NordVPN's proprietary NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) consistently delivered 85-95% of base connection speed. I tested from three locations over 90 days, averaging 5 tests per location per week.
Live Speed ComparisonBase: 100 Mbps
Key finding: NordLynx averaged 92 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection from Mexico — only 8% loss. OpenVPN dropped to 68 Mbps (32% loss). For the full protocol breakdown, see our Complete VPN Guide.
02 — Streaming
Netflix, Disney+, and Geo-Unblocking
Tested against 8 streaming platforms across 4 country libraries:
Platform
US
UK
MX
JP
Netflix
✓
✓
✓
✓
Disney+
✓
✓
✓
✗
HBO Max
✓
✗
✓
✗
Amazon Prime
✓
✓
✓
✓
Hulu
✓
✗
✗
✗
BBC iPlayer
✗
✓
✗
✗
Netflix unblocking was flawless across all 4 regions. Full 4K streaming without rebuffer on NordLynx from Mexico → US. For more streaming-focused testing, see Best VPN for Streaming.
NordVPN has had four independent audits of their no-logs policy — PwC (twice), Deloitte, and VerSprite. No other major VPN matches this. Based in Panama — no mandatory data retention, outside Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes.
🔒
No-Logs (4x Audited)
PricewaterhouseCoopers audited twice, Deloitte once, VerSprite once. No connection timestamps, no bandwidth logs, no traffic data. The 2018 breach proved it — attackers found zero user data.
⚡
NordLynx Protocol
WireGuard + double NAT solving the static IP privacy issue. Fastest protocol available with AES-256 encryption. Auto-selected on all platforms.
🛡️
Threat Protection
Built-in ad/tracker/malware blocker. Works even with VPN disconnected. Blocked 94% of test trackers — better than most standalone blockers.
🌐
Meshnet
Route traffic through your own devices. Access home network from anywhere. Free for up to 60 devices. Unique to NordVPN.
🔀
Double VPN
Routes through two servers for extra encryption. Useful in high-censorship countries. Slower but extremely hard to trace.
🧅
Onion Over VPN
VPN + Tor in one click. Maximum anonymity without Tor browser. For journalists, activists, and high-risk users.
The 2-year plan at $3.39/month is the sweet spot. Monthly pricing ($12.99) is terrible. All plans include a real 30-day money-back guarantee — I tested it, refund came in 5 business days.
Monthly
$12.99
/month
Billed monthly
1 Year
$4.59
/month
$59.88 first year
Save 65%
2 Years
$3.39
/month
$83.43 first billing
Save 74%
Compared to Surfshark at $1.99/mo, NordVPN costs more. But you get faster NordLynx speeds, more audits, and Threat Protection. For a full head-to-head, see NordVPN vs Surfshark.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost. We only review VPNs we've personally tested. Prices may change — verify on provider sites.