NordVPN Compatibility: Secure All Your Devices In 2024

“Which devices are compatible with NordVPN?” As a longtime NordVPN user, we hear this question all the time. And it is an important one, after all; what is the point of investing in a top-notch VPN service if you can’t use it on all your gadgets, right? Well, we have got great news for you. NordVPN compatibility covers various ranges of devices, from smartphones and laptops to smart TVs and even routers.

Over the years, we have tested NordVPN on every device we could get our hands on. Windows? Check. Mac? You bet. iOS and Android? Absolutely. Linux machines, Chromebooks, Amazon Fire Sticks – the list goes on. Basically, if it connects to the internet, chances are NordVPN has an app for it or can be configured to work with it. 

So whether you are looking to secure your desktop browsing or protect your mobile connection on the go, NordVPN has you covered. Let us get started.

Which are NordVPN Compatible devices?

NordVPN compatibility covers a wide range of devices, making it a flexible option for securing your online activities across multiple platforms. Whether you are using a smartphone, computer or even a smart TV, NordVPN has you covered. Below is a list of devices and platforms under NordVPN compatibility:

NordVPN Compatibility: Supported Devices

• Windows (PCs, Laptops)
• macOS (MacBooks, iMacs)
• Linux (Various distributions)
• iOS (iPhones, iPads)
• Android (Smartphones, Tablets)
• Android TV (Smart TVs)
• Amazon Fire TV (Fire Stick, Fire TV)
• ChromeOS (Chromebooks)
• Browser Extensions (Chrome, Firefox)
• Routers (Supports various models with manual setup)
• Raspberry Pi
• NAS Devices (Synology, QNAP)
• Gaming Consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S via router setup)
• Smart TVs (LG, Samsung via router setup or Smart DNS)
• Other IoT Devices (Via router setup)

NordVPN compatibility covers a wide range to make sure you can protect your online privacy no matter what device you are using.

Does NordVPN have apps for Windows?

NordVPN app compatibility also covers Windows. The NordVPN Windows app is reasonably straightforward and fully featured, packed with security for your online doings, among other things—a detailed Guide to NordVPN for Windows.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are supported).

The Windows NordVPN app is designed to keep you safe and secure online with little effort from the user, making it an excellent choice for users of any skill level.

Is there a NordVPN app for macOS?

Being a Mac user, you will have easy access to the world of NordVPN with all security measures on your side. Its app is a smoothly designed and powerful service for keeping your online life safe from data thieves on your Mac. This is a detailed guide to NordVPN for Mac.

System Requirements

• Operating System: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
  

With the NordVPN macOS app, Mac users have access to all of our key features so they can enjoy a secure, private and unrestricted internet experience.

Can I use NordVPN on Linux?

There is a dedicated app that works with numerous distributions of the Linux OS. NordVPN compatible devices Linux app is a handy extension of the VPN service, as it sets out to make its already wide range of simple user interfaces easier—a detailed guide to NordVPN for Linux.

Supported Linux Distributions

• Ubuntu
• Debian
• Fedora
• RHEL
• Linux Mint
• Arch Linux (manual configuration)
• Other Debian-based distributions

Installation Methods

• Official Repository: With this, you will always have the latest version of NordVPN as it is installed directly from NordVPNs own repository.
• Manual Setup: If you do not want to use its command-line tool, then NordVPN also gives support for manual OpenVPN configuration files that can be used with 3rd party VPN clients.

The NordVPN Linux app offers an impressive range of capabilities, making the service a great option to secure your internet connection on any Linux gadget.

Does NordVPN have a browser extension?

NordVPN provides browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. So you can encrypt your activity and hide behind a VPN without installing anything near the full scale of the desktop app.

How the Extensions Work

• Browser-Only Protection: The browser extensions encrypt data that leaves and enters your browser while the full VPN app on the other hand secures all internet traffic from different applications running on a device.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: The extensions run on Windows, Mac, and Linux OS and support Chrome and Firefox browsers.

Installation

• Google Chrome: Available on the Chrome Web Store.
• Mozilla Firefox: Available on the Firefox Add-ons site.

NordVPN browser extensions are the perfect solution for those who simply want to protect themselves while surfing or unblock geo-restricted content without a breeze. This provides a more direct route to boosting your online privacy without the full VPN software installed.

Is there a NordVPN app for Android TV?

NordVPN Android TV app allows users to use the VPN service on a smart TV and go through the internet safely. The NordVPN for Android TV app has exactly the same interface and features as its desktop or mobile equivalents to make sure no potential cyber threat spoils your streaming experience.

Installation Process

• From your Android TV, go to the Google Play Store.
• Search for NordVPN and choose the app from the resulting searches.
• Download and run the application using your NordVPN account.
• Jump onto a server and start streaming your favorite content without the restrictions on your Android TV device.

NordVPN Android TV app is the perfect solution to your streaming needs, allowing you secure access to all of your favorite content from any geo-blocked location right on an interface built for a smart television.

Can I use NordVPN on my router?

You can use NordVPN on your router, which will allow you to secure all of your devices that are connected to your home network with a single VPN connection.

Setting up NordVPN on your router will give you some benefits as well, including protecting devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles and IoT devices. Here is what you need to know about using NordVPN on your router:

Router Compatibility

While many routers are capable of supporting VPN connections, it is important to verify that your router can run on it natively. However, there are different routers that you can establish with your NordVPN:

• DD-WRT
• Tomato
• AsusWRT
• pfSense
• OpenWRT
• MikroTik
• OPNsense
• EdgeRouter
• GL.iNet

If not, you can flash it with supported firmware such as DD-WRT or Tomato, which should allow this; alternatively, look at buying a pre-configured VPN router from FlashRouters.

Setup Process

1. Log in to Your Router’s Admin Panel: You can get to your router settings by typing the IP address of the device into any web browser.
2. Configure VPN Settings: In a similar manner to the step above, based on your router’s firmware enter VPN servers addresses, your username and password and choose which protocol would you want, OpenVPN is usually recommended.
3. Apply the Configuration: Use these parameters and run them on your router by saving them.
4. Connect to NordVPN: Once configured, your router will route all traffic through NordVPN.

Important Considerations

• Speed: A VPN configured on a router may also slow down lots of connections from simply handling the encryption and routing through the VPN server.
• Advanced Configuration: Advanced features like split tunneling could be missing while you are using it on the router.
• Security: Make sure your router firmware is current to avoid known security holes and that it authenticates with a strong password.

The setup is flawless, allowing you to secure your entire network with it and protect all connected devices making sure that the peace of mind about your online privacy and security is beyond any other service.

Can NordVPN be used with game consoles?

While you can use NordVPN with your PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch, there is a slight hitch. These game consoles do not have native support for VPN apps. Nonetheless, you can still use NordVPN to safeguard your gaming sessions and avoid geo-restrictions by following laid down procedures such as:

How to Use NordVPN on Game Consoles?

You can use NordVPN on game consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch by configuring it through a VPN-enabled router, virtual router, or Smart DNS. Although these consoles don’t support VPN apps natively, these methods ensure secure and unrestricted gaming:

Using a VPN-Enabled Router

• Arrangement: Download NordVPN on your Router. This will mean all the devices on your Wi-Fi, including game consoles and such, are behind a VPN.
• Pros: With this method, your entire home network including a game console is protected without requiring you to change the VPN settings for different devices.
• Downside: Router VPNs can cause the connection to be a little slower which may affect gaming performance.

Using a Windows or Mac as a Virtual Router

• Installation: Make sure the NordVPN app is running on your Windows or Mac PC, and share your VPN connection setting up a virtual router (or hotspot). Next, connect your game console to this virtual router.
• Pro: This is a fast way to start using VPNs without the need for two or more routers capable of tying everything together with an ethernet cable.
• Drawback: The downside of this is that you need to have your computer on and connected to the internet whenever you want to use a VPN with your gaming console.

Using Smart DNS

Configuration: A few routers and video game consoles enable you to alter DNS configurations. It offers Smart DNS for streaming which will not encrypt your traffic. Nevertheless, it can be useful for unblocking content on consoles.

• Pros: It does not slow your line down as much as a full VPN and is easier to set up.
• Cons: The security afforded by Smart DNS is not as good as a VPN connection.

While gaming consoles don’t naturally support VPN apps, you can still use NordVPN with your console by setting up the VPN on your router, using a virtual router on your computer or configuring Smart DNS. Each method has its own pros and cons, but they all enable you to protect your gaming and access content without regional restrictions.

Does NordVPN work with Kodi?

NordVPN pairs well with Kodi, making sure complete privacy and security on top of the occasional workaround benefit for all your favorite restricted content. Kodi is a home-server that lets you stream virtually any type of media per source, but sometimes it requires accessing region-locked content or using third-party add-ons which makes having an alternative VPN provider necessary to keep your browsing experience on Kodi secure and uninterrupted.

Benefits of Using NordVPN with Kodi

• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Access content that is blocked in your region by connecting you to servers in different countries.
• Enhance Privacy: Encrypt your browsing to prevent ISP, hackers or third parties from viewing what you do online using Kodi.
• Avoid ISP Throttling: Things like ISPs throttling bandwidth for streaming services, so all you are constantly seeing is buffering or slower load times. It will help prevent this by hiding everything you do.
• Protect Against Legal Issues: Using unauthorized Kodi add-ons can be quite risky, as your identity may get leaked. You need it to secure yourself and prevent anyone from tracking what you do on the interface of this software.

How to Use NordVPN with Kodi?

It can be used with Kodi by installing the app directly on your device, configuring it on a router, or using a VPN Manager add-on within Kodi for secure streaming. This ensures privacy, bypasses geo-restrictions, and protects against ISP throttling. Three methods of using NordVPN with Kodi are followed.

Method 1: Install NordVPN on Your Device

The easiest method to use it with Kodi is by installing the app that you may be using to run Kodi on your device. This will work for a good number of OS like.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android TV
• Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick

Steps

1. Download the app on your device.
2. Provide your credentials when you log in.
3. Now just connect to your favorite server.
4. Run Kodi and stream while having protection with a VPN.

Method 2: Set Up NordVPN on Your Router

Another option is to set up it on your router, which will automatically protect all devices connected to your network, including those running Kodi.

You can also install on your router, and then all of the devices using that network would be protected, including anything running Kodi.

Steps

1. Configure on your routers (compatible routers include DD-WRT, Tomato and AsusWRT)
2. Make sure your Kodi Account is connected to the router’s wifi connection.
3. Open Kodi and stream safely on any device connected to the router.

Method 3: Use a VPN Manager for Kodi (Advanced Users)

Advanced users will also have the option to set up a VPN manager add-on within Kodi and NordVPN connection (Kodi Leia only).

Steps

1. The OpenVPN add-on uses the VPN Manager for OpenVPN or other types of file installation from DEB files.
2. Install the VPN Manager for OpenVPN Add-on from a reliable source.
3. Set up the VPN Manager with your account details and servers.
4. Choose your server of choice and connect to it using the VPN Manager.

It works very well with Kodi, whether you choose to run it on a supported device, configure it on your router or just manage it directly through Kodi’s interface. By using it with Kodi, you can secure your streaming activities, access geo-restricted content, and protect your privacy.

Can I use NordVPN with IoT devices?

NordVPN does work with IoT (Internet of Things) devices since most probably do not have integrated natural VPN support, so you will need to employ a workaround. NordVPN boosts the security on your IoT device, so they cannot be easily hacked or have their private data stolen and encrypts all of the information going into and out of those devices.

How to Use NordVPN with IoT Devices?

There are two methods you can use with IoT devices. 

1. Set Up NordVPN on Your Router

Method: The standard way most people get it up and running on their IoT device is by installing it directly onto a router. After this initial configuration is complete, the VPN will route all appliances connected to your Wi-Fi network through it.

• Benefits: It centrally secures every IoT device running on a given network.
• Drawback: Implementing it through a router could decrease the speed of your internet service, which in turn can compromise device functionality.

Steps

1. Flash DD-WRT, Tomato or AsusWRT firmware on a compatible router and install it.
2. The IoT devices can connect to the Wi-Fi network provided by your router.
3. Now secures IoT devices.

2. Use a VPN-Enabled Wi-Fi Hotspot

Method: If you don’t want to configure your main router, then perhaps a Windows or Mac computer can best be of service in creating the VPN enabled Wi-Fi hotspot. It will encrypt all traffic for IoT devices that connect to this hotspot.

• Benefits: Easy to configure and does not involve modifying your main router settings.
• Drawback: Depending on the network, it requires that your computer permanently maintains VPN status, including leaving those computers connected and running.

Steps

1. Download it on your computer.
2. This requires that you are able to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your computer.
3. You can do this by simply joining your IoT devices to the hotspot.

Types of IoT Devices You Can Secure

• Smart Home Devices: Smart lights, thermostats, security cameras and smart locks.
• Wearables: Smartwatches, fitness trackers.
• Voice Assistants: Amazon Echo and Google Home.
• Connected Appliances: Smart refrigerators, washing machines and other home appliances.
• Streaming Devices: Roku and Apple TV (via router setup).

Generally, you can not install a VPN onto an IoT device directly, and that is why the best way to secure them is through router setup or NordVPN on NAT routers. In doing so, you will have set up some hard network barriers to make your smart home and connected devices more secure by making sure all the data being communicated from these devices is encrypted.

Is NordVPN Compatible with Virtual Machines?

NordVPN does work with Virtual Machines (VMs) and lets you secure your virtual realms much like a physical machine. You see virtual machines are often used for testing things, developing software or running some random flavor of operating system and protecting that using a VPN is an important measure in order to preserve your privacy.

How to Use NordVPN with Virtual Machines?

Using it with virtual machines is simple and effective. You can either install it directly on the VM or secure all VMs by running it on the host machine. Follow the steps to use it on VMs.

1. Install NordVPN Directly on the Virtual Machine

Method: Simply install the app on your VM as you usually would on a standard physical device. This applies to Windows, Linux and macOS VMs.

• Benefits: VM with its individual VPN connection away from the host OS forest. If you want to mimic the behavior of different locations or protect certain processes running on your VM, this could be a helpful approach.
• Drawback: Only the VM VPN is created, the host or other VMs are not affected.

Steps

1. Install a virtual machine using software such as VMware, VirtualBox or Hyper-V.
2. Open the NordVPN app and install it on the virtual machine for Windows, Linux or macOS VMs.
3. Sign into the VM and open it.

2. Use NordVPN on the Host Machine

Method: Install and run it on the host machine. This will make the entire network connection secure including any VMs running on that host.

• Benefits: This method guarantees that all traffic from the host and any VMs is encrypted and goes through the VPN.
• Drawback: This method may not be best if you require different VPN configurations for the host and VM.

Steps

1. Download to your host machine
2. Log into a server from the host machine.
3. This means even the traffic from your VMs will be routed through this VPN.

Supported Virtualization Software

• VMware Workstation/Player
• Oracle VM VirtualBox
• Microsoft Hyper-V
• Parallels Desktop
• QEMU

It is fully compatible with virtual machines, whether you choose to install the VPN on the VM itself or on the host machine. This compatibility makes sure that your virtual environments remain secure and private, no matter what you are using them for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

We have covered NordVPN compatibility with all your favorite devices. It is like having a VPN party where everyone is invited. We showed you step-by-step how to setup NordVPN on everything from your trusty old laptop to your shiny new smartphone. 

At the end of the day, it is your loyal digital bodyguard, ready to protect you no matter what device you are using. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start installing it on all your devices. And if you ever need a helping hand, just holler at its super-friendly support team. They are always ready to save the day.