NordVPN built its speed reputation on NordLynx, its WireGuard-based protocol. In 2026 that reputation still holds up in most independent testing, though not in all of it. Here is what the evidence says, and where it gets complicated.
The numbers
CyberInsider’s lab compared NordVPN with ExpressVPN on a 1,000 Mbps connection using each service’s fastest protocol. NordVPN returned 903 Mbps in Seattle, 868 in Los Angeles and 825 in New York. CyberInsider describes the Seattle result as the fastest it has recorded. Gizmodo’s separate 2026 round placed NordVPN first with the lowest average speed loss of the VPNs it tested, and Security.org also lists it among the five fastest.
Why protocol choice matters
Modern WireGuard-based protocols consistently beat OpenVPN. CyberInsider’s 2026 testing measured WireGuard at roughly 57% faster than OpenVPN, which is why the protocol dropdown is the first thing to check if a connection feels sluggish. NordVPN also offers NordWhisper for hostile networks, a sign the company is trading some raw speed for resilience where it is needed.
NordVPN is the safest bet if you want the least slowdown on nearby and mid-distance servers. Its lead over ExpressVPN is real in several labs, but not universal.
Where the picture blurs
Some comparison sites report both services losing roughly 8 to 15 percent on fast broadband, with Lightway slightly ahead on distant servers. Gizmodo’s September 2026 overall ranking described NordVPN and ExpressVPN as tied. And a lab on a fiber line in one city says little about your DSL line in another. Use published results to shortlist, then use the 30-day money-back window to measure on your own connection.
Pricing
Cybernews lists NordVPN from about $3.49 per month on long-term plans in its 2026 comparison, while another roundup cites roughly $3.39. Introductory pricing changes often, and renewals can cost more.
Is NordVPN fast enough for gaming?
Lower latency and a small speed penalty make it a strong candidate. Pick the closest server and keep NordLynx enabled.
Do lab results match real life?
Roughly, but not exactly. Lab lines are faster and cleaner than most homes, so expect lower absolute numbers with similar rankings.
Goliry Team analysis of third-party tests from CyberInsider, Gizmodo, Security.org, Cybernews and others. We did not run these tests ourselves. Results vary by location and connection.
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