Shellfire

ESET is best known as an antivirus specialist, but its Home Security Ultimate plan also bundles in an integrated VPN for encrypted connections and private browsing. While ESET’s core focus is still malware protection and identity security, the built-in VPN is meant to give you a simple way to secure public Wi-Fi, hide your IP address and bypass some geo-blocks without having to sign up with a separate VPN Anbieter (provider). In contrast, NordVPN is a dedicated VPN service that has built its reputation purely on security, performance and privacy features.

This comparison looks at how ESET’s VPN behaves in real-world use and how it stacks up against NordVPN if you care about things like streaming reliability, speed, logs policies and advanced tools. If you are mainly considering ESET for its antivirus suite, it is important to understand that the included VPN has some genuinely useful options such as split tunneling and P2P support, but it also lacks the transparency, independent audits and deep configuration that characterize leading VPN services. We will walk through these strengths and gaps alongside NordVPN’s larger network, modern protocols and extra features so you can choose the service that actually fits how you go online.

Key Points

• ESET VPN offers AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, P2P support and a kill switch, with support for modern WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols. These basics are enough for everyday encrypted browsing and occasional streaming, but there is little room for advanced tweaking.
• NordVPN features a very large network of over 7,400 servers in 118+ countries, supports OpenVPN, NordLynx (its WireGuard-based protocol) and NordWhisper, and adds powerful extras like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet and Threat Protection for blocking trackers and malware.
• ESET’s VPN is only available as part of the highest-tier Home Security Ultimate plan and has not undergone an independent no-logs audit, whereas NordVPN’s logging policy and infrastructure have been reviewed multiple times by external auditors and are backed by its Panama jurisdiction.

Quick Comparison: ESET VPN vs NordVPN

Feature	ESET VPN	NordVPN
Server count	Servers in 60+ countries; exact number not disclosed	7,400+ servers in 118 countries
Encryption & protocols	AES-256; WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols	AES-256 or ChaCha20; OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard-based), NordWhisper
Simultaneous connections	Up to 10 devices (with Home Security Ultimate plan)	10 devices
Streaming & P2P	Unblocks Netflix but inconsistent with Amazon Prime and Paramount+; P2P supported	Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+ and more; dedicated P2P servers available
Logging & jurisdiction	Claims a no-logs policy but has no independent audit	Audited no-logs policy; based in Panama, outside major surveillance alliances
Notable features	DNS leak protection, split tunneling, P2P support, kill switch	Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection, Meshnet, split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking

ESET’s VPN provides solid core protection with AES-256 encryption and modern protocols such as WireGuard and IKEv2. It includes useful features like split tunneling, a kill switch and P2P support, which are enough for many everyday users. However, it lacks more advanced capabilities, such as multi-hop routing, RAM-only servers and independent security audits. NordVPN, on the other hand, combines its much larger server network with multiple protocols, strong privacy tools and extras like Double VPN, Onion over VPN and Threat Protection. If you want consistent streaming, fast performance and a higher level of verifiable privacy, NordVPN is usually the stronger long-term choice.

Shellfire’s solutions, including its easy-to-use VPN and the plug-and-play Shellfire Box, offer a different approach for users who prefer simplicity. They can be attractive if you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options in NordVPN, but still want something more transparent and focused than ESET’s integrated VPN. In other words, ESET’s VPN is convenient if you mainly need antivirus with a basic tunnel on top, while NordVPN and other standalone providers, including Shellfire, are more suitable when privacy and VPN performance come first.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Provider	Servers & locations	Jurisdiction
ESET VPN	Servers in 60+ countries, including some less common locations such as Bosnia and Kenya. The exact number of servers is not publicly disclosed.	Headquartered in Slovakia, with VPN servers operated by a third-party partner.
NordVPN	Approximately 7,400+ servers in 118+ countries, covering Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and selected regions in South America, Africa and the Middle East.	Panama, outside the main surveillance alliances, with privacy-friendly data retention laws.

ESET VPN has a fairly broad geographic footprint with servers spread across more than 60 countries, including some locations that many mainstream VPN Dienste ignore. That can be useful if you need an IP address in a niche region, for example to access local news, online banking or regional streaming libraries. However, ESET does not disclose the exact number of servers, and there have been reports of some locations being mislabelled, where servers advertised as being in one country actually route traffic through another. This type of “geo-routing” is not unusual in the VPN industry, but without clear transparency, it is harder to trust for privacy-critical use.

NordVPN is considerably more open about its infrastructure. It lists a large fleet of physical and virtual servers, with clear information about locations and specialized categories such as P2P, Double VPN and Onion over VPN. The provider’s base in Panama is also a plus, since it is outside the EU and the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes alliances, which is something that privacy-conscious users in Germany, Austria and Switzerland often look for when comparing VPN Anbieter. If you rely on wide global coverage and want the flexibility to hop between many regions, NordVPN is the more capable option.

Speed & Performance

Provider	Average download/upload	Latency impact
ESET VPN	Speeds typically drop around 20–25% on nearby European servers and roughly 50% or more on long-distance connections.	Minor latency increase on local servers; noticeably higher ping for distant regions, which can affect gaming and video calls.
NordVPN	Very fast via NordLynx, with many users seeing only a small single-digit or low double-digit percentage drop compared to their base connection.	Low latency suitable for online gaming, VoIP calls and 4K streaming, especially when connected to nearby servers.

In everyday browsing, ESET VPN feels reasonably quick on nearby servers. Websites load without major delays, video streaming in HD is usually fine and downloads stay usable, although you can see roughly a quarter of your base speed disappear on local connections. On long-distance servers, however, the performance gap becomes quite visible. Speed losses of around half the original bandwidth are not uncommon, which can turn large game downloads or cloud backups into a longer waiting game. Some users have also reported occasional IP leak issues when first connecting to new servers, so it is worth double-checking your connection with an IP leak test from time to time.

NordVPN uses NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol that is optimized for speed and privacy. In practice, many users notice that web browsing feels almost as fast as without a VPN. HD and 4K streams remain stable, even when several devices are connected at the same time. Gamers in particular benefit from the lower ping and the large choice of servers, which makes it easier to find a nearby, less crowded option. If speed and low latency are high on your list, for example for streaming, gaming or working with large files from cloud services, NordVPN tends to be the safer bet.

Security & Privacy

Provider	Encryption & protocols	Logging policy	Extra security
ESET VPN	AES-256 encryption; WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols for secure tunneling.	States that it does not log browsing activity, but has not been independently audited and does not use RAM-only servers.	DNS leak protection, split tunneling, P2P support, kill switch.
NordVPN	AES-256 and ChaCha20, with OpenVPN, NordLynx and NordWhisper protocols.	Audited no-logs policy, including server inspections performed by independent third parties.	Kill switch, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection, Meshnet, RAM-only server infrastructure.

ESET VPN covers the essentials quite well. It uses strong AES-256 encryption and modern tunneling protocols, which protects your connection on untrusted Wi-Fi networks and makes it much harder for attackers or ISPs to inspect your traffic. Split tunneling is handy if you want some apps, such as banking or local streaming, to bypass the VPN while everything else goes through the tunnel. The built-in kill switch can help prevent accidental exposure if the VPN tunnel drops.

The main limitation on the privacy side is the lack of independent audits and RAM-only servers. ESET says it does not log your browsing activity, but customers must take this statement largely on trust. For casual use this may be acceptable, yet users who focus strongly on anonymity may not feel fully comfortable with a product that has not opened its infrastructure to external review.

NordVPN has invested heavily in transparent security practices. Its no-logs policy has been audited multiple times by independent firms, and the provider has moved to a RAM-only server model in which data is wiped on every reboot. Additional tools such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN route your traffic through multiple servers, which makes correlation attacks more difficult. Threat Protection can block many malicious domains, trackers and intrusive ads even outside the browser, which is a nice bonus if you often download files or visit unknown sites. For users in Germany or the EU who take Datenschutz (data protection) seriously, these extra guarantees can make a real difference.

Streaming Performance

Provider	Netflix	Other platforms	Stability
ESET VPN	Generally able to unblock Netflix libraries in a few key regions.	Mixed results with Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+ and Hulu. Some libraries work, others trigger proxy errors.	Occasional IP leaks during the initial phase of connection and variable reliability, which can lead to buffering or forced reconnects.
NordVPN	Unblocks many Netflix libraries, including popular ones in the US, UK and Germany.	Works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and other major platforms, often via specialized streaming servers.	Stable HD and 4K streaming, with fewer errors and quick reconnection if a server becomes overloaded.

If your main goal is to catch up on a series in the evening, ESET VPN can work, especially for Netflix in a handful of supported regions. However, when you start switching platforms or trying to access more exotic streaming libraries, results are less predictable. Some services may work only on certain servers, or suddenly stop working when an IP address is blocked. The occasional connection issues and slower long-distance speeds can also show up as buffering during busy hours.

NordVPN is clearly designed with streaming in mind. It has a long track record of unblocking large services and maintains servers that are optimized for video traffic. Many users in German-speaking countries rely on it to access US Netflix, British BBC iPlayer or international sports streams. While no VPN can guarantee that every platform will always work, NordVPN generally recovers quickly when services tighten their VPN detection. If streaming is important to you, this reliability is a strong point in its favor.

Platform Compatibility

Provider	Desktop	Mobile	Browser/Other
ESET VPN	Windows, macOS, integrated into the ESET security suite.	Android, iOS apps available.	No dedicated browser extensions and no native router support.
NordVPN	Windows, macOS, Linux, plus apps for many NAS devices and smart TV platforms.	Android, iOS, iPadOS, Android TV, ChromeOS.	Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge; router configuration support; apps for smart TVs and streaming devices.

ESET VPN is straightforward if you already live in the ESET ecosystem. On Windows and macOS, you manage it from the same interface as the antivirus, which keeps things tidy and beginner-friendly. Mobile apps on Android and iOS mirror this simple design. The downside is that there are no browser extensions and no official router setup, which limits your options if you want to protect devices like game consoles, streaming boxes or smart TVs that cannot run VPN apps directly.

NordVPN takes a more flexible approach. Dedicated apps are available for most major operating systems, and you can also install the VPN on compatible routers. This is particularly useful if you want all devices in your home network covered at once, from your PlayStation or Xbox to your Fire TV or Apple TV. Browser extensions provide quick one-click protection for web sessions, which is convenient if you work a lot in Chrome or Firefox and want a lightweight way to secure just your browser traffic. For families or power users with many different devices, NordVPN’s broader compatibility is a clear advantage.

Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries

Provider	China	Russia	Iran	Turkey
ESET VPN	Works through a limited number of servers, although results vary from day to day.	Sometimes works, but reliability is inconsistent.	Unreliable and often blocked.	Unreliable, especially during peak control periods.
NordVPN	Reliable through obfuscated servers designed for bypassing firewalls.	Generally works well with minimal throttling.	Usable, though speeds may drop under heavy censorship.	Reliable, with stable performance in most regions.

ESET VPN does not include obfuscation features, which makes it harder for the service to hide VPN traffic in countries with aggressive deep packet inspection. As a result, the VPN may connect on one day but fail the next, and performance can drop sharply at peak times. Travelers visiting high-censorship regions should be prepared for connection failures or the need to switch servers repeatedly.

NordVPN has dedicated obfuscated servers that disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS data. This makes it far more reliable when navigating restrictive networks in places such as China or Turkey. If you regularly travel to such countries or need a VPN specifically to bypass national firewalls, NordVPN remains one of the more dependable choices. For users who want additional context or alternatives, our NordVPN vs PureVPN guide dives deeper into how different providers handle censorship.

User Experience & Apps

Provider	Interface	Ease of use	Stability
ESET VPN	Minimalist interface built directly into the security suite, with a very simple control layout.	Beginner-friendly but offers limited customization options.	Generally stable, although some users report occasional IP leaks during initial connection.
NordVPN	Interactive map view and compact server list for easy selection.	Great for beginners yet includes advanced controls for experienced users.	Very stable across all supported platforms.

ESET VPN keeps its interface simple and easy to navigate. Because it is wrapped inside the antivirus dashboard, you can turn it on with a quick toggle and let it run in the background with almost no maintenance. This works well for anyone who wants a “set it and forget it” approach. The trade-off is that you do not get much room to adjust behaviors or experiment with different connection settings, which may feel limiting if you like fine-tuning your VPN.

NordVPN provides a more versatile experience. The map-based interface is instantly understandable, even if you are new to VPNs, and the settings menu includes options for protocol selection, auto-connect rules, split tunneling and more. The apps are polished and updated frequently, and stability is excellent whether you are on Windows, macOS, mobile platforms or smart TV devices. If you prefer a VPN that evolves with your needs, NordVPN’s app ecosystem is far more adaptable.

If you want to secure your entire home network effortlessly, the Shellfire Box offers a handy alternative. It protects all connected devices automatically, even those that do not support VPN apps. This can be particularly helpful for families or users with many smart devices.

Customer Support

Provider	Support channels	Response time	Resources
ESET VPN	Phone support during business hours, plus chatbot and email.	Responses may take several hours outside support hours.	Useful knowledge base and FAQs, though focused mainly on antivirus topics.
NordVPN	24/7 live chat and email support.	Responses typically within seconds or minutes.	Extensive tutorials, setup guides and troubleshooting articles.

Support for ESET VPN mirrors its antivirus service: professional and helpful, but limited in availability. Phone lines work only during business hours, and although email responses are normally accurate, you might wait longer if you contact them at night or on weekends. The documentation is solid, but it focuses more on antivirus features than advanced VPN troubleshooting.

NordVPN excels in this area with its round-the-clock chat support staffed by knowledgeable agents who can walk you through setup questions, streaming issues or protocol settings in real time. If you prefer self-service, the provider offers detailed written guides and videos for nearly every platform. For users who value instant assistance, NordVPN clearly leads in customer service. You can also explore support comparisons in our NordVPN vs Mozilla VPN article.

Additional Features

Provider	Notable extras
ESET VPN	DNS leak protection, split tunneling, P2P support, kill switch.
NordVPN	Threat Protection, Meshnet, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, split tunneling, integrated ad and tracker blocking.

ESET VPN includes the classic VPN essentials, which are enough for secure browsing and basic privacy. Its split tunneling feature is practical when you want some traffic outside the VPN, for example for local banking apps or regional websites. Still, its feature set remains comparatively simple and lacks more advanced functions that privacy-focused users might expect, like multi-hop routing, ad blocking or detailed connection rules.

NordVPN goes much further. Threat Protection can block ads, trackers and some types of malware before they load, which adds a convenient layer of Sicherheitsvorteile (security benefits) beyond the VPN tunnel. Meshnet allows secure, encrypted device-to-device connections, which works well if you collaborate remotely or want to access your home PC securely while traveling. Advanced features such as Double VPN add extra layers of encryption for users who want maximum anonymity.

For a lighter alternative, Shellfire’s VPN service offers the essentials, while the Shellfire Box can expand your protection to the entire home network without much setup effort. This is helpful if you often switch devices or want a straightforward way to stay protected across your household.

VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More

Use case	ESET VPN	NordVPN
Streaming	⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Torrenting / P2P	⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Gaming	⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Remote work	⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Budget-friendly	⭐ ⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Censorship-heavy countries	⭐ ⭐	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Best VPN for Streaming

ESET VPN handles Netflix decently well, especially if you primarily care about one or two regional libraries. Things get more unpredictable when switching to Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+ or Hulu. Sometimes a server may work temporarily, only to hit a proxy error the next day. Occasional IP leaks during connection can also interrupt streams or force the app to reload. For casual streaming this might be acceptable, but dedicated streamers may find the inconsistency frustrating.

NordVPN consistently unblocks a wide range of platforms and maintains enough fast servers to stream in HD or 4K with minimal buffering. If you enjoy hopping between different libraries or traveling frequently, the reliability and speed make NordVPN the more dependable streaming choice. For further comparisons, our NordVPN vs ProtonVPN article offers more insight.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

ESET VPN supports P2P traffic and includes a kill switch plus split tunneling, which is useful if you want tight control over which apps use the VPN. Speeds are fine for casual torrenting, but the absence of an independent audit and RAM-only servers may concern users who want the highest privacy standards while sharing files.

NordVPN offers specialized P2P servers, faster speeds and a fully audited no-logs policy. It also supports secure device-to-device connections through Meshnet and allows port forwarding in certain setups. For active torrenters, NordVPN’s improved privacy and performance create a safer environment for large or frequent downloads. If you want to compare more P2P-focused providers, our PIA vs PureVPN guide provides additional context.

Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers generally prioritize stability and low ping. ESET VPN performs well enough for casual play on nearby servers, though latency can climb noticeably when connecting across continents. On certain titles, even a slight delay can influence gameplay, so this is something to consider if you play competitively.

NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol helps keep ping low, and the provider’s vast network makes it easier to find a fast route to game servers worldwide. If you enjoy multiplayer titles, cloud gaming or cross-region matches, NordVPN delivers more consistent results. For a deeper gaming comparison, our ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN article is worth reading.

Best VPN for Remote Work

ESET VPN provides encrypted traffic and split tunneling, which can help you access local resources and remote work platforms simultaneously. It works well for basic tasks like email, web apps and file syncing. However, it lacks dedicated IP options or features like Meshnet, which can make remote collaboration more secure and convenient.

NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses (available as an add-on), secure device links through Meshnet and strong stability for long video meetings. If you rely on tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or large cloud transfers, NordVPN tends to offer smoother performance and fewer interruptions.

Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users

ESET VPN is tied to the Home Security Ultimate bundle, meaning you must purchase the full antivirus suite to get the VPN. This can make it more expensive than standalone VPN subscriptions, especially if you only need a VPN.

NordVPN frequently runs promotions and offers monthly, annual and multi-year plans. For users who want a more affordable yet feature-rich option, these discounts can make NordVPN a better long-term deal. Shellfire’s VPN and Shellfire Box also offer accessible pricing, especially if you prefer a very simple user experience.

Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries

ESET VPN lacks obfuscation and multi-hop capabilities, which are essential for bypassing strict firewalls. As a result, performance in countries with heavy censorship tends to be inconsistent or unreliable.

NordVPN’s obfuscated servers allow it to function more reliably in tough environments, making it a safer choice for travelers heading to places like China, Iran or Turkey. If you want to explore more providers suited for censorship-heavy regions, our NordVPN vs TunnelBear comparison goes into additional detail.

Conclusion

ESET VPN adds a useful layer of privacy to the company’s antivirus suite. It brings solid fundamentals like AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, P2P support and a kill switch, so everyday browsing and basic streaming feel reasonably protected. It is a convenient option if you already rely on the ESET ecosystem and simply want a built-in VPN that runs quietly in the background. Still, its weaker points stand out when you compare it side by side with full-featured services. The lack of independent audits, the smaller and less transparent server network, and its occasional instability with streaming platforms make it a secondary feature rather than a top-tier VPN solution on its own.

NordVPN maintains a clear lead across nearly every category. Its audited no-logs policy, large global server fleet, modern protocols and advanced security features make it one of the most reliable VPN services available today. Whether you care most about streaming, torrenting, gaming or working efficiently from home, NordVPN’s performance and privacy guarantees provide a level of confidence that ESET’s built-in VPN cannot quite match at the moment. For anyone seeking a standalone VPN with strong speeds, broad compatibility and trustworthy privacy protections, NordVPN remains the more dependable choice.

For users who prefer a balance between simplicity and functionality, Shellfire offers compelling alternatives. The Shellfire VPN service provides essential features with a straightforward interface, while the Shellfire Box extends protection to your entire home network without complicated setup. These options can be ideal if you want a practical solution that blends ease of use with reliable everyday performance. Ultimately, whether you choose ESET’s integrated VPN, a feature-rich provider like NordVPN or one of Shellfire’s accessible tools will depend on the mix of convenience, privacy and control you want in your daily online life.