- NordVPN added almost 30 virtual locations, bringing its total number to 79
- NordVPN clearly lists the physical location of the server hosting the virtual IP
- Virtual locations offer local IP addresses where physical servers are not possible
As part of a major update to its server network, NordVPN 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 “rare” or risky due to local regulations and infrastructure challenges. By using virtual locations, NordVPN can provide users with a local IP address for those specific countries while the real hardware is securely located in a different, more stable jurisdiction.
This is a huge boon for users who need the best VPN to bypass censorship or access region-locked content in restrictive territories. However, the real story here isn’t just about the numbers; it’s transparency.
While some VPNs use virtual locations to inflate their country counts without informing users, NordVPN has taken a different approach. The provider explicitly lists the physical country hosting the server alongside the virtual location. For example, if you connect to a virtual location in India to bypass local data logging laws, NordVPN informs you that your data is physically routed through Singapore.
NordVPN confirmed that these new locations had been “handpicked” to meet growing customer demand. These include Pakistan, where the crackdown on unregistered VPNs has recently intensified.
Virtual or physical servers: what is the difference?
For the average user, a virtual location behaves exactly like a physical location: you click on a country, get an IP address from that region, and browse as if you were there. But under the hood, they are very different.
A 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 in terms of speed and predictability, but it becomes a liability in countries with authoritarian regimes that might seize materials or demand data logs.
A virtual locationon the other hand, is defined by software. It assigns you an IP address for a specific country (like India or Venezuela) but runs on a physical server located elsewhere (like Singapore or Brazil).
This configuration solves two major problems. First, it allows VPNs to offer IP addresses in countries with terrible internet speeds without forcing users to suffer. Second, it keeps user data out of the reach of local governments in unstable regions. If a local authority requests access to their country’s server, there is no physical server to enter.
Why it matters
This update solidifies NordVPN’s position as a top choice for users who prioritize both access and security. By expanding to 79 virtual locations, the provider effectively opens up “hard-to-reach” corners of the Internet without exposing its infrastructure or your data to the risks associated with those territories.
It also challenges the entire industry to be more honest. NordVPN’s decision to clearly state 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 generally unreliable, check the server list; you may find that you now have a virtual high-speed option waiting for you.
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