NordVPN protects your privacy and makes the internet a safer place for you. But it doesn’t just do that by rerouting your internet through virtual networks. I mean, it does. But there’s more to it than that.
If you visit NordVPN’s website, one of the first things you’ll see is that it claims to block malicious websites and stop web trackers. A VPN doesn’t necessarily have to do that, and that’s where NordVPN Threat Protection comes in. Threat Protection aims to improve your privacy by bringing ad blocking, malware detection, and phishing safeguards to the mix. This feature makes NordVPN a complete online security suite. But does it block ads effectively? Is it worth the extra cost bundled with NordVPN? We’ll answer all this and more in this review.
Quick Overview
| 🌟 Feature | ✨ Details |
| ⭐ Rating | 91/100 |
| 💵 Price | $12.99 for a month, $71.88 for a year, or $105.36 for two years + 4 months |
| 🆓 Free Version | Nope |
| ▶️ YouTube Ads | Yes, all of them |
| ⛔ Blocks Trackers | Yes |
| 💻Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Google TV, tvOS, and more |
Overall Score
During our testing NordVPN Threat Protection Pro got a score of 91. This is definitely not the highest as most dedicated ad blockers achieve a perfect or near-perfect score. But it’s still in the greens. Also what we need to remember is that Threat Protection is not a dedicated ad blocker.
Testing Parameters
To see how NordVPN Threat Protection Pro holds up against the modern complex online ads, trackers and data collection measures we ran it through a series of tests covering key areas of digital advertising and tracking. Here’s what we looked at:
- Contextual Advertising: You know those ads that seem to know exactly what you’ve been thinking? They’re not coincidences. That’s contextual advertising at work, using your data to serve hyper-personalized content. We tested if Threat Protection Pro could block those sneaky ads from loading. This also helps understand how well it handles data-driven tracking.
- Analytics Tools: Tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar track everything from your clicks to how long you stay on a page. While they aren’t ads they’re relentless in monitoring user behavior. And the data points they collect can be a privacy hazard. We tested if Threat Protection Pro could block those scripts from running which not only reduces tracking but also gives your privacy a much needed boost.
- Banner Ads: Some banner ads are easy to spot, others are deeply embedded into page layouts making them harder to block. We tested Threat Protection Pro against different types: Flash banners, GIFs and static image ads to see how well it keeps your screen clean.
- Error Monitoring Services: Services like Sentry and Bugsnag aren’t ads but they quietly track a lot of user activity to help developers diagnose website issues. While blocking those scripts isn’t essential, we tested if Threat Protection Pro could block them anyway. The goal here is to add an extra layer of privacy by reducing unnecessary data collection happening in the background.
Key Result Highlights
- NordVPN Threat Protection Pro scored a 91 out of 100.
- It failes some tests in banner ads and error monitoring.
- One of the checks came back inconclusive, in the analytics section.
While error monitoring is not an essential part of ad blocking, almost all ad blockers must remove banner ads. So this can be a major turn off, if you’re considering this as your primary ad blocker.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔️ Offers some functionalities only available in antiviruses
✔️ Focuses on security
✔️ All plans support up to 10 devices
✔️ Runs on almost every device you can think of
✔️ No VPN required to run Threat Protection Pro
✔️ 30-days money-back guarantee
Cons
❌ Threat Protection Pro is only available on higher expensive tiers.
❌ Best features are limited to the desktop app
❌ Fails to block some banner ads
Compatibility and Platform Availability
VPNs generally have a better compatibility list compared to ad blockers. It’s usually because they bigger companies with better resources. And that comes in favour of NordVPN Threat Protection. As it comes with the VPN plans, it works on pretty much every device supported by NordVPN.
| Platform | Availability |
| Chromium Extension | ✔️ Yes |
| Firefox Add-On | ✔️ Yes |
| Safari Extension | ✔️ Yes |
| MV3 Compliance (Chrome) | ✔️ Yes |
| Windows App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
| macOS App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
| Android App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
| iOS App (System-wide) | ✔️ Yes |
Other than these platforms, NordVPN also works great on Linux, Google TV, tvOS, Firestick, Chromebook, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Oculus, visionOS, Raspberry Pi and many more devices and platforms.
Core Features of NordVPN Threat Protection Pro
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro works in three main ways. It protects your web activities, the files you download, and the apps you have installed.
Web Protection
Threat Protection Pro defends you in real-time against online threats: malware, trackers and intrusive ads. With DNS filtering it blocks malicious websites and prevents phishing attacks. It also trims URLs to remove tracking parameters from web addresses so you stay private.
File Protection
This feature protects your system by preventing malicious downloads. It scans files in real-time using cloud-based threat detection to detect and block malware before it can harm your device. It’s proactive so threats are neutralized fast and your system remains intact.
Vulnerability Detection
Threat Protection Pro checks your applications for known vulnerabilities and alerts you to potential security risks. It identifies outdated or vulnerable software so you can take action: update or patch applications to mitigate threats.
Keep in mind: While Threat Protection Pro has many of the features of an antivirus with “internet protection” capabilities, it’s not a replacement for a full antivirus. Use it alongside a full-featured antivirus.
Usability and Installation
NordVPN Threat Protection Pro is very easy to use, and has a lot of different features in the app. We will mostly be covering the desktop app as that one comes with Threat Protection Pro. Online other devices and browsers, it’s just a simple toggle. However, there are some caveats here and there too. We give it a usability score of 4 out of 5.
Easy Installation and Setup
I’m gonna start with a PSA here, because NordVPN should make it more clear. If you’re on PC or macOS and you want the full Threat Protection Pro, download the app from NordVPN’s website and not App Store or any other store. For some reason, Threat Protection Pro is not available in the store versions of the app. That being said, let’s get into it.
Windows and macOS:
- Download the app from the NordVPN website.
- Open the app, and log in.
- Purchase the Plus or Complete plan if you haven’t already
- And click on the Shield icon from the left.
- Now you should have the option to toggle Threat Protection Pro on.
Android and iOS:
- Download the app from App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and log in.
- Purchase any of the plans.
- Tap on the settings icon on the bottom.
- Enable Threat Protection.
If you have a premium plan purchased, we recommend that you use the app instead of browser extension as Threat Protection Pro is only available on the app.
Easy To Use
Once installed, set up, and enabled, Threat Protection and Threat Protection pro should be doing its thing. There’s not much more to it. You can go in and enable or disable each of the features. But most of them should be enabled by default. Here’s what you will find in Web Protection:
- Phishing protection
- Malware blocker
- Web tracker blocker
- Ad blocker
- URL trimmer
- Search results safety indicator
- DNS Filtering
You can choose to disable one or more of these. But we highly recommend you not to. The bottom line is, you can enable Threat Protection Pro and forget about it. It will keep doing its thing.
Lacks Customisability
Other than the toggle switches for the things mentioned above, there’s no more customisability options. That means:
- No accessible filters list
- No custom rules
- No whitelisting
- No manual element blocking
These customisation features are mostly available in dedicated ad blockers like uBlock Origin and AdGuard.
Pricing & Free Version
Both Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro are bundled with NordVPN so you’ll need to purchase a plan to get them. But don’t worry, you can try it out before you commit.
Free Version? Nope. But There’s a Trial.
There is no free version of NordVPN or its Threat Protection features. However you can try it out for free through two options:
- 7-Day Free Trial: Available through the Google Play Store. The best part? Once you activate the trial on your phone, it’ll apply to any other device you use with the same account, even on desktop.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re not happy after purchasing, you can request a full refund within 30 days. The best part? The refund process is auto-magical. Mo emails to support or long wait times. Just a few clicks on their website and you’re done. Easy, fast and hassle-free.
Premium Plans
NordVPN has three plans: Basic, Plus and Complete. At first glance it seems like Threat Protection is available with all three, and technically it is. But if you want the real deal with ad-blocking you’ll need Threat Protection Pro which comes with a big limitation. It’s only available on Windows and macOS apps (sorry Linux and mobile users). And it’s only included in the Plus and Complete plans. So we’re not even counting the Basic plan here for pricing.
- Plus: $12.99 for a month, $71.88 for a year, or $105.36 for two years + 4 months
- Complete: $13.99 for a month, $83.88 for a year, or $129.36 for two years + 4 months
If you want everything we’ve raved about so far: anti-malware protection, advanced browsing security and robust ad/tracker blocking, Threat Protection Pro is the way to go.
Is NordVPN Threat Protection Worth It?
Threat Protection Pro is absolutely worth it if you are already using NordVPN or in need or a Premium VPN. But the Threat Protection with Basic tier is not worth it. While there is no free version, the 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee give you plenty of time to try before you buy. And the auto-refund? Huge win. No awkward customer support convos, just your money back. No questions asked. So, we can easily recommend it.
Customer Support
We can vouch for NordVPN’s customer support because it literally took us just a couple of minutes to get a refund. Yep, no back-and-forth emails, no begging “please reconsider”. But before we get to that, let’s break it down one step at a time.
Support Channels
24/7 Live Chat
It’s AI-powered, and yes, we rolled our eyes at first. But honestly? It’s the best AI-powered live chat we’ve tested so far. If you can explain your problem clearly, it’ll guide you to a solution without breaking a sweat. Fast, efficient, no generic “did you try turning it off and on again?” responses.
Support Center
NordVPN’s Support Center is like the Google of Nord-related questions. It covers everything from troubleshooting issues and billing questions to those “should I know this already?” app questions.
- Categorised so you can navigate easily.
- Search bar at the top to find answers in seconds.
- Comprehensive setup guides if you’re the DIY type.
If you’re dealing with a minor glitch or need detailed instructions, you’ll probably find what you’re looking for without even needing to talk to support.
Our Experience
We mentioned earlier we tested the waters with a refund request. Now, asking for a refund online is like trying to cancel a gym membership. Awkward, tedious and full of unnecessary hoops to jump through. But with NordVPN? No humans required. The AI live chat guided us through the process in under 2 minutes and our refund was processed soon after.
We’re not the only ones who had a smooth ride. Reviews on TrustPilot and Reddit say the same. Quick and easy support that actually delivers.
To sum it all up: NordVPN’s support is fast, painless and easy. They’ve got you covered no matter what. No waiting, no generic bot responses, just answers.
Why Does NordVPN and Threat Protection Stand Out In 2025?
NordVPN has been around for a while. It’s 2025 and NordVPN is still the best choice for online security and privacy. Here’s why:
Advanced Features
NordVPN has a set of advanced features to protect you from all online threats. Threat Protection Pro™ has malware protection, ad blocking and full browser protection. It also has a password manager and a Data Breach Scanner to alert you of potential threats.
Global Server Network
Over 7,200 servers in 118 countries means you have plenty of options to choose from. This global network helps you bypass geo-restrictions and stay connected fast and stable.
Privacy
NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t log, collect or share your online activities. This has been audited independently to ensure you trust the service.
User Friendly
The service has apps for all platforms and an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection and 24/7 customer support to make it super user friendly.
Is NordVPN Threat Protection Pro Safe?
Yes, NordVPN is one of the safest VPNs out there. It has top notch security. And a ton of features to show for it.
So what makes NordVPN Threat Protection Safe?
A few things:
- Encryption: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, often called “military grade” encryption. This is currently unbreakable so your online activities are private.
- Other Security Features: The service has a Kill Switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops so you don’t leak data. It also has Double VPN that routes your traffic through two servers for extra security and Onion Over VPN that combines VPN encryption with the anonymity of the Tor network.
- No-logs: NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy. It does not log or Store your online activities. This has been audited independently and has been found to be true to their word.
- Audits: The company undergoes independent audits regularly to test its infrastructure and practices. These audits have always found NordVPN to be true to its word.
Now, how does Threat Protection Pro keep you safe?
Well, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites. It also scans downloads for malware and checks applications for vulnerabilities so you have extra protection beyond the standard VPN.
In short, NordVPN has strong encryption, advanced security features, no-logs policy and extra protection with Threat Protection Pro. It all adds up to a safe and reliable VPN for your online activity.
What Are The Differences Between NordVPN Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro?
NordVPN has two levels of cybersecurity features: Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro. While they share some common goals, they are quite different in functionality, platform availability and requirements.
Key Differences
| Feature | Threat Protection | Threat Protection Pro |
| Ad Blocking | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Tracker Blocking | No | Yes |
| Malware Scanning | No | Yes |
| Phishing Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Is VPN Connection Required? | Yes | No |
| File Protection | No | Yes |
| Vulnerability Detection | No | Yes |
| Platform Availability | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser Extensions | Windows, macOS |
Threat Protection
This feature provides basic protection by blocking some ads and preventing access to malicious and phishing domains. But it doesn’t block trackers or scan downloaded files for malware. A VPN connection is required for it to work. It’s available on multiple platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and browser extensions.
Threat Protection Pro
Threat Protection Pro is a more advanced security package that includes:
- Ad and Tracker Blocking: Removes intrusive ads and prevents trackers from following you online.
- Malware Scanning: Scans downloaded files in real-time using cloud-based threat detection to detect and block malicious content.
- Phishing Protection: Alerts you to phishing sites to protect your personal info.
- File Protection: Prevents malicious downloads by scanning files before they can harm your device.
- Vulnerability Detection: Notifies you about vulnerable applications on your computer so you can take action.
Note that Threat Protection Pro works independently of a VPN connection and is only available on NordVPN’s desktop apps for Windows and macOS.
In short, while both features aim to secure your online experience, Threat Protection Pro is a more powerful and comprehensive set of tools than Threat Protection.
Final Verdict
When it comes to overall protection and security, NordVPN Threat Protection is more than just a feature within NordVPN, it’s a full-fledged security suite. With real-time ad blocking, malware detection and phishing protection, it punches above its weight.
Threat Protection Pro really shines in proactive defense. It works in the background, blocking malware, stopping trackers dead in their tracks and making sure phishing attempts don’t even get a chance to lure you in. It’s the kind of “set it and forget it” security that works seamlessly without demanding constant attention.
Of course, no tool is perfect. If you’re looking for advanced antivirus features or need something with deep customization options, you might find Threat Protection a little limited. And yes, the price could be a problem if you just want ad-blocking, there are cheaper ad blockers out there. But here’s the thing: you’re not just paying for an ad blocker, you’re paying for an all-in-one security suite bundled with one of the best VPNs on the market.
AdBlock Tester Score: 92/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I whitelist websites in NordVPN Threat Protection?
No, NordVPN Threat Protection or Threat Protection Pro doesn’t support website whitelisting. It’s designed to work automatically with minimal user input, so you get comprehensive protection with no hassle.
Does NordVPN Threat Protection Pro replace antivirus software?
No, while NordVPN Threat Protection Pro has malware scanning and phishing protection, it’s not a full antivirus replacement. It’s designed to work alongside your existing antivirus software to prevent threats from reaching your device in the first place.
Can NordVPN Threat Protection Pro run without a VPN connection?
Yes, Threat Protection Pro works even when you’re not connected to a VPN. So you get ad-blocking, malware protection and tracking prevention 24/7, but Threat Protection on mobile doesn’t work without VPN.
Is NordVPN Threat Protection free?
No, NordVPN Threat Protection Pro isn’t free. It’s included with NordVPN’s Plus and Complete plans which require a paid subscription. But you can try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial (via Google Play Store) and a 30-day money-back guarantee.