You see ads for NordVPN everywhere. On YouTube, on podcasts, maybe even on TV. They claim to be the fastest and safest VPN on the planet.
But is it all just marketing hype? Or is it actually worth paying for?
I’ve been testing NordVPN for the last 30 days—streaming 4K video, using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, and gaming. Here is the reasonable truth about whether you need it.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. We use NordVPN personally to protect our data.
Why Do You Even Need a VPN?
Before we talk about Nord, let’s be reasonable. Do you actually need a VPN?
YES if you use public Wi-Fi (hotels, airports, cafes). Hackers can easily steal your passwords on these networks.
YES if you want to watch Netflix/Hulu/BBC libraries from other countries.
NO if you just browse Facebook at home and don't care about privacy.
The Speed Test: Does It Slow You Down?
The biggest fear with VPNs is that they kill your internet speed.
I tested NordVPN using their "NordLynx" protocol.
My Speed Without VPN: 100 Mbps.
My Speed With NordVPN (Connected to NY): 92 Mbps.
Result: I lost less than 10% speed. Honestly? I didn't even notice the difference. Pages loaded instantly, and YouTube didn't buffer.
The Streaming Test (The "Netflix" Factor)
Let’s be honest, this is why most people buy it.
I connected to a server in the UK to try and watch BBC iPlayer (which is blocked in the US). It worked instantly. I connected to Japan to check Netflix Japan. It worked instantly.
NordVPN is incredibly good at tricking streaming services into thinking you are in a different country. If you love content, this feature alone justifies the price.
"Works great for unblocking content on Amazon Prime Video too when you are traveling."
The Good Stuff
One-Click Protection: The map interface is beautiful. You just click a country, and you are connected. My grandma could figure this out.
Threat Protection: It blocks ads and malware automatically. It’s like having a lite antivirus included for free.
No-Logs Policy: They have been audited multiple times. They truly do not track what you do online.
The Bad Stuff (The Reasonable Cons)
The Renewal Price: This is what most reviews hide. The deal for the first 2 years is cheap (~$3/month), but when it renews, the price jumps up. Pro Tip: Always turn off auto-renewal or grab a new deal when your term ends.
No Linux GUI: If you are a Linux user, you have to use the command line. (Windows/Mac users are fine).
Reasonable Verdict: The Best All-Rounder
If you want the absolute cheapest VPN, look elsewhere. But if you want the fastest and most reliable VPN that actually works with Netflix, NordVPN is the winner.
It’s fast, secure, and the app is a joy to use.