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Kaspersky VPN vs NordVPN: Which VPN should you choose?

Choosing a VPN for your travels is not easy. This comparison between Kaspersky VPN and NordVPN will allow you to evaluate these two providers.

belengrima

Published: December 21, 2025

If you’re looking for a VPN to protect your connection while travelling, working remotely, or just keeping online privacy, you’ve likely seen two names: Kaspersky VPN vs. NordVPN: Both promise security, speed, and unrestricted access to geo-blocked content. However, they aren’t the same. In this comparison, we analyse the similarities and differences between Kaspersky VPN vs NordVPN in depth. NordVPN:

We’ll assess everything from ease of use to advanced security features. Then, we’ll review streaming performance and support. We’ll keep a focus for people who stay connected across the world.

If you’re about to decide, this article will help you see which option fits your digital lifestyle best.

General comparison: Kaspersky VPN vs NordVPN

Throughout this article, we’ll go deeper into the differences between Kaspersky VPN and NordVPN. However, first, we want to briefly introduce each provider.

Kaspersky VPN is part of Kaspersky Lab, a Russian cybersecurity company founded in 1997. It reaches millions through antivirus products, security suites, and its VPN solution.

Kaspersky VPN pairs ease of use with a well-known security brand. Still, some reviews flag jurisdiction concerns and more basic features versus specialist providers. One example includes Proton VPN (the brand we recommend at Holafly). Also, its Russia-based headquarters raises doubts for some users. They worry the Russian government could access their information.

NordVPN, meanwhile, launched in 2012 by a group of friends who wanted a freer, safer internet tool. It operates under Nord Security with a legal base in Panama and an international presence. As a result, it strengthens its privacy profile. This brand stands out for advanced features, wide global coverage, and an exclusive VPN focus, rather than a secondary add-on product.

With that said, let’s look at a general comparison of what NordVPN and Kaspersky VPN offer:

AttributeKaspersky VPNNordVPN
ServersMore than 2,000 servers7,000+ servers in 167 locations
ProtocolsHydra for PC and OpenVPN for mobile phones.OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2.
CountriesOver 100 countriesOver 160 countries
Standard encryptionAES‑256 bitAES-256 (and enhancements such as AES-256-GCM / ChaCha20)
Customer Support24/7 support via live chat and email24/7 support via live chat (mostly in English)
Free trialYes, 7 daysNo, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the service
SpeedHigh, but may vary depending on server locationBetter overall speed performance in independent tests
Streaming supportYes, but performance can varyYes, with excellent streaming and geo-unblocking performance
Ad / malware blockerNoYes, it includes advanced features like “Threat Protection Pro”
Supports a dedicated IPNoYes, it also offers a dedicated IP address as an add-on
Split tunnellingYes, availableYes, available
Kill SwitchYes, protects the connection in case of failureYes
Simultaneous connectionsUp to 5 devices per subscriptionUp devices to 10 simultaneously
Keeps logs (“no-logs”)Yes, it claims it doesn’t store users’ online activity dataIt states a strict no-logs policy.

General comparison: Kaspersky VPN vs. NordVPN

Broadly speaking, Kaspersky VPN and NordVPN have different profiles. Kaspersky stands out for suite integration, easy use, and brand backing. Meanwhile, NordVPN stands out for an exclusive VPN focus, wider global coverage, advanced features, and a privacy-led jurisdiction.

Now we’ll explore how each performs for speed, security, usability, support, and travel scenarios. That way, you can decide what fits your way of getting online abroad best.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

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Kaspersky VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN: Which is more secure?

When you choose a VPN, you first want a brand that guarantees security. As a digital nomad, you surely understand online privacy protection. So, on this point, we found clear differences between Kaspersky VPN and NordVPN.

What does Kaspersky VPN offer?

Kaspersky VPN includes several useful features to protect your connection. Here are the key points:

  • “Bank-grade encryption“: It uses 256-bit AES encryption, the strongest level available right now. This helps, yet serious VPN providers also use it.
  • Kill switch: The Android version includes an “automatic kill switch”, which blocks the connection if the VPN drops.
  • Unsafe Wi-Fi protection: It checks Wi-Fi networks and recommends enabling the VPN if it flags the network as unsafe.
  • Split tunnelling / “split tunneling”: This feature lets users choose which internet traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t. 
  • IP masquerading: This function hides your real IP address, replacing it with an IP assigned by their servers. This allows you to surf the internet anonymously, making it difficult for third parties, such as websites or advertisers, to track your online activity. 

In summary: Kaspersky VPN offers a solid security baseline and simple setup. It suits most people who want safer browsing, especially on public networks.

What does NordVPN offer?

NordVPN goes further with advanced security features, so it suits users who want maximum protection. It offers what Kaspersky offers (bank-grade encryption, Kill Switch, and split tunnelling) and also:

  • Threat Protection: It blocks malware, trackers, and adverts, even without an active VPN connection.
  • Double VPN: It routes your traffic through two servers, so you get double encryption.
  • Onion over VPN: It gives direct Tor access without extra setup.
  • Obfuscated servers: They help in countries with strong censorship.
  • Dark Web Monitor: It alerts you if your email appears in a leak.
  • RAM-only infrastructure, plus external audits and more privacy measures.

In summary: NordVPN adds a more advanced security layer. It suits remote workers, frequent travellers, and public Wi-Fi users who want premium peace of mind.

What differences exist between Kaspersky VPN and NordVPN?

To start, Kaspersky VPN keeps things simpler, so it suits users who want security without hassle. NordVPN offers more options, more control, and more advanced tools. In any case, your choice depends on your user profile.

For protocols and performance, NordVPN includes NordLynx, stronger split tunnelling, and many extra tools. These can boost speed while keeping strong security. Kaspersky VPN uses solid protocols, yet it offers fewer configuration options.

If you want to decide exactly which app uses the VPN and which doesn’t, NordVPN has the edge. If you want something you just switch on, Kaspersky VPN may do the job.

In conclusion, if you work remotely, depend on public Wi-Fi (unless you travel with Holafly’s eSIM), and want to stream smoothly with low latency, NordVPN will be better However, if you mostly browse, stream lightly, and use a VPN occasionally, Kaspersky VPN delivers.

Kaspersky VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN security comparison
NordVPN’s advanced security features beat Kaspersky VPN’s options – @Pexels

Kaspersky VPN vs. NordVPN: Jurisdiction, no-logs policy, and external audits

When we judge a VPN’s real security, three factors define trust: Its jurisdiction, its no-logs policy, and independent audits. These factors decide whether authorities can request, track, share, or retain your online activity.

So, let’s see how Kaspersky VPN perform vs. NordVPN in terms of privacy.

NordVPN

We already said NordVPN bases itself in Panama, one of the strongest jurisdictions for digital privacy. It doesn’t belong to surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes. Therefore, it doesn’t face legal pressure to retain, share, or hand over user data to foreign governments. That should feel reassuring.

As a digital nomad, you likely know country hopping triggers alerts in banks, email, and platforms. So, a “free” jurisdiction reduces risks of data use or retention without consent.

Also, NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy. That means it doesn’t store browsing history, IP addresses, DNS queries, connection times, downloads, or other activity. Independent audits have checked this policy repeatedly, so the company backs up its claims.

Kaspersky VPN

Can we say the same about Kaspersky VPN? Not really. As we said, it’s a Russian company. Even with global operations, its origin falls under Russian Federation laws, which can let the government request data from tech firms when it deems it necessary.

Why can this raise concern? Because even if the company says it doesn’t log sensitive information, the jurisdiction could force it to do so after a court or state request. This means less privacy independence and a more intrusive legal framework.

Regarding its no-logs policy, Kaspersky VPN says it doesn’t log browsing data. However, it keeps some operational metadata, such as device information, usage statistics, and chosen servers. This metadata won’t reveal your browsing, yet it shows more logging than NordVPN.

Also, no independent external body has audited the policy. So, compliance relies mainly on trust in the company.

To make everything clearer, here’s a table that summarises the information:

Why does NordVPN win?Why does Kaspersky fall behind?
It operates from a protective jurisdiction (Panama).
It has a strict no-logs policy.
It has been audited several times by independent firms.
It’s not subject to state retention or surveillance laws.
It’s registered in Russia, a country with intrusive surveillance legislation.
Its no-logs policy is more limited.
It doesn’t have independent external audits.
The international perception of its level of privacy is lower.

Privacy and security: Kaspersky VPN vs. NordVPN

Kaspersky VPN vs. NordVPN: Which has better performance and speed?

When we talk about VPN speed, three factors matter: The protocol, server network quality, and stability on international connections.

Across these areas, NordVPN starts with an advantage. However, let’s go case by case.

Streaming (Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube)

NordVPN: Very fast and stableKaspersky VPN: Fine, but with limits
It uses the NordLynx protocol, an optimised version of WireGuard.
It has over 7,000 servers in more than 160 countries.
It minimises speed loss, even on distant servers. It’s reliable for unblocking international catalogues.
It usually offers very high real speeds (depending on the country), with drops of less than 10–15%.
Uses Hydra and OpenVPN, which is positive.
Smaller server network = more congestion at peak times.
Unblocks some services, but does not always work with all catalogues.
Speed is adequate for HD, but may suffer drops in 4K or distant servers.

Streaming comparison: Kaspersky VPN vs. NordVPN

Video calls and conferences (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams)

NordVPNKaspersky VPN
Low and stable latency thanks to NordLynx.
Very reliable when travelling and changing countries.
Maintains fluidity even during long sessions.
Higher and more variable latency.
May suffer micro-cuts depending on the server.
Good performance for casual calls, but not ideal for daily professional use.

Video calls and conferences comparison

Downloads, cloud work, and file transfers

NordVPNKaspersky VPN
High and stable upload and download performance.
Protocols and servers optimised for heavy traffic.
Excellent for users who work with Drive, Dropbox, Git, AWS or upload files on a daily basis.
Suitable for small downloads and light use.
Not optimised for intensive P2P or constant file uploads.
May experience fluctuations on international servers.

Downloads, cloud work, and file transfers comparison

Gaming and online play

NordVPNKaspersky VPN
Low latency when the server is geographically close.
NordLynx offers great stability.
Suitable for streaming games (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming).
Higher latency.
Occasional micro-cuts according to user tests.
Not recommended for competitive gaming.

Gaming and online play comparison

So, what can we take from this? NordVPN stays consistently faster than Kaspersky VPN in almost every use case. This happens because of:

  • Its own optimised protocol (NordLynx),
  • its much larger network,
  • lower latency,
  • specialised servers for streaming, P2P, and high loads,
  • better performance on international connections.

Kaspersky VPN works well for browsing and basic tasks, but it can’t match NordVPN for stability, speed, or professional performance.

kaspersky vpn vs nordvpn
For most tasks (remote work, streaming, online gaming, and more), NordVPN performs better than Kaspersky VPN – @Pexels

NordVPN vs. Kaspersky VPN: Server network size

A VPN’s server network size isn’t just a number. It affects speedstabilityinternational access, and congestion resistance when many users connect.

Nord VPN has over 7,000 servers in 167 locations, which makes it one of the world’s largest networks. As a result, users get less congestion and stronger speeds at peak times. Also, travellers get more virtual location options for banking, streaming, and remote work.

Also, it includes specialist servers: P2P, obfuscated (anti-censorship), Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and a Dedicated IP option.

So, you get better international performance, even from countries with weaker infrastructure.

Kaspersky has a smaller, more limited network (around 2,000 servers in over 100 countries). This isn’t bad, yet it can’t compete with NordVPN’s scale. So, you face a higher saturation risk when many users connect to the same location. Also, fewer countries mean fewer options for unblocking content or improving latency. It also lacks specialist servers like NordVPN’s options (Double VPN, Onion, obfuscated servers, and more).

In conclusion, Kaspersky VPN covers the basics, but it doesn’t offer the breadth or variety a digital nomad needs across different regions.

NordVPN offers a much larger, more stable, and more versatile server network than Kaspersky VPN, which translates into more speed, more stability, and more ability to adapt to nomadic living.
Kaspersky is fine for basic use, but it’s not designed for intensive use or frequent international travel.

Kaspersky VPN vs. NordVPN: Which works best for digital nomads who keep travelling?

If you travel often and you need a VPN for work, public networks, banking access, and solid speed anywhere, NordVPN is the more recommended option. Its infrastructure is larger, it delivers better speeds, it supports stronger privacy, and it adds advanced features that keep stability when you switch countries every few weeks.

Kaspersky VPN, on the other hand, suits basic use, yet its smaller network, lack of external audits, and legal framework make it less suitable. This matters if you depend on internet daily while working abroad.

With that said, we conclude that for digital nomads who prioritise security, speed, and international reliability, NordVPN delivers a more complete and consistent experience.

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