NordVPN for Windows

A reliable, simple, and fast VPN network

NordVPN is a popular VPN service that lets you build secure and anonymous connections. With this program, you don’t have to worry about authorities being able to track your IP address or physical location. The company uses 5,436 VPN servers in 60 countries, ensuring your browsing activity can’t be tracked.

With a skilled development team, the service adds new features, security protocols, and functionalities regularly. NordVPN comes with varied pricing plans to suit every budget. It has become an excellent choice for users worldwide within a short time.

A tool packed with excellent features

NordVPN’s network is made up of several servers that have been configured for special purposes. Specialty VPN servers aren’t always the only ones that can perform their assigned tasks. For example, torrenting is allowed on all servers, not just the ones with a P2P designation. However, they are designed to ease their jobs. This software has five types of specialty servers: Double VPN, Obfuscated servers, P2P servers, Onion over VPN, and Dedicated IP servers.

The Dark Web Monitor, an active feature by default, patrols sources of stolen credentials on the dark web, and if it discovers your email address anywhere, it sends you an alert. Further, a kill switch automatically shuts off your internet connection if the VPN software stops working, preventing you from being unprotected online. This tool also supports split tunneling, which lets you decide whether a particular app will be included in your VPN protection or not.

What are the safety features?

The program offers high-end security and encryption compared to TouchVPN, Free VPN, and other similar services. The tool uses AES 256-bit encryption, which successfully hides your data and content. However, the encryption process and routing of your traffic through remote servers can slow down your internet connection. Meshnet lets you create a secure connection between two devices so that if one moves to another location in the world,. This is great for sharing data and gaming—and also for working.

This VPN software's Threat Protection feature is one of its most powerful. It guards you against online threats like malware and trackers every day, protecting your privacy for as long as you use it. It scans files for malware and deletes them before they download, and it also protects your privacy and prevents malicious programs from infecting your device. Moreover, this feature also blocks intrusive and malicious ads before they even load. The result is a safer, more streamlined experience for you.

What about torrent support?

In the past, services like Hotspot Shield have given tough competition to NordVPN. However, the program has been updated with new features, providing access to advanced functionalities. The software supports torrent downloads, which lets you watch various movies, shows, and originals.

With 5,436 VPN servers in 60 countries, you have plenty of options to build secure connections. The simple interface lets you choose a preferred server from the sidebar. Since you don’t need more than a couple of clicks, you can save a reasonable amount of time. 

Each server on the network comes with unlimited bandwidth and data. Thus, you can upload or download almost anything from the internet. Like other browsing activity, even torrenting data isn’t retained, and you can expect complete anonymity.

While using reliable VPN servers, you can choose from multiple torrent services. For instance, the program offers support for BitTorrent, Vuze, uTorrent, and other software. NordVPN download comes with a server recommendation tool, which helps you identify your network's fastest and most reliable server. You only need to choose the server protocol and location, and the program takes care of the rest.

Additionally, the application uses SOCKS5 proxies, which can substantially improve download speed for multiple torrent clients. Compared to ExpressVPN and other VPN providers, NordVPN offers a faster and hassle-free service. With the Quick Connect feature, you can quickly get online with a couple of clicks. 

It’s important to understand that the Quick Connect feature automatically chooses servers for secure connections. The current version of the program doesn’t let you select a server manually. However, this feature will be helpful if you want less anonymity and faster speed. On the other hand, casual users interested in specifically unblocking content or some geo-restricted websites should choose a server manually.

Does NordVPN unblock Netflix?

Over the years, Netflix has become one of the most popular video streaming services. Currently, it blocks several VPN services, restricting access to the program’s shows, movies, originals, and other content. However, NordVPN comes with a SmartPlay feature, designed to build secure connections and bypass geo-blocks to access applications like Netflix. While combining VPN with DNS protocols, this feature successfully evades unwanted blocks.

Reasons to choose NordVPN

NordVPN offers users secure and anonymous online connections, access to blocked websites, and the ability to bypass government restrictions. It ranks as one of the best VPN services available, with a no-logging policy that has been independently audited for enhanced privacy assurance.

Device support and versatility

NordVPN supports up to six devices per account, but by installing it on your router, you can protect every connected device. This versatility makes NordVPN an attractive option for users looking for a quality VPN service.

Efficient ad-blocking and malware protection

NordVPN's Threat Protection feature blocks intrusive ads, tracking cookies, and malware-hosting domains for a safer browsing experience. This ad-blocking tool works across various devices and browser extensions.

Improving internet speed and easy setup

NordVPN provides tips for optimizing internet speed while using the service. The setup process is simple: download the software, activate the VPN, and choose your preferred server location.

Subscription management

Managing your NordVPN subscription is user-friendly, with easy cancellation options. NordVPN is based in Panama, a country with strong privacy laws, providing an additional layer of confidence for users concerned about online privacy and security.

Support and device compatibility

NordVPN has a solid user base and is active in discussion forums, online communities, and social media. While the company offers good customer support, you can also seek help from other users. The program comes with an interface that will allow you to start using it from the get-go, albeit with a learning curve at first. That said, all the secure VPN servers are listed in an easy-to-access sidebar. This VPN also runs smoothly on multiple operating systems. The best part about it is that you can simultaneously use the same account on up to six devices.

Support for ARM-based devices 

With the latest update, NordVPN kickstarts an app for accommodating Surface Pro and other Windows ARM-based devices. ARM devices are gadgets that use ARM architecture, a type of computer chip design. In simpler terms, ARM chips are like the brains inside many smartphones, tablets, and other electronics. They’re known for being energy-efficient, which helps devices run longer on a battery. 

This recent innovative move allows users to be safe from online threats through seamless and uninterrupted traffic encryption and IP address modification through the ARM-native app. So, you can surf the internet all you want without worrying about your cyber security. Plus, not only do you get the benefits of a VPN, but you also do not have to be concerned about lagging and glitching. 

What differentiates ARM-native apps from emulated apps on ARM devices is they smoothly follow the logic and instruction of a particular device processor’s architecture, allowing it to execute commands without all the filler processes. On the other hand, emulated apps that are made to run on different architectures mean they have to do real-time translation for that particular processor, creating more cycles that make the whole process slow. 

Potential drawbacks

Despite its many advantages, NordVPN is not without its flaws. One significant downside is the occasional slowdown in internet speed due to the encryption process and routing through remote servers, which can be particularly noticeable when connecting to distant servers. Additionally, while the Quick Connect feature is convenient, it doesn’t allow users to manually select specific servers, which can be a limitation for those needing to access certain geo-restricted content. 

Some users may also find the pricing plans relatively expensive compared to other VPN services, especially when opting for a monthly subscription. Lastly, although NordVPN offers a wide range of features, its interface can sometimes be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a bit of a learning curve to fully utilize all its functionalities.

A powerful VPN service

NordVPN stands out as a reliable and versatile VPN service, offering a wide range of features and robust security measures to protect users' online activities. With its extensive server network, efficient ad-blocking, and malware protection, it provides a secure and streamlined browsing experience. 

While it has some drawbacks, such as occasional slowdowns and a higher price point, its overall performance and ease of use make it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy and access restricted content. Whether for torrenting, streaming, or general browsing, it proves to be a valuable tool for maintaining anonymity and security on the internet.