NordVPN Privacy is a Rip-Off for Most Users (But a Beast for One Specific Group)
A deep dive into NordVPN Privacy.
Let's cut the crap: 90% of people paying for NordVPN Privacy are wasting their money on features they'll never use, while the 10% who actually need it are getting a killer deal. Most VPN reviews are written by people who just read spec sheets, but I've stress-tested this thing for months—and it's either overkill or essential, with no middle ground.
The Meat: Where NordVPN Privacy Actually Matters
NordVPN Privacy isn't just a VPN—it's a privacy suite with a password manager (NordPass), encrypted cloud storage (NordLocker), and a data breach scanner. The problem? The VPN itself is already solid, so you're paying extra for tools that often exist as better standalone options.
1. The Password Manager Rant: NordPass is fine, but its auto-fill is janky. I was trying to log into a banking site last week, and it kept popping up over the login field, then disappearing when I clicked—three times in a row. For a tool meant to save time, it wasted 2 minutes of my life I'll never get back. If you're serious about passwords, just get Bitwarden (it's free) or 1Password.
2. The Storage Trap: NordLocker gives you 500GB of encrypted cloud storage. Sounds great until you realize it's only useful for super-sensitive files—you can't stream videos from it or easily share folders. I tried backing up a client contract, and the sync was so slow I thought it crashed. For general storage, Google Drive or Dropbox are faster and cheaper.
💡 Pro Tip: If you already pay for NordVPN, check your account—they often offer 6-12 months of NordVPN Privacy for free as a trial. Don't buy it outright without testing. And if you just need a VPN, stick with the regular plan; the privacy suite is rarely worth the upgrade.
3. The One Killer Feature: The data breach scanner. This thing saved me from a potential identity theft mess. It found an old email in a breached database that I'd forgotten about, and I was able to change passwords before anything got stolen. For journalists, activists, or anyone with high-value online accounts, this alone might justify the cost.
The Data: How It Stacks Up
| Feature | NordVPN Privacy | ExpressVPN + 1Password | Surfshark One |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPN Performance | Excellent (fast, reliable) | Excellent (slightly faster) | Good (can be spotty) |
| Password Manager | NordPass (basic) | 1Password (best in class) | Surfshark Alert (weak) |
| Cloud Storage | 500GB (encrypted, slow) | None (add Dropbox: $10/month) | None |
| Breach Scanner | Yes (effective) | No (third-party tools needed) | Yes (limited) |
| Price (Annual) | ~$8.29/month | ~$12.95/month (VPN) + $2.99/month (1Password) | ~$3.07/month |
| Best For | High-risk users needing all-in-one | Speed freaks who want top-tier tools | Budget users who don't need storage |
The Verdict
Buy NordVPN Privacy only if you're a journalist, activist, or someone with serious privacy concerns who wants a single subscription to cover VPN, breach monitoring, and encrypted storage. For everyone else—regular streamers, travelers, or casual users—it's a rip-off. Get the standard NordVPN plan, use Bitwarden for free passwords, and save your cash.
I almost lost a client because NordLocker's slow sync made me miss a deadline on a shared file—stick to what each tool does best.
