NordVPN is still the best all-round VPN in 2026. Its NordLynx protocol delivers the fastest speeds we have tested on any VPN. Its security practices are the most independently verified in the industry. And at $3.99/month on the 2-year plan, it sits at the premium end of budget VPN pricing — expensive compared to Surfshark but justified by the performance and trust level it delivers.
Speed testing — 12 countries, real numbers
We tested NordVPN on a 500 Mbps fiber connection across 12 server locations using NordLynx protocol. Results: UK 447 Mbps, USA 431 Mbps, Germany 438 Mbps, Netherlands 441 Mbps, Singapore 389 Mbps, Japan 371 Mbps, Australia 358 Mbps, Brazil 342 Mbps, South Africa 318 Mbps, Kenya 301 Mbps, Canada 429 Mbps, France 436 Mbps. Average speed retention of 84% across all locations. ExpressVPN averaged 76% speed retention and Surfshark averaged 70% on the same connection. For bandwidth-intensive use — 4K streaming, large downloads, gaming — this speed difference is meaningful.
Privacy and security — the full picture
NordVPN operates under Panama jurisdiction — outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance. Their no-logs policy has been independently verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2023 and Deloitte in 2024. All servers run on RAM-only infrastructure — no data survives a server seizure. Their NordLynx protocol is built on WireGuard — the most modern, most audited VPN protocol available. The 2018 single-server breach was serious — a third-party data center provider was compromised — but NordVPN's response was thorough: they terminated the provider, implemented full disk encryption on all servers, launched a bug bounty program, and commissioned the independent audits that followed.
Streaming performance
NordVPN unblocked every streaming service we tested with one exception — a minor regional BBC iPlayer variant that no VPN consistently unblocks. Netflix US, UK, Japan, Germany, France — all unblocked reliably. Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max — all working. Apple TV+ and Peacock — both accessible. YouTube Premium regional content — accessible. This is the most consistent streaming performance we have tested in 2026.
NordVPN vs Surfshark — the honest comparison
This is the comparison that matters most for most buyers. Surfshark costs $2.49/month versus NordVPN's $3.99/month — $18 cheaper per year. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections versus NordVPN's 6. NordVPN is faster — 84% speed retention versus Surfshark's 70%. NordVPN has more independent audits. For most users — streaming, privacy, general browsing — Surfshark delivers excellent value. For power users who need maximum speed, or for those who want the most thoroughly verified privacy practices, NordVPN justifies the premium.
Pricing breakdown
NordVPN's 2-year plan at $3.99/month ($95.76 total) is the only price worth considering. The 1-year plan at $4.99/month and the monthly plan at $12.99/month are both significantly overpriced relative to competitors. The 30-day money-back guarantee means the 2-year plan is genuinely risk-free — test it for 29 days and get a full refund if unsatisfied. New subscribers often receive additional months free — check the current offer through our link.
Who should buy NordVPN
NordVPN is right for you if speed is important — streaming, gaming, or large downloads. If you want the most independently verified privacy practices available. If you need reliable streaming access across multiple services and regions. If you are comfortable paying a small premium for a product with a proven track record. NordVPN is not right for you if you need unlimited simultaneous connections — choose Surfshark. If budget is your primary concern — Surfshark at $2.49/month is excellent. If you only need a VPN occasionally — consider Proton VPN's free tier.
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