- NordVPN added almost 30 virtual locations, bringing its total count to 79
- NordVPN clearly lists the physical location of the server hosting the virtual IP
- Virtual locations offer local IPs where physical servers are not possible
In a significant update to its server network, NordVPN has announced the addition of almost 30 new virtual locations, bringing its total roster of virtual options to 79.
The update, detailed in a blog post, focuses on regions where establishing high-quality physical servers is “scarce” or risky due to local regulations and infrastructure challenges. By utilizing virtual locations, NordVPN can provide users with a local IP address for these specific countries while the actual hardware sits safely in a different, more stable jurisdiction.
This is a massive 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 the numbers; 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 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 being routed through Singapore.
NordVPN confirmed that these new locations were “handpicked” to meet rising client demand. These include Pakistan, where the crackdown against unregistered VPNs has intensified lately.
Virtual vs. Physical Servers: What’s the difference?
To the average user, a virtual location behaves exactly like a physical one: you click a country, get an IP address from that region, and browse as if you were there. But under the hood, they are quite different.
A physical server is exactly what it sounds like: a metal box sitting in a data center in the country you selected. If you choose a UK server, the hardware is physically in London or Manchester. This is ideal for speed and predictability, but becomes a liability in countries with authoritarian regimes that might seize hardware or demand data logs.
A virtual location, on 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 governments 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 is effectively opening 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 wider industry to be more honest. NordVPN’s decision to clearly label where its physical hardware resides 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 a region where physical servers are typically unreliable, check the server list; you might find you now have a high-speed virtual option waiting for you.
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