


Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.
You want something that keeps your online activity private and secure, but you don’t want to break the bank.
Two popular options often pop up: NordVPN vs FastestVPN.
They both promise to protect your data, but which one actually comes out on top regarding security?
In this post, we’ll break down the key security features of each VPN to help you make an informed decision.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both NordVPN and FastestVPN.
We’ve evaluated their performance in real-world scenarios, examining everything from speed and security to streaming capabilities and customer support.
This hands-on experience allows us to provide an insightful look at how these VPNs stack up against each other.
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
FastestVPN protects your privacy with 550+ servers and a no-logs policy. Enjoy features like a NAT Firewall.
Pricing: 31-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $0.83/month
Key Features:
- NAT Firewall
- P2P Optimized Servers
- Internet Kill Switch
What is NordVPN?
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s one of the biggest names in the VPN world.
And for good reason. They’ve been around for a while and have a solid reputation.
NordVPN offers a huge network of servers. We’re talking over 5,700 servers in 60 countries.
This means you can get around those pesky geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere.
Plus, they have some pretty impressive security features.
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 FastestVPN?
Now, let’s talk about FastestVPN. It’s a newer player in the VPN game.
But don’t let that fool you. They’re quickly making a name for themselves.
FastestVPN aims to provide a simple and affordable VPN service. They have over 550+ servers in 40+ countries.
While this isn’t as extensive as NordVPN, it still covers various locations.
Also, explore our favorite FastestVPN alternatives…
Ready to experience the internet without limits? FastestVPN offers blazing speeds, robust security, & access to geo-restricted content.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading. No more buffering!
- Strong security features: They use AES 256-bit encryption and have a kill switch, so your data is safe and sound.
- P2P optimized servers: Enjoy fast and secure torrenting.
- NAT Firewall: Adds an extra layer of protection against malware.
- Affordable pricing: Great value for your money.
Pricing
- Exclusive Offer: $0.83/month
- 1 Month Plan: $5/month
- Lifetime: $40 for lifetime.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper and compare NordVPN and FastestVPN head-to-head across key features.
This will help you see how they stack up in terms of performance, security, and overall user experience.
1. Security Features
NordVPN: NordVPN takes security seriously. They use AES-256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard. They also offer advanced features like Double VPN servers (encrypting your traffic twice) and Onion Over VPN for extra anonymity. NordVPN has been audited by independent security researchers to verify its no-logs policy.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN also uses AES-256-bit encryption to protect your data. They include a kill switch and a NAT Firewall to block unwanted traffic. However, FastestVPN hasn’t undergone any independent security audits, which might concern privacy-conscious users.
2. VPN Protocols
NordVPN: NordVPN supports several VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and NordLynx (their own WireGuard-based protocol). This gives you flexibility and lets you choose the protocol that best suits your needs.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN primarily uses IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols. These are solid choices but don’t offer as much variety as NordVPN.
3. Server Network
NordVPN: With over 5,700 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN has one of the largest server networks in the industry. This gives you plenty of options for finding a fast and reliable connection.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN has a smaller network with 550+ servers in 40+ countries. While this is decent, it might limit your options, especially if you need a server in a specific location.
4. Speed and Performance
NordVPN: NordVPN is known for its fast speeds. While NordVPN is faster than FastestVPN, it’s not the fastest VPN we tested. However, it’s fast enough for most online activities, including streaming and downloading.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN isn’t the fastest VPN either, despite its name. While their speeds are generally decent, they can be inconsistent depending on the server location.
5. Streaming and Bypassing Geo-restrictions
NordVPN: NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Their large server network and optimized servers make it easy to bypass geo-restrictions.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN can also unblock some streaming services, but it’s not as reliable as NordVPN. You might encounter some difficulties accessing certain platforms.
6. Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN: NordVPN allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single account. This is great for households with multiple devices.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections, which is more generous than NordVPN. This makes it a good choice for families or those with many devices.
7. Additional Features
NordVPN: NordVPN offers several additional features, including split tunneling (allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN), a built-in ad blocker, and malware protection. They also provide dedicated apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Android TV.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN includes features like an ad blocker, P2P optimized servers, and a NAT Firewall. They also have apps for major platforms, but their app design and user experience could be improved.
Both NordVPN and FastestVPN are decent VPN services.
However, NordVPN is better overall, offering a larger server network, better performance, and more robust security features.
While FastestVPN is a good budget option, NordVPN provides a more premium experience.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for. Streaming? Gaming? Remote work? Bypassing censorship? This will help you prioritize features like speed, server locations, and security protocols.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.).
- Simultaneous Connections: Check how many devices you can connect with a single account.
- Logging Policy: If privacy is paramount, opt for a VPN with a strict no-logs policy.
- Customer Support: A responsive customer support team can be invaluable if you encounter issues.
- Free Trials and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, you can test the VPN using free trials or money-back guarantees.
- Independent Audits: Look for VPNs that undergo independent security audits to verify their claims.
Final Verdict
So, which VPN comes out on top? For us, it’s NordVPN. It offers a fantastic balance of speed, security, and features.
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs in 2025. It has a huge network of servers, strong security, and can easily unblock streaming services.
Plus, it’s super easy to use. While FastestVPN is a decent and affordable option, it doesn’t quite measure up to NordVPN’s overall performance and features.
We’ve tested many VPNs, and NordVPN consistently ranks among the best.
If you want a reliable VPN connection that you can trust to protect your privacy and security, NordVPN is our top recommendation.
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 AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN integrates with an ad blocker, which is unique. NordVPN is a more comprehensive VPN with a wider range of servers and 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 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 FastestVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to FastestVPN, so how does FastestVPN stack up directly against them?
- FastestVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, often outperforming FastestVPN in speed and server reliability.
- FastestVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network. FastestVPN is recognized for its budget-friendly plans.
- FastestVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically offers more features and unlimited connections. FastestVPN focuses on being an affordable option.
- FastestVPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN emphasizes strong security and privacy. FastestVPN is known for its low-cost plans.
- FastestVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy. FastestVPN is positioned as a budget-friendly choice.
- FastestVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN excels in ad and tracker blocking. FastestVPN is a general-purpose VPN with an emphasis on affordability.
- FastestVPN vs Virtual Shield: Both are relatively basic VPNs, though FastestVPN may offer slightly better speeds.
- FastestVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for robust encryption and reliable connections. FastestVPN focuses on being an affordable option.
- FastestVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. FastestVPN is a VPN provider known for its low prices.
- FastestVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers a larger server network and specialized servers. FastestVPN is marketed for its affordability.
- FastestVPN vs McAfee VPN: FastestVPN is a dedicated VPN service focused on cost. McAfee VPN is often bundled with antivirus software.
- FastestVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections. FastestVPN is known for its budget-friendly plans.
- FastestVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. FastestVPN uses a traditional server network with a focus on affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best VPN overall?
NordVPN consistently ranks as one of the best VPNs due to its strong security, fast speeds, and large server network. It’s a premium VPN with a wide range of features.
Is FastestVPN really faster than NordVPN?
Despite its name, FastestVPN isn’t actually faster than NordVPN. NordVPN offers more consistent and reliable speeds, especially for demanding tasks like streaming.
What are the key differences between FastestVPN and NordVPN?
NordVPN has a larger server network, better performance, and more advanced features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN. FastestVPN is more affordable but lacks some of NordVPN’s advanced features and performance.
Can I use a free VPN instead of NordVPN or FastestVPN?
While free VPNs exist, they often have limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server options. Some free VPNs might even log your data or display ads. For better security and performance, a premium VPN like NordVPN is recommended.
How do I choose the best VPN for me in 2025?
Consider your needs and priorities. If you value speed, security, and streaming capabilities, NordVPN is a great choice. If you’re on a tight budget and need a basic VPN for simple tasks, FastestVPN might be sufficient. Reading user reviews and comparing features can also help you make an informed decision.