[Written Review] NordVPN Review and Test

Discussion in 'Giveaways and Contests' started by tarekma7, Oct 26, 2018.

  1. tarekma7

    tarekma7 MDL Member

    Sep 28, 2012
    200
    383
    10
    [​IMG]

    What is a VPN?


    Typically, when you try to access a website on the Internet, your Internet Service Provider receives the request and redirects you to your destination. As your Internet traffic passes through your ISP, they can see everything you do online and even can track your behavior and sometimes hand your browsing history over to advertisers, government agencies and other third parties.

    VPN application redirects your Internet traffic through a specially configured VPN server, hiding your IP address and encrypting all the data that is sent or received. The encrypted data is essentially gibberish to anyone who intercepts it, making it impossible to read.

    Why do you need a VPN?

    The main reasons are security and privacy. You should strongly consider using a VPN if you use public Wi-Fi regularly, You travel a lot, You want to shield your browsing from third parties, You want to avoid government surveillance, You are a journalist or political activist, You use file-sharing services

    You will get 3 main benefits: secure Internet connection, complete online privacy and safe content access

    [​IMG]

    NordVPN now offers the safest, fastest, easiest, and the most reliable VPN service for all the main operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Besides, with a single NordVPN account, you can protect up to 6 multiple devices simultaneously. In addition to this, each of the applications includes all the necessary configurations, so any user can download, set up and start protecting their Internet traffic within a few minutes. NordVPN has many servers and offers a lot of tools and features that will let you enjoy safe browsing, streaming, P2P use and many more

    Free trial:

    Get free 3-day access to unlimited VPN service benefits without any subscription plan. You need to visit this page and use your email then follow the steps to have your free trial

    https://free.nordvpn.com/

    [​IMG]

    Purchase:

    Accepted payment methods

    [​IMG]

    Link to purchase:

    https://join.nordvpn.com/order/

    NordVPN servers:

    The program has many servers distributed in many countries all over the world. There are 5114 servers present in 62 countries

    [​IMG]

    Server recommended by NordVPN:

    https://nordvpn.com/servers/

    [​IMG]

    Speciality server types:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Download VPN for all your devices

    NordVPN offers user-friendly applications for all major operating systems.

    [​IMG]

    Get NordVPN mobile apps:

    Download our apps for iOS and Android platforms.

    Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nordvpn.android

    [​IMG]

    App store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id905953485?mt=8

    [​IMG]

    Setting up a router with NordVPN:


    Setting up a router with a VPN connection can be useful if you have devices that cannot be connected by themselves, or if you have a lot of devices to connect.

    In order to setup VPN client connection on your router, it has to support at least one of these connection types: PPTP, L2TP or OpenVPN. Furthermore, it has to support it as a "Client" to allow you to connect it to NordVPN servers.

    https://support.nordvpn.com/#/Connectivity/Router/1047409322/Setting-up-a-router-with-NordVPN.htm

    Installation:

    The desktop installation is very simple and needs no skills. You will be asked in the initial step to install NordVPN TAP driver

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Proxy Extensions for Chrome and Firefox:

    The NordVPN extension applies to the Chrome and Firefox browsers on your computer and Android* devices. Just one click to secure your online activity, secure your IP address and safely access your favorite websites with an encrypted proxy extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

    https://nordvpn.com/features/proxy-extension/

    You can easily add chrome extension here:

    https://nordvpn.com/download/chrome-extension/

    User Interface:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    VPN protocols supported by NordVPN:

    IKEv2/IPsec – (Highly recommended),

    OpenVPN – (Recommended by NordVPN and used by default in most of our apps)

    L2TP/IPsec – (Not recommended for general use. Use with caution)

    PPTP – (Not recommended for general use. Use with caution)

    OpenVPN protocols:

    If you want to set up the OpenVPN protocol manually, you can easily do that by using the OpenVPN GUI open-source software.

    Obfuscated servers:

    While using NordVPN in restricted countries, turn on Obfuscated servers to prevent your VPN traffic from being blocked.

    Highlights and Advantages of NordVPN:

    Get secure and private access to the Internet

    NordVPN offers you a hack-proof, encrypted tunnel for online traffic to flow. Nobody can see through the tunnel and get their hands on your Internet data. This is especially important each time you use public Wi-Fi, access personal and work accounts on the road, or want to keep your browsing history to yourself.

    Protect all your devices

    Do you use Windows at work, macOS at home, and Linux for your special projects? No problem. There’s a NordVPN application for each of these, plus apps for iOS, Android, and Android TV. In addition, there is encrypted proxy extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Best of all, with one NordVPN account, you can secure up to 6 devices at the same time.

    Enjoy fast and stable connection anywhere:

    Buffering is the ultimate buzzkill, so streaming or downloading files with a slow Internet connection is not an option. NordVPN offers more than 5100 servers in 62 countries and lets you enjoy the fastest VPN experience.

    Discussion of the features of NordVPN in more details:

    Stay secure online

    Cybersecurity may seem very complex, but NordVPN makes it as easy as it gets. Cutting-edge technologies shield your Internet activity from hackers and malware, protect you on public Wi-Fi networks, and even block annoying ads.

    Military-grade encryption

    NordVPN protects your Internet traffic with cutting-edge security technologies, ensuring strong and reliable encryption between your device and a VPN server. By default, NordVPN apps use the OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols to guarantee the ultimate protection of your sensitive data.

    CyberSec

    The CyberSec feature automatically blocks suspicious websites so that no malware or other cyber threats can infect your device. It also secures your device from participating in DDoS attacks even if malware has already infected it.

    Double VPN

    If you need an extra high level of online security and privacy, use Double VPN to encrypt your Internet traffic not once but twice. This feature works through chaining VPN servers, is a technology solution that allows hiding your online activity behind several servers via a VPN tunnel.

    It is especially relevant to journalists, political activists and bloggers working and living in countries with authoritarian governments along with high-level Internet censorship and surveillance.

    Advantages of Double VPN:

    the online traffic is encrypted not once but twice;

    the second VPN server will not be aware of your real IP address since it was changed by the first server;

    the final destination on the web will remain unknown, even though your ISP will recognize that you are using a VPN service;

    the connections are mixed between UDP and TCP, which also increases the security level when you are browsing the web;

    an extra layer of additional security is created.

    Privacy:

    Real Internet privacy is just a click away. NordVPN protects your IP address and makes sure that no one else can see which websites you visit or what files you download.

    Strict no-logs policy

    NordVPN is based away from the EU and US jurisdictions and is not required to collect your personal data and information. That means nothing is recorded, monitored, stored, logged or passed to third parties. We cannot provide any details about your Internet activity even if you request it yourself. Why? Because we have nothing to provide.

    Automatic Kill Switch:

    In case your VPN connection drops, NordVPN Kill Switch will automatically block your device or terminate certain programs from accessing the Internet outside the secure VPN tunnel.

    DNS leak test:

    Your system may for some reason revert to the default DNS servers, resulting in your ISP being able to see what websites you are visiting. NordVPN has implemented a DNS leak protection technology to protect your online activity and privacy in case DNS servers send unencrypted queries outside a secure VPN tunnel.

    https://dnsleaktest.com/

    You can select either Standard Test or Extended Test.

    Onion Over VPN:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The unique Onion Over VPN solution, your Internet traffic will be routed through our VPN server first and then sent to the Onion Router. You will combine the anonymizing powers of the Onion network and the extensive benefits of a VPN service for full online privacy and security.

    Enjoy the Internet with no restrictions

    Travelling for business or pleasure? Studying or working abroad? Keep access to your favorite websites and entertainment content, and forget about censorship or bandwidth limits.

    Enrich your streaming experience

    Dive into the movies, TV shows, and sports you love. With NordVPN you can choose between more than 5100 ultra fast servers in 62 countries to enjoy secure streaming experience on any device, at any place and any time. Do all that in full privacy and security ensured by military-grade encryption.

    SmartPlay is now automatically integrated into all our servers, so you can enjoy a secure access to more than 400 streaming services with no extra effort. In fact, it is tailored to provide you the best video streaming experience based on your personal needs. You will easily access content on websites that otherwise would not be available to you due to Internet censorship.

    P2P:

    [​IMG]

    NordVPN provides hundreds of servers optimized for P2P activities in different locations all around the world. NordVPN not only allows P2P traffic but also offers military-grade encryption, fast download speed, no bandwidth limits and guarantees the protection of your private data.

    Lightning speed:

    NordVPN offers top-notch security technology together with high-speed connection, so you can have the fastest VPN experience without compromising your online privacy and security.

    Feel safe on any device

    You can secure up to 6 devices with a single NordVPN account – computers, smartphones, routers and more. VPN has never been easier and more flexible: at home, in the office and on the go.

    Multiple platforms and devices

    With a single NordVPN account, you can protect up to 6 devices at the same time without having to compromise the security and privacy of one device for another. What is more, NordVPN offers intuitive and easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can even set up NordVPN on your home router!

    Dedicated IP address:

    [​IMG]

    Choose a dedicated IP address to access IP-restricted networks, enjoy a squeaky clean online reputation, and have full control with uninterrupted VPN experience.

    Custom DNS:

    Our Windows app allows you to configure your device manually to use your preferred DNS servers, other than NordVPN’s.

    Get assistance 24/7,

    The support team is always available at any time to help you. During troubleshooting with Customer Support team, they may ask you to upload the connection log files of the desktop NordVPN application to help diagnose the issue. You can do this easily using the advanced option diagnostics tool

    [​IMG]

    Use of the program:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    With NordVPN you can connect to any country or server from all around the world with just a few clicks. All you need to do is tap on the country you like, and our unique algorithm will automatically direct your online traffic to the server that is best suited for your needs. More advanced users can choose a particular server from the ‘Servers’ tab, based on the load time and distance to the selected server to assure the fastest VPN connection.

    Test of NordVPN:

    Easy to use

    Many countries and servers available

    Completely anonymous

    Speed:

    [​IMG]

    With NordVPN:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    DNS leak test: No leak detected

    IPv6 Leak Protection

    [​IMG]

    Settings:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Autoconnect on start up settings:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Advanced settings:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Pros:

    Access 5,151 servers worldwide in more than 60 countries

    No logs policy

    Connect 6 devices at the same time

    Fast speed and stability

    High security and privacy

    Quick connection

    Kill switch

    Free trial for 3 days

    Dedicated IP address

    Obfuscated servers to avoid VPN block

    Support torrents and P2P

    And many more

    Cons:

    Expensive

    Conclusion:

    NordVPN is a professional VPN solution that lets you enjoy security, provacy, speed while surfing the Internet. You will have good browsing experience and wonderful streaming. If you like P2P use, NordVPN is the best choice for you. Dedicated IP address offers you IP-restricted networks. No more censorship or bandwidth limits. NordVPN supports all of your devices and using one account you can activate up to 6 devices at the same time.

    Information about the developer:

    https://nordvpn.com/about-us/

    Homepage:

    https://nordvpn.com/

    Download (Applications):

    https://nordvpn.com/download/

    Login to your account:

    https://ucp.nordvpn.com/login/

    Features:

    https://nordvpn.com/features/

    Purchase:

    https://nordvpn.org/promo2day

    Help:

    https://support.nordvpn.com/

    New to NordVPN? Start here:

    https://zendesk.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/categories/200614342-Getting-Started

    Tutorials:

    https://nordvpn.com/tutorials/

    FAQ:

    https://nordvpn.com/faq/

    Social Media of the Developer:

    Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/NordVPN/

    Twitter:

    https://twitter.com/NordVPN/

    YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZhRxyloC-qzURiOa3vbFQ/
     
  2. sid_16

    sid_16 MDL Giveaway Organiser

    Oct 15, 2011
    2,494
    5,362
    90
    Nice and professional!
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  3. jean_phile

    jean_phile MDL Junior Member

    Sep 13, 2008
    91
    73
    0
    very good presentation
     
  4. dhruvenjoy

    dhruvenjoy MDL Member

    Nov 27, 2010
    194
    93
    10
    Thanks for the detailed review
     
  5. gorski

    gorski MDL Guru

    Oct 21, 2009
    5,514
    1,452
    180
    Hmmm, I have my doubts about this "professionalism"...

    Difficulties start with the type of encryption one wants to use...

    Speeds fall considerably with some of them and they may VARY a lot!!!

    Expect a pissed off wife/girlfriend/partner everysooften when "variations in speed" hit the deck...

    I can cope, since I value privacy but not everybody is prepared for the trade-off...
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  6. tarekma7

    tarekma7 MDL Member

    Sep 28, 2012
    200
    383
    10
    NORDVPN testing results are posted in the review and also in another review posted here on MDL. Many other sites post reviews and testing about the program and the results were also good. For example; the review here: https://thebestvpn.com/reviews/nordvpn/
    Regarding the speed; it is good and improved but this depends on the server and the original speed you are using. Of course the speed is better in some other VPN solutions as expressVPN.
    NORDVPN has many good tools and features other than the speed issue
     
  7. gorski

    gorski MDL Guru

    Oct 21, 2009
    5,514
    1,452
    180
    Yes but also flaws and problems for some of us - hence the need to test critically, not as a fan-boy...

    For instance, they are dropping L2TP/IPsec encryption, ever more - and going for a new one, which is almost completely unsupported, except perhaps in PCs/laptops...
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  8. sid_16

    sid_16 MDL Giveaway Organiser

    Oct 15, 2011
    2,494
    5,362
    90
    I have never tried this vpn before and occasionally use a vpn to download Windows iso or office from torrents site and have marked the speed fluctuation during the download. The speed may vary depending on the distance of the servers and the speed of the ISP .
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  9. gorski

    gorski MDL Guru

    Oct 21, 2009
    5,514
    1,452
    180
    Also, number of users on VPN's server, type of encryption, load of one's PC processor, RAM etc.

    One must prepare oneself: more security is inevitably tied to considerable drops in speed, occasional drop-out, even - when you continue to download but there is no encryption and if you leave it to DL over night, one might be having a headache in the morning etc. etc.

    So, careful with the torrent SW, use the white/blacklists (what/where [not] to download from) etc.

    And prepare your family for these "fluctuations", as "payment" for not going to jail...

    Good luck!
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  10. Zamber

    Zamber MDL Member

    Jan 9, 2015
    149
    79
    10
    Thanks for the review.
     
  11. Joe C

    Joe C MDL Guru

    Jan 12, 2012
    3,522
    2,093
    120
    gorski, They (MMPA) won't lock you up right away. First they send you a warning letter stating to "stop doing that" and if you continue, they'll haul to court to take all your $$$$$. Maybe they lock you up if you have no cash they can extort from you
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  12. gorski

    gorski MDL Guru

    Oct 21, 2009
    5,514
    1,452
    180
    I have the proof of that... they cleverly warn me to secure my wifi properly.... :p
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  13. wwd

    wwd MDL Junior Member

    Mar 20, 2016
    61
    57
    0
    NordVpn is referred to as one of the best, if there are problems with it, then what good vpn do you recommend?
     
  14. Mohammadwasi7861

    Mohammadwasi7861 MDL Junior Member

    Feb 14, 2015
    66
    36
    0
    Good review. Great work :)
     
  15. Harry P. Nyce

    Harry P. Nyce MDL Novice

    Nov 2, 2017
    12
    2
    0
    Great review, have been considering NordVPN for a while now... thanks, this was super informative.
     
  16. Satheesh Kumar

    Satheesh Kumar MDL Novice

    Oct 11, 2017
    31
    10
    0
    A very nice review indeed
     
  17. CHEF-KOCH

    CHEF-KOCH MDL Expert

    Jan 7, 2008
    1,192
    1,185
    60