NordLayer Review
NordLayer is a business-focused VPN service known for its security features and structured pricing. Starting at $8 per month per user, it is not the most economical option available, but it provides a range of robust security protocols.
For businesses evaluating VPN solutions, it is crucial to assess how NordLayer compares to other services in terms of features and cost-effectiveness. It offers user-friendly applications and continuous customer support, which may enhance its appeal.
Analyzing whether NordLayer meets your organization’s specific security needs and budget constraints is advisable, as there may be other alternatives that provide a better fit.
Key Takeaways
- NordLayer offers four pricing plans with the Lite plan starting at $8/user/month, which is higher than some competitors.
- It features strong security measures like AES 256-bit encryption and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
- The service supports streaming and torrenting with dedicated servers and a Cloud Firewall for security.
- User-friendly apps are compatible across multiple platforms, with setup taking approximately 20 minutes.
- Customer support is available 24/7, but ratings are lower compared to competitors like Zscaler and Cisco Umbrella.
Pricing and Plans
Navigating the intricacies of pricing and plans can often be challenging, but NordLayer offers a clear approach with its subscription options. The service provides four distinct pricing plans that cater to various business VPN requirements.
The Lite plan, at $8/month per user, is aimed at small teams needing fundamental internet access security, with a requirement of at least five users. For businesses seeking enhanced protection, the Core plan is available at $11/month per user, offering advanced features to bolster security and performance.
For companies with more stringent security needs, the Premium plan is available at $14/month per user. This plan includes advanced features, offers speeds up to 1 Gbps, and additional security measures such as a Cloud Firewall.
For those whose needs aren’t met by these offerings, NordLayer provides a Custom plan, allowing businesses to tailor the service to specific requirements.
Opting for annual billing can result in cost savings, making prolonged commitments more economically viable. Additionally, a 14-day money-back guarantee provides an opportunity to assess the service without financial risk before making a definitive decision.
NordLayer’s pricing structure is designed to accommodate various business security needs efficiently.
Features
In the current digital environment, NordLayer offers a range of features focused on security and performance. It utilizes AES 256-bit encryption, a standard for data protection used by financial institutions and governmental organizations, to secure user information.
Advanced security measures, including Multi-Factor Authentication and Biometric authentication, are employed to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, Device Posture Monitoring evaluates the security status of devices connected to the network.
The management of the network is facilitated through NordLayer’s centralized Control Panel, which provides IT administrators with the capability to manage user access and provisioning efficiently. This ensures that access is granted appropriately.
NordLayer includes tools such as Virtual Private Gateways and a Cloud Firewall, enhancing both network security and adaptability, which can be beneficial for businesses of various sizes.
NordLayer’s performance is supported by the NordLynx protocol, which maintains approximately 96% of the original speed alongside robust security measures. This balance of speed and security makes NordLayer a practical option for businesses aiming to protect their digital resources without impacting performance.
Privacy and Security
NordLayer offers a comprehensive set of features with a strong emphasis on privacy and security. It utilizes AES 256-bit encryption, which is a widely recognized standard for data protection, similar to those used by financial institutions and governmental bodies. This level of encryption is designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Additionally, NordLayer incorporates Multi-Factor Authentication and Biometric authentication, which are measures aimed at strengthening user account security and access management, thereby reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access to digital assets.
NordLayer is aligned with compliance standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining data protection across various industries. By adhering to these regulatory requirements, NordLayer helps organizations ensure their compliance, which is crucial in today’s complex regulatory environment.
The implementation of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) in NordLayer provides an additional security measure by continuously verifying user access to resources, which helps in reducing the risk of cyber breaches and protecting against cybersecurity threats.
Furthermore, the Cloud Firewall (FWaaS) is designed as a flexible security solution that can adapt to emerging challenges with less maintenance compared to traditional firewalls. NordLayer’s approach aims to address privacy and security needs with precision and reliability.
Streaming and Torrenting
NordLayer provides support for streaming and torrenting, allowing users to securely access geo-restricted content. It offers dedicated servers with fixed IP addresses, which can enhance the reliability of streaming and torrenting activities by maintaining a stable connection. This allows users to access global content while ensuring their privacy is protected.
The NordLynx protocol is designed to maintain streaming speeds at approximately 96%, which can help reduce buffering delays. This is beneficial for users who are streaming or downloading large files, as it helps maintain consistent performance.
Additionally, the Cloud Firewall and Deep Packet Inspection features offer protection against potential threats during torrenting activities.
NordLayer’s split-tunneling feature allows users to direct specific traffic through the VPN, which can improve device performance by enabling users to choose which applications use the VPN tunnel. This functionality helps in managing streaming and torrenting without significantly impacting speed or privacy.
User Experience and Apps
NordLayer offers robust streaming and torrenting capabilities, but its user experience and app design are key aspects that enhance interaction with the service. The apps are designed to be user-friendly and are compatible with platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. This wide compatibility facilitates seamless navigation and management of network security across different devices.
One of the notable features is the intuitive Control Panel, which centralizes management tasks such as access control, login status tracking, and device usage monitoring. This centralized approach aids in maintaining oversight of network security.
The setup process is efficient, allowing deployment and configuration of the service in approximately 20 minutes. The interface is logically organized, providing streamlined access to essential functions without unnecessary complexity. Regular updates and incorporation of user feedback contribute to a user experience that’s consistently refined, which plays a role in maintaining user satisfaction.
NordLayer’s approach to continuously refining its apps based on user feedback ensures that the user experience is progressive. Whether managing network security or navigating the app, NordLayer provides a reliable solution designed to meet user needs effectively.
Customer Support
NordLayer provides customer support through live chat and email, available 24/7. Their team is known for prompt responses, particularly during live chat sessions. Users have noted the efficiency of this service.
The company also offers a comprehensive knowledge base, which includes guides and resources for users who prefer to resolve issues independently.
For users on the Core plan, priority support is offered, ensuring inquiries are addressed promptly. Those who choose the Custom plan have access to a dedicated account manager, providing tailored support for specific needs. This personalized attention may enhance user satisfaction by catering to individual requirements.
Feedback from customers generally indicates that the support services are both responsive and useful. This focus on delivering quality customer support is an integral part of NordLayer’s service, aiming to provide a smooth user experience.
Comparison with Competitors
NordLayer’s emphasis on quality customer support is a key aspect of its service, but it’s equally important to assess its offerings in comparison to competitors. NordLayer’s pricing begins at $8 per user per month, which is relatively higher than competitors such as Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler, whose pricing averages between $4.4 to $4.5 per user per month. This price difference might be a consideration for smaller businesses evaluating cost-effectiveness.
Nonetheless, NordLayer provides a strong centralized control panel and advanced security features. Competitors like Forcepoint and Microsoft offer comparable features and receive user ratings averaging around 4.6, indicating a high level of user satisfaction.
NordLayer’s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) approach aligns with industry standards, similar to Cisco and Zscaler, which are recognized leaders in network access control solutions. However, NordLayer’s limited number of server locations may impact performance and accessibility when compared to competitors with more extensive server options.
Regarding customer support, NordLayer is rated 3 out of 5, which is lower than the ratings for Zscaler and Cisco Umbrella, both of which have higher user satisfaction in support services. While NordLayer offers competent network access control solutions, evaluating these factors against competitors is essential for making a well-informed decision.
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Conclusion
In considering NordLayer for your business, you’re choosing a platform that prioritizes security and compliance, offering features like AES 256-bit encryption and Multi-Factor Authentication. While the pricing may seem higher than some competitors, the robust security features and 24/7 support can justify the cost, especially for security-focused organizations. Don’t forget to compare it with alternatives to ensure you’re making the best decision for your needs. Ultimately, NordLayer is a strong contender in the cybersecurity market.
