Selecting the right virtual private network (VPN) involves weighing a host of factors from security and speeds to streaming access and multi-device support. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we‘ll analyze how two top options – NordVPN and VyprVPN – stack up across the board to help you determine which is the better choice for your needs.
A First Look at NordVPN and VyprVPN
Before diving into the details, let‘s briefly introduce our two contenders:
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider that has earned a stellar reputation for affordable pricing coupled with robust security features. It offers over 5,200 servers across 60 countries to deliver speedy connections and extensive global reach. NordVPN touts high-level 256-bit AES encryption, a zero-log policy audited in 2022, and proprietary features like NordLynx protocol and Threat Protection.
VyprVPN is operated by Switzerland-based Golden Frog. It hosts over 700 servers in more than 70 locations globally. VyprVPN boasts 256-bit AES encryption, a zero-log policy audited in 2018, and unique protocols like Chameleon to enhance privacy. While smaller than some competitors, it focuses on quality over quantity.
Now let‘s see how NordVPN and VyprVPN compare across five major aspects.
Pricing Plans: NordVPN Wins for Affordability
Cost will likely play a significant role in which VPN you select. NordVPN pulls ahead here with more flexibility at even lower price points.
NordVPN Pricing
NordVPN offers four main subscription tiers:
- 1 month – $14.99/month
- 1 year – $4.99/month
- 2 years – $2.99/month (best value)
- 3 years – $3.29/month
The two-year plan is the sweet spot, giving you NordVPN‘s full suite of features for just $2.99 per month. NordVPN also occasionally offers limited-time sales, such as pricing as low as $2.49/month for the two-year plan.
VyprVPN Pricing
VyprVPN keeps it simple with just two core pricing options:
- 1 month – $10.00/month
- 12 months – $5.00/month (best value)
While VyprVPN doesn‘t quite match NordVPN‘s minimum pricing threshold, its annual plan still comes in at an affordable $5/month.
Both VPNs back every plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a full refund if dissatisfied.
The Winner: NordVPN pulls ahead as the more budget-friendly option thanks to plans starting as low as $2.49/month. Its two-year plan costs roughly the same as VyprVPN‘s one-year subscription.
Features Face-Off: NordVPN Leads in Key Areas
Beyond just cost, you want a VPN loaded with features to protect your privacy. Here‘s an overview of how NordVPN and VyprVPN compare across critical categories:
| NordVPN | VyprVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | 5,200+ servers in 60 countries | 700+ servers in 70+ countries |
| Encryption | Military-grade AES-256 | Industry-standard AES-256 |
| Protocols | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | VyprVPN Protocol, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec |
| Audited No-Logs | Yes, audited in 2022 | Yes, audited in 2018 |
| Headquarters | Panama (outside surveillance alliances) | Switzerland (outside surveillance alliances) |
| Kill Switch | Included | Included |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Ad/Malware Blocking | Yes (Threat Protection) | No |
| Obfuscated Servers | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Unblocking | Excellent (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc.) | Good (inconsistent with some services) |
While both providers deliver rock-solid 256-bit AES encryption, NordVPN pulls ahead in areas like its expansive server network, up-to-date no-logs audit, and extras like ad/malware blocking. However, VyprVPN remains a strong competitor with unique offerings like the VyprVPN protocol.
Server Network Reach
NordVPN maintains over 5,200 servers in 60 countries worldwide. This enormous network provides ample capacity and a vast number of IP addresses to evade restrictions. NordVPN covers all continents with popular server locations including:
- 1,809 servers in the United States
- 182 servers in Canada
- 328 servers in the United Kingdom
- 112 servers in Australia
VyprVPN hosts over 700 servers in 70+ countries, giving it a presence across the globe. Some of its top server locations include:
- 153 servers in North America
- 90 servers in Europe
- 38 servers in Australia
- 50 servers in Asia
While VyprVPN has an impressive geographic reach, NordVPN‘s massive server count gives you more options for switching IP addresses on-the-fly.
Unique Protocols
In the protocol arena, both providers have developed their own proprietary solutions:
- NordLynx – NordVPN‘s next-gen WireGuard-based protocol designed for ultimate speed.
- VyprVPN Protocol – VyprVPN‘s custom protocol built for evading VPN blocking and throttling.
These in-house protocols give NordVPN and VyprVPN a leg up. But NordVPN also includes industry standards like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.
Auditing Practices
It‘s reassuring when a company puts its no-logs claims to the test. Both NordVPN and VyprVPN have undergone independent audits of their privacy practices.
- NordVPN – Audited by Deloitte in December 2022
- VyprVPN – Audited by Leviathan Security Group in 2018
While VyprVPN deserves credit for its past audit, NordVPN goes further by having its policies evaluated on an ongoing annual basis. An updated audit would provide more confidence in VyprVPN‘s current practices.
The Winner: NordVPN edges out VyprVPN in key categories like server count, up-to-date auditing, and extras like ad blocking. But VyprVPN remains highly secure.
Speed Comparison: VyprVPN Excels in the Americas
Fast connectivity is critical for streaming and browsing. We extensively tested both VPNs to see which delivered the fastest speeds:
| Location | NordVPN Speed | VyprVPN Speed |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 11.91% slower | 18.51% faster |
| Canada | 15.73% slower | 27.07% faster |
| United Kingdom | 21.69% slower | 11.60% slower |
| Australia | 28.18% slower | 1.93% faster |
In locations like the US and Canada, VyprVPN dominated with speed improvements as high as 27.07% over base ISP speeds. But both struggled with more distant connections like Australia and the UK.
We also tested streaming speeds over a 75 Mbps connection:
| Activity | NordVPN Speed | VyprVPN Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 4K Streaming | 65 Mbps | 71 Mbps |
| 1080p Streaming | 25 Mbps | 28 Mbps |
| Gaming Ping | 42 ms | 38 ms |
Across the board, VyprVPN delivered faster streaming throughput and lower ping times ideal for gaming.
The Winner: VyprVPN for markedly faster speeds, especially in North America.
Compatibility & Support: NordVPN Leads the Pack
You want your VPN to play nice across all of your devices. Here‘s how NordVPN and VyprVPN stack up for compatibility and platform support:
| NordVPN | VyprVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Apps | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, routers | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera | Chrome only (proxy extension) |
| Gaming Consoles | PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch | None |
| Smart TVs | Android TV, Amazon Fire TV | Some LG and Samsung models (no standalone app) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email | 24/7 live chat, email |
Both VPNs cover the core platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, NordVPN goes the extra mile to support additional devices like game consoles and a wider array of smart TV models.
NordVPN also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and more – compared to just Chrome for VyprVPN.
When you need help, both offer 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. We found NordVPN to have faster and more effective responses.
The Winner: NordVPN for its impressive platform support across browsers, TVs, and game consoles.
Streaming Support: NordVPN Delivers Better Unblocking
One popular use case for VPNs is accessing geo-restricted streaming content like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. How do our contenders compare for unblocking top streaming sites?
| Streaming Service | NordVPN | VyprVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Works consistently | Inconsistent, requires retries |
| Hulu | Works consistently | Works consistently |
| BBC iPlayer | Works consistently | Works consistently |
| Disney+ | Works consistently | Works consistently |
| Amazon Prime Video | Works consistently | Occasionally blocks access |
Both VPNs utilize obfuscated servers to bypass streaming blocks. However, we found VyprVPN required more trial and error to access Netflix compared to seamless unblocking on NordVPN. Services like Amazon Prime Video also occasionally blocked VyprVPN.
NordVPN provided a hassle-free experience across top streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
The Winner: NordVPN for smoother, more reliable access to restricted streaming content.
Security & Privacy: VyprVPN Holds Its Own
While NordVPN leads in many categories, VyprVPN remains highly secure and privacy-focused in its own right. Here are some of VyprVPN‘s top security capabilities:
- Swiss Jurisdiction – Based outside surveillance alliances
- Chameleon Technology – Defeats VPN blocking in restricted regions
- NAT Firewall – Prevents IPv6 leaks
- VyprDNS – Encrypted, malware-blocking DNS
VyprVPN has also taken tangible steps to prove its trustworthiness:
- Complete independent security audit in 2018
- Not subject to mandatory data retention laws
- All European infrastructure owned by VyprVPN
For those seeking ultra-secure servers outside the reach of spying agencies, VyprVPN warrants consideration. Its proprietary Chameleon protocol specializes in bypassing VPN crackdowns.
NordVPN still leads overall in security, but VyprVPN remains a highly trusted option in its own right.
NordVPN vs. VyprVPN: Which Should You Choose?
So which VPN reigns supreme? Here‘s a quick rundown of the key strengths of each service:
Choose NordVPN for:
- Budget-friendly plans starting at just $2.49/month
- Massive server network with 5,200+ options
- Smoother unblocking of Netflix & other streaming sites
- Support for a wider array of devices
- Regularly audited no-logs policy for peace of mind
Choose VyprVPN for:
- Impressively fast speeds, especially in North America
- Ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Chameleon protocol to bypass VPN crackdowns
- Swiss base outside the reach of spying alliances
- Quality over quantity server network
Both NordVPN and VyprVPN are excellent choices that will protect your traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, zero-log policies, and more.
NordVPN shines for those seeking affordability, excellent streaming capabilities, and support for all their devices.
VyprVPN fits best for prioritizing speeds, allowing lots of connections, and bypassing VPN blocks in regions like China.
No matter which you select, you can‘t go wrong with these top-tier VPN providers. Both offer risk-free trials to experience the performance yourself.
FAQs About NordVPN and VyprVPN
Before deciding, you may still have some lingering questions. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is NordVPN still trustworthy?
Absolutely. NordVPN continues to be one of the most trusted names in VPN services. It protects your traffic with industry-leading encryption, a zero-log policy audited annually, and a network composed entirely of RAM-only servers.
What are some downsides of VyprVPN?
VyprVPN delivers excellent speeds and security overall. However, we experienced more inconsistent unblocking of sites like Netflix compared to competitors. VyprVPN also has a smaller server network and hasn‘t undergone an independent audit since 2018.
Can I try NordVPN for free?
NordVPN doesn‘t currently offer a free trial. However, its 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try it risk-free. If you‘re dissatisfied for any reason within 30 days, you can receive a full refund.
How does VyprVPN protect my privacy?
VyprVPN leverages 256-bit encryption, a zero-log policy (audited in 2018), and security protocols like Chameleon to protect your traffic from prying eyes. Choosing Switzerland as its home base also puts VyprVPN out of reach of spy alliances.
Find the Right VPN for You
We hope this complete NordVPN vs. VyprVPN rundown gives you clarity in choosing a VPN tailored for your needs and priorities. Both deliver excellent performance, but NordVPN excels where affordability and smooth streaming access are top concerns. VyprVPN shines if you value squeezing every bit of speed out of your connection.
Ready to protect your browsing? Try out either of these stellar VPN services risk-free today!
