My NordVPN Review: A Reliable Experience in 2025

But what is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a secure server, masking your real IP address and protecting your online activity from prying eyes. Using a VPN enhances your privacy, keeps your personal information safe from hackers, and helps you bypass geographic restrictions on content. Whether you're connecting to public Wi-Fi, working remotely, or want to browse the web anonymously, a VPN ensures that your digital footprint remains private and secure. It's one of the easiest ways to protect yourself while surfing, streaming, or gaming online.

Getting started

If you're already using another Nord service like NordPass or NordLocker, getting started with NordVPN is easy. You can use your existing Nord account to log in — no need to create anything new. Just download the NordVPN app on your device, sign in with your usual credentials, and you're ready to connect to a server in one click. Plus, everything stays linked under your NordAccount, making it simple to manage your subscriptions and security settings all in one place.

If you're new to Nord services, starting with NordVPN is super easy. Head to their website, create a Nord account and choose a plan that fits your needs. Once you sign up, you can download the app on your devices, login, and connect to a secure server with just a few clicks. No complicated setup — you'll be protected online in minutes! You can sign up here.

Setting Up NordVPN: A Smooth Start

Windows and iPhone

Setting up NordVPN was a breeze. Installing the apps on my Windows laptop and iPhone took just a few minutes. The interface is clean, intuitive, and designed so that even first-timers can connect to a server instantly. First impressions? It felt polished and professional.

Linux

As a developer, I also have a few machines running Linux, and Nordvpn is available for Linux. I tested NordPass on an Ubuntu machine running 24.04 LTS. NordVPN is available as a Snap package or as a standalone installed using curl. I used the curl method for this test with the command found here.

The Linux version does not have an interface, and most commands are done through the terminal. It does have a tray icon for some settings, but not all of them.

For snap, you have the guide here.

Blazing Speed and Flawless Performance

Speed is usually the first thing people worry about when choosing a VPN, and NordVPN impressed me. With over 7,200 servers across 118 countries, I always found a fast, reliable connection. Their NordLynx protocol kept my speeds blazing even when connected to distant servers—streaming 4K videos, gaming online, and joining video calls all felt effortless. Plus, their SmartPlay feature worked automatically in the background, helping me bypass geo-restrictions without lifting a finger.

Features of NordVPN

• AES-256 encryption: The same standard trusted by governments and security experts.

• RAM-only servers: No hard drives, meaning no data ever sticks around.

• Colocated servers: Owned and operated only by NordVPN.

• Kill Switch: Cuts off all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.

• And many others

Advanced Threat Protection Pro

Threat Protection Pro is one of the features I was interested in. Unlike traditional ad-blockers or antivirus software, it:

• Blocks malicious websites and phishing attacks

• Scan downloads and removable drives

• Blocks annoying and dangerous pop-up ads

• Works even without an active VPN connection

This proactive security layer ran quietly and kept me much safer during everyday browsing. It did have a few false positives, as it found my Nvidia display driver and my email client. It may look in a database for older versions as they were not up to the data. The message was the same for both of them.

Specialty Servers Tailored to Any Need

NordVPN offers several types of speciality servers:

• Double VPN: Double encryption for maximum privacy.

• Onion Over VPN: Routing through the Onion network for deep anonymity.

• Obfuscated servers: Essential for bypassing VPN blocks and heavy censorship.

• P2P servers: Optimized for secure file sharing.

• Dedicated IPs are available if you want your private, consistent IP address.

We had a player from Turkey who needed a VPN to access Discord since it’s blocked there. With NordVPN, they could connect easily, bypass the restrictions, and join our games without any issues. It was a quick reminder of how valuable a good VPN can be for staying connected, no matter where you are.

I want to mention as a disclaimer that using a VPN to access content is not illegal. However, it’s important to remember that while VPNs protect your privacy and allow you to bypass restrictions, you’re still responsible for following the laws and terms of service of the platforms you access. Always use a VPN responsibly and stay within legal guidelines.

Discovering Meshnet: A Game-Changer

Meshnet was an unexpected highlight. It allowed me to connect all my devices securely — even when they were thousands of miles apart — by creating encrypted private tunnels. It can be used for:

• LAN gaming with friends abroad

• Remote access to files on my home PC

• Easy, private file sharing

It introduced a whole new functionality beyond what a traditional VPN offers.

I tested Meshnet on all the devices, and the setup was easy on Windows and iPhone. Even on Linux, it was straightforward. The only problem was enabling local discovery and network routing through the device. You have to enable the mesh net, allow local discovery and allow the local subnet.

For the file transfer, it does work to send and can be set up to receive on the other device automatically. But for now, there is no browser to see files, so you cannot copy them.

Extra Features That Add Serious Value

NordVPN comes packed with thoughtful features:

• Split Tunneling: Route some apps through VPN while leaving others on a direct connection.

• Dark Web Monitor: This function alerts me if my credentials appear on the dark web. I already use this function on NordPass.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Extra login security.

• SmartPlay: Seamless access to geo-blocked content.

• 10-device protection: Covering my whole digital ecosystem with just one subscription.

• Auto connect/disconnect on the phone.

You can also set it up on your home router, which means every device connected to your network is automatically protected.

Outstanding Customer Support

NordVPN's 24/7 customer support was quick, knowledgeable, and friendly. Whether I reached out via live chat or email, the help was prompt and effective. Their detailed blog articles and FAQs also helped me troubleshoot issues myself. They have guides for most setups and problems.

Who's Behind NordVPN?

NordVPN is created by Nord Security, the team behind trusted tools like NordPass, NordLocker, NordProtect, and NordLayer. With a strong reputation and products trusted by millions worldwide, it was easy to trust their VPN service.

Final Verdict: Why NordVPN is Still the Best in 2025

NordVPN has evolved into much more than just a VPN service. It's now a complete digital security suite — combining blazing-fast speeds, ironclad security, excellent device coverage, and cutting-edge innovation like Meshnet and Threat Protection Pro.

In an era when online threats and privacy invasions are only increasing, having NordVPN feels like carrying a digital shield everywhere I go. It's absolutely worth the investment for anyone serious about protecting their online life in 2025.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to try NordVPN was to avoid the hassle of setting up a complicated VPN, tinkering with router settings, or dealing with messy manual configurations. With NordVPN, everything was straightforward — install the app, log in, and connect.

Ready to upgrade your online security?

Try NordVPN Today

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase them, at no extra cost. I only recommend products I use and trust.