These days, it’s so easy to connect to the Internet via our computers, laptops and mobile devices. But, when connecting to an unsecured Internet connection (like public Wi-Fi), there’s a risk that someone may steal your private data and identity.
In order to minimize the risk of being a cyber crime victim, it’s best to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows your computer or mobile device to connect securely via an encrypted connection to the Internet.
In this NordVPN review, I will explain the benefits of using a VPN and why NordVPN is the best VPN to protect yourself on the Internet.
What’s a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) provides a secured and encrypted connection to the Internet. It connects your device (smartphone laptop, or tablet) through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server run by a VPN provider.
If you connect to a remote server located in a different city or country, it will appear as if you’re browsing the Internet from that location (instead of your current one).
Plus, a VPN masks your IP address and encrypts the data you send and receive making it impossible to read. This means that hackers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can’t read your data, even if they manage to intercept it.
In other words, a VPN provides an extra layer of security while using the Internet so it becomes very difficult to steal your personal details.
Why use a VPN?
So, why should you use a VPN while browsing the Internet?
Like previously mentioned, it protects your online privacy and information while surfing the web. Additionally, some of the other benefits include:
- Browsing the Internet safely when using untrustworthy or public Wi-Fi
- Hiding your IP address and securing some anonymity online
- Watching geo-locked streaming websites (like Netflix) from anywhere
- Connecting to a server in your home country while travelling abroad
The importance of using a VPN when travelling
If you travel abroad and use the Internet on a daily basis, then a VPN is especially useful and important. Instead of connecting to the local (possibly unreliable) server, a VPN allows you to connect safely to the Internet without compromising your online security.
This saves you from some common headaches experienced while trying to connect to the Internet in a foreign country.
For example, certain financial institutions prevent you from accessing your online accounts when you’re in a foreign country. Not very practical if you have to check your balance or pay your credit card statement! A VPN circumvents this problem as you can connect to a server in your home country to do online banking.
Plus, a VPN allows you to access websites that are not available in that country (e.g. like China which blocks Facebook).
Additionally, certain streaming services (like Netflix) restrict their content based on your IP address. A VPN bypasses this problem by connecting to a server in your desired country so you can watch all your favorite content without issues.
My Top VPN Recommendation: NordVPN
NordVPN is one the best rated VPNs available as it ensures online privacy and protects your data while browsing the Internet. The name of the company was inspired by the Nordic ideals of confidence, trust, and innovation. It was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Panama City, Panama.
NordVPN has 10 million users globally so it’s no wonder they won best VPN overall in 2019! It’s a very easy to use VPN and they have one of the best customer service in the industry.
Plus, NordVPN allows you to connect to over 5,200 servers across 60 countries worldwide!
Some highlights of NordVPN include:
- Next-generation encryption with 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
- Ability to mask your IP address and change your online location
- Applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
- Access to streaming services like Netflix or Hulu
- 24/7 customer service
On top of these highlights, NordVPN also has some additional benefits and unique features.
Support for multiple devices
No matter your device, you can use NordVPN. You can set up NordVPN on any computer or laptop running Windows, macOS or Linux. Also, you can choose to install the NordVPN Chrome and Firefox extensions to use directly with your preferred browser.
Surfing the web on your mobile device? Install the NordVPN app on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone to get Internet protection while on the go.
Plus, NordVPN offers another great feature with the ability to connect up to 6 different devices simultaneously from one account.
Fast Internet speeds
Some VPNs will drastically reduce your Internet speed but this isn’t the case with NordVPN! I tested my home Internet speed connected without and with NordVPN.
As you can see, the results are practically identical in terms of ping and upload speeds. There is a negligible decrease in the download speed although I didn’t see a difference while browsing the web. So, NordVPN provides an ultra-fast connection without compromising on security or performance.
Zero-log policy
NordVPN offers a no-log policy which means that they don’t track, collect or share user’s data. This could include what websites you visit, which files or software you download and your connection date and duration.
Basically, NordVPN doesn’t store connection timestamps, session information, traffic data, IP addresses or other data. This provides users some level of anonymity while browsing the Internet.
However, NordVPN does monitor some other data like service performance, email address and payment information.
Kill switch
NordVPN prevents your private data from being inadvertently exposed with their Kill Switch feature. This advanced security measure blocks your device from accessing the Internet if your VPN connection accidentally drops. The connection will continue to be blocked until the VPN tunnel is restored or you manually disable the Kill Switch.
24/7 customer service
Contact NordVPN’s customer service 24/7 whenever you need assistance. There are 3 main ways of getting answers to your NordVPN questions:
- Help Center – Browse through articles with answers to popular questions
- Live chat – For immediate assistance, chat directly with a NordVPN agent to get answers to your questions.
- Email support – Email NordVPN directly at support@nordvpn.com and the support team will respond within 24 hours.
I’ve used the live chat feature when I had installation difficulties and it was great. I was quickly chatting with an agent within 5 minutes and he successfully helped me with my app re-installation issue.
Pricing
For the remarkable value it offers, NordVPN is priced quite reasonably. There are 3 different plans to choose from (prices in USD).
- Monthly plan $11.95 billed monthly
- 1-year plan $4.92 / month or $59 for the first year
- 2-year plan $3.29 / month or $79 for the first 2 years.
Obviously, the longer-term contracts offer better discounts and allow you to save up to 70% off the monthly price.
For a limited time, NordVPN has a sale on it’s 2-year plan at $3.29 / month. This means, it’s actually cheaper to buy the 2-year plan than the 1-year plan long-term!!! This is a fantastic deal as you basically double the contract length for less than renewing the 1-year plan.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay the total contract price upfront when you purchase. NordVPN has many different payment options including credit cards, multiple cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin) and Apple & Google Pay.
Side note: Canadians should consider purchasing NordVPN with a credit card with no foreign transactions (FX) fees like the Brim Mastercard or the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card.
Finally, NordVPN doesn’t offer a free trial of its service. But, if you’re not 100% satisfied with NordVPN, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee to receive a full refund*.
*Payments made with prepaid or gift cards cannot be refunded. Also, NordVPN cannot issue refunds for purchases made on Apple’s App Store. So, it’s necessary to contact Apple about receiving a refund.
Conclusion
It’s primordial to protect your privacy and data while surfing the web and NordVPN helps you achieve that. Without a doubt, NordVPN is an easy to use VPN service that not only encrypts your data, but lets you browse the Internet safely without a reduction in speed.
With NordVPN’s global network of servers in 59 countries, you can stream your favorite content from almost anywhere in the world. Plus, NordVPN lets you connect 6 devices at once per account no matter if it’s a PC, Mac, tablet, iPhone or Android phone.
I’ve personally been using NordVPN on a daily basis for over 3 years now and I’m quite pleased with their service. Regardless if I’m using my smartphone or laptop, I connect to NordVPN before surfing the web to protect my online privacy.
Plus, I’ve found NordVPN extremely useful to connect to the Internet when I’m travelling in a foreign country. It allows me to connect to a Canadian server to watch Netflix and to check my online banking without problems.
NordVPN is highly recommended so if you’re interested in protecting your online data and privacy, click here to sign up today!
Affiliate disclaimer: This review is based on my own personal experience with NordVPN and is not sponsored by them. My blog contains referral or affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continued support.
NordVPN is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, please visit the NordVPN website.