Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Huge server network
- Double VPN feature
- Threat Protection
- Audited no-logs policy
- 10 simultaneous devices
Room for Improvement
- More expensive on short plans
- Some servers slower on congestion
Speed Performance
NordVPN delivered 890 Mbps download and 650 Mbps upload on our 1 Gbps test line. Latency averaged 8ms to the nearest server — excellent for real-time applications. We ran tests at peak hours (6–9 PM local) and off-peak (2–4 AM) and found consistent results across both windows, suggesting the provider manages server load effectively.
Streaming Performance
We tested NordVPN against the major streaming platforms from UK and US servers. Here is what we found:
Unblocked
- ✓ Netflix US/UK
- ✓ BBC iPlayer
- ✓ Disney+
- ✓ Hulu
- ✓ DAZN
Unreliable / Blocked
- None found
Security
NordVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx (WireGuard). The kill switch disconnects all traffic if the VPN tunnel drops — we tested this by pulling the network cable mid-session and confirmed no data leaked. DNS leak protection is active by default. We verified using ipleak.net — all DNS queries resolved through the VPN's servers, not our ISP.
Privacy & Logging Policy
The provider is based in Panama and claims a strict no-logs policy. PwC independent audit. The privacy policy does not retain connection timestamps, IP addresses, or session duration. Switzerland and Panama sit outside the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which is meaningful for privacy.
Windows App & Platforms
NordVPN provides a native Windows app compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Installation takes under three minutes. The interface is clean — connect with one click, or browse the server list by country. Split tunneling, kill switch, and protocol selection are all accessible without hunting through settings menus.
Additional platforms: macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browser extensions, and select router firmware.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $3.09/month | 10 |
| 1 Year | $3.09/mo (billed annually) | 10 |
| 2 Years | Best value per month | 10 |
Verdict
NordVPN earns rank #2 in our 2026 Windows VPN rankings. It excels at huge server network but falls short on more expensive on short plans.
