AdGuard VPN vs NordVPN
Picking between AdGuard VPN and NordVPN is a bit like choosing between a Swiss army knife and a full tool set. AdGuard grew out of an ad-blocking product, so its VPN leans into DNS filtering, tracker blocking, and a lightweight feel. The network is smaller, and a few features feel like convenient add-ons rather than a deep platform. NordVPN takes the opposite route, a purpose-built VPN with one of the largest server fleets around, plus a long list of privacy and streaming tools.
Both services speak to different needs. In the next sections, we look at how both options behave in real life, from speed and privacy to streaming and daily usability. We will point out where each one shines, and where you may want to consider other alternatives if your priorities differ.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- AdGuard’s proprietary protocol and integrated DNS filtering create a rare mix of VPN and ad blocking, although its smaller network and uneven speeds make it better for occasional use.
- NordVPN’s global reach, with thousands of servers across well over a hundred countries, delivers reliable speed and advanced extras like Threat Protection Pro, double VPN, and Onion over VPN.
- Some competitors bundle business features or identity tools, but they often cannot match the depth of infrastructure you get from a dedicated, large-scale VPN network.
Quick Comparison: AdGuard VPN vs NordVPN
| Feature | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server network | Servers in 64 countries, total count undisclosed | 7,000+ servers in 127 countries |
| Protocols | AdGuard proprietary protocol, plus OpenVPN and WireGuard, AES-256 encryption | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, and NordWhisper, AES-256 or ChaCha20 |
| Speed impact | Average downloads around 20% lower, uploads can dip more, latency rises on distant hops | Downloads ~7% lower and uploads ~4% lower in typical tests, latency remains playable |
| Streaming | Can open several Netflix libraries, struggles at times with Disney+ and quality consistency | Access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more on a wide range of servers |
| Free plan | Free tier with 3 GB per month and 10 locations | No free plan, 30-day money-back guarantee |
At a glance, NordVPN wins on network size, speed, and streaming. AdGuard VPN stands out for its integrated ad blocking and the availability of a free plan. If you prefer a plug-and-play device that protects an entire home network without installing apps, the Shellfire Box is a simple way to bypass device limits and move protection between locations.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Aspect | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server count | Undisclosed number of servers, presence in 64 countries | 7,000+ servers across 127 countries |
| Locations | 70+ locations, free tier limited to 10 cities | Physical and virtual locations worldwide, plus specialty nodes |
| Specialty servers | DNS servers for ad blocking and content filtering | Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated, P2P, Meshnet |
AdGuard’s footprint covers fewer countries and does not disclose a total server count. The emphasis is on AdGuard DNS and Family Protection profiles to block ads, trackers, and adult content. NordVPN operates a very large fleet and has upgraded to RAM-only servers with specialty options such as double VPN and Onion over VPN. For a broader sense of how other top networks spread their infrastructure, our comparison of ExpressVPN vs Surfshark highlights different approaches to global coverage.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Download impact | Roughly 20% average drop, some nearby servers can improve throughput | About 7% average drop on downloads |
| Upload impact | Can dip by more than half on certain routes | About 4% average drop |
| Latency | Notable ping increase, especially over long distances | Typically rises to around a few dozen milliseconds, still fine for most games |
In practice, AdGuard’s proprietary protocol plus its smaller network can slow traffic on busy or distant routes. Some local hops do fine, yet uploads and latency swing more than we would like. NordVPN stays more consistent. Most users will notice smoother browsing, streaming, and gaming with NordVPN. If you want a deeper look at protocol trade-offs, our Surfshark vs ProtonVPN comparison shows how different stacks handle speed under load.
Security & Privacy
| Aspect | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 via the AdGuard protocol | 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | Proprietary AdGuard protocol, WireGuard, OpenVPN | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, NordWhisper |
| No-logs policy | States no activity logging, no independent audit, collects registration and traffic volume data | Independently audited no-logs policy, Panama jurisdiction |
| Kill switch | Built-in kill switch | System- and app-level kill switches |
Both use strong encryption. NordVPN’s third-party audits and Panama base strengthen its privacy story. AdGuard claims no activity logs, although there is no independent audit and it stores registration details and usage volume. NordVPN also layers on Threat Protection Pro for malware and tracker blocking, double VPN, and Onion over VPN. These add-ons are not mandatory for casual use, yet they are handy when you want extra cover, for instance while traveling on public Wi-Fi.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Opens U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia libraries on paid plans, free plan’s 3 GB cap is limiting | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| Other services | Mixed results, occasional quality dips with Disney+ | SmartDNS (SmartPlay) helps on devices without VPN apps |
| P2P support | Torrenting allowed on many servers, speeds vary | Dedicated P2P servers and a SOCKS5 proxy for flexible setups |
AdGuard VPN can open several Netflix regions, but the free tier’s data cap and those occasional quality hiccups limit long streaming sessions. NordVPN is more consistent across platforms and adds SmartPlay to help devices that cannot run VPN apps. Heavy streamers will generally have an easier time with NordVPN.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | Windows 8+, macOS 10.15+, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS |
| Mobile | iOS 15.4+, Android 7+ | iOS, Android, iPadOS |
| Other devices | Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, manual router setup possible | Native apps for Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, extensions, and manual router setup |
AdGuard covers the main desktops and mobiles and offers straightforward browser extensions. NordVPN goes wider with TV and streaming devices and allows up to ten simultaneous connections. Meshnet is a bonus for secure device-to-device links, useful for quick file shares or ad-hoc remote access without exposing ports.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| China | Stealth protocol can help, reliability varies, no dedicated obfuscated servers | Obfuscated servers in multiple countries and NordWhisper for DPI resistance |
| Russia/Iran | DNS filtering may trigger blocks, results can be inconsistent | Obfuscation and specialty modes improve the odds, not guaranteed |
| UAE/Saudi Arabia | Limited guidance, trial and error often required | Often works thanks to obfuscation and strong crypto, depends on ISP |
Neither service can promise uninterrupted access in very restrictive regions. AdGuard’s stealth can be enough for light tasks. NordVPN’s obfuscation and protocol options usually offer a better chance. In high-risk scenarios, some users prefer a small hardware router preconfigured at home, then used abroad to avoid local app stores that block VPN downloads. The Shellfire Box is one such option.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| UI design | Simple dashboard that recommends fast servers and shows ping | Modern interface with quick connect and map view |
| Ease of use | Fast setup, “Exclusions” split tunneling for apps or sites | One-click connection, Meshnet links devices securely, split tunneling for apps and sites |
| Stability | Occasional fluctuations in speed and ping | Generally stable sessions with minimal buffering |
AdGuard keeps things straightforward and gets out of the way, plus its Exclusions feature is handy if a banking site dislikes VPNs. NordVPN’s polish shows in the small details, from the server map to settings that are easy to find. If you want the simplest route for an entire household, the Shellfire VPN app can pair with the Shellfire Box to cover every device on your network without extra tweaks.
Customer Support
| Support channel | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | No live chat, support center and community forum | 24/7 live chat and email support |
| Email support available, responses can take time | Fast replies plus step-by-step guides | |
| Resources | Knowledge base and community threads | Extensive FAQs, tutorials, and visual guides |
Support reflects scale. AdGuard relies on written guides and a community forum, which is fine for patient tinkerers. NordVPN’s always-on chat is helpful if you are troubleshooting at odd hours or need a quick fix for a streaming issue before movie night.
Additional Features
| Feature | AdGuard VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-blocking / DNS | Built-in DNS to block ads, trackers, and adult content | Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, malware, and trackers |
| Split tunneling | “Exclusions” for per-app or per-site bypass | Split tunneling for apps and websites on multiple platforms |
| Automation | Auto-connect on untrusted networks, DNS filtering profiles | Meshnet, SmartPlay, Dark Web Monitor, and specialty servers |
AdGuard’s highlights are its DNS-level blocking and a simple automation toggle for risky Wi-Fi. NordVPN offers a deeper feature bench, from Threat Protection Pro to multi-hop and dark web alerts. If you prefer a set-and-forget approach for every device at home, the Shellfire Box can be that single switch.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use case | AdGuard VPN rating | NordVPN rating |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Remote work | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Budget | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Censorship | ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
For movies and series marathons, NordVPN is the safer pick. Its network scale, SmartPlay DNS, and steady access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer translate into smooth HD and 4K without constant server hopping. AdGuard VPN can open several Netflix regions, yet the 3 GB free cap and occasional quality dips make it harder to recommend for long sessions. If you want something that works across every screen with zero tinkering, the Shellfire Box routes all traffic through a VPN and keeps setup painless.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Torrenting lives and dies on upstream capacity and stable peers. NordVPN helps with dedicated P2P servers and an optional SOCKS5 proxy if you prefer that style of setup. AdGuard supports P2P but lacks purpose-built locations, so performance can swing. If P2P is your main reason to use a VPN, NordVPN’s combination of speed and privacy features is the better match.
Best VPN for Gaming
Gamers care about latency first. NordVPN kept ping increases modest and gameplay smooth in our tests, and Meshnet is a neat bonus if you want quick, private LAN sessions with friends. AdGuard’s higher and more variable latency can be fine for casual play, but competitive shooters will feel the difference.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Remote work rewards consistency. NordVPN’s split tunneling lets you route collaboration tools through the tunnel while keeping local services direct, which can improve call stability. AdGuard offers an Exclusions feature for similar control, although its upload dips and jitter may be noticeable during long video calls.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
If you are price-sensitive, AdGuard VPN’s free plan and modest paid tiers are attractive, just remember the trade-offs, fewer servers, lower peak speeds, and a tight data cap on the free plan. NordVPN costs more per month, but multi-year deals often shrink the gap and you get stronger all-around performance over time. For many people, that extra reliability is worth a couple of coffees per month.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
NordVPN’s obfuscation options and protocol choices give it better odds against deep packet inspection. AdGuard’s stealth can help, yet it is not as flexible. In very tough environments, nobody can promise perfection, so it is smart to have a backup plan such as a preconfigured travel router. The Shellfire Box fits that role well.
Conclusion
AdGuard VPN and NordVPN serve distinct audiences. AdGuard’s proprietary protocol, DNS-level blocking, and free plan make it a friendly starter option. The trade-off is an undisclosed server count, average speeds, and fewer advanced features, which keeps it in the “casual use” lane. It pairs nicely with other AdGuard tools if you mainly want to cut down trackers and ads while browsing.
NordVPN sits in the top tier thanks to audited no-logs policies, a huge global footprint, and a deep feature set. Whether you stream, torrent, game, or work remotely, NordVPN delivers consistent speed and practical extras like Threat Protection Pro, Meshnet, and specialty servers. It is not the cheapest plan on the market, yet the experience tends to justify the price for frequent users.
As a final note, two alternatives worth keeping in mind are Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box. The VPN app is straightforward and reliable, while the Box can protect every device in a small office or household without installing software. Depending on your setup, either one can be a smart, low-effort route to network-wide privacy.
