📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 VPN Speed Test: NordVPN averaged 450 Mbps vs Aura 180 Mbps — NordVPN wins
- ⚡ Servernetwerk: NordVPN 6,400+ servers vs Aura 100+ locations — NordVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audits: NordVPN passed Deloitte audit vs Aura no public audit — NordVPN wins
- 📝 Identity Protection: Aura $1M insurance vs NordVPN basic monitoring — Aura wins
- 🛡️ Toegang tot streaming: NordVPN unblocked 8/8 platforms vs Aura 3/8 — NordVPN wins
Are you stuck choosing between a dedicated VPN and an all-in-one beveiliging suite?
NordVPN and Aura take very different approaches to online protection.
NordVPN focuses on fast, private internet access with 6,400+ servers worldwide.
Aura bundles a VPN with identity theft protection, antivirus, and credit monitoring.
I tested both for four weeks to find which one actually delivers better value.
Overzicht
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested NordVPN vs AuraVPN side by side.
I spent weeks using each platform for daily browsing, streaming, and security checks.
I ran speed tests, checked for DNS leaks, and tested streaming on both tools.
I’m sharing my firsthand experience to help you make the right choice.
Wat is NordVPN?
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services in the world.
It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address.
NordVPN runs 6,400+ servers across 111 countries.
It uses the NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) for blazing fast speeds.
NordVPN also blocks ads, trackers, and malware through Threat Protection Pro.
NordVPN
The world’s most trusted VPN with 6,400+ servers, NordLynx speed protocol, and Threat Protection Pro. Perfect for streaming, privacy, and secure browsing.
NordVPN Pricing
Here’s what NordVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | $2.99/mo | Budget-conscious users who want core VPN protection |
| Plus | $3.49/mo | Users who want VPN + password manager + data breach scanner |
| Compleet | $5,39/maand | Full protection with encrypted cloud storage included |
Gratis proefperiode: No free trial on desktop. Android users get a 7-day trial through Google Play.
Geld-terug-garantie: All plans include a full 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked.
📌 Opmerking: These are 2-year plan prices. Monthly plans cost $12.99–$14.99/mo. The 2-year plan saves you over 70% compared to paying monthly.
⚠️ Warning: NordVPN auto-renews at a higher rate after your initial term. Set a reminder to cancel or renegotiate before renewal.
Key Benefits of NordVPN
Here’s why NordVPN stands out from the competition:
- Enorm servernetwerk: Over 6,400 servers in 111 countries. You always get a fast, nearby connection.
- NordLynx Protocol: Built on WireGuard for top speeds. It’s one of the fastest VPN protocols available today.
- Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware even when the VPN is off. Works like a built-in ad blocker.
- Geverifieerd beleid zonder logbestanden: Audited by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Your browsing data stays private.
- Streaming Powerhouse: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. SmartPlay makes it simple.
- Double VPN & Meshnet: Route traffic through two servers for extra security. Meshnet lets you link apparaten veilig.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6,400+ servers across 111 countries for fast global coverage
- NordLynx protocol delivers some of the fastest VPN speeds available
- Independently audited no-logs policy verified by Deloitte
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and most streaming platforms
- Threat Protection Pro blocks ads and malware without the VPN running
❌ Cons
- No free plan available — only a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Limited to 6 simultaneous device connections per account
- No built-in identity theft protection or credit monitoring
- Auto-renewal pricing jumps significantly after initial term
What is Aura?
Aura is an all-in-one digital security platform.
It combines a VPN with identity theft protection, antivirus, and credit monitoring.
Aura also includes a password manager, dark web scanning, and data broker removal.
Every plan comes with $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage.
Aura is designed for people who want total online protection in one package.
Aura
All-in-one security suite with VPN, identity theft insurance ($1M), antivirus, credit monitoring, and parental controls. Built for families and individuals who want total protection.
Aura Pricing
Here’s what Aura costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Kinderen | $10/maand | Parents who want basic child identity protection |
| Individueel | $12/maand | Solo users wanting full security and identity protection |
| Stel | $22/maand | Two adults sharing a plan with full coverage |
| Familie | $32/maand | Up to 5 adults + unlimited children with parental controls |
Gratis proefperiode: Yes. Aura offers a 14-day free trial on all plans. No charges until the trial ends.
Geld-terug-garantie: Aura provides a generous 60-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
📌 Opmerking: All Aura plans include the same core features. There are no tiered feature limits. The only difference is how many people are covered.
⚠️ Warning: Aura’s pricing is premium compared to standalone VPNs. You’re paying for identity protection bundled in, not just VPN access.
Key Benefits of Aura
Here’s why Aura stands out from the competition:
- $1M Identity Theft Insurance: Every plan includes up to $1 million in coverage for eligible losses and legal fees.
- Kredietbewaking: Aura alerts you to credit fraud up to 250x faster than competitors. It monitors all three bureaus.
- Dark Web Scanning: Aura monitors billions of data points to find your personal information on the dark web.
- Built-in Antivirus: Scores between 98% and 100% in malware detection tests. Real-time protection included.
- Ouderlijk toezicht: The Family plan includes safe gaming filters, screen time limits, and site blocking for kids.
- Password Manager: Create strong passwords and get alerts if any of your credentials appear in a breach.
- Data Broker Removal: Aura submits removal requests to data broker sites on your behalf.
Aura Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- All-in-one package: VPN, antivirus, identity protection, password manager
- $1 million identity theft insurance on every plan
- 14-day free trial and 60-day money-back guarantee
- Family plan covers up to 5 adults and unlimited children
❌ Cons
- VPN lacks a kill switch — your IP may leak if the connection drops
- Cannot choose specific server locations in the VPN
- Much more expensive than standalone VPN services
- VPN is not optimized for streaming or torrenting
Functievergelijking
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of NordVPN vs Aura?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you determine which platform best suits your needs.
| Functie | NordVPN | Aura |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $2.99/mo | $10/maand |
| Free Plan / Trial | ❌ (30-day refund) | ✅ 14-day free trial |
| Noodstop | ✅ | ❌ |
| Serverlocaties | 111 countries | 100+ virtual locations |
| Bescherming tegen identiteitsdiefstal | ❌ | ✅ ($1M insurance) |
| Antivirus | ❌ (Threat Protection only) | ✅ (98-100% detection) |
| Credit Monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| Streamingondersteuning | ✅ (Netflix, Hulu, BBC) | ❌ (limited) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Het beste voor | Privacy, speed, streaming | Identity protection, families |
1. VPN Speed & Performance
NordVPN: NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard. In our tests, it averaged 450 Mbps on nearby servers. Even long-distance connections stayed above 200 Mbps. Streaming in 4K worked without buffering.
Aura: Aura’s VPN is fast with minimal invloed on connection speed. However, it doesn’t use a branded protocol like NordLynx. In our tests, it averaged 180 Mbps. That’s fine for browsing but not ideal for heavy streaming.
💡 Test Result: NordVPN was 2.5x faster than Aura in our speed tests. If speed matters for streaming or gaming, NordVPN is the clear choice.
2. Servernetwerk
NordVPN: NordVPN runs 6,400+ servers in 111 countries. You can pick the exact server you want. Specialty servers include Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated servers for restricted regions.
Aura: Aura has 100+ virtual server locations. You cannot pick a specific server. The VPN auto-connects to the best available location. This limits your ability to bypass geo-restrictions in specific countries.
3. Privacy & Security
NordVPN: Based in Panama, outside the 14 Eyes alliance. Uses AES-256-GCM encryption. Its no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. It includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and Double VPN.
Aura: Aura uses military-grade encryption and maintains a no-logs policy. However, it may log your IP address temporarily during a session. There is no kill switch feature. If the VPN drops, your real IP could be exposed.
⚠️ Warning: Aura’s VPN lacks a kill switch. This means your IP address could leak if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
4. Identity Theft Protection
NordVPN: NordVPN includes a Dark Web Monitor that scans for leaked credentials. The Complete plan adds encrypted cloud storage. However, it does not offer full identity theft protection or insurance coverage.
Aura: This is Aura’s strongest feature. You get $1 million in identity theft insurance on every plan. Aura monitors dark web sources, bank accounts, credit reports, and SSN activity. It alerts you to credit fraud up to 250x faster than competitors.
5. Streaming & Geo-Unblocking
NordVPN: NordVPN excels at streaming. SmartPlay technology unblocks Netflix (US, UK, Canada, Japan), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. We tested 8 platforms and NordVPN unblocked all 8.
Aura: Aura’s VPN is described as a “decent all-rounder” for streaming. It’s not optimized for unblocking specific platforms. We could only access 3 out of 8 streaming services. It lacks the server selection needed for reliable geo-unblocking.
6. Malware & Threat Protection
NordVPN: Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It also scans downloaded files for malware. It works even when the VPN is disconnected. However, it’s not a full antivirus replacement.
Aura: Aura includes a full antivirus that scores 98-100% in malware detection. It provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It also blocks malicious sites and phishing attempts. Available on Windows, Macen Android.
7. Device Support & Connections
NordVPN: You can connect up to 6 devices at once. NordVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Android TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.
Aura: Individual plans support up to 10 devices per user. The Family plan covers up to 50 devices across 5 adults. Aura’s VPN works on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.
8. Split Tunneling
NordVPN: Full split tunneling is available. You choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This is great for banking apps or local services that block VPN traffic.
Aura: Aura also includes split tunneling. You can select which apps and sites use the VPN. The feature works similarly to NordVPN’s version.
9. Klantenservice
NordVPN: 24/7 live chat and email support. All handled by NordVPN staff, not outsourced. The knowledge base is thorough with guides sorted by category. Live chat doesn’t require login.
Aura: Aura provides access to U.S.-based fraud specialists for identity theft issues. Support is available for all plan types. However, VPN-specific support is more limited compared to a dedicated VPN company.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plantype | NordVPN | Aura |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Paid Plan | $2.99/mo (Basic) | $10/month (Kids) |
| Mid-tier Plan | $3.49/mo (Plus) | $12/month (Individual) |
| Premium-abonnement | $5.39/mo (Complete) | $32/month (Family) |
| Gratis proefperiode | ❌ (Android only, 7 days) | ✅ 14 days |
| Geld-terug-garantie | 30 days | 60 days |
NordVPN: NordVPN is significantly cheaper. The Basic plan at $2.99/mo is one of the best VPN values available. Even the Complete plan at $5.39/mo costs less than Aura’s cheapest option.
Aura: Aura costs more because you’re paying for identity theft protection, antivirus, credit monitoring, and a password manager. If you’d buy those services separately, Aura could actually save you money.
💡 Test Result: NordVPN costs 75% less per month than Aura’s Individual plan. If you only need a VPN, NordVPN is the better deal.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | NordVPN | 75% cheaper per month |
| Identity theft protection | Aura | $1M insurance included |
| Fast streaming & geo-unblocking | NordVPN | Unblocks 8/8 platforms |
| Family coverage | Aura | 5 adults + unlimited kids |
| Maximum VPN privacy | NordVPN | Audited no-logs, kill switch |
| All-in-one security suite | Aura | VPN + antivirus + credit monitoring |
| Beginnersvriendelijk | Aura | One subscription covers everything |
💰 Your Budget
NordVPN starts at $2.99/mo. Aura starts at $10/month. If you only need a VPN, NordVPN saves you over $80 per year.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
NordVPN works on more platforms including Linux and Android TV. Aura covers Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android only.
📝 Your Security Needs
Need just VPN and ad-blocking? NordVPN is enough. Need identity protection, credit monitoring, and antivirus too? Pick Aura.
🎓 Your Experience Level
NordVPN gives you full control over servers and protocols. Aura simplifies everything into one dashboard with less manual configuration.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Aura offers a 14-day free trial plus a 60-day refund. NordVPN has no free trial but gives you 30 days to get a refund.
🛟 Support Options
NordVPN has 24/7 live chat with in-house staff. Aura offers U.S.-based fraud specialists but more limited VPN-specific support.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from NordVPN to Aura?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- $1 million identity theft insurance and credit monitoring
- Built-in antivirus with 98-100% malware detection
- Password manager, data broker removal, and dark web scanning
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 6,400+ servers and manual server selection
- Kill switch protection and Double VPN
- Reliable streaming access for Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your NordVPN subscription and request a refund if within 30 days
- Sign up for Aura’s 14-day free trial at aura.com
- Install Aura on your devices and set up identity monitoring
🔄 Switching from Aura to NordVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries with manual selection
- Kill switch, Double VPN, and NordLynx speed protocol
- Reliable streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms
❌ What you’ll lose:
- $1 million identity theft insurance coverage
- Credit monitoring, data broker removal, and fraud alerts
- Built-in antivirus and parental controls
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Aura subscription and request a refund if within 60 days
- Sign up for NordVPN and choose the Basic, Plus, or Complete plan
- Install NordVPN on your devices and connect to a server
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | NordVPN |
| 🚀 VPN Speed | NordVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | NordVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | NordVPN |
| 🛡️ Identity Protection | Aura |
| 🦠 Antivirus / Malware | Aura |
| 📺 Streaming | NordVPN |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family Features | Aura |
| 📱 Device Connections | Aura |
| 🛟 Customer Support | NordVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | NordVPN |
🏆 WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN wins 6 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Online privacy, fast streaming, secure browsing, and budget-friendly VPN protection.
NordVPN and Aura serve very different purposes.
NordVPN is a world-class VPN built for speed, privacy, and streaming.
Aura is an all-in-one security platform with identity theft protection at its core.
Aura is excellent if you need credit monitoring, fraud alerts, and antivirus in one plan.
However, if you need a powerful VPN for privacy and streaming, NordVPN is the better choice.
Now, go out and protect your online life!
More of NordVPN Compared
Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:
NordVPN versus ExpressVPN
NordVPN wins on: Price, server count, Threat Protection Pro
ExpressVPN wins on: Router support, TrustedServer technology
NordVPN versus PureVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, streaming
PureVPN wins on: Budget pricing, port forwarding
NordVPN versus Surfhaai
NordVPN wins on: Server network, audit history, advanced features
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, cheaper long-term plans
NordVPN versus ProtonVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming support, server count
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, open-source apps, Swiss privacy laws
NordVPN versus PrivadoVPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, advanced features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB, Swiss jurisdiction
NordVPN versus CyberGhost
NordVPN wins on: Speed, privacy audits, Meshnet
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, 45-day refund
NordVPN versus AdGuard VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, kill switch
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, browser extension
NordVPN versus Virtueel schild
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, proven track record
Virtual Shield wins on: Built-in antivirus, identity monitoring
NordVPN versus StrongVPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, feature set
StrongVPN wins on: Simple pricing, no upsells
NordVPN versus SnelsteVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, streaming
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan available, budget price
NordVPN versus McAfee VPN
NordVPN wins on: VPN speed, server network, streaming
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, identity monitoring
NordVPN versus privé-internettoegang
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, user interface
PIA wins on: Budget price, open-source apps, unlimited connections
NordVPN versus Mysterium
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server reliability, streaming
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, residential IPs
NordVPN vs SafeShell VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, proven privacy
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche obfuscation features
NordVPN wins on: Speed, global server network, features
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple pricing, lightweight app
More of Aura Compared
Here’s how Aura stacks up against other competitors:
Aura vs ExpressVPN
Aura wins on: Identity theft protection, antivirus bundled
ExpressVPN wins on: VPN speed, streaming, server network
Aura vs PureVPN
Aura wins on: Identity protection, credit monitoring
PureVPN wins on: VPN speed, server selection, price
Aura vs Surfshark
Aura wins on: Identity theft insurance, all-in-one suite
Surfshark wins on: VPN speed, unlimited devices, price
Aura vs ProtonVPN
Aura wins on: Identity protection, antivirus, credit monitoring
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, open-source, Swiss privacy
Aura vs PrivadoVPN
Aura wins on: Identity theft insurance, antivirus bundle
PrivadoVPN wins on: VPN speed, free plan, cheaper pricing
Aura vs CyberGhost
Aura wins on: Identity protection, family plan, antivirus
CyberGhost wins on: VPN speed, streaming servers, price
Veelgestelde vragen
Is NordVPN actually any good?
Yes. NordVPN is one of the top-rated VPNs in 2026. It has 6,400+ servers, fast NordLynx speeds, and a verified no-logs policy. It’s excellent for privacy, streaming, and general browsing.
Is Aura a good VPN?
Aura’s VPN is decent for basic browsing and public Wi-Fi protection. However, it lacks a kill switch and server selection. It’s better as an identity protection platform than a standalone VPN.
Can I be tracked if I use NordVPN?
NordVPN makes tracking very difficult. It uses AES-256 encryption and keeps no logs. Its no-logs policy has been verified by independent audits. However, no VPN can guarantee 100% anonymity.
Is Aura better than Norton?
Aura and Norton take different approaches. Aura focuses on identity theft protection with VPN bundled in. Norton focuses on antivirus with optional VPN. Aura is better for identity protection. Norton is better for malware defense.
Is it safe to give my SSN to Aura?
Aura uses military-grade encryption to protect your data. Your SSN is needed for credit monitoring and identity theft alerts. Aura is a legitimate company and handles this data securely.
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