Is NordVPN Still the Best VPN Around? I Tested It to Find Out.

Q: Does NordVPN slow down your internet?

Every VPN slows down your internet slightly, some more than less. When I tested NordVPN, my speeds only dropped 15Mbps which is completely unoticible.

Edited by:

Jessica Santero Staff Writer

Updated 01 April 2026

Contents

Jump to:

What is NordVPN?
Why the server count matters
Nord's best feature
Is NordVPN worth the price?
How WhistleOut reviews VPNs
FAQ

I think NordVPN is the best, and after testing out the top VPN apps, Nord really is the best. But truth be told, I am biased: My dad has been a NordVPN subscriber for over a decade and has never once considered switching. I used to chalk that up to him not knowing much about technology as a (now) elderly subscriber. But after testing NordVPN myself, he's right not to switch.

NordVPN is the most widely recognised VPN on the market, and after putting it to the test, the reputation holds up. NordVPN is fast, it runs quietly in the background, and it offers the most features for the price point when compared to other VPNs.

Download NordVPN:

Available for iOS and Android.
Plans start at $12.99/month.

International travel needs an international data plan

A VPN protects your connection, but it can't help your phone bill if you're not on the right plan.

Here are the most popular carrier plans that include international data:

T-Mobile	T-Mobile Experience More Unlimited Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE with Unlimited Premium Data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data $85.00/mo with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees View Plan	$85.00/mo with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees	View Plan
Verizon	Verizon Unlimited Ultimate Unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband Verizon 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices Unlimited mobile hotspot data Deal: Get $10 off per line for 1 line via monthly promo credits over 36 months. For new customers only $85.00/mo + Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount. + $40 Upfront View Plan	$85.00/mo + Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount. + $40 Upfront	View Plan
AT&T	AT&T Premium 2.0℠ Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data AT&T 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 100GB mobile hotspot data Deal: Get up to $360 off for new line activation on Premium 2.0 or Extra 2.0 Plan via 36 months credit. Port-in required. OR Get Up to $800 Visa Reward card $90.00/mo + $35 Upfront View Plan	$90.00/mo + $35 Upfront	View Plan

What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is a premium VPN service with over 9,000 servers across 129 countries, making it one of the largest server VPN networks. It's available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and most smart TVs, and a single subscription covers up to ten devices at once.

It performs well on all fronts; you get fast connections, a straightforward setup, and a clean app interface that doesn't require any technical knowledge to use. But NordVPN is better than its competitors because if includes the most extras, even on its base plan.

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Why the server count matters for travelers

Using a VPN inherently slows your connection (slightly) because your traffic is being rerouted through an external server. The more servers a VPN has, the less congested each one is—which means faster speeds for you. With 9,000+ servers to choose from, NordVPN gives you the best chance of a fast, uncrowded connection wherever you are.

NordVPN mobile app showing autoconnect feature and server map

NordVPN's autoconnect feature notifies you the moment you join a new network and connects automatically.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut

When I connected to a Dallas server, I only noticed a 15Mbps dip from my usual speeds. That's well within the range where you'd never feel it during everyday use. NordVPN allows you to pick a specific country, region, or city to get the strongest signal, or turn on Autoconnect and let Nord handle it for you every time you join a new network.

Threat Protection is easily the G.O.A.T feature

Most VPNs only protect you while the VPN tunnel is actively connected. NordVPN's Threat Protection works even when the VPN is off. It's a built-in ad and malware blocker that keeps running in the background, so if you forget to connect your VPN before opening a banking app or booking portal, you're still covered.

For travel specifically, that makes a huge difference. You're constantly switching between hotel Wi-Fi, airport networks, and mobile data—and in the gaps between connections, Threat Protection keeps your personal data safe. Long-term NordVPN users on Reddit rave that Threat Protection is one of the main reasons they've never felt the need to switch to a competitor.

Is NordVPN worth the price?

NordVPN costs $12.99/month, meaning it isn't the cheapest option on the market. But NordVPN includes the most features for the price, including streaming abilities, over 9,000 servers you can access, and Threat Protection too. For most travelers who want a VPN they can set up once and trust completely, NordVPN is the right choice.

How WhistleOut reviews VPNs

Our mobile experts evaluate each VPN based on real-world testing, not just spec sheets. Before recommending any app, we put it through its paces to make sure it does what it promises.

Ease of use
We prioritize apps that don't require a manual to figure out.
Value for money
We weigh features against price across every tier.
Hands-on testing
We ran speed tests and tested NordVPN across multiple networks and devices.

NordVPN: FAQ

Does NordVPN slow down your internet?

Every VPN slows down your internet slightly, some more, some less. When I tested NordVPN, my speeds only dropped 15Mbps, which is completely unnoticeable.

How many devices can I use with NordVPN?

A single NordVPN subscription covers up to ten devices simultaneously, so you can protect your phone, laptop, and tablet all on the same plan.

Does NordVPN work in China?

NordVPN does work in China, though performance can vary depending on where you are connecting to and from. Make sure you connect and test your preferred server before you arrive, as some server types work better than others in heavily restricted regions.

Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN?

In my opinion, NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN. Nord VPN offers more servers, a better price-to-features ratio, and an added Threat Protection feature. ExpressVPN is simpler to use for first-timers, but for most travelers, NordVPN gives you more for the same monthly price.

Jessica Santero

Staff Writer

Jessica is a Staff Writer for WhistleOut and the site’s resident app expert. Her coverage frequently includes hands-on comparisons of popular app categories, such as translation, navigation, and dating apps, to evaluate how they perform in real-world mobile use.

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