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Ariel Hochstadt
Ex-Google, International tech speaker
NordVPN comes with many of the bells and whistles that are important to privacy fanatics. Not only does it support OpenVPN, it also keeps no logs and offers access to China through obfsproxy, while its Smart DNS technology enables access to geo-blocked sites, such as Netflix. NordVPN, however, does fall short in customer support, but this is offset by its above-average speeds and an option for Bitcoin payments. Windscribe has great offers to boot: you can try the VPN for free before committing. It supports OpenVPN and dedicated apps for cross-platform compatibility, however poor customer support puts a damp on this otherwise professional client. There is little to complain about Buffered, with its robust OpenVPN encryption and lighting fast speeds. It falls short with its lack of a kill switch, but makes up for it by supporting 5 simultaneous connections, offering servers in over 30 countries and providing excellent customer support through live chat.
Features
8.6
Pricing
6.0
Ease of Use
8.8
Reliability & Support
8.4
Features
10.0
Pricing
9.6
Ease of Use
10.0
Reliability & Support
10.0
Features
8.0
Pricing
8.6
Ease of Use
8.4
Reliability & Support
8.6
Rating
Features
8.6
10.0
8.0
Pricing
6.0
9.6
8.6
Ease of Use
8.8
10.0
8.4
Reliability & Support
8.4
10.0
8.6
Reviews
Review by our expert
Katie Kasunic
Technology Researcher
8.2
Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review.
Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like ExpressVPN for that.
In addition to dedicated apps available f...
I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPN
Latest negative user review
Trev
2.0
They are no moreAfter being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.
It’s not often that a VPN has cheap prices coupled with an excellent set of features. Yet, when my team and I looked at what NordVPN has to offer, this is exactly what we found. It offers a huge global network of servers, unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms, and has iron-clad security and privacy features — and you can get it all for just $3.71/month. I had to wonder what the catch was.
...
For NordVPN-Android – NordVPN cannotThere is no Caveat Emptor here, nothing like that at all. Nothing to worry about because NordVPN has a top-notch of KillSwitch. It has never faltered in my case. Some instances that NordVPN connection is lost for like 10 seconds while I'm "incognito" in a streaming site, I immediately check with the site with regards to my interrupted connection and my real location did not register ;-) This happened a handful of times in fact. NordVPN will not leave you out in the cold so to speak ;-)
Just that since this is a review, it must be noted since features are being enumerated that Split Tunneling and KillSwitch cannot be enabled at the same time. It's either you use one or the other.
KillSwitch is not possible if you need to exclude an app from using VPN which means to Split Tunneling. Crypto wallet apps and apps that refuse to use VPN tunnel are such examples.
"Block Connections Without VPN" being 1 of 2 conditions that must be met to be able to utilize KillSwitch, and KillSwitch will not work if Split Tunneling is enabled. Ergo,
- It's either All apps are Blocked without VPN or No Apps are Blocked at all.
I thought pausing the VPN from its Notification will take care of this but in all my Android devices that have NordVPN the pausing from the notification does not work which makes me wonder if pausing/disconnecting from notification is a feature that works in Android.
Latest negative user review
Michail
2.0
Great choice!Lenny, completely agree with you! Everything works great with Nord VPN! The download speed is really good and doesn't have any hiccups. It's very easy to use. It's nice to feel protected and safe from prying eyes. I will be a lifelong customer!
Windscribe VPN is a Canada-based provider that promises to help you browse the web privately.
In addition to its paid service, this VPN has a popular free version that attracts many users with its generous 10GB monthly data limit.
The Pro version gives you access to unlimited data and servers in 110 cities spread across 60 countries. Windscribe Pro also gives you the option of port forwardi...
Works well for the free versionThe free version was fast and offered the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, something I haven't seen any other free VPN (like protonvpn) do. Additionally, I have found that they offer a one-day free trial of a pro if you ask.
Latest negative user review
Anonymously
2.0
Unfair Practices ?Well have it for quite a long time (good offer); 3 new pc's and still got the 60GB each month.
Maybe you did not sign in after the new installment?
No issues and yes free is sometimes a little difficult with some server speeds, but they switch to another and try. (load balance)
Review not supporting torrenting is wrong, WS can.
Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review.
Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like ExpressVPN for that.
In addition to dedicated apps available f...
It’s not often that a VPN has cheap prices coupled with an excellent set of features. Yet, when my team and I looked at what NordVPN has to offer, this is exactly what we found. It offers a huge global network of servers, unblocks hundreds of streaming platforms, and has iron-clad security and privacy features — and you can get it all for just $3.71/month. I had to wonder what the catch was.
...
Windscribe VPN is a Canada-based provider that promises to help you browse the web privately.
In addition to its paid service, this VPN has a popular free version that attracts many users with its generous 10GB monthly data limit.
The Pro version gives you access to unlimited data and servers in 110 cities spread across 60 countries. Windscribe Pro also gives you the option of port forwardi...
I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPN
Marc
10.0
For NordVPN-Android – NordVPN cannotThere is no Caveat Emptor here, nothing like that at all. Nothing to worry about because NordVPN has a top-notch of KillSwitch. It has never faltered in my case. Some instances that NordVPN connection is lost for like 10 seconds while I'm "incognito" in a streaming site, I immediately check with the site with regards to my interrupted connection and my real location did not register ;-) This happened a handful of times in fact. NordVPN will not leave you out in the cold so to speak ;-)
Just that since this is a review, it must be noted since features are being enumerated that Split Tunneling and KillSwitch cannot be enabled at the same time. It's either you use one or the other.
KillSwitch is not possible if you need to exclude an app from using VPN which means to Split Tunneling. Crypto wallet apps and apps that refuse to use VPN tunnel are such examples.
"Block Connections Without VPN" being 1 of 2 conditions that must be met to be able to utilize KillSwitch, and KillSwitch will not work if Split Tunneling is enabled. Ergo,
- It's either All apps are Blocked without VPN or No Apps are Blocked at all.
I thought pausing the VPN from its Notification will take care of this but in all my Android devices that have NordVPN the pausing from the notification does not work which makes me wonder if pausing/disconnecting from notification is a feature that works in Android.
PM
10.0
Works well for the free versionThe free version was fast and offered the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, something I haven't seen any other free VPN (like protonvpn) do. Additionally, I have found that they offer a one-day free trial of a pro if you ask.
Latest negative user review
Trev
2.0
They are no moreAfter being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.
Michail
2.0
Great choice!Lenny, completely agree with you! Everything works great with Nord VPN! The download speed is really good and doesn't have any hiccups. It's very easy to use. It's nice to feel protected and safe from prying eyes. I will be a lifelong customer!
Anonymously
2.0
Unfair Practices ?Well have it for quite a long time (good offer); 3 new pc's and still got the 60GB each month.
Maybe you did not sign in after the new installment?
No issues and yes free is sometimes a little difficult with some server speeds, but they switch to another and try. (load balance)
Review not supporting torrenting is wrong, WS can.
Whether you’re a novice or an advanced VPN user, you will find all three VPNs very easy to use. Buffered VPN and Windscribe offer above average features and good performance. However, NordVPN effortlessly leads with an impeccable set of features, multi-layered encryption, top-notch privacy, and access to restricted websites from anywhere - not to mention the awesome coupon codes.
Whether you’re a novice or an advanced VPN user, you will find all three VPNs very easy to use. Buffered VPN and Windscribe offer above average features and good performance. However, NordVPN effortlessly leads with an impeccable set of features, multi-layered encryption, top-notch privacy, and access to restricted websites from anywhere - not to mention the awesome coupon codes.
Buffered VPN allows torrenting on all its servers, while NordVPN and Windscribe permit torrenting only on specific servers. However, NordVPN’s P2P servers are more secure and optimized for fast downloads.
Buffered VPN allows torrenting on all its servers, while NordVPN and Windscribe permit torrenting only on specific servers. However, NordVPN’s P2P servers are more secure and optimized for fast downloads.
All three VPNs have attractive and user-friendly software clients for Windows with a built-in kill switch. However, Buffered VPN and Windscribe’s apps for Windows are limited compared to NordVPN’s stellar Windows client, which is more customizable and employs separate modes for various types of internet activity.
All three VPNs have attractive and user-friendly software clients for Windows with a built-in kill switch. However, Buffered VPN and Windscribe’s apps for Windows are limited compared to NordVPN’s stellar Windows client, which is more customizable and employs separate modes for various types of internet activity.
Even though Windscribe and Buffered VPN provide lightweight and reliable Android apps, NordVPN outshines both competitors with its sharp, sleek, and feature-rich client for Android users. In addition, NordVPN for Android comes with more servers, stronger security measures, and more private connections.
Even though Windscribe and Buffered VPN provide lightweight and reliable Android apps, NordVPN outshines both competitors with its sharp, sleek, and feature-rich client for Android users. In addition, NordVPN for Android comes with more servers, stronger security measures, and more private connections.
Both Windscribe and Buffered VPN have simple client apps for Mac with basic features. However, NordVPN provides a more intuitive, diverse and feature-packed software client for Mac users at low cost.
Both Windscribe and Buffered VPN have simple client apps for Mac with basic features. However, NordVPN provides a more intuitive, diverse and feature-packed software client for Mac users at low cost.
iPhone and iPad users will appreciate NordVPN’s innovative client for iOS. It’s very easy to set up, navigate, and can run on 6 devices at the same time. It’s more advanced, engaging, and feature-rich than those offered by Buffered VPN and Windscribe.
iPhone and iPad users will appreciate NordVPN’s innovative client for iOS. It’s very easy to set up, navigate, and can run on 6 devices at the same time. It’s more advanced, engaging, and feature-rich than those offered by Buffered VPN and Windscribe.
All three VPNs are able to bypass geo-restrictions in the US and can give you access to your favorite streaming services such as Netflix. However, with 1,900+ servers in the US, stable connections, high speeds, and advanced encryption levels, NordVPN surpasses both Windscribe and Buffered VPN in the US.
All three VPNs are able to bypass geo-restrictions in the US and can give you access to your favorite streaming services such as Netflix. However, with 1,900+ servers in the US, stable connections, high speeds, and advanced encryption levels, NordVPN surpasses both Windscribe and Buffered VPN in the US.
It is hardly surprising that NordVPN comes out the clear winner in this race. This client has server coverage spreading across more than 50 countries, supports anonymous Bitcoin payments, allows up to 5 connections simultaneously and enables P2P downloading. Based in Panama, you can be assured that this client takes privacy and security seriously and indeed, it promises to keep no logs at all. Even with its strong DHE-RSA-AES256-SHA encryption, NordVPN is still able to deliver above-average speeds. With its generous 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN gives you plenty of opportunities to try and ensure that the client meets your needs.
Interestingly, if you compare NordVPN with ExpressVPN, which is our top ranked vpn, you'll see that NordVPN can learn a lot from ExpressVPN. Compare NordVPN with ExpressVPN
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