NordVPN is best choice
NordVPN is best choice
NordVPN is best choice. Its strong security and high speed make it best for activities like streaming, gaming and large downloads. It’s a popular virtual private network (VPN) service also known for wide range of server locations, and user-friendly applications. If you want to use best performer VPN, NordVPN is best among competitors.
How to use NordVPN?
- Step 1. Sign up for NordVPN
- Step 2. Download and install the NordVPN app
- Step 3. Log in to the NordVPN app
- Step 4. Connect to a NordVPN server
- Step 5. Customize your settings
- Step 6. Verify your connection
- Step 7. Use the Internet securely
- Step 8. Disconnect when done
- Additional tips
Step 1. Sign up for NordVPN
- 1. Visit NordVPN website
- 2. Choose a plan
- 3. Create an account
- 4. Payment
First of all, go to NordVPN’s official website and choose a plan. Select a subscription plan that suits your needs (monthly, yearly, or 2-year plan). Next thing you need to do is creating an account with entering your email address and create a password. And then, complete the payment process using your preferred payment method.
Step 2. Download and install the app
- 1. Choose your device
- 2. Download the app
- 3. Install the app
Go to the ‘Apps’ section on the NordVPN website and select the app for your device (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, etc.). Following is to download the app with clicking the download button to get the installer. After download, open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app on your device.
Step 3. Log in to the NordVPN app
- 1. Open the app
- 2. Log in
Launch the NordVPN app on your device and log in. Enter the email address and password that you used to create your NordVPN account and log in.
Step 4. Connect to a NordVPN server
- 1. Quick connect
- 2. Manual server selection
Click the ‘Quick Connect’ button to automatically connect to the best available server that is based on your location and usage needs. There are two ways for manual server selection. First is using the interactive map on which you click and connect to a server in that location. The other is using the server list, which you browse and select a specific server. You can also use the search bar to find specific server types.
Step 5. Customize your settings
- 1. Settings menu
- 2. General settings
- 3. Advanced settings
- 4. Specialty servers
Open the settings menu to customize your VPN experience. Go to general settings and enable or disable features like CyberSec (ad blocker), Kill Switch, and auto-connect. If you finish setting general menu, go to the specific settings. Configure split tunneling, select a specific VPN protocol (e.g., NordLynx, OpenVPN), and adjust other advanced options. Choose from specialty servers that include Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, P2P, and dedicated IP if you need additional functionality.
Step 6. Verify your connection
- 1. Check connection status
- 2. Verify IP address
Ensure the app shows that you are connected to a server. Visit a website like whatismyIPaddress.com to confirm that your IP address has changed and you are using the VPN server’s IP.
Step 7. Use the Internet securely
- 1. Browse and use apps
- 2. Switch servers (if needed)
Use your internet connection as usual, which contains the added security and privacy provided by NordVPN.
NordVPN detailed overview
- Security and privacy
- Server network
- Performance
- User experience
- Customer support
- Pricing
- Additional features
Security and privacy
Various protocols
NordVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard and considered very secure. It support various protocols such as Nordlynx, OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.
WireGuard
WireGuard (Nordlynx) protocol, offers a good balance of speed and security. It is the newest and fastest tunneling protocol, and uses state-of-the-art cryptography that outshines the current leader, OpenVPN.
WireGuard consists of only 4,000 lines of code, making it easy to deploy, audit, and fix. To put it into perspective, OpenVPN runs on 400,000 lines of code, meaning that WireGuard makes up only 1% of OpenVPN’s massive architecture. NordLynx is currently used by default in NordVPN apps.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is the dominant encryption protocol, currently the majority of VPN providers used it in the world. One of OpenVPN’s biggest strengths is that it is highly configurable. It also offers a nice balance between speed and security, as you can use it on both TCP and UDP ports. While the TCP port is a more stable option, UDP is faster, and many users prefer it for a seamless online gaming and live streaming experience.
IKEv2/IPsec.
IKEv2 is a tunneling protocol, which is usually comes together with IPSec for encryption. It can restore a secure connection after the internet drops and adjusts well to changing networks. This functionality could be useful to mobile users who often switch between Wi-Fi and mobile Internets.
Server network
Server locations
NordVPN has over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries and offers specialized servers for P2P sharing, obfuscated servers for bypassing restrictions, and dedicated IP servers.
Specialized servers
Specialized servers include followings. P2P Servers that are optimized for torrenting and obfuscated Servers which are designed to work in heavily restrictive environments like China. The other server is dedicated IP that provides a fixed IP address for users who need it. Double VPN Servers are that provide double encryption by routing traffic through two servers. Onion Over VPN is that integrates with the Tor network for maximum privacy.
Performance
Speed
The VPN offers generally high-speed connections, especially when using the NordLynx protocol. It boasts consistent performance across various server locations. So, NordVPN is suitable for streaming, gaming, and large downloads.
Reliability
NordVPN also provides stable connections with minimal downtime. Users can experience good performance even on distant servers.
User experience
Apps and compatibility
The VPN presents user-friendly apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Besides, it provides Smart TV, router, and NAS support.
Simultaneous connections
You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
Ease of use
There is intuitive interface with easy server selection, which one-click can connect your device for quick and easy protection.
Customer support
Support options
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, and email support. There are extensive online resources that include tutorials, FAQs, and setup guides.
Response time
It is reported that response times for support queries are generally quick. Users can experience comprehensive and helpful responses from support agents.
Pricing
Plans
Monthly plan starts from $11.99/month. You can save with 1-Year plan which is $4.99/month (billed annually at $59.88) or 2-Year plan which is $3.29/month (billed biennially at $79.00).
Payment Methods
Users can pay with credit cards, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrencies, and other regional options.
Money-back guarantee
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Additional features
Split tunneling
It allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which use your regular internet connection
Dark web monitor
This feature alerts you if your credentials are found on dark web markets.
Multi-factor authentication
The VPN adds an extra layer of security to your NordVPN account.
Conclusion
NordVPN is best choice. Its strong security and high speed make it best for activities like streaming, gaming and large downloads. Among the competitors, NordVPN is the top performer in security and speed along side with ExpressVPN. Besides, NordVPN has a comparative advantage in price. So, our top VPN pick is NordVPN. If you want to experience best VPN, try NordVPN.