With the increasing need for secure and private internet connections, many users are turning to VPN services and mesh networking solutions. One such combination is NordVPN’s Meshnet. But how safe is it compared to other leading services like Google Nest Wifi, ProtonVPN Secure Core, and Orbi Mesh WiFi? Let’s break it down.
What is NordVPN Meshnet?
NordVPN Meshnet is an innovative feature that allows users to create their own private network using NordVPN’s infrastructure. It facilitates secure connections between devices, enabling seamless data sharing and enhanced security.
Security Features
NordVPN Meshnet
- Encryption: Utilizes AES-256 encryption, one of the most secure encryption standards available.
- Privacy Protection: No-logs policy ensures that your data is not stored or tracked.
- Threat Protection: Includes features like CyberSec to block malware, ads, and phishing sites.
Google Nest Wifi
- Encryption: Provides WPA3 encryption for secure connections.
- Privacy Protection: Lacks the no-logs policy found in traditional VPN services. User data might be used for improving service quality.
- Threat Protection: Limited in-built malware protection; relies on Google’s overarching security measures.
ProtonVPN Secure Core
- Encryption: Also uses AES-256 encryption for robust security.
- Privacy Protection: Maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy.
- Threat Protection: Provides Secure Core servers that route traffic through multiple hardened servers, adding an extra layer of protection.
Orbi Mesh WiFi
- Encryption: Supports WPA3 encryption.
- Privacy Protection: Not as robust as traditional VPN services; typically used for enhancing network coverage.
- Threat Protection: Offers basic malware blocking through Netgear Armor, but lacks the comprehensive threat protection features of NordVPN and ProtonVPN.
VPN Performance
NordVPN Meshnet
- Speed: Offers fast and reliable connections, thanks to NordLynx, based on the WireGuard protocol.
- Reliability: High uptime with minimal disruptions, ideal for streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
Google Nest Wifi
- Speed: Provides strong coverage and fast speeds within the mesh network.
- Reliability: Excellent for home use, but lacks the global server network of a VPN for secure remote connections.
ProtonVPN Secure Core
- Speed: Known for maintaining good speeds even with high-security measures in place.
- Reliability: High reliability with multiple Secure Core servers ensuring stable connections.
Orbi Mesh WiFi
- Speed: Exceptional within the local network, great for eliminating dead zones at home.
- Reliability: Reliable for home networking but doesn’t offer the global reach or security of a VPN.
Privacy Protection
NordVPN Meshnet
- Data Handling: Does not log or store user data, offering strong privacy protection.
- Jurisdiction: Based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws.
Google Nest Wifi
- Data Handling: Google collects some data to improve service quality; may not be suitable for privacy-conscious users.
- Jurisdiction: Subject to US laws, which may include data retention requirements.
ProtonVPN Secure Core
- Data Handling: Strict no-logs policy with enhanced privacy protections.
- Jurisdiction: Based in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws.
Orbi Mesh WiFi
- Data Handling: Primarily focused on enhancing network performance rather than privacy.
- Jurisdiction: Subject to US laws, similar to Google Nest Wifi.
Conclusion
In summary, NordVPN Meshnet stands out as a safe and secure option for users looking for a combination of mesh networking and VPN capabilities. It provides robust encryption, strict privacy protection, and comprehensive threat protection features. However, if you are primarily focused on advanced security and privacy, ProtonVPN Secure Core may offer some additional protections with its multi-hop VPN capabilities.
For users looking for seamless home network coverage with basic security features, Google Nest Wifi and Orbi Mesh WiFi are both excellent choices. However, they may not offer the same level of privacy and global reach as a dedicated VPN service.