- NordVPN added nearly 30 virtual locations, bringing its total to 79
- NordVPN clearly shows the physical location of the server hosting the virtual IP
- Virtual locations offer local IPs where physical servers are not possible
In a major update to its server network, NordVPN has announced the addition of nearly 30 new virtual locations, bringing its total list of virtual options to 79.
The update, described in a blog post, focuses on regions where deploying high-quality physical servers is “scarce” or risky due to local regulations and infrastructure challenges. By using virtual locations, NordVPN can give users a local IP address for these specific countries, while the actual hardware sits safely in another, 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. The real story here isn’t just the numbers though; it’s the transparency.
While some VPNs use virtual locations to inflate their country counts without telling users, NordVPN has taken a different approach. The provider explicitly states the physical country hosting the server along with the virtual location. For example, if you connect to a virtual location in India to circumvent local data logging laws, NordVPN informs you that your data is physically routed through Singapore.
NordVPN confirmed that these new locations were “handpicked” to meet increasing customer demand. These include Pakistan, where the crackdown on unregistered VPNs has intensified recently.
Virtual vs. Physical Servers: What’s the Difference?
For the average user, a virtual location behaves exactly like a physical one: 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 quite different.
ONE physical server is exactly what it sounds like: a metal box sitting in a data center in the country of your choice. If you choose a UK server, the hardware is physically located in London or Manchester. This is ideal for speed and predictability, but becomes a liability in countries with authoritarian regimes that can seize hardware or demand data logs.
ONE virtual locationon the other hand is software-defined. It assigns you an IP address for a specific country (like India or Venezuela) but runs on a physical server located somewhere else (like Singapore or Brazil).
This setup solves two major problems. First, it allows VPNs to offer IPs in countries with terrible internet speeds without forcing users to suffer through them. Second, it keeps user data out of the hands of local authorities in volatile regions. If a local authority demands access to the server in their country, there is no physical server there to seize.
Why it matters
This update cements NordVPN’s position as a top-tier 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 these territories.
It also challenges the wider industry to be more honest. NordVPN’s decision to clearly mark where its physical hardware is located could put pressure on competitors to do the same.
The new locations are available immediately to users on all major platforms. If you need an IP address in an area where physical servers are typically unreliable, check the server list; you may find that you now have a high-speed virtual opportunity waiting for you.
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