NordLocker Review: Secure Cloud Storage and File Encryption

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NordLocker offers a secure cloud storage solution that combines ease of use with robust security features. The service is designed to protect your files with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you have access to your data.

With NordLocker, you can store your files in the cloud while keeping them completely private. The service uses a zero-knowledge policy, meaning that NordLocker doesn't have access to your encrypted files.

NordLocker's cloud storage offers a generous 3GB of free storage space, making it a great option for individuals and small teams. You can upgrade to a paid plan for more storage space and additional features.

NordLocker's encryption is based on the AES-256 algorithm, which is widely considered to be one of the most secure encryption methods available. This ensures that your files are protected from unauthorized access.

What Is NordLocker

NordLocker is a file security tool for individuals and businesses that uses end-to-end encryption to protect your files on your device and in the cloud. This means your files are safe from unauthorized access by other users on the device, and even the app creators don't know anything about what you encrypt.

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The app uses a zero-knowledge architecture, which is a fancy way of saying that only you have access to your encrypted files. It's like having a safe that you can take with you wherever you go, and only you have the combination.

NordLocker offers a free 3 GB plan, which is a great starting point for anyone looking to get started with encrypted cloud storage. However, it's worth noting that the free plan could use more storage space.

One of the best features of NordLocker is its zero-knowledge encryption, which ensures that your files are completely secure. This feature is especially important for businesses, where sensitive information is often stored.

Here are some of the key features of NordLocker:

  • 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

While NordLocker is an excellent choice for encrypted cloud storage, it's not perfect. Some of the drawbacks include no file versioning and a lack of certain features on its iOS app compared to its Windows and Mac counterparts.

Features and Benefits

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NordLocker offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring your files are secure from the moment you drop them into the app until they're decrypted by an authorized user.

With NordLocker, you can share encrypted files securely, knowing only the intended recipient can access them. This is especially useful for free users who might not have access to the premium plan.

The app uses state-of-the-art cryptography ciphers, including AES-256, xChaCha20, and Ed25519, to protect your files. You can encrypt any file, from documents to videos, and even massive files can be protected.

NordLocker allows you to encrypt files on your device without limit, giving you full control over your data. You can create a locker and store it locally, accessing it through the NordLocker software with your master password.

Here are the key features of NordLocker:

  • End-to-End Encryption: Ensures data remains secure throughout its lifecycle.
  • Offline Access: Allows users to access encrypted files even without an internet connection.
  • Secure Collaboration: Facilitates secure collaboration among multiple users.
  • Secure File Sharing: Allows users to share encrypted files confidently, knowing only the intended recipient can access them.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security, ensuring only authorized users access the data.
  • Data Backup: Ensures that users don't lose their encrypted data, providing peace of mind.
  • File Recovery: In case of accidental deletions, users can recover their encrypted files.
  • Secure Notes: Users can store notes securely, ensuring their private thoughts and information remain confidential.

Security is a Priority

NordLocker's account is secured with a double lock: your Nord Account credentials and your NordLocker master password.

You can also make your account even more secure by setting up Windows Hello or biometrics, or using physical security keys, authenticator apps, and single-use backup codes.

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NordLocker employs a multitude of security measures to keep your files safe and sound, including zero-knowledge architecture, end-to-end encryption, and protection from ransomware.

All files on the cloud, as well as the entire file-sharing process, are encrypted with AES-256 encryption, with the xChaCha20-Poly1305 protocol that protects the keychain.

Your files are encrypted before they leave your device, and only you can access them without your knowledge or permission.

NordLocker offers multi-factor authentication (MFA) as an option to add an extra layer of security to your account, using Google Authenticator or any compatible authenticator app for the second factor.

You can also configure MFA to authenticate using a hardware security key or a passkey, and receive 10 single-use backup codes when you set up multi-factor authentication.

NordLocker's enhanced security doesn't stop there, with a strict privacy policy and zero-knowledge encryption in place, not even the highest level of authorities can access your files or encryption keys.

Your private files are encrypted from one end to the other, with a special key that's exclusive to you or a party you've authorized to access the file required to decrypt it.

This means that even if someone manages to somehow steal your file, they wouldn't be able to get any meaningful data out of it, because from their point of view, the file and its contents would just be a pile of gibberish.

Here's an interesting read: How to Access Onedrive on Phone

Sharing and Syncing

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Sharing and syncing with NordLocker is incredibly straightforward. Simply right-click a locker, choose the share option, and enter the recipient's email address. NordLocker will send an email notification with a link for those who don't have the app to start a free account.

You can also share lockers via a secure link, which expires after two weeks and comes with a security code. This way, the recipient can view the locker without having to install NordLocker. Each link has a security code that NordLocker recommends sharing separately.

NordLocker's syncing feature is automatic, uploading new files to the cloud storage across all your devices. This way, files from all devices will be grouped on the cloud storage and accessible at any time, from any device, as long as you have an internet connection.

Drag and Drop

Drag and drop interface is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to get started with NordLocker in no time.

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You can drag and drop files and folders into the app directly, making it feel just like any other cloud storage provider.

This seamless process means you don't even notice the encryption processes happening behind the scenes.

NordLocker's drag and drop interface is perfect for quickly and easily adding files and folders to your encrypted storage.

Simple Secure Sharing

Sharing files with others doesn't have to be a hassle. You can securely share your files in just a couple of steps.

To grant access to one of your lockers, enter the person's email address by clicking "Share locker" in the main menu, clicking on a share icon in the preview panel, or right-clicking on the locker you want to transfer and selecting "Share."

NordLocker will send the person your invitation and help them gain access to your locker. If the person is not a registered user, NordLocker will lead them through the registration process and help them join.

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The recipient's one option is to download a local copy of any file in the shared folder. There's no editing or even direct viewing.

You're still the owner, and you can revoke access at any time. This sharing feature was actually missing in earlier versions of NordLocker and was a point of criticism. Its inclusion goes to show that they're listening and are continuously working to improve the product.

Links shared in this way expire after two weeks.

Slow Synchronization Speeds

Synchronization speeds with NordLocker can be slow, especially for larger files. This is evident in the tests where a 1.51 GB media file took nearly an hour to sync from the device to the cloud.

The speed of synchronization depends on your internet speed, so if you have a low-tier internet package, NordLocker will likely be slow. This is because the upload speed of 2.39 Mbps is quite slow, taking around 3 hours to upload a 3 GB file.

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If you have faster internet, you can expect better results. For example, with a 300 Mbps download speed, NordLocker's download performance is decent, but not the best, at around 11 MBps.

NordLocker's upload speed is not fully utilized, likely due to background processes. In the test, the upload took 3 hours and 7 minutes, which is longer than expected, given the file size and upload speed.

In comparison to pCloud, NordLocker is indeed slower for file transfers, especially for large files or 4K videos. This is a shame, as NordLocker offers no file transfer limits, but pCloud is still a better choice for these types of files.

Pricing and Plans

NordLocker's pricing plans are quite competitive, especially if you're willing to pay annually. The Personal 500 GB plan is a great option, offering unlimited end-to-end encryption and 24/7 priority support for just $2.99 per month.

You'll notice that the monthly price for this plan is significantly higher, at $7.99 per month. This is a big disparity, and it's likely that NordLocker is encouraging users to opt for the annual payment scheme.

Here's a breakdown of NordLocker's plans and pricing:

Unlimited

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NordLocker offers unlimited encryption for local files, as long as your device storage allows it.

You can secure files of all types and sizes, giving you peace of mind that your data is protected.

The free account comes with unlimited end-to-end encryption, so you can focus on encrypting your files without worrying about limits.

However, the free account only comes with 3GB of cloud storage, so be mindful of your storage space.

If you need more storage, upgrading to the Personal account will give you 500GB of cloud storage, which is a significant increase.

The Personal account also adds priority tech support, which can be a huge help if you have any issues.

The Personal account costs $7.99 per month or $2.99 per month billed annually, which is a relatively affordable option.

If you need even more storage, the Personal Plus plan is a good choice, offering 2TB of storage space.

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This plan also includes 24/7 priority support, which can give you added peace of mind.

The Personal Plus plan costs $19.99 per month, but paying annually brings the cost down to $83.88 per year.

This is a significant cost savings, and it's worth considering if you need the extra storage space.

Annual Plans Competitive, Monthly Plans Not

Annual plans with NordLocker are a great value, but their monthly plans are a different story. The annual subscription plans are reasonably priced, but their monthly subscriptions are significantly higher.

For example, the Personal 500 GB plan costs $2.99 per month if you pay annually, but a whopping $7.99 per month if you pay monthly. This is more than double the annual subscription price.

NordLocker's pricing scheme can be a bit confusing, but it's clear that they incentivize long-term commitments. Their Personal Plus Plan, which offers 2 TB of storage space and other premium features, costs $6.99 per month if you pay annually, but $19.99 per month if you pay monthly.

See what others are reading: Onedrive Subscription

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To put it simply, paying annually is usually the better option with NordLocker. Here's a quick comparison of their monthly and annual prices:

As you can see, paying annually can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Plans & Pricing

NordLocker offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets.

The free plan comes with 3 GB of storage and unlimited end-to-end encryption for local files. This is a great option for those who want to try out NordLocker without committing to a paid plan.

The Personal Plan offers 500 GB of storage, unlimited end-to-end encryption, and 24/7 priority support for $7.99 per month or $2.99 per month if paid annually. This is a good option for those who need more storage than the free plan offers.

The Personal Plus Plan ups the storage to 2 TB and still offers unlimited end-to-end encryption and 24/7 priority support, but at a higher price of $19.99 per month or $6.99 per month if paid annually.

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The Business Plan offers 500 GB of storage, unlimited end-to-end encryption, and access control via the admin panel for $12.99 per month or $8.99 per month if paid annually.

The Business Plus Plan offers 2 TB of storage, unlimited end-to-end encryption, and access control via the admin panel for $18.99 per month or $14.99 per month if paid annually.

Here's a summary of the plans and pricing:

It's worth noting that paying annually can save you a significant amount of money, and NordLocker offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans.

Reviews and Support

NordLocker reviews on Trustpilot are overall quite positive, with many users praising the service due to the goodwill derived from NordVPN.

NordLocker's customer support is among the best in the cloud storage industry, offering state-of-the-art 24/7 live chat support for all your questions and issues. Responses are instantaneous, making it easy to remedy certain issues quickly.

The Help Center on the NordLocker website is a valuable resource, providing answers to common issues and questions, allowing you to fix problems without contacting support. You can also find informative articles on the Blog section to learn more about how NordLocker operates.

NordLocker's free plan is a viable iCloud alternative, offering secure storage, but with limited space - just 3 GB. However, it's really free, so you can use it forever or until you run out of space, and then upgrade to a paid plan.

Customer Support Review

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NordLocker's customer support is top-notch, with 24/7 live chat support available for all your questions and issues.

Their support team responds instantly, allowing you to remedy certain issues quickly. This is a big plus, especially compared to other cloud storage providers like pCloud, which offers mainly email support that takes longer to respond.

The Help Center on NordLocker's website is also a valuable resource, offering a comprehensive library of issues and answers to common questions. This means you can often find the solution to your problem without even needing to contact support.

Waiting times for email support are reduced to just 10-15 minutes, making it a convenient option when live chat isn't available.

Free Review

The free plan of NordLocker is quite interesting, but it's not the most impressive option out there. You get just 3 GB of storage, which is a far cry from the 10 GB you'd get with pCloud.

One thing to note is that NordLocker's free plan is actually free forever, so you can use it as long as you need to without paying a dime. However, if you do run out of space, you can easily upgrade to a paid plan and keep all your files.

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The free plan does come with some limitations, though. You won't have access to live chat support, but you will have access to email support, which is surprisingly fast and helpful.

NordLocker's free plan also comes with end-to-end encryption, so you can rest assured that your files are safe and secure.

Here are some key features of the free plan:

If you're looking for a free cloud storage solution, pCloud is definitely worth considering. It comes with more storage space and some additional features that NordLocker doesn't have, even in its premium plan.

Product Overview

NordLocker is a file encryption software designed to secure files and data on various platforms, including Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.

It's primarily tailored for individuals and businesses seeking robust data protection, and it integrates well with cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive.

NordLocker offers enhanced security, ensuring your sensitive information remains inaccessible to unauthorized parties.

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It addresses key pain points such as data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential data theft.

One of its standout features is end-to-end encryption, which ensures complete data protection from the moment of encryption to decryption.

Here are some of the key features of NordLocker:

  1. End-to-End Encryption: Ensures complete data protection from the moment of encryption to decryption.
  2. Secure File Sharing: Users can share encrypted files confidently, knowing only the intended recipient can access them.
  3. Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Simplifies the encryption process, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy users.
  4. Two-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security, ensuring only authorized users access the data.
  5. Offline Access: Allows users to access their encrypted files even without an internet connection.

NordLocker also offers secure file recovery, data backup, and file sharing, making it a comprehensive encryption solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NordLocker better than OneDrive?

NordLocker's zero-knowledge encryption framework is more secure than OneDrive's, especially when considering end-to-end encryption. Learn more about how NordLocker's encryption surpasses OneDrive's.

Can NordLocker see my files?

No, NordLocker can't see your files. Our zero-knowledge architecture ensures your data remains private and secure

Is NordLocker free?

Yes, NordLocker is completely free to use, with unlimited local encryption and 3GB of cloud storage. Get started with NordLocker's free version today and discover its full features.

Patricia Dach

Junior Copy Editor

Patricia Dach is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, she ensures that articles are polished and error-free. Her expertise spans a range of topics, from technology to lifestyle, and she is well-versed in various style guides.

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