Shellfire

UltraVPN is a relatively new player in the VPN market, aiming to combine high speeds with an interface that you can set up in just a few minutes. It belongs to the same parent company as Hotspot Shield, but its feature set and positioning are a bit different, closer to an all-round security tool than just a simple “on/off” VPN client. On the other side, NordVPN remains one of the most trusted names in the industry, often topping independent VPN Test and VPN Vergleich articles in German-speaking markets.

This comparison looks at how UltraVPN stacks up against NordVPN in areas that actually matter day to day: speed, server coverage, streaming performance, privacy, security features and ease of use. If you’re deciding between cheap VPN options and more premium tools, or you’re searching for terms like ‘NordVPN reviews’ to judge long-term reliability, the goal here is to give you a realistic picture, not just marketing claims.

Key Points

• UltraVPN operates a network of 1,300+ servers in over 125 locations worldwide and supports modern protocols such as Hydra, WireGuard and IKEv2, which helps deliver solid speeds and reliable access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
• NordVPN runs more than 8,600 servers across 168+ locations, offers advanced features such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet and Threat Protection Pro, and has a repeatedly audited no-logs policy that strengthens its privacy credentials.
• Choosing a VPN ultimately depends on your priorities, whether that is low latency for gaming, a strict No-Logs-Richtlinie for privacy, smooth 4K streaming, or keeping costs as low as possible without sacrificing essential security.

Quick Comparison: UltraVPN vs NordVPN

Feature	UltraVPN	NordVPN
Server count	1,300+ servers in 125+ locations	8,600+ servers in 168+ locations worldwide
Encryption & protocols	AES-256 encryption; Hydra, WireGuard, IKEv2 protocols	AES-256 and ChaCha20; OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), NordWhisper
Simultaneous connections	Up to 10 devices	Up to 10 devices
Streaming & P2P	Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and supports torrenting on all servers	Unblocks most major streaming services; P2P-optimized servers available
Logging & jurisdiction	Headquartered in the United States with a stated no-logs policy	Operates under Panamanian jurisdiction with an independently audited no-logs policy
Notable features	Split tunneling (Windows), kill switch, obfuscation, optional dedicated IPs	Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet, Threat Protection Pro, advanced obfuscation

UltraVPN delivers good performance and a solid feature set at a competitive price point. Thanks to its Hydra protocol and streaming-optimized servers, it does particularly well for services like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer, even when you want higher resolutions like 4K. The main trade-offs are the lack of multi-hop routing, no independent audit of its logging practices and the fact that it is headquartered in the U.S., something that very privacy-focused users sometimes prefer to avoid.

NordVPN, by contrast, offers a significantly larger server network and a wider range of advanced tools. Features such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, RAM-only servers, Threat Protection Pro and the newer NordWhisper protocol make it a better fit if privacy, bypassing tough network filters or working securely on public Wi-Fi are top priorities. For most people who want a “set it and forget it” premium VPN with strong security, NordVPN remains a very safe choice.

For readers who prefer something in between a fully managed premium suite and a bare-bones VPN app, Shellfire’s services can also be interesting. The Shellfire VPN and its companion hardware solution, the Shellfire Box, provide simple but effective protection for all your devices at home or on the road, without having to micromanage settings on every single gadget.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Provider	Servers & locations	Jurisdiction
UltraVPN	1,300+ servers across 125+ locations	United States (claims no-logs policy)
NordVPN	8,600+ servers across 168+ locations	Panama (outside the Five Eyes alliances)

UltraVPN offers a network of more than 1,300 servers in over 125 locations. For most users, that is enough to find a nearby server for decent speeds and to access the usual geo-restricted streaming libraries. The footprint spans North America, Europe and key regions in Asia-Pacific, so regular travelers should normally find a workable endpoint. Because UltraVPN is based in the United States and has not undergone an independent audit of its logging practices, however, its privacy stance relies largely on trust in the company’s no-logs promise.

NordVPN dwarfs UltraVPN in sheer scale, with more than 8,600 servers worldwide and a continually expanding list of locations. The network includes specialty servers for P2P, Double VPN, Onion over VPN and obfuscation, which you will not find in most günstiges VPN products. The company operates under Panamanian jurisdiction, outside the main intelligence-sharing alliances, and has subjected its no-logs claims to multiple external audits. If maximum global coverage, redundancy and anonymity are your priority, NordVPN clearly has the edge in this category.

Speed & Performance

Provider	Average download/upload	Latency impact
UltraVPN	Average speeds around 100–200 Mbps on nearby servers; generally smooth HD and 4K streaming	Low ping (often under 50 ms) on nearby servers, suitable for casual online gaming
NordVPN	Very high speeds via NordLynx and well-optimized servers; consistent performance even at longer distances	Low latency suitable for gaming, video calls and real-time collaboration

UltraVPN uses its proprietary Hydra protocol, together with WireGuard and IKEv2, to keep speeds competitive. On nearby servers, you can typically expect download speeds in the 100–200 Mbps range on a decent broadband line, which is more than enough for streaming, video calls and large downloads. Latency remains low on servers close to your physical location, so light to moderate online gaming usually feels responsive. On distant servers, performance can vary more, which is typical for mid-range providers.

NordVPN relies primarily on its NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard and tuned for both speed and privacy. In many independent benchmarks, NordLynx comes out among the fastest VPN protocols on the market, often with only a small drop compared with your “naked” connection. Because the network is so large, it is easier to find a server that is geographically close to you or to a specific service, which helps keep latency in check. For heavy users who regularly download large files, stream in 4K or use latency-sensitive apps, NordVPN is the more robust choice.

Security & Privacy

Provider	Encryption & protocols	Logging policy	Extra security
UltraVPN	AES-256 with Hydra, WireGuard and IKEv2	Claims a strict no-logs policy; headquartered in the U.S.	Kill switch, split tunneling on Windows, basic obfuscation features
NordVPN	AES-256 and ChaCha20; OpenVPN, NordLynx, NordWhisper	Independently audited no-logs policy; Panama-based service	Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Threat Protection Pro, kill switch, Meshnet, RAM-only servers

On paper, UltraVPN offers strong technical security. It uses AES-256 encryption and supports several modern protocols, including WireGuard and IKEv2, alongside its Hydra protocol. The apps include an automatic kill switch to prevent traffic leaks if the VPN connection drops, plus split tunneling on Windows so that you can route only specific apps through the VPN. There is also protocol-level obfuscation, useful when you want to hide VPN usage from basic filtering systems.

The main question mark around UltraVPN is policy rather than technology. While it advertises a strict no-logs policy, this has not yet been verified by an external audit, and the company’s U.S. base means it operates in a jurisdiction with relatively aggressive data-request mechanisms. That does not automatically mean log collection, but privacy-enthusiast users often prefer providers with third-party verification and friendlier jurisdictions.

NordVPN has invested heavily in both technical and policy-level privacy. It offers AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, supports OpenVPN and NordLynx, and recently introduced NordWhisper, a protocol designed to work reliably on highly restricted networks by disguising VPN traffic. Its servers are RAM-only, which means data is wiped on every reboot, and its no-logs policy has been audited multiple times by independent firms. Extra tools like Threat Protection Pro block many malicious sites and trackers, and Double VPN or Onion over VPN routes help users who want a higher level of anonymity. If privacy is high on your list, NordVPN clearly provides more reassurance.

Streaming Performance

Provider	Netflix	Other platforms	Stability
UltraVPN	Unblocks Netflix in popular regions with stable HD and 4K playback	Works with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and often Amazon Prime Video	Generally stable streams with minimal buffering on nearby servers
NordVPN	Unblocks a wide range of Netflix libraries worldwide	Consistently works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more	Very stable, with plenty of alternative servers if one is blocked

Streaming is one of the stronger areas for UltraVPN. The service reliably unblocks Netflix in key regions such as the U.S. and the U.K. and usually has no trouble with BBC iPlayer, Hulu and other mainstream platforms. Combined with the Hydra protocol’s speed, this makes UltraVPN a good fit if your main goal is simply to watch your usual shows without noticeable buffering. Even users with only moderate connections should be able to stream in HD, and on faster lines, 4K playback is realistic.

NordVPN also excels at streaming, but its advantages become more visible if you frequently change locations or want access to a broader mix of catalogues. Because of its many servers and streaming-friendly infrastructure, you usually have several backup options when a particular IP range gets blocked. That is particularly useful for live sports or when you travel and still want access to your home region. In a nutshell, UltraVPN is perfectly adequate for occasional streamers, while NordVPN is better suited for heavy streamers and those who treat streaming access as a deciding factor.

Platform Compatibility

Provider	Desktop	Mobile	Browser/Other
UltraVPN	Windows, macOS	Android, iOS	No router support; no browser extensions
NordVPN	Windows, macOS, Linux	Android, iOS, ChromeOS	Browser extensions, router configurations, smart TV and streaming device apps

UltraVPN focuses on the main consumer platforms, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. The apps are clean and straightforward, and you can have up to 10 simultaneous connections on a single subscription, which is generous for a mid-range service. Split tunneling is currently limited to Windows, so if you rely on that feature on macOS or mobile, you may miss it. There is no official router support or browser extension, which means devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles have to rely on system-level settings or remain unprotected.

NordVPN, in contrast, covers a much wider ecosystem. In addition to apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and ChromeOS, it offers native applications or configurations for smart TVs, streaming sticks and many router models. Lightweight browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge let you protect only your browser traffic if that suits your workflow better. For households with many devices or small offices that want to secure everything from laptops to IoT gadgets, this flexibility is a clear advantage.

Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries

Provider	China	Russia	Iran	Turkey
UltraVPN	Works intermittently via obfuscation	Limited success; frequent throttling and blocks	Unreliable, with connection failures	Mixed results depending on server and ISP
NordVPN	More reliable via obfuscated servers and NordWhisper on some networks	Generally works with moderate throttling	Can connect, but speeds are slower	Typically reliable, especially on obfuscated servers

UltraVPN includes obfuscation features that can help disguise VPN traffic and bypass basic blocking, but its track record in highly restrictive environments such as China or Iran is inconsistent. Some users report temporary success, while others run into blocks or unusable speeds. If you only travel occasionally and censorship is not your primary concern, this may be acceptable, but it is not the strongest point of the service.

NordVPN is generally better equipped for censorship-heavy countries. It offers dedicated obfuscated servers and now the NordWhisper protocol, both designed to keep connections working even on networks that actively try to block VPNs. This does not guarantee access in every scenario, but it significantly improves your chances compared with simpler services. If you plan to live, work or travel in countries with aggressive internet controls, NordVPN or other similarly advanced providers are usually a safer bet. You can also find additional context in our article on NordVPN vs StrongVPN.

User Experience & Apps

Provider	Interface	Ease of use	Stability
UltraVPN	Clean, minimal interface with dark mode	Beginner-friendly, with simple auto-connect options	Generally stable; occasional drops during server switching
NordVPN	Map-based interface plus detailed server list	Easy for beginners, but with many advanced settings available	Very stable, even with long, multi-hour sessions

The apps from UltraVPN are deliberately simple. You get a central connect button, a server list with locations and some basic settings such as protocol selection and auto-connect on startup or on unsecured Wi-Fi. Dark mode and a clean layout make it pleasant to use, and most people will feel comfortable within a few minutes. Occasionally, especially when rapidly switching between distant servers, you may notice short connection drops before the tunnel is re-established.

NordVPN balances a more feature-rich interface with ease of use. The world map is useful if you like to visually pick server locations, while the list view gives more granular control, including specialties like P2P, Double VPN or obfuscated servers. Despite the broader feature set, the apps remain approachable for non-technical users. In daily use, NordVPN tends to feel very stable, which is important if you rely on the VPN during long work sessions or while traveling.

If you prefer an even more hands-off experience, the Shellfire Box can automatically route all traffic in your home or small office through a VPN connection without installing apps on each device. For families with smart TVs, gaming consoles and many phones and laptops, this can feel much more practical than configuring every device individually.

Customer Support

Provider	Support channels	Response time	Resources
UltraVPN	24/7 live chat and email support	Usually answers within minutes; longer waits at busy times	Basic knowledge base and setup tutorials
NordVPN	24/7 live chat and email	Typically responds in seconds to live chat	Extensive guides, FAQs, troubleshooting and configuration articles

Both UltraVPN and NordVPN provide 24/7 customer support, which is crucial when you run into issues while traveling or working late across time zones. With UltraVPN, live chat agents are generally helpful, although response times can stretch during very busy periods. The documentation is serviceable, covering the most common installation and troubleshooting scenarios.

NordVPN stands out a bit more in this area. Response times on live chat are usually very fast, and the agents are used to dealing with more advanced questions, from router setups to specific streaming problems. The help center is one of the more detailed in the industry, which means you can often solve problems yourself without ever opening a ticket. For another angle on support quality, you can check our comparison of NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN.

Additional Features

Provider	Notable extras
UltraVPN	Split tunneling (Windows), kill switch, dedicated IP option in some regions, basic obfuscation
NordVPN	Threat Protection Pro, Meshnet, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking

UltraVPN offers several extras that go beyond the most basic VPN apps. Split tunneling on Windows is useful if, for example, you want your browser to use the VPN while online games or local banking apps use your regular connection. The kill switch is essential for torrenting and other sensitive activities, and the dedicated IP option appeals to users who need a stable IP for remote access or certain business tools. Still, compared with top-tier providers, the extras feel more limited and are not available on every platform.

NordVPN includes a richer toolbox. Threat Protection Pro acts as a lightweight security layer, blocking many malicious domains, trackers and some ads at the DNS level. Meshnet allows you to create secure, encrypted tunnels between your own devices, which is handy for remote access, gaming with friends or simple site-to-site style setups. Double VPN and Onion over VPN are niche but valuable for people who need extra layers of privacy. If you are interested in multi-hop routing and more advanced configurations, our comparison of NordVPN vs TorGuard goes deeper into how these features differ between providers.

By contrast, Shellfire’s services keep things deliberately straightforward. While they skip some of the more exotic options, they focus on reliable encryption, easy configuration and the option to protect your entire network via the Shellfire Box. For many everyday users, that “less, but simpler” approach is actually preferable to complex menus.

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

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

Best VPN for Streaming

UltraVPN performs very well for streaming, especially considering its position as a mid-range, relatively günstiges VPN. Its servers unblock Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer in most popular regions and deliver enough bandwidth for HD and 4K content on good connections. For many households that simply want to watch their usual shows without worrying too much about fine-tuning, this is more than adequate.

If you want consistent access to a wider range of streaming platforms, or you live in a region with weaker internet infrastructure, NordVPN is usually the safer pick. Its large server network, specialized streaming servers and fast NordLynx protocol give you more alternatives when a given IP gets blocked. Avid streamers who hop between Netflix libraries, live sports platforms and regional services will normally benefit from NordVPN in the long run. For more context on streaming-focused providers, see our comparison of NordVPN vs CyberGhost.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Both UltraVPN and NordVPN support torrenting, but they take slightly different approaches. UltraVPN allows P2P traffic on all servers and provides a built-in kill switch, which is crucial to prevent your real IP from leaking if the VPN disconnects. Speeds are generally good enough for most people’s torrent workloads, and the provider does not appear to throttle P2P traffic explicitly.

NordVPN goes a bit further with P2P-specialized servers that are optimized for this type of traffic. Combined with its independently audited no-logs policy and RAM-only infrastructure, this offers additional peace of mind if you do a lot of P2P transfers. The ability to use an app-level kill switch is also handy, letting you cut the connection for specific programs while keeping everything else online. If privacy and reliability matter as much as raw speed, NordVPN comes out ahead for heavy torrent users.

Best VPN for Gaming

UltraVPN offers low ping on nearby servers, often under 50 ms, which is perfectly acceptable for casual gaming. Its speeds are more than sufficient for most online titles, and setup is simple enough that you do not spend half an evening just configuring the client. That said, occasional connection drops during server changes can be disruptive in competitive matches or ranked play.

NordVPN has a strong reputation among gamers who want a mix of speed, stability and privacy. Thanks to its large network, it is easier to find servers that are close to both you and the game server, which can shave off a few milliseconds of latency. Added security is a bonus if you are concerned about DDoS attacks or want to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi when gaming on a laptop or handheld device. For readers comparing multiple providers for gaming-heavy use, our article on Mullvad vs NordVPN is also worth a look.

Best VPN for Remote Work

UltraVPN can work for remote work scenarios, especially if your needs are relatively simple. Split tunneling on Windows lets you send work-related apps through the VPN while keeping other traffic, such as local video calls or region-locked banking sites, outside the tunnel. This can make your connection feel more responsive while still protecting sensitive tools and dashboards.

NordVPN is better suited to more demanding remote-work setups. Features like dedicated IP addresses, Meshnet for secure peer-to-peer links between devices and strong, modern encryption make it a solid choice for freelancers and small teams who handle confidential data. If you work while traveling, the combination of obfuscated servers and NordWhisper can also help you maintain access in networks that limit VPN usage. In such contexts, the higher price is easier to justify.

Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users

UltraVPN is often priced very aggressively, especially on longer subscriptions, which makes it attractive when you are primarily focused on cost savings. Its performance, streaming abilities and up to 10 simultaneous connections give you good value for money as long as you are comfortable with its U.S. jurisdiction and less comprehensive privacy story.

NordVPN usually costs more, but it also includes a broader feature set, very strong privacy measures and a larger, more redundant server network. For some users, especially those who value security and reliability as much as saving a few euros per month, the extra cost is worth it. If your priority is simply getting a solid VPN at a relatively low price, UltraVPN is a reasonable choice; if you want a long-term solution with more room to grow, NordVPN may be the better long-term investment. As another option in the günstiges VPN space, Shellfire offers competitively priced plans and hardware such as the Shellfire Box for whole-home coverage.

Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries

UltraVPN does include obfuscation features, but its performance under heavy censorship is inconsistent. You may occasionally get a stable connection, yet success rates vary widely by country, ISP and even time of day. For short trips this might be acceptable, but users who depend on reliable access in such regions may find the experience frustrating.

NordVPN is better equipped for these environments. Its obfuscated servers and NordWhisper protocol are designed specifically to handle networks that block traditional VPN traffic. While no VPN can guarantee 100% uptime against determined censors, NordVPN is among the stronger options in this context. If you are researching other alternatives to use behind strict firewalls, our Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN comparison provides additional insights into how different services cope with such restrictions.

Conclusion

UltraVPN offers a compelling mix of affordability and everyday performance. With more than 1,300 servers, modern protocols, decent streaming support and a built-in kill switch, it covers the essentials for users who mainly want to watch geo-restricted content, secure public Wi-Fi and occasionally download torrents. For many people looking for a günstiges VPN option that still feels modern and easy to use, UltraVPN can be a sensible choice.

NordVPN, however, remains the more comprehensive service overall. Its vast server network, independently audited no-logs policy, RAM-only infrastructure and advanced features such as Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet and NordWhisper make it attractive to users who care deeply about privacy, flexibility and long-term reliability. For serious streamers, frequent travelers, remote workers or anyone handling sensitive data, the extra investment in NordVPN is often justified.

That said, the VPN landscape is not limited to just these two names. The Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box position themselves as straightforward, low-friction alternatives. They may not offer the same volume of specialist features as NordVPN, but they focus on consistent protection and simple, network-wide coverage without complex configuration. If you are looking for a practical balance between ease of use, price and security, Shellfire’s combination of software and plug-and-play hardware is worth considering alongside the bigger brands discussed in this comparison.