Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

WireGuard VS NordVPN

Compare WireGuard VS NordVPN and see what are their differences

WireGuard logo WireGuard

Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel

NordVPN logo NordVPN

NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.
  • WireGuard Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-24
  • NordVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-12-12

WireGuard features and specs

  • Simplicity
    WireGuard is noted for its simplicity in terms of codebase and configuration, making it easier to understand, audit, and maintain.
  • Performance
    WireGuard offers high performance, low latency, and minimal overhead, which results in faster connections compared to other VPN protocols.
  • Security
    WireGuard uses state-of-the-art cryptographic protocols and algorithms, providing a high level of security.
  • Cross-Platform
    WireGuard is compatible with many operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • Modern Design
    Designed with modern networking use-cases in mind, WireGuard supports advanced features like roaming and easier NAT traversal.
  • Efficient Codebase
    With approximately 4,000 lines of code, WireGuard's minimalism reduces the attack surface and potential for vulnerabilities.

Possible disadvantages of WireGuard

  • Limited Features
    WireGuard primarily focuses on being a secure VPN protocol and lacks some advanced features found in other protocols.
  • Still Evolving
    As a relatively new technology, WireGuard may still undergo significant changes and improvements, which could impact stability and support.
  • Static IP Assignment
    WireGuard assigns static IP addresses to each peer, which can be less flexible compared to dynamic IP allocation in other VPN solutions.
  • Server Compatibility
    Some legacy infrastructures and older systems may not support WireGuard natively, creating challenges for widespread deployment.
  • No Built-in Authentication
    WireGuard itself does not include built-in authentication mechanisms, relying solely on public key cryptography for peer identification.
  • No Built-in Traffic Obfuscation
    WireGuard lacks built-in mechanisms for traffic obfuscation, making it easier for restrictive networks to detect and block WireGuard traffic.

NordVPN features and specs

  • Strong Encryption
    NordVPN uses next-generation encryption protocols like AES-256, ensuring that user data is well-protected.
  • No-Logs Policy
    NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity and data are not stored or monitored by the service.
  • Large Server Network
    NordVPN offers a vast network of over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, providing users with a wide range of options for optimal speeds and access.
  • Streaming and P2P Friendly
    The service is optimized for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted experiences.
  • Advanced Cybersecurity Features
    NordVPN includes advanced features like Double VPN, CyberSec, and Onion Over VPN for enhanced security.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is designed with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to connect to a server and adjust settings.
  • 24/7 Customer Support
    NordVPN offers around-the-clock customer support through live chat and email to help resolve any issues promptly.

Possible disadvantages of NordVPN

  • Variable Speeds
    Some users may experience inconsistent internet speeds depending on server load and their geographic location.
  • Cost
    NordVPN is relatively expensive compared to some other VPN services, especially if not purchased during a promotional period.
  • Complex Advanced Features
    While the basic features are user-friendly, some advanced settings may be confusing for less tech-savvy users.
  • Occasional Connection Drops
    There have been instances where users experience unexpected connection drops, requiring them to reconnect to a server.
  • Limited Simultaneous Connections
    The service allows a maximum of six simultaneous device connections, which may be restrictive for users with multiple devices.

WireGuard videos

WireGuard Overview

More videos:

  • Review - What is WireGuard? Should You Use it? Best VPN for WireGuard?
  • Review - OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs IKEv2 vs PPTP - Which is the Best VPN Protocol to use in 2020?

NordVPN videos

NordVPN Review 2019 - BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW!

More videos:

  • Review - NordVPN Review 2020! 🔥 WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU....
  • Review - NordVPN review: Best VPN? | Nordvpn 2020

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to WireGuard and NordVPN)
VPN
28 28%
72% 72
Security & Privacy
30 30%
70% 70
Cloud VPN
37 37%
63% 63
Monitoring Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare WireGuard and NordVPN

WireGuard Reviews

Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Wireguard is a VPN alternative that is under development. Yet it is faster and carefully designed when compared to other similar products.
6 Types of VPN Protocols, Compared: Which is the Best to Use?
In essence, every VPN has to strengthen WireGuard’s wobbly privacy to benefit from its speed and security. That’s why we recommend using WireGuard-based protocols only if they come from reputable VPN providers. NordVPN, for example, fixes WireGuard’s privacy issues with the so-called “double NAT system” (network address translation). This allows them to establish secure...
Source: vpnoverview.com
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Which protocol is best?
WireGuard was not designed to obfuscate user traffic to this degree, and only supports UDP. This means that a simple, standalone WireGuard connection is easy to detect. However, as WireGuard is so extensible, most VPN providers have added their own obfuscation methods on top. The efficacy of these varies, but we’ve seen services with WireGuard support that even work in...
The 10 Best Open Source VPN Apps
In addition to using the latest encryption techniques, Mullvad is based on some of the VPN protocols in WireGuard and OpenVPN. So, users will be able to decide for themselves which VPN client to opt for. Also, you can find Mullvad on Windows, macOS, and Linux-based systems, as well as Android and iOS. There is no paid version of Mullvad, either, so you need not worry about...
WireGuard vs OpenVPN
WireGuard was designed for speed and security. It was not specifically designed for people like us, who look to their VPN service for both security and privacy. However, in order to give users the benefits of WireGuard, VPN services have come up with WireGuard solutions that add strong privacy protections without sacrificing what makes WireGuard special. Here’s the problem:

NordVPN Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
NordVPN is a top choice for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers in multiple countries. With simultaneous connections and a user-friendly interface, NordVPN is perfect for streaming music on various devices.
NordVPN vs Surfshark Comparison
NordVPN offers vital tools like the kill switch, double VPN, obfuscated servers, and stringent no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte. While features like dedicated IP addresses and private data removal tools come at an additional cost, protection against malware and phishing, as well as ad and tracker blockers are included for no extra charge. We found NordVPN speeds steady,...
Source: bestreviews.net
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Windscribe is a Canadian-based VPN alternative that comes with a paid version and a free tier with 10GB bandwidth per month. This software cannot assure the fast performance of NordVPN and others,but has many advantages too.
NordLayer vs. NordVPN: how are they different?
In DepthNordLayer vs. NordVPN: how are they different?By NordLayer, 20 Oct 20226 min readWhat is NordLayer?What is NordLayer used for?Try our Control PanelWhat is NordVPN?What is NordVPN used for?Is NordLayer the same as NordVPN?Main differences between NordLayer and NordVPNSummaryShare articleRelated ArticlesMinimizing external risks: a step-by-step guide to third-party...
Source: nordlayer.com
10 Best FREE Anti Tracking Software In 2023 [TOP SELECTIVE]
NordVPN is the best service provider in the field of VPN, as it keeps your location and IP private, making it untraceable and secure for a user. Nord provides its support and services to its users, keeping their data privacy intact and search results.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, NordVPN should be more popular than WireGuard. It has been mentiond 46 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

WireGuard mentions (9)

  • Remote access from work/corporate network
    Wireguard. Wireguard uses UDP only and runs TCP sockets over UDP. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Central reverse-proxy ssh access?
    Look at Wireguard. I know you don't want Yet Another VPN running alongside your IPSec, but it's less VPN and more encrypted point-to-point UDP. You can set it up on any port you wish, including common ports that might be open on an outbound smart firewall not doing deep packet inspection. That way, it can stay out of the way of your existing IPSec deployment. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Official /r/rust "Who's Hiring" thread for job-seekers and job-offerers [Rust 1.69]
    We use Elixir/Erlang for our control plane, and Rust for our data plane, built on the excellent WireGuard® tunneling protocol. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Globally distributed Elixir over Tailscale
    Both products are based off Wireguard which is available for all new linux distributions. https://wireguard.com . I'm not saying OP's solution is wrong, just curious what the advantages are. Other than potentially simpler client setup, what are the advantages of paying for tailscale. With the opensource tailscale, I'm not sure if you get access to an api you can use to look up the hosts. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Whisper: wraps any Go io.ReadWriter in a secure tunnel using Ed25519/X25519
    Noise Protocol Framework (used by Wireguard). Source: about 2 years ago
View more

NordVPN mentions (46)

  • CONSPIRACY THEORY
    Ad : Do you want to surf the internet while being secure and private ? That is why I recommend NordVPN. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • A guide to exploiting, by C3rillion.
    If you want to be extra safe, get Nord VPN, as it is a good free and paid option for Roblox cheating. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How to watch rapids games in colorado?
    NordVPN + ESPN+ is the most consistent option from my experience and at $12-19/month combined it's reasonably affordable. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • NordVPN adaware?
    Go to nordvpn.com and log in to your account. If I remember correctly you can disable ads and other unwanted notifications from there. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Any Martial Law Tips and Trick for the Modern World?
    We use NordVPN. Nag pay kami to protect six devices for two years less than 4k Php. There's Proton too, they have free versions pero na feel ko reduction ng speed sa free version so we decided to pay nalang for Nord. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing WireGuard and NordVPN, you can also consider the following products

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

ExpressVPN - ExpressVPN is the worlds fastest VPN service.

ZeroTier - Extremely simple P2P Encrypted VPN

Windscribe - Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

Hamachi - Hamachi is a VPN service scaled to the unique needs of business owners.