NordVPN Privacy is a Rip-Off for Most Users—Here's What Actually Works
A deep dive into NordVPN Privacy.
Let's cut the crap: NordVPN Privacy is a bloated, overpriced package that 90% of you don't need. It's a classic upsell tactic, bundling a VPN with a password manager and data breach scanner to justify a higher price tag. I've tested every major player, and here's the brutal truth: if you just want a VPN, you're getting fleeced.
The Meat: Where NordVPN Privacy Fails and Competitors Kill
1. The Price vs. Performance Scam: NordVPN Privacy costs nearly double the base VPN plan. For what? A password manager that's inferior to standalone options like Bitwarden and a breach scanner you can get for free from Have I Been Pwned. I tried setting up the password manager on a fresh device, and the auto-fill feature lagged so badly on a login page that I ended up typing everything manually—defeating the whole point. It's trash wrapped in marketing fluff.
2. The RAM Hog UI: NordVPN's desktop app is a memory beast, often sucking up 200+ MB of RAM just idling. Compare that to Mullvad VPN, which runs lean at under 50 MB. I was editing a video while connected, and NordVPN's app spiked my CPU usage, causing a render to crash. I almost missed a deadline because of this bloatware.
3. The Competitor Edge: Surfshark offers unlimited device connections for less than NordVPN's base plan—no tiered nonsense. Proton VPN gives you a free tier that's actually usable for basic browsing, something NordVPN doesn't dare do because they know their value is shaky.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're on a budget, skip NordVPN Privacy entirely. Buy the base NordVPN plan (often on sale for ~$3/month) and pair it with Bitwarden's free password manager. You'll save cash and get better performance without the bloat.
The Data: Hard Numbers Don't Lie
| Feature | NordVPN Privacy | Surfshark One | Proton VPN Unlimited | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | $14.99 | $12.95 | $9.99 | €5 (~$5.50) |
| VPN Only Price | $12.99 | $10.99 | $9.99 | €5 (~$5.50) |
| Device Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 10 | 5 |
| Password Manager | Included (Basic) | Included (Basic) | Not Included | Not Included |
| Data Breach Scanner | Included | Included | Not Included | Not Included |
| Free Tier | No | No | Yes (Limited) | No |
| RAM Usage (Desktop) | ~200 MB | ~150 MB | ~100 MB | ~50 MB |
The Verdict: Stop Wasting Your Money
Buy NordVPN Privacy only if you're a privacy newbie who wants everything in one box and refuses to use separate tools—even if it costs more for less. Otherwise, avoid it like the plague. For most users, get the base NordVPN plan for speed and reliability, or switch to Mullvad VPN if you value raw simplicity and low resource use. Surfshark is the killer for families with tons of devices, and Proton VPN is the beast for freeloaders who need a decent free option.
