NordVPN vs SafeShell VPN: 2025 Comparison

In 2025, the VPN landscape continues to evolve with increasing concerns about online privacy, streaming restrictions, and cybersecurity threats. While established players like Nord VPN maintain their market position, newer alternatives like SafeShell VPN are disrupting the industry with specialized features and performance advantages. After extensive testing of both services, I'm sharing my findings to help you make an informed decision.

The Current State of VPN Services in 2025

VPN usage has become mainstream, with over 35% of internet users now employing these services regularly. The primary drivers continue to be streaming access, privacy concerns, and protection against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. While Nord VPN remains one of the most recognized names in the industry, SafeShell VPN has been gaining traction, particularly among streaming enthusiasts.

Server Networks: Coverage and Performance

Nord VPN boasts an impressive network of over 6,000 servers across 111 countries, providing extensive global coverage. This wide distribution helps distribute user load and offers flexibility in accessing geo-restricted content.

SafeShell VPN , while having a smaller overall network, has strategically positioned its servers to optimize streaming performance. Their network prioritizes quality over quantity, with servers specifically optimized for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and gaming.

Speed Comparison: The Critical Factor

Speed remains the most critical factor for most VPN users, especially those focused on streaming and gaming. I conducted extensive testing across multiple server locations at different times of day to ensure a fair comparison.

Nord VPN utilizes its proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) to deliver consistent speeds. In my tests, Nord VPN delivered average speeds of:

• Local servers: 78 Mbps
• US servers: 76 Mbps
• Asian servers: 72 Mbps

While these speeds are sufficient for most activities, I noticed that disabling the Threat Protection feature was necessary to achieve optimal performance.

SafeShell VPN impressed with its lightning-fast connections that showed less speed degradation even on distant servers:

• Local servers: 185 Mbps
• US servers: 162 Mbps
• Asian servers: 143 Mbps

The difference was particularly noticeable when streaming 4K content, where SafeShell VPN maintained buffer-free playback even during peak hours.

Speed Test Comparison Table

Streaming Capabilities: Unblocking Performance

Both VPNs excel at unblocking popular streaming platforms, but with some notable differences:

Nord VPN successfully unblocked Netflix regions, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu during my tests. Its SmartPlay feature (a Smart DNS service) contributes to its consistent performance.

SafeShell VPN stands out with its specialized "App Mode" feature, which allows users to access multiple streaming regions simultaneously. This unique capability lets you browse US Netflix while also accessing BBC iPlayer content without disconnecting and reconnecting to different servers. In my testing, SafeShell VPN not only unblocked all major streaming platforms but delivered noticeably faster loading times and higher resolution stability.

Security Features and Privacy

Nord VPN offers robust security with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a reliable kill switch. Additional features include Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and specialty servers. Their ad blocker impressed by blocking 91% of ads in my tests, outperforming many competitors.

SafeShell VPN matches these core security features while offering its proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol. In my leak tests, SafeShell VPN showed no DNS or WebRTC leaks. While it lacks some of Nord VPN's specialty servers, its streamlined security approach delivers excellent protection without the performance impact sometimes seen with Nord VPN's advanced features.

User Experience and App Interface

Nord VPN 's apps feel somewhat cluttered with features that many users won't need. The map-based interface takes up significant screen space, and the lack of server favorites or search by ping/load functionality makes server selection less intuitive than it could be.

SafeShell VPN offers a more streamlined, user-friendly interface focused on its core competencies. The clean design makes it easy to find and connect to optimal servers, while still providing access to advanced features when needed.

Value Proposition: What You Get for Your Money

Nord VPN offers multiple subscription tiers that include additional services like NordPass (password manager) and NordLocker (encrypted storage). While these extras provide value for some users, they may be unnecessary for those primarily interested in streaming.

SafeShell VPN focuses on delivering exceptional VPN performance at competitive prices, without bundling additional services. Their flexible trial plan allows users to test the service before committing, and their multi-device support (up to five simultaneous connections) covers most household needs.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Streaming Experience

When streaming Netflix in 4K, SafeShell VPN maintained consistent quality throughout extended viewing sessions. Nord VPN occasionally required quality adjustments during peak hours, particularly when connected to distant servers.

Gaming Performance

For online gaming, SafeShell VPN's optimized network delivered lower latency (28ms average vs. Nord VPN's 45ms), resulting in a noticeable advantage in fast-paced competitive games.

Day-to-Day Browsing

Both VPNs performed admirably for regular browsing, with minimal impact on typical web activities. Nord VPN's Threat Protection feature provided additional security, while SafeShell VPN's faster overall speeds resulted in slightly more responsive browsing.

Conclusion: Which VPN Is Right for You?

Choose Nord VPN if:

• You want a comprehensive security suite including password management and encrypted storage
• You need access to specialty servers like Double VPN or Onion over VPN
• You value the company's long-standing reputation and multiple security audits

Choose SafeShell VPN if:

• Streaming performance is your top priority
• You want significantly faster speeds across all server locations
• You prefer a streamlined, user-friendly interface focused on core VPN functionality
• You need the unique ability to access multiple streaming regions simultaneously

In 2025, both services offer compelling features, but SafeShell VPN's focus on streaming performance and speed gives it a clear advantage for entertainment-focused users. Nord VPN remains a solid choice for those prioritizing its broader security ecosystem, but at the cost of some performance trade-offs.

For my personal use, SafeShell VPN has become my go-to service for its exceptional streaming capabilities and consistently faster speeds across all the devices in my home.

Have you tried either of these VPN services? What has your experience been? Let me know in the comments!