For a long time, I’ve been quite demanding when it comes to my online privacy. Whether to avoid data trackers, protect myself on public Wi-Fi, or watch my favorite series, having a good VPN no longer feels like a luxury—it’s a necessity. After hearing so much about NordVPN from friends and tech forums, I decided to see for myself if it was really worth it. This is my honest opinion and step-by-step review of using NordVPN: the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.
Why did I finally try it?
So, why NordVPN? Honestly, it came down to a few key points for me:
- I travel a lot (think airports, hotels, and cafés of questionable security).
- I can’t resist watching series from other countries.
- No me siento cómodo con que rastreen mi actividad en línea.
On top of that, NordVPN’s reputation for security and speed made it a clear favorite. So after reading about its features—like military-grade encryption, strict no-logs policy, and the ability to unblock streaming sites—I decided to give it a try.
Setup: Easier than easy
Download and install.
Getting NordVPN up and running was so simple it was almost laughable. Here’s what I did:
- I entered on its official website (nordvpn.com), I registered myself for a 2-year plan (takin the best offer) and created an account with my email and payment data.
- With just a few clicks, I downloaded the NordVPN app to my Windows laptop.
- The installation wizard guided me through the process, and in less than 3 minutes, everything was ready.
First login
Once I opened the app, I entered my credentials, and that was it! The interface greeted me with a world map full of connection points. It’s so intuitive that even someone who has never used a VPN could easily understand it.
I liked that you can click on any country on the map to instantly connect or choose a specific server from the list. No complications.
First look at the features: What stood out the most
Clean and intuitive dashboard
The first thing I noticed was how well-organized and smooth the NordVPN dashboard is. There’s no clutter or overwhelming options; it has a simple and clean design. The most important features worth highlighting are:
- Quick Connect: A button that finds the fastest server for you.
- Speciality servers: Includes options like Double VPN (more on this later) and servers for P2P and Onion over VPN.
- Search: To quickly connect to a specific location.
Everything feels easy to use, which I really appreciated.
Security: The Real Reason I Signed Up
When it comes to security, NordVPN doesn’t disappoint.
Top-level encryption
NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is basically the gold standard. If that sounds technical, think of it this way: it’s the same level of security used by banks and the military. So yes, your data is safe.
Protocol options
NordVPN lets you choose from several protocols (that is, the way the VPN connects):
- NordLynx: Their customized version of WireGuard. It’s fast, secure, and the one I used the most.
- OpenVPN: The reliable choice for greater stability.
- IKEv2/IPsec: Ideal for mobile users.
During most of my tests, I used NordLynx because the speed difference was noticeable.
Kill Switch: A literal lifesaver
Feature “Kill Switch” immediately caught my attention. If the VPN connection drops, even for just a second, Kill Switch blocks your internet so your data isn’t leaked.
I tested it by intentionally disconnecting the VPN during a session, and it worked perfectly—cutting my connection until the VPN reconnected. For someone concerned about security, this is a game-changer.
Leak protection
I tan a couple of leak tests (using tools like ipleak.net) to see if my IP address, DNS, or WebRTC information was exposed. The results: no leaks.
Double VPN for greater privacy
If you’re extremely paranoid about online security, Nord VPN Double VPN feature is worth it. It routes your traffic through two servers instead of one, so your data is encrypted twice. I tested it briefly, and although speeds dropped a bit, the added privacy could be worth it in certain scenarios.
Privacy: Do they really keep no logs?
I’m always skeptical about privacy claims. NordVPN promises a strict no-logs policy, which means they don’t track, collect, or store any data about what you do while connected.
To back this up, they’ve been audited by independent firms like PwC, which confirmed they keep their promise. Plus, NordVPN is based in Panama, where there’s no legal pressure to store user data and it’s not subject to international surveillance alliances like the 5/9/14 Eyes. If privacy is your priority, you’re in good hands. 
How fast is NordVPN really?
Speed is one of the biggest concerns people have with VPNs, so I ran several tests on different servers to see how NordVPN compares.
Results from my speed tests
Using Ookla’s Speedtest, I got these results:
- Base speed (no VPN): 500 Mbps download, 100 Mbps upload.
- Nearby server (U.S.): 450 Mbps download, 90 Mbps upload.
- Server in the United Kingdom: 380 Mbps download, 70 Mbps upload.
- Server in Japan: 300 Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload.
To be honest, I was impressed. The speed drops were minimal, especially when using the NordLynx protocol. Even when connecting to distant servers, streaming and browsing were smooth.
Gaming
I’m an occasional gamer, so I tested NordVPN while playing Call of Duty: Warzone. My ping stayed under 50 ms and there was no noticeable lag.
Streaming: Unlock content from anywhere
One of my favorite NordVPN features is its ability to bypass geographic restrictions. I love Netflix marathons, so I tested NordVPN with several streaming platforms:
- Netflix: t worked perfectly. I was able to access catalogs from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Japan.
- Amazon Prime y Hulu: No problems here.
- BBC iPlayer: I unlocked U.K. content without problems.
- Disney+: HD Streaming with no interruptions.
Everything streamed in 4K without buffering. Definitely, if you love to travel and hate missing your favorite shows at home, NordVPN has you covered
Compatibility: It works everywhere
I installed NordVPN on my Windows laptop, my iPhone, and my Amazon Firestick. The experience was consistent across all devices: easy to install, smooth to use, and reliable. You can also use NordVPN on routers or install browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Is it worth the price?
NordVPN may not be the cheapest VPN, but I think it’s worth every penny. Here are the plans they offer:
- Month: $12.99/monthly.
- Annual plan: $4.99/month.
- 2-year plan: $3.29/month.
I went for the 2-year plan because it offers the best value, and they also have a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund—no questions asked.
Customer support: Fast and helpful
If you’ve ever dealt with poor customer service, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, NordVPN’s 24/7 support is excellent. I contacted them via live chat to ask about the best servers for streaming, and I got a helpful reply in under 2 minutes.
They also have an extensive knowledge base with guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion: Is NordVPN worth it?
The pros:
- Security: AES-256 encryption, NordLynx protocol, and zero leaks.
- Privacy: Strict no-logs policy and jurisdiction in Panama.
- Performance: Excellent speeds, even on distant servers.
- Streaming: Unlocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Ease of use: Intuitive apps and simple setup.
The cons:
- Speeds can drop slightly on distant servers (though not enough to be a problem).
- Short-term plans are a bit pricey.
Who is it ideal for?
If you travel a lot, love streaming, or value your online privacy, NordVPN is worth it. It’s fast, secure, and very easy to use. For me, it has become an essential tool to stay safe online and watch my favorite shows no matter where I am.
Final verdict:
I give NordVPN a solid 9.5/10. It delivers everything it promises and more, making it one of the best VPNs I’ve ever tried. If you’re undecided, the 30-day money-back guarantee means there’s no risk in giving it a shot. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is NordVPN and what is it used for?
A: NordVPN is like your digital bodyguard on the internet. It’s a Virtual Private Network ( VPNservice that protects your online activity by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. Whether you’re working from public Wi-Fi, want to watch your favorite shows while traveling, or simply wish to keep trackers away, NordVPN has your back. Its goal is to keep your browsing private, secure, and frustration-free.
Q: How much does a NordVPN subscription cost?
A: A: NordVPN has several pricing options depending on how long you want to commit:
- Monthly plan: $12.99/month, ideal if you just want to try it out.
- Annual plan: $4.99/month, billed annually, a good mid-range option.
- 2-year plan: $3.29/month, billed every two years, and the best value.
They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if it’s not what you expected, you can cancel without losing money.
Q: What is a free VPN?
A: A free VPN is exactly what it sounds like: a VPN service with no cost. But here’s the catch—free doesn’t always mean good. Free VPNs often have slower speeds, limited server options, and, in some cases, questionable privacy practices (some track and sell your data). If you take protecting your online life seriously, a paid option like NordVPN is usually much better.
Q: Is NordVPN a good VPN?
A: In short, absolutely. NordVPN has earned its reputation as one of the best VPNs available. Here’s why people love it:
- Top-level security: Uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and even has aDouble VPN feature for extra privacy.
- No logs: They don’t record what you do online, and their privacy claims have been independently verified.
- Impresive speed: Even when connected to distant servers, streaming and browsing are smooth.
- Great for streaming: Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, NordVPN can unblock content from almost anywhere.
- Ease of use: Setup is a breeze, and the app design is very intuitive.
If you’re looking for a reliable, secure, and versatile VPN, NordVPN is an excellent choice. Whether you travel frequently, love streaming, or simply value your online privacy, it’s hard to go wrong with this option.
