NordVPN vs Mysterium: Which is Best For Online Privacy in 2025

Looking for a VPN to protect your privacy online?

You’ve probably heard of NordVPN, but what about Mysterium? It’s a newer VPN gaining popularity, but is it better than NordVPN? 

In this post, we’ll compare NordVPN vs Mysterium to see which is best for online privacy in 2025. 

We’ll look at features, pricing, and security to help you decide which VPN is right.

Ready to find out which VPN is the privacy champion? Let’s dive in!

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both NordVPN and Mysterium.

We’ve used them for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and torrenting and have tested their security features. 

This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation for comparing these two VPN providers.

What is NordVPN?

Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s one of the biggest names in the VPN world.

And for good reason. They have tons of servers all over the globe.

This means you can easily find a fast and reliable connection.

Plus, they’re super secure and easy to use. NordVPN has apps for all your devices.

It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to stay safe and private online.

Also, explore our favorite NordVPN alternatives…

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.

What is Mysterium?

Now, let’s talk about Mysterium. It’s a bit different than your typical VPN.

Think of it as a decentralized VPN. Instead of using company-owned servers, it uses a network of regular people’s computers.

This makes it more secure and private. Why?

Because your data isn’t routed through a single point of failure. Pretty cool, right?

Mysterium is a good option if you’re looking for a truly private and secure VPN experience.

Also, explore our favorite Mysterium alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
• No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
• Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
• Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.

Pricing

• 2-Year Plan: $3.19/mo.
• 1-Year Plan: $5.14/mo.
• 6-Month Plan: $6.85/mo.
• 1-Month Plan: $9.99/mo.

Feature Comparison

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and compare the features of NordVPN and Mysterium.

This head-to-head matchup will help you see which VPN service best fits your needs.

1. Network and Servers

NordVPN: As a leading VPN service, NordVPN boasts a massive network with over 5,700 servers in 60 countries. This gives you plenty of options for finding a fast and reliable connection no matter where you are.

Mysterium VPN: On the other hand, Mysterium VPN relies on a decentralized VPN network. This means it uses a network of user-operated nodes instead of company-owned servers. While this offers unique privacy advantages, the network is more petite and growing.

2. Security and Encryption

NordVPN: NordVPN uses military-grade encryption and advanced security protocols to keep your internet access private and secure. For added security, they offer a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN also prioritizes cybersecurity and uses strong encryption to protect your data. Their decentralized nature adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for anyone to track your online activity.

3. Privacy Policy

NordVPN: NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your online activity. This is crucial for maintaining your privacy while using a VPN service.

Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN also has a firm privacy policy and is committed to protecting user data. Its use of blockchain technology and smart contracts further enhances privacy.

4. Speed and Performance

NordVPN: Known for its fast speeds, NordVPN is an excellent choice for activities like streaming and downloading. Their extensive server network ensures you can find a server with optimal performance.

Mysterium VPN: The speed of Mysterium VPN can vary depending on the node you connect to. While it may not be as consistently fast as NordVPN, it is generally sufficient for most online activities.

5. Pricing and Plans

NordVPN: NordVPN offers various subscription plans with different pricing options. You can choose from monthly, yearly, or even two-year plans.

Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN uses a unique pay-as-you-go system. You purchase Mysterium Network Tokens (MYST) and use them to pay for the bandwidth you consume. This can be a cost-effective option for occasional VPN users.

6. User Experience and Interface

NordVPN: NordVPN is known for its user-friendly apps and intuitive interface. It’s easy to set up and use, even for beginners.

Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN might have a slight learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with decentralized VPNs and cryptocurrency. However, their apps are generally well-designed and easy to navigate.

7. Customer Support

NordVPN: NordVPN offers excellent customer support with 24/7 live chat and a helpful knowledge base.

Mysterium VPN: Mysterium VPN’s customer support is primarily community-based.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship). Some VPNs excel in specific areas.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.).
• Simultaneous Connections: Check how many devices you can connect simultaneously with a single account.
• Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee: Look for a VPN that offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free.
• Independent Audits: See if the VPN has undergone independent security audits to verify its claims.
• Reputation and User Reviews: Research the VPN provider’s reputation and read user reviews to understand their reliability and performance.
• Advanced Features: If you need advanced features like split tunneling, obfuscation, or dedicated IP addresses, make sure the VPN offers them.
• Ethical Considerations: Consider the VPN provider’s values and stance on data privacy and net neutrality.

Final Verdict

So, who wins in the Mysterium VPN vs NordVPN battle for 2025? 

It’s tough, but we have to give NordVPN an edge. Why?

It’s super easy to use and has tons of servers for blazing-fast speeds. Plus, it’s got all the security features you need to browse securely.

But hold on! Mysterium VPN is still a great choice if you’re really serious about privacy. Its decentralized network makes it extra secure.

We’ve tested both VPNs inside and out. We know our stuff.

Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your needs. Want a simple VPN that’s fast and reliable? 

Go for NordVPN. Need maximum privacy with a decentralized network? Mysterium VPN is the way to go.

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 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.

More of Mysterium

We’ve explored alternatives to Mysterium, so how does Mysterium stack up directly against them?

• Mysterium vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, which make it superior for streaming and ease of use compared to Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds and more technical setup.
• Mysterium vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network, which often translates to better speeds and more reliable connections for streaming compared to Mysterium’s decentralized network.
• Mysterium vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is generally faster and easier to use, and it allows unlimited connections, a significant advantage over Mysterium’s pay-as-you-go mode, which can become costly for heavy use.
• Mysterium vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy with potentially faster and more stable connections than Mysterium’s peer-to-peer network. However, Mysterium offers a different approach to decentralization.
• Mysterium vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a more traditional VPN experience with potentially better and more consistent speeds for streaming and general browsing compared to Mysterium.
• Mysterium vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking, while Mysterium offers a unique decentralized VPN approach, but may not be as user-friendly or consistently fast.
• Mysterium vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity, but Mysterium offers a more unique, albeit potentially complex, decentralized approach to VPNs.
• Mysterium vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections, often offering more consistent performance than Mysterium’s decentralized network.
• Mysterium vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN aims for speed and affordability, often providing more consistent performance for streaming and general use than Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds.
• Mysterium vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mysterium focuses on its decentralized VPN network, which might appeal to a specific set of privacy-conscious users.
• Mysterium vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly and has specialized servers, often providing better and more consistent speeds for various online activities compared to Mysterium.
• Mysterium vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. At the same time, Mysterium offers a unique decentralized approach, though it may not be as user-friendly or consistently performant.
• Mysterium vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization and generally offers more consistent speeds and a larger server network than Mysterium’s decentralized model.

Frequently Asked Questions