Choosing the right VPN can feel like picking a needle from a haystack.
Do you use a big name like NordVPN or a newer player like AdGuard VPN?
Both promise to keep your online activity private and secure, but which one actually delivers?
In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll break down NordVPN Vs AdGuard VPN features to help you decide which one comes out on top.
Stick around to find out which VPN reigns supreme for your specific needs!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both NordVPN and AdGuard VPN.
We’ve evaluated their speed, security features, streaming performance, ease of use, and more to help you make an informed decision.
NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 60 countries and boasts an average download speed of 360 Mbps!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.39/month
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
Ready to take control of your online privacy? AdGuard VPN offers blazing-fast speeds and robust security.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.99/month
Key Features:
- QUIC protocol support
- DNS filtering
- Kill Switch
What is NordVPN?
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s one of the biggest names in the VPN world.
They’ve been around for a while and have a reputation for being reliable and secure.
NordVPN is super easy to use, whether you’re a tech whiz or just starting out. They have apps for all your devices, from your phone to your computer.
Plus, they have many servers worldwide, so you can always find a fast connection.
Also, explore our favorite NordVPN alternatives…
Experience the internet without limits! Join millions of users in 59 countries who trust NordVPN for blazing-fast speeds and bulletproof security. Try it out today!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
- Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
- Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.
Pricing
- Basic: $3.39/month – 1GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Plus: $4.39/month – 5GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Complete: $5.39/month – 10GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
Pros
Cons
What is AdGuard VPN?
Now, let’s talk about AdGuard VPN. You might know AdGuard for their awesome ad blocker, right?
Well, they also have a VPN! It’s newer than NordVPN, but don’t let that fool you.
They’re serious about online privacy. AdGuard VPN is about keeping your data safe and blocking those annoying ads and trackers.
They even have this cool feature that lets you choose which apps use the VPN. Pretty neat, huh?
Also, explore our favorite AdGuard VPN alternatives…
AdGuard VPN
Ready to take control of your online privacy and browse with confidence? AdGuard VPN offers blazing-fast speeds, robust security, and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Focus on privacy: AdGuard VPN uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. They’re committed to protecting your online identity and keeping your data private.
- Ad and tracker blocking: Say goodbye to annoying ads and trackers! AdGuard VPN blocks them across all your devices.
- QUIC protocol support: This means faster connection speeds and improved performance, especially on mobile devices.
- DNS filtering: Protects you from phishing attacks and malicious websites by filtering out harmful DNS requests.
- Kill Switch: Prevents your data from leaking if your VPN connection drops.
Pricing
- 2 Years: $2.99/month
- 1 Year: $3.99/month
- 1 Month: $11.99/month
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper and compare NordVPN and AdGuard VPN head-to-head across key features.
This will help you see which VPN best fits your needs.
1. Security and Privacy
Both NordVPN and AdGuard VPN offer strong security features.
They both use military-grade encryption to protect your VPN traffic and have a strict no-logs policy to keep your online activity private.
However, NordVPN has been audited independently, while AdGuard VPN has not. This gives NordVPN a slight edge in terms of proven security.
2. Server Locations
When it comes to server locations, NordVPN takes the lead.
It offers over 5,400 servers in 60 countries, giving you a wide range of choices for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a fast connection.
AdGuard VPN has a smaller network with servers in 40+ countries.
3. Speed and Performance
In our AdGuard VPN review and NordVPN comparison, we tested AdGuard VPN’s download speed against NordVPN.
NordVPN consistently delivered faster speeds, thanks in part to its NordLynx protocol.
Although AdGuard VPN performed well, it might not be the best choice for those who prioritize speed above all else.
Key takeaway: NordVPN offers faster and more consistent speeds.
4. Streaming and Unblocking
NordVPN is a strong contender for streaming. It can unblock popular platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.
AdGuard VPN also had some success with unblocking streaming services, but it wasn’t as consistent.
5. Ad Blocking and DNS Filtering
This is where AdGuard VPN shines. AdGuard offers top-notch built-in ad blocking and DNS filtering features.
They effectively block ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
NordVPN also offers Threat Protection, which blocks ads and malware, but it’s not as comprehensive as AdGuard’s offering.
6. Pricing and Value
Compare Adguard vs NordVPN on price, and AdGuard VPN comes out slightly ahead.
It offers a more affordable monthly plan and a free version with limited features.
However, NordVPN offers a free trial and bundles additional features like a password manager and encrypted cloud storage in its higher-tier plans.
7. Device Compatibility and Ease of Use
Both VPNs offer Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android user-friendly apps.
NordVPN also supports Linux, routers, and other devices. AdGuard VPN doesn’t offer as many simultaneous connections as NordVPN.
Both NordVPN and AdGuard VPN are strong contenders in the VPN market.
NordVPN excels in speed, server network, and device compatibility, while AdGuard VPN shines in ad blocking, DNS filtering, and affordability.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Free VPNs: While tempting, free VPNs often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and privacy concerns. It’s usually worth investing in a paid VPN service for a better overall experience.
- VPN Protocols: Look for VPNs that support modern protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard for optimal security and performance. AdGuard VPN’s proprietary protocol is relatively new, so there’s less information available about its security and effectiveness.
- Number of Simultaneous Connections: Consider how many devices you want to connect simultaneously. Most VPNs allow for around 5-10 simultaneous connections.
- Trial Periods and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, look for VPNs that offer free trials or money-back guarantees. This allows you to test the service and make sure it meets your needs.
- Independent Audits: For added peace of mind, choose a VPN service that has undergone independent security audits. This helps ensure that their privacy claims are legitimate.
- Specific Needs: Think about your specific needs. Are you primarily using a VPN for streaming, torrenting, or bypassing censorship? Some VPNs are better suited for certain tasks than others.
Final Verdict
So, which VPN will come out on top in 2025? For us, it’s NordVPN.
It offers a complete package with top-notch security, blazing-fast speeds, and a massive server network.
You can easily unblock streaming services, protect your privacy, and browse safely with NordVPN.
While AdGuard VPN is a decent choice, especially if you’re on a budget and prioritize ad blocking, it doesn’t match NordVPN’s overall performance and features.
Remember, choosing a VPN is a personal decision. Consider the most important features and choose the best VPN for your needs.
We’ve tested many VPNs, from ExpressVPN to Surfshark, and we’re confident that NordVPN is one of the best options available.
Give it a try and see for yourself!
More of NordVPN
We’ve looked at NordVPN alternatives, so how does NordVPN stack up directly against them? Here’s a quick comparison:
- NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Both are top-tier, but NordVPN often comes out slightly ahead with more features and sometimes better speeds for the price.
- NordVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN can be more affordable, but NordVPN is generally seen as more reliable with a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and is often cheaper for long-term plans, while NordVPN boasts a larger server count and sometimes faster speeds.
- NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses strongly on privacy and even offers a free plan, but NordVPN tends to have more features, better speeds, and wider server availability.
- NordVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN is a newer option that’s often budget-friendly, but NordVPN has a more established reputation, larger server network, and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity. NordVPN offers more advanced features and customization options.
- NordVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for strong encryption. NordVPN offers a larger server network and a broader feature set.
- NordVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is budget-friendly. NordVPN is generally faster and has more features.
- NordVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. NordVPN focuses on VPN features and often has better performance.
- NordVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers. NordVPN often has better speeds and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is bundled with security software. NordVPN is a dedicated VPN service with more extensive features and better performance.
- NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for privacy and customization. NordVPN often has a more user-friendly interface and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. NordVPN uses a traditional server network known for its speed and reliability.
More of AdGuard VPN
We’ve explored alternatives to AdGuard VPN, so how does AdGuard VPN stack up directly against them?
- AdGuard VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its speed and wider server locations. AdGuard VPN focuses on ad-free browsing alongside VPN security.
- AdGuard VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network. AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking capabilities.
- AdGuard VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark offers unlimited connections and more features. AdGuard VPN integrates with a strong ad blocker.
- AdGuard VPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy. AdGuard VPN combines a VPN with ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN emphasizes privacy. AdGuard VPN’s key feature is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs Virtual Shield: AdGuard VPN offers integrated ad blocking and a more developed feature set.
- AdGuard VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for robust encryption. AdGuard VPN’s main draw is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is budget-friendly. AdGuard VPN offers ad blocking alongside a VPN.
- AdGuard VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. AdGuard VPN focuses on ad-free VPN browsing.
- AdGuard VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost has a larger server network. AdGuard VPN integrates with a reliable ad blocker.
- AdGuard VPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is often bundled with antivirus software. AdGuard VPN’s core feature is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a larger server network and customization. AdGuard VPN’s strength is ad blocking.
- AdGuard VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is decentralized. AdGuard VPN provides ad blocking with a traditional VPN.
- AdGuard VPN vs Windscribe: Windscribe offers a free plan with a data limit and built-in ad/tracker blocking, similar to AdGuard VPN’s core benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AdGuard VPN safe to use?
Yes, AdGuard VPN is safe to use. It uses strong encryption to protect your data and has a strict no-logs policy. Tested AdGuard VPN and found no evidence of DNS leaks. You can confidently use AdGuard VPN, knowing your online activity is private.
Can I use AdGuard VPN for streaming?
AdGuard VPN might work for some streaming services, but it’s less reliable than NordVPN. In our tests, AdGuard VPN sometimes failed to unblock popular platforms like BBC iPlayer. If streaming is your main priority, we recommend NordVPN.
Does AdGuard VPN have a free plan?
No, AdGuard VPN does not offer a free plan. However, they offer a 3 GB free trial to test the service before committing to a paid subscription. Remember, free VPNs often come with limitations.
What is the AdGuard VPN protocol?
AdGuard VPN uses its own proprietary protocol. While it claims to be secure and fast, there’s not much information about its technical details. Other VPN providers, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, use more established protocols like OpenVPN.
How does AdGuard VPN compare to other VPNs like Surfshark?
AdGuard VPN is a decent VPN service, especially if you value ad blocking and privacy. However, it has a smaller number of servers and fewer features compared to services like Surfshark. Plus, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
