Who Is NordVPN For?
Let's start with an uncomfortable truth: most people don't need a VPN.
The VPN industry spends heavily on marketing, sponsoring every podcast and YouTuber to convince you that you're unsafe without one. The reality is more nuanced.
NordVPN makes sense if you:
- Stream geo-blocked content — Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, etc.
- Use public WiFi frequently — Airports, cafes, hotels
- Live in a country with internet restrictions — Censorship circumvention
- Torrent files — Legal gray area, but common use case
- Work with sensitive data remotely — Extra security layer
If you browse the web at home on your regular connection, a VPN adds cost and complexity for minimal benefit.
Pricing Breakdown
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $13 | $156/yr |
|
| 1-Year | $5 | $60/yr |
|
| 2-Year | $3.50 | $84 total |
|
Hidden Costs: Auto-renewal at higher rates. First 2-year plan is $84, renewal is ~$200.
Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Pricing Trap
NordVPN's advertised "$3.50/month" is misleading:
- You pay $84 upfront for 2 years
- After 2 years, it auto-renews at ~$100/year
- The "savings" only apply if you cancel before renewal
Real cost if you stay subscribed for 4 years:
- Years 1-2: $84
- Years 3-4: ~$200
- Total: $284 = ~$6/month average
Still reasonable, but not the "$3/month" in the ads.
Time vs. Money Tradeoff
| Factor | Details | |--------|---------| | Setup Time | 10-15 minutes | | Learning Curve | Low—install app, click connect | | Time to Value | Immediate for streaming; questionable for "security" |
The setup is straightforward. The harder question is whether you'll actually use it consistently.
Do You Actually Need a VPN?
What VPNs Actually Do ✅
- Encrypt traffic from your ISP — Your internet provider can't see which sites you visit
- Change your apparent location — Access geo-blocked streaming content
- Secure public WiFi — Encrypt data on untrusted networks
- Bypass some censorship — Useful in restricted countries
What VPNs Don't Do ❌
- Make you anonymous — VPN companies can still log your activity
- Protect from malware — You still need antivirus
- Secure your accounts — Phishing still works through a VPN
- Speed up your internet — Usually slows it down
The marketing suggests VPNs are essential for safety. In reality, HTTPS (the lock icon in your browser) already encrypts most web traffic.
Alternatives Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN (This review) | — | — |
| ExpressVPN | $8-13/mo | Speed priority, premium experience |
| Surfshark | $2-13/mo | Budget option, unlimited devices |
| ProtonVPN | $0-10/mo | Privacy-focused, free tier available |
| Mullvad | $5.50/mo | Maximum privacy, no accounts needed |
| No VPN | $0 | Home users with no specific need |
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is faster and more polished but costs more. Nord offers better value for most users unless speed is critical.
NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN has a free tier and stronger privacy credentials (Swiss-based, open audits). If privacy is your main concern, ProtonVPN is more credible.
NordVPN vs. Mullvad
Mullvad is the privacy purist's choice: €5/month flat, no accounts, no email required. Worse for streaming, better for anonymity.
When NordVPN Is NOT Worth It
❌ Skip If:
- You browse at home on your own WiFi — Your ISP seeing your traffic is a minor issue for most people
- You don't stream geo-blocked content — The main practical benefit disappears
- You're on a tight budget — Even $3/month adds up; the money might be better spent elsewhere
- You expect "complete security" — VPNs are one layer, not a magic shield
- You won't use it consistently — A VPN you forget to enable is wasted money
The biggest trap: buying a 2-year plan because of a YouTube sponsor code, using it for a week, then forgetting about it.
When NordVPN IS Worth It
✅ Buy If:
- You stream international content — Netflix Japan, BBC iPlayer, etc.
- You travel frequently — Public WiFi protection + accessing home content abroad
- You live somewhere with internet censorship — Circumventing blocks
- You torrent regularly — Hiding activity from ISP
- You work remotely with sensitive data — Extra security layer on untrusted networks
Streaming Performance (2026)
NordVPN works with most major streaming services, but it's a cat-and-mouse game:
| Service | Status | |---------|--------| | Netflix (multiple regions) | ✅ Works | | Disney+ | ✅ Works | | BBC iPlayer | ✅ Works | | Amazon Prime | ⚠️ Hit or miss | | Hulu | ✅ Works |
Streaming services actively block VPNs. What works today might not work tomorrow.
Final Verdict
DEPENDS
NordVPN is a solid VPN if you need one. The keyword is "if."
Worth it: For streamers accessing geo-blocked content, frequent travelers, and users in censored regions. The 2-year plan offers good value if you'll actually use it.
Not worth it: For home users seeking vague "security." The threat model doesn't justify $3-13/month for most people browsing at home.
Bottom Line: Ask yourself what you'll actually use it for. If you can name a specific, regular use case, get it. If you're just worried about hackers, save your money—modern HTTPS handles most threats.
FAQ
Is NordVPN worth it for streaming?
Yes, streaming is NordVPN's strongest use case. It reliably unblocks Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and most major services. If you regularly want content from other countries, it pays for itself.
Is NordVPN safe and trustworthy?
NordVPN has been audited by third parties and has a no-logs policy. However, in 2019 they had a server breach they didn't disclose promptly. They've improved since, but privacy purists might prefer Mullvad or ProtonVPN.
Does NordVPN slow down internet speed?
Yes, all VPNs add some latency. NordVPN is one of the faster options, typically reducing speeds by 10-20%. For streaming and browsing, this is usually not noticeable. For competitive gaming, it might matter.
Can I use NordVPN on multiple devices?
Yes, one subscription covers 6 simultaneous devices. You can install it on phones, computers, tablets, and routers.