FastestVPN vs NordVPN
Finding a VPN that balances price, performance and features can feel like a treasure hunt. On one side, FastestVPN lures you with a lifetime subscription that costs about as much as a casual dinner and talks up its 10 Gbps servers. On the other, NordVPN shows up on most recommendation lists for its large network, steady speeds and reassuring privacy record. So, which one is the smarter to buy?
I have spent time with both. FastestVPN’s pricing and clean interface are easy to like, although I hit some choppy waters with connections that dropped and a kill switch that occasionally failed at the worst moment. NordVPN costs more, yet it returned consistent speeds and bundled in advanced tools that kept my data safe while traveling. In this comparison, I walk through server infrastructure, real world speed results, streaming, security and support, so you can pick the VPN that actually fits how you go online.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- FastestVPN is headquartered in the Cayman Islands, offers a no-logs policy that has been audited, and runs more than 800 servers in 49+ countries, including dedicated streaming, double VPN and safe torrenting servers.
- NordVPN operates a network of over 7,000 servers in around 120 countries, supports NordLynx and OpenVPN with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, and has undergone multiple independent audits that confirm its no-logs stance.
- While FastestVPN’s lifetime plan is attractive for tight budgets, anyone who wants a more complete feature set should also look at other alternatives to understand how price relates to everyday performance.
Quick Comparison: FastestVPN vs NordVPN
| Feature | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Network size | 800+ servers in 49+ countries | 7,000+ servers in around 120 countries |
| Encryption & protocols | AES-256 encryption, supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, kill switch and split tunneling available on some platforms | AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, supports NordVPN’s NordLynx, OpenVPN and IKEv2, kill switch and split tunneling across all apps |
| Speed reduction (local connection) | U.S.–U.S. download drop ≈11 %, Canada drop ≈70 % | ≈7 % download drop in tests |
| Streaming capability | Unblocks Netflix U.S., Canada and U.K., fails on Netflix Australia | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 devices by default, additional devices cost extra | 10 devices per account |
| Independent audits | No-logs policy verified by an external auditor | Multiple independent audits, including Big Four firms |
FastestVPN’s low pricing and lifetime plan are great for saving money. The trade-off shows up in performance. Nearby servers can be fine, but some routes lose a lot of speed, so the name can feel more like a goal than a guarantee. NordVPN charges more, and it earns that premium with a broader network, steadier performance and wider streaming support. If you want something between bare-bones and top tier, there are mid-priced options worth a look that keep costs sensible without giving up reliability.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Aspect | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | Over 800 | Over 7,000 |
| Countries covered | 49+ countries | Around 120 countries |
| Specialised servers | Streaming, double VPN and safe torrenting servers, Smart Connect chooses the best server | Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P, obfuscated and dedicated IP servers |
| Ownership & jurisdiction | Cayman Islands, no data retention laws | Panama, no data retention laws |
FastestVPN’s footprint is modest compared to NordVPN’s larger build-out. Being based in the Cayman Islands and having a no-logs audit are positives for privacy. The catch is that a few servers behaved like duds during testing, so you might need to hop around to find a stable option. NordVPN’s broader spread helps avoid congestion and makes it easier to land on a working server almost anywhere.
Speed & Performance
| Test scenario | FastestVPN (download/upload) | NordVPN (download/upload) |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline speed | 541.66 Mbps / 274.63 Mbps | 500 Mbps / not provided |
| U.S. to U.S. server | 479.18 Mbps (−11.54 %) / 263.13 Mbps (−4.19 %) | 465 Mbps (≈−7 %) / 480 Mbps (≈−4 %) |
| U.S. to Canada server | 158.13 Mbps (−70.81 %) / 208.15 Mbps (−24.21 %) | ≈450 Mbps (≈−10 %) / ≈470 Mbps (≈−6 %) |
| U.S. to EU server | 334.14 Mbps (−38.31 %) / 76.36 Mbps (−72.20 %) | High speeds maintained, minimal drops even across continents |
| U.S. to Australia server | 393.88 Mbps (−27.28 %) / 147.85 Mbps (−46.16 %) | High speeds with a moderate latency increase |
| Latency change | Ping improved slightly on U.S. servers, then spiked by 565–905 % on EU and AU servers | Ping increased to around 29 ms in tests |
The numbers tell the story. FastestVPN is quick on nearby servers and even trims ping a little. Once you stretch the distance, speeds fall sharply, with some routes dropping more than 70 percent and upload speeds taking a heavy hit in parts of Europe. NordVPN’s NordLynx keeps reductions around the single-digit range, which makes a real difference for gamers, streamers and anyone who needs stable video calls across time zones.
Security & Privacy
| Criterion | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | NordVPN’s NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | Available, failed during testing and briefly exposed the real IP when switching servers | Reliable kill switch in all apps |
| No-logs policy | Verified by an independent audit, retains only basic account and payment details | Independently audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers |
FastestVPN checks the right boxes on paper, yet execution matters. The kill switch failure is a serious mark against it for privacy-first users. NordVPN’s kill switch behaved as expected, and its audit history plus Panama jurisdiction add confidence. Both support modern protocols, but NordVPN’s in-house twist on WireGuard, called NordLynx, is tuned for speed and stability.
Streaming Performance
| Service | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Unblocks U.S., Canada and U.K., fails for Australia | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more |
| Streaming quality | Stable on nearby servers, inconsistent on distant servers | Consistent 4K streaming across most servers |
| P2P support | Servers optimised for safe torrenting | Dedicated P2P servers and SOCKS5 proxy |
FastestVPN can open a few popular Netflix libraries and has dedicated streaming servers, but detection is more common and long-distance quality can wobble. NordVPN unlocks a wider range of platforms and keeps picture quality high thanks to its larger network and SmartDNS.
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 | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS |
| Mobile | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Routers & Smart TVs | Manual configuration for routers and media devices, supports Fire TV Stick, Roku, PS4, Apple TV, Chromecast | Native support for routers and smart TVs, SmartDNS feature |
FastestVPN covers a wide list of platforms, including consoles and streaming sticks. Split tunneling only works on Android and Windows, and mobile app reviews are mixed. NordVPN’s lineup is similarly broad, with helpful router guides and SmartDNS that make it simple to stream on devices like Apple TV or Xbox. If you want plug and play hardware, the Shellfire Box secures everything on your network with almost no setup.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | FastestVPN rating | NordVPN rating |
|---|---|---|
| China | Medium, double VPN may help, but obfuscation is limited | High, obfuscated servers can bypass the Great Firewall |
| Russia | Medium, some servers are blocked | Medium, obfuscation improves reliability |
| Iran | Low, access is inconsistent | Medium, obfuscated servers work intermittently |
| UAE | Medium, streaming servers can be overloaded | High, dedicated obfuscated servers maintain the connection |
FastestVPN’s double VPN can sometimes help, although the lack of robust obfuscation hurts its chances in very restrictive regions. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers disguise traffic as regular HTTPS, which often works better against deep packet inspection. Even then, both services can face disruptions in the toughest environments.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Sleek and clean, dedicated streaming tab | Map-based interface with intuitive server categories |
| Ease of use | Beginner friendly, some servers require manual switching if a connection fails | Beginner friendly, with advanced options for power users |
| Stability | Occasional disconnects, kill switch issues noted in tests | Very stable, auto-reconnect and kill switch help prevent leaks |
FastestVPN greets new users with a simple layout and a Smart Connect button that picks a server for you. The downside is the occasional need to shuffle between servers when one misbehaves. NordVPN balances simplicity with depth, so it is easy at first launch and still flexible when you want more control. If what you want is simplicity above all, the Shellfire VPN app keeps things to a single tap while staying secure.
Customer Support
| Support channel | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | 24/7 live chat with human agents | 24/7 live chat |
| Email support | Quick email responses, often within minutes | Fast email support |
| Knowledge base | Comprehensive guides and FAQ | Extensive tutorials and a community forum |
| Guarantee | 31-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
FastestVPN scores well with human-staffed chat and quick email replies. NordVPN matches that responsiveness and adds a deep library of guides. Access to real people matters when you are trying to fix a quirky router or a stubborn streaming app. Shellfire’s support is similarly personal and fast, which is reassuring when you just want things to work.
Additional Features
| Feature | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad blocker & malware protection | Built-in ad blocker and malware protection | Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers and malicious files |
| Multi-hop (Double VPN) | Yes, routes traffic through two servers | Yes, Double VPN and Onion over VPN |
| Dedicated IP | Available as a paid add-on | Available as a paid add-on |
| Split tunneling | Yes, available on Android and Windows | Yes, available across most platforms |
FastestVPN packs in plenty of extras for the price, such as an ad blocker and multi-hop routing, although some features are limited to specific platforms. NordVPN mirrors most of those add-ons across its entire app lineup, and its Threat Protection Pro also scans downloads for malware. If you want advanced features without tinkering, the Shellfire Box bundles VPN protection and ad blocking in one small device.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use case | FastestVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote work | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-conscious users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship-heavy countries | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
If your main goal is to binge shows from different regions, NordVPN is the safer pick. It consistently unlocks major platforms and holds 4K quality with minimal buffering. FastestVPN works for U.S., Canada and U.K. Netflix libraries, yet it can stumble with Australia and can be spotted more easily by streaming services.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
FastestVPN offers torrent-friendly servers and optional port forwarding, which is handy for private trackers or constant seeding. NordVPN counters with a broad P2P network and a SOCKS5 proxy for higher transfer speeds, plus a stronger audit trail for privacy. For heavy use, NordVPN’s reliability wins out.
Best VPN for Gaming
Latency is everything. FastestVPN’s nearby servers are acceptable, but long-distance routes can spike ping dramatically, which is a deal breaker for competitive play. NordVPN’s NordLynx keeps latency low across continents and is easier to deploy on consoles thanks to clear router tutorials and SmartDNS. If you prefer a set-and-forget option for every device at home, the Shellfire Box is a practical alternative.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Remote work needs stability and strong privacy. FastestVPN delivers modern encryption but struggles with inconsistent speeds and a kill switch that has failed in testing. NordVPN’s consistent performance, wider split tunneling support and extras like Meshnet make it better suited for secure collaboration and remote access.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
This is where FastestVPN shines. Long-term plans can be extremely cheap, even with lifetime options appearing at times. NordVPN is pricier, although seasonal deals can soften the gap. Lower prices often mean trade-offs, so think about how much speed and reliability you are willing to give up.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
Both services offer multi-hop routing. Only NordVPN includes robust obfuscation that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS. FastestVPN may work in moderately restrictive places, but inconsistent speeds and limited obfuscation reduce its effectiveness. Always check local rules before connecting. For a lower profile at home, the Shellfire Box can help you stay connected with minimal fuss.
Conclusion
FastestVPN is a compelling budget package. It offers audited no-logs claims, modern protocols, a built-in ad blocker and occasional lifetime pricing. It is a solid pick for basic privacy and light streaming. The flip side is clear, speeds can be uneven, the kill switch has failed in testing and the server network is smaller, so it struggles to compete directly with more established players.
NordVPN asks for a higher fee, then backs it up with thousands of servers, stable speeds, multiple audits and dependable streaming, gaming and censorship-evasion tools. Your decision comes down to priorities. If cost is king and your usage is light, FastestVPN can work. If you want a smoother experience day to day, NordVPN feels more dependable.
It is also worth weighing two practical alternatives. Shellfire VPN is a straightforward service that keeps things simple without losing sight of security, while the Shellfire Box protects every device on your network with minimal setup. Both are balanced options if you want ease of use and steady performance without aiming for the absolute top tier in price or complexity. In the end, the right VPN in 2025 is the one that matches your routine, your privacy needs and your budget.
