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How Does NordVPN Deals With Streaming Particularly? (Review)

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NordVPN is a popular name in the VPN industry. The VPN has been improving its old features and introducing new security features at the same time. Moreover, it claims to bypass the hardest geo-restrictions, firewalls, and censors. Apart from that, it allegedly unblocks all the major streaming platforms, including Netflix US. 

However, is the VPN suitable for streaming? And are the arguably high prices worth spending on Nord? Many customers have asked these questions, and we are conducting this review to resolve this confusion. This review is comprised of all the streaming features provided by NordVPN. We have answered a list of FAQs and briefly discussed all the details. Keep reading to know more.

Quick Highlights

Here is a quick overview of some of the most prominent features offered by NordVPN. These features help ensure an ultimate online streaming experience all the time, putting privacy and security at utmost consideration. 

Features

Description

AES-256-bit Encryption

Robust encryption helps protect your data while streaming.

Encryption and protocols.

These protocols help in maintaining fast speed and quick connections. 

Proprietary NordLynx protocol.

It is a next-generation protocol designed to provide fast speed while streaming. 

Fast speed.

According to  AV-test, NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, with its fast protocols and a large number of servers. 

Prevents ISP throttling.

It masks your IP from your ISP, preventing ISP throttling and bandwidth restrictions.

The number of servers.

It has 5200+ servers in 60 countries, making it easier for users to form fast connections. 

Price

$14.49/ month

Free trial and a money-back policy.

Users get a 7-day free trial and 30 days money-back guarantee. 

Although this table summarizes all that NordVPN has to offer, if you want to know more about the VPN, read along with this review! 

Why is NordVPN Good for streaming?

NordVPN is known to be one of the best VPNs for streaming. It promises to provide super-fast streaming speeds and assures to help bypass online censorship and geo-blocks. Besides, the VPN is known for its fast speed and other amazing streaming features. Some of the prominent features of NordVPN for streaming are as follows:

Fast Encryption

NordVPN offers fast and robust encryption ciphers; AES-566-bit, 4096-bit RSA key, and the SHA-512 authentication key, perfect for anyone who wants to keep their online activity private and secure. Besides, it has a strict no-logs policy, which means that your data will never be stored or monitored.

With NordVPN, you’ll be able to stream safely and securely without worrying about your data being compromised. Apart from that, NordVPN offers high encryption protocols such as Nordlynx, OpenVPN, IPSEC, etc. The Nordlynx protocol uses the latest encryption technology of WireGuard and is one of the fastest protocols, ideal for online streaming. 

Fast-speed

Many streaming VPNs offer fast speeds, but a private franchise AV test audits NordVPN, and according to it: NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the internet. If you want the fastest streaming speed, connect to the proprietary Nordlynx protocol, a specially designed protocol that ensures fast streaming speed and connections. 

With a large number of 5200 servers, we found its speed impressive. So, whether watching a movie or TV show, playing a video game, or listening to music, NordVPN provides fast speeds. You can download movies and enjoy your content without buffering. It is worth considering if you are looking for a VPN for streaming.

Obfuscating servers

NordVPN offers obfuscating servers that help users obfuscate their online activity and stream content anonymously through its specialized obfuscating servers. These servers mask your IP and prevent ISP from tracking your activity. 

Besides, when the ISP is unable to track your location and monitor your activity, you can easily bypass geo-blocks. Moreover, some streaming sites use VPN blocks; these blocks prevent assessing the site with a VPN. an obfuscating server hides the VPN activity and easily bypasses all VPN blocks. 

Prevents ISP throttling

ISP throttling is one of the major issues with online streaming. When Internet service providers detect users utilizing more bandwidth for streaming, they generally throttle their connections. This can cause buffering and lags during streaming. 

NordVPN encrypts your traffic with high encryption and routes it through its servers so that your ISP cannot see what you are doing or where you are doing online, preventing them from being able to throttle your connection.

Kill switch

A kill switch helps prevent IP leaks; sometimes, during streaming, the VPN connection gets disturbed, resulting in the VPN getting disconnected. However, when the VPN gets disconnected, there is a risk of your personal information and IP becoming vulnerable to the website owner. 

NordVPN offers working Kill Switch protection that disconnects your device from the internet and protects the user’s digital identity. This feature is ideal for online streaming; users can stream privately without putting themselves in a vulnerable situation. 

Smartplay DNS

If you’re a fan of streaming movies and TV shows online, you’ll love NordVPN’s SmartPlay DNS feature. It allows you to unblock various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Besides, it’s incredibly easy to use. Simply connect to one of NordVPN’s servers, and the SmartPlay DNS feature will do the rest.

Here is how to set up Smartplay DNS.

Fortunately, the smartplay automatically starts working when you connect to the NordVPN server; just follow these steps to proceed;

  1. Download the NordVPN app and choose your subscription plan.
  2. Select any nearby server or simply click on the quick connection.
  3. Start streaming; there is no need to activate anything. Smartplay works automatically. 

Therefore users can access streaming services without any hassle. All you have to do is select a server that works with the service, which may take some time, and you will be good to go! In addition, the quality of the streaming remains constant, and the streaming experience is always crisp. 

Dedicated IP

NordVPN’s dedicated IP address feature is one of the best ways to keep your streaming safe and secure. By using a dedicated IP address, you can be sure that your data will not be shared with anyone else on the internet. Besides, if you are streaming, your browsing history and personal information will remain private, and no one can monitor your activity. 

Moreover, sometimes streaming services block IPs when there is a huge amount of traffic racing from them. Thus using a dedicated IP can prevent your IP from getting blocked, and your connection will not be interrupted or slowed down.

How to set up NordVPN for streaming?

Online streaming has many benefits, but on the other hand, it has some drawbacks also. NordVPN promises to overcome problems such as ISP throttling, geo-blocking, etc. Here is how you can connect to NordVPN for the best streaming experience;

  • Step 1: Purchase a subscription to the streaming service you want to watch.
  • Step 2: Install NordVPN and login into your account.
  • Step 3: Turn on the kill switch feature from the settings to prevent IP leaks. 
  • Step 4: For added layers of protection, you can purchase a dedicated IP. It will protect your data and prevent your IP from getting blocked. 
  • Step 5: Select a server manually or click on quick connect. The smartplay will automatically connect and bypass also geo-blocks.
  • Step 6: Open the streaming site you want to watch. Start streaming without interruptions!

These simple steps can help you stream on any site safely and unblock all geo-restrictions easily. 

How NordVPN Deals With Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Others.

NordVPN can bypass and unblock all streaming platforms. Here is how you can unblock the following streaming sites with NordVPN;

Unblock Netflix with NordVPN

NordVPN unblocks the following Netflix libraries;

  • United States.
  • United Kingdom.
  • Australia.
  • Brazil.
  • Germany.
  • France.
  • Japan.
  • Netherlands.
  • Italy.

If you want to unblock Netflix, just follow these steps;

  1. Download the NordVPN app. 
  2. Open NordVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now. 
  3. After signing in, connect to a server. Make sure you are connected to a server manually. 
  4. Choose a server from the country where you want to access Netflix from.
  5. Turn off your GPS.
  6. Open Netflix, and start streaming.
  7. If you have trouble accessing Netflix, try changing the server. 

Users must have a Netflix subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock BBC iPlayer with NordVPN

BBC iPlayer is available in the UK; fortunately, NordVPN offers servers in the UK. Here is how to access BBC iPlayer with Nord;

  1. Download the NordVPN app. 
  2. Open NordVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
  3. Connect to a server in the UK.
  4. To connect to a particular server, type in the server name.
  5. Make sure your GPS is turned off. 
  6. Open BBC and start streaming. 

Users must have a BBC subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock Amazon Prime with NordVPN

NordVPN allows users to access the following Amazon Prime libraries;

  • United States.
  • France.
  • Canada.
  • Japan.
  • United Kingdom.
  • Germany.
  • Spain.
  • Italy.

Here is how to access Amazon Prime with NordVPN;

  1. Download the NordVPN app. 
  2. Open NordVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
  3. Connect to a server.
  4. Choose the server from which you want to access Amazon Prime.
  5. Make sure your GPS is turned off.
  6. Open Amazon Prime and start streaming!

Users must have an Amazon Prime subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock Hulu with NordVPN

Hulu is available in the US, and here is how to unblock it with NordVPN;

  1. Download the NordVPN app. 
  2. Open NordVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
  3. Connect to a US server from NordVPN’s server list.
  4. Make sure you Turn off your GPS.
  5. Open Hulu and stream all you want!

Users must have a Hulu subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock Disney + with NordVPN

NordVPN offers the following Disney+ libraries;

  • United states.
  • Netherlands.
  • Australia.
  • Canada.
  • Germany.
  • Italy.
  • Brazil.
  • Turkey.
  • Spain.
  • France.
  • United kingdom.

To unblock Disney + with NordVPN, follow these steps;

  1. Download the NordVPN app. 
  2. Open NordVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
  3. Connect to a server from the list.
  4. Choose the server in the country you want to access Disney +.
  5. Turn off your GPS.
  6. Open Disney + and start streaming!

Users must have a Disney + subscription to stream on the site. 

Troubleshooting

If you are having difficulty accessing any of the above streaming services, follow these steps and try again; 

  1. Clear the cache of your browser.
  2. Restart the NordVPN app.
  3. Restart your device.
  4. Try connecting through the NordVPN browser extensions for Chrome, Brave, Firefox, or Edge.

If none of the above methods work, immediately contact the customer service of NordVPN.

NordVPN streaming issues 

NordVPN is a reputable name in the VPN industry; however, in a recent Reddit thread, some customers shared their bad experiences with Nord. A customer complained that they could not connect to the internet, and the speeds were terrible. 

This is a difficult situation for Nord users. We hope that NordVPN will consider this issue. 

Does it provide fast streaming speeds?

When you are streaming on online sites, due to bandwidth restrictions and ISP throttling, you may face buffering and lags. These issues can cause hindrances and ruin the streaming experience; therefore, using NordVPN can help you overcome these problems. 

NordVPN is the fastest VPN compared to other VPN services on the internet, and to prove this, AV-test has performed a test and declared NordVPN the fastest VPN on the market. It claims that the VPN is twice as fast as other services. 

However, speed depends upon various factors, such as the type of protocol you use. NordVPN offers proprietary Nordlynx protocols. It is a next-generation protocol that ensures fast connections and keeps your digital footprint hidden. 

Moreover, the VPN service has 60 servers worldwide, offering quick connections and a fast encryption rate. Besides, there are minimal to no lags and buffering while streaming; just connect your device to a nearby server and start streaming at lightning speed.

Security features of NordVPN

An essential purpose of using a VPN is security and privacy. NordVPN certainly does not disappoint when it comes to security; the service offers various security features that help users keep their online activity private. Moreover, it protects your data by passing it through encrypted tunnels; here, we will discuss all the security features offered by NordVPN;

Does NordVPN log data?

NordVPN is among the most trustworthy VPN services and follows a strict no-log policy.  According to NordVPN,

Does NordVPN log data?

Moreover, in 2018, PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Switzerland, performed an audit to examine NordVPN’s log policy, and in 2020 they again performed the audit, and similarly, no deficiencies were found. So we can assure you that NordVPN is above all when it comes to security, they store very minimum and necessary information about their users, and their data retention policy is also extremely clear,

NordVPN log policy

NordVPN follows a transparent no-log policy, and no one can access their user’s data. So you can safely stream online without worrying about data breaches and other privacy threats. 

Encryption ciphers

Fast encryption directly reciprocates to fast speed; VPN must have robust encryption. NordVPN offers three military-level encryption;

  • AES-256 bit encryption,
  • 4096-bit RSA key,
  • SHA-512 authentication keys. 

These encryption keys will prevent ISP throttling by masking your IP address and passing your internet traffic through encrypted tunnels. Besides, We know how risky it is to stream online. There are risks of data theft, online monitoring, hacking, etc. When your IP is hidden, your online activity is hidden, which prevents online monitoring and hacking.

Encryption protocols of NordVPN 

While fast encryption help in securing users’ data and personal information, encryption protocols ensure fast streaming speeds and quick connections with servers. NordVPN offers the following encryption protocols;

  • Open VPN: an open-source VPN software considered one of the most secure VPN sources. It offers maximum anonymity and fast streaming speed. 
  • IKEv2/IPSEC: it protects data from third parties and outside sources, providing a safe streaming experience. 
  • Nordlynx: it is a next-generation protocol. The protocol is extremely fast and best for streaming. 

These protocols help secure streaming by creating a secure tunnel for your data. Although open VPN and wireguard are the two top recommended protocols for streaming; however, we can assure you that all three of these protocols are ideal for online streaming. 

Where is NordVPN located?

NordVPN is located in Panama, which falls outside the five eyes, nine eyes, and fourteen eyes countries. If your VPN service is based in countries that are in alliance with any of the five, nine, or fourteen eyes, there is no guarantee that your data is secured. 

However, as NordVPN is not in alliance with any of these, it ensures maximum privacy. Besides, the country also has no specific data retention laws, and it does not collect users’ data. 

SOCKS5 proxy

NordVPN’s SOCKS5 Proxy feature is a great way to improve your streaming speed. It reroutes your traffic through a different server, which is often faster than your normal connection. 

The SOCKS5 Proxy feature is also helpful if you’re trying to access geo-blocked content. Connecting to a proxy server in another country can trick websites into thinking you’re located in that country, allowing you to access content that would otherwise be unavailable.

Pricing and Payment methods of NordVPN 

NordVPN offers monthly, 1-year, and 2-year subscription packages. Their packages are named standard, plus, and complete. In the standard package, you only get the security features; other features like a password manager, data breach scanner, and cloud storage are not included.

Meanwhile, the other two packages are more advanced. The pricing is as follows;

Duration

Standard

Plus

Complete

1 month

$11.99

$12.99

$14.49

1 year

$4.99

$4.99

$7.49

2 years

$4.19

$5.19

$6.69

Final Verdict 

If you’re looking for a great streaming VPN with plenty of security and streaming features, NordVPN is a great choice. With servers in over 60 countries, you’ll be able to unblock various streaming content worldwide. Moreover, the service offers a strict no-logs policy; you can rest assured that your browsing activity will remain private. 

In addition, to security features, like military-grade encryption and an automatic kill switch, NordVPN also has amazing streaming features. These features include smartplay, dedicated IP address, etc. So if you’re searching for a VPN that can access all your favorite streaming content while keeping your data safe and secure, NordVPN is a perfect choice.

FAQs

Is NordVPN still trustworthy?

NordVPN is a reliable and trustworthy VPN service; it has a strict no-log policy and is based in Panama, which has no data retention laws. So you can completely trust the service to keep your data private. 

Is NordVPN free?

NordVPN is not free; it offers a 7-day free trial, but you must buy the standard package to get a monthly subscription. 

Can I stream Netflix with NordVPN?

Yes, users can easily access Netflix with NordVPN. It will also help you bypass geo-blocks and access various Netflix libraries. 

Which VPN is best for live streaming?

NordVPN is the best for live streaming. The VPN offers fast speed and prevents ISP throttling while streaming. You can also bypass geo-restricion with NordVPN, and with the smartplay feature, you can access different streaming platforms. 

Can you stream on Twitch with NordVPN?

Twitch can be accessed with NordVPN; the service works with numerous streaming platforms such as Netflix, amazon prime video, Hulu, etc. 

Does a VPN improve streaming?

Absolutely, f you are streaming while connected to a VPN, your streaming speed will be increased, and you can bypass geo-blocks. Moreover, a VPN can prevent your ISP from throttling your internet connection and offer a smooth streaming experience.

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Shigraf is a cybersecurity journalist and privacy advocate who write on topics related to cybersecurity and internet privacy. She spends her free time watching movies and TV shows online and shares her fellow netizen's frustration over geo-blocks and streaming issues.

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