In a time where everything from our work meetings to binge-watching habits happens online, protecting your digital identity isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. VPNs are the modern-day digital locks, and NordVPN has long been one of the most popular names in the game. But with stiff competition from the likes of ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Mullvad, is NordVPN still worth it?
After one full month of daily use across multiple devices and scenarios—from streaming and gaming to working on public Wi-Fi—I’m ready to give you the complete picture. And spoiler alert: NordVPN has never been better.
Overview: What’s New in NordVPN?
NordVPN has continued to evolve in 2024, building on its robust privacy core and speed-focused design. Key upgrades this year include improved Threat Protection Pro, faster server connection times, and a revamped user interface for all platforms.
Let’s break it down.
Technical Specifications & Core Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM with Perfect Forward Secrecy |
| VPN Protocols | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries (as of Q2 2024) |
| Simultaneous Devices | Up to 10 |
| Kill Switch | Yes (system-wide and app-based) |
| Split Tunneling | Available on Windows, Android, macOS |
| Dedicated IP | Optional, available in the U.S., UK, Canada, etc. |
| No-Logs Policy | Independently audited by Deloitte (latest audit: 2023) |
| Threat Protection Pro | Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and can scan files before download |
| Obfuscated Servers | Yes – bypasses censorship (ideal for China, UAE) |
| Double VPN | Yes – routes traffic through two encrypted servers |
| Dark Web Monitor | Alerts you if your credentials leak online |
Real-World Experience After One Month
Installation & First Impressions
Installing NordVPN on my Windows PC, Android phone, and MacBook was fast and painless. Setup took under 5 minutes on each device. The redesigned 2024 UI is slick and much more responsive. I liked the “world map” interface and how easy it was to switch between servers.
On desktop, I found advanced features like “Threat Protection Pro” and split tunneling just one click away. On mobile, the experience was fluid with auto-connect settings and fast server switching.
Streaming Performance: Perfect for Netflix, Hulu, and More
This was where NordVPN absolutely shined. I tested servers in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Japan while watching:
- U.S. Netflix (4K stream, no buffering)
- Hulu & Max (flawless)
- BBC iPlayer (worked every time with UK server)
- Disney+ Japan (accessible, though subtitles were hit-and-miss)
I streamed 4K content regularly, and NordVPN’s SmartPlay DNS worked like magic. None of the servers were blacklisted, and the auto-reconnect made everything seamless—even during location switches.
Speed Test Results (on 1 Gbps Fiber)
| Location | Base Speed | With NordLynx | Speed Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. (NYC) | 940 Mbps | 870 Mbps | ~7.4% |
| UK (London) | 940 Mbps | 820 Mbps | ~12.8% |
| India (Mumbai) | 940 Mbps | 890 Mbps | ~5.3% |
| Japan (Tokyo) | 940 Mbps | 795 Mbps | ~15.4% |
The NordLynx protocol delivered consistently fast speeds. Even on distant servers, the drop was minimal and unnoticeable for streaming, browsing, or video calls.
Gaming: Secure, With Acceptable Latency
I played Call of Duty: Warzone, CS:GO, and Valorant using U.S. and EU servers. The ping rose from 20 ms to around 55–70 ms depending on the server, which is decent for casual gaming.
More importantly, no lag spikes or DDoS attacks, even during late-night matches. Also, NordVPN worked with Steam, PSN, and Xbox Live—no issues with logins or downloads.
Working Remotely: Rock-Solid for Zoom, VPN-Routed Slack
I work remotely for a U.S.-based tech startup, and NordVPN was flawless for accessing tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Notion over U.S. IPs while I was in Asia.
Split tunneling was a game-changer: I routed Google Meet outside the VPN for lower latency, while everything else stayed encrypted.
Public Wi-Fi in coffee shops and airports was no longer a concern. Threat Protection blocked trackers and even flagged a suspicious download during testing.
Pros: What Makes NordVPN a Top Choice in 2024?
- Blazing Fast with NordLynx – Speed drops are barely noticeable.
- Premium Security Features – AES-256, RAM-only servers, and kill switch.
- Excellent for Streaming – Unblocks all major platforms easily.
- Proven No-Logs Policy – Third-party verified, based in privacy-friendly Panama.
- Beautiful, Cross-Platform UI – Uniform experience across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
- Smart Automation – Auto-connect rules for specific networks or apps.
- Double VPN and Onion Over VPN – For journalists, whistleblowers, or users in high-surveillance zones.
Cons: Where It Could Improve
- Dedicated IP is a paid extra – $4.99/month on top of the base plan.
- No GUI for Linux (yet) – Still command-line-based.
- Slightly slower to connect on mobile – Not a deal-breaker, but noticeable.
Who Should Use NordVPN ?
Streamers & Content Bingers
Unblocks region-specific content from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and BBC without fail.
Remote Workers & Digital Nomads
Securely access geo-restricted tools and stay protected on public Wi-Fi.
Privacy Enthusiasts & Activists
With diskless servers, double VPN, and a no-logs policy, it’s one of the best tools for serious privacy.
Casual Gamers
Great for accessing geo-restricted game servers or protecting from DDoS. Just use nearby servers to minimize latency.
NordVPN 2024 Pricing (USA)
| Plan | Price (Billed Every) | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $3.99/month (2-year) | ~$95.76 upfront |
| Plus | $4.99/month (2-year) | Includes NordPass |
| Complete | $6.99/month (2-year) | Includes 1 TB cloud storage |
| Monthly | $12.99/month | Best for short-term use |
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Dedicated IP: $4.99/month extra (optional)
Final Verdict: Is NordVPN Worth It ?
After a solid month of use, NordVPN remains one of the most reliable, secure, and polished VPNs on the market. Whether you’re in it for privacy, speed, or geo-unblocking, it does all three superbly—and better than many newer competitors.
While it’s a bit pricier than budget VPNs, the feature-to-price ratio is excellent if you go for the multi-year plans.