Writer’s Review: “The most well-rounded VPN available. Fast, secure, and genuinely easy to use. The Surfshark merger raises fair questions about competition — but the product itself has never been better.”
The elephant in the room
In 2022, Nord Security quietly merged with Surfshark. That means the company behind NordVPN now owns two of the three biggest consumer VPNs. If your first reaction is “that feels monopolistic” — you’re not wrong to think it. Less competition usually means higher prices and less innovation. So why are we still recommending NordVPN? Because the product, right now, in March 2026, is objectively excellent. Whether that stays true as competition narrows is a conversation we’ll keep having.
How it compares on price
VPN pricing is deliberately confusing. Every provider shows the lowest possible monthly rate that requires a multi-year commitment. Here’s what you’d actually pay on a 2-year plan — longer bars mean better value:
Surfshark — $1.99/moCheapest
Proton VPN — $2.99/mo
NordVPN Basic — $3.39/moOur Pick
ExpressVPN — $4.99/moPriciest
2-year plan pricing. Longer bar = better value. But price alone doesn’t tell the whole story — see our full VPN comparison.
The good and the bad
+ Consistently fast speeds — 1,000 Mbps+ on nearby servers
+ 7,200+ servers across 127 countries — largest network of any consumer VPN
+ No-log policy independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
+ NordWhisper protocol (2025) makes VPN traffic undetectable on restricted networks
− Owns Surfshark — two “competitors” controlled by one company
− Renewal prices jump significantly ($139–$220/year depending on plan)
− Limited to 10 simultaneous devices (Surfshark offers unlimited)
− The four-tier pricing (Basic/Plus/Complete/Prime) is needlessly confusing
Pricing breakdown
Showing 2-year plan prices — the best value. All prices in USD. 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
$12.99/mo monthly
$3.39/mo (2yr)
Basic
VPN access✓ Full
Devices10
Threat ProtectionLite only
Password manager✗ No
$14.99/mo monthly
$3.89/mo (2yr)
Plus BEST VALUE
VPN access✓ Full
Devices10
Threat Protection✓ Pro (malware + ads)
Password manager✓ NordPass
$18.69/mo monthly
$5.39/mo (2yr)
Complete
VPN access✓ Full
Devices10
Threat Protection✓ Pro (malware + ads)
Cloud storage✓ 1TB NordLocker
Watch out: The intro pricing looks fantastic, but as mentioned in the good and bad section above, renewal prices are brutal. NordVPN Basic renews at $139/year. Plus renews at $180/year. Set a calendar reminder before your term ends so you can reassess rather than auto-renew at the higher rate.
Category ratings
Speed9.3
Security & Privacy9.4
Streaming Unblocking9.1
Server Network9.5
Ease of Use8.6
Value for Money7.8
Should you buy it?
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Streaming on multiple platforms
NordVPN consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and others across different regions. It’s the most reliable VPN we’ve tested for streaming.
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Privacy-conscious users who want an audited provider
Independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers confirmed the no-log policy. RAM-only servers mean even NordVPN can’t access your data. If verifiable privacy matters to you, this is the gold standard.
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Anyone on restrictive networks (work, travel, censorship)
The new NordWhisper protocol makes VPN traffic look like regular browsing. If you travel to countries that block VPNs or work on networks that restrict them, this feature alone justifies the subscription.
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Families or teams who need unlimited devices
NordVPN caps you at 10 simultaneous connections. If you’ve got a household of devices or a small team, that limit gets tight fast.
People uncomfortable with the Nord/Surfshark merger
If the idea of one company controlling two major VPN brands bothers you on principle, that’s a legitimate concern. There are fully independent alternatives.
NordVPN is the most complete VPN package available in 2026 — fast, secure, independently audited, and reliable for streaming. The Surfshark merger is a legitimate concern for the long-term health of the VPN market, but it hasn’t degraded the product yet. If anything, NordVPN has only gotten better since the merger with features like NordWhisper. Buy the Plus plan on a 2-year term for the best value, and set a reminder before renewal to avoid the price jump.
Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days
Full access to all features. 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked.