What you need to know
- NordVPN's app for Windows is catching up with the feature set available over on NordVPN's Apple-centric offerings.
- The Windows version now features the Dark Web Monitor and Security Score tools.
- The former tool scans the dark web to see if your email has been involved in security breaches, while the Security Score utility lets you know how at-risk you are and what you can do to improve your setup's protection.
NordVPN is a popular and widely discussed pick for many users, hence why you've probably seen numerous disclosures before your favorite YouTube videos clarifying that they were sponsored by the service. But even if you know what NordVPN is, did you know there are discrepancies between the Windows app releases and Mac/iOS releases?
It's true, and as such, Windows' NordVPN app is playing catchup with its acquisition of a few useful features that have been available to Apple's camp for a while now. If you're on Windows and want to update, check your app over the next few days for build 6.42.4.0 or a later version (via TechRadar).
You should have access to two useful utilities: Dark Web Monitor and Security Score. The former will sweep the dark web to see if your NordVPN-linked email has been swept up in security breaches, while the latter will assess your protection level, boil it down to a number, and tell you how to improve that number.
NordVPN isn't the only game in town, for what it's worth. You can check out the best Windows 10 VPN service roundup to see what competition's out there. For 2021, ExpressVPN was our top pick, followed by Surfshark VPN, with NordVPN coming in at a respectable third place. We also have a faceoff between NordVPN and IPVanish VPN.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
