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If you already use Malwarebytes on your laptop or PC, you have probably noticed the option to add Malwarebytes Privacy VPN. The same company that built its reputation on anti-malware tools now offers a lightweight VPN with an integrated ad blocker and the modern WireGuard protocol for fast, straightforward connections. The trade off is a relatively small server network and a service that clearly targets casual users rather than power hungry streamers or competitive gamers.

NordVPN, by contrast, is a long standing VPN provider with one of the largest server fleets on the market, strong privacy credentials and a feature set designed for heavy internet use, from daily streaming and gaming to remote work and travel.

In this comparison we look at how the two VPNs stack up in terms of infrastructure, performance, security, streaming and other everyday use cases. Along the way we also point out situations where another category of VPNs, including simpler plug and play options, might be a better fit for your routine.

Key Points

• Malwarebytes Privacy VPN operates a comparatively small network with just over 150 servers in more than 30 countries and offers basic features like a kill switch and multi hop routing, but it does not provide specialized or optimized streaming servers.
• NordVPN maintains more than 8,000 servers in around 129 countries, uses both AES 256 and ChaCha20 encryption and provides advanced options such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection and independently audited no logs policies.
• Some VPNs position themselves between these extremes and focus on simple apps, decent speeds and low prices; a few even offer plug and play hardware that protects an entire home network with almost no configuration.

Quick Comparison: Malwarebytes VPN vs NordVPN

Feature	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Headquarters	United States (Five Eyes country)	Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes)
Servers & locations	150+ servers in 30+ countries	8,000+ servers in 129 countries
Encryption & protocols	ChaCha20 encryption and WireGuard protocol	AES 256 or ChaCha20; protocols include OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard) and IKEv2
Simultaneous connections	Up to 5 devices	Up to 10 devices
Average speed impact	Download speeds dropped by around 4% on average in independent tests	Typically minimal speed loss thanks to an optimized network, often under 10% with NordLynx, although results vary by location and ISP
Streaming	Unblocked Netflix in tests but occasionally struggled with specific regions and servers	Consistently unblocks major platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Hulu with optimized servers and SmartPlay technology
Torrenting	Not officially supported	Permitted on many servers with dedicated P2P infrastructure and a strict no logs policy

Overall, NordVPN offers a far larger network, stronger security and broader platform support than Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes may be enough if you mainly want a basic VPN bundled with malware protection and do not plan to stream or game intensively, but it lacks the depth that frequent streamers, gamers and travelers expect. Users who prefer an easy, hardware based alternative might instead look at VPNs that include small plug in boxes for the home router, which automatically secure every device on the network without complicated configuration.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Metric	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Server count	150+ servers	8,000+ servers
Countries covered	30+ countries across multiple continents	129 countries worldwide
City selection	Limited city level choice; no recommended servers in the apps	Wide range of city level choices with specialty servers for P2P, Double VPN and Onion over VPN

Malwarebytes has a modest server fleet that now spans more than 30 countries, which is fine for casual browsing but small compared with most serious VPN competitors. Because there are relatively few servers, they can become congested during peak times, which may affect latency and throughput, especially if many users connect to the same popular locations. NordVPN operates thousands of servers worldwide, which reduces the likelihood of congestion and gives you more freedom to choose a nearby country or a specific city for better performance. If you are doing a broader “VPN Vergleich” and care about being able to pick niche locations or less common regions, this difference in server distribution becomes very noticeable.

For readers interested in how other VPNs compare on server distribution and infrastructure, see our detailed discussion in OpenVPN vs NordVPN, which also touches on alternative deployment models.

Speed & Performance

Test	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Average download impact	About 4% performance drop on average across multiple countries	Minimal impact in day to day use; typically under 10% with NordLynx, depending on route and local conditions
Latency change	Latency increased significantly on distant servers, with spikes on long haul routes such as Europe to Australia	Latency usually stays relatively low thanks to the extensive network and optimized routing
Upload impact	Upload speeds can drop sharply on distant servers, especially when the network is busy	Upload speeds tend to remain stable; NordLynx often outperforms OpenVPN on the same routes

The Malwarebytes network delivers commendable speeds on nearby servers, and in some tests a local U.S. server even produced a small speed increase compared with the baseline connection. Once you start connecting to distant regions, however, performance can deteriorate, with higher latency and reduced upload throughput that gamers and people who send large files will notice quickly. NordVPN generally performs better because of its larger network, the efficiency of the NordLynx protocol and its use of optimized servers for different tasks.

If you need consistently fast performance around the globe but find NordVPN a little overwhelming at first glance, a mid range provider with simpler apps can still offer a good balance between “schnelles VPN” speeds and ease of use without the full complexity of a power user tool.

Security & Privacy

Feature	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Encryption	ChaCha20 encryption	AES 256 or ChaCha20 (user selectable)
Protocols	WireGuard	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2
Kill switch	Available on Windows and macOS	System wide and app level kill switches on all major platforms
No logs policy	Claims no logs but collects some license data and public key information	Independently audited no logs policy
Additional features	Multi hop available only on Windows	Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection and Meshnet

From a pure encryption standpoint, Malwarebytes does a lot of things right. It uses ChaCha20 together with WireGuard, so you get modern cryptography and efficient, lean connections. For a casual user who just wants extra privacy on public Wi Fi or while traveling, that level of protection is already a big step up from an unprotected connection.

Where Malwarebytes falls behind is flexibility. You only get WireGuard, which means no option to switch to OpenVPN or IKEv2 in networks that block or throttle certain VPN protocols. NordVPN, on the other hand, supports multiple tunneling protocols and allows you to switch if your hotel Wi Fi, office network or university campus is picky. For people who care about “Datenschutz” and reliable access in restrictive environments, that variety can be important.

The kill switch situation also differs. Malwarebytes offers a simple kill switch on Windows and macOS, which is good enough to prevent accidental leaks if the VPN connection drops. NordVPN extends this idea with system wide and app specific kill switches on all major platforms, so you can decide whether to block all traffic or only sensitive apps like your torrent client, browser or VoIP tools. This is particularly useful for users who work remotely or handle confidential documents and need tighter control.

There is also a clear gap in privacy policies. Malwarebytes claims not to log user activity, but it still collects some technical data such as license information and public keys for account management purposes. NordVPN operates out of Panama, has a long standing no logs policy and has undergone several independent audits to verify that policy in practice. If you are doing a thorough “VPN Test” with a focus on anonymity, those external audits provide an extra layer of reassurance.

Finally, additional security tools tilt the balance further. Malwarebytes includes multi hop routing only on Windows, while NordVPN offers Double VPN, Onion over VPN, advanced Threat Protection against malware and trackers as well as Meshnet for secure device to device links. For security conscious users or anyone who regularly uses public Wi Fi, these extras can turn a basic VPN into a central part of their digital hygiene.

Streaming Performance

Platform	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Netflix	Unblocked most libraries but sometimes required switching servers in certain regions	Unblocked US, UK and many international Netflix libraries consistently
Other streaming services	Limited support, no optimized servers and inconsistent performance on some platforms	Special servers for Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and more
Quality & stability	Stream quality varied, with occasional buffering and resolution drops, especially on distant servers	High definition streaming with minimal buffering thanks to optimized routing and SmartPlay

If streaming is high on your list, the differences between the two services become obvious quickly. Malwarebytes can unblock Netflix, but it often takes a bit of trial and error. You may need to disconnect and reconnect to a few servers before you find one that works for your preferred library. This can be frustrating if you just want to relax after work and watch a show without tinkering with locations and “Serverwechsel”.

NordVPN is built with streaming in mind. It offers optimized servers for popular services, plus its SmartPlay technology that combines VPN and smart DNS. In practice that means you usually click once, connect and go straight into Netflix, BBC iPlayer or Amazon Prime Video without having to think too much about which server to pick. For people who care about a “Streaming VPN” experience that just works on the living room TV, this makes a real difference.

Video quality also stays more stable with NordVPN, especially over long distances. 4K or 1080p streams are much less likely to drop to a blurry resolution or start buffering mid episode. With Malwarebytes, you are more likely to see fluctuations in quality on weekends or evenings when many users are online and the smaller network is under load.

If you do not need such a broad list of supported platforms and are more of a casual streamer, a simpler VPN with fewer but well chosen locations can still be enough. The key is to check in advance whether your preferred streaming services are supported and if there are clear guides for setting up devices like smart TVs, Fire TV Stick or game consoles.

Platform Compatibility

Platform	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Desktop OS	Windows 7+ and macOS 10.15.4+	Windows, macOS and Linux
Mobile OS	Android 9+ and iOS 14+	Android, iOS and HarmonyOS
Browser extensions	None	Chrome, Firefox and Edge
Other devices	No router or console support, limited to five devices at the same time	Supports routers, smart TVs and game consoles; ten devices per account

Malwarebytes focuses on the main desktop and mobile systems. That is fine if you only plan to protect a laptop and a phone, but the lack of browser extensions, router support and native apps for smart TVs or consoles means you quickly hit its limits once you start thinking about your whole household.

NordVPN has a much broader ecosystem. Besides the standard Windows, macOS and mobile apps, it provides native support for Linux, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge and detailed guides for installing the service on many common routers. If you configure it on a compatible router, you effectively turn the VPN into a network wide shield, which is very attractive for families and for users who want a “VPN für Zuhause” without installing software on every gadget individually.

The device limit also plays a role. Malwarebytes allows up to five simultaneous connections, which can be enough for a single user with a few devices, but starts to feel tight for a couple or small family. NordVPN doubles that with up to ten devices per account. Combined with router support, this flexibility makes it easier to protect laptops, phones, tablets, a smart TV and maybe even a console or streaming box at the same time.

If you are mainly interested in protecting a work laptop and your primary smartphone, Malwarebytes can still be a reasonable entry level option. For anyone who wants to cover multiple family devices, or set up something approaching a “Heimnetzwerk VPN”, the broader compatibility of NordVPN and similar full featured providers is hard to beat.

Performance in Censorship Heavy Countries

Country	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
China	No obfuscation tools; unlikely to work reliably against deep packet inspection	Offers obfuscated servers and Double VPN options to help bypass censorship
Russia	Small network that may struggle to evade government filters and IP blocks	Specialty servers and obfuscation modes designed to bypass restrictive networks
Iran	Servers can be blocked; no dedicated obfuscation features	Obfuscated servers and Meshnet for alternative secure connections

In countries where the internet is heavily monitored or filtered, such as China, Russia or Iran, you need more than just standard encryption. Many governments use techniques like deep packet inspection to detect and block VPN traffic. Malwarebytes does not include any specific obfuscation or “Stealth VPN” features, so its traffic is more likely to be identified and blocked.

NordVPN includes obfuscated servers that make VPN traffic look more like regular HTTPS connections. Combined with Double VPN routes and options like Onion over VPN, this can improve your chances of staying connected on restrictive networks. It is not a guarantee, since censorship approaches change over time, but it is clearly a better toolset if you travel frequently to such regions or live in a country with strong internet controls.

That said, even with a feature rich provider you should keep expectations realistic. In some countries it is a constant cat and mouse game between VPN providers and local authorities. Before relying on any service, take time to review local laws, especially if you use VPNs for work. For many users in these environments, choosing a provider with a strong privacy reputation, obfuscation features and a transparent security track record is more important than pure speed or price.

User Experience & Apps

Criteria	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
User interface	Simple and clean, though it lacks recommended servers and fine grained filters	Modern interface with recommended servers, interactive maps and access to advanced settings
Ease of use	Very easy to connect, although multi hop and split tunneling hide under less intuitive menus	Beginner friendly quick connect and easy menus, alongside deeper configuration for experts
Stability	Occasional connection drops and high latency on distant servers	Generally stable connections with automatic reconnection and effective kill switch behavior

Malwarebytes’ apps feel intentionally minimalistic. You open the interface, pick a country and press connect. That simplicity works great for newcomers who just want extra security on public Wi Fi, but once you start looking for specific tools like split tunneling, multi hop or diagnostic logs, you will notice they are tucked away in less obvious menus. New users may not realize those advanced options even exist.

NordVPN strikes a balance between intuitive design and deeper control. The map interface offers a friendly way to connect quickly, but if you want to tweak protocol settings, set up custom DNS, activate Threat Protection or manage Meshnet devices, everything is just a click or two away. This layered approach feels closer to how everyday users actually navigate software, especially when they grow more comfortable over time.

In terms of stability, Malwarebytes shows its limits on long distance routes. High latency and occasional disconnects can happen, especially at busy times. NordVPN benefits from a more mature global network and typically offers smoother reconnections and more reliable handovers between servers. For users who work online or play multiplayer games, that stability becomes a key factor.

Customer Support

Support channel	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Live chat	No live chat, only an AI chatbot and email support	24/7 live chat with human agents
Email support	Ticket system with occasional delays in replies	Responsive email team with fast turnaround
Knowledge base	Comprehensive but information is scattered and occasionally inconsistent	Extensive documentation with step by step guides and clear troubleshooting

Malwarebytes relies heavily on its automated chatbot. While it can answer basic questions quickly, you often need to navigate through several steps before reaching a human agent. That is not unusual for security companies that focus primarily on anti malware tools rather than fully developed VPN ecosystems.

NordVPN offers around the clock live chat staffed by humans, making it far easier to troubleshoot issues like slow speeds, specific Netflix libraries not working or router installation problems. For many users, especially those who are less technical, having someone walk you through a solution in real time is much more reassuring.

Email support is also faster with NordVPN, and the knowledge base is neatly organized, which helps with self service troubleshooting. The more polished support ecosystem reflects the company’s longer history in the VPN industry and its focus on maintaining a broad user base across varying skill levels.

Additional Features

Feature	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Ad blocker	Browser Guard blocks ads and trackers	Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites
Split tunneling	Available via Connection Rules, though the interface is not straightforward	Available on Android and Windows and supported through Meshnet routing for selected tools
Mesh or peer to peer features	No mesh networking options	Meshnet allows secure device to device connections outside the main VPN tunnel

Malwarebytes includes a built in ad and tracker blocker through Browser Guard, which is helpful for reducing intrusive ads and minimizing tracking during normal browsing. It also provides split tunneling under Connection Rules, although the layout makes the feature slightly hidden. For everyday use, this may be enough, especially for people who only turn the VPN on occasionally.

NordVPN brings more advanced capabilities into the mix. Threat Protection can block malicious downloads, suspicious URLs and intrusive tracking scripts even when the VPN is not turned on. Split tunneling is well implemented on supported platforms, making it easy to exclude banking apps, streaming services or gaming platforms from the encrypted tunnel. Meshnet is another standout feature, allowing secure links between personal devices for things like file transfers or hosting your own low latency game server.

For users who want something simple and hands off, a smaller provider with cleaner default settings can feel more comfortable. But once you start comparing the full toolsets side by side, NordVPN clearly provides more power for advanced privacy, work or travel scenarios.

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

Use case	Malwarebytes Privacy VPN	NordVPN
Streaming	⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Torrenting / P2P	⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gaming	⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Remote work	⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Budget conscious users	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️
Censorship heavy countries	⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Best VPN for Streaming

For streaming fans, NordVPN is the clear winner. It offers optimized servers for major platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more, ensuring smooth playback in high resolution without running into classic geo block obstacles. Malwarebytes can unlock Netflix libraries, but it does so inconsistently and often requires switching servers to find one that works.

In practical terms, this means that people who regularly watch shows from multiple regions or rely on a VPN for their smart TV will likely appreciate the reliability of NordVPN. Malwarebytes is more of a “works when it works” situation. For casual viewers who prefer an easy and uncomplicated setup, a smaller VPN with simple apps can feel friendlier, but it will not match NordVPN for overall streaming performance.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Malwarebytes explicitly states that torrenting is not supported, and with its small network and US jurisdiction, it is not well suited for file sharing. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers dedicated P2P servers along with a strict no logs policy. The combination of strong privacy, good speeds and features like Double VPN or optional port forwarding gives it a clear advantage for users who download or upload large files regularly.

People who prioritize torrenting should definitely choose NordVPN or a similarly privacy oriented provider such as Private Internet Access. Malwarebytes simply does not target this audience, and using it for P2P traffic can result in poor performance or even lack of connectivity altogether.

Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers require low latency and stable routing. Malwarebytes struggles with the first part because long distance connections often lead to very noticeable ping spikes. Connecting from Europe to Australia, for instance, can turn online games practically unplayable due to high latency.

NordVPN delivers better results thanks to its large server fleet, efficient routing and NordLynx protocol, which is particularly effective for real time applications. If you care about maintaining low ping and avoiding sudden drops in connection quality, NordVPN stands out as a dependable choice.

Best VPN for Remote Work

Remote workers depend on consistent speeds and strong security. Malwarebytes provides essential tools, including a kill switch and split tunneling, but its limited network and inconsistent performance may cause interruptions during video calls, RDP sessions or large file uploads.

NordVPN is generally a better fit for professionals. With reliable speeds, a higher device limit, security extras like Meshnet and business friendly features, it helps maintain productivity and privacy across multiple devices. It is also easier to set up on routers, which is useful for people who work from home and need a consistent, whole network VPN environment.

Best VPN for Budget Conscious Users

Malwarebytes offers a competitive price and bundles useful extras like ad blocking and malware protection, which can make it a solid value for users on a tight budget. Still, its limitations in server coverage and performance reduce its appeal for those who plan to use a VPN daily.

NordVPN costs more but delivers significantly higher value if you depend on your VPN for streaming, gaming, work or travel. If your goal is simply to keep costs low, smaller providers or promotions from value focused services can provide attractive alternatives that maintain good speed and privacy.

Best VPN for Censorship Heavy Countries

Users in heavily restricted regions need a VPN that includes robust obfuscation features. Malwarebytes does not offer these, making it unsuitable for bypassing national firewalls or sophisticated blocking systems.

NordVPN provides obfuscated servers, alternative routing modes and tools like Double VPN and Meshnet that increase your chances of remaining connected under strict conditions. For travellers or residents in these regions, NordVPN remains the more capable option overall.

Conclusion

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN can be a convenient add on if you already use the company’s antivirus suite and want occasional protection on public Wi Fi or while browsing on your phone. Its WireGuard protocol and ChaCha20 encryption deliver solid technical security, and it is able to unblock Netflix when you pick the right server. Still, its tiny server fleet, narrow platform support and inconsistent performance over long distances make it less appealing for anyone who relies on a VPN every day. The service also gathers limited account related data, and unlike more mature providers, it has not yet undergone an independent audit of its no logs claims.

NordVPN is the stronger option in nearly every category. It offers better performance, a much wider choice of servers and countries, streaming optimized routes, more stable long distance connections and a proven security track record supported by external audits. Add in a polished app experience, extensive platform support and responsive customer service, and it becomes clear why NordVPN remains a favorite among users who depend heavily on their VPN for privacy, work or entertainment.

For readers who feel that both VPNs might be too complex or not quite aligned with their preferences, there are practical alternatives worth exploring. Software based services can offer a more streamlined interface, and hardware solutions like the Shellfire VPN or the Shellfire Box can bring plug and play protection to an entire home network. These options balance simplicity with everyday protection and may suit casual users who want reliable security without dealing with advanced settings or complex configurations.