Opera VPN Pro update adds new locations and ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol
The open-source protocol is seen as an industry leader and matches top competitors for speed and security. Previously, Lightway was only available if you used ExpressVPN. Despite being open source, the resistance of many of the best VPNs to be linked with one another has slowed its uptake.
The addition, conducted in collaboration with ExpressVPN, comes alongside several other improvements to the VPN Pro package, including infrastructure upgrades for connectivity and to enhance the server network.
This overhaul includes a significant upgrade to Opera VPN Pro's infrastructure. Its 3,000 servers now deliver connections of up to 10Gbps, and the network has expanded from 33 locations to 48 (including servers in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan).
This, alongside the adoption of the Lightway protocol, should deliver faster, more reliable connection speeds, while the wider range of server locations will give global users more choice and the ability to find servers that are closer to their real location.
The upgrade will be rolled out automatically for desktop users, while mobile users will be sent a notification to update the Opera app to get the new features.
The Lightway VPN protocol was created by ExpressVPN and launched in 2020. To date, the protocol has been exclusive to the premium VPN provider, and it has been a selling point for the provider's relatively expensive plans.
VPN protocols manage the connection between the VPN app on your device and the VPN server, and enable you to use the internet securely and anonymously. Reliable VPN protocols ensure your information is safely encrypted while minimising the impact on your connection speed.
Alongside popular protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, which are generally offered by the best VPNs, providers like NordVPN and Hotspot Shield have their own proprietary solutions in the form of NordLynx and Catapult Hydra, respectively.
Lightway is regarded as one of the best VPN protocols on the market today. It is open source, meaning that the user community can inspect its code and report on issues and vulnerabilities. It also has a much smaller codebase than other options, running to just 2,000 lines of code, making it simple to audit, maintain, and develop for.
The protocol itself has been independently audited twice, confirming the effectiveness of its security, and the fact that Lightway is built in the Rust programming language further adds to its efficiency, enabling it to deliver high performance without impacting the battery life of your device.
Commenting on the addition of the Lightway protocol to VPN Pro, an Oracle representative said, "Lightway aligns with our focus on continuing to improve VPN Pro... [It] boasts improved speed and reliability and works especially well on mobile devices where it offers reduced latency and better battery life."
The protocol also incorporates post-quantum protection, anticipating future threats that will have the bandwidth to beat current encryption technology. This was another draw for Opera, and they noted the importance of the fact that Lightway "can help [Opera] future-proof VPN Pro for our users today."
The VPN Pro implementation of Lightway does not integrate the 2025 Lightway Turbo update, however, which routes VPN traffic via multiple tunnels for increased connection speeds.
VPN Pro provides up to six simultaneous connections for Windows, Mac, and Android devices via Opera One, Opera GX, and Opera for Android. Opera users can also access the provider's more limited free VPN service, which is included with the browser. The provider has an audited no-logs policy and commits not to collect or store personal information or data on users' browsing activity.
Looking ahead, Opera has a roadmap of VPN product improvements based on community feedback and states that it plans to release more updates in the near future.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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Gizmodo
5 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Best VPNs to Install on a Router [Top 5]
Imagine how convenient it is to use some of the best VPNs on your router. Connecting all your devices to a VPN-enabled router means protection for all of them. Additionally, such a router ensures privacy for all incoming and outbound traffic, including that of your small devices. As a result, you're creating a shrouded network with the highest level of privacy, safe from ISPs, snoopers, and hackers. Be aware that not all VPN services are compatible with routers, especially those that are free of charge. They're limited and lack many features you'll find in premium choices. Today's list will consist of premium picks you'll enjoy fully. We ensured they support all popular router models and even offer options to buy VPN-compatible routers for added convenience. Read on to discover some of the most impressive VPNs your money can buy! Table of Contents We'll begin our guide with the most important thing — the list of our favorite providers. After testing probably dozens, our team was confident these five are the most befitting according to their performance, security, privacy, and much more: Now that you have the list, feel free to use it right away. If not, we suggest going through our opinions on each router VPN, where we explain their most vital features. Pros Cons NordVPN takes the #1 spot as the clear winner. It's not just the best VPN for routers, but a fantastic package overall. This service supports a wide range of firmware, including DD-WRT, AsusWRT Merlin, pfSense, OpenWRT, Tomato, Sabai, and many more. Additionally, it is compatible with popular router manufacturers, including Asus, Netgear, and MikroTik, among others, which will likely result in native compatibility with your router. To accompany its versatility, NordVPN lets you buy VPN-ready routers directly from its site. These devices already have NordVPN installed and are ready to use with its modern NordLynx protocol right away. Best of all, we found that these routers support up to 30 simultaneous connections, which is ideal for larger families or groups of friends. Apart from this vast compatibility, NordVPN offers many additional qualities, as explained in our review. You'll enjoy bank-grade encryption, Double VPN servers, and even built-in obfuscation to help you bypass censorship. Another perk is the performance! NordVPN performs like Usain Bolt, with 10 Gbps servers in 118 countries. It's also the fastest provider for routers, making it perfect for gaming or watching 4K Netflix series. More impressively, users can enjoy Meshnet, which offers extensive file-sharing features. Accompanied by a no-log policy, RAM-only servers, and Threat Protection Pro for blocking ads and trackers, NordVPN is a state-of-the-art router VPN for all users. We say for all users because it's very affordable and offers a 30-day refund policy if you change your mind. Visit NordVPN Pros Cons Like our #1-rated VPN for routers, ExpressVPN supports a wide range of models and firmware. This amazing router VPN is compatible with firmware from Asus, Linksys, and Netgear. However, users can also opt for a manual setup on DD-WRT, D-Link, Netduma, Tomato, and Sabai models. We love ExpressVPN's Aircove routers, which the company has recently started offering. These WiFi 6 routers offer built-in VPN protection, eliminating the need for manual setup. Purchase the model you want, subscribe to ExpressVPN risk-free, and enjoy. The best thing about ExpressVPN is its ease of use. You can control your routers through a simple dashboard where you can engage with many of its features. For example, you can enable Network Lock, a kill switch, to protect your devices against IP leaks. In addition, users can take advantage of ExpressVPN's Advanced Protection. It's ideal for blocking pesky websites, trackers, and ads. We love ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway Turbo protocol, which offers impeccable performance aided by over 3,000 10 Gbps servers. ExpressVPN is secure enough to satisfy even the most advanced users. With a no-logging policy, AES encryption, Private DNS, and over 18 security audits, you can be sure this VPN is a bulwark of privacy. Best of all, it's excellent for other activities, such as streaming and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. This means it can unblock Netflix and conceal your torrenting activities from your ISP or other government bodies. ExpressVPN requires a bit of extra money compared to the best VPN for routers (NordVPN) but there's a 61% discount (+ 4 free months) to make up for it. Visit ExpressVPN Pros Cons Private Internet Access is a highly reliable VPN compatible with many routers. However, it also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making its router setup a bit unnecessary. If you'd still like to use it, you'll be happy to hear about its compatibility. It's not as great as NordVPN, but you can still install it on Merlin, ASUS WRT, pfSense, OpenWRT/LEDE, and DD-WRT firmware. If your router is unsupported, flashing its firmware is an option; however, you should only do this if you're tech-savvy. PIA's appeal lies in its security and privacy. Although it is a VPN based in the USA, it doesn't store any logs and utilizes the strongest 256-bit encryption. We must mention its WireGuard support, which works flawlessly in this router VPN and ensures excellent performance. Private Internet Access does many things right, including MultiHop connections, ad-blocking, and obfuscation. Installing this VPN on a router yields the benefit of anonymous torrenting plus the option to watch American Netflix and BBC on all your devices. Unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, PIA doesn't let you buy a VPN-ready router. However, if you already have a compatible model, you likely don't need a new one. Private Internet Access's obvious quality is impeccable device support, which, sadly, only excludes the Firestick. On the brighter side, you'll get other commodities like dedicated IP addresses, Smart DNS, and even antivirus at just $1/mo. PIA's prices are remarkably modest, and at just over $2 a month for the 2-year plan, it isn't easy to find a more impressive Private Internet Access Pros Cons Or is it? We have Surfshark as a strong contender for the best VPN for routers. This provider has all you need, including simultaneous connections, top-tier WireGuard implementation, and a no-logging policy audited by Deloitte and Cure53. When it comes to router support, Surfshark has an extensive list. It includes OPNsense, Tomato, Keenetic, Asus Merlin, Freebox, pfSense, Synology NAS, QNAP, MikroTik, and many others. Most of these models rely on OpenVPN, but WireGuard is also a viable option. It's worth noting that Surfshark requires firmware flashing on Linksys routers, while others work perfectly fine. For WireGuard, we recommend using either OpenWRT or DD-WRT software, as they provide full support and offer fast VPN speeds. So far, so good. But let's move to better stuff. Surfshark is powerful enough for streaming. Protecting all your devices means you'll also be able to watch over 30 Netflix libraries. Its desktop and mobile apps also include bonus features, such as static IP addresses and MultiHop for added security. Surfshark's One plan offers improvements such as antivirus protection and Search Features. The former removes threats from all your devices, while the latter is a true incognito browser for searching without ISP monitoring. Surfshark also includes basic VPN features. These include split tunneling, a kill switch, IP leak protection, and many more. Following in the PIA's footsteps, Surfshark keeps the price at bay and won't cost over $3 a month. That said, you don't have to spend a mini-fortune on the best VPN for routers in Surfshark Pros Cons CyberGhost boasts over 12,000 servers in 100 countries worldwide. It's a well-equipped VPN for routers, supporting Tomato, Raspberry Pi, Synology NAS, and many more. On its site, you'll find a heap of router VPN setup guides, so everything is simple. We also appreciate that you can visit Flashrouters and find routers with CyberGhost pre-installed. Once you have one, you need to connect your devices to it (with a valid CyberGhost subscription) and enjoy all the security and privacy it provides. Even if you opt for the manual setup, CyberGhost will provide you with the necessary configuration files, which can be easily implemented afterward. CyberGhost's WireGuard support is welcome because it works with specific router models, allowing you to experience it in the best light. In our test of CyberGhost, we praised it for its streaming and P2P capabilities. This will be particularly prevalent in this case, especially if you use multiple devices to go online. CyberGhost can also protect your IPv6 address against leaks, a feature some of its rivals lack. Additionally, as one of the top VPNs for routers, it excels in privacy and security. It doesn't keep any traffic logs, which Deloitte confirmed in a recent audit. The provider offers optional extras, including dedicated IP addresses and Smart DNS, which is compatible with all devices. CyberGhost lacks obfuscated connections, so it's a poor choice in China. This is countered by a relatively affordable price for its 2-year plan, which includes a few free months. The service costs a small amount above $2 monthly and offers a substantial 45-day money-back guarantee. Excellent stuff!Visit CyberGhost Let's face it. Most people need a VPN for their iPhone, Windows computer, or any other 'typical' device. Very few users will bother to install a VPN on a router. Well, those who do will need to take into account a few important factors, such as: The best VPN for routers can't be the one that doesn't support them. You want a provider that supports as many models as possible to ensure yours is on the list. We selected NordVPN and ExpressVPN as the two leading providers because of this criterion. These two work on a variety of routers, and in addition, offer the option of buying a router with a preinstalled VPN. This might cost a tad more at first, but you'll rid yourself of the manual setup, which, if you're inexperienced, you might not know how to perform. In addition to sheer compatibility, it's also beneficial to consider protocols. Our favorite picks offer modern protocols that work with routers. NordVPN's NordLynx works seamlessly with most models, and so does ExpressVPN's Lightway, which significantly enhances security. WireGuard in the rest of the VPNs is no less awesome. Best of all, it works with the majority of firmware, including OpenVPN. Connection speed was one of our most important criteria. Some VPNs can degrade your performance, which is especially true for free options with slow 1 Gbps servers. These providers reach speeds of up to 300 Mbps in our tests, making them impressively fast. However, be aware that your router's connection speed also affects the overall connection speed. Some of them are optimized for speed but not coverage. Conversely, some prioritize coverage while limiting connection speed to 50-100 Mbps. Last but not least, you should always pick a provider with at least standard security features. We often mention the importance of a kill switch that disables all internet traffic if the VPN connection breaks to keep your IP private. What are the other features? Some of these features include AES-256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, RAM servers, Private DNS servers, MultiHop, no logging, and more. You won't be using a VPN on a router only. Instead, you'll also install it on your computer or phone, and these devices benefit from added security and privacy. The setup phase is what bothers most users. Is it safe? How do you do it? These are just some of the questions. We can answer the first question with a YES, as long as you're not flashing your router. Flashing your router's firmware isn't always a good idea if you're inexperienced. You can brick the device, potentially voiding your warranty. The second question requires a bit more coverage because there are dozens of router manufacturers and hundreds, if not thousands, of models you can have. This is how the process looks roughly: This is the base for a router VPN setup if the router you're using is VPN-friendly. You should be able to find the VPN section in the control panel and work your way from there. The process differs from that of DD-WRT and OpenWRT, making it challenging to provide a definitive guide. We suggest reading this page from NordVPN to find out more about the setup process for at least 10 different firmware versions. Simply find your router/firmware, click on it, and you'll get step-by-step instructions with images on how to install this great VPN on your router. Bear in mind that if your router isn't VPN-friendly, you'll first need to flash it. After this is done—hopefully with success—you can proceed with the instructions on your selected provider's website. The question of why to use a VPN is typical for people with no experience with them. However, you might be wondering what kind of specific benefits you can get by installing a VPN on your router. Lots of them are there, but we listed the most prominent ones. By far, the best benefit is security for ALL your devices. Think about this. Instead of connecting to a VPN on each device individually, you can just connect to a VPN-enabled router and call it a day. This makes things so much simpler! Since all devices in your home are already hooked up to the router wirelessly, all of them will have added security and privacy. Think about your washing machine or boiler. These devices can be connected to the network and ALSO protected by a VPN — sounds silly, but it's true. That said, if you worry about leaking your browsing history or any internet activity to the public, using the best VPN for routers is a blessing. With every device connected to it, there's no chance your ISP can track you or your online footprints. All five providers we presented are fully compatible with P2P. A simple connection to one of their many servers offers anonymous torrenting, which many users desire. This is especially welcome in the USA, where torrenting activities are often frowned upon. Streaming is another huge factor for many. You can use this service to bypass geo-blocks and unblock restricted sites in a blink. This allows access to sites like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, or even gambling sites and adult platforms. Again, this will apply to all devices. As a result, your family can watch one movie on Netflix US while you, in your room, can watch something else at the same time simply by connecting to a VPN router. ISP throttling spoils the fun by trumping your speed and destroying your connection stability. Don't ask us how we know it! Well, we're glad the torture can be cut short with a VPN that eliminates your ISP from the equation and prevents it from harming you. Once your connection is encrypted, your ISP can't track or limit you in any way. This allows you to enjoy the full speed of our favorite VPNs (up to 300+ Mbps in our tests), which is ideal for gaming. It's even better if you have a gaming router with neck-breaking speeds. That, in itself, is a joy for multi-player gaming sessions combined with the safety of a VPN. We must address bypassing censorship because many people struggle with it. Blocked websites and the lack of freedom of speech already sound infuriating. If you're feeling nauseated by just thinking of them, a router VPN can help you in many ways. Its ability to hide your IP address and obfuscate your traffic effectively counters deep-packet inspection. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are your best picks in this regard, especially if you're in China. These will work flawlessly thanks to built-in obfuscation. In summary, the top VPNs for routers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), Surfshark, and CyberGhost. If you want the most juice out of your squeeze, consider NordVPN as the end-all-be-all solution for privacy, security, speed, and stability. ExpressVPN costs a bit extra but provides excellent Advanced Protection, the Lightway Turbo protocol, and exclusive access to its powerful Aircove routers. PIA's compatibility isn't impressive, but that can't be said about its privacy and unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark's affordability makes it an attractive option for users who prioritize unique security features, robust streaming capabilities, and dedicated IP addresses. Finally, we have CyberGhost, which works fine on all popular router firmware and costs less than a cup of coffee per month. Try NordVPN Now We're not done yet! Let us quench your thirst for more information by answering your questions. It is. The VPNs we presented have no security vulnerabilities and can be used without worry. If you have a router that requires a firmware update, it's another story, because if you're inexperienced, you can brick it and likely void your warranty. Apart from this minor inconvenience, there's nothing to be scared of. Some of them are, but generally, free VPNs are never as good as paid VPNs. They lack pretty much everything. From speed and security to device compatibility, streaming prowess, torrenting allowance, customer support, etc. We'd always choose a premium router VPN instead. Generally speaking, VPNs are not always necessary, but they're beneficial for added privacy and security. Similarly, you don't need to install a VPN on your router if you don't want to. Instead, you can install it on your other devices because the setup is much simpler. It's your call.
Gizmodo
5 hours ago
- Gizmodo
How to Watch NBC Outside the US: Quick Guide
Whether you're in Australia, South Africa, or Sweden, The Voice, Chicago P.D., and NBC's Olympic coverage still top global watchlists. But the problem is, NBC's streams won't load unless your device appears to be in the U.S. That's due to geo-restrictions that block access to Peacock and for international viewers. Even though NBC's content travels far, its streaming gates don't. But with the right VPN and setup, you can trick the system, stream NBC live, and watch your favorite shows from anywhere, just like you're back in New York or L.A. We'll show you exactly how to get your U.S. entertainment going, even when you're abroad. Table of Contents You're not imagining it. Watching NBC from outside the US is trickier than it should be. That's because NBC doesn't rely on just one method to block international viewers. It layers multiple types of geo-restrictions, making access nearly impossible unless you're using the right workaround. This is the first and most obvious hurdle. NBC checks your IP address to determine your location, and if it doesn't fall within US borders, the site or app either refuses to load or gives you a blunt 'Not available in your region' message. No US IP, no entry — that's the rule. Even if you get past the IP wall, NBC locks a lot of content behind a cable provider login. To stream full episodes or live events, you'll need credentials from a US-based service like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV Stream. And these logins are geo-sensitive too — use them from the UK, and they'll likely fail unless your VPN setup is airtight. NBC actively blocks VPNs it detects, especially free or overused services. If your VPN's IP address appears on a known proxy or VPN list, NBC simply won't let the stream through. This is why 'just any VPN' won't cut it. On NBC's mobile apps, especially NBC Sports and affiliate-specific versions, your device's GPS can betray your true location. Even with a VPN active, if your phone shows you're in the UK, the app can refuse access or load limited content. It's a frustrating but increasingly common tactic. Most VPNs trip up on one or more of the blocks above. But NordVPN stands out for its large fleet of US servers (over 1,970 at last count), which are regularly refreshed to stay off blacklists. It also has obfuscated servers to help bypass aggressive VPN detection and SmartDNS support for streaming on devices that don't support native VPN apps. Whether you're living abroad or just traveling, watching NBC doesn't have to mean missing out on The Voice, Sunday Night Football, or breaking news. With a reliable VPN and a few quick steps, you're good to go. Watch NBC from anywhere with NordVPN Tip: For smart TVs or devices that don't support VPN apps, use NordVPN's SmartDNS feature or set it up on your router. NordVPN offers the best router-compatible VPN we've tested to date. If you're outside the US and still want your fill of SNL, Chicago P.D., or Sunday Night Football, you'll need more than just Wi-Fi and wishful thinking. We tested over a dozen VPNs across multiple continents, networks, and devices. When streaming NBC live outside the US, NordVPN consistently delivers the best mix of speed, access, and usability. With a massive network of 7,800+ servers in 118 countries, including 1,970+ in the US, it's our top pick for uninterrupted access to The Tonight Show, SNF, Law & Order, and more. Powered by NordLynx, a protocol built on WireGuard tech, NordVPN gave us buttery-smooth performance during HD and 4K streams on the NBC app, and Peacock. Even when connected from Europe and Asia, we could stream live NBC news without lag, essential for sports or late-night shows. NordVPN's US servers are optimized for security and dedicated streaming. During testing, we had zero proxy errors when signing into NBC from abroad. Its SmartPlay feature automatically routes you through the best connection path for streaming, so you don't have to fiddle with server selection manually. Buy at NordVPN Whether you're on iOS, Android, Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Smart TVs, NordVPN's apps are clean and consistent. We especially liked the Quick Connect feature that picked the best-performing US server for us every time. You can even install it on routers to cover devices that don't support VPN apps natively. At just around $3/month for long-term plans, NordVPN gives you premium access at a bargain. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all platforms, and a 7-day free trial on Android, so you can stream NBC without spending anything upfront. Support is available 24/7 via live chat, which comes in handy if you hit a snag. Pros Cons If you're trying to stream NBC from abroad without any buffering, slowdowns, or geo-error headaches, ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable options. With 3,000+ high-speed servers in 105+ countries, including dozens of optimized locations across the US, it's a breeze to unlock and the NBC app. You can also count on ExpressVPN to access Peacock content while outside the United States. ExpressVPN's Lightway Turbo protocol is a game-changer for real-time streaming. When we tested it from the UK and Germany, NBC loaded instantly and played in full HD without stuttering, even during Sunday Night Football and SNL. Its 10 Gbps server upgrades ensure stable, high-speed performance across the board. One standout feature is MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN's Smart DNS tool. It lets you stream NBC on devices that don't support VPN apps, like smart TVs, Apple TV, and consoles, without complex configurations. It's not as secure as a full VPN tunnel, but it works flawlessly for US content. Buy at ExpressVPN ExpressVPN has intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire Stick, and routers, and all of them work with NBC. Setup takes just a minute or two, and their 24/7 live chat is always ready to help if a server gets blocked (which happens rarely but is easy to fix). ExpressVPN is priced slightly higher than others (around $5/month with a long-term plan), but you're paying for reliability, top-tier support, and elite unblocking performance. It's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it with NBC worry-free. Pros Cons Private Internet Access VPN is a surprisingly powerful option for streaming NBC abroad, especially if you're looking for wide US coverage on a budget. With servers in all 50 US states (it's one of the best VPNs for California, for example), it's your best bet if you want to watch regional NBC affiliates (think local news, NFL games, or weather updates from your hometown). What makes Private Internet Access a winner is its state-by-state server access. While most VPNs just give you generic 'US' servers, PIA lets you pick from specific states, which is ideal for bypassing location-specific blackouts or affiliate restrictions on NBC content. In our hands-on tests, PIA worked with the NBC app, and Peacock without tripping any proxy errors. Speeds were more than fast enough for HD streaming using its WireGuard protocol, although they're not quite as consistent as NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Buy at Private Internet Access Private Internet Access comes with a highly customizable interface, but you don't have to tweak anything to get NBC working. Install the app, connect to a US state server (we recommend New York or Illinois for NBC), and you're good to go. You also get a native app for Fire TV, which makes streaming NBC shows even easier on your TV. At just about $2 per month with a long-term plan, PIA is one of the cheapest ways to stream NBC abroad. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can binge The Tonight Show or Dateline NBC risk-free before committing. Pros Cons Accessing NBC from outside the US doesn't have to be a hassle, but not when you've got the right VPN in your corner. Whether you're trying to stream The Voice, Law & Order, or catch up on Sunday Night Football, using a reliable VPN unlocks NBC's full catalog and lets you stream from anywhere in the world. So if NBC's geo-blocks have been standing between you and your favorite shows, NordVPN is the fix. It's fast, consistent, and hands-down the easiest way to bring American TV wherever you are. Geo-blocks might be frustrating, but the workarounds are easier than you think. Here are some lesser-known questions answered to help you stream NBC smarter, not harder. Yes, but it depends on your VPN provider. Some smart TVs support VPN apps directly (like Android TV), but others don't. With a provider like NordVPN, you can either use SmartDNS or set up the VPN on your router to protect your entire home network, including your TV. Not always. Some NBC content is free to watch via the NBC website or app, so you only need a US IP address. But for full access, like live broadcasts or premium content, you'll need login credentials from a US cable provider or use an alternative like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV (which also require a US payment method). Technically, you might get lucky, but it's not reliable. Free VPNs often lack US servers optimized for streaming and get blocked by NBC's anti-VPN systems. More importantly, they often come with data caps, slow speeds, and even privacy risks. That's why we recommend services like NordVPN, which offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try it risk-free.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Nord Security's 2024 Impact Report shines a light on the company's carbon footprint
Nord Security, the company behind one of the best VPNs, NordVPN, has revealed the full details of its carbon footprint in its 2024 Impact Report. The company released 23,014 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. This is equivalent to around 0.3% of Coca-Cola's emissions for the year (7.4 MtCO2e) or 0.006% of the UK's total emissions (371 MtCO2e). The report, now in its third year, also covered the company's charitable work and its social initiatives, both in its home country of Lithuania and beyond. Nord Security has a range of successful security and privacy products, including the highly rated NordVPN, the NordPass password manager, the NordLocker encrypted storage service, and the NordLayer business VPN. This is the second year that Nord has calculated greenhouse gas emissions. The report now also covers indirect emissions from across the company's value chain, with 97% of its emissions coming from beyond the company's direct control. Nord Security claims around 50% of its colocated servers use renewable energy, and the company is reportedly exploring options to increase the use of renewables in its server infrastructure. Looking ahead, the company aims to identify opportunities to reduce emissions and improve decision-making on energy procurement and efficiency measures. Nord Security is also working with its suppliers on collaborative efforts to reduce its impact across its supply chains. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In addition to this, 73% of Nord's employees work in BREEAM-certified offices, which incorporate energy-saving measures, such as temperature control, time and motion-based lighting, time-adjusted ventilation modes, and recycling programmes. Nord Security co-founder Eimantas Sabaliauskas said, 'In this year's Impact Report, we aim to show how we've helped individuals and businesses take back control of their digital lives... Combined with our community engagement and educational efforts, we are reaching nearly every aspect of our users' digital lives. Because for us, cybersecurity isn't about protecting a single area, it's about safeguarding users at every step of their digital journey.' Nord also documented its charitable work in the report. In 2024, the company donated more than 2,600 accounts and 260 emergency VPNs to help vulnerable groups and individuals secure themselves, supporting human rights, freedom of speech, and inclusivity, as well as assisting organisations in Ukraine. Alongside this, the company donated over €48,000 to NGOs helping volunteers in Ukraine, as well as raising money for nonprofits and NGOs supporting vulnerable children and the elderly in Lithuania. Previously, in 2023, the company donated €1.08m to help defend Ukraine's airspace. In the same year, Nord Security launched the NordStellar threat exposure management platform, added cybersecurity features to its Saily eSIM, and introduced the NordProtect identity-theft prevention feature for NordVPN. Looking to the future, Nord Security states that it is committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and the highest standards of sustainability. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
