- NordVPN added nearly 30 virtual locations, bringing its total to 79
- NordVPN clearly lists the physical location of the server hosting the virtual IP
- Virtual locations offer local IPs where physical servers are not possible
In a significant update to its server network, NordVPN has announced the addition of nearly 30 new virtual locations, bringing its total list of virtual options to 79.
The update, detailed in a blog post, focuses on regions where establishing high-quality physical servers is “sparse” or risky due to local regulations and infrastructure challenges. By using virtual locations, NordVPN can provide users with a local IP address for these specific countries, while the real hardware is safely located in a different, more stable jurisdiction.
This is a boon for users who need the best VPN to bypass censorship or access region-locked content in restrictive territories. However, the real story here is not just the numbers; It is transparency.
While some VPNs use virtual locations to inflate their country count without notifying users, NordVPN has taken a different approach. The provider explicitly lists the physical country hosting the server along with the virtual location. For example, if you connect to a virtual location in India to circumvent local data logging laws, NordVPN tells you that your data is physically routed through Singapore.
NordVPN confirmed that these new locations were “carefully selected” to meet growing customer demand. These include Pakistan, where the crackdown on unregistered VPNs has recently intensified.
Virtual vs. Physical Servers: What’s the Difference?
For the average user, a virtual location behaves exactly like a physical one: you click on a country, get an IP address for that region, and browse as if you were there. But under the hood, they are quite different.
TO physical server It’s exactly what it sounds like: a metal box located in a data center in the country you selected. If you choose a UK server, the hardware is physically located in London or Manchester. This is ideal for its speed and predictability, but becomes a drawback in countries with authoritarian regimes that could confiscate hardware or demand data logs.
TO virtual locationOn the other hand, it is software defined. It assigns you an IP address for a specific country (like India or Venezuela) but runs on a physical server located somewhere else (like Singapore or Brazil).
This setup solves two major problems. First, it allows VPNs to offer IP in countries with terrible internet speeds without forcing users to suffer. Second, it keeps user data out of the reach of local governments in volatile regions. If a local authority demands access to the server in your country, there is no physical server to seize.
Why is it important
This update solidifies NordVPN’s position as a top-tier option for users who prioritize both access and security. By expanding to 79 virtual locations, the provider is effectively opening up “hard-to-reach” corners of the Internet without exposing its infrastructure or data to the risks associated with those territories.
It also challenges the industry as a whole to be more honest. NordVPN’s decision to clearly label where its physical hardware resides could put pressure on competitors to do the same.
The new locations are immediately available to users on all major platforms. If you need an IP address in a region where physical servers are typically unreliable, check the server list; You may now have a virtual high-speed option waiting for you.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
