Starting in 2012, NordVPN has found its path to become a big VPN brand in the privacy and security industry. Today, the VPN is a close competitor of other “old” reckoned VPN clients such as ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Going by its server network, NordVPN has worldwide coverage- over 5,500 servers in 59 countries.
NordVPN is popularly raved for its robust security policies and infrastructure. As far as security is concerned, NordVPN has so much to offer. For starters, the VPN provides for military-grade data encryption for its users- 256-bit AES encryption. The encryption is also combined with a 2048-bit DH key and a SHA2-384 authentication for top security. In fact, Nord is the only VPN service with a double VPN technology that ensures that the web traffic is encrypted not just once but twice. It also uses top-notch security protocols, including IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN, that are available depending on your operating system’s choice.
Among its array of advanced security features include an automatic kill switch, app kill switch, DNS leak protection, Tor networks, split tunneling for mobile phones, adblocking, and extra malware protection, among others. Registered in Panama, NordVPN has a strict no-log policy; Panama is way out of the 5/9/14 eyes international surveillance alliance jurisdiction.
NordVPN users can also access geo-blocked sites such as Netflix. It is also a perfect choice for gamers. And while Nord has so much to offers, we cannot look down on the fact that no VPN is perfect; they all have drawbacks. Below are a few drawbacks that would probably get you thinking of a NordVPN VPN alternative.
Why Look for NordVPN Alternatives?
i. Quite expensive
Compare to other VPN clients, NordVPN has a relatively expensive package. Nord comes with a three-pricing package of $11.95/ month, $69.00/year, or $79.00 every two years. The pricing is quite reasonable, owing to its remarkable feature. However, there are still cheaper available VPN alternatives that could save a few dollars.
ii. History
Apparently, NordVPN has had quite a share of security breaches in the past. The most recent one was in March 2018, which NordVPN confirmed after apparent reports from Techcrunch. They confirmed that their Finland server had been compromised, raising security concerns for its users.
iii. Speed
Even though NordVPN has a wide network of servers, its internet connectivity is still wanting. It is certainly not the slowest VPN- speeds have progressively improved. However, they still cannot match up with other top VPN clients like Express VPN.
iv. Limited device connection
Nord provides for a maximum of 5 simultaneous device connections. Compared to other VPN providers like Surfshark that offer unlimited connections, NordVPN is still way behind.
Top 4 NordVPN Alternatives
i. Surfshark
It is perhaps the cheapest premium VPN in the market today. You could save up to 10 bucks every month for using Surfshark as your NordVPN alternative. Due to its friendly price package, Surfshark competes favorably with top VPN providers such as Express and CyberGhost.
At a mere price of $2.49, you can access uncompromised internet security and privacy. Matching up to its competitors offers AES- 256 data encryption and supports high-end security protocols including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Shadowsocks protocols.
Besides web traffic encryption, Surfshark comes with an array of top security features, including DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic kill switch, double VPN, hacklock, blind search, built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker, and a strict no-log policy.
The VPN allows users to access content from blocked sites such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, among others. Surfshark is available and runs smoothly on most devices. Most importantly, they have a great round the clock customer support that will quickly help you resolve your problems. So, if you are looking for a cheaper NordVPN without compromising security, Surfshark is your best option. Our full Surfshark review.
ii. ExpressVPN
The NordVPN and ExpressVPN rank top in the VPN providers ranking chart. The two provide users with top security and have both reviews significant positive reviews in this area. However, ExpressVPN battles Nord for its incredible internet connectivity speeds. ExpressVPN is a speed champion and is undeniably the fastest VPN provider in the market.
Currently, the VPN has over 3000 servers in 94 countries compared to 55 countries for NordVPN. The provider has more global coverage. As far as security is concerned, Express supports high -standard security protocols, i.e., OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec, and at the same time encrypt users’ internet activity using an industrial-grade cipher- AES 256-bit encryption.
On top of this, the VPN has an automatic kill switch that prevents DNS leak, spilt tunneling, and a strict no-log policy that is guaranteed by its location- ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgins Island, away from the 14 eyes international surveillance alliance.
Courtesy of its robust and vast server infrastructure, ExpressVPN allows users to stream on blocked sites such as Netflix and access uncensored internet in countries like China. As a top performance, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee policy and a responsive 24/7 support desk to help you solve your issues. Our full ExpressVPN review.
iii. Private Internet Access VPN
PIA is often compared to the Surfshark VPN. The two are budget-friendly VPN solutions and there stand out as affordable NordVPN alternatives. PIA has been in the industry been in the privacy industry before NordVPN- since 2009. The VPN provider has never experienced any major security breach and has consequently cemented its reputation as a haven for users willing to protect their online activities.
PIA has over 3,200 servers in 52 countries that provide flexible and top-security protocols, including IKEv2, L2TP, and WireGuard. They also offer AES 256-bit data encryption, ensuring high security for its users. Like NordVPN, PIA has an automatic kill switch, malware blocker, and DNS leak protection as additional security features.
The VPN supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections, more than NordVPN. It is also a great choice for Torrenting fans and those willing to stream content on blocked sites such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, and Disney+. PIA has a 7-day money-back guarantee for users willing to evaluate performance before purchasing the product. Our full Private Internet Access review.
iv. CyberGhost
It is a well-known VPN and a leading NordVPN alternative. The VPN provider has over 6,200 servers in 90+ countries, making it a better VPN by global coverage. Based in Romania, CyberGhost is far off the 14eye International Surveillance Alliance grid and hence has a robust no-log policy.
CyberGhost uses OpenVPN, L2TP-IP/Sec, and PPTP protocols and matches NordVPN by providing military-grade security encryption- 256-bit AES encryption. Courtesy of its vast server network, the VPN provides for fast internet connection, more simultaneous device connection (7) than NordVPN.
The CyberGhost software is available for all devices, and its dedicated server network allows users to stream on blocked sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Sky Go. Unlike most premium VPN providers, CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back-guarantee to its prospecting users. Also, they have a polite and supportive customer desk that is available 24/7. Our full Cyberghost VPN review.
Business VPN Alternatives to NordVPN
They are two types of Virtual Private Network, i.e., Consumer-oriented VPNs (which we have highlighted and discussed above) and Business VPNs. The two work to encrypt and safeguard internet interactions. However, the difference lies in why they are used. While Consumer-oriented VPNs are used by persons wanting to secure their internet traffic and protect privacy, Business VPNs are used by cooperation to create a safe and secure single shared between various functions and offices of a business entity. This way, employees can communicate or access the business servers remotely without necessarily having to be at the business premises.
The primary purpose of the VPN is to tunnel user-server interactions over the public network/internet securely without exposing them to the internet. And while NordVPN provides for a robust business VPN solution, we will also look at equally compressive and trustworthy business VPN solutions that can be used by any business entity- big or small.
i. ExpressVPN Business Solution
Even though it does not have distinctive/specific business enterprise packages, ExpressVPN still a brand to reckon with as far as security is concerned. It simply one of the fastest, safe, and secure VPN in the market today.
The VPN provides 256-bit AES encryption and 2,048-bit DHE-RSA keys for top internet security. On top of this, the VPN offers Split tunneling, perfect forward secrecy, DNS IPv6, and WebRTC protection. Businesses can also pay for services in bitcoin to avoid any digital footprints.
Besides, the VPN provider has a friendly and knowledgeable 24/7 support live chat in case of eventualities. For business purposes, ExpressVPN is available for all devices.
ii. Perimeter 81 VPN Business Solution
With over 700 servers in 36 countries across the world, Perimeter 81 is a top cooperate VPN. It has an advanced cloud offering that protects employees’ devices, cloud environment, and company databases.
Perimeter 81 can provide for private servers and static IP addresses for businesses at an additional cost. This way, businesses can easily and closely monitor their network and adjust to their bandwidth accordingly.
It has a cross-platform application that runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The software has a clean and simple interface that lets employees/ users sign in, navigate, and operate without trouble.
Perimeter 81 has an automatic Wi-Fi shield that protects business employees from malware and any phishing attempts. The VPN also offers specified solutions such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 compliance at request.
The VPN client has a 24/7 live chat or email support to remedy any problems. Most importantly, Perimeter 81 has a 30-day money-back- guarantee policy that lets businesses evaluate its functionality and performance before purchasing it.
Is there a free version of NordVPN?
Take advantage of the free trial version of NordVPN completely risk-free. You can cancel it within 30 days under its policy: 30 day money-back guarantee.
If you’re looking for a Free VPN, read our post free vpn vs paid.
How to cancel NordVPN?
If you’d like to cancel your NordVPN subscription, you can do so by navigating to the Billing section in your Account. Click on Cancel Recurring Subscription. Alternatively, you can email to customer support [email protected].
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about NordVPN alternatives, you do have options. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. NordVPN remains one of the best in-class vpn service providers that offers great features. Let us know in the comments if you decided to go with another provider and why!
