Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN and OysterVPN both offer quality VPN services. However, NordVPN scores an 83.5%, significantly higher than OysterVPN’s 55.7% taking into account privacy, customer feedback, pricing and usability. NordVPN’s jurisdiction is in Panama, versus OysterVPN’s Ireland. NordVPN also has a more substantial server base with 5,000 servers across 59 nations. This compares to 177 servers in 21 countries for OysterVPN. NordVPN is stronger with a clear ‘no logging’ policy and a third-party audit by Deloitte, while OysterVPN does not have a ‘no logging’ policy. In terms of subscriptions, NordVPN’s cheapest plan ($2.99/mo over 24 months) is only slightly more expensive than OysterVPN’s ($2.50/mo). Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. The added bonus with NordVPN is its ‘Double VPN’ feature giving an extra layer of security. Based on these findings, NordVPN provides more value to users.
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 OysterVPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | OysterVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Ireland |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.50/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $9.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and and PPTP |
| Servers | 5,000 | 177 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 21 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Unlikely |
| 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 | Live chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Netflix, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and OysterVPN are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while OysterVPN begins at just $2.50/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
OysterVPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie
Catering to the privacy-focused, both NordVPN and OysterVPN have strategically established their headquarters outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance. NordVPN takes advantage of the robust privacy laws of Panama; while OysterVPN is based in Ireland, 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 OysterVPN, 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 OysterVPN differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, OysterVPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 177 servers in 21 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 OysterVPN 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, OysterVPN, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in Ireland, 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 OysterVPN 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 OysterVPN, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and OysterVPN 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, OysterVPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
Keeping in mind the analysis of different aspects such as jurisdiction, servers count, pricing, and privacy policies, NordVPN proves to be the better choice with its larger server count, additional security features including double VPN, as well as its confirmed no-logging policy. However, both NordVPN and OysterVPN offer competitive pricing and are based outside the 14 Eyes alliance jurisdictions, a crucial factor for users keen on privacy.
About NordVPN & OysterVPN
OysterVPN
OysterVPN focuses on unblocking content and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus, offering fast VPN services for this purpose. It ensures privacy with features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. OysterVPN also provides anti-malware protection, IP leak protection, ISP throttling reduction, and DNS leak protection. The service is available in various popular global destinations and offers customer support through live chat and email.
To learn more, read our OysterVPN 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.