Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN and Astrill are both proficient VPN services, but an overall comparison favors NordVPN as the more user-centric choice. With an overall rating of 83.5% as opposed to Astrill’s 47.5%, NordVPN comes on top in terms of value for money, as it offers cheaper pricing at $2.99/month with AES-256 encryption and a ‘no logging’ policy. It also provides a vast network of 5000 servers across 59 countries. Spanning fewer countries and servers, Astrill’s higher-priced service ($8.29/month) lacks a ‘no logging’ policy, which could be a setback for privacy-oriented users. Both services have been audited, with NordVPN scrutinized by Deloitte. However, Astrill holds an edge over NordVPN in terms of operational reliability in China. While both offer features like ad blocking, split tunneling, and 24/7 customer support, exclusive features like Smart DNS, double VPN and browser extensions solidify NordVPN’s standing. Therefore, NordVPN surpasses Astrill in terms of affordability, security, and breadth of features.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: NordVPN vs Astrill
| VPN Company | NordVPN | Astrill |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Seychelles |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $8.29/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $30.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | – days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, StealthVPN, OpenWeb, Wireguard, and Proprietary |
| Servers | 5,000 | 115 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 57 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Likely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: NordVPN Better
At $3.79/mo, NordVPN offers a wallet-friendly VPN solution, in contrast to Astrill’s higher-priced offering at $8.29/mo. This price variance prompts users to ponder the added value provided by Astrill. Highlighting its military-grade encryption (AES-256), exceptional 24/7 Live Chat, and Email support, and an expansive server network spanning 115 servers in 57 countries, Astrill showcases its premium features.
However, it’s essential to compare these with NordVPN’s services to determine if the additional investment in Astrill aligns with what users seek in a VPN, balancing cost against specific feature needs.
Astrill Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie
Catering to the privacy-focused, both NordVPN and Astrill have strategically established their headquarters outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance. NordVPN takes advantage of the robust privacy laws of Panama; while Astrill is based in Seychelles, another location known for its commitment to user privacy.
This geographical aspect distinctly sets them apart from VPN providers operating within countries deeply involved in intelligence-sharing networks.
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to the Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance includes major global players like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries. In these territories, VPN services may be legally bound to hand over user data, potentially undermining their promises of no logs.
By opting for NordVPN or Astrill, both located beyond the reach of this alliance, users gain an additional shield of protection against such governmental intrusions. This positions these VPN services as preferred choices for those who prioritize utmost confidentiality.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and Astrill differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, Astrill operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 115 servers in 57 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
No Logging Policy: NordVPN Better
The privacy policies of NordVPN and Astrill present a clear dichotomy. NordVPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of NordVPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, Astrill, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in Seychelles, does not adhere to a clear no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and Astrill is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of Astrill, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Performance in China: Astrill Better
NordVPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, Astrill currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between NordVPN and Astrill.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and Astrill is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. NordVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Astrill does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both NordVPN and Astrill provide substantial security features, privacy benefits, and server reach, although NordVPN outshines Astrill in terms of logging policy and server count. However, Astrill demonstrates better performance in China, serving as an important consideration for users requiring consistent VPN access within heavily restricted countries.
About NordVPN & Astrill
Astrill
Astrill VPN was established in 2009, focusing on providing VPN services for home users and travelers. It’s a registered company in Liechtenstein, designed to offer encrypted and unrestricted Internet access.
To learn more, read our Astrill review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.