NordVPN review
Six independent no-logs audits, a RAM-only fleet, and the highest overall score in our comparison.
What we like
- Six independent no-logs audits with Deloitte and PwC, the latest dated 2025-12
- RAM-only servers make log retention structurally impossible
- Panama sits outside the 5/9/14-Eyes intelligence alliances
- Consistent streaming unblocking with dedicated infrastructure
- Threat Protection blocks trackers and malicious sites at the DNS layer
What we don't
- 10-device limit is restrictive for large households
- Renewal price is roughly double the promotional price
- Apps are closed source, so claims cannot be verified by reading the code
- Full feature set costs more than Surfshark or CyberGhost on longer terms
Our verdict
The default recommendation. NordVPN pairs a RAM-only fleet with six independent audits, and its speed score of 9.4 means you do not have to choose between privacy and throughput. The renewal price jump is real and worth setting a reminder for, but a 30-day money-back window makes the first commitment low-risk.
Prices and facts last verified October 6, 2026
Score breakdown
The weighted total, and what each component contributed. Weights are published and identical across all eleven providers.
Why we scored it this way
Six named audit engagements with Deloitte and PwC, a RAM-only fleet, Panama jurisdiction outside all Eyes alliances. Price is strong on a 2-year term but the renewal price roughly doubles, which costs points. Speed is an editorial estimate, not our own benchmark.
Privacy and logging
Audit evidence cited: Deloitte and PwC. We summarise publicly available reports and do not have access to the underlying working papers.
Network, protocols and speed
Pricing
| Term | From /month | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years Best value | $3.09 | $74 |
| 1 year | $8.17 | $98 |
| 1 month | $13.99 | $13.99 |
Prices change frequently and are set by the provider. The date above is when we last verified them; the provider's checkout is always authoritative, and you will never be charged the wrong amount because of an error here.
Who it suits
People who want one subscription that covers every use case and who care that the no-logs claim is externally verified rather than merely promised.
How it compares
Where this provider wins and where it does not, against the two nearest alternatives on our list.
Surfshark
Genuinely unlimited devices, and a two-year price below NordVPN, ExpressVPN or CyberGhost.
ExpressVPN
Our highest speed score at 9.6 and our highest streaming score at 9.4 — at the highest price.
NordVPN questions
How much does NordVPN cost?
The cheapest plan we list works out at $3.09 per month for 2 years, which is $74 in total. That figure can change at any time — we last verified it on the date shown above — and it is the effective cost of the whole subscription rather than a headline monthly rate. You get 30 days to change your mind.
Can NordVPN really be trusted not to log my data?
The claim is supported by 6 independent audit engagements with Deloitte and PwC, the most recent dated 2025-12. RAM-only servers: Yes. Intelligence alliance membership: Outside. Real-world legal test: not published. We rate what is verifiable rather than what is promised, which is why this answer scores the way it does.
Why does NordVPN score what it scores?
NordVPN scores 9.3 out of 10, which places it number 1 of the eleven we review, under the badge 'Best overall'. The score is a weighted sum of privacy, speed, value, streaming and ease of use, with the weights published in full on our methodology page. Affiliate commission had no influence on any component of it.
Try NordVPN
Check the current price and the terms of the plan you want before you commit. Every plan here includes a money-back window, so the first decision is reversible.