Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN dominates SwitchVPN in user ratings, scoring 83.5% over SwitchVPN’s 42.6%. This score mainly favors NordVPN due to its broader server network and stringent no-logging policy. Situated in Panama, NordVPN stands outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance, providing users with greater privacy protection against potential surveillance. The presence of advanced features such as a double VPN and ad blocking additionally increases NordVPN’s appeal over SwitchVPN. Furthermore, while SwitchVPN has the upper hand in functioning in China, its performance with streaming services is sub-par compared to NordVPN. Both the VPNs offer similar pricing models, a money-back guarantee, and seamless functionality on iOS and Android apps. However, keeping in view essential factors like privacy, performance, and features, NordVPN undoubtedly proves to be a better choice.
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 SwitchVPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | SwitchVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $6.99 |
| 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, SSTP, and PPTP and L2TP/IPsec |
| Servers | 5,000 | 250 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 43 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 3 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Likely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes (on OpenVPN) |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | Live chat, and submit online form |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, 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 SwitchVPN are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while SwitchVPN begins at just $3.99/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.
SwitchVPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over SwitchVPN, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United States. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, NordVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and SwitchVPN differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, SwitchVPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 250 servers in 43 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 SwitchVPN 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, SwitchVPN, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in United States, 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 SwitchVPN 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 SwitchVPN, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Performance in China: SwitchVPN Better
NordVPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, SwitchVPN 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 SwitchVPN.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and SwitchVPN 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, SwitchVPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and SwitchVPN 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, SwitchVPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 43 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, the decision to choose between NordVPN and SwitchVPN primarily depends on individual user requirements. While NordVPN shines in areas like server count, privacy, protocols and security features, SwitchVPN has its own merits, making it important for potential users to carefully consider their own specific needs before making a choice.
About NordVPN & SwitchVPN
SwitchVPN
Symlex VPN is an industry-leading virtual private network company that offers safe and secure internet connections worldwide. Established in 2019, Symlex VPN is based in the Dhaka, Bangladesh and was founded by a team of cybersecurity and networking experts.
To learn more, read our SwitchVPN 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.