NordVPN’s Speed Crown and What Flaws Come with It

NordVPN remains one of the most recognizable names in virtual private networking, and for good reason. A recent hands-on review by CNET confirms that NordVPN outpaces rivals like ExpressVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN, losing just 2.9% of internet download speed in testing — dramatically less than the 16% loss of its nearest competitor. For anyone streaming 4K video or working remotely, that speed advantage is a real everyday benefit.

The service now operates over 8,000 servers across 126 countries, giving it one of the widest geographic footprints in the VPN market. During testing, it unblocked Netflix libraries in the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan and more, though an attempt to access Netflix Egypt returned US content. Split tunneling works reliably on Android, allowing users to route only selected apps through the VPN while keeping local services off the tunnel.

However, the review flags a significant financial catch. NordVPN’s introductory pricing is competitive — $60 for the first year or $83 for two years — but upon automatic renewal, the same annual plan jumps to $140, a 133% increase. Competitors Surfshark and Proton VPN also raise prices at renewal, but by far less (to $79 and $80 respectively), making Nord’s hike steeper than the industry norm.

Behind the VPN Benchmark: What Really Matters for Users

Speed leadership is real, but its practical edge depends on your base connection

CNET’s average download speed loss of 2.9% — and even faster-than-base speeds on MacOS — stems from NordLynx, NordVPN’s WireGuard-based protocol. This outperforms both OpenVPN and the implementations of many rivals. For households with broadband speeds above 50Mbps, the difference is invisible during streaming or videoconferencing; Netflix’s 15Mbps 4K requirement is easily met. The real win is for users who regularly juggle high-bandwidth activities or connect from slower networks.

Nord’s server sprawl is a strong asset for geo-shifting, but not flawless

With 126 countries covered, NordVPN edges out ExpressVPN (105) and Surfshark (100), though Proton VPN offers more physical servers. The wide server map is a genuine advantage for travelers and streamers wanting access to regional catalogs. Yet the failed attempt to reach Netflix Egypt shows that even a large network can’t guarantee every library unblocks consistently. Users who rely on obscure regional services should test before committing.

Pricing transparency lags behind privacy commitments

NordVPN’s privacy architecture — Panama jurisdiction, RAM-only servers, independently audited no-logs policy, quarterly transparency reports — is among the most robust in the consumer VPN space. But the auto-renewal pricing structure undermines the trust that such transparency builds. A 133% price bump feels punitive and contrasts sharply with providers like Mullvad, which charges a flat €5/month with no renewal penalty. While stacking subscriptions (buying a new plan before the old one expires) can sidestep the hike, the practice requires active management that casual users may overlook.

Tips for NordVPN Subscribers to Lock in Lower Rates

  • Turn off auto-renewal immediately after subscribing — NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee still applies, but deactivating auto-renew prevents a $140 charge at the end of your introductory term.
  • Stack subscriptions during sales events — if you have six months left on an annual plan, buying a new year-long plan during Black Friday or similar promotions adds 12 months to your current expiry, locking in the lower rate without triggering renewal pricing.
  • Compare multi-year plans with caution — a two-year deal at $83 total is tempting, but the VPN landscape evolves quickly; committing beyond one year carries the risk that performance deteriorates or a breach occurs, leaving you out of pocket if you switch.
  • Test specific streaming libraries before you rely on them — NordVPN unblocks popular catalogs, but less mainstream region-specific services (like Netflix Egypt) may not work; a quick trial during the refund period can avoid disappointment.