When in need of a speed test, you go to Ookla’s Speedtest.net or Google “speed test”, which will lead to the same result. The dark blue speed test website has become a popular spot for us here at VPNpro.com – that’s where we go to hang out when writing VPN reviews or comparisons. There’s a good reason for that. Mainly, it’s because Ookla’s tool has a lot of servers all over the world, and that’s probably why we have found their speed tests to be the most accurate.

Until very recently, that’s all Speedtest.net was – a good speed test. However, that changed a little yesterday, when it was announced that they were giving their Speedtest Recommended Badge to a VPN service, namely, NordVPN.

Here’s what NordVPN Press Officer Laura Tyrell had to say:

We’re honored to receive the Speedtest Recommended badge from Ookla. This badge proves our continued effort to provide a cost-effective, well thought-out and fast VPN service. Over the years, NordVPN has become a leading online security solution with more than 8 million users worldwide.

There are a few ways of looking at this. First off, our own experience with NordVPN confirms the claim that this is one of the faster VPN services around, especially if you consider the geographical variance. Secondly – awesome marketing! Ookla is a very trustworthy name when it comes to internet metrics, and who better to praise your VPN’s speed than the most popular speed test in the world?

Thirdly – and let’s be honest about this – the Speedtest Recommended Badge doesn’t change the reality. NordVPN is probably the most reliable VPN service at providing decent speeds, but this badge will make a lot of people think that it’s the fastest, only to be let down. So let’s clear things up! If your speed is of utmost importance for you when choosing a VPN, go for something like Astrill VPN or Surfshark VPN. NordVPN have selling points in other places, which we would consider most important than speed: reliability, security, compatibility – you name it, they have it.

Is this a one off from Ookla’s Speedtest.net or will they award their Recommended Badge to more VPN services? It remains to be seen!

For the time being those who want to learn more should check out our NordVPN review.

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