Compare Raindrop and NordVPN: Which App is the Best?

A bookmark manager that's easy to use, looks good, and helps you keep all your links in one place. The free plan is generous, and there are extra features if you want to upgrade.
NordVPN is a premium VPN service with 100M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering advanced security features, fast speeds, and a global server network, though it comes with a higher price point and some connection stability issues.
Key Features
  • Cross-platform sync: Access and organize bookmarks across all your devices
  • Collections & tags: Group bookmarks into collections and use tags for easy organization
  • Custom icons & visuals: Personalize collections with custom icons and cover images
  • Full-text search (Pro): Quickly find bookmarks with advanced search options
  • Permanent library (Pro): Save a permanent copy of bookmarked pages for future reference
  • Browser & app integration: Easily save links from browsers and other apps
  • One-tap connection with smart server selection – Quick and easy connection to the best server for your location
  • Unlimited bandwidth and data usage – No data caps or speed restrictions on the free tier
  • Global server network (7,000+ servers in 60+ countries) – Access to servers worldwide for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing blocked content
  • Military-grade encryption (AES-256) – Strong encryption to secure your connection and protect your data
  • No-logs policy with independent audits – The service does not collect or store any user data
  • Kill switch protection – Automatically blocks internet access if the VPN connection is lost
  • Double VPN for enhanced security – Two layers of encryption to protect your data
  • Split tunneling for selective routing – Route specific apps through the VPN tunnel to protect your privacy
  • Threat Protection (ad and malware blocking) – Blocks malicious websites and ads to protect your privacy
  • 24/7 customer support – Helpful support team available to assist you
  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections – Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously to protect your privacy
  • Specialized servers for streaming and torrenting – Optimized servers for streaming and torrenting
Our Rating
8.1
7.3
Total users
0
0
Total ratings
0
0
Average rating
— ⭐
— ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
8.0

Raindrop.io has lots of useful features:

  • Sync bookmarks across all your devices
  • Organize with collections and tags
  • Add your own icons for a personal touch
  • Pro plan gives you full-text search and saves copies of pages

We wish there were more ways to highlight and connect with other apps, but overall, it covers what most people need. 8 out of 10.

8.5

NordVPN offers an impressive array of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols like NordLynx (based on WireGuard). The kill switch protection, double VPN, and split tunneling provide comprehensive security options for different use cases.

What sets NordVPN apart is its specialized server network, including servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and enhanced privacy. Unlike Proton VPN which offers a free tier with limited servers, NordVPN provides access to 7,000+ servers across 60+ countries. The service also includes Threat Protection for ad and malware blocking, which adds value beyond basic VPN functionality. The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously is generous for most users.

However, some advanced features like Meshnet (which was recently discontinued) and certain specialized servers may not be available in all regions. The service also lacks some cutting-edge features found in newer VPN providers, but it covers all the essential security and privacy needs effectively.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN offers significantly more features, but the premium pricing means users need to evaluate whether these additional capabilities justify the cost.

Performance
7.8

Raindrop.io is fast and works well most of the time. Syncing is quick, and the app is stable. We did notice some slowdowns and small bugs with really big collections, but updates help keep things running smoothly. 7.8 out of 10.

6.0

NordVPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that impact usability. The service offers fast connection speeds with the NordLynx protocol, and the extensive server network provides good coverage for most use cases. The service works well for streaming and geo-blocking when connected.

However, the service's performance is significantly impacted by connection stability issues. Many users report frequent disconnections, slow connection times, and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The auto-connect feature doesn't work reliably, and some users experience issues with the app not connecting at all.

The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing. Users expect reliability and performance from a paid service, but NordVPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the premium pricing, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.

Design
9.0

We really like how Raindrop.io looks. It's clean, modern, and easy to get around. Custom icons and cover images are a nice touch. Even with lots of bookmarks, it's easy to find what you want. Sometimes the mobile app feels a bit crowded, but overall, it's one of the best-looking bookmark managers we've tried. 9 out of 10.

7.5

NordVPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The map-based server selection is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries.

The app's design is clean and professional, with a dark theme that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed.

However, some users have reported issues with the interface, particularly around server selection and connection management. The app can sometimes feel clunky when switching between servers, and the connection process isn't always as smooth as advertised. The recent interface updates have received mixed feedback from users.

Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's design is competitive but not exceptional. The interface is functional and professional, but it lacks some of the polish and refinement found in newer VPN services.

Value for Money
7.5

The free plan is generous and works for most people. The Pro plan adds some powerful extras, but it might be a bit pricey if you just want the basics. If you use bookmarks a lot, the upgrade is worth it. We'd like to see more pricing options. 7.5 out of 10.

6.5

NordVPN's value proposition is mixed, with strong security features but questionable reliability for the premium price. The service offers comprehensive security features, extensive server network, and good performance when working properly. The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously is generous for most users.

However, the service's value is significantly impacted by connection stability issues and customer service challenges. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service.

The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, but the connection issues make it difficult to justify the cost. Users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection problems might find value in the service, but those seeking reliability and performance might be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

Ease of Use
8.5

Raindrop.io is simple to use. Adding and sorting bookmarks is quick, and the app helps you get started right away. Even with a big collection, it's not hard to stay organized. Some advanced features take a little time to learn, and huge collections can get messy, but most people will have no trouble. 8.5 out of 10.

7.0

NordVPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without technical knowledge. The automatic server selection works well for most use cases, and the connection process is straightforward.

However, the service's ease of use is compromised by several factors. Many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably. The connection process isn't always as smooth as expected from a premium service.

The service also lacks some user-friendly features found in competitors. The server selection process can be confusing, and the app doesn't always provide clear feedback about connection status. Some users report issues with the kill switch not working properly, which can compromise security.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, NordVPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience, and the connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a paid service.

Security & Privacy
8.0

We felt safe using Raindrop.io. The app only asks for the permissions it needs, and we didn't see any signs of it collecting too much data. You need an account to sync, but we didn't find any big privacy worries. We'd like even more control over our data, but overall, it feels secure. 8 out of 10.

8.0

NordVPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and NordLynx. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops.

The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. NordVPN is based in Panama, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like double VPN and split tunneling for enhanced security.

However, NordVPN has faced some security concerns in the past, including a data breach in 2019. While the company has since improved its security practices, some users remain concerned about the service's track record. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers.

Compared to other premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN, NordVPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.

Conclusion

Raindrop.io is a great tool for keeping your bookmarks tidy and easy to find. We liked how simple it is to save and organize links, and it works well on all our devices. The free version gives you a lot, and the Pro features—like searching everything and saving pages forever—are handy if you need more. The Pro plan could be cheaper, but overall, Raindrop.io is reliable and easy to use. If you want a good-looking app to manage your bookmarks, give it a try.

NordVPN is a premium VPN service that offers comprehensive security features and extensive server coverage, but its value proposition is compromised by connection stability issues and customer service challenges. The service provides good security and privacy protection, but the frequent disconnections and reliability problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives. For users who prioritize security and are willing to deal with connection issues, NordVPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking reliability and consistent performance might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better stability, or Thunder VPN for a more user-friendly free experience. Ultimately, NordVPN's premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. While the service offers good security features, the connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost over free alternatives that provide similar performance with fewer limitations.
Our Recommendation