NordVPN continues to rank among the top virtual private networks despite a 2019 security breach, offering fast speeds and robust features. A recent Wired review highlights its competitive edge in privacy, security, and app support, though pricing remains a drawback. The service has implemented significant post-breach improvements, including annual audits.
NordVPN, a prominent name in the VPN market, maintains its reputation as one of the best options available, according to a 2025 review by Wired. The service has faced controversies, notably a 2019 hack at a data center in Finland, where a server was breached due to improper configuration by the provider. Importantly, no user account credentials were compromised, demonstrating adherence to its no-logs policy. Since then, NordVPN has enhanced security with colocated servers it fully owns, disk-less servers that prevent log storage, and annual third-party audits, the latest in February 2025.
The review praises NordVPN's speeds, which averaged a 15.32 percent drop from unprotected connections across five US locations, closely rivaling Proton VPN's 15.23 percent. Consistency is a strength, with no slowdown exceeding 20 percent and a mere 6.6 percent in Chicago. NordVPN operates around 7,400 servers, including specialty ones for Tor, supporting features like streaming on Google TV and Apple TV via native apps.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The desktop app, however, feels cluttered with ads for premium features, and server navigation can be frustrating without quick profiles. Standout elements include Meshnet for private device networking—nearly discontinued in December but retained after backlash—and Android's scam call protection, which flagged over 100 spam calls in testing.
Pricing starts with the Basic plan, covering VPN access, 10 simultaneous connections, and basic ad-blocking DNS, but lacks advanced Threat Protection Pro. The Plus plan adds Pro-level malware scanning and the full NordPass password manager for an extra $1 monthly compared to Proton. Higher tiers include 1TB cloud storage and identity theft insurance, though the review recommends Plus for most users. Multi-year deals, like the biennial plan at about $100 for 27 months, offer savings, but renewals jump to full price. Overall, NordVPN excels in features and security but ranks slightly below Proton VPN due to cost.