Concerned about online privacy and security in a world of hackers, scammers, and surveillance? Distributed networks like NymVPN offer a unique approach to anonymity. Unlike traditional VPNs relying on centralized servers, NymVPN leverages blockchain technology and a mixed network of independent servers with robust encryption. This decentralized approach, coupled with multi-server connections, aims to provide enhanced security and privacy. While not the only decentralized VPN available, NymVPN stands out for its user-friendly design. This comprehensive review explores NymVPN’s features, pricing, performance, and security to determine if it’s the right VPN for your needs.
NymVPN: Specs and Pricing
| Feature | NymVPN |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Devices | 10 |
| Support | |
| Free version? | No |
NymVPN's subscription options.
NymVPN offers three subscription tiers: monthly, annual, and biennial. While the two-year plan offers the best value at $5 per month (billed as $132 upfront), it’s a significant investment. The annual plan costs $84, averaging $7 monthly. A monthly subscription is available for $13. While these prices are higher than many competing VPNs, NymVPN prioritizes privacy and security, which often comes at a premium. No free version or trial is currently offered.
User Interface and Design
NymVPN's clean and simple user interface.
NymVPN boasts a clean and intuitive user interface. Installation is quick and easy, with the Windows app ready to use in under a minute. The default “Fast mode” utilizes WireGuard for optimized browsing and streaming speeds. For maximum privacy, “Anonymous mode” is recommended for sensitive activities like email, messaging, and online payments.
NymVPN’s multi-hop architecture is reflected in its dual location menus: “entry point” for initial network connection and “exit point” representing your apparent location to online services. A prominent connect button initiates the VPN connection, transitioning to a disconnect control once active.
NymVPN's settings menu.
The settings menu offers basic options like auto-start, language selection, and light/dark mode. The resizable window ensures a compact footprint on your desktop.
Performance and Features
Selecting a US entry point server.
NymVPN prioritizes privacy and anonymity over raw speed. While performance in “Fast mode” is acceptable, it’s not ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks like high-definition streaming or large file downloads. This trade-off is inherent in NymVPN’s security-focused design.
“Fast mode” employs a two-hop VPN connection using AmneziaWG, an obfuscated WireGuard protocol variant, for enhanced security.
Speed test results with US entry and Netherlands exit.
Speed tests revealed noticeable performance reductions compared to a baseline 900 Mbps connection. Optimal results were achieved with a US entry point and Netherlands exit point, yielding 317 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds. A Canada-to-Canada connection maximized upload speeds at 23 Mbps but resulted in lower download speeds of 94 Mbps.
Speed test results with Canada-Canada connection.
NymVPN’s always-on kill switch ensures data protection in case of unexpected connection drops. While currently lacking advanced features like split-tunneling and malware blocking, these are planned for future updates.
“Anonymous mode” takes security to the extreme with a five-hop mixnet connection. While significantly impacting performance (reducing speeds to 45 Kbps in testing), this mode provides exceptional anonymity for high-risk situations.
Speed comparison: native mobile speed, anonymous mode, and five-hop speed.
Customer Support
NymVPN's live chat support.
NymVPN offers comprehensive documentation and a 24/7 chatbot for immediate assistance. Live agent support is available Monday-Friday, 1:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT. Response times were reasonable, with agents providing helpful information and resources.
Privacy and Security Measures
NymVPN prioritizes user privacy with a strict no-logs policy and anonymous payment options. A successful audit by Cure53, a reputable security firm, further reinforces their commitment to security. Based in Switzerland, NymVPN operates outside of major intelligence-sharing alliances, adding another layer of privacy protection. The consistent use of multi-hop encrypted tunnels with obfuscation makes NymVPN a strong contender for privacy-conscious users.
Is NymVPN the Right Choice for You?
NymVPN is a specialized tool best suited for users prioritizing anonymity and privacy above all else. The performance trade-offs might be unacceptable for those needing high speeds for streaming or downloading. The premium pricing also makes it less appealing for budget-conscious users. However, for individuals facing significant privacy risks, such as journalists, activists, or those living under oppressive regimes, NymVPN’s robust security features and decentralized architecture offer valuable protection. The flexible subscription options allow users to choose the level of security and anonymity that best suits their needs.
