Our NordVPN Review: A Popular and Secure VPN

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Alexandre Desoutter updated on 21 October 2022

Simply put, NordVPN is a winner. It is one of the most popular and secure VPNs in the world. Need some information before signing up? Want to see how it compares to other top VPNs in Canada? We have got you covered in this NordVPN review.

Continue below to see our NordVPN pros and cons, learn about pricing and find out if it’s right for you.

NordVPN review: Is NordVPN good?

NordVPN is a feature-rich VPN with compelling options for both individual and business users.

It’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular VPNs out there.

We like that NordVPN is an easy-to-use, intuitive VPN that offers good reliability and stability. It is a strong performer with more than 5,500 servers in more than 50 countries. It is well protected through its WireGuard-based NordLynx VPN protocol and wide range of security features. That makes it a good value for money, especially with its 30-day money-back guarantee so you can be confident in your purchase.

AboutNordVPN
Number of Servers
5,500+
Number of Countries
59
How Many Devices (simultaneous)
6
No-log Policy
  • Type of Servers
    RAM
    Headquarters
    Panama
    Protocols
    NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
    Desktop Operating Systems
    Windows, Mac, Linux
    Apps
    Android, iOS, Android TV
    Extensions
    Chrome, Firefox, Edge
    Customer Service
    Live Chat, Email
    Split-Tunnelling
    Dedicated IP available
    Available features
    Encrypted connection
    Ultra-fast connection
    No activity logs kept
    Mesh network routing
    Multi-factor authentication
    Ad blocking and anti-virus
    Privacy on the go
    Kill Switch to protect your data
    Split Tunnelling
    Dedicated IP
    Masked IP
    Double protection with double IP change
    Chrome, Firefox, Edge extensions
    Worldwide access
    Private DNS
    Dark Web Monitoring
    NordVPN features

    Why NordVPN could be right for you:

    • A number of large servers around the world
    • Privacy-focused RAM servers
    • Independently audited no-log VPN policy
    • AES-256 encryption
    • Based in Panama, outside of Canadian, US and EU jurisdictions.
    • Their own NordLynx VPN protocol
    • Responsive customer service
    • Good access to video streaming services
    • Up to 10 Gbit/s servers

    What you might not like about NordVPN:

    • OpenVPN is difficult to configure
    • The app interface is more complicated than some competitors
    • More expensive than some competitors.

    How does NordVPN work?

    It works like any other VPN. Wondering what does NordVPN do? It is a Virtual Private Network that offers you greater online privacy and security. It creates a secure, encrypted connection between you and the network you are connecting to. Your IP address is hidden as you navigate the internet because traffic is rerouted through NordVPN’s servers. Think of it as an opaque tunnel for your data.

    To do this you just need to download the NordVPN application to your device and connect to a server of your choice. This prevents your ISP and other people on the same network from snooping on your traffic.

    screenshot 2022 08 18 at 104621
    It's easy to download NordVPN for Mac or any of your devices

    Good to know

    Think of a VPN as a dark tunnel that prevents third parties like your ISP, network manager, advertisers and hackers from tracking and collecting your browsing data. Traffic can move through unseen.

    How do you use NordVPN?

    It is easy to get started.

    1. Download the NordVPN application for your computer or mobile device.
    2. Sign in and create an account.
    3. You can then click “Quick Connect” or pick the server of your choice.
    screenshot 2022 08 17 at 142036
    Pick the right server for you

    How much is NordVPN?

    NordVPN prices start as low as $3.99 Canadian Dollars per month. How much you pay varies depending on how long you sign up and the service tier. Looking for a NordVPN discount? Sign up for a 2-year offer. The longer your contract, the less NordVPN costs!

    Here’s how it breaks down:

    Time PeriordStandardPlusComplete
    Monthly
    $11.99$12.69$13.99
    1-year plan
    $4.99$5.69$6.99
    2-year plan
    $3.99$4.69$5.99
    Sign up for longer to get the best NordVPN deals in Canada

    Wondering what Plus and Complete get you? The standard level offers great protection and solid service, but the password manager and cloud storage in the higher tiers are a great deal for just a couple of bucks more.


    Included Features
    StandardPlusComplete
    VPN
    Malware protection
    Tracker and ad blocker
    Password manager
    Data breach scanner
    1 TB encrypted cloud storage
    What's included at each price point

    If you need a dedicated IP from NordVPN they are available. You can pick a static IP in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    • To purchase a dedicated IP, just log into NordVPN to create your account.
    • During purchase, you'll see a Got Coupon? link. Enter the NordVPN coupon norddedicatedip
    • Select the plan you'd like and finalize your purchase.
    • This will create two accounts. Just email customer service to let them know which country you'd like for your dedicated IP.
    • It will take one to three business days to receive your dedicated IP address.
    screenshot 2022 08 18 at 102223
    NordVPN coupon applied

    Good to know

    Finally, if you are a business user you may be interested in NordLayer. Integration with cloud resources, dedicated account management, fixed servers, 1Gbps servers and 24/7 live support are available, as custom technical implementations. Pricing starts at just $7.00 per month per user for the Basic tier when you sign up for one year.

    Is NordVPN safe?

    NordVPN is a well-respected and safe VPN. Its location in Panama puts it out of the jurisdiction of Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes surveillance and intelligence-sharing alliances. Privacy advocates warn that using a VPN based in those countries opens you up to unwarranted surveillance from alliance members and jeopardizes your online anonymity. The Five Eyes includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US. The Fourteen Eyes adds Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.

    In 2019 NordVPN chose to shut down its Russian servers rather than comply with orders from Russian authorities to block certain websites. Actions like this reassure users that it is serving their interests and is a safe VPN provider.

    NordVPN offers a range of great security features including RAM-only VPN servers, AES-256-GCM encryption, Double VPN, split-tunnelling, P22 servers, its NordVPN Kill Switch and access to Tor. Additionally, their CyberSec blocks ads and malicious websites while a Dark Web Monitor features checks if your passwords have leaked. These give you the flexibility and power to secure your privacy as you like. It has a no-log policy that has been independently audited and verified.

    Good to know

    VPNs are legal in most of the world, including Canada. In fact, they are regularly recommended by security experts and required in some large companies. Only a few countries, usually with repressive internet and media laws, make VPNs illegal.

    While VPNs are legal, you should not use them for breaking the law.

    Where is NordVPN located?

    NordVPN is based in Panama.

    It has a wide range of server locations covering 60 countries with more than 5400 servers. NordVPN offers more servers than most competitors and an interesting range of countries. With servers around the world, you can always find one that offers you great speeds or the privacy you're looking for.

    For users who like to torrent, NordVPN offers P2P servers specifically for this purpose.

    Looking for a NordVPN server list? Here are the countries it covers:

    • Albania
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • Canada
    • Chile
    • Costa Rica
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Indonesia
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Latvia
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Malaysia
    • Mexico
    • Moldova
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • North Macedonia
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Serbia
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • South Africa
    • South Korea
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Turkey
    • Ukraine
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • US
    • Vietnam

    Does NordVPN work with Netflix?

    NordVPN is a good option for streaming since it offers fast connections for watching videos and downloading media. Many servers run at 10 Gbit/s. They do not apply any monthly caps on network bandwidth, unlike some competitors. You can simultaneously connect six devices so you can stream or somebody else in your household also uses NordVPN.

    Netflix’s Library changes depending on the country around. Therefore lots of people like to use NordVPN to access content that’s not available to them where they are. Unfortunately, streaming services often lock VPNs, so it is a little bit of a cat and mouse game. Currently, NordVPN can unblock around a dozen Netflix regions, but this can change quickly.

    Is NordVPN not working with Netflix? There are a few things that you can try:

    • Change server
    • Select an obfuscated server. This option masks from Netflix that you're using a VPN.
    • Change your DNS server

    Where can you install NordVPN?

    NordVPN is a well-supported VPN that’s compatible with many devices.

    Standalone apps let you protect your Mac or Windows and Linux PC, while Android and iOS apps are available when you’re on the go. You can even install Nord VPN on an Amazon Firestick.

    If you want to protect your Xbox, Playstation or Switch, you can install NordVPN on your router. Installing it on your router also lets you unblock streaming services for Roku and AppleTV and geo-restricted websites.

    Just need to change your location quickly for a search? NordVPN offers Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge browser extensions.

    Sign up for NordVPN and download the NordVPN app and extensions you need today.

    Good to know

    You can install NordVPN on as many devices as you like and use it on up to 6 devices simultaneously. That means you can watch Netflix, while your

    How do you get a free NordVPN account?

    NordVPN is not free, but it offers a moneyback guarantee. You can sign up today and test it for up to 30 days. If you’re not happy, you just need to request a refund to get your money back.

    There’s a reason that the best VPNs cost money. Server traffic, infrastructure and customer support teams are expensive to provide. Fortunately, popular VPNs like NordVPN offer a great service for only a few dollars per month. They empower to you take control of your personal information and enhance your privacy and security, while unblocking geo-restricted content. Free VPNs just can't compete with the same speed, servers or encryption. Free VPNs may also limit your bandwidth and need to recuperate their costs somehow, usually by logging and selling your private data. In the worse cases, a free VPN provider may act maliciously. Make sure that you use a VPN provider that you can trust.

    Try NordVPN for free, risk-free:

    How do you contact NordVPN customer service?

    NordVPN not working? NordVPN won't connect? Customer service can help.

    The company offers a few great ways to contact them:

    • A Help Center on their website provides useful FAQs and walkthroughs on how to configure a number of devices or manage billing information.
    • A Live Chat option is available too for specific questions.
    • Finally, you can email customer support at [email protected]

    Business users subscribed to NordLayer have a separate Live Chat and Support ticket on the NordLayer website.

    How do you set up NordVPN on a router?

    Installing a VPN on your router is a powerful and convenient way to protect all the devices on your network. Besides your laptop and mobile device, It means you can run other gadgets like your Sony PlayStation, Roku or Amazon Kindle through the country of your choice and access different content and, sometimes, save on e-store.

    Unfortunately, each router functions a little differently and not all are supported. NordVPNs support pages give detailed tutorials for the following devices.

    • ASUS WRT
    • ASUS Merlin
    • DD-WRT
    • Gl.iNET
    • Mikrotik
    • NetDUMA
    • OPNsense
    • OpenWRT
    • Padavan
    • Sabai
    • Tomato
    • pfSense
    • DrayTek
    • EdgeRouter
    • TP-Link

    If you don't see your router brand, check your user manual or check your manufacturer's website. Many routers support OpenVPN, which should allow you to install NordVPN directly on your router.

    Have a question? Contact NordVPN customer service for assistance.

    How to cancel my NordVPN subscription?

    NordVPN is set to automatically renew once your subscription is over, but it is easy to deactivate this feature.

    1. Login to your NordVPN account
    2. Select Billing
    3. Next to Auto-Renewal click Manage
    4. Finally, select Cancel auto-renewal

    Watch out!

    If you wish to request a 30-day money-back guarantee the NordVPN cancellation policy requires you to do so within 30 days of purchase.

    How does NordVPN stack up against the competition?

    Wondering how NordVPN compares to ExpressVPN, SurfShark or IPVanish? We’ve put together a brief comparison table for you below.

    VPNPricing start atNumber of serversNumber of countriesSimultaneous usersNetflixZero-logsHeadquartered inOutside of Fourteen Eyes?
    NordVPN
    $3.995,500596 Panama
    ExpressVPN
    $8.323,000945 The British Virgin Islands
    Surfshark
    $2.993,20085unlimited The British Virgin Islands
    IP Vanish
    $3.99 USD
    ($89.99 per year after the first year)
    1,90075unlimited USA
    NordVPN vs ExpressVPN, NordVPN vs Surfshark, IPVanish vs NordVPN

    The truth is that there are a lot of great VPNs out there. We like NordVPN a lot because it is feature-rich, has a proven commitment to protecting your privacy and is affordable. It is a solid choice both for VPN beginners and those with more experience who demand specific safety features.

    With that said, not every provider is right for everyone. You can compare even more VPN providers below:

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      Alexandre Desoutter
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      Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications.

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