When considering NordVPN as your virtual private network (VPN), factors like performance and privacy functionality are likely to take the spotlight — and for good reason. That said, another crucial aspect of VPN services often goes overlooked but can make a significant difference in your online experience. That’s the NordVPN device limit.
After all, most users have a computer and smartphone across various operating systems. And in many households, you’re bound to find other VPN-compatible devices like routers, smart TVs, and setup boxes. With NordVPN or any other provider, you’ll want to know exactly how many devices you can use at the same time under one subscription.
This article explores NordVPN’s simultaneous connections policy, detailing the specific device limit and potential workarounds. Plus, you’ll get practical insights to help you maximize the service across your array of devices.
How Many Devices Can You Use With NordVPN at the Same Time?
NordVPN’s standard device limit stands at six. This means that with a single NordVPN subscription, you can simultaneously secure up to half a dozen different devices.
It doesn’t matter which subscription plan you choose, whether it’s Standard, Plus, or Complete – the device limit remains the same.
They can be a mix of various platforms — think Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and more. So, you could be using a Windows PC at work, an iPhone on the go, or an Android tablet at home, and NordVPN will ensure your online activities remain protected on them. Well, as long as you stick to its multiple-device limit.
It is practical for many users because you get to secure a combination of your personal and work-related devices. However, you must be mindful of this limit to ensure all your devices (or those that need a VPN’s benefits) remain protected by the service.
Protect All Your Devices with NordVPN
What Devices Are NordVPN Compatible With?
NordVPN supports a wide array of devices, ensuring a versatile and comprehensive shield for virtually any device that can work with a VPN. The service is designed to work seamlessly across various platforms, including:
- Computers: Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS operating systems, you can secure your desktops and laptops. It’s worth noting that NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs among Mac users.
- Mobile Devices: NordVPN offers dedicated apps for iOS or Android smartphones or tablets, enabling secure browsing on the go.
- Routers: The VPN provides guidance and support for setting up its service on compatible routers so you can protect all connected devices within your network. More on that later.
- Streaming Devices and Smart TVs: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and Nvidia Shield are some streaming devices and televisions compatible with NordVPN.
- Gaming Consoles: While direct installation might not be possible, you can set NordVPN up to work on various PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox consoles.
- Other Devices: That’s not all. In our most recent review of NordVPN, we observed that it also supports the Raspberry Pi, Kindle Fire, and Meta’s Oculus Quest.
How Does NordVPN’s Device Limit Compare to Other VPNs?
NordVPN’s device limit of six is solid and sits around the industry average. But while it offers decent flexibility, it’s worth noting how it stacks up against other VPN providers.
For instance, CyberGhost does one better, allowing up to seven devices to be connected simultaneously. ExpressVPN permits up to eight devices at the same time, while PureVPN and Norton VPN are quite some distance away, with a generous ten-device limit.
While the latter providers are certainly impressive, a few others simply remove any limit to the flexibility you’re offered.
Surfshark, Private Internet Access, AtlasVPN, and IPVanish are among a handful of the best VPNs in this category, with their unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s what it sounds like — purchase a subscription from any of these providers, and you’re covered for any number of devices you want to protect with it.
It goes without saying that simply supporting a higher number of device connections doesn’t mean a VPN is better than another.
Several factors come into play, including server network size, performance, geo-restriction unblocking, privacy, and security. This explains why NordVPN sits ahead on most VPN rankings, like that of the fastest VPNs, than most other providers with more simultaneous connections.
Benefits of Using NordVPN on Multiple Devices
Jumping on the internet with any of your devices without protection immediately exposes you to potential vulnerabilities, especially on unsecured public networks. That’s where a privacy provider like NordVPN comes in, offering distinct advantages when used across multiple devices:
Comprehensive Device Protection
Securing multiple devices with NordVPN means that each of them, whether it’s your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or VR device, is under a protective shield.
This comprehensive protection ensures your sensitive information is safe from hackers and other cyber threats. It also keeps your online traffic under a privacy shield, masked from surveillance from government authorities, which is especially helpful in restrictive countries.
In essence, by extending NordVPN’s security to all your devices, you reduce the risk of any potential weak links in your online defense.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
NordVPN’s compatibility with a wide range of operating systems means you can switch between different devices while maintaining the same level of security. So, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS, the provider ensures consistent user experience and security standards.
This practical benefit proves invaluable if you rely on a mix of devices in your daily routine. It eradicates the need to juggle between different VPN providers for your devices, so you have a seamless experience across them all.
Collective Protection for Families and Teams
Using NordVPN on multiple devices isn’t just about individual protection — it extends to the safety of your family or team members. A total of six devices allows you to keep the members of your household or employees secured under a single subscription.
In essence, your family members can rest easy, knowing that their online activities are protected. Plus, small businesses can safeguard their team members’ devices without the hassle of purchasing individual subscriptions.
That said, NordVPN can only cover a small family or team compared to Surfshark or PIA.
How to Use NordVPN on More Than Six Devices Simultaneously
What if you have more than six devices or are part of a large household? Is there any option that doesn’t require buying a new subscription?
Well, the VPN offers an effective solution. You can configure it on your router, and NordVPN will protect all the devices connected to that router. This extends privacy and security to as many devices as you need, effectively bypassing the 6-device limit.
The VPN offers set-up tutorials for a long line-up of routers, including ASUS-WRT, DD-WRT, Privacy Hero, and more.
That said, if your ISP issued the router, it probably doesn’t support VPN configurations. Luckily, NordVPN, in partnership with a router provider, offers a selection of pre-configured routers.
Conclusion
NordVPN is a popular VPN that’s packed full of standard and advanced privacy features, also excelling in other areas like speed and performance. But how many devices can you use with NordVPN at the same time? The answer is six, around the industry average.
That said, if you own a ton of devices, belong to a large household, or your business requires security for more than six devices simultaneously, you can leverage NordVPN’s compatibility with routers to extend that limit indefinitely.
