What we liked
Pros
- Fastest average speeds in our 2026 testing (NordLynx)
- Multiple independent no-logs audits passed
- Threat Protection blocks malware and trackers
Keep in mind
- The renewal price is significantly higher than the intro deal; calendar the renewal date.
Score breakdown
NordVPN pricing in 2026
NordVPN starts at $3.09/mo. Free option: 30-day guarantee. As with most services in this category, the advertised rate typically assumes annual billing — check the renewal price and current promotions before committing.
Who is NordVPN for?
NordVPN is our pick for best overall — speed, audits, features. NordVPN topped our speed charts while holding the strongest audit trail in the industry — the rare VPN that wins on both performance and verified privacy.
How NordVPN compares
It holds the #1 spot in our ranking — Surfshark (9.4/10) is the closest challenger. Also consider ExpressVPN (9.1/10). See the full vpn services comparison for all 6 ranked services side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — NordVPN scores 9.7/10 (Exceptional) in our independent testing and ranks #1 of 6 in our vpn services comparison. It stands out as the pick for best overall — speed, audits, features.
NordVPN pricing starts at From $3.09/mo. Free option: 30-day guarantee. Check current promotions on their site, as introductory rates change frequently.
The strongest alternatives are Surfshark (9.4/10) and ExpressVPN (9.1/10). See our full vpn services comparison for all 6 ranked options.