Mozilla VPN vs NordVPN: which is better in 2024

Mozilla has transitioned from being known primarily for its secure Firefox browser to providing a VPN standalone service. Those who already trust Mozilla’s secure browser often consider extending this trust to its VPN service. However, it is important to note that Mozilla’s browser success does not necessarily ensure the quality of its VPN.

On the other hand, NordVPN is a leading VPN provider known for its robust security features and top-notch performance. It raises the question: can Mozilla VPN compete with NordVPN?
To find out, I tested both VPNs and put together a detailed comparison. My research investigates how they compare in pricing, speeds, streaming and P2P capabilities, and other key aspects of VPN performance. Read on to find out more!

NordVPN vs. Mozilla VPN: specifications

Mozilla VPN and NordVPN offer competitive prices and features tailored to different user needs. My testing shows that Mozilla VPN focuses more on providing a simple and user-friendly experience, while NordVPN caters to users seeking advanced features, customization options, and a larger server network.

The battle between these two VPN providers is quite apparent. NordVPN holds a significant advantage due to its established reputation, advanced security features, and outstanding performance. In contrast, Mozilla VPN has been on the market for a short time and doesn’t yet have such impressive capabilities.

Mozilla VPN vs NordVPN: pricing

Both NordVPN and Mozilla VPN offer a selection of different plans with competitive pricing, making them accessible to a wide range of users. NordVPN offers a variety of payment options, including cryptocurrencies and cash, catering to privacy-conscious users. Mozilla VPN, on the other hand, builds on Mozilla’s reputation for secure browsing with a focus on simplicity and user-friendliness. Additionally, both services provide a 30-day money-back guarantee. Out of two, only NordVPN offers a free trial for new users to test the service before committing.

If you want a VPN for just one month, Mozilla VPN is cheaper at $9.99, while NordVPN costs $12.99/month. However, NordVPN offers more features, such as 10 simultaneous connections and advanced security protocols. The cheapest subscription is with NordVPN’s 2-year plan at $2.99 per month. Therefore, NordVPN is the winner in terms of affordability and features.

Speed comparison

When conducting my Mozilla VPN vs. NordVPN speed test, NordVPN emerged as the fastest. To ensure comprehensive and accurate results, I evaluated both download and upload speeds across different servers, specifically the US, UK, and Australia. My tests were conducted under equal technical conditions to maintain consistency and reliability. Here are the detailed testing results:

NordVPN’s success in my testing was largely related to its vast server network and support for multiple advanced VPN protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec. These are optimized to deliver impressive speeds and stable connections, allowing NordVPN to outperform Mozilla VPN in various scenarios.

Mozilla VPN, on the other hand, relies solely on the WireGuard protocol. While WireGuard is fast and secure, the lack of alternative protocols and a smaller server network limit Mozilla VPN’s performance compared to NordVPN. Consequently, Mozilla VPN’s speed results are slower in my tests, particularly in regions with fewer servers.

NordVPN vs Mozilla VPN: which is more secure?

NordVPN and Mozilla VPN share several key security features. Both use AES-256 encryption, widely regarded as the gold standard among encryption protocols. They also each implement a kill switch, a crucial feature that ensures internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops, thereby preventing accidental exposure of sensitive data. Additionally, both services have no-logs policies, which means they do not keep records of users’ online activities. Lastly, they protect against various types of leaks, such as DNS and IPv6.

However, there are still some differences between them:

NordVPN emerges as the superior choice for those prioritizing security and privacy. Operating exclusively on RAM-only servers and backed by a stringent no-logs policy that has been independently audited, NordVPN ensures data integrity and privacy protection. Its comprehensive leak protection features, encompassing DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC, further bolster its security credentials. Additionally, NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes or Nine Eyes alliances, which enhances its privacy assurances.

In contrast, Mozilla VPN, operating under US jurisdiction, faces potential exposure to stringent data sharing and surveillance laws. While it also maintains an externally audited no-logs policy and protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks, it lacks the extensive security measures and independent verification that characterize NordVPN’s offerings. Thus, for users seeking the highest levels of security and privacy in their VPN service, NordVPN’s combination of RAM-only servers, robust leak protection, independent audits, and favorable jurisdiction makes it the more secure choice over Mozilla VPN.

Privacy

NordVPN and Mozilla VPN both employ AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, ensuring strong data security. However, they differ in tunneling protocols and jurisdiction. NordVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), known for reliability and speed. In contrast, Mozilla VPN mainly uses WireGuard. NordVPN, based in Panama, avoids 5-Eyes and 9-Eyes jurisdictions, enhancing privacy. Mozilla VPN, based in the US, a 5-Eyes member, may have legal obligations to share user data, raising privacy concerns.

Logging

Choosing a VPN with a no-logs policy is a must. But to ensure a VPN actually doesn’t log any information, the no-logs policy ideally must be audited. Both MozillaVPN’s and NordVPN’s policies are.

NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user activity remains anonymous and unmonitored. This commitment is bolstered by independent audits conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland in 2020, Deloitte in 2022, and again in 2024. These audits rigorously examined NordVPN’s practices, including server types like Obfuscated and P2P, confirming that no user data, including IP addresses or browsing histories, is logged. NordVPN stands out as one of the few VPN services with a verified, independently audited no-logs policy, reaffirming its dedication to user privacy.

Meanwhile, Mozilla VPN underwent an independent security audit conducted by Cure53, a respected cybersecurity firm, in 2023, with a previous external audit in 2021. The latest audit encompassed rigorous testing of Mozilla VPN’s software and code to assess its security posture and privacy practices. The results also affirmed that Mozilla VPN appropriately implements its no-logs policy, ensuring user data such as browsing history and IP addresses are not logged or stored.

Who has more servers: Mozilla VPN or NordVPN?

NordVPN boasts a significantly larger server fleet with over 7000 servers spanning more than 118 countries, while Mozilla VPN offers a 500+ servers across 30+ countries. While not insignificant, this smaller scale may limit options for accessing content from diverse regions compared to NordVPN’s expansive reach. A larger network generally provides users with unparalleled flexibility and reliability in accessing geo-restricted content and ensuring stable connections worldwide.

Mozilla VPN vs NordVPN features comparison

When it comes to features, Mozilla VPN can’t compete with the sheer volume of perks you get with NordVPN. Plus, while the former does come with one thing and another, it’s not enough to warrant the high price.

Smart DNS

Smart DNS is a crucial feature if you want to use your chosen VPN on devices that don’t support VPN software. Luckily, NordVPN includes a Smart DNS feature, which is called SmartPlay. This feature also encrypts the internet traffic on the device, which is a rarity among other providers with this perk.

On the other hand, Mozilla VPN doesn’t come with a Smart DNS perk, which may result in more limited VPN usage. And it sure is restricted, when this VPN doesn’t support anything other than the major PC and mobile operating systems.

Ad & malware blocker

Both NordVPN and Mozilla VPN include ad and malware blockers. NordVPN comes with Threat Protection, which blocks ads, user trackers, and malicious websites. It also scans your downloads for malware and doesn’t require a VPN connection to work.

Mozilla VPN lets you filter out ads, trackers, and malware. You can enable this feature on all apps this VPN offers. So, regarding your online ‘hygiene’, both NordVPN and Mozilla VPN offer similar features, providing you with a cleaner browsing experience and enhanced privacy.

Split tunneling

The split tunneling feature in VPNs allows users to choose which apps or data is routed through the VPN and which accesses the internet directly. This can be useful for maintaining high speeds for certain applications while ensuring other activities are secure.

NordVPN offers split tunneling on Windows, Android, and Android TV but does not support this feature on macOS or iOS​​. Mozilla VPN provides split tunneling, referred to as App Permissions, on Android, Linux, and Windows. However, it does not support this feature on macOS or iOS.

Speciality servers

While Mozilla VPN lacks any specialty servers for security, streaming, or torrenting, NordVPN comes with a handful:

• Obfuscated servers. Obfuscated servers make your VPN connection undetectable, allowing you to bypass even the Great Firewall of China.
• Double VPN servers. It lets you connect to two VPN servers instead of one, encrypting your traffic twice for double the protection.
• Dedicated IP servers. It is for users who have bought a dedicated IP address. You’re the only person with access to a particular IP, which is excellent if you want to benefit from the security provided by VPNs but can access your usual services without, for example, CAPTCHA requests.
• Onion over VPN servers. When you want to combine a VPN with the Tor Network, these
• take your encrypted traffic and send it through several nodes in the Tor Network, thus encrypting them several times over.
• P2P-optimized servers. Optimized for torrenting, no bandwidth limits, and no ISP throttling.

Other features

NordVPN has a significantly longer list of additional features compared to Mozilla VPN, so pay attention to whether any of these features are relevant or necessary for you. The provider additionally includes:

• SOCKS5 proxy. You can configure it with your torrent client or a specific app to change the IP address only for them. But since it’s a proxy, it lacks encryption.
• Invisibility on LAN. It is useful when you don’t want your device to be visible on your local area network.
• Dark Web Monitoring. It checks whether your accounts associated with a particular email were compromised.
• Meshnet. Ensures secure remote access to your device, which can be used to share files, play online games on the same network, and more. It can even be used to bypass Netflix’s password-sharing restrictions.

Meanwhile, Mozilla VPN offers the following additional features:

• Multi-account Containers. This feature separates different activities into separate tabs to boost privacy.
• Multi-hop (Double VPN). Routes your activity through an entry VPN server and then through an exit VPN server for extra privacy.

Netflix and streaming comparison

NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for streaming, ensuring unrestricted access to all major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. With its robust server network and advanced technology, the provider ensures a seamless streaming experience without any geographical restrictions.

For starters, NordVPN has a wider country selection, meaning you can access a greater diversity of global content. While testing, its SmartPlay feature allowed me to unblock content on practically any device (laptop, tablet, phone, TV) without missing out on encryption. I was able to unblock foreign Netflix libraries, including those in the US, UK, and Japan, without any noticeable drop in speed or streaming interruptions. The provider also worked wonders with HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and many other popular streaming sites.

Meanwhile, Mozilla VPN seems more focused on privacy rather than geo-block circumvention. With this VPN, I only had luck unblocking Netflix US and BBC iPlayer, while other streaming services didn’t budge. During my tests with Mozilla VPN, I noticed that the connection speeds were generally stable, but there were occasional buffering issues, especially with high-definition content.

In conclusion, NordVPN is the overall best VPN for streaming, providing reliable access to a wide range of streaming platforms without compromising speed or security. Mozilla VPN, while excellent for privacy, does not perform as well for streaming and has limited success with unblocking geo-restricted content.

NordVPN vs Mozilla VPN device compatibility

While both NordVPN and Mozilla VPN support major operating systems, NordVPN distinguishes itself with broader compatibility, extending to additional devices, browser extensions, and more simultaneous connections. This makes it a more versatile and flexible choice than Mozilla VPN. Specifically, NordVPN can be used on streaming devices, gaming consoles, and various smart TVs, which Mozilla VPN cannot support. Plus, NordVPN offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, enhancing the overall user experience by providing secure browsing directly through the web browser.

Desktop applications

NordVPN and Mozilla VPN offer dedicated applications for Windows and macOS. I found each to be secure and intuitive, and were pleasing to the eye. The biggest difference between these services is that NordVPN it has an interactive server map, while Mozilla VPN doesn’t.

NordVPN has almost identical Windows and MacOS clients. The only thing amiss is the split tunneling perk on the Mac app. MozillaVPN’s app is noted for its user-friendly interface and robust security features, making it intuitive for users of all levels. One notable feature of Mozilla VPN is its straightforward approach to server connections, though it lacks the interactive server map found in some other VPN services like NordVPN. Despite this difference, Mozilla VPN remains a solid choice for users seeking reliable online privacy and protection without unnecessary complexity.

Mobile applications

Both NordVPN and Mozilla VPN designs The designs don’t differ much from their desktop counterparts, so switching from PC to mobile isn’t confusing. Again, the most significant difference is that NordVPN is packed with features, while Mozilla VPN is pretty bare-bones.

The NordVPN Android app comes with a range of useful features, including the ability to choose from over 5,000 servers worldwide, a CyberSec feature that blocks ads and protects against malicious websites, and a Kill Switch that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. It also supports split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t, offering greater control over your internet traffic.

On iOS, NordVPN offers similar features, ensuring a consistent experience across devices. The app includes a user-friendly interface, server recommendations based on your needs, and the ability to connect to specialty servers, such as Double VPN, for extra security. The app also provides Dark Web Monitor alerts if your credentials appear in a data breach, adding an extra layer of protection to your online presence.

Just like with Desktop app, the Mozilla VPN Android app offers a straightforward and user-friendly experience, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. The app provides access to over 400 servers in more than 30 countries, ensuring decent coverage for most users. It features a clean interface that makes it easy to connect to the VPN with just a single tap. One notable feature is its strong commitment to privacy, with a no-logs policy and the use of WireGuard protocol for a fast and secure connection. While it lacks advanced features like split tunneling or a kill switch, Mozilla VPN emphasizes security and privacy, making it a solid choice for users looking for a basic, reliable VPN solution.

Torrenting and P2P

In terms of torrenting support, NordVPN outshines Mozilla VPN. NordVPN allows torrenting on all servers and offers dedicated P2P servers optimized for high-speed transfers. It also provides a free SOCKS5 proxy, which can be configured with your torrent client for faster downloads. In contrast, MozillaVPN permits P2P traffic on all available servers and country locations but lacks specialized P2P servers and a SOCKS5 proxy. While both services ensure fast connection speeds for quick downloads and offer split tunneling for customizing the VPN tunnel to only affect your torrent client, NordVPN’s additional features enhance the P2P file-sharing experience significantly.

Mozilla VPN vs NordVPN China accessibility comparison

Besides mundane activities like streaming and torrenting, some users need a VPN to circumvent online censorship. The Great Firewall of China is an excellent example of such restrictions that require a reliable VPN for China.

For situations like these, NordVPN is one of the best choices. It has obfuscated servers that hide all VPN usage tracks by masking encrypted connections as regular HTTPS traffic. You can also use Onion over VPN servers that route your encrypted traffic via the Tor Network for maximum untraceability.

Unfortunately, Mozilla VPN lacks any obfuscation features, so it can’t really deal with censorship and VPN blocks altogether.

Customer support

With so many VPN use cases, there is a high chance of running into some issues are pretty high. That is why providers must have reliable customer service available.

When it comes to customer support, NordVPN and Mozilla VPN offer different levels of service. NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, allowing users to get immediate assistance anytime. Additionally, users can seek help via email or by consulting a comprehensive library of guides on various topics. In contrast, Mozilla VPN, being a non-profit organization, does not offer around-the-clock live chat support. Instead, users can access help through a ticketing system or search through a variety of articles for solutions.

To evaluate their support quality, I conducted tests by asking both NordVPN and Mozilla VPN challenging technical questions. I assessed their response times, the clarity and accuracy of their solutions, and the overall helpfulness of their customer support teams. This thorough testing ensured a comprehensive understanding of each provider’s ability to assist users in resolving complex issues efficiently.

During my testing, NordVPN’s live chat support responded promptly, providing clear and accurate solutions. Mozilla VPN, though slower due to the absence of live chat, still offered helpful and thorough responses through its ticketing system, albeit with a longer wait time. Overall, while both support teams were knowledgeable, NordVPN’s 24/7 availability and faster response times gave it an edge.

Final verdict: Which is better, NordVPN or Mozilla VPN?

After comparing both VPNs, it’s clear that NordVPN is better than Mozilla VPN in several key areas. NordVPN excels with its extensive server network, competitive pricing, superior streaming capabilities, and robust privacy features. While Mozilla VPN is a decent option for general privacy and supporting the Mozilla Foundation’s mission for a healthier internet, it simply can’t match the comprehensive offerings of NordVPN.

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FAQ

Is NordVPN better than Mozilla VPN?

Yes, NordVPN surpasses Mozilla VPN because of its extensive server network, more budget-friendly pricing, and exceptional streaming capabilities. Furthermore, NordVPN offers advanced infrastructure and robust privacy and logging policies, ensuring top-tier security and a better overall user experience.

Is Mozilla VPN worth it in 2024?

Mozilla VPN is generally a solid choice, though it has some drawbacks. It lacks dedicated IP addresses for small businesses, offers a small number of simultaneous connections, and faces challenges with streaming services, particularly Netflix. These factors might be important to consider when evaluating its overall value in 2024.

Does Mozilla VPN slow down internet?

Yes, Mozilla VPN can slightly reduce internet speed, as with most VPNs. The encryption process and routing through secure servers typically result in slower connections. However, this impact is usually minimal for everyday activities like browsing, emailing, or standard-quality streaming. For more demanding tasks, such as high-definition streaming or online gaming, the speed reduction might be more noticeable.

Can Mozilla VPN unblock Netflix?

Mozilla VPN often struggles to consistently unblock Netflix. While it may occasionally bypass Netflix's VPN detection, it frequently fails to do so. If reliable access to Netflix is a priority, you might want to consider other VPNs, such as NordVPN, that offer dedicated streaming servers specifically designed to handle such restrictions more effectively.

Does Mozilla VPN or NordVPN have a larger server network?

NordVPN boasts a notably larger server network compared to Mozilla VPN. With over 7000 servers spread across 118+ countries, NordVPN offers extensive coverage globally. In contrast, Mozilla VPN operates around 500 servers in 30+ countries. A larger server network generally translates to faster connection speeds, more dependable service, and broader accessibility to geo-restricted content.

Which is faster – NordVPN or Mozilla VPN?

NordVPN generally offers faster speeds thanks to its NordLynx protocol, based on efficient WireGuard technology and supporting OpenVPN. NordVPN's extensive server network also reduces latency. In contrast, Mozilla VPN's smaller server network and different protocol optimizations may lead to higher latency and slower speeds, particularly during peak usage or distant connections.