Month: November 2026

ExpressVPN has climbed to the forefront of the VPN game since its inception in 2009. It’s still one of the most well-known VPN providers today, with a stellar reputation.

Its user-friendly interface makes it an excellent pick for newbies discovering VPNs, and its multiplatform support broadens its appeal to a wider audience. It also comes with fast speeds and a solid reputation for stability and security.

However, ExpressVPN comes with slightly higher-than-average costs, which start at $8.32 per month. This is way more than most of the top VPNs in the industry.

That being said, do this VPN’s features really justify its price?

To find out the answer, the team of Best VPN Comparisons ran it on Linux, Mac, Android, Windows, iOS, and routers. We then put its gaming, streaming, and torrenting capabilities to test.

Furthermore, we looked into its security features, unblocking capabilities, device compatibility, and the Lightway protocol itself. We also did a thorough study of their privacy policy, company history, and independent audits to see if it’s trustworthy.

We jotted down each and every aspect tested in this review. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

ExpressVPN pros and cons

With great speeds, extensive server network, obfuscation technology, and security, ExpressVPN is simply one of the best options in the industry. But, you need to understand that there are inconveniences and tradeoffs everywhere.

Here is a quick list of pros and cons we listed down in our ExpressVPN review 2026:

Pros	Cons
Blazing-fast speeds	High pricing
Thousands of servers	Customer support team is unable to handle extremely technical issues
AES 256-bit encryption	No extra features
Unblocks all popular streaming services
TrustedServer technology
30-day money-back guarantee
25/7 live chat support
Obfuscated servers

Speed and performance: Is ExpressVPN fast?

Connection speeds are essential for trouble-free VPN use, and even the most privacy-conscious user will need quick loading alongside rock-solid security.

With the emergence of advanced protocols like WireGuard and Lightway, many VPN providers are seeing their connection speeds skyrocket.

To confirm this statement, we conducted extensive tests to determine how well ExpressVPN performs.

We tested multiple servers of this VPN in our ExpressVPN speed review on the following baseline: 1ms/100 Mbps download speed/100 Mbps upload speed after connecting to various servers, and here are the results that we got:

Server Location	IKEv2	Lightway	OpenVPN (TCP)	OpenVPN (UDP)
United Kingdom	51/8242	35/83/71	51/65/43	61/78/67
USA (Miami)	65/87/63	59/85/65	27/70/33	100/82/73
India	120/82/46	191/76/32	111/63/45	111/80/46
Australia	72/79/68	109/81/27	163/70/42	165/83/41
Canada (Toronto)	104/81/75	111/78/65	158/73/36	194/76/55
Netherlands	147/78/65	165/80/55	104/78/65	200/73/62

As per our ExpressVPN Lightway review, if you wish to maximise speed, we strongly advise you to use the Lightway protocol. It’s compatible with all ExpressVPN-enabled devices, including routers.

All the connections of ExpressVPN support OpenVPN, with the choice to connect through UDP or TCP (the former is faster but the latter is more stable). L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2 are also present, although their features, locations, and compatibility are limited.

Streaming: Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix?

Our ExpressVPN review of Netflix concluded that this VPN excels in unblocking streaming services. We had no problems watching numerous series on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. We couldn’t locate a single streaming service that it couldn’t unblock.

On Netflix, each nation has its own collection of series and films. ExpressVPN can enable you to safely access Netflix in the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and France, among other countries.

We tested Netflix with the American Netflix library, and it worked perfectly. On the plus side, we didn’t have to choose a particular streaming server or check any boxes.

ExpressVPN had no trouble connecting to BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or YouTube TV as well.

Is ExpressVPN good and safe for torrenting?

Every VPN server that ExpressVPN provides is geared for peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing. That implies you won’t have to waste time looking for a torrenting server because whichever one you pick will be adequate.

qBitTorrent, Transmission, Vuze, Deluge, uTorrent, and any other major P2P application are compatible with this VPN, as per our ExpressVPN torrenting review.

There are no restrictions on bandwidth or transmission. Your connection will never be throttled, according to the business.

We downloaded a 600 MB file through uTorrent to test ExpressVPN’s torrenting capabilities. We were able to download it completely in around 8 minutes using its Chicago server.

Moreover, please note that the router app of ExpressVPN allows port forwarding; while the other apps do not. Also, it does not have a SOCKS5 proxy.

ExpressVPN features

Even though the price of ExpressVPN is a bit high, we found it worth the cost after testing its features. Want to get into the deets? Let’s go!

Split tunneling

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that exempts some traffic from the VPN tunnel. If you need a local connection for banking while streaming a geo-restricted service, this comes in useful.

By merely encrypting your torrenting connection, you can also use it for saving bandwidth when downloading files.

MediaStreamer

You get a SmartDNS feature with your ExpressVPN subscription called MediaStreamer. When you’re used to streaming videos on a device that doesn’t support VPNs, this is extremely beneficial.

You can use MediaStreamer to alter the DNS address, and the device will connect to geo-restricted sites as if it were using a VPN. It only works with libraries in the United States since they are the most restricted ones.

One of your five simultaneous device connections will be used up when you configure a device using MediaStreamer. It doesn’t encrypt your data or mask your IP address, and it doesn’t provide the same level of security as a full VPN client.

When tested, setting up MediaStreamer on our PS4 took less than four minutes. It also worked on our PC, but not on Xbox.

Router app

As per our ExpressVPN router review, this VPN released a custom router app that eliminates several steps from the setup process that would otherwise be required.

You can find instructions on how to do that on their help page. You’ll need to get ExpressVPN firmware and install it on your router. You’ll be able to log in after it restarts.

You can decide which devices will use a VPN, alter your connection settings, and manage your Port Forwarding settings because ExpressVPN built it from the bottom up.

It’s a router-compatible app that’s fully working. Furthermore, because it only reduces your maximum authorized connections by one, any device connected to this router does not add up to the maximum quota of five.

Another thing is that the router application now allows you to group devices into device groups, allowing you to select various servers for each group. This allows you to connect to several servers on multiple devices at the same time.

Shortcuts

ExpressVPN includes a tool for people who use VPNs in conjunction with specific services or apps. There are shortcuts if you frequently open a specific app after connecting to a VPN server.

You may edit shortcuts by right-clicking the bar under the connect button once you’ve connected to a VPN server. You may then add an app or a website link to the bar in this manner. By clicking the shortcut symbol, you can launch the associated website or URL link without having to search for it manually.

It’s completely customizable, and you may build up to five shortcuts in total. Our detailed ExpressVPN review of Mac, Windows, and Android concluded that only these three devices can use the feature for now.

Stealth servers

ExpressVPN promotes itself as a “stealth VPN,” implying that at least some of its servers use “obfuscation” technology. 

This function disguises your VPN traffic as normal browsing. It can be used for a variety of things, including unblocking Netflix and battling online censorship. Even deep packet inspection won’t be able to see that you’re using a VPN if you use stealth servers.

It was, however, difficult to confirm or refute the existence of thisfeature. ExpressVPN consumers do not have the option to choose between different stealth VPN servers. We have found no blogs, setup manuals, or other evidence that ExpressVPN offers this feature.

Is ExpressVPN safe and secure?

ExpressVPN is a secure VPN service that complies with the majority of security criteria and guidelines. It is, however, owned by Kape Technologies, a company with a history of malware spreading and owning a number of VPN services.

However, keeping all that aside, ExpressVPN offers robust security features that are known to keep you safe. Even while testing, its security features lived up to our criteria and seemed too good to be true.

Encryption

ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN service. As per the testing in our ExpressVPN privacy review, It offers a variety of features, including strong encryption, which makes it a popular choice for users looking for privacy and security.

ExpressVPN uses the AES-256-GCM for encryption. This is one of the most secure ciphers available, and it is used by many government and military organizations.

There are 2256 or 1.1 × 1077 potential combinations with 256-bit keys. A brute-force attack on a 256-bit keyspace is just impossible, even if all of the world’s most powerful supercomputers operated for the entire history of the universe, billions upon billions of times.

In addition to its strong encryption, ExpressVPN also offers a number of other security features. These include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. This means that your data is never stored or monitored by the company, ensuring your privacy.

Tunneling protocols

One thing that sets ExpressVPN apart from other VPNs is its use of Tunneling protocols.

When you use a VPN, a method known as tunneling is used to send your online activities and data through the internet.

Data flowing over a VPN tunnel is divided into “packets,” which are then sandwiched between other data packets. All of this information is subsequently encrypted, making it impossible for intruders to view what’s inside.

ExpressVPN offers several tunneling protocols:

OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) is one of ExpressVPN’s most popular tunneling protocols, although it isn’t the most efficient.

Other than OpenVPN, ExpressVPN also supports both IKEv2 and L2TP/IPsec protocols. L2TP/IPsec is one of the worst possibilities because it is ExpressVPN’s oldest protocol. IKEv2 is still better in terms of speeds.

But perhaps the best protocol that ExpressVPN supports currently is called Lightway. It’s the service’s newest open-source feature, and it uses lightweight cryptographic libraries to speed up your connection. We tested this protocol out extensively and found it to offer amazing speeds.

Network Lock (Kill Switch)

One of the most important features of ExpressVPN is its Network Lock. The Network Lock is ExpressVPN’s kill switch. It is designed to protect your privacy and security by ensuring that all of your traffic is routed through the VPN.

This means that if your connection to the VPN is ever interrupted, your traffic will not be routed through your ISP or any other third party.

We tested this feature out where we intentionally disrupted our network and it worked great every time.

Logging

If you’re looking for a VPN provider that doesn’t keep logs of your activity, then ExpressVPN is a great choice. This provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws.

ExpressVPN states in their privacy policy that they do not keep any logs of your activities. This applies to browsing history, DNS requests, and data content, among other things. As a result, basically, everything you do online will not be stored or used in any way.

They do gather some usage data, such as successful VPN connections and the total amount of data sent, but it’s only used to improve the service. If you don’t want anything recorded, you may also opt out.

In general, their functioning doesn’t generate a lot of red flags. Their privacy policy is straightforward and easy to understand

Security and privacy audits

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service with a strong focus on security and privacy. The company has undergone several independent security and privacy audits and has consistently passed with flying colors.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the Big Four accounting firms, audited its no-logs policy. According to the research, ExpressVPN’s configuration is in line with its privacy policy.

The world has already seen ExpressVPN’s privacy policy in action when the Turkish police seized one of their servers, believing it to be linked with the assassination of a Russian ambassador. However, the investigators couldn’t find anything as ExpressVPN keeps no logs.

TrustedServer technology

ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology is the company’s proprietary server software that is designed to provide a more secure and reliable VPN experience. This technology is based on a number of security features, including military-grade encryption, that makes it virtually impossible for anyone to hack into your data.

TrustedServer technology used RAM-based servers, which store some data when in use, however, completely wiped when they restart.

ExpressVPN servers and locations

ExpressVPN offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries around the world, making it one of the most widely-available VPN providers. This means that you’re likely to find a server nearby no matter where you are, which is ideal for travelers.

Their servers are strategically placed all over the world in the Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, The Middle East, and Africa. All of their servers offer unlimited bandwidth so you’d never have to deal with throttling issues.

In our review of ExpressVPN, we tested one server from each of the above-mentioned regions and found all of them to offer great speeds. We noticed a speed drop of around 30% when connected to ExpressVPN, which is not that bad. Our connection stayed stable and we didn’t notice any abrupt disconnections.

Does ExpressVPN work in China?

We conducted an extensive ExpressVPN China review and came to a conclusion that in China, you can use ExpressVPN, but it’s advisable to download it before going there.

The Chinese government controls internet access in the country. With a regular Chinese internet connection, sites like Facebook, Google, and YouTube are inaccessible.

The Great Firewall of China is the name given to China’s online censorship. When the Chinese government pushed down on VPN use several years ago, ExpressVPN was one of the few VPNs that remained operational.

ExpressVPN also includes servers in Hong Kong, allowing you to watch Chinese television and use Chinese websites while you’re not in China.

The Hong Kong 2 server enhanced my download speed by 15% despite the ping being too high for gaming (190 ms). We were able to watch Chinese programs in HD without any lag.

Plans and pricing

Plans	Price
1-month plan	$12.95
6-month plan	$9.99/mo
12-month plan	$8.32/mo

When it comes to ExpressVPN, the longer the subscription, the more money you save. Even though the stated rates are spread out over the duration of the subscription, they are still somewhat expensive.

Even with the 35 percent annual discount, you’re still spending twice as much as you would for many other high-quality VPN providers

Furthermore, there is no free option or trial available. However, accrording to our ExpressVPN refund review, their 30-day money-back guarantee is your sole option if you don’t like the service.

You can pay with PayPal, Bitcoin, credit card, or other payment methods such as UnionPay for the subscription of ExpressVPN.

Interface and ease of use

The desktop and mobile apps for ExpressVPN are stylish, stable, and easy to use. With a large power button in the center, it boasts a sleek, modern appearance.

You can choose the server location to utilize or use the Smart Location feature with a single click. For quick protection, this instantly connects you to the nearest high-speed server.

Desktop versions

ExpressVPN offers dedicated apps for both Windows and Mac. Let’s learn more about their interface and usability below:

Windows and macOS

Both Mac and Windows versions are nearly identical in appearance and feature set.

The main window is quite small, with only one large connect button. You can also create shortcuts or connect to the server that was most recently utilized. The window will open on the side if you want to access options.

There is a continent-based location filter from which you can choose the country you require. As a result, there are no unneeded complications.

Split tunneling is available in both Windows and macOS apps, which is definitely a plus.

Linux

Apps for RedHat, Debian, and Arch-based Linux distributions are available on ExpressVPN. None of them require root access, which will please even the most careful users. The feature set isn’t lacking in any way.

You may see a list of all available servers, use the Lightway tunneling protocol, and run rudimentary diagnostics. It isn’t clumsy or undeveloped in any way.

ExpressVPN mobile apps

The design reasoning for mobile versions is taken directly from their desktop counterparts. The location selection tab remains unchanged, however the options tab has been redesigned to accommodate bigger mobile screens.

Please note that ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial on its Android and iOS version. Here is a screenshot of that:

The findings of our ExpressVPN Android VPN review concluded that the Android app does have several characteristics that distinguish it from iOS. Both apps support auto-connection and can switch between various tunneling protocols.

Only the Android version has a kill switch, split tunneling, and shortcuts out of the two. These distinctions are significant enough to recommend the Android version of ExpressVPN.

Browser extensions

ExpressVPN’s browser extensions add a few extra security features, but they’re only available on the desktop. Chrome and Firefox each have dedicated browser extensions.

You can also install it in Microsoft Edge, but you’ll need to get it from the Chrome Web Store and enable extensions from other stores in Edge’s settings.

We found the UI to be far more pleasant to use than desktop apps because it had a dark mode. It provides a clearer picture of your connection status.

Customer support

We learnt in our ExpressVPN customer support review that this VPN has simplified customer support by providing a wealth of information on their support website. There are numerous tutorials and recommendations with screenshots and, in some cases, videos.

If the problem is too big for you to fix on your own, you can always contact the customer service team by live chat or email tickets. If the question is too difficult, it may be changed to an email ticket, and you will be contacted later.

Keep in mind that the first question you’ll be asked throughout the session is your email address, which will be used to verify your identity.

Does ExpressVPN provide value for money?

Well, yes. ExpressVPN may be quite expensive, but its extensive server network, robust security features, super-fast speeds, and round-the-clock customer service makes it up to the cost it comes at.

It allows you to access all your favorite geo-restricted streaming services from across the world, and even torrent without being in trouble (Please note that we do not encourage torrenting any copyrighted material).

If you’re not sure about opting for its annual plan immediately, then you can always go for its 30-day refund policy, test out its features, and then make a decision.

For more VPN Reviews & Comparisons, check out Best VPN Comparisons!

FAQs

Is ExpressVPN good for online gaming?

ExpressVPN offers user-friendly applications to enhance your gaming experience on all major platforms. This includes optimized speeds, protection against DDoS attacks, and security against ISP throttling.

Does ExpressVPN have a free version?

ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS users, and so it can be listed among the free VPN providers. However, there are certain limitations on free trials just like free VPNs until you actually purchase an ExpressVPN plan.

Does ExpressVPN make your Internet speed slow?

VPNs add a layer of encryption that ends up slowing down your internet connection. However, ExpressVPN has an optimized server network with lightning-fast speeds, so you won’t be able to notice any difference.

Some more VPN reviews for you!

• NordVPN Review
• Surfshark Review
• CactusVPN Review
• BulletVPN Review
• Speedify VPN Review
• AltVPN Review
• Atlas VPN Review

Surfshark is a new, up-and-coming VPN provider that has been making a big splash in the industry.

The service has a lot of great features, and it is very easy to use. Surfshark is perfect for those who want to keep their data safe and secure online.

Here are three reasons why you should buy this VPN as per our Surfshark review 2026:

1. Surfshark is affordable.
2. Surfshark has a great selection of features.
3. Surfshark is reliable and trustworthy.

Overall, Surfshark is a great choice for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable VPN service. If you’re considering buying Surfshark, don’t hesitate – it’s definitely worth it.

This was our verdict. But we at Best VPN Comparison got deep into the nitty-gritties to find out how every feature of this VPN actually works. So, if you want to read a more detailed Surfshark VPN review, make sure to stick around all the way to the end.

Surfshark pros and cons

Surfshark is a top-rated VPN service that has been praised for its user-friendly interface and strong security features. However, Surfshark is not without its faults. Here are the pros and cons of Surfshark:

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Strong security features
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other VPNs
• A limited number of servers

Overall, Surfshark is a great VPN service with some excellent features. However, it offers a limited number of servers compared to NordVPN and CyberGhost.

Can Surfshark unblock streaming services?

In our review of Surfshark, the first thing we tested were its unblocking capabilities.

Surfshark is one of the most popular VPNs on the market and has a strong reputation for being able to unblock streaming services. In this Surfshark review, we’ll take a look at how well it actually performs in this area.

First of all, Surfshark is great for streaming Netflix. It can unblock the U.S. version of Netflix as well as other regional versions, so you can watch your favorite shows and movies no matter where you are in the world.

Surfshark is also good for streaming Hulu and BBC iPlayer. It can unblock both of these services even when they are blocked by other VPNs. Surfshark also has a large number of servers located in the U.S., which makes it a great option for streaming American content.

Overall, Surfshark is an excellent VPN for unblocking streaming services. It has a strong reputation for being able to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. If you’re looking for a VPN that can unblock streaming services, Surfshark is definitely worth considering.

Unblocking Netflix with Surfshark

We conducted a detailed Surfshark Netflix review to see how this VPN works with the streaming service. Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world. However, not every country has access to all of its content. If you’re traveling or living abroad, you may find that you can’t watch your favorite shows and movies on Netflix.

This is where Surfshark comes in. Surfshark is a VPN service that allows you to unblock Netflix and other streaming platforms from anywhere in the world. Surfshark is one of the only VPNs that can still unblock Netflix, making it a great choice for anyone looking to stream content from overseas.

With 3200+ servers in 65 countries, Surfshark can help you unblock at least 14 Netflix libraries at super-fast speeds based on our testing.

We were able to stream without buffering because the speeds were fast enough. Even when the server was on the other side of the planet, we never had to wait more than a few seconds for a show or movie to load.

On Netflix France, the only time we saw severe buffering was when we tried to fast forward a long time. Even yet, there were no issues when we watched the show normally rather than skipping forward.

In most cases, the resolution was equally excellent. We only experience buffering issues with Netflix France. However, the quality decrease was not great enough to render it unwatchable.

Unblocking Amazon Prime Video with Surfshark

Surfshark is ideal for accessing popular streaming services like Amazon Prime since it uses robust encryption technology, as well as a GPS spoofing capability and DNS and IP leak protection.

It also works with a variety of platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Firestick, and Smart TVs. This means you can use Surfshark to access Amazon Prime content on these devices.

When we tested it out, we were able to stream a bunch of shows on Amazon Prime without any buffering issues. As for speeds, Surfshark by far offers the fastest speeds we have ever witnessed.

Surfshark also has a Trust DNS function that works in conjunction with the rest of its server network to make switching DNS services easier. Smart DNS, as we all know, is a technology that allows you to unblock geo-restricted websites and services by leveraging your DNS.

For testing purposes, we tried streaming a new show on Amazon Prime Video called “Reacher”. As soon as we clicked on the title, it started playing right away in HD quality.

Does Surfshark unblock other streaming platforms?

Yes, Surfshark unblocks other streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime.

However, please be advised that not all streaming platforms are available in all regions. For example, Hulu is only available in the United States. Additionally, some streaming platforms may block Surfshark VPN.

If you experience any issues while trying to unblock a particular streaming platform, please contact Surfshark’s customer support for assistance.

As per our testing, it unblocked every streaming service that we tested it with without any issues. Word of advice, if you can’t unblock any streaming service with Surfshark, just get in touch with Surfshark’s live chat support team and ask for a recommended server.

Is Surfshark good for torrenting & P2P?

Torrenting and P2P file-sharing can be a great way to get your hands on new content, but it can also be quite risky. Your IP address is exposed when downloading files, making you vulnerable to copyright trolls and other threats. A VPN can help protect your privacy by encrypting all of your traffic and hiding your true location.

So, does Surfshark offer good protection for torrenting and P2P?

In short, yes. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy in place, meaning that your data is never stored or monitored. The company also has a range of features specifically designed to protect your privacy when torrenting, including an automatic kill switch and leak protection.

To test it out extensively, we used Surfshark with a bunch of BitTorrent clients like uTorrent and qBittorrent and found it to offer exceptionally fast speeds. We also didn’t notice any throttling issues when downloading large files for top torrent sites like The Pirate Bay and RARBG.

We did a few tests to check how quick torrenting using Surfshark is. We connected to a Singapore server using the WireGuard protocol. The torrent client we used was uTorrent since it’s the most popular.

Without Surfshark, our internet speed was 50 MB/s. We were able to get around 350-380 Mbps using uTorrent. It took us roughly 15-20 minutes on average to download two 20 GB files. Our uTorrent speeds plummeted to roughly 100-120 Mbps when we connected to Surfshark’s Singapore server. The estimated download time also bumped up to an hour or so.

While it may seem as if Surfshark is slow, it is not. Keep in mind that P2P downloading takes a toll on your connection speeds anyway. Pairing it with a VPN is bound to slow down your speeds even more.

Overall, Surfshark is an excellent provider for torrenting and P2P file sharing. The company’s strong security features, combined with its no-logs policy, make it a great choice for protecting your privacy online.

Plans and pricing

Surfshark offers three pricing plans: a monthly plan, an annual plan, and a bi-annual plan. The monthly plan costs $12.95 per month, the annual plan costs $3.99 per month (or 59.76 annually), and the bi-annual plan costs $2.30 per month (or 59.76 billed annually after 26 months). Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its plans, so you can try it out risk-free.

Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPN providers on the market, and it offers some of the best features available. If you’re looking for a quality VPN at an affordable price, Surfshark is definitely worth considering.

Surfshark Server Coverage

VPNs are a great way to stay safe and secure when browsing the internet, and Surfshark is one of the best VPN providers out there. But what many people don’t know is that Surfshark also has excellent server coverage, which means you can access geo-blocked content no matter where you are in the world.

Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 65 countries, so you can always find a VPN server that’s close to you. All of its servers are RAM based, do store any data, and are wiped occasionally. Their server network supports Wireguard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols.

As for server location, their servers are strategically placed all over Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

This is great for streaming content, as it means you’ll get less lag and better speeds. And if you’re traveling or living abroad, Surfshark will let you access your favorite websites and streaming services, no matter where in the world they are.

So if you’re looking for a VPN with great server coverage, Surfshark is definitely a provider worth considering.

Does Surfshark VPN work in & for China?

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that still work in China. The Surfshark VPN server is specifically optimized for use in China, so you can be sure that your VPN connection will be fast and stable. What we figured in our Surfshark China review is that you can unblock websites and apps like Facebook, Google, YouTube, and more.

How fast is Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark VPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, and it offers servers in 65 countries. In our Surfshark speed testing using speedtest.net, we got some pretty amazing results.

We had no problems with daily use, and we were able to stream HD videos, browse the web, and download heavy files without any problems.

We conducted speed tests on a variety of Surfshark servers. Here are the speeds we received when tested on our 100 Mbps connection:

Server Location	Download Speed	Upload Speed
Australia	83.28 Mbps	79.24 Mbps
Canada	80.21 Mbps	76.45 Mbps
United Kingdom	85.72 Mbps	71 Mbps
India	79.23 Mbps	74.51 Mbps
United States	84.95 Mbps	70.23 Mbps

As you can see, the speeds are simply fantastic. Surfshark maintained over 80 percent of your actual download speed on average in these five regions.

Surfshark’s performance with other protocols

The total VPN performance is highly dependent on the protocol you pick — here are the average download and upload speeds of Surfshark for various protocols, based on 10 different locations around the world:

By far the best performance came from WireGuard. The smallest decrease was merely 6% in some European countries that provided the fastest servers. So, if you choose a nearby location, it’s almost pointless to switch off your VPN for performance reasons.

Also, the largest download was just 23%. It happened when connecting to Argentina as well, indicating that distance is an issue.

Surfshark’s second fastest option is IKEv2. During our tests, the fastest download speed was 18 percent in adjacent European countries, while the slowest download speed was 45 percent when connecting to an Australian server.

The speed of OpenVPN is mostly determined by whether you use UDP or TCP. The largest reduction on TCP was a whopping 98 percent, while the smallest was only 49 percent. The largest download speed loss using UDP was 64 percent, while the smallest was 54 percent.

Interface and ease of use

Devices	Interface and experience
macOS	There are two versions of the software, each with limited features
Mobile	Efficient applications for Android and iOS
Linux	There isn’t a visual interface, only through terminal
Browser	Equips browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, along with a cookie blocker
Windows	Offers the complete Surfshark experience

These are just the basics. Let’s dive deeper into these apps and versions:

Windows

Surfshark features a modern Windows client that looks great and is easy to navigate. You can choose one of three categories from the main screen: Features, Locations, or Settings.

Each is quite self-explanatory, so even inexperienced users will have no trouble locating what they require. Even when it comes to advanced settings, it’s a no-brainer.

There is no map interface, but there are flags in the nation list and you can use the search bar, so it’s not a major flaw. Each server has a marking that shows how much load it can handle

macOS

The Mac version of Surfshark is somewhat less comprehensive than the Windows version, and it lacks some functions. That, however, may vary depending on the version you downloaded.

Surfshark is available in two versions: one through Surfshark’s own website, and the other from Apple’s App Store.

Surprisingly, the version on the Surfshark website is poorer. On it, only the IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols are supported. While the app store version offers OpenVPN as well.

There are other features as well that the Mac app lacks. These include split tunneling and NoBorders.

Linux

The Surfshark app does not provide a visual interface for Linux users. Their sole choice will be terminal, that will show you a number of countries and corresponding numbers to which you can connect.

The connections will be established by putting in the numbers, which isn’t the most efficient technique, but it works.

On the plus side, the terminal specifies which servers you can choose from. However, if you need to switch servers rapidly, this makes the whole process take more time than it should. Overall, the connectivity was reliable, and the app did not crash or disconnect in any unusual ways.

Mobile Applications

Visually, the Android and iOS applications are nearly identical. They  will adapt and display the appropriate theme if you enable system-wide dark mode.

Our Surfshark VPN Android review confirmed that GPS spoofing is available in the Android version, which is a capability that no other significant VPN offers.

There’s also support for Whitelister (split tunneling), so you’re getting desktop-grade functionalities on your phone.

iOS, on the other hand, appears to be a little more modest. The GPS spoofing and Whitelister functionalities aren’t available. It does, however, have numerous features that are seldom seen on mobile VPNs, including a kill switch and compatibility for the WireGuard protocol for improved security and speed. So, while the iOS version isn’t as stunning as the Android version, it’s still a good app.

Browser extensions

Surfshark also has Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browser extensions.

Basic features include masking your actual IP address, encrypting your connection, and unblocking geo-restricted content. However, there is a new feature that sets this extension apart from the competition.

It’s the cookie blocker, which eliminates one of the most vexing aspects of modern browsing: continuous demands to allow cookies. You may choose which sites are blocked or allowed, resulting in a far less congested browsing experience.

Surfshark features – What USPs does it offer?

Surfshark, which was first launched in 2018, has made great strides since then, and is now a full-fledged VPN that can compete with all the best VPNs. It has a variety of robust features that make this VPN stand out in the lot.

Surfshark Antivirus

The integrated antivirus feature in Surfshark is little more than a basic website blocker tool that many VPN companies offer. The feature can safeguard your device against all varieties of malware, including trojans, worms, backdoors, and other viruses. 

Surfshark AV detects and eradicates the viruses if you scan your device as you would with any other antivirus product.

However, according to our Surfshark antivirus review, this feature is currently only available on Android smartphones and Windows. It will soon be available for Mac users as well.

The tool is part of the Surfshark One bundle and can be used on up to five devices.

NoBorders

NoBorders is a one-of-a-kind feature that enables you to use a VPN in countries where it is strongly blocked. If your client identifies network constraints, it immediately switches to NoBorders to get around them.

You can also manually activate this mode anytime you need it. It’s compatible with Windows and mobile devices.

Search

Surfshark also provides a secure and private search engine that is ad-free, would be unaffected by prior queries, and collects no personal information from users. Paid users can access complete incognito mode via s.surfshark.com or the dashboard of their VPN.

Smart DNS

There are times when the VPN application isn’t present for your device, particularly for PlayStations and Smart TVs. It eliminates the ability to use your favorite device to access geo-restricted streaming services like HBO Max or Hulu.

Surfshark Smart DNS works on a variety of devices, including those that don’t have VPN clients. You’ll need to enable it from your primary account dashboard, after which they’ll produce DNS addresses for you to use on your devices.

Whitelister

Having a VPN on all the time can be inconvenient at times. For example, you might wish to utilize a VPN to browse your regional streaming library while using a VPN server for something else. Whitelister, also known as split tunneling, is required for this.

It can be done in two ways: by routing only specific apps through a VPN connection, or by routing the entire connection through a VPN connection and adding exclusions. It’s also possible to configure it per IP address.

MultiHop

Surfshark owns a list of MultiHop servers that operate in pairs. Your connections are directed to the second VPN server after they reach the first one. The last intermediary, in other words, has no connection to your genuine IP address or location.

Camouflage Mode

Camouflage Mode, commonly known as Obfuscation or obfuscated servers, is one of Surfshark’s many security features.

It will disguise your VPN traffic as conventional network traffic, allowing you to remain undetected. When using the OpenVPN UDP and TCP protocols, the mode is activated automatically.

When your school or company bans internet traffic, or when your government blocks VPN ports, this capability comes in handy.

Alerts

Surfshark’s goal is to keep you safe not just through VPN connections. They’ve added the option of using alerts to notify you if your data is leaked across all of their subscribers.

As per our Surfshark alert testing, this feature functions with credit cards, emails,  and IDs. To protect your data, you must use two-factor authentication.

A periodic newsletter option keeps you up to date on current data breaches and only sends you notifications if your accounts are compromised.

CleanWeb

Surfshark’s patented DNS technology, CleanWeb, prevents ads from loading and numerous online trackers from collecting your information. You’ll need to go to settings to turn it on.

When enabled, it will prevent IP addresses from being blacklisted from being used. This implies that known ad hosts will be unable to load, and their pop ups will not appear. The same is true for hosts that distribute malware or collect user data.

We conducted a detailed Surfshark CleanWeb review, and you can see in the screenshots below how effective this feature was:

Here is what happened as soon as we turned CleanWeb on:

Amazing, right?

GPS spoofing

If you have an Android device, you can use Surfshark to spoof your IP address and physical GPS position. You don’t even need to download any additional software. Because most apps on your phone have access to your location data, it’s one of the most widely collected bits of data on any user.

Is Surfshark VPN secure?

Surfshark is one of the most secure VPN services available. It features a no-logs policy that has been certified, and you can choose your chosen encryption technology and tunneling protocol.

Let’s have a glance at some of the key features that distinguish Surfshark as a safe VPN:

Encryption protocols

AES-256-GCM, a secure and upgraded version of the AES-256 encryption algorithm, is available on Surfshark.

On Android, there’s also a Chacha20Poly1305 cypher option, which is quite close and safe. The key difference between them will be speed: AES-256 will be faster on newer devices with AES hardware acceleration, while Poly1305 will be faster on older phones.

Meanwhile, SHA-512 encryption protects your authentication. That means it’ll be encrypted into 512 binary digits and compared to login data kept on their systems, with a green signal given if the passwords match.

Tunneling protocols

Surfshark also has a wide range of tunnelling protocols to choose from.

WireGuard is the most advanced tunnelling protocol available today. It’s not only effective, but it’s also quite safe. Surfshark is also the first VPN company to make WireGuard the default protocol in all critical apps (except Linux for now).

One of the most widely used tunnelling protocols is IKEv2. It has significant support, and its speeds are equivalent to WireGuard’s. It’s ideal for older devices and works well even with slow Internet connections. Android, macOS, Linux,  Windows, and iOS are all supported.

Another tunneling protocol is OpenVPN (TCP/UDP). Despite the fact that it was released about two decades ago, it is still incredibly secure and speedy. If you require more security, though, TCP is the way to go. Choose UDP if you want fast speeds.

Please note that we tested all protocols for our Surfshark speed review and confirmed how swift all of them are.

Kill switch

The kill switch feature is simple to use and protects you even if Surfshark disconnects abruptly (which did not happen during my tests). The kill switch disables your internet connection for a short period of time before automatically reactivating it when you’re connected again, ensuring that none of your data is exposed while the VPN tries to connect.

RAM-only servers

When you turn off your VPN, Surfshark’s server network is completely diskless, meaning all data is automatically erased. This is to keep malevolent third parties out of the system.

This also adds an extra layer of security because there isn’t any information that might be shared.

Audits

Transparency is critical for cybersecurity companies to build confidence. Surfshark has been independently audited to ensure that confidence may be built.

Cure53 penetration testers performed both Surfshark security exams in 2018 and 2021, respectively.

They initially concentrated on Surfshark’s Chrome and Firefox extensions, as browser extensions are typically the least secure applications. The second time, they concentrated on server infrastructure and security in general. Surfshark performed excellently on both occasions.

Customer support

Surfshark offers excellent customer service around the clock, including

• Live chat is available 24/7.
• Email assistance is available.
• The knowledgebase is superb, with numerous useful guides.

There are already multiple good text and video guides for various difficulties. Surfschool allows you to identify related topics with a single click and learn something new

The customer service agents were super-friendly, fast, and helpful. They also answered all our queries quite easily.

Is Surfshark value for money?

Yes! At a cost of only $2.30 per month, it’s safe to say that Surfshark is extremely value for money, all hails to its fantastic service, affordable price, robust security, and unblocking capabilities. It’s also worth noting that it’s one of the fastest VPN services available.

Surfshark is an excellent choice if you don’t have a VPN provider and want a low-cost, high-quality solution with a lot of features.

If you have any questions or issues about Surfshark, please leave a comment and we’ll be pleased to respond!

FAQs

Is Surfshark VPN worth buying?

Yes, Surfshark is an extremely reliable VPN service. The results of our testing were great! Surfshark offers various highly-secure protocols and robust encryption, unblocks all popular streaming services, doesn’t keep any logs, and equips other proprietary features.

Which is better: ExpressVPN or Surfshark?

Surfshark is better than ExpressVPN in every way as confirmed through our detailed Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN comparison. It offers 3200+ servers in 65 countries, super-fast speeds, and incredible security features. Other than that, you can easily avail its 2-year plus 2 months free offer at only $2.30/mo.

Is Surfshark good for gaming?

Yes, Surfshark is a great choice for gaming. It stabilizes your connection and offers a consistent ping rate. However, it might lag a bit, if you connect to a server far away from your location.

Some more VPN reviews for you!

• ExpressVPN Review
• NordVPN Review
• CactusVPN Review
• BulletVPN Review
• Speedify VPN Review
• AltVPN Review
• Atlas VPN Review

NordVPN is a VPN powerhouse situated in Panama. Since its inception in 2012, the company has come a long way in a short period of time. Now, it operates more than 5,600+ servers in 59 countries in 2026.

This VPN service combines fast speeds, impenetrable encryption, and a no-logs policy that has been independently certified. NordVPN is a great choice for novices and expert users alike, thanks to its easy-to-use interfaces and extensive feature set.

But, is it really worth subscribing to? We, at Best VPN Comparison put all the features of this VPN to test in our NordVPN review for 2026.

So, let’s see if NordVPN is as amazing as its reputation suggests, and how it compares to other popular VPN providers.

NordVPN pros and cons

No VPN comes without cons. Sometimes it’s slow speeds. Other times, less number of servers. While NordVPN does try to offer the best of both worlds, let’s check out the reality of this VPN really is:

Pros	Cons
Extensive server network consisting 5600+ servers in 59 countries.	No specific app for routers
Compatible apps for all popular devices	There’s no graphic interface of the Linux app
Robust security features
Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
Excellent customer support
Budget-friendly price
30-day money-back guarantee

Is NordVPN good for streaming?

NordVPN is a great VPN for streaming because it unblocks all of the major streaming sites as long as you use the appropriate servers. We haven’t encountered a video platform we couldn’t get into thanks to its SmartPlay technology.

It has a large number of servers in countries with the best streaming library. You’ll be able to access content in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and a variety of other countries.

Unblocking Netflix with NordVPN

If you want to watch Netflix from different parts of the world, NordVPN is a great choice. That is what we concluded in our NordVPN review of Netflix. The libraries in the United Kingdom and the United States operated flawlessly.

The library loading speeds varied by location, and we had to try a different server in certain cases to achieve the best results. But, on the whole, it was a fantastic experience.

Unblocking Hulu with NordVPN

Hulu is unlocked with NordVPN. There were no problems with loading times or video frame rates, and using NordVPN with Hulu was a great experience overall. Throughout the test, the resolution stayed constant at 1080p.

Unblocking HBO Max with NordVPN

NordVPN worked well with HBO Max. The load times were really fast, and the overall experience was pretty similar to that of not using a VPN. Outside of the United States, NordVPN is one of the best ways to watch HBO Max.

The overall visual quality, however, was not as outstanding as Netflix or Hulu. However, it was still totally functional and had no stutters.

Does NordVPN unblock BBC iPlayer, DAZN, or Disney+?

The BBC iPlayer NordVPN combo was flawless, with high-definition content, no stutters, and quick load times. However, finding a server that supports it took a long time.

It works fine with Disney+, but it’s not as simple as “click and watch.” It’s possible that you’ll have to look for the best solution. And DAZN worked well – except for US servers.

Is NordVPN good and safe for torrenting?

NordVPN is a solid choice for torrenting. Although NordVPN does not have P2P servers in every region, it does have hundreds of them in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world. 

According to our NordVPN torrenting review, there should be a suitable server nearby, no matter where you are.

However, the NordVPN Windows app has a P2P server list where you may choose the nation you want in the regular way, with no difficulties.

NordVPN boasts a number of other features, including direct P2P support, that could make it a good alternative for torrent users.

It has a strong no-logging policy, many layers of DNS and traffic leak protection, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment methods, and privacy features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN.

NordVPN pricing

Plans	Price
1-month plan	$11.99
1-year plan	$4.99/mo
2-year plan	$3.29/mo

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, opt for NordVPN’s longest plan offered. Many users may be put off by this, but NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free before committing.

NordVPN supports a variety of payment methods, including cards, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies (through CoinPayments), and a variety of other systems (SOFORT Banking, UnionPay, AmazonPay,  and more).

NordVPN servers and locations

NordVPN offers 5,600+ servers in 60 countries all of which offer great internet speeds .

The majority of NordVPN’s servers are located in the United States and the United Kingdom, which is typical of VPN providers.

NordVPN, on the other hand, offers a diverse set of servers around the world, with many in Asia, South America, and Europe, as well as a few in India and the Middle East.

NordVPN also has servers in Turkey, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, all of which have internet restrictions.

Does NordVPN work in China?

As per our NordVPN China review, the VPN is functional in the country. With most operating systems, though, you’ll need to do a manual setup. As a result, if you’re travelling there, you won’t be able to use their convenient clients. The setup is a little time-consuming, but it mostly entails installing NordVPN configuration files.

Speed and performance: Is NordVPN fast?

We tested this VPN’s performance while conducting a NordVPN speed review over a two-day period, utilising both Ethernet and wireless connections. For our NordVPN speed review, the baseline was 100 Mbps download speed and 100 Mbps upload speed.

Here are the speeds we got on some of the popular NordVPN servers:

Server Locations	Download Speed	Upload Speeds
United States (Chicago)	87	76
Australia	81	64
United Kingdom	83	69
India	85	70
Canada	80	55

We put VPNs to the test in rapid succession in order to determine the fastest VPN. NordVPN’s declared maximum speeds reflect a high-quality server network with few busy servers and lightweight apps.

NordVPN performance with other protocols

NordVPN has a lot more to offer than its own NordLynx protocol. You can see how NordVPN’s speeds vary based on which tunnelling protocol you use in the chart below.

• IKEv2
• NordLynx
• OpenVPN (TCP and UDP)

Even with outdated protocols, the speeds are impressive. In terms of download speed, IKEv2 is comparable to NordLynx. The lowest documented reduction was 8%, while the highest was 97 percent.

Although the OpenVPN (TCP) version is slow, it provides a more stable connection. Despite the fact that the stats don’t appear to be particularly spectacular, this is pretty much the industry standard.

The OpenVPN (UDP) protocol is a lot faster. The speed restriction can be as low as 5% or as much as 84 percent depending on your location.

Only NordLynx and OpenVPN (UDP) have upload speed reductions of up to 15 percent. The farther away you are, the slower IKEv2 and OpenVPN (TCP) will be.

Interface and ease of use

NordVPN offers a wide range of clients and manual configuration options. You can use one of the various applications for your desktop and mobile devices, or set it up on your router.

The NordVPN apps offered for various smartphones are not the same. Although the Windows app is by far the most powerful, there are also solutions for Linux, browser extensions, mobile devices, and macOS to consider.

So, let’s take a look at each of these options individually for our review of NordVPN:

Windows

The Windows edition of NordVPN has the most features. You receive two forms of split tunneling and two types of kill switches, as well as LAN invisibility, auto-connect, and pause functionality.

NordLynx and OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) are the only tunneling protocols supported by the client. You’ll have to utilize a manual setup if you need IKEv2.

You’ll also get an interactive map interface to let you choose your connection country. However, you can also use the sidebar’s country list.

You can select a specific server or connect to the best one available by clicking the three dots that display when your mouse hovers over a country.

macOS

NordVPN offers two macOS apps, both of which are rather distinct as per our NordVPN review of Mac. One can be downloaded through the App Store. The other is available for download on their official website.

The latter is referred to as the sideload version, and it usually has more recent upgrades, although it only supports OpenVPN tunneling protocols.

IKEv2, OpenVPN, and NordLynx tunneling protocols are supported in the app store version. The kill switch is turned on by default, with no way to turn it off. Both versions support the latest Presets functionality.

Also, the macOS kill switch only works for individual apps, and you can’t set it up to halt the entire online connection if the VPN connection is lost. It also works with older macOS versions.

Linux

Although NordVPN supports Linux, the only packages available for download from their website are RPM and DEB.

If you use Linux, you won’t get a graphical application. You’ll need to use an OpenVPN stack and a command line terminal to set things up. In comparison to what Windows or macOS users get, the experience appears to be missing.

Also, the kill switch, when tested on Linux, was a bit glitchy.

NordVPN mobile apps

On both iOS and Android, NordVPN’s mobile apps are dominated by a map-based layout, which is somewhat unpleasant.

We’d be tempted to forget about it and just use the server list on a handheld screen because there’s so little area to scroll around – but it’s significantly more usable on iOS than on Android.

The differences between the two are minor. However, as per our NordVPN Android VPN review, the Android app doesn’t have a proper kill switch, although the iOS version has, but it’s not user-selectable.

The Android app is the only NordVPN client that supports split tunneling, as well as the ability to configure a custom DNS server and block harmful popups.

Browser extensions

The NordVPN extension for Edge, Firefox, and Chrome is a proxy extension, which means that it can work without the desktop client installed but does not provide any encryption.

Instead, it just allows you to change your location easily and, if the settings are enabled, block WebRTC leaks, advertisements, and malware with CyberSec.

The key benefit is that you don’t have to launch the entire client and may appear to be anywhere you want with just a few clicks – furthermore, your connection won’t be slowed down by encryption.

NordVPN features — what has changed over the years?

NordVPN has been significantly improving its game since its original release in 2012, with fresh upgrades being released on a regular basis. The current features of NordVPN are shown below:

SmartPlay

SmartPlay is a unique feature that allows you to overcome streaming media blocks and access video from anywhere. When you use NordVPN to access streaming services like Hulu, HBO Now, and others, it instantly activates.

This technology can be used on devices that do not have the NordVPN software installed. Most devices with internet access allow you to alter their DNS settings, allowing you to use SmartDNS and NordVPN SmartPlay technology without having to download a client.

Specialty servers

NordVPN has a good selection of dedicated servers. These are some of them:

Dedicated IP servers are available for purchase on NordVPN’s official website. When you’re connected, your IP address will always be the same. They’re only available in UDP or TCP mode with OpenVPN.

MultiHop servers, often known as double VPN servers. They create a VPN connection by connecting two VPN servers. It works with OpenVPN in both UDP and TCP modes.

Obfuscated servers encrypt your VPN traffic to look like standard HTTPS, and are only helpful in extreme censorship scenarios.

P2P servers are designed to handle P2P traffic and are best used for torrent downloads. They are, nevertheless, excellent for any form of P2P communication.

Split tunneling

The NordVPN split tunneling function allows you to select which apps should use the VPN connection and which should not. You may set up Windows to block or enable VPN for specific programmes alone.

We were able to route traffic to both the VPN server and a public Wi-Fi network at the very same time by enabling split-tunnel mode in NordVPN’s Settings tab on both Windows laptops and Macbooks.

Threat Protection

Ads, trackers, and harmful websites are blocked by the Threat Protection system, which also examines your downloads for viruses. It simply looks at downloads, so it won’t catch everything, but it won’t cause any problems or conflicts if you use it alongside your standard antivirus.

Dark Web Monitor

This eerie-sounding function alerts you to the dangers of your personal information. It looks for data connected with your email address on dark web markets and pastebins. If it ends up there, you can bet that the services you’ve been utilizing have been hacked.

If you use the same password across many platforms, hackers can swiftly compromise you on all of them. If your email ever shows up on a dark web marketplace, NordVPN will notify you.

Users of Android, iOS, and macOS can use the feature.

Pausing and auto-connect

If you wish to turn on your device and go online, VPN auto-connect saves a great deal of time. However, it keeps you linked to a VPN all of the time, and you have to turn it off completely to access something that doesn’t require a VPN connection.

This circumstance is ideal for user error: you could fail to enable your VPN afterwards, disclosing your IP address by accident.

To help with this, NordVPN’s auto-connect tool also has a pause option.

When the countdown runs out after you click pause and set a time, the connection will automatically re-establish.

Presets

The new Presets feature is intriguing, and it will undoubtedly be valuable to some people. In a nutshell, you can set up a server and protocol for easy access. 

That means if you have a favorite server and protocol combination for torrenting, or if you frequently stream US Netflix from outside the country, you can create a preset and activate it without having to fiddle with the settings.

Is NordVPN safe and secure?

NordVPN is one of the most secure VPN services available. NordVPN’s regular servers run on RAM and use military-grade encryption and secure tunneling techniques to keep your data safe.

RAM servers are ideal for VPNs since the data is wiped clean every time the server is restarted, leaving no information for hackers to steal.

Let’s check out the security of this amazing VPN in detail:

Encryption

It utilizes AES encryption with 256-bit keys, which is the same standard that governments and cybersecurity experts recommend. When we reviewed Surfshark, another highly rated VPN, we saw the same encryption standard, indicating that it is the industry standard.

Tunneling protocols

These three major protocols are supported by NordVPN. The following are the details:

Many major VPN companies use OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), which is an open-source VPN protocol. It’s safe and works on a variety of systems. You can choose which option you like with NordVPN. You can choose between a safer (TCP) and a faster (UDP) technique.

On mobile devices, IKEv2/IPsec is the best option. It uses far less CPU and is very good at reconnection, making it ideal for seamless switching between wifi and cellular data. iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS are all supported.

WireGuard (NordLynx) — NordVPN’s version of next-generation WireGuard VPN technology. It’s a step forward from prior protocols, offering faster and more secure solutions. All NordVPN clients have this feature.

Co-located servers

In our learnings from the NordVPN privacy review, we got to know that this VPN has made significant progress in converting the majority of their rented servers into a completely owned, maintained, and managed network. This minimizes the risk of a data intrusion from the outside.

Data is only stored in RAM on such servers, which means it is wiped clean every time the server is restarted. There is no permanent data preserved if there are no disc drives.

NordVPN isn’t the first VPN service to feature colocated servers, but it is by far the most popular.

Kill switch

NordVPN also included a kill switch, which is something we constantly look for in a VPN. When we were downloading a large file during a storm and our VPN connection went out, the kill switch came in helpful.

NordVPN includes both a system-wide and app-specific kill switch. If the client detects that you are not connected to a VPN, the Internet Kill Switch will deactivate all Internet access.

The Program Kill Switch only affects a single app — say you’re torrenting with a VPN and don’t want any of your P2P traffic to go via your ISP.

The system-wide kill switch is automatically enabled and built into the client on iOS and macOS apps downloaded from the App Store.

The kill switch can be configured per-program on Windows and macOS (sideload app). You can only activate a system-wide kill switch on Linux and Android.

Logging

According to NordVPN’s privacy policy, connection time stamps, session information, usage bandwidth, traffic logs, IP addresses, and browsing data are not logged.

Instead, NordVPN saves your last session’s username and time, but only for 15 minutes after you disconnect from the VPN. A third-party audit recently confirmed this.

Security and privacy audits

NordVPN’s logging policy has been verified twice by PricewaterhouseCoopers Switzerland, once in 2018 and again in July 2020.

VerSprite, a third-party consulting firm, most recently undertook an independent audit of NordVPN’s application security in June 2021 and discovered no serious vulnerabilities.

This means that when it comes to customer data, all audits deemed the VPN to be entirely secure.

ioXt certification

NordVPN is one of the few VPN providers with ioXt-certified mobile apps on the market. This demonstrates that they adhere to stringent security guidelines.

Not to mention that the application process includes extensive testing of the service’s privacy policy as well as the app’s security.

Customer support

NordVPN provided a variety of customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, email assistance, and a searchable database of user questions. 

To test out its support options for our NordVPN customer service review, we went to NordVPN’s help page when we wanted to learn more about what data the VPN logged, for example.

While NordVPN does not provide a phone number in case we need to speak with a live person, the company’s support page has a wealth of information.

Is NordVPN any good and worth getting?

To conclude our NordVPN review for Australia, Canada, UK, and other countries, yes, NordVPN is worth subscribing to, if you want a prominent VPN provider that’s known to offer amazing services to its users.

Not only does this VPN come with a massive network of servers, it also offers powerful security features, fast speeds, and capabilities that can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more with the blink of an eye.

What’s more is that it’s not the cheapest VPN service in the industry, but it’s certainly a reasonable option for you to look into.

FAQs

Is NordVPN a trustworthy option?

Yes, NordVPN is quite trustworthy, and is one of the safest VPN providers in the industry. Its AES 256-bit encryption and robust protocols ensure that your data is secure. Moreover, all its standard servers run on RAM so your data is wiped as soon as you disconnect.

How many devices does NordVPN support at a time?

A single NordVPN subscription allows 6 device connections. It doesn’t matter if you use Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, or any other device, NordVPN will encrypt your internet traffic and protect your IP address.

Can NordVPN be traced?

No, with NordVPN, your IP address and web traffic cannot be traced.

Can you cancel NordVPN whenever you want?

Well, you can get your money refunded through its 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service.

Which is faster: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is faster due to its Lightway protocol. However, NordVPN does come pretty close to its speeds. You can read more about both VPNs in our ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN comparison.

Is NordVPN worth subscribing to?

Yes, NordVPN is definitely worth getting because it provides everything nice for its users. Even though a few of its rivals do perform better in some aspects, if you want a consistent service, then NordVPN won’t disappoint you.

Does NordVPN work with Netflix?

Yes, NordVPN works great with Netflix. Even though Netflix has a VPN detection technology which makes the process unreliable, NordVPN is still able to access American Netflix and 10 other libraries easily. The speeds are great on a variety of devices, including Smart TVs and FireSticks.

Does NordVPN offer a SOCKS5 proxy?

Yes, a few NordVPN servers can be used as SOCKS5 proxies. With all the other features, you can easily go around between maximum security and speed.

What are P2P servers of NordVPN?

Under specialty servers, NordVPN offers a tab of P2P servers consisting optimized server locations for torrenting. Simply click on P2P and get a secure server for this purpose.

Some more VPN reviews for you!

• ExpressVPN Review
• Surfshark Review
• CactusVPN Review
• BulletVPN Review
• Speedify VPN Review
• AltVPN Review
• Atlas VPN Review