NordVPN claims to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market. We ran systematic speed tests across multiple server locations, protocols, and times of day to verify these claims. Here are our actual results.
NordVPN Speed Test Methodology
We tested NordVPN speeds from a US connection (1 Gbps fiber) using:
- Protocol: NordLynx (WireGuard-based) and OpenVPN UDP
- Servers: Nearby (US), medium distance (UK/EU), and long distance (Asia)
- Testing times: Morning, afternoon, and evening
- Tools: Speedtest.net and Fast.com
NordVPN NordLynx Speed Test Results
| Server Location | Download | Upload | Ping | Speed Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No VPN (baseline) | 980 Mbps | 960 Mbps | 4 ms | 100% |
| US Server (nearby) | 740 Mbps | 710 Mbps | 12 ms | 75% |
| UK Server | 420 Mbps | 380 Mbps | 95 ms | 43% |
| Germany Server | 390 Mbps | 350 Mbps | 110 ms | 40% |
| Japan Server | 185 Mbps | 165 Mbps | 185 ms | 19% |
| Australia Server | 140 Mbps | 120 Mbps | 210 ms | 14% |
NordLynx vs OpenVPN Speed Comparison
| Protocol | US Server Speed | UK Server Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordLynx | 740 Mbps | 420 Mbps | Default — use this |
| OpenVPN UDP | 320 Mbps | 180 Mbps | More compatible but slower |
| OpenVPN TCP | 280 Mbps | 150 Mbps | Use for restrictive networks |
| IKEv2 | 490 Mbps | 260 Mbps | Good for mobile |
Key takeaway: Always use NordLynx. It’s 2–3x faster than OpenVPN and has equivalent security. The only reason to use OpenVPN is if NordLynx is blocked on your network.
How Fast Does NordVPN Need to Be?
- Standard browsing: 5 Mbps sufficient — NordVPN is fine anywhere
- HD streaming (1080p): 10 Mbps needed — NordVPN exceeds this on all servers
- 4K streaming: 25 Mbps needed — NordVPN exceeds this on all servers
- Gaming: Low ping is more important than raw speed
- Large file downloads: Faster is better — use nearby NordLynx servers
NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol delivers 700+ Mbps on nearby servers. Try it risk-free for 30 days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is NordVPN so fast?
NordVPN uses NordLynx, a protocol built on WireGuard — the most modern and efficient VPN protocol available. WireGuard uses less code, more efficient cryptography, and runs in the kernel rather than user space, resulting in dramatically faster speeds than OpenVPN.
How do I make NordVPN faster?
Switch to NordLynx protocol in Settings → Protocols. Connect to a server in the closest country. Use the Quick Connect button to let NordVPN automatically pick the optimal server for your location.
Does NordVPN throttle speeds?
No — NordVPN does not artificially throttle connection speeds. Speed limitations come from encryption overhead and physical server distance, not artificial limits.