Shellfire

In the crowded VPN market, NordVPN is a household name among individual users, while its corporate sibling NordLayer focuses on companies that need secure remote access and centralized network management. Although they share the same core technology, their goals are very different. Choosing the right one depends on whether you’re an individual who values streaming and privacy or a business that prioritizes control and security.

Imagine a small startup with employees working remotely. For them, NordLayer’s admin tools and network segmentation features make it easier to manage users and protect sensitive data. On the other hand, someone traveling abroad who just wants to stream Netflix or BBC iPlayer will care more about speed, ease of use, and reliable privacy, areas where NordVPN shines.

In this comparison, we’ll break down how these two services differ in performance, security, and overall experience. You’ll also see where each one excels and where other options might make more sense.

Key Points

• NordLayer is built for businesses, offering shared and virtual private gateways, advanced admin controls, and features such as network segmentation and user provisioning.
• NordVPN provides over 7,000 servers in more than 120 countries, offering fast speeds and specialty servers like Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
• For everyday users, other consumer-oriented VPNs may offer simpler pricing models and easier setups compared to the business-focused NordLayer.

Quick Comparison: NordLayer vs NordVPN

Feature	NordLayer	NordVPN
Server network	Over 30 server locations; dedicated gateways for businesses	7,000+ servers across 120+ countries
Protocols	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN; IKEv2 optional for site-to-site	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and the NordWhisper protocol
Encryption	AES-256 and ChaCha20 with Deep Packet Inspection options	AES-256 or ChaCha20 for NordLynx; diskless RAM-only servers for extra privacy
No-logs policy	Collects IP and email for access logs; U.S. jurisdiction	Independently audited no-logs policy; Panama jurisdiction
Business tools	Admin dashboard, network segmentation, IP allowlisting	Not applicable; focused on individual use
Streaming & P2P	Supports Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer	Unblocks major platforms, includes SmartDNS and dedicated P2P servers
Simultaneous connections	6 devices per user	10 devices per account
Price	From $8/user/month (minimum five users)	From $3.49/month (long-term plan)

In short, NordLayer is built for organizations that need centralized management and user control, while NordVPN remains the top choice for individuals who value speed, privacy, and streaming performance. NordLayer’s team-based pricing makes it expensive for solo users, whereas NordVPN’s independent audits and Panama jurisdiction appeal to privacy-minded customers. For a flexible alternative with no user minimum, the Shellfire VPN and Shellfire Box combine ease of use with reliable protection, perfect for both home and mobile use.

If you’re curious about how NordVPN stacks up against other leading VPNs, check out our detailed review of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Aspect	NordLayer	NordVPN
Server locations	30+ shared and virtual private gateways	120+ countries with more than 7,000 servers
Dedicated servers	Available with Core and higher plans; fixed IP options	Specialty servers (Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P, obfuscated)
Data centers	Managed gateways in business hubs; no RAM-only servers	RAM-only servers that reset automatically for privacy
Simultaneous connections	6 devices per user	Up to 10 devices per account

For companies that rely on stable remote access, NordLayer’s private gateways and dedicated IPs are a huge advantage. In contrast, NordVPN provides a massive network designed to minimize congestion and improve global coverage. If you’re curious how NordVPN compares with other premium providers, take a look at our review of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN for a deeper look at server networks and scalability.

Speed & Performance

Metric	NordLayer (NordLynx)	NordVPN (NordLynx)
Baseline speed	299 Mbps download, 296 Mbps upload	Approx. 345 Mbps baseline in tests
Nearest server	Maintained 96% of baseline speed	Download drop around 7%, upload drop around 4%
Distant server (Japan)	245 Mbps download, 125 Mbps upload	283 Mbps download, 256 Mbps upload
Latency	Average 20–30 ms near servers	20 ms nearby, 29 ms for distant servers

Both VPNs perform impressively under the NordLynx protocol, but NordVPN benefits from its larger network, which keeps speeds consistent even across continents. NordLayer sometimes slows when using OpenVPN TCP, as it prioritizes security over speed. For those who prefer simplicity, Shellfire Box provides a hardware-based option that secures an entire home network with minimal speed loss, ideal for anyone who dislikes manual configuration.

Security & Privacy

Feature	NordLayer	NordVPN
Encryption	AES-256 and ChaCha20	AES-256 and ChaCha20 on NordLynx
Protocols	NordLynx, OpenVPN; IKEv2 via manual setup	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordWhisper
Kill switch	Always-On VPN and auto-connect options	Reliable kill switch built into all apps
No-logs policy	Collects IP and email for access management	Audited no-logs policy with no identifiable data kept
Additional security	Network segmentation, IP allowlisting, and packet inspection	Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated servers

NordLayer and NordVPN share similar encryption and protocols, but differ in privacy philosophy. NordLayer keeps limited logs for administrative purposes, while NordVPN enforces a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited multiple times. Its Panama jurisdiction further strengthens user privacy. If you want to understand how NordVPN compares with another strong privacy contender, our NordVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison explores that in detail.

Streaming Performance

Platform	NordLayer	NordVPN
Netflix	Unblocks U.S., UK, Disney+, Hulu and BBC iPlayer	Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more
Special servers	No streaming-optimized servers	Dedicated P2P, Double VPN, and obfuscated servers
Speed impact	Minimal on nearby servers; slower on distant ones	Low impact, around a 7% drop in download speed

While NordLayer can access most major streaming platforms, it lacks optimized servers and can struggle with long-distance connections. NordVPN, however, delivers smoother playback and more stable connections thanks to its specialized servers. For streamers who value simplicity, Shellfire VPN provides a plug-and-play approach that lets you access global libraries effortlessly. You can also check how ExpressVPN and Surfshark compare in our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark analysis.

Platform Compatibility

Platform	NordLayer	NordVPN
Desktop OS	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
Mobile OS	iOS, Android	iOS, Android
Browsers	Chrome extension for secure web gateway	Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions
Routers & IoT	Site-to-site and smart remote access connectors	Supports select routers and Meshnet for direct device links
Simultaneous devices	6 devices per user	10 devices per account

Both NordLayer and NordVPN offer wide platform compatibility, covering all major operating systems. However, NordVPN goes a step further with Meshnet, allowing direct device-to-device connections across networks. This makes collaboration and file sharing smoother. Shellfire also provides cross-platform apps and router configurations, perfect for users who want to secure all their devices without juggling multiple setups.

Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries

Country	NordLayer	NordVPN
China	Works via obfuscated servers but lacks dedicated obfuscation mode	Obfuscated servers and multi-hop tools bypass firewalls
Russia	Limited; subject to local restrictions	Obfuscated servers improve connection success
United Arab Emirates	VPN usage allowed but monitored; corporate tunnels may be flagged	Reliable with obfuscation and Double VPN
Iran	Not recommended due to strong censorship	Works intermittently with obfuscation enabled

NordLayer is built mainly for corporate environments and isn’t optimized for bypassing censorship. NordVPN, by contrast, includes obfuscated servers and multi-hop connections that make it one of the most reliable VPNs for restricted regions. For users seeking a simpler way to browse securely under such conditions, Shellfire Box offers a plug-and-play solution that works without complex configurations.

User Experience & Apps

Aspect	NordLayer	NordVPN
Interface	Web-based admin dashboard and simple user app	Interactive map-based interface with quick connect
Ease of use	Streamlined admin controls for adding users and managing gateways	One-click connection and Meshnet setup for easy device linking
Connection stability	Occasional connection delays reported	Stable connections with minimal dropouts
Customer support	24/7 live chat and account managers on higher plans	24/7 live chat, guides, and tutorials

The web dashboard in NordLayer is convenient for IT administrators managing multiple users. Still, occasional connection lags can frustrate end users. NordVPN stands out for its intuitive apps and map-based interface, ideal for quick connections on any device. For those who prefer simplicity, Shellfire VPN offers apps that establish secure connections in seconds, with no technical setup required.

Customer Support

Channel	NordLayer	NordVPN
Live chat	24/7 live chat for all paying users	24/7 live chat available to all users
Email support	Yes, includes dedicated account managers for premium plans	Yes, with response times usually under a few hours
Knowledge base	Detailed setup guides and tutorials	Extensive FAQs, blog posts, and troubleshooting articles
Business onboarding	Personalized onboarding and setup assistance	Not applicable

Both NordLayer and NordVPN deliver responsive support. NordLayer’s dedicated account managers are a bonus for larger teams, while NordVPN’s customer service stands out for its fast replies and useful self-help resources. Shellfire’s support team also provides one-on-one help to configure the Shellfire Box or VPN apps, ensuring a smooth experience even for beginners.

Additional Features

Feature	NordLayer	NordVPN
Network segmentation	Yes; allows dividing networks into isolated zones	No; not available on consumer plans
IP allowlisting	Yes; restricts access based on IP addresses	No
ThreatBlock / malware protection	ThreatBlock with DNS filtering and packet inspection	Threat Protection Pro blocks malicious sites and trackers
Dedicated IP	Available on Core and higher plans	Available in selected countries
Mesh networking	Site-to-site connectors for remote device access	Meshnet allows direct peer-to-peer device connections

NordLayer focuses on enterprise-grade controls like IP allowlisting and network segmentation, while NordVPN brings more consumer-friendly tools such as Meshnet and Double VPN encryption. If you’re looking for a balance between simplicity and power, the Shellfire Box combines the convenience of plug-and-play hardware with advanced server-based privacy, making it an appealing option for home or small business users.

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

Use case	NordLayer	NordVPN
Streaming	⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Torrenting / P2P	⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gaming	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Remote work	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Budget-conscious	⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Censorship-heavy regions	⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Best VPN for Streaming

When it comes to streaming, NordVPN clearly leads. Its specialized servers and SmartDNS technology make it one of the most consistent VPNs for unblocking platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. NordLayer can also access these services, but without optimized routes, it may experience slowdowns on distant connections.

If you prefer a quick and easy option, Shellfire VPN offers a simple way to access international libraries without complex setup. For context on how other top-tier services compare, you might want to explore ExpressVPN vs Surfshark.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

For torrenting, NordVPN takes the win thanks to its dedicated P2P servers and SOCKS5 proxy, which provide both high speed and strong encryption. NordLayer allows P2P traffic but doesn’t offer the same level of optimization, making it less ideal for frequent file sharing. NordVPN also includes Double VPN mode, which routes your traffic through two servers for added anonymity.

If you prefer a plug-and-play approach, Shellfire Box encrypts all your connections automatically, offering a practical way to torrent securely across your entire home network.

Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers often focus on latency and stability, and NordVPN delivers both. Its Meshnet feature allows direct device linking, simulating a local network experience. NordLayer performs well for nearby connections using NordLynx, but its enterprise design doesn’t prioritize gaming features like split tunneling or optimized routing.

For console users, Shellfire VPN and Shellfire Box can simplify protection across all devices, so you can focus on your gameplay instead of manual VPN settings.

Best VPN for Remote Work

Remote teams will find NordLayer highly efficient. It allows IT admins to assign gateways, manage user access, and create segmented networks, all essential for corporate environments. NordVPN also performs strongly for individual professionals, offering secure and reliable connections without the complexity of enterprise controls.

Shellfire Box can be particularly helpful for remote workers, as it secures every device connected to your home network automatically, no software installation needed.

Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users

NordVPN is more affordable overall, especially with its long-term plans and frequent promotions. NordLayer, with pricing starting at $8 per user and a five-user minimum, is better suited for small businesses rather than solo users.

Shellfire VPN offers flexible, budget-friendly plans and even a free trial. The Shellfire Box, meanwhile, is a one-time purchase that eliminates subscription fees entirely, which can be appealing for anyone looking to save in the long run.

Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries

Bypassing censorship requires robust obfuscation and strong encryption. NordVPN has both, along with Double VPN and Onion over VPN modes that make it a reliable choice for users in regions with strict internet controls. NordLayer, while secure, lacks the same level of obfuscation, making it less effective in such environments.

If you live under heavy censorship, Shellfire’s combination of VPN software and hardware offers an accessible alternative, no complicated setup, just secure browsing from any device.

Conclusion

Both NordLayer and NordVPN come from the same parent company but cater to very different needs. NordLayer is a better fit for companies that need enterprise-level management, user monitoring, and compliance tools. Its higher price reflects those business-oriented features.

NordVPN, in contrast, remains one of the best all-around consumer VPNs thanks to its massive server network, audited no-logs policy, and balance of speed and security. It’s ideal for everyday use, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or simply browsing privately.

If neither fits your exact needs, Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box offer a strong alternative. They combine simplicity, solid performance, and broad device coverage without complicated setup or user limits, an excellent choice for both individuals and small offices looking for reliable, straightforward online protection.