Physical storage has now become both accessible and expensive. Upgrading to a quality NVMe SSD will cost you hundreds of dollars, and you rely on its physical connection. That’s why there are safe and secure cloud storage providers, one of which we’ll discuss in our NordLocker review.
Today, we’ll review NordLocker, one of the most prevalent options on the market. NordLocker comes straight out of the Nord Security woodworks, promising impeccable security, plenty of space, and excellent ease of use. The company behind it is renowned for many quality products.
There’s NordVPN, one of the top three VPNs in the world. With NordPass, a stellar password manager, Nord Security’s product line is impressive. If you want to upgrade your storage and move to the cloud instead of physical drives, this NordLocker review is for you.
We’ll review its applications, performance, security, and even pricing. As always, we’ll be relentless and honest, so you can expect some high-quality real-world tests in this NordLocker review.
What Is NordLocker?
NordLocker is one of the most reliable encrypted cloud storage services. The service began as a tool for encrypting your files and folders, keeping them in Vaults. However, in 2025, we’re talking about a full-fledged cloud storage service with impressive functions.
As said, NordLocker is a part of Nord Security’s product line. This makes it incredibly safe and secure, especially with zero-knowledge encryption. It’s so secure that it doesn’t even let you restore your password, or in this case, the master key.
This means you’ll lose access to your account if you forget your password. Furthermore, the service even has a free 3 GB plan that we’ll discuss later, along with storage that goes up to 2 TB for a reasonable price.
In this review of NordLocker for 2025, we’ll also mention its overwhelming device compatibility, 30-day refund policy, and other quality features the provider proudly offers. It’s good to know that NordLocker left a strong impression on our team, so the test will be positive.
For those too lazy to read, here’s a complete overview of this encrypted cloud storage service’s pros and cons. Now, let’s move on with the review.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Available on Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Web
- Encrypted cloud/desktop file storage
- A 30-day money-back guarantee
- Based in Panama (privacy-friendly)
- Cheap 2 TB plan
- No file size limits for uploads/downloads
Cons
- The free 3 GB plan could use more storage
- No file versioning
- Its iOS app is lacking some Windows & Mac features
NordLocker Device Support & Accessibility
Let’s start this NordLocker test by discussing its device support and ease of use. One of the most crucial things when using a cloud storage service is accessing it on any system and quickly fetching all the files you need.
How to Get Started on NordLocker?
NordLocker is an overly simple application to use. However, the same could be said about the entire setup process. First, we strongly recommend you use the button below to go straight to the site. Through 01net, you can get a special discount and save more than 50% on the 2 TB plan.
Click on Buy Now, complete the payment by entering your email and selecting the payment method, and you’re good to go. Next, NordLocker will send you a confirmation email where you’ll confirm the account and create a safe Master Password.
Ensure you write down this password as necessary for the sign-in process. Also, NordLocker will provide you with a recovery key that you can use to change this password if needed. You should also write down this key somewhere to avoid losing access to your account.
From here, you can access your NordLocker interface in two ways: directly from the web browser or by downloading the app for your platform and using it that way. In the second case, you must sign in with the aforementioned Master Key.
The dashboard will open with that complete, letting you fully take advantage of this product.
NordLocker Desktop App
The dashboard you’ll be looking at depends on your preferred platform. In this NordLocker review, we’ll review its desktop apps first. NordLocker supports two desktop platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
Like NordVPN, this product sports identical apps for both, making it much easier to use. The app is displayed in the screenshot below, and you can see that it looks like a new File Explorer window. That’s because it’s a virtual drive similar to pCloud and Internxt.
Desktop users will find uploading and downloading files from the cloud easy. To upload a file, drag and drop it to your NordLocker Drive. To download a file, drag and drop it from the NordLocker Drive.
But what about the application? As you can see, it offers minimal customization options.
The window is locked to the tray, so when you click away, it disappears. The upper portion is reserved for file syncing. During our NordLocker review, we paused file syncing, but a mouse click is enough to get it going. You can also see MFA or Multi-factor Authentication above.
Users can enable it with a click to prevent snoopers from accessing their accounts. Moreover, NordLocker allows you to encrypt files on your computer without uploading them to the cloud, known as local file encryption.
Because of this, NordLocker can be a simple encryption tool for your PC files and folders and a dependable cloud storage service with added encryption. Overall, it’s a simple-to-use application that streamlines the uploading and downloading of files from cloud storage.
NordLocker Mobile App
In this NordLocker review, the mobile app displayed a high level of quality. It’s nothing extraordinary, though, and lacks some features of the Windows app—the iOS version, to be precise. As you can see, the home screen consists of Lockers with your files and folders.
You can see your shared Lockers from here and access your files through the app. We like that you can preview images and videos, too, albeit with no editing capabilities. Our big issue with this app is that it’s not particularly loaded with features.
This is all you get. If you want to tweak a few other options, you’ll have to use your Mac or Windows computer/laptop. However, if you prioritize file access and just want your files to be there, have no doubt your wishes will be fulfilled.
So far, pCloud has a better mobile app on both iOS and Android, so if you need more, you know where to look.
NordLocker on the Web
If you opt for this cloud storage service’s web version, we’ll discuss it in this NordLocker review for 2025. However, remember that this is the simplest app in terms of features. Compared to mobile/desktop apps, the web version is stripped down.
As you can see, there’s the option to upload files to the cloud, which will take up your cloud storage and be immediately encrypted. You can see all your files, folders, and shared files on the left.
On the right, you can control your storage. For example, you can choose who can access a particular file, share it, or rename it. Alternatively, if you don’t need it, you can permanently delete and remove a file.
We’re a bit disappointed that its web app is limited in features. It’s great if you want to upload or download a file to access it quickly. On the other hand, if you’d like to alter a few settings and change the app’s behavior, it’s better to do so through iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS applications.
Is NordLocker Fast for Transfers?
Our recent review of pCloud stated that this is the fastest cloud storage you can get. NordLocker isn’t known for some extraordinary performance-oriented features, though. It’s not the point of this product either. The point is, encryption and keeping your files safe and sound, for those who didn’t get it.
Still, if you’re looking to upload and download large files, you want a good-performing product first and foremost. This NordLocker review and test will cover this aspect as well. However, before we move on with the speed test, we must clarify one thing.
The speed of your uploads and downloads will mostly depend on YOUR internet speed. If you’re having a low-tier internet package, chances are that NordLocker and even pCloud will be painfully slow. Conversely, if your internet is faster, it will be the opposite.
For us, this is how our internet speeds look. Our download speed is almost 300 Mbps, while our upload speed is capped at 2.39 Mbps.
Next, to test the performance of NordLocker, we decided to create an RAR archive that we’ll upload to the cloud and then download. Take a look below:
As you can see, the file is around 3 GB. Now, considering the file size and our upload/download speeds, let’s proceed to the NordLocker review in terms of performance. We started our upload on the NordLocker web app at exactly 10:27 am and finished at 1:34 pm.
If you do the math, the 3 GB file with the upload speed of 2.39 Mbps should be uploaded in about 2.8 hours, more or less. Here, we have a time of just above 3 hours, which means our upload speed isn’t fully utilized for some reason, probably because of various background processes.
Keep in mind that this upload speed is very slow to begin with. You can expect way better results if you have a 10, 20, or 30 Mbps upload.
The download performance is decent—not the best. We’re downloading at around 11 Mbps, which is—give or take—three times less than the best-case speed of around 33-35 Mbps (for 300 Mbps internet speed).
If we compare it to pCloud, NordLocker is a lot slower, which is a shame, as it offers no file transfer limits. Thus, if you’re planning on transferring gargantuan files or 4K videos, pCloud is still, as expected, a better choice, with no file transfer size limits.
Features of NordLocker
Having performed our speed tests, it’s time to discuss all of NordLocker’s features in this review. The provider isn’t as feature-rich as pCloud, so this option is better. However, that’s not to say it doesn’t offer some unique features, including:
Secure Sharing
Sharing your files with NordLocker is incredibly simple. You can give direct access to another person or share the file via a secure link. Either way, the entire process is backed by end-to-end encryption so that no one can intercept user communication.
If you’re on Windows, simply click on Share File and select Add People to add new users who can access it. Conversely, you can also click on Share Via Link. Once you select Generate a Link, the new link and security code will appear, both of which will last about two weeks.
File Syncing Across All Devices
File syncing is one of the best features in this NordLocker review for 2025. NordLocker lets you log in to your account from multiple devices. Each device has different files, which creates a dissonance between other devices that might have a file you need.
To solve this problem, NordLocker lets you sync all your devices and upload ALL their files to a secure Locker(s). This way, files from all devices will be grouped in the cloud storage and be accessible at any time from any device, as long as you have an internet connection.
It’s vital to mention that syncing is automatic. This way, NordLocker automatically uploads each new file to the cloud, ensuring it’s always there. You’ll also find this feature in many of the top free cloud services, albeit to a limited extent due to the lack of storage.
Local File Encryption
As said, NordLocker can be used as an encryption tool for your device. You don’t have to upload files and folders to the cloud. Instead, the tool can create encrypted copies of files on your computer or mobile device to prevent unauthorized access.
For example, if your device gets stolen, all encrypted files will be inaccessible without the master key that only you have. In this NordLocker review, we found this feature very useful for securing business-related files and documents, as well as private phone numbers and reminders.
Cloud Backup
Backing up your files and folders is crucial to making cloud storage sensible and practical. Besides, this is the point of cloud storage: to keep backups of your files so that they’re accessible if the device is stolen or damaged.
Well, NordLocker allows for automatic cloud backups, which you can enable in Settings. From here, every file on your device will automatically be transported to a secure Locker. NordLocker’s end-to-end encryption strengthens this process.
As a result, it’s easy to recover files and restore them to a desired device at any moment. If you often change your devices, this feature allows you to download the files to a new device and continue where you left off last time.
File Offloader
File offloader is for those songs that take up unnecessary space, even though you don’t listen to them. All jokes aside, the feature is handy for saving space by removing unnecessary files from the cloud or physical device.
Each file can be stored on the cloud, device, or both. If you think the file is redundant and not particularly relevant, you can send it to the cloud to save space on your device or vice versa, to save space on the cloud.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is a security-oriented feature we’ll mention in this section because it’s available directly in the app. It can add another layer of security to your account to prevent anyone else from accessing it. In addition, it supports several login methods to improve things.
Authenticator apps, third-party security keys, and single-use backup codes can be used. This way, even the most skilled hacker cannot access your account and steal your files.
Safety & Security
Regarding safety and security, NordLocker is perhaps among the best options. Yes, it’s a wallet-friendly cloud storage service, but skimping on security isn’t something Nord Security will do. That said, a so-called zero-knowledge architecture backs the entire service.
To better explain this, it means that you’re in complete control of your data. For example, the company can’t see your encryption keys or what you store in your cloud space. As a result, forgetting your keys can lead to losing your account, which you cannot recover through the service.
Furthermore, in this NordLocker review, we like that all files on the cloud and the entire file-sharing process are encrypted with AES-256 encryption. Every bit of data and traffic is under this encryption, with the xChaCha20-Poly1305 protocol that protects the keychain.
NordLocker also includes Ed25519 encryption, which protects digital signatures for the highest level of security. In addition, it’s secure Vaults or Lockers – call them however you want – and comes with ransomware protection. Ransomware can prevent you from accessing your files until you pay a ransom – logical.
However, the service offers complete protection against it, so you’d rather live to see your alien abduction than have your files held for ransom. Regarding data center location, the company claims it’s outside of Europe. Instead, it’s in the United States.
This might sound alarming due to US involvement in the 5 Eyes. On the other hand, NordLocker’s privacy policy is pretty strict, and with zero-knowledge encryption in place, not even the highest level of authorities can access your files or encryption keys.
NordLocker Customer Support Review
Another thing we liked during our review of NordLocker is the customer service. As with NordVPN, you’ll get state-of-the-art 24/7 live chat support for all your questions and issues. This support is among the best in the cloud storage industry.
pCloud, for instance, offers mainly email support, which takes a bit longer to respond. Here, responses are instantaneous, and you can remedy specific issues in the blink of an eye. Of course, email support is another means of contact, but even in this case, waiting times are reduced to 10-15 minutes.
If you click on Help, you’ll be transferred to the Help Center. Here, you’ll find information on all types of issues and answers to questions about fixing a problem without contacting support. There’s also a Blog section on the site, where you can read informative articles and learn more about NordLocker.
NordLocker Pricing – How Much Does It Cost?
As we approach the end of this review, we need to discuss NordLocker’s price. Earlier in this article, we mentioned that this is an inexpensive option even when aiming for plans with more storage. This is indeed the case, especially compared to MEGA or Google Drive.
The screenshot above shows you its pricing for the Personal variant, which most people will go for. As you can see, there’s the free 3 GB plan, with two additional plans:
- Personal 500 GB at $2.99/mo billed annually
- Personal Plus 2 TB at $6.99/mo billed annually (Our Recommendation)
Alternatively, if you click the button above the pricing and change to “Monthly”, you’ll see another set of prices:
- Personal 500 GB at $7.99/mo
- Personal Plus 2 TB at $19.99/mo
NordLocker is undoubtedly the best long-term solution. Paying $19.99 a month for 2 TB seems ludicrous when you can get away with $6.99 monthly for the same storage size, but pay upfront. Let’s not forget that every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
You’ll rarely see this in other providers that seldom, if ever, provide a refund policy. pCloud is one of them, with a 14-day money-back guarantee and no specific conditions. This cloud service is excellent for storing photos online, much like NordLocker.
Business Plans
If you’re a business user, the provider won’t offer more storage, and the upper limit is 2 TB – a bummer. These plans are, of course, more expensive, and their prices are displayed below.
The Business 500 GB plan has an annual variant that costs $8.99 a month, and the Business Plus 2 TB plan costs $14.99 a month. Both plans offer secure file management, private sharing, and an Admin Panel. However, their monthly variants are pretty pricey, at $12.99 and $18.99 monthly, respectively.
The company also offers a Custom Plan, where you can request a demo and get a special deal tailored to your needs. In this case, you can even select the number of users, which can go above 10,001 – sounds funny.
NordLocker Free Review
At the start of this NordLocker review, we mentioned its free plan. It’s a viable iCloud alternative if you’re looking for slightly less but more secure storage. However, NordLocker’s free plan isn’t imposing in terms of space – you get just 3 GB.
On the other hand, its free features include pretty much everything we mentioned so far. The exception is that sharing isn’t available and requires a premium subscription. Everything else, including its apps, secure Lockers, and upload/download speeds, is here.
In addition, this plan is free, so you can use it forever or until you run out of space. Even in this case, you can swiftly upgrade to a paid plan and keep your files. One thing to note is that free users don’t get live chat support, either.
You’re limited to email support, which isn’t so bad in NordLocker’s case. As stated earlier, its email support is fast and helpful, so it’s not a big deal. Most importantly, free users also get end-to-end encryption, so Nord Security didn’t skimp on safety features.
Do we recommend this free plan, though? Well, no, actually. If you’re looking for a free solution, we think pCloud is way better. It’s faster and comes with 10 GB of storage, file versioning, and a few other features that NordLocker doesn’t have, even in the premium option.
NordLocker Review Summary
After our in-depth examination of this cloud storage service, it’s time to call it a day. This NordLocker review has revealed that the service has improved quite a bit since its initial release. It’s much faster, offers above-average security, and delivers stunning performance across all platforms.
Its 30-day refund policy is also welcome, but so is zero-knowledge encryption, which you have to pay for in many other services. NordLocker isn’t perfect and is by no means better than its rival, pCloud. For instance, it lacks file versioning, an in-built media player, and fewer storage sizes.
NordLocker is best suited for people with moderate storage size demands. It’s for those willing to compromise to keep their files safe and secure at the highest possible levels. We recommend NordLocker, especially its 2 TB plan at just $6.99 a month.
But if you need advanced options that this provider doesn’t offer, pCloud is surely a better deal. Its lifetime plans allow for some excellent savings, plus you can go with up to 10 TB of storage, so storing large videos on the cloud (or any other large files) will pose no problem.
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