NordVPN Review 2026 - Is It Still the Best?

Updated: February 19, 2026 · 5 min read

★ 9.4/10

NordVPN is the most popular VPN in the world, and after spending three weeks putting it through rigorous testing, we can confirm it deserves that title — mostly.

In this review, we’ll cover everything that matters: real speed test data, security analysis, streaming reliability, and whether the price is actually justified in 2026’s competitive market.

NordVPN at a Glance

Speed Test Results

We tested NordVPN from a 1Gbps connection in New York, connecting to servers across the world. Here are the results using the NordLynx protocol:

Verdict: NordVPN is consistently one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. Local server connections barely impact your speed at all, and even long-distance connections to Asia and Oceania remained usable for streaming and downloads.

The NordLynx protocol is the key here. It’s NordVPN’s custom implementation of WireGuard, and it outperformed OpenVPN by 30-40% in our tests. If you’re using NordVPN, make sure NordLynx is your default protocol.

Security Deep Dive

NordVPN’s security infrastructure goes well beyond basic VPN encryption:

Encryption and Protocols

NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM encryption with perfect forward secrecy. This is the same encryption standard used by governments and militaries. Breaking it with current technology would take billions of years.

Kill Switch

NordVPN offers two kill switch modes:

• Internet Kill Switch: Cuts all internet if the VPN drops. Simple and effective.
• App Kill Switch: Only kills specific apps you choose. Useful if you want some traffic to continue without VPN.

We tested both by forcefully disconnecting the VPN 50 times. The kill switch caught every single drop with zero leaks. This is critical — a VPN without a reliable kill switch is a VPN you can’t trust.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

We ran comprehensive leak tests using multiple tools:

• DNS leaks: None detected across 50 test cycles
• WebRTC leaks: None detected (built-in protection)
• IPv6 leaks: None detected (IPv6 traffic blocked by default)

Threat Protection

NordVPN’s built-in Threat Protection blocks:

• Malicious websites
• Trackers and ads
• Malware in downloads (scans files automatically)

In our testing, it caught 94% of known phishing URLs and blocked 89% of trackers — competitive with standalone ad blockers.

Independent Audits

NordVPN has completed multiple independent security audits:

• Deloitte (2024, 2025): Verified no-logs policy
• Cure53 (2023): Audited apps and infrastructure
• ioXt Alliance: IoT security certification

This level of transparency is rare in the VPN industry and gives NordVPN significant credibility.

Streaming Performance

Streaming is where NordVPN truly shines. We tested access to major platforms from multiple server locations:

15 Netflix libraries is particularly impressive. Most VPNs can handle US Netflix but struggle with smaller regions. NordVPN consistently unblocked every library we tried.

Stream quality was excellent — 4K streaming worked without buffering on all nearby servers, and even cross-continent connections handled 1080p without issues.

Privacy Analysis

Jurisdiction

NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws and is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances. This is one of the most favorable jurisdictions for a VPN company.

Logging Policy

NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently verified by Deloitte in consecutive annual audits. They don’t log:

• Browsing activity
• Connection timestamps
• Session duration
• IP addresses
• Bandwidth used
• DNS queries

Payment Options

For maximum anonymity, NordVPN accepts:

• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
• Cash (via retailers)
• Standard payment methods (credit card, PayPal)

Apps and Usability

Desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux)

The desktop app has been redesigned in 2025 and looks much cleaner than before. The map interface lets you visually pick servers, and the quick-connect button gets you online in under 2 seconds.

Advanced users will appreciate the specialty server categories: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P-optimized, and obfuscated servers. These are easy to find but not cluttering the main interface.

Mobile (iOS/Android)

The mobile apps are excellent. Dark mode, one-tap connect, and widget support make daily use seamless. The iOS app now supports NordLynx by default, matching Android performance.

Browser Extensions

Chrome and Firefox extensions provide lightweight proxy protection with added features like WebRTC blocking and CyberSec (ad blocking). Note: these are proxies, not full VPN connections — use the desktop app for complete protection.

Pricing and Value

NordVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN, but it offers strong value for what you get. The 2-year plan brings the price down to a very competitive $3.39/month.

Important note: Like most VPNs, NordVPN’s renewal price is higher than the introductory rate. Budget accordingly or set a reminder to resubscribe.

Who Should Use NordVPN?

Best for:

• Streaming enthusiasts who want access to global content
• Privacy-conscious users who value verified security
• People who want a single VPN that does everything well
• Households with up to 10 devices

Not ideal for:

• Ultra-budget shoppers (Surfshark is cheaper)
• Users who need unlimited simultaneous connections
• People in China (works sometimes, but not as reliable as ExpressVPN)

Final Verdict: 9.4/10

NordVPN earns its reputation as the best overall VPN in 2026. It’s fast, secure, great for streaming, and backed by independent audits. The price is fair for the quality, and the 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.

The only reasons not to choose NordVPN: you need unlimited devices (get Surfshark), you’re on a very tight budget (get PIA), or you prioritize ease of use above all else (consider ExpressVPN).

For everyone else, NordVPN is the one to beat.

Get NordVPN — Save 74% on the 2-Year Plan →

This review was last updated in February 2026 based on independent testing. We re-evaluate all VPN reviews quarterly.