NordVPN alternatives

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 50 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

1. [R9] NordVPN 1/5 · US Auto Connect Turning OFF In Background: 7/10/26 Auto connect is turning off in the background. This is crazy. Has been happening for about two weeks. What is the point if the connection turns off in the background and you have no idea? So bad!
2. [R11] NordVPN 1/5 · US Cannot connect in China, and there's no warning when topping up: Do not buy this. · translated
3. [R19] NordVPN 1/5 · US Cannot connect, it just keeps spinning. I even bought a one-year subscription. · translated
4. [R21] NordVPN 1/5 · US Takes payment and doesn’t work): I can’t connect to any of the servers over half an hour waste of time and money)
5. [R3] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows down my WiFi connection: Nord VPN slows down my WiFi so bad at times I can’t even use it. I’ve had to disconnect it many times so I could use WiFi on my phone. I’ve switched to different locations, but it doesn’t really make much of a difference! My speeds go from almost 200 down to 15-20! Really considering just removing it from my tv and everything else, because it may be helpful at pr
6. [R17] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows my computers down: I frequently have to pause my connection in order to get my devices to connect. Not good at all
7. [R23] NordVPN 2/5 · US Used to be good: Over the years I’ve noticed degradation in my phone functionality. When the vpn is on, I don’t receive calls or voicemails. It lags if my data traffic is too high and gets stuck loading an IP. Could be a combination of the new iOS and Nord changing how they do things
8. [R35] NordVPN 1/5 · US Non Functional: Amazing I can’t even sign into Nord VPN website without pausing the connection. Most other websites I must pause the connection. Those sites I do connect are slow. I wish I could get a refund. This was a BIG mistake
9. [R1] NordVPN 1/5 · US Did not work in the Philippines.: I pay for Paramount+. I tried to use NordVPN to watch the UFC on Paramount. Did not work in the Philippines.
10. [R13] NordVPN 2/5 · US Doesn’t work with AppleTV: Doesn’t work with AppleTV, AppleTV detects it and doesn’t allow to play live programming. Might good as VPN.
11. [R15] NordVPN 1/5 · US Too restrictive: Can’t get into a lot of my usual websites or connect Apple Play to my car without turning it off!
12. [R25] NordVPN 1/5 · US Disappointed: I’m overseas and tried using nord to bypass geolocation and does not work. Wasted my money.
13. [R5] NordVPN 1/5 · US Keeps blocking internet when paused: I’m unable to access the Internet when my connection is paused
14. [R24] NordVPN 5/5 · US It’s good: Edit: they changed the UI, so I feel obligated to update this review. I’m also taking full credit for this change regardless if it played any part in it or not. Overall it’s genuinely a solid vpn service and I have no complaints about how it works., Why would you remove a button to disconnect from the vpn in one click? Now you have to click on pause and the last option lets you to di
15. [R27] NordVPN 1/5 · US Please fix this…: When I put the phone in airplane mode, the connection VPN stays on, there is a way to turn off both things at the same time
16. [R7] NordVPN 1/5 · US Complete waste of money: I am disabled and get $900 a month. I was expecting this to secure my devices and things kept escalating. I’m so sorry to leave. Love you, but I’ve tried every setting and even paid for the dedicated IP and no matter what it didn’t help. I just would like a refund and I would happily instantly change his review. I’ve given the opportunity. Thank you so much and God bless y
17. [R36] NordVPN 1/5 · US Refund: I only wanted to try your app out before I was charged a whole year of service when I wasn’t sure if I’d be using it in the next month. I filed my complaint with support. I haven’t heard/read from them.
18. [R42] NordVPN 1/5 · US Apple will not refund you: Despite having a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, if you buy nordvpn thru appstore, apple will not give back your money under any circumstance. Just buy the vpn from the actual site and they probably will honor the refund. Apple will just steal your money.
19. [R46] NordVPN 1/5 · US How: I’ve deleted the app and it doesn’t show up in my subscriptions so why is it still charging my card
20. [R37] NordVPN 1/5 · US Decent VPN but terrible UX: This app really doesn’t want you to turn off the VPN. It will only disable for 15 mins by default. It’s easy to figure out but I cannot stand dark UX patterns like this. I cannot stand this forced behavior
21. [R8] NordVPN 5/5 · US Beautiful Nord: How can I thank you enough for all the protection that you provided me throughout the past few years. It’s 2026 and you can’t trust anybody anymore but with you at least I know they can’t find me. Love you! Quantum who?
22. [R14] NordVPN 5/5 · US I’m no IT guy….: I’m not sure if I can explain this but bc it was so simple to set this VPN up, and like everyone I did so bc I had concerns about my exposure online, I feel safer. I prefer to err on the side of caution and for short money, along with the value based on their reputation, I feel as though I am getting my desired protection on multiple devices.