NordVPN Review 2026
BEST OVERALLNordVPN continues to be our top-ranked VPN in 2026, delivering exceptional performance across every category we score. Its NordLynx protocol consistently produces the fastest speeds, and the addition of Threat Protection Pro makes it a genuine security suite rather than just a VPN. With 8,800+ servers across 111 countries, you'll always find a fast, nearby connection. NordVPN's double audit by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers confirms its no-logs policy, and the Panama jurisdiction means no mandatory data retention. If you only try one VPN, make it this one.
NordVPN at a Glance
NordVPN has cemented its position as the top VPN service for 2026, earning our highest overall score of 9.6/10. Based in Panama -- outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances -- NordVPN provides a genuinely private service backed by three independent no-logs audits.
With 8,800+ servers across 127 countries, NordVPN offers one of the largest and most reliable server networks available. The proprietary NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) delivers remarkable speeds with only a 5% average drop from baseline, making it suitable for everything from 4K streaming to large file downloads.
NordVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections and offers apps for every major platform. The Threat Protection feature adds ad-blocking, malware protection, and tracker blocking directly into the VPN client.
- Users who want the best all-around VPN experience
- Streamers who need reliable Netflix/Hulu/Disney+ access
- Privacy-conscious users who want audited no-logs assurance
- Remote workers needing fast, secure connections
- Torrent users who want P2P-optimized servers
Speed Performance
| Protocol | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordLynx | 485 Mbps | 42 Mbps | 8 ms |
| WireGuard | 472 Mbps | 40 Mbps | 9 ms |
| OpenVPN (UDP) | 310 Mbps | 28 Mbps | 14 ms |
| IKEv2 | 345 Mbps | 32 Mbps | 11 ms |
Privacy & Security
Panama has no mandatory data retention laws and is not part of any intelligence-sharing agreements (5/9/14 Eyes). This makes it one of the most favorable jurisdictions for a privacy-focused VPN provider.
Streaming & Unblocking
Features & Apps
Pricing & Plans
Pros & Cons
- Fastest VPN protocol (NordLynx) with only 5% speed loss
- Triple-audited no-logs policy by Deloitte & PwC
- 8,800+ servers in 127 countries
- Excellent streaming unblocking across all major platforms
- Threat Protection Pro adds real security value
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Premium pricing compared to budget alternatives
- Apps are not open-source
- Occasional DAZN connectivity issues
- No port forwarding support
Final Verdict
NordVPN continues to be our top-ranked VPN in 2026, delivering exceptional performance across every category we score. Its NordLynx protocol consistently produces the fastest speeds, and the addition of Threat Protection Pro makes it a genuine security suite rather than just a VPN. With 8,800+ servers across 111 countries, you'll always find a fast, nearby connection. NordVPN's double audit by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers confirms its no-logs policy, and the Panama jurisdiction means no mandatory data retention. If you only try one VPN, make it this one.
NordVPN is the most complete VPN on the market in 2026. It leads in speed, matches the best in privacy, and unblocks virtually every major streaming service. If you want one VPN that does everything well, this is it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Builder, tinkerer, privacy advocate. I believe privacy is a right, not a product feature.