Methodology
WCL's tests used Windows 11/10 applications on a high-speed 1Gbps uplink, comparing NordVPN against three randomly selected, undisclosed competitors. The WCL assessment focused on main areas of VPN performance, according to the guidelines of the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO) group. These areas included:
- VPN functionality.
- Speed performance.
- Security and leak protection.
- Website accessibility.
- VPN time to connect.
- System resource impact while connected to VPN.
Key findings
The West Coast Labs report showed that NordVPN scored near-perfect results in each of the research categories. Here’s a more detailed analysis of the results.
Still robust, still reliable
According to the report, NordVPN’s features, such as auto-launch on boot, auto-connect, internet kill switch, and split tunneling, performed smoothly and consistently. The seamless working of these features ensured a safe connection setup, proving NordVPN’s ability to provide safer online connections while using the product.
A lightning-fast VPN
The WCL tests showed that when it comes to speed, NordVPN's download/upload speeds, latency, and connection time dominate the competition. Compared to the undisclosed competitors, NordVPN delivered 15.2% faster downloads, 12.4% faster uploads, and 7.9% lower latency, across seven global regions. These numbers further support the notion that NordVPN is one of (if not the) fastest VPN services available today.
Air-tight security and leak protection
During the WCL research, eight separate leak scenarios were tested. These scenarios included IP address, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. In addition, WCL evaluated leak protection during server switching, Wi-Fi hotspot changes, and mobile data transitions. Finally, the testing assessed two advanced extra cases: a split-tunneling flaw and the TunnelVision attack — a known vulnerability that can be particularly challenging to defend against. NordVPN passed with good marks in all scenarios, demonstrating strong leak protection even under complex conditions.
Near-perfect website accessibility
Regarding NordVPN’s website access, the WCL report showed positive results. Researchers tested accessibility by connecting to 100 of the most visited websites before and after enabling a VPN. While connected to NordVPN, all websites remained accessible with a 100% success rate. However, in some cases, the VPN connection triggered a small number of Cloudflare CAPTCHA challenges.
Connection in the blink of an eye
As noted in the report, NordVPN established a secure tunnel in 1.67 seconds on average, making it 36.1% faster than the other research-participating competitors. The measurement revolved around the time frame from the moment a user initiated a connection to the point when traffic was securely routed through the VPN.
System resource-friendly impact
During browsing tests, NordVPN showed a minimal impact on system performance, with memory usage increasing by just 1.1% and processor usage by 3.8% compared to no VPN connection. It’s important to note, though, that this number may change depending on the distance and the overall traffic on the VPN server. And yet, the result still ranks as one of the best among other VPN providers, proving NordVPN’s superiority in establishing a fast VPN connection.
The big picture
Based on the WCL report, NordVPN scores exceptionally high in all AMTSO-approved VPN testing criteria. With robust online safety capabilities, the service is well equipped to protect users against even complex threats (such as the TunnelVision attack). Meanwhile, 100% website accessibility and speeds that outdo the industry average guarantee a swift and seamless connection.
And NordVPN’s accessibility doesn’t end there — the service offers attractive 2-year deals and even a 30-day money-back guarantee for every client. Users can also enjoy advanced safety features such as Threat Protection Pro™, Meshnet, and Dark Web Monitor. With WCL’s certification and a special 2-year offer available, now’s the best time to safeguard your online traffic from potential cyber threats.
About West Coast Labs
West Coast Labs is an independent security testing and research organization based in the US. Known for evaluating and certifying cybersecurity products, the organization assesses the effectiveness of security solutions against real-world threats, such as viruses, malware, and cyberattacks. The company strives to perform its tests “in a secure, real-world test environment and within a framework of confidentiality that ensures integrity of information and test data.” The cybersecurity industry widely regards certification by WCL as a significant achievement.
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