After using NordVPN alongside competitors for a while, the biggest surprise isn’t that NordVPN is good—it’s that the gap isn’t as big as it used to be.

A few years ago, it felt like the obvious default.

In 2026, it feels more like one strong option among several.

Speed: Still a Strength, But Not Untouchable

NordVPN is consistently fast. Using its NordLynx protocol, I rarely noticed slowdowns on nearby servers, and even long-distance connections were usable for streaming and downloads.

But here’s the thing—so are its competitors.

Compared to ExpressVPN, NordVPN is often faster in raw speed tests. But ExpressVPN feels more stable when your connection isn’t great—like on hotel Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots.

Against Surfshark, NordVPN is more consistent, but not dramatically faster.

You notice the difference.

Just not immediately.

Everyday Use: Where Differences Start to Matter

Using NordVPN daily feels polished. The app is responsive, connections are quick, and things generally work without much effort.

But it’s not the simplest.

ExpressVPN is easier to use—fewer options, cleaner interface, less thinking required. Surfshark, on the other hand, feels more relaxed and flexible, especially with unlimited devices.

NordVPN sits in between: powerful, but slightly more involved.

That’s good or bad depending on what you want.

Streaming: Reliable, With Minor Friction

NordVPN handled Netflix and other platforms well during testing. Most of the time, it just worked.

But not always.

Occasionally, I had to switch servers to find one that wasn’t blocked. This isn’t unique—Surfshark has the same issue—but ExpressVPN tends to be a bit more consistent in these edge cases.

It’s a small difference.

But it shows up if you stream a lot.

Device Limits vs Flexibility

This is where NordVPN feels slightly dated.

It limits how many devices you can connect at once, which is fine for individual use but less ideal if you’re covering multiple devices or sharing with family.

Surfshark doesn’t have that problem.

You install it everywhere and forget about limits entirely. After experiencing that, going back to capped connections feels restrictive.

Features: Useful, But Not Always Used

NordVPN includes a lot—Threat Protection, Double VPN, specialty servers.

They’re well built.

But realistically, I didn’t use most of them daily.

The core experience—connect, browse, stream—is what matters. And in that sense, NordVPN doesn’t feel dramatically different from competitors.

It just feels slightly more refined.

Price vs What You Actually Get

NordVPN sits in a middle-to-premium price range.

It’s cheaper than ExpressVPN, but more expensive than Surfshark—especially if you’re looking at long-term plans.

The question becomes simple: are you paying for better performance, or just marginal improvements?

In daily use, those improvements exist—but they’re not always game-changing.

Pros and Cons After Real Use

Pros

• Fast and consistent performance
• Polished apps across devices
• Strong balance of features and usability
• Reliable for most streaming scenarios

Cons

• Device limits feel restrictive
• Not the simplest interface
• Slightly more expensive than value-focused rivals
• Improvements over competitors can feel subtle

Who Should Choose NordVPN

NordVPN makes sense if you want a dependable, well-rounded VPN that performs consistently without major weaknesses.

It’s a safe choice.

Not necessarily the most exciting one—but reliable.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want maximum simplicity, ExpressVPN is easier to live with.

If you want the best value and flexibility, Surfshark is hard to beat—especially with unlimited devices.

NordVPN sits between those two extremes.

And that’s exactly where it competes.

Final Verdict

After comparing NordVPN with other top VPNs in real-world use, the conclusion is pretty clear:

It doesn’t dominate anymore.

But it doesn’t fall behind either.

Recommendation:
If you want a fast, reliable VPN that does almost everything well, NordVPN is still a great choice. But if you’re looking for the absolute best value or the simplest experience, there are now alternatives that might fit your needs better.