Introduction
With the increase in online threats and surveillance, using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your online privacy and security has become essential. If you’re looking for a VPN service, NordVPN is probably on your list. One important question many potential users ask is, “Is NordVPN Free?” In this article, we explore NordVPN’s “free” services, their limitations, and whether upgrading to the premium version is worth it.
Exploring the Truth: Is NordVPN Really Free?
Many people confuse “free” VPN services with paid VPN services that offer a free trial or money-back guarantee. Free VPN services are usually completely free with no strings attached. When it comes to NordVPN, their free service falls into the category of a trial period, which is not entirely free.
NordVPN does allow its users to try out its services for a limited time period, but after that, you’re required to pay if you want to continue using NordVPN. Let’s talk about NordVPN’s pricing structure.
NordVPN’s ‘Free’ Service: Separating Fact from Fiction
NordVPN’s free service is not a fully functional VPN. It only allows users to use a limited version of the product. The “free” service is a 7-day trial, which means that users will get access to NordVPN’s premium features for 7 days without paying. However, after the trial period, NordVPN will charge the user for their services.
When compared to NordVPN’s paid plans, the free trial is limited. The user will only have access to a limited number of servers across a few locations and cannot access features that are included in paid plans.
Why There’s No Such Thing as a Free NordVPN
Running a VPN service is costly, and it’s hard to make money without charging users. To keep their infrastructure running, VPN providers need to pay for server costs, software and hardware upgrades, and employee salaries.
Free VPN services have to make money somehow, and they do it in ways that might compromise the users’ privacy and security. Most of these services collect and sell user data, show pop-up ads, or mine cryptocurrency using users’ devices. NordVPN, as a paid VPN service, does not rely on such tactics and generates revenue only from its users’ subscriptions.
NordVPN’s Limited Free Plan: What You Need to Know
If you’re interested in trying out NordVPN, you can take advantage of the free trial. This limited version of NordVPN allows you to access the VPN’s premium features for seven days. After this period, you have to pay if you want to continue using the service.
The NordVPN free plan includes access to servers in only a few locations, and the user cannot use many features available to paid users. For instance, you cannot use the obfuscated servers, which are designed to bypass internet censorship.
The Pros and Cons of NordVPN’s Free Version
NordVPN’s free version has some benefits. First, it allows potential users to test the VPN before committing to buying a subscription. Second, it offers basic features that are still beneficial for online privacy and security, such as 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. However, users have to be aware that the free version has some limitations that might affect their online experience.
The drawbacks of using NordVPN’s free version include the limited number of servers available and only being able to use the service for 7 days. Also, some features essential for ensuring online privacy, such as the dedicated IP, are not available in the free version.
Why Upgrading to NordVPN’s Premium Version is Worth It
NordVPN’s premium plan is the best option for users who need reliable and complete VPN services. By upgrading to a paid plan, you will have access to NordVPN’s full network of servers, including the obfuscated servers, which can bypass internet censorship. Additionally, you will get access to the dedicated IP, a feature that ensures added online privacy.
Overall, upgrading to a paid subscription is worth it, especially if you’re after advanced features such as Double VPN or Onion over VPN. NordVPN’s premium plans provide advanced security features and can accommodate up to 6 simultaneous connections, making them a perfect choice for individuals or businesses.
Maximizing Your Security: Comparing NordVPN’s Free and Paid Plans
When comparing NordVPN’s free and paid plans, the paid option provides more comprehensive security features. The paid plan offers users obfuscated servers, Onion over VPN, and Double VPN. Additionally, NordVPN’s premium users have access to dedicated IPs and the CyberSec feature, which blocks ads and malicious websites.
If you’re using NordVPN for basic online security, the free plan might be enough, but the paid version is the best option for users who are primarily interested in advanced security features and additional server locations.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the facts about NordVPN’s free (trial) services, you can decide if it’s the right VPN for you. While it is true that NordVPN offers a free trial, it is not entirely free, and the free version is limited. However, upgrading to a premium plan is worth it if you need more comprehensive security features.
Overall, NordVPN is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses looking to secure their online privacy and security.
Go ahead and try out NordVPN’s free version. If you find it helpful, then you can upgrade to its premium plans to experience advanced features.
