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Download the best VPN client and protect your data
- Get a dedicated VPN app and connect with a click.
- Choose from different VPN protocols for the best speed and security.
- Use NordVPN on multiple devices at the same time.
- Install the NordVPN app to establish secure VPN connections.
What is a VPN client?
NordVPN’s VPN client is an application that enables you to connect to a secure VPN server, encrypting your data in the process. Once you download and install VPN client software, the NordVPN app will secure your device in just a few clicks. VPN client installation files can differ based on the operating systems you’re using. For example, the file will be .exe for the Windows operating system and .dmg for macOS. Get the VPN client for all major operating systems.
Technical specifications for VPN clients
Check out what your devices need to run NordVPN smoothly.
Requirements for Windows VPN client
Application: Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (version 1607+), Windows 11;
OpenVPN client manual (the most recent version): Windows 7, Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (version 1507+), Windows 11;
OpenVPN manual (older version): Windows XP, Windows Vista;
IKEv2 manual: Windows 7, Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (version 1507+), Windows 11;
Not supported: Anything older than Windows XP.
Requirements for macOS VPN client
IKE application: macOS 10.12+;
Website application (the most recent version): macOS 10.12+;
IKEv2 manual: macOS 10.12+;
OpenVPN client manual: macOS 10.4+;
Not supported: Anything older than macOS 10.4.
Requirements for Linux VPN client
Supported architectures: aarch64, armv5, armv7, i386, and x86_64;
Minimal kernel version: 3.7.0 for aarch64, 3.2.0 for other architectures;
Required dependencies: procps, iproute2 / iproute, iptables, xsltproc, systemd.
Requirements for iOS VPN client
Application: iOS 11+;
OpenVPN client and IKEv2 manual: iOS 9+;
Not supported: Anything older than iOS 9.
Requirements for Android VPN client
Application: Android 6+;
OpenVPN client manual: Android 4.1+;
IKEv2 manual: Android 4.0.3+;
Not supported: Anything older than Android 4.0.3.
How does a VPN client work?
VPN clients reroute your device’s data traffic through a secure VPN server, encrypting your connection and changing your IP address in the process. Here’s how it goes:
- Once you connect to a VPN, it authenticates your client with a VPN server, which applies an encryption protocol.
- From that moment on, all the data you send and receive is encrypted.
- Your data travels through an encrypted “tunnel” created by the VPN service.
- Once your data arrives at the VPN server, the encryption is removed, and the data is sent towards your desired destination — e.g., a website.
Free vs. paid VPN client
There are plenty of free VPNs available online — so why should you choose a paid one instead?
Most people turn to VPNs because they want to protect their privacy online. Unfortunately, by using free VPNs, you might be doing the opposite. Free VPN providers also have to make money. And they sometimes do it by selling their clients’ data or using their devices as exit nodes for paying users. Because of the heavy loads and a weak network of servers, free VPNs are also often unstable and may terminate your connection at any moment.
Paid VPN providers, like NordVPN, offer speed and security. Thousands of servers in all corners of the world guarantee that there’s always one close by — so you always get the best speed possible. Paid VPN clients are also more reliable when it comes to your privacy. With bulletproof encryption algorithms and extra features like Auto-connect and Kill Switch, NordVPN guards your data 24/7.
VPN client benefits
5500+ servers in 60 countries mean you’re sure to always find one nearby. More servers mean better speeds and a stable connection wherever you are. And combined with our revolutionary NordLynx VPN protocol, it guarantees the best VPN speeds on the market.
NordVPN uses the AES encryption algorithm to secure your data. How strong is it? No known practical attack can break it. NordVPN uses AES with 256-bit keys, which means there are 2^256 possible key combinations — so it’s virtually uncrackable.
You can use multi-factor authentication to secure your Nord Account. Add an additional layer of protection to your account, and no one will get in without your permission. NordVPN supports both authentication apps and physical security keys.
Don’t want to encrypt all your traffic? Use split tunneling and select specific apps and URLs to exclude from the VPN tunnel. This way, you can use them with your real IP address while protecting all other online activities.
An independent IT security institute AV-TEST compared the speeds of the top VPNs in the industry. The result? NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market — and has the data to prove it.
Should you configure your VPN manually?
Setting up the manual open-source code OpenVPN connection on your device manually can have a few benefits. For instance, you can tinker with more advanced settings according to your needs.
So, where should you start? Download the OpenVPN configuration files and follow our guides on how to set it up on your devices.
Having trouble with the manual setup? Contact our support for help!
VPN solutions for business
Looking for VPN solutions for business? Look no further. The world’s fastest, most trusted VPN service now offers VPN services for organizations.
Check out NordLayer — an easy-to-use cybersecurity tool providing safe remote access for everyone in your network.
Best value for your money
Pick the best NordVPN subscription to suit your digital security needs.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find NordVPN service updates?
Check our blog’s “Service Updates” category for the latest news from our product team. Looking for a specific OS? See the dedicated release notes:
Which routers support a VPN client?
Don’t know which router to use with NordVPN? Visit our support center. There you’ll find a list you can choose from as well as detailed setup tutorials for all supported routers.
Do I need a VPN client or server?
These two have very different use cases and which one to choose will depend on what exactly you need.
A VPN server is useful if you only want to access one device remotely — for example, your office computer. The “server” is actually a piece of software that runs on your device, allowing you to connect to it and use it as if you were there.
A VPN client, like NordVPN, will give you many more features and functionalities. From hiding your IP and location and encrypting your traffic to notifying you about malicious websites and leaked credentials.
A VPN server is useful if you only want to access one device remotely — for example, your office computer. The “server” is actually a piece of software that runs on your device, allowing you to connect to it and use it as if you were there.
A VPN client, like NordVPN, will give you many more features and functionalities. From hiding your IP and location and encrypting your traffic to notifying you about malicious websites and leaked credentials.