Mozilla VPN vs. NordVPN—Which To Pick?
Data breaches are a growing concern globally, with over 8.17 million data record leaks reported in the fourth quarter of 2023 alone. This statistic underscores the importance of online privacy and security tools such as virtual private networks. Among the many VPN services available, Mozilla VPN and NordVPN have emerged as leading choices.
This comparison of Mozilla VPN vs. NordVPN will describe each service's offerings, helping you decide which best meets your needs. If you want to reinforce the security even more, this article will also introduce an effective way to shield your payment card details when making purchases online.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this review is accurate and up-to-date as of April 2024. Features and performance may vary over time.
Mozilla VPN vs. NordVPN—Comparing the Features
From cutting-edge encryption protocols to ad blocking, Mozilla VPN and NordVPN offer various features to address different users’ needs. These features typically fall into five categories:
- Privacy and security
- Connection speed
- Server network
- Device compatibility and support
- User experience
Privacy and Security
Mozilla VPN and NordVPN offer robust security features and practices. Both services promise not to keep logs of your internet activity, ensuring your browsing history remains private[1][2]. They also have a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, reducing the risk of data exposure[2][3].
Also, both VPNs use their own DNS servers, reducing the risk of DNS leaks that could expose your online activity[1][2].
Regarding VPN protocols, both services use the modern WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and performance. NordVPN offers it via NordLynx, the VPN’s implementation of the WireGuard protocol. It also supports OpenVPN and IKEv2, offering its users plenty of choices to ensure they can access all the content they need through the protocol that suits them best[1][4].
The services provide split tunneling, allowing users to choose which apps to protect with their VPN and which to connect directly to the internet. They also operate RAM-only servers, which offer enhanced security as they don’t store data permanently.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two services based on other essential security features:
Connection Speed
When it comes to connection speed and performance, both Mozilla VPN and NordVPN can deliver impressive results. Still, the results may vary depending on the protocol used. Here's how their speeds compare:
- NordVPN can reach a speed of up to 341.5 Mbps[5], with an average 10% drop in the base (internet) speed when using the service. This high-speed performance is great for activities that require a lot of bandwidth, such as high-definition videoconferencing or online gaming.
- Mozilla VPN uses Mullvad VPN servers, which previous users suggest typically attain an average speed of 75–260 Mbps[6]. While this is lower than NordVPN's peak speed, it can be sufficient for most online activities, including protecting normal browsing and light gaming.
Users looking for the fastest VPN might also consider looking up Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN, both of which have been noted for their speed.
Server Network
Mozilla VPN operates over 680 servers across 44 countries, while NordVPN boasts over 6,300 servers in 111 countries[1][7]. The latter's extensive coverage provides users with more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
With a larger server network, NordVPN users have a higher chance of finding a less crowded server, potentially leading to better performance. Having servers in numerous countries makes it more likely for users to find a server near their physical location, which can also improve speed and performance.
Other VPNs with a large number of servers or server locations in many countries include CyberGhost VPN, Proton VPN, or Bitdefender Premium VPN.
Device Compatibility and Support
Mozilla VPN and NordVPN offer extensive device compatibility. Both are compatible with the following operating systems:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
NordVPN extends its compatibility to a wider range of devices, supporting certain routers and allowing up to ten simultaneous connections. Mozilla VPN isn’t compatible with routers and supports up to five devices simultaneously, which can be limiting for users with multiple devices or large households wanting to secure all their devices simultaneously.
User Experience
Mozilla VPN and NordVPN strive to provide a seamless experience for their users. They offer:
- Simple user interface
- Straightforward setup and installation
- Quick server connection
- Reliable app performance
The main difference is their approach to customer support—NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, offering immediate assistance for any user inquiries or issues. Mozilla VPN offers email support, potentially resulting in longer waiting times.
Are VPNs Enough To Keep You Safe Online?
Mozilla VPN and NordVPN offer robust features and strong security, but they’re not the solution for every security threat you may be exposed to online. A VPN won’t protect you from a sophisticated social engineering attack, for example.
Hackers don’t have to attack you directly, either. If you share your financial details with a merchant and their server suffers a breach, the card information can end up in the hands of hackers.
To stay safe online, you should consider using more than a VPN. Virtual cards can help protect your card numbers even in case of merchant server breaches. While reputable banks and card issuers like Capital One® and American Express® offer virtual cards, specialized card providers like Privacy offer robust security, customization, and control over spending, providing the ultimate online shopping experience.
Protect Your Sensitive Details With Privacy Virtual Cards
Privacy Virtual Cards are an effective way to bolster your defenses against hackers who may try to obtain your card details from online stores and services. Privacy allows you to connect a source of funding—a debit card or a bank account—and create virtual cards you can use whenever you have to pay for something online. Your virtual card numbers, associated CVVs, and expiration dates are the only information Privacy shares with the merchant.
The company employs many security features and practices that follow the same security standards as banks. Some of the ways Privacy protects your information include:
- AES-256 encryption—Your card details are secured with AES-256, one of the strongest encryption standards typically used by governments and militaries.
- Two-factor authentication—You can choose between email, SMS, or authentication apps as the second factor.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy currently offers three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards
- Merchant-Locked Cards
- Category-Locked Cards
Here's a breakdown of how each type works:
