NordVPN review 2026: still the best VPN?
Our verdict
NordVPN · 30-day money-back; from £2.59/mo on a 2-year plan (Basic), Complete £3.39/mo, Ultimate Max £6.29/mo
NordVPN remains our top overall VPN. It is fast on its NordLynx protocol, has a huge audited no-logs server network, strong security extras and reliable streaming, and the higher tiers bundle NordPass and Coveron. You need a 2-year plan for the best price and it rises at renewal, but for most people wanting privacy, security and reliability, it is the one to beat.
Pros
- Consistently fast on NordLynx
- Huge network across 110+ countries
- Strong, audited security and no-logs
- Reliable for streaming
- Bundles NordPass and Coveron on higher tiers
Cons
- Best price needs a 2-year commitment
- Price rises at renewal
- Feature-heavy app for beginners
A VPN has become basic kit for anyone who cares about privacy or works on the move, and NordVPN is the name most people reach for first. We tested it on speed, security and everyday reliability to see if it still earns the top spot.
What is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a virtual private network: it encrypts your connection and routes it through its servers, hiding your activity from your network and letting you appear in another country. It runs its own fast NordLynx protocol and adds security extras like Threat Protection and a kill switch.
Key features
- Fast NordLynx (WireGuard-based) protocol.
- 110+ countries and thousands of servers.
- Audited no-logs policy, kill switch and Threat Protection.
- Reliable streaming and P2P support.
- Higher tiers bundle NordPass and Coveron.
Pricing
NordVPN's best prices need a 2-year plan: Basic is £2.59 a month, Complete (which adds NordPass and encrypted storage) is £3.39 a month, and Ultimate Max (which adds Coveron identity protection) is £6.29 a month. All come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. As with all VPNs, prices rise at renewal, so factor that in.
Where it falls short
The headline price requires a two-year commitment, and it climbs on renewal. The app is also more feature-packed than a beginner needs; if you want the simplest possible experience, ExpressVPN is easier, and if you want the cheapest, Surfshark undercuts it.
Who should use NordVPN?
Choose NordVPN if you want the best all-round mix of speed, security, reliability and extras. If you want unlimited devices on a budget, look at Surfshark; if you want a great free plan, Proton VPN; and if simplicity is everything, ExpressVPN. For most people, NordVPN is our pick.
Ready to try NordVPN?
Founder & reviewer
I run a web agency and use these tools daily on real client projects, so every review is based on hands-on, in-production experience.