Is there a downside to NordVPN? (Honest 2026 review)
🔍 Quick answer:
Yes, NordVPN has some downsides: it's more expensive than competitors, some servers can be slow during peak times, the desktop app can feel cluttered, and it doesn't work in China. But for most users, the pros outweigh the cons.
NordVPN: The downsides (honest review)
Downsides
- Higher price – $3.99/mo vs Mullvad $5.50/mo (similar quality)
- Occasional slow servers – Some servers get overcrowded
- Cluttered desktop app – Many features can overwhelm beginners
- Doesn't work in China – Not reliable for bypassing Great Firewall
- No free tier – Only 30-day money-back guarantee
Upsides
- Massive server network – 5500+ servers in 60 countries
- Excellent streaming support – Works with Netflix, BBC, Disney+
- Strong security – Audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers
- Meshnet feature – Free for secure file sharing
- 10 device connections – Cover whole family
Detailed breakdown of NordVPN's downsides
💰 Price: Is it worth it?
NordVPN's 2-year plan is $3.99/month, which is mid-range. But competitors like Surfshark are $2.49/month, and Mullvad is a flat €5/month. You're paying extra for the brand and server network. However, the quality justifies the price for most users.
🐢 Server speeds: The truth
NordVPN is generally fast, but some servers – especially free server locations – can get crowded. During peak evening hours, you might notice slowdowns. Solution: use the "Quick connect" feature or switch to less popular servers. The NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) helps maintain speed.
💻 Desktop app experience
The NordVPN app has many features: Threat Protection, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, dedicated IP, etc. For beginners, this can be overwhelming. The map-based interface looks nice but isn't the most efficient. Advanced users might prefer the simplicity of Mullvad or ExpressVPN.
🇨🇳 China and censorship
NordVPN doesn't reliably work in China. The government actively blocks VPNs, and NordVPN has removed China-specific servers. If you need a VPN for China, consider Astrill or VyprVPN (but even they struggle).
NordVPN vs competitors comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | Mullvad | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $3.99/mo | €5/mo | $6.67/mo |
| Servers | 5500+ | 800+ | 3000+ |
| Streaming | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Hit or miss | ✅ Excellent |
| App complexity | Complex | Simple | Medium |
| Works in China | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sometimes |
💡 Verdict: NordVPN's downsides are real but minor for most users. If you need the absolute cheapest VPN, choose Surfshark. If you want simplicity, choose Mullvad. But for the best all-around service with the largest server network, NordVPN is still top-tier.
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Terms you'll meet
- IP address
- Your device's public ID online.
- Encryption
- Scrambling data so only you can read it.
- No‑logs policy
- VPN doesn't store your activity.