NordVPN, boasting a user base of 14 million, is globally acknowledged as a leading authority in online privacy and security, endorsed by experts worldwide. With exceptional reviews spanning the internet, NordVPN stands out for its rapid speeds, extensive global server network, cutting-edge security measures, and unrestricted streaming and torrenting capabilities. These key attributes solidify NordVPN’s position as one of the premier VPNs in 2023.
The assurance of a no-logs policy, validated through numerous independent audits, underscores NordVPN’s dedication to safeguarding privacy. Overall, NordVPN delivers remarkable value for its cost and is an excellent choice for both newcomers and advanced users alike.
While NordVPN possesses numerous advantages, it isn’t without its imperfections. One area that requires enhancement is the availability of customer support in languages beyond English.
In our comprehensive NordVPN assessment, you’ll gain insight into the outcomes of our thorough hands-on evaluations, encompassing features, performance, streaming capabilities, and more. Learn why, among the 80+ VPNs subjected to scrutiny, NordVPN emerges as the definitive number one choice.
Velocity – Among the Swiftest VPNs in Our Trials
NordVPN places no limitations on speed or bandwidth. Although VPN usage can at times lead to a mild decrease in internet speed, we encountered no significant speed decline when using NordVPN.
In the course of our NordVPN evaluation, our team rigorously examined NordVPN’s speed across various servers, locations, and devices. The outcome? NordVPN consistently delivered impressively rapid download speeds, reaching up to 90.66 Mbps (equivalent to 96% of our download speed without a VPN). We assign NordVPN a commendable rating of 9 out of 10 for its speed and performance.
The speed test findings for NordVPN were exceptional
Here’s a concise overview of NordVPN’s speed performance:
In day-to-day usage, NordVPN exhibited no noticeable impact on internet speed, even during activities such as gaming and streaming while the VPN was active. Browsing remained seamless without significant delays or lag, even when connected to distant VPN servers worldwide. With the exception of certain Australian VPN servers, gaming with NordVPN saw only a minimal increase in ping (latency). We adopt a methodology where we measure our connection speed without a VPN and then compare it against results from both nearby and remote VPN servers.
This technique allows us to assess the influence of distance and encryption on internet speed. Our tests are conducted from our Netherlands-based headquarters, utilizing the NordLynx VPN protocol for optimal performance.
It’s important to note that VPN performance varies depending on your location and initial speed, which might lead to differing results from ours. Remember that the table below provides an approximation of potential speeds.
All speed tests were conducted using the same web application and a speed test server situated in close proximity to the employed VPN server. The following table outlines NordVPN’s performance during our most recent testing session in 2023.
NordVPN delivers impressive speeds in everyday use
Clearly, NordVPN’s acclaim is fully justified. NordVPN, particularly when used alongside NordLynx, consistently delivers impressive speeds, even when connected to servers at a distance.
Naturally, as ping increased, there was a slight decrease in speeds, but this was negligible and unlikely to impact your online activities.
Throughout our assessment of NordVPN, we encountered no instances of lag or dropped VPN connections. Even with higher ping rates, the overall experience remained seamless and responsive. Establishing a connection to any server, including those farther away, took just a matter of seconds.
Does NordVPN perform well for gaming purposes?
Moving on, we dedicated a few weeks to extensively evaluating NordVPN’s performance in online gaming (yes, our job is pretty amazing, we’re aware).
Our gaming sessions encompassed a range of titles, such as World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Counter-Strike. In these online games, internet speed assumes paramount significance due to the interactive nature of playing with and against fellow gamers. Swift reaction times are crucial, and minimizing latency is of utmost importance.
Our gaming encounters with NordVPN were remarkably seamless, and the speeds proved to be exceptional — NordVPN truly delivered. For enthusiasts of data-intensive multiplayer games, we advise selecting a NordVPN server located near your geographical position to mitigate any potential latency-related concerns.
Does NordVPN perform well for streaming purposes?
NordVPN is an excellent option for streaming high-definition videos. We employed NordVPN to view a variety of Netflix series and YouTube content without encountering any issues, even while streaming in full HD (including 4K and higher resolutions).
Does NordVPN perform well for downloading content?
NordVPN stands out as a favorable option for torrent downloads due to its swift servers and notable download speeds.
It’s important to mention that NordVPN offers dedicated servers specifically designed for P2P downloading. Our extensive testing of these servers proved them to be highly effective and reliable.
In addition to assessing NordVPN’s torrenting speeds, we employed it for downloading games via Steam. The process proved exceptionally rapid, leading us to confidently recommend NordVPN for individuals who frequently engage in downloading sizable files.
