Katarina Glamoslija
Updated on: December 25, 2023
Short on time? Here’s the final verdict:
- 🥇 NordVPN — Winner in Extra Features, Servers, Speeds, Streaming, Torrenting, and Plans & Pricing. NordVPN comes with plenty of convenient extras, has tons of servers, works with popular streaming services, provides great torrenting support, and is very affordable.
NordVPN and VyprVPN are two of the top VPNs on the market — they both have fast speeds, strong security, great support for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, as well as easy-to-use apps for all major platforms and excellent customer service.
Both VPNs have essential VPN security features and also come with:
- Perfect forward secrecy.
- Obfuscation.
- Malicious site blocker.
- Split-tunneling.
- Tor (The Onion Router) support.
But there are noticeable differences between the two. NordVPN provides access to more extra features, including ad blocking and a data breach monitor, has way more servers (6,036 servers in 61 countries), provides faster speeds, is better for streaming and torrenting, and has more affordable plans. VyprVPN, on the other hand, lacks many additional features, only has 700+ servers in 64 countries, has slowdowns on distant servers, doesn’t work with Disney+, and is a bit more expensive — but I do like how, unlike NordVPN, it’s able to work in restrictive countries.
I tested both VPNs for different metrics, including security, extra features, privacy, server networks, speeds, streaming, torrenting, and gaming support, bypassing censorship, ease of use, plans and pricing, and customer support. I believe NordVPN is the best choice, but I still recommend reading the whole article to see which VPN provides the best value for you.
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NordVPN vs. VyprVPN — Quick Overview
Security — Both VPNs Are Really Secure
Both NordVPN and VyprVPN are very secure — they include all of the following industry-standard security features:
- 256-bit AES encryption. Makes your online traffic unreadable. This is the same level of encryption used by banks and militaries.
- No-logs policy. Neither provider collects your IP address or retains data about your online activities.
- Kill switch. Disconnects you from the internet if your connection to the VPN drops for any reason to prevent accidental data leaks.
NordVPN also has an app-based kill switch, which allows you to shut down specific apps if the VPN disconnects.
I also like how both NordVPN and VyprVPN have perfect forward secrecy, which constantly changes the key used to encrypt your data so that even if a hacker obtained your key, they would only gain access to a tiny amount of your data (and won’t be able to access any future or past traffic).
But only NordVPN has RAM-only servers, which is an advanced security feature that only saves data to the RAM. That way, every server reset wipes everything.
Also, only NordVPN has full leak protection — VyprVPN only has DNS and IPv6 leak protection. That said, I ran 10+ leak tests with each provider, and I never experienced any leaks.
Both providers offer very secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. VyprVPN also supports Chameleon (its proprietary that hides VPN traffic) and WireGuard, which provides the best connection speeds and security out of all the traditional VPN protocols on the market. And NordVPN also uses its own proprietary protocol, called NordLynx, which is built around the WireGuard protocol.
I’m also a fan of NordVPN’s multi-factor authentication option that allows you to secure your account. When you set it up, you must authorize every login attempt with a time-sensitive code generated by an app or a security key every time.
Winner (Security): It’s a Tie
Both NordVPN and VyprVPN have robust security features. Each provider comes with industry-standard security features, has advanced security features like perfect forward secrecy, and offers secure VPN protocols. NordVPN also uses RAM-only servers and provides full leak protection.
Extra Features — NordVPN Comes Out on Top
NordVPN and VyprVPN both come with some great additional features for browsing, streaming, torrenting, and gaming. However, NordVPN is way more feature-rich.
Both providers come with split-tunneling, which lets you choose the apps you want to exclude from using the VPN connection.
Both providers also offer obfuscation, which can hide your VPN usage by making VPN traffic look like normal internet traffic. This provides extra privacy if you don’t want your internet service provider (ISP) to know you’re using a VPN.
When it comes to ad blockers, I prefer NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, which can block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. I also like that it can also scan the executable files you download for malware and that it’s active even when you’re not connected to the VPN. VyprVPN’s Block Malicious Sites feature only blocks malicious sites and not ads or ad trackers.
I also like that both VPNs support Tor traffic. You can connect to either VPN to secure your data and then access the Tor network for an additional layer of anonymity. But between the two, NordVPN has better Tor support as its Onion Over VPN servers allow you to surf dark websites on a regular browser.
Only NordVPN has a smart DNS, which lets you use a VPN on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like some smart TVs or gaming consoles.
Other features that NordVPN has over VyprVPN include:
- Dark Web Monitor. Scans the dark web and alerts you when the login credentials associated with your NordVPN account have been leaked.
- Double VPN. Routes your traffic through 2 VPN servers instead of 1 for extra security.
- Tapjacking protection. Protects you against malicious apps that add a screen overlay to obtain sensitive data including passwords and credit card information. You’ll receive an alert if NordVPN detects that an app has added a screen overlay.
- Meshnet. Lets you create your own private network by linking up to 60 devices over encrypted VPN connections (so you can easily host a virtual LAN party).
- Dedicated IP addresses. You pay extra to get a dedicated IP address assigned only to you. This allows you to avoid reCAPTCHAs and access banking sites (most banks block shared VPN IP addresses).
- SOCKS5 proxy servers. These change your IP address just like a VPN, but they don’t encrypt your traffic — which means you get faster download speeds.
Winner (Extra Features): NordVPN
NordVPN is the clear winner here. Both VPNs provide split-tunneling, obfuscation, and Tor support, and both VPNs can block malicious sites. But NordVPN can block ads and ad trackers, scan downloaded executable files for malware, has a smart DNS, and comes with a ton of other useful features including a dark web monitor, double VPN, Meshnet, dedicated IP addresses, a SOCKS5 proxy, and tapjacking protection.
Privacy — Both VPNs Provide Good Privacy
I’m really happy that both NordVPN and VyprVPN both have strict no-logs policies — they don’t collect your IP address and browsing traffic.
What’s more, both VPNs have had their no-logs policies independently audited. NordVPN’s no-logs policy passed audits in 2018, 2020, and 2022, and VyprVPN’s no-logs policy was audited in 2018.
In addition, NordVPN has also undergone other security audits. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol passed an audit, and its iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS apps were audited in 2019.
I also like how both VPNs are headquartered in privacy-friendly countries. NordVPN is based in Panama, and VyprVPN is based in Switzerland. Neither country has mandatory data retention laws, nor are they part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (a group of countries that share surveillance data).
However, only NordVPN accepts cryptocurrency payments, which provide more privacy than regular payment methods like credit/debit cards and PayPal.
Winner (Privacy): It’s a tie
It’s impossible to pick a winner here — both providers have strict no-logs policies that have been independently audited and are located in countries with strong privacy laws. NordVPN also accepts cryptocurrency payments.
Servers — NordVPN’s Server Network Is Better
Both have large server networks, but NordVPN simply has more servers — with NordVPN, you get 6,036 in 61 countries, while VyprVPN only comes with 700+ in 64 countries. This means you’re less likely to face overcrowded servers that can cause slowdowns with NordVPN.
And both VPNs provide good P2P support on their servers. VyprVPN allows torrenting on all servers, but NordVPN has a large P2P server network (4,500+ servers in 45+ countries).
NordVPN and VyprVPN both offer obfuscation, but NordVPN only has obfuscation on 100+ servers in 15+ countries. VyprVPN uses a separate Chameleon protocol for obfuscation that works on all of its servers.
Unlike VyprVPN, NordVPN has double VPN and dedicated IP servers. You can get a dedicated IP address from 5+ countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Japan.
And NordVPN also has Onion Over VPN servers, which are very convenient since they let you surf dark web sites in regular browsers.
Winner (Servers): NordVPN
Both VPNs have good server networks, but I like NordVPN more — it has way more servers than VyprVPN, and it also comes with additional types of servers, including Onion Over VPN, double VPN, and dedicated IP address servers. Both VPNs allow obfuscation on their servers and have good P2P support.
Speeds — NordVPN Provides Faster Speeds
Both NordVPN and VyprVPN provide good speeds, but NordVPN is slightly faster — after all, it’s one of the fastest VPNs in 2024.
During my tests, NordVPN performed very well on nearby servers. Websites and HD and 4K videos loaded instantly, and I didn’t encounter any buffering. A 20 GB file took approximately 11–13 minutes to download. When connected to a distant server, my speeds dropped slightly. Webpages took 2–3 seconds to load, HD videos loaded in 1–2 seconds, and 4K videos loaded in 4–5 seconds. I encountered no buffering while watching HD videos and only minor buffering while watching 4K videos. I also tried downloading the same 20 GB file, and it took 18–23 minutes to download.
VyprVPN performed almost as well as NordVPN, but it was still slower. When connected to a nearby server, websites, HD videos, and 4K videos all loaded instantly, and the videos didn’t buffer. A 20 GB file took 12–14 minutes to download. However, I experienced some slowdowns on distant servers. Websites and HD videos took 2–3 seconds to load and 4K videos took 5–6 seconds and buffered a little at the start. The same 20 GB file took 20–24 minutes to download.
Winner (Speeds): NordVPN
Both NordVPN and VyprVPN are very fast, but NordVPN performed slightly better during my speed tests. On local servers, websites and videos loaded instantly for both providers, and I got very fast download speeds when torrenting. On distant servers, NordVPN came out on top, loading videos just a couple of seconds faster and downloading large torrent files in less time.
Streaming — NordVPN Is Better for Streaming
Both VPNs provide good variety when it comes to streaming. NordVPN works with 10+ streaming platforms, while VyprVPN claims to work with 30+ services.
While both providers work with Netflix, I like NordVPN more. The customer support team confirmed it works with 10+ Netflix libraries, whereas VyprVPN’s customer support team confirmed it only works with 4 libraries (Canada, Germany, the US, and the UK). Also, NordVPN and VyprVPN both work with other top streaming sites, like Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime — but only NordVPN works with Disney+.
Plus, only NordVPN comes with a smart DNS tool, which enables you to use a VPN on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like some smart TVs and gaming consoles. And the provider also has SmartPlay, which mixes VPN and smart DNS technology across all of its servers to provide you with even better security when connected to the VPN.
Winner (Streaming): NordVPN
NordVPN is the better VPN for streaming. While VyprVPN works with more streaming services, NordVPN covers the biggest ones (including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer) and comes with a smart DNS and SmartPlay. VyprVPN doesn’t work with Disney+ and lacks a smart DNS.
Torrenting — NordVPN Is a Bit Better
NordVPN allows torrenting on more servers — you get 4,500+ P2P servers in 45+ countries. On the other hand, VyprVPN only allows torrenting on 700+ in 64 countries. Although VyprVPN gets you a few more server locations, NordVPN has way more servers to prevent overcrowding.
Both providers work with popular torrenting clients. I tested them with qBittorrent, Deluge, Vuze, Transmission, and uTorrent, and I didn’t experience any issues. Unfortunately, neither provider comes with port forwarding, which allows you to connect to more peers for faster torrenting speeds.
That said, NordVPN offers SOCKS5 proxy support. These proxy servers change your IP address without encrypting your traffic, making them a much faster choice for torrenting if you aren’t too concerned about security.
Also, both VPNs provide excellent security for torrenting. They have a kill switch and an independently audited no-logs policy. Also, NordVPN has Threat Protection, which can block ads on P2P sites in addition to protecting you from malicious sites and downloads. VyprVPN is only capable of blocking shady sites.
I tested 10+ servers from both VPNs and never saw any leaks. I also ran torrent IP leaks on 3 torrent clients with both NordVPN and VyprVPN and confirmed that the torrent apps don’t leak my real IP address — the displayed IP address was always from the VPN provider.
Winner (Torrenting): NordVPN
Both NordVPN and VyprVPN are pretty good for torrenting, but I prefer NordVPN. It comes with way more P2P servers than VyprVPN, and it also provides SOCKS5 proxy support, which boosts download speeds. Both VPNs have good security features for torrenting.
Gaming — Both Are Equally Good
NordVPN and VyprVPN are both decent VPNs for gaming. I played several rounds of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive while connected to each one. I got better speeds with NordVPN on local servers and good speeds with VyprVPN on distant servers. The ping was very stable with both VPNs regardless of where I was connected, but I experienced some minor lag while gaming on distant servers.
Both VPNs protect you from Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks by hiding your real IP address, but only VyprVPN has anti-DDoS protection on all of its servers. This prevents a hacker from DDoS-ing the VPN server you’re connected to.
What’s more, both VPNs work on routers. They both have good guides on their website that show you how to set up their services on your router, so you can use them on devices that don’t support VPNs, like gaming consoles.
Unfortunately, neither NordVPN nor VyprVPN has cloud gaming support. I tested both VPNs with GeForce Now and didn’t experience any issues, but there’s no guarantee that it’ll work for you.
And I really like NordVPN’s Meshnet feature, which lets you host virtual LAN parties — you can link up to 60 of your friends’ devices and encrypt all of their connections. Plus, Meshnet is free and also powered by NordVPN’s Lynx protocol, which is fast, so you’re less likely to experience lag.
Winner (Gaming): It’s a tie
NordVPN and VyprVPN are both good for gaming — they provide stable ping, maintain decent speeds on local and distant servers, and offer router support. Neither has cloud gaming support, and I experienced some lag when gaming online with both providers. NordVPN also comes with Meshnet, while VyprVPN has anti-DDoS protection on all of its servers.
Bypassing Censorship — VyprVPN Is the Best Pick
Both VPNs offer obfuscation, but only VyprVPN works in restrictive countries like China, Russia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. Multiple NordVPN reps confirmed the provider doesn’t work in restrictive regions.
VyprVPN also provides other perks such as obfuscation on all servers, so it’s easy to connect to a nearby location for fast speeds. Also, its proprietary protocol regularly changes your IP address, which helps you avoid VPN IP blocks in restrictive countries.
Winner (Bypassing Censorship): VyprVPN
I only recommend using VyprVPN in restrictive countries. While both VPNs have obfuscation, only VyprVPN is able to access the web in places like China, Russia, and Iran.
Apps & Ease of Use — Both VPNs Are Very User-Friendly
NordVPN and VyprVPN both have apps for all major operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, and Chromebook. They also support manual router setups and provide step-by-step tutorials that make the setup process simple.
I really like that their mobile apps are beginner-friendly. The interface is simple to navigate and most settings and features have helpful explanations. Still, I think NordVPN’s mobile apps are more feature-rich than VyprVPN’s mobile apps.
NordVPN and VyprVPN’s desktop apps are also really good — the interfaces are easy to navigate, they make it super simple to connect to a server, and they come with plenty of helpful explanations for all features and settings.
Winner (Apps & Ease of Use): It’s a tie
Both providers have great apps. They have apps for all major platforms, allow manual router setups, and their mobile and desktop apps are very intuitive and come with good features.
Plans & Pricing — NordVPN Provides Better Value
NordVPN is the more affordable and higher value VPN — it’s cheaper and comes with more extra features. But if you need a VPN to cover a large number of devices, VyprVPN might be the better choice. It allows 5 simultaneous connections (NordVPN only allows 6 connections).
NordVPN has paid monthly and yearly plans and offers a tier-based subscription structure with its Standard, Plus, and Complete plans. The Standard Plan has all of the VPN features, the Plus Plan adds NordPass (a very good password manager), and the Complete Plan adds NordLocker, which provides encrypted cloud storage. Unless you need the extra features, the Standard Plan, which starts at $3.39 / month, offers everything you need in a VPN and is cheaper than VyprVPN’s plans.
VyprVPN has a 1-month and 12-month plan. The 12-month plan provides better value and starts at $5.00 / month.
Both providers accept payment through credit/debit cards and PayPal, but only NordVPN also accepts cryptocurrency payments. This makes it the superior choice if you want that extra bit of anonymity. Also, both VPNs back every plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Winner (Plans & Pricing): NordVPN
NordVPN offers more features at a lower price. It also accepts cryptocurrency payments. But VyprVPN is a good choice if you need to cover many devices, as it allows 5 simultaneous connections. All plans from both providers are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Customer Support — Both VPNs Have Great Customer Support
Both vendors have in-depth support libraries on their websites that will help you set up and customize the VPN to your needs and answer all frequently asked questions. I found NordVPN’s support library a bit nicer as it includes some visual aids, but VyprVPN’s support library was just as helpful.
I was happy to see that NordVPN and VyprVPN both offer 24/7 live chat support. During my tests, I never had to wait more than 10 seconds to be connected to a support representative. The agents I spoke to were pleasant and answered all of my questions.
I also sent each VPN a couple of emails and was happy with their reply times. NordVPN replied within 5 hours for my first email and within a day for my second. VyprVPN’s support reps replied to both of my messages within 2 hours. All responses I received adequately addressed my questions and concerns.
Winner (Customer Support): It’s a tie
Both NordVPN and VyprVPN provide really good customer support. They both have in-depth support libraries with a lot of clear and detailed guides, offer 24/7 live chat support, and are very quick to respond to emails. Additionally, the support reps I spoke to for either provider were all friendly and knowledgeable.
NordVPN vs. VyprVPN: Overall Winner
NordVPN has many extras, 6,036 servers in 61 countries, and fast speeds. It also comes with great streaming support, has 4,500+ P2P servers in 45+ countries and SOCKS5 proxy support, is very secure, and has affordable plans.
VyprVPN has strong security and privacy and also works well in restrictive countries. It has 700+ servers in 64 countries, provides fast connection speeds, allows torrenting on all of its servers, and works with 30+ streaming sites. It also has intuitive apps for all major platforms.
While both VPNs are good, NordVPN is the better pick. It has more additional features, a bigger server network, faster speeds, and it’s better for streaming and torrenting. Also, it’s more affordable than VyprVPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than VyprVPN?
Yes, NordVPN is better than VyprVPN in terms of extra features, server network, speeds, streaming, torrenting, and plans and pricing. That said, VyprVPN is better at bypassing censorship, and both are equally good when it comes to security, privacy, gaming, ease of use, and customer support.
Which is better for streaming — NordVPN or VyprVPN?
Both providers are good for streaming, but NordVPN is the superior pick. Its customer support team confirmed it works with 10+ Netflix libraries and 10+ other streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max, and BBC iPlayer. It also has a smart DNS tool, which allows you to use the VPN on smart TVs and gaming consoles, and SmartPlay, which provides even better encryption. VyprVPN, on the other hand, doesn’t work with Disney+ and lacks a smart DNS.
Which one is faster — NordVPN or VyprVPN?
Both VPNs are fast, but NordVPN is noticeably faster. During my tests, both VPNs provided me with good speeds on nearby servers, but I had slightly faster streaming, torrenting, and browsing with NordVPN on distant servers.
Which is better for gaming — NordVPN or VyprVPN?
I couldn’t choose a winner since both VPNs have good gaming support. NordVPN and VyprVPN both maintain stable ping and good speeds while gaming — I experienced lag on distant servers with both providers, but it wasn’t game-breaking. Also, NordVPN has a feature that’s good for securely hosting virtual LAN parties, while VyprVPN equips all of its servers with anti-DDoS protection.