Nord VPN vs Fastest VPN – Which is Better in 2024?

 With the increasing risk of online fraud and identity theft, it is extremely important to protect your privacy and keep your identity secure when you are browsing the internet. And for that, you need to use a dedicated network tool such as VPN every time you access the web. VPN is a crucial tool that serves multiple purposes, contributing greatly to online security, privacy, and accessibility. At its core, VPN establishes a secure and encrypted connection over the internet, allowing you to connect to a remote server and route your internet traffic through that server. This creates a secure tunnel for data transmission, protecting sensitive information from potential threats and unauthorized access.

One of the primary functions of a VPN is to shield users’ online activities from prying eyes. By encrypting the data, a VPN ensures that personal information, such as login credentials, financial details, or browsing history, remains private and secure. Public Wi-Fi networks are also vulnerable to cyber attacks, and they can be prevented if you are using a VPN. it adds an extra layer of security, preventing potential trackers from intercepting the data transmitted over public networks. Lastly, VPNs enable users to bypass geographical restrictions imposed on certain websites. This is particularly useful for accessing region-specific streaming services, online content, or websites that might be blocked in your region.

Therefore, you should prefer going with one of the most trusted options for a VPN. Right now, the most popular choices for a VPN are Nord VPN and Fastest VPN. Both of these options are trusted by millions of users, ensuring trust and reliability of both options. However, you need to carefully assess both of these options in detail before you make a choice. In this guide, we will go over both of these options and compare them based on some important aspects. So, make sure you check out each section of this guide before making your decision.

Overview of Nord VPN

Nord VPN is a well-known and widely used Virtual Private Network. In fact, it is one of the few services that were first in line to offer unbreakable internet security via VPN for its users. Launched back in 2012, the service is primarily located in Panama. It is important to know since this enables the service to operate freely from Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes nation alliances, which has a great impact on user privacy. Nord VPN also promises a widely spread server network with 5000+ servers spread across more than 60 different countries around the world. This extensive server infrastructure allows users to access content from various locations and enhances connection speed.

When it comes to security, Nord VPN has all the fields strongly checked. It employs top-tier security protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec for user security and also provides military-grade encryption. Apart from that, there are additional security measures available such as a kill switch that can instantly cut off internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks at any point. Nord VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store user activity or connection logs. This commitment to privacy further enhances user’s confidence in the service.

Pros

• Nord VPN employs advanced encryption and security protocols, ensuring a high level of protection for user data.
  
• The extensive server network allows users to access content from various locations, improving accessibility and connection speed.
  
• NordVPN’s commitment to not storing user logs enhances privacy and is a key feature of the service.
  
• The intuitive user interface makes it easy for users to set up and use the VPN service across different platforms.
  

Cons

• Limitations on peer-to-peer connection may impact services like torrents
  
• Excessive load on a particular service results in dramatically low speeds
  
• Some privacy-based features such as frequent password change reminders can be annoying
  

Overview of Fastest VPN

Fastest VPN is yet another strong competitor for a VPN service that aims to provide secure and private internet access. Unlike most other options, Fastest VPN is a relatively newer service launched in 2017 by Fast Technology Limited. The service is designed to offer users a fast and secure online experience with the majority of features focused on privacy and anonymity. To ensure that, Fastest VPN maintains a network of 500+ servers in 40+ countries to allow users to connect to different locations. Fastest VPN also employs standard security protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec to ensure the encryption of user data.

Like many reputable VPN services, Fastest VPN also claims to have a no-logs policy, meaning it does not store user activity or connection logs. You will also get different pricing plans from the service, including monthly, annual, and even multi-year subscriptions. As suggested by its title, Fastest VPN claims to offer the best VPN speed in comparison to other alternatives, marking its unique identity in the competition. Another benefit of choosing Fastest VPN is that if you like its services, you can also opt for a lifetime plan for only $40, making it the cheapest option available with lifetime validity.

Pros

• Very affordable prices, especially for the lifetime plan
  
• Solid security and privacy features, with a verified no-logs policy
  
• Works hand-in-hand with Netflix and other streaming services
  
• Supports torrenting and port forwarding
  
• Allows sharing the VPN account with friends and family
  

Cons

• Small server network, with limited coverage in some regions
  
• Poor performance on distant servers, with high latency and low speeds
  
• Low-quality apps, with some bugs and errors
  
• Limited features, with no split tunneling or custom DNS options
  
• Ad blockers and malware protection cannot be disabled
  

Nord VPN vs Fastest VPN: Features Comparison

Now that you have an insight into both of these services, let us look into the features that matter the most when it comes to a VPN service and what both of these services have to offer in each aspect. The features that we are going to discuss here are the most important parameters of a VPN service as it not only affects the performance of the service but also your overall experience when you are using it. And since you are relying mostly on the VPN service to protect your identity over the web, any compromise would ultimately make your system vulnerable to cyberattack. Therefore, make sure you carefully make a choice based on these factors.

1. Locations or Servers

The number and location of servers that a VPN service provides affect your connection speed, reliability, and the overall ability to access geo-restricted content. In general, the more servers a VPN service has, the more options you have to connect to the best server for your needs. Along with the server count, the location of servers also holds importance as you may want to connect to a server that is close to your physical location for better performance. With access to more servers, you can also choose a server that is in a different country for bypassing censorship or accessing regional content. Nord VPN has over 5,500+ servers in 59 countries, which gives you a lot of flexibility and choice. But, Fastest VPN has around 500+ servers in only 39 countries, which is still decent but not as impressive as Nord VPN

2. Performance and its Speed

The overall performance of a VPN service depends on various factors, such as the encryption protocol or the distance between your devices and the connected server. Any VPN service should be able to provide you with fast and consistent speeds, without compromising your security or privacy. For that, you can test the performance and speed of a VPN service by using various speed test tools, or directly try to access high-quality video streams and check the difference in performance with and without VPN. Right now, Nord VPN claims to be the fastest VPN service in the world, thanks to its Wire Guard-based protocol called Nord Lynx, which offers high-speed and low-latency connections. Fastest VPN also supports Wire Guard, as well as other protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP. However, Fastest VPN does not have an exclusive speed test feature on its website or app. But, you can use any third-party tool to measure its performance and speed

3. Data Encryption

Data encryption is a key aspect of the VPN service as it directly deals with the privacy and security of your account. It is the process of transforming your data into an encoded format so that only authorized parties can access it. To make it possible, the VPN encrypts your data before sending it over and decrypts it only when it reaches the destination. This way, your data is completely protected from hackers or any 3rd party trackers who may try to intercept your data. Both Nord VPN and Fastest VPN use AES-256 encryption, which is considered the industry standard and the most secure encryption available.

4. Device Connections

As most of the devices in our home are getting smarter, there is an increased risk of data leaks as the majority of smart devices have access to your network. Therefore, you should be able to use the VPN service on all of your devices, whether it is your phone, laptop, tablet, or even your gaming console. But for that, you need to make sure that the service you are getting does not have a limitation on connected devices or allow you to connect at least 5 to 10 devices at once. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN service on all your devices, without having to pay extra or switch accounts. NordVPN allows you to connect up to 6 devices at the same time, while Fastest VPN allows you to connect up to 10 devices

5. IP

IP or Internet Protocol is a unique identifier that is assigned to every device that connects to the Internet. Your IP address can reveal your location, your ISP, and even your online activity, which can be used by third parties to track you. To avoid that, VPN services hide your IP addresses by replacing them with the IP address of the VPN server that you are using. This way, it masks your identity and creates the request from a different location, making it appear as if you are browsing from a different country altogether. Both Nord VPN and Fastest VPN offer you the option to choose from thousands of IP addresses from different countries, and also provide you with features such as dedicated IP and IP leak protection. This can help you access IP-restricted networks and maintain your online anonymity. IP leak protection is also an important feature that prevents your real IP address from being exposed due to DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks

6. P2P Servers

P2P stands for peer-to-peer connections. It is a type of network that allows users to share files directly with each other, without relying on a central server. P2P is commonly used for downloading and uploading torrents. However, P2P connections aren’t always secure and it can also expose your IP address and activity to other users. If your ISP has rules against using services like torrents, it can track your P2P connection and even penalize you for using it. But, a VPN service helps you use P2P anonymously by encrypting your traffic as well as hiding your IP address. But, keep in mind that not all VPN servers support P2P as some countries have strict laws against P2P. Nord VPN has over 4,000 P2P servers available in 46 countries, while Fastest VPN has 6 P2P servers in 6 countries.

7. Smart DNS

Smart DNS is a special feature that lets you access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services, websites, and apps without using a dedicated VPN server. Smart DNS works by simply changing the DNS settings of your device locally and redirecting your requests to a proxy server located in the country where the content is available. This way, you can bypass the geo-blocks and access the content as if in that country. However, Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address, so it does not offer the same level of security as a VPN unless offered by a VPN service such as Nord VPN or Fastest VPN. Therefore, Smart DNS is best used for entertainment where you want to enjoy fast and smooth video quality, without sacrificing bandwidth or speed. Nord VPN offers a feature called Smart Play, a combination of Smart DNS and VPN that automatically connects you to the best streaming server, encrypts your traffic, and hides your IP address. Fastest VPN also offers a Smart DNS feature that you can activate from your account dashboard and use it on any device that supports DNS settings.

8. No Logging Policy

While the VPN service keeps you anonymous from all types of trackers, it is equally important that you remain anonymous from the VPN service itself. Even though the VPN service can mask your IP address, you can guess it could be possible for the service to keep a record or log of your connections and your activity. Though it was a problem initially, it is not anymore as most VPN services have adopted the no logging policy. A no-logging policy is insurance that the VPN service you use does not collect any information about its users or their online activities. It includes logs of your personal information, browsing history, bandwidth usage, session duration, etc. This way, you can be sure that your privacy is protected and that your data cannot be shared by anyone. Nord VPN has a strict no-logging policy verified by independent audits whereas Fastest VPN, while ensuring the same, has not been verified.

9. Money Back Guarantee

It is simply the policy that a VPN service offers regarding your payment status and guarantees a full refund if you are unsatisfied with the service. Almost all VPN services offer a generous money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service completely and cancel it anytime if you are unhappy. Nord VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can get a full refund within 30 days of your purchase, no questions asked. Similarly, Fastest VPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee, which gives you an extra day to test the service and get a full refund if you are unsatisfied.

10. Streaming Platform

One of the most common reasons to subscribe to a VPN service is to access a certain streaming platform that is partially or completely blocked in the user’s region. Therefore, most VPNs specify which streaming platforms you can access while using the VPN. Also, some streaming services have policies against using VPNs, which can be a problem for users. So, VPN services also make sure that their services are not detected by such platforms to ensure hassle-free entertainment. Nord VPN is one of the best VPNs when it comes to content streaming as it can unblock over 400 different streaming services while offering fast and stable connections with its VPN Accelerator technology. Fastest VPN also has good streaming performance as it can unblock many streaming services. But considering the relatively smaller pallet for server selection, you miss out on a few streaming services while using Fastest VPN.

11. Device Compatibility

Even though you should use a VPN service on all of your devices, it is only possible if it is compatible with various platforms such as Windows, macOS, android, iOS, etc. An ideal VPN service offers dedicated apps for all major devices and platforms and also allows you to install the VPN on other devices such as routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. NordVPN supports all major devices and platforms and has native apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and more. You can also install NordVPN on routers, and smart TVs. FastestVPN, on the other hand, also supports only major platforms and has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

12. Pricing and Plans

Lastly, you need to pick up a VPN that does not cost you a fortune, considering you are going to use the service all the time with all of your devices. To make sure of that, you need to check the pricing model of the service before you make the final choice. Nord VPN offers 4 pricing options: a monthly plan for $11.99, a 1-year plan for $4.99 per month, a 2-year plan for $3.99 per month, and a 3-year plan for just $2.99 per month. All plans include all of the premium Nord VPN features and a 30-day money-back guarantee. As for Fastest VPN, you can avail any of their 3 pricing options that are a monthly plan for $10, a 1-year plan for $2.49 per month, and a 3-year plan for $1.11 per month. However, Fastest VPN has an exclusive lifetime plan at just $40 which is unmatched compared to the majority of VPN services.

Comparison Table for Nord VPN vs Fastest VPN

Let us put what we have discussed so far together and compare both of these services to gauge which option suits your needs the best. As you can tell, both Nord VPN and Fastest VPN have their own benefits and limitations. But, you need to check each and every aspect carefully to make an informed decision. By looking at the following comparison table, you can quickly get an idea of which option delivers better results in the qualities that we discussed earlier.

Nord VPN vs Fastest VPN: Which is Best?

Considering all aspects, Nord VPN is a clear winner as you are getting almost all of the benefits of a premium VPN service and more, while the only limitation is the relatively expensive pricing model. However, the small increment in monthly or annual subscription plan can make your experience far better if you decide to go with Nord VPN.

With that, you will get access to thousands of additional server locations along with many different regions to choose from, making sure you can always choose exactly the server and region that you need. Plus, you also get the benefit of NordLynx for high-speed connections, which also claims to be the fastest out of all. More importantly, since NordVPN is a renowned service with an audited no-logs policy, you can completely trust its promises regarding data security and anonymity. But, keep in mind that it only allows up to 6 simultaneous connections which can be a deal breaker for heavy users.

Nord VPN Vs Fastest VPN – FAQs

Conclusion

A VPN is a valuable tool for safeguarding one’s online activities, enhancing privacy, and overcoming internet restrictions altogether. But to get all of these advantages, you also need to choose the perfect VPN service which may not be as simple as it seems. If you check right now, you will be greeted by hundreds of options for a VPN service, offering a wide range of features and benefits. But, trying out hundreds of different options is impractical.

And since most of these services are paid, you may not be able to get the same experience with the free version or find limited accessibility during the trial period. To make the choice easier for you, we have prepared this helpful guide comparing NordVPN and FastestVPN. We have covered each aspect of these services in detail so that you can easily make your choice once you go through the guide. You can also take a glance at our feature comparison section if you want a quicker approach to your decision.