx. The NordLynx VPN Protocol was engineered by NordVPN. It introduces a double NAT (Network Address Translation) system to enhance privacy.

NordLynx leverages the new Wireguard VPN Protocol as its foundation. This should lead to faster download and streaming speeds. Later in this review, we’ll conduct download speed tests. We’ll see how this new protocol compares to OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.

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Strict No-Logs Policy

NordVPN doesn’t retain any logs of what you do online. This is a major privacy advantage.

Since NordVPN is incorporated in Panama, it’s not subject to any data retention laws.

This is excellent for privacy-conscious users. NordVPN voluntarily underwent audits by a leading firm.

The firm they chose was PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, located in Zurich, Switzerland.The audits occurred in both 2018 and 2020.

Both reports confirmed that Nord’s no-log policy description was both truthful and accurate.

Block Malware and More

This is the part where NordVPN truly stands out from the crowd. It goes above and beyond what other VPN services offer.

NordVPN has a really useful advanced Threat Protection feature. It’s built directly into their apps. This feature actively blocks cyber threats.

 

Threat Protection is designed to identify files that contain malware. It also blocks those annoying trackers and intrusive ads. Plus it also prevents you from accidentally landing on malicious websites.

You can easily switch on the Threat Protection feature in the NordVPN app. And here’s the cool part: it works even when you’re not connected to a NordVPN server.

Privacy on the Go

Most people who visit TROYPOINT utilize a VPN for specific purposes. They want to protect themselves when streaming from apps or IPTV services that might be a bit iffy.

But it’s super important to remember that VPNs are also crucial in other scenarios. You should definitely use one whenever you’re on a public WiFi Hotspot.

NordVPN makes it easy to stay protected on your phone or tablet. They have dedicated apps available on both the Google Play and Apple App Stores. So, you can use your VPN account even when you’re away from your computer.

VPN Servers Everywhere

Remember how we talked about NordVPN’s impressive download speeds? This is a big part of why they’re so fast.

At the moment, NordVPN boasts a network of 5,282 ultra-fast servers. These servers are distributed across 60 different countries. That’s a lot of options!

There are a couple of reasons why it’s really beneficial to have so many servers at your disposal. First, you’ll often get the fastest speeds if you connect to a server that’s geographically close to you.

Second, all these servers can help you bypass geo-blocking. Streaming services and apps try to restrict what you can watch based on your location. With a wide range of server locations, you have more options to unlock content.

Here’s an example: If I connect to a server in the UK, I should be able to access the Netflix library that’s available in the UK. We’ll be sure to test this out in the review.

Obfuscated Servers

NordVPN has another awesome feature that’s worth highlighting. This one’s all about staying under the radar.

They use something called obfuscated servers. These servers can effectively mask the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.

Why is that a good thing? Well, some websites and services don’t like VPNs. Some banks, streaming services, and others might block traffic that comes from a VPN connection.

You’ve probably also encountered those annoying captchas when you’re searching on Google. Sometimes that happens because they detect that you’re using a VPN.

Obfuscated servers are specifically built to bypass those VPN blocks. Later on, we’ll test this feature to see how well it works with certain streaming services.

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Multi-factor Authentication

NordVPN takes your account security very seriously. They use multi-factor authentication to keep your account safe and sound.

In a nutshell, this means there’s an added security step when you log in. You’ll need to verify your login attempt using either a special app, a temporary code, or another device.

This added layer of security is great for peace of mind. But some people find it a bit inconvenient. The good news is NordVPN gives you the option to turn it on or off – it’s completely your call.

Kill Switch

Here’s another feature that you’ll often see with top-notch VPN services. It’s a real lifesaver in certain situations.

NordVPN offers a kill switch. This feature instantly cuts off your internet connection if your VPN connection ever drops unexpectedly.

 

Your internet will stay blocked until the secure VPN tunnel is re-established on your device.

However, it’s worth noting that the kill switch has limitations. It doesn’t work on streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick or NVIDIA Shield. We’ll discuss options for those devices in a bit. For those who want protection on streaming gadgets, we’ll explore other solutions.devices, VPNSafetyDot is a fantastic option.

Split Tunneling

Even though NordVPN utilizes obfuscated servers, you might encounter applications that don’t function correctly when a VPN is active.

Split tunneling offers a solution. It lets you bypass the VPN connection for specific apps on your device.

This way, you can use those apps without disconnecting from your VPN. It eliminates the hassle of constantly switching back and forth.

With NordVPN’s advanced technology, this feature might not be necessary very often. It’s designed to be discreet and operate seamlessly without being detected as a VPN connection.

Dedicated IP Address

NordVPN subscribers have the option to acquire a dedicated IP address.

Typically, connecting to a VPN server changes your IP address. You share this new IP address with other VPN users. But with a dedicated IP address, it’s exclusively yours.

Businesses often utilize this feature to restrict server access to specific IP addresses, enhancing security.

Unless you require a static IP address for accessing a secure server or system, I wouldn’t recommend it.

One advantage of using NordVPN’s standard shared IP addresses is increased security through traffic mixing. Your traffic blends with that of other users, making it harder to track or identify.

Double VPN

NordVPN provides a feature known as Double VPN. This enhances your online privacy.

 

With Double VPN, your internet traffic is routed through two VPN servers instead of just one, resulting in double encryption.

Onion Over VPN

NordVPN also offers a feature called Onion Over VPN, adding another layer of security.

The Onion network routes your traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers. This process involves three stages.

1.  Entry – Your connection to the Onion network starts at a randomly selected entry point.
2. Maze of Servers – Your data travels through numerous servers, receiving layers of encryption along the way.
3. Decryption – As your data progresses, the layers of encryption are gradually removed.
4. Finally, your data is decrypted and you exit through a random node, reaching your destination on the web.

Similar to Double VPN, this adds extra layers of security to your connection, making it more resilient.

While it enhances security, it’s likely to impact download speeds. Its necessity depends on individual needs and priorities.

P2P VPN

NordVPN provides specialized P2P servers. These servers are optimized for peer-to-peer traffic, ensuring smooth and efficient file sharing.

This technology is commonly used for torrenting, allowing for faster and more reliable downloads.

Buffer-Free Streaming

When using a VPN for streaming, speed is crucial. You need a VPN that can keep up with your streaming demands and prevent buffering.

Streaming is a primary focus for TROYPOINT. We prioritize VPNs that offer smooth, buffer-free streaming experiences. We wouldn’t recommend a VPN that leads to constant interruptions.

NordVPN has a solid reputation as a top-tier VPN service. Buffering shouldn’t be a concern unless your internet connection is already slow.

Browser Extensions

NordVPN offers convenient browser extensions for Firefox, Edge, and Chrome, enhancing your online security directly within your browser.

The primary benefit of these extensions is the quick connect feature. It streamlines the process of establishing a secure connection.

You can connect to the VPN directly from your browser. You won’t need to open the separate VPN app and navigate menus.  It’s all about convenience and speed. YouYou can accomplish it all simply by clicking the browser extension. This is located right in your browser toolbar.

No Data Leaks

NordVPN takes steps to avoid data leaks. It uses private DNS servers for this purpose.

The Domain Name System (DNS) makes browsing the internet quick and easy. It’s responsible for resolving domain names like “nordvpn.com” into IP addresses. Essentially, it translates those long, complex numeric names of web servers. It puts them into human language, and vice-versa.

Here’s how it works: You type “nordvpn.com” into your browser to visit our website. Then, your computer or smartphone sends a query to a DNS server. It contacts the server and asks for our site’s unique IP address. Your device can connect to the website once the DNS server provides the IP address.

Your device only uses DNS servers operated by NordVPN when you connect to it. Your DNS queries travel over an encrypted tunnel. They are resolved on the same VPN server you’re connected to.

This ensures that you never have to worry about confidential information leaking. You also won’t have to worry about third parties spying on it.

NordVPN Fire TV / Android TV Application

NordVPN offers an application for Fire TV and Android TV systems.

You’ll find most of the features in this app. The features are the same ones you find in Nord’s other applications.

It appears that this application could benefit from some updates. The user interface could be more polished.

When connected to the VPN and going back into the NordVPN app, there’s a slight delay. I experience a spinning wheel for about 7 seconds.

All the features within the Firestick/Android TV app seem to function well. However, the user interface could use some improvements.

24/7 Support

NordVPN’s dedication to customer support is evident.

You can contact them through various channels. These include live chat, email, and social media.

They offer a user-friendly help section. It includes resources like video tutorials, written tutorials, FAQs, and more.

Currently, NordVPN has an impressive Trustpilot score. It boasts a 4.3 out of 5-star rating with over 11,736 reviews. This is noteworthy, as most people use review sites like Trustpilot when they’re unhappy.

NordVPN Download Speeds

All VPNs impact download speed. This is due to the encryption process and traffic being routed through a secure server. Therefore, download speed is a key factor to consider when evaluating any VPN.

I’ll be conducting download speed tests on my Windows 10 PC and Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

My ISP provides me with a maximum of 1GB fiber download speed.

For wireless speed tests, I’ll be connecting to my Asus ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Router (GT-AX11000).

I will utilize the TROYPOINT Download Speed Test for PC testing. For testing on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, I will use Analiti.

Windows 10 PC Download Speeds

The Windows 10 tests below will use the NordLynx VPN Protocol. This protocol proved to be the fastest in my initial tests.

Ethernet

NordLynx Protocol with Chicago Server
Download: 685 Mbps
Upload: 118 Mbps

NordLynx Protocol with Double VPN Server
Download: 143 Mbps
Upload: 97  Mbps

NordLynx Protocol with Onion Over VPN Server
Download: 664 Mbps
Upload: 111 Mbps

NordLynx Protocol with P2P Server
Download: 672 Mbps
Upload: 117 Mbps

Wireless

NordLynx Protocol with Chicago Server
Download: 179 Mbps
Upload: 101 Mbps

NordLynx Protocol with Double VPN Server
Download:  82 Mbps
Upload:  96 Mbps

NordLynx Protocol with Onion Over VPN Server
Download: 43.5 Mbps
Upload: 73.8 Mbps

NordLynx Protocol with P2P Server
Download: 178 Mbps
Upload: 112 Mbps

Fire TV Stick 4K Max Download Speeds

For the Fire TV Stick 4K Max tests, I’ll be using the OpenVPN (UDP) Protocol. I found this to be the fastest during my testing.

Wireless

OpenVPN (UDP) Protocol with Chicago Server

Download: 104 Mbps

Upload: 62 Mbps

OpenVPN (UDP) Protocol with Double VPN Server

Download: 46 Mbps.
Upload: 30 Mbps.

OpenVPN (UDP) Protocol with Onion Over VPN Server

Download: 47 Mbps.
Upload: 20 Mbps.

OpenVPN (UDP) Protocol with Obfuscated Server

Download: 70 Mbps.
Upload: 19 Mbps.

OpenVPN (UDP) Protocol with P2P Server

Download: 99 Mbps.
Upload: 49 Mbps.

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Geo-Block Testing

I tested NordVPN with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and DAZN. I connected to the UK server when performing these tests.

Amazon Prime and DAZN worked great. But Netflix was a different story.

When trying to connect to Netflix via UK VPN location on my Fire TV Stick 4K Max, I got the following screen.

It seems that Netflix is getting extremely good at blocking users. These are the users who are trying to circumvent their geo-blocks.

NordVPN is Real-Debrid Friendly

Many TROYPOINT fans use Real-Debrid. This is an unrestricted downloader that provides access to buffer-free media streams.

Real-Debrid does not work well with all VPN providers. But thankfully NordVPN is on their Cooperative VPN Providers list.

Because of this, we have included NordVPN in our list of Best VPNs for Real Debrid.

Socks5 Proxy Support

NordVPN does provide Socks5 Proxy support. You can find setup instructions for this within their help section.

This technology provides an extra layer of protection. It is for those who download torrents.

6 Devices Per Account

NordVPN allows customers to use their service on up to 6 different devices at the same time.

It’s important to point out that you can install this on as many devices as you would like. But you can only use 6 simultaneous VPN connections at once.

Due to the number of Internet-connected devices that we use on a daily basis, this is definitely a negative in my opinion. I would like to see this bumped to at least 10 devices per account. And 20 would be optimal.

Thankfully, there is a workaround for this 6-device limit if you have a compatible router.

NordVPN provides instructions on how to install their VPN on a router.  By doing this, your entire network will be protected. And you will only use one connection out of your 6.

NordVPN Pricing

As of this review, here is the pricing for NordVPN.

2-Year Plan – 66% Off – $95.76.

1-Year Plan – 58% Off – $59.88.

1-Month Plan – 0% Off – $11.99.

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What I Like

• Fast speeds.
• Lightweight NordLynx VPN Protocol.
• Threat protection included.
• Dedicated IP Address (optional).
• Double VPN for extra security (optional).
• Onion over VPN for extra security (optional).
• Supports all popular devices including Windows, Mac, Firestick, Android TV, phones, tablets, iOS, and more.
• Real-Debrid friendly.
• Not being prompted with CAPTCHA to verify human interaction when browsing Internet.
• Works well with most streaming services.
• NordVPN based in Panama with no data retention laws.
• Socks5 Proxy support for torrenting.
• Can install on router to protect entire network yet only use one connection out of your 6.

What I Dislike

• 6 device limit.
• Netflix geo-block problems.
• Fire TV / Android TV App seems outdated.

NordVPN Review Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market today.  It’s fast, secure, and offers numerous features that other providers don’t have.

This service offers numerous features. Other VPN providers don’t have these.

The Threat Protection feature that comes with the NordVPN is very handy. It may relieve customers from also purchasing an anti-malware, tracker blocker, and ad blocker applications.

The new NordLynx VPN Protocol is extremely fast. I really noticed this on my Windows PC. I got 685 Mbps download speed on it!

NordVPN does offer additional levels of security through their Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers. But this is probably overkill for most VPN users.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice having these stronger security options. But I don’t think it will pertain to most people.

If you’ve had problems with slow download speeds on other VPNs in the past, I would strongly suggest trying NordVPN.  If you’re looking for a VPN service to get around various streaming geo-locks, this is great for that as well, besides Netflix.

Keep in mind that NordVPN offers a no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee. So if it doesn’t work properly for you, get a refund and try something else.

How does NordVPN compare to our recommended VPN which is IPVanish VPN you may ask?

NordVPN checks most of the boxes that IPVanish does. But there are three major differences.

• IPVanish customers can use the VPN on unlimited devices whereas only 6 with NordVPN.
• The IPVanish introductory prices are a lot less than NordVPN.
• IPVanish VPN Firestick / Android TV apps more polished than NordVPN.

Because of the three main reasons noted above, IPVanish VPN still outranks NordVPN. But it’s close.

 

TROYPOINT rates the NordVPN service 4.6/5 stars.

 

Attention Firestick and Android TV Users! Get our free NordVPN Setup Tutorial via link below.

NordVPN Tutorial for Firestick & Android TV

 

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