AirVPN vs. NordVPN: Is NordVPN better?

In the realm of VPNs, AirVPN and NordVPN are two renowned names. Both have been in the industry for many years, offering robust security features, diverse server networks, and reliable services. But which one is the best for you? To answer this question, we need to look into these VPNs in-depth.

AirVPN, founded by activists and hacktivists in 2010, prides itself on providing an air-tight privacy service, promising to keep no logs and provide robust security. On the other hand, NordVPN, established in 2012, has made a name for itself with its exceptional security measures, extensive server network, and user-friendly applications.

Scope of the comparison

In this detailed comparison, we will look at the key aspects that make a VPN stand out, including:

1. Security and Encryption
2. No-log Policy & Jurisdiction
3. Server Network
4. Streaming
5. Torrenting
6. Compatibility and Ease of Use
7. Pricing
8. Customer Support

Security and Encryption

Security and encryption are the backbone of any VPN service. They ensure your data is unreadable to any third parties who might intercept it. But what does this mean exactly? Well, when you connect to a VPN server, your data gets encrypted (converted into an unreadable format). This encrypted data then travels through the internet, safe from prying eyes. The higher the encryption standard, the safer your data is.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
Encryption Standard	AES-256	AES-256
VPN Protocols	OpenVPN, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx (WireGuard)
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes
Double VPN	No	Yes

As you can see from the table above, both VPNs offer AES-256 encryption, which is the industry-standard encryption protocol. It’s so secure that it’s used by governments and militaries worldwide. As for the VPN protocols, both offer OpenVPN, which is known for its reliability and security. WireGuard is also available in both, promising faster speeds without compromising security.

NordVPN, however, stands out with its Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two servers for an extra layer of security, and the inclusion of the IKEv2/IPSec protocol, which is excellent for mobile users due to its ability to automatically re-connect to the VPN after a loss of connection.

Pros and Cons for each VPN in terms of security and encryption

AirVPN

• Pros: Uses the reliable OpenVPN protocol and the promising new WireGuard protocol. Also offers a Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection.
• Cons: Lacks the Double VPN feature, which can provide an extra layer of security.

NordVPN

• Pros: Offers a wide range of protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx (WireGuard). Also has a Double VPN feature for added security, along with a Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection.
• Cons: While not a con per se, the abundance of options might confuse novice users.

Conclusion on which VPN provides better security and encryption

While both AirVPN and NordVPN provide robust security and encryption, NordVPN has a slight edge due to its Double VPN feature and the inclusion of the IKEv2/IPSec protocol. NordVPN’s extensive security features make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize security above all else.

Remember, the choice of a VPN depends on your individual needs and priorities. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into other critical aspects of these VPN services.

No-log Policy & Jurisdiction

In the world of VPNs, a no-log policy means that the service provider doesn’t store or track your online activities. In essence, your data is yours and yours only, even from the VPN provider. This policy is critical for users who value their privacy above all else. But why does jurisdiction matter? Well, the VPN’s jurisdiction can influence how your data is treated. Certain regions have data retention laws that could force companies to store and share your data with the authorities, thus affecting your privacy.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
No-log Policy	Yes	Yes
Jurisdiction	Italy (Fourteen Eyes)	Panama (Outside Fourteen Eyes)
Warrant Canary	No	Yes
Independent Audit	No	Yes

Both AirVPN and NordVPN boast a strict no-log policy, promising not to store any user activity. But there are a couple of key differences between the two.

AirVPN is based in Italy, a member of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. This alliance of countries has agreements to share surveillance data, which could potentially involve your data. NordVPN, on the other hand, is based in Panama, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws and is outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance.

Moreover, NordVPN has a warrant canary and has undergone independent audits to validate their no-log policy, while AirVPN hasn’t.

Pros and Cons for each VPN based on their no-log policy and jurisdiction

AirVPN

• Pros: Offers a no-log policy.
• Cons: Based in Italy, a Fourteen Eyes country. No warrant canary or independent audits to verify their no-log policy.

NordVPN

• Pros: No-log policy validated by independent audits. Based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country outside the Fourteen Eyes. Also offers a warrant canary.
• Cons: No cons in this regard.

Conclusion on which VPN has a better no-log policy and jurisdiction

In terms of no-log policy and jurisdiction, NordVPN comes out on top. Its Panama jurisdiction, warrant canary, and third-party audits give it an edge over AirVPN.

Server Network

The size and distribution of a VPN’s server network play a crucial role in its performance. The more servers a VPN has and the wider their distribution, the better the odds of you getting a fast and reliable connection. Furthermore, a vast and well-distributed server network allows for more chances to bypass geo-restrictions.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
Number of Servers	Over 200	Over 5200
Number of Countries	20+	59
Obfuscated Servers	Yes	Yes
P2P Servers	Yes	Yes
Static IP	No	Yes

As the table above illustrates, NordVPN has a substantially larger server network than AirVPN, with servers in 59 countries compared to AirVPN’s 20+. This means NordVPN users have more options for location spoofing and bypassing geo-restrictions. Both offer obfuscated servers for bypassing heavy censorship and P2P servers for torrenting. However, NordVPN provides static IPs, which are useful for secure access to sensitive accounts or servers.

Pros and Cons for each VPN based on server network

AirVPN

• Pros: Offers obfuscated and P2P servers.
• Cons: Smaller server network compared to NordVPN. No static IP option.

NordVPN

• Pros: Extensive server network spread across 59 countries. Offers obfuscated, P2P, and static IP servers.
• Cons: Larger server network could mean more users per server, potentially affecting speed.

Conclusion on which VPN has a better server network

In terms of server network, NordVPN wins. Its vast and well-distributed server network gives users more options for location spoofing, faster connection speeds, and better chances at bypassing geo-restrictions. It also provides static IP servers, which can be handy for certain users.

Stay with us as we delve further into the capabilities of AirVPN and NordVPN, examining their performance in streaming, torrenting, compatibility, and more.

Streaming

Streaming platforms have grown exponentially popular in recent years. However, location restrictions can often limit access to certain content. This is where a VPN shines. By changing your IP address, a VPN can help bypass these geo-restrictions and give you access to a world of new content. For example, you could watch a show available only on the US version of Netflix while sitting in Europe or Asia.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
Unblocks Netflix	Yes	Yes
Unblocks Amazon Prime	Yes	Yes
Unblocks BBC iPlayer	No	Yes
Unblocks Hulu	No	Yes
Unblocks Disney+	No	Yes
Unblocks Other Platforms	Limited	Extensive

Looking at the table above, we can see that both VPNs can unlock Netflix and Amazon Prime, two of the most popular streaming platforms. However, NordVPN outperforms AirVPN when it comes to other streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

Pros and Cons for each VPN in terms of streaming capabilities

AirVPN

• Pros: Can unblock Netflix and Amazon Prime.
• Cons: Struggles to unblock other major streaming platforms such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

NordVPN

• Pros: Able to unblock a wide array of streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+.
• Cons: No significant cons in this regard.

Conclusion on which VPN offers better streaming capabilities

When it comes to streaming, NordVPN is the clear winner. It has demonstrated consistent ability to unblock a wide range of platforms, giving users a more expansive and satisfying streaming experience.

Torrenting

Torrenting, or P2P file sharing, while legal in itself, can sometimes involve the sharing of copyrighted materials. Additionally, torrenting can expose your IP address to other users, potentially putting your privacy at risk. A VPN can provide an extra layer of security and anonymity when torrenting by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
Supports P2P	Yes	Yes
P2P Servers	All servers	Dedicated P2P servers
Speed	Good	Excellent
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes

From the table above, we see that both AirVPN and NordVPN support P2P and have a kill switch, a crucial feature that disconnects your internet if your VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. They also offer split tunneling, a feature that lets you route certain apps or websites outside the VPN. In terms of speed, NordVPN has a slight advantage due to its larger server network.

Pros and Cons for each VPN in terms of torrenting capabilities

AirVPN

• Pros: Supports P2P on all servers. Features a kill switch and split tunneling.
• Cons: Slightly lower speeds compared to NordVPN.

NordVPN

• Pros: Offers dedicated P2P servers for faster torrenting. Features a kill switch, split tunneling, and excellent speeds.
• Cons: P2P support is not available on all servers.

Conclusion on which VPN is better for torrenting

In terms of torrenting, NordVPN slightly edges out AirVPN due to its excellent speeds and dedicated P2P servers. However, both VPNs provide a good torrenting experience with necessary security features like a kill switch and split tunneling.

Compatibility and Ease of Use

A VPN’s value isn’t just in its security features, but also in its compatibility and ease of use. The broader the device compatibility, the more versatile the VPN is. An easy-to-use interface is also essential, particularly for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
Windows	Yes	Yes
MacOS	Yes	Yes
iOS	Yes	Yes
Android	Yes	Yes
Linux	Yes	Yes
Chrome Extension	No	Yes
Firefox Extension	No	Yes
Router Support	Yes	Yes
Simultaneous Connections	5	6
Interface	Advanced	User-friendly

As per the table, both VPNs have comprehensive compatibility, covering all major platforms. However, NordVPN also offers extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers, something AirVPN lacks.

In terms of interface, AirVPN is built with tech-savvy users in mind and may seem complex for beginners. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface suitable for all user levels.

Pros and Cons for each VPN based on compatibility and ease of use

AirVPN

• Pros: Wide device compatibility. Offers advanced settings and customization for tech-savvy users.
• Cons: Lacks browser extensions. The interface may seem complicated for beginners.

NordVPN

• Pros: Comprehensive compatibility including browser extensions. Offers a user-friendly interface and allows up to 6 simultaneous connections.
• Cons: Interface may lack the advanced customization desired by advanced users.

Conclusion on which VPN is more compatible and easier to use

NordVPN takes the lead in terms of compatibility and ease of use due to its broader device coverage, browser extensions, and user-friendly interface.

Pricing

When choosing a VPN, it’s important to find a balance between affordability and quality. A cheaper VPN may not offer comprehensive features, while an expensive one may be overkill for simple needs.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
Monthly Plan	$8.05	$11.95
6-Month Plan	$6.12/month	$9.00/month
Annual Plan	$5.42/month	$5.75/month
Long-Term Plan	N/A	$4.13/month (2 years)
Money-Back Guarantee	3 Days	30 Days

As evident from the table, NordVPN is slightly more expensive on a month-to-month basis, but its long-term plan offers significant savings. Plus, it offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, compared to AirVPN’s 3-day policy.

Pros and Cons for each VPN based on pricing

AirVPN

• Pros: Affordable pricing for the quality and features provided.
• Cons: Short 3-day money-back guarantee. No long-term plans for additional savings.

NordVPN

• Pros: Offers attractive long-term savings. A generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive on a monthly basis.

Given the quality and extensive features it offers, along with generous long-term savings and a substantial money-back guarantee, NordVPN provides better value for money.

Customer Support

Whether you’re an advanced user or a novice, having access to responsive and knowledgeable customer support can be crucial in resolving technical issues or queries. An effective customer support team can greatly enhance your overall VPN experience.

	AirVPN	NordVPN
Live Chat	No	Yes
Email Support	Yes	Yes
Knowledge Base	Yes	Yes
Support Ticket	Yes	Yes
Phone Support	No	No
Response Time	Average	Fast

Both VPNs provide a range of support options, as detailed in the table. However, NordVPN stands out with its 24/7 live chat service, a feature that AirVPN does not offer. In terms of response time, NordVPN is known to have quicker responses.

Pros and Cons for each VPN in terms of customer support

AirVPN

• Pros: Provides a knowledge base and support ticket system.
• Cons: No live chat or phone support. Response times can be slower compared to NordVPN.

NordVPN

• Pros: Offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and a detailed knowledge base. Faster response times.
• Cons: No phone support.

With its 24/7 live chat service and quick response times, NordVPN clearly offers superior customer support compared to AirVPN.

Conclusion

Over the course of this analysis, we compared AirVPN and NordVPN across several vital parameters. From security and encryption to compatibility and customer service, we delved into the specifics to help you make an informed decision.

Overall comparison table (AirVPN vs NordVPN)

	AirVPN	NordVPN	Winner
Security & Encryption	AES-256 encryption, supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols	AES-256 encryption, supports OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard) protocols	NordVPN, for supporting more secure protocols
No-log Policy & Jurisdiction	Based in Italy (14 Eyes jurisdiction), strict no-logs policy	Based in Panama (outside 14 Eyes), strict no-logs policy audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers	NordVPN, due to its jurisdiction outside the 14 Eyes and audited no-logs policy
Server Network	200+ servers in 20 countries	5000+ servers in 59 countries	NordVPN, for its larger and more diverse server network
Streaming	Unblocks some Netflix libraries and other platforms inconsistently	Unblocks multiple Netflix libraries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) and other platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, consistently	NordVPN, for its reliable ability to unblock numerous streaming platforms
Torrenting	Supports P2P but no dedicated servers, moderate speeds	Dedicated P2P servers, fast speeds, and SOCKS5 proxy	NordVPN, due to dedicated P2P servers and faster speeds
Compatibility & Ease of Use	Compatible with common platforms, but no browser extensions, complex interface	Compatible with all major platforms and browsers, up to 6 connections, user-friendly interface	NordVPN, for its wider compatibility, browser extensions, and a user-friendly interface
Pricing	Starts from $8.05/month, 3-day money-back guarantee	Starts from $11.95/month, better savings in long-term plans, 30-day money-back guarantee	NordVPN, for its better long-term savings and more generous refund policy
Customer Support	Support ticket system, no live chat, average response time	24/7 live chat, email support, fast response time	NordVPN, for its 24/7 live chat and faster response time

From the table, we can see that NordVPN emerges as the winner in most categories, making it a comprehensive choice for most users based on these criteria.

Final thoughts on the better VPN based on the analyzed factors

While both VPNs perform admirably in terms of security, privacy, and overall functionality, NordVPN emerges as the more well-rounded VPN due to its larger server network, superior streaming and torrenting capabilities, broad compatibility, user-friendly interface, value for money, and excellent customer support.

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