Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Examining NordVPN and GnuVPN reveals significant differences in their offerings. NordVPN scores higher in ratings at 83.5% compared to GnuVPN’s 44.2%. NordVPN presents a lower cost of $2.99/mo with a 24-month subscription versus GnuVPN’s $6.00/mo. Both services are located outside the 14-Eyes Alliance jurisdiction, providing strong privacy benefits. NordVPN holds a clear advantage with its network of 5,000 servers across 59 countries, but GnuVPN’s server count is not stated. Another notable NordVPN advantage is its 30-day money-back guarantee, compared to GnuVPN’s 14 days. Crucial feature differences include NordVPN’s kill switch, double VPN, ad-blocking, and proven streaming service accessibility, none of which GnuVPN provides. Considering the ratings, cost, server availability, and features, NordVPN seems to be a superior choice from a user’s perspective.
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 GnuVPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | GnuVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Portugal |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $6.00/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $10.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, and SoftEther |
| Servers | 5,000 | (not stated) |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 25 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix |
| 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 GnuVPN’s higher-priced offering at $6.00/mo. This price variance prompts users to ponder the added value provided by GnuVPN. Highlighting its military-grade encryption (AES-256), exceptional Email support, and an expansive server network spanning (not stated) servers in 25 countries, GnuVPN showcases its premium features.
However, it’s essential to compare these with NordVPN’s services to determine if the additional investment in GnuVPN aligns with what users seek in a VPN, balancing cost against specific feature needs.
GnuVPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie
Catering to the privacy-focused, both NordVPN and GnuVPN have strategically established their headquarters outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance. NordVPN takes advantage of the robust privacy laws of Panama; while GnuVPN is based in Portugal, 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 GnuVPN, 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: Tie
NordVPN and GnuVPN excel in server availability. NordVPN has a large network of 5,000 servers accross 59 countries. This means easy, fast connections from almost anywhere. GnuVPN also has a wide reach – the VPN company operates (not stated) servers in 25 countries. Both offer reliable, speedy internet access.
Money Back Guarantee: NordVPN Better
With NordVPN, users benefit from a comforting 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing a thorough testing period of its services. On the flip side, GnuVPN presents a comparatively shorter money-back guarantee. This limited period, though adequate for a basic evaluation, may be a noteworthy aspect for users desiring a more extended trial phase to fully determine how well the VPN aligns with their specific requirements.
Kill Switch Feature: NordVPN Better
The presence of a kill switch in a VPN service is a critical factor for many users. NordVPN includes this feature, which automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks. In contrast, GnuVPN does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While GnuVPN compensates with other features such as (not stated) servers spread across 25 countries and various support options like Email, the lack of a kill switch might deter users who prioritize uninterrupted security in their VPN service.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and GnuVPN 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, GnuVPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and GnuVPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. NordVPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, GnuVPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 25 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
In conclusion, while GnuVPN offers a robust privacy focus and unrestricted internet access, NordVPN outperforms in several areas. From affordability, money-back guarantees, and advanced features such as kill switch, double VPN, and ad-blocking to a more expansive server network and superior capabilities in unblocking streaming content, NordVPN delivers a more comprehensive and impressive VPN solution for individuals and businesses alike.
About NordVPN & GnuVPN
GnuVPN
GNU VPN, established in 2020, is a newcomer in the VPN market. The service focuses on providing strong privacy features and unrestricted internet access. GNU VPN offers AES-256 encryption and supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The company’s headquarter is based in Portugal.
To learn more, read our GnuVPN 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.