NordLocker Review

NordLocker Review

Features - 88%
Usability - 93%
Security - 94%
Support - 89%
Pricing - 94%

92%

Very Good

NordLocker stands out as a privacy focused cloud storage choice thanks both to competitive pricing alongside a committed implementation of strong, end-to-end AES 256-bit encryption which is applied across the service by default

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NordLocker

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    NordLocker is one of the leading privacy-focused cloud storage services, one with a strong emphasis on providing the highest levels of data security for their users via the use of strong, zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption which is applied across the entire service by default.

    With this highly secure approach to data storage put aside, NordLocker still offers many useful cloud features including device synchronisation, secure file sharing, desktop apps for Windows and MacOS plus a tool for encrypting files which are to be kept on local device storage amongst other related features.

    I first reviewed NordLocker back in 2020 when a much simpler offering was available, in this latest version of my review (now fully updated for 2023) I will be focusing on the many new aspects of the NordLocker service and how well it performs in an increasingly competitive cloud market – vamos!

    Looking for Cloud Storage?

    Are you looking for practical help and advice in choosing cloud storage? If so, then be sure to check out our various guides including our Top 10 Free Cloud Storage guide, our guide to the Best Free Cloud Storage Services plus our guide to the Best Cloud Storage for Photographers amongst several others!

    Key Features

    • Highly secure, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage
    • Zero-knowledge AES 256-bit encryption in use
    • Secure file sharing & sync technology
    • Store encrypted files locally or on the cloud
    • Local disk space saving (stream from cloud)
    • Smartphone apps for iOS and Android
    • Unlimited devices & bandwidth per account
    • Multi-factor authentication and auto-lock functionality
    • Plans between 500GB and 2TB available
    • No historic versioning included
    • Business plans with custom storage available
    • Pricing from just $2.99 / month for 500GB!
    • 3GB free account also available!

    NordLocker Usability

    In this section of my review, I will be making use of the secure NordLocker cloud storage service for myself. This includes the process of signing up for a NordLocker account, making use of the web-based portal, installing the desktop application and finally, making use of the Android app to see how well this service actually performs in a variety of different scenarios.

    This all begins at the official NordLocker website where a 3GB free plan is available for all new users alongside premium plans offering between 500GB and 2TB in cloud storage with further options for business users also available.

    Signing-up to NordLocker

    Signing up for NordLocker begins at the official NordLocker website, from here any new users to the service can easily register for the free-to-use 3GB plan!

    nordlocker review - account signup process

    By simply requiring a working email address at this point and nothing more, singing up to NordLocker is not only very quick and easy but a great sign that NordLocker are not interested in collecting unreasonable amounts of personal information in order to provide use of their free 3GB account!

    NB – Whilst no personal information is requested while initially signing-up to NordLocker, a verification email is sent for completion of the process. This means a valid email address will be required to complete the sign-up!

    Upon successful verification of the email address in use, the next stage in the configuration of the new NordLocker account continues with the setting of a master account password, generation of an account recovery key plus the option to take an interactive tour of the service if this is required.

    nordlocker review - createing account recovery key

    NB – During this configuration stage (seen above) an account recovery key will be generated. It is really important that this key is kept safely as the account will essentially become unusable should the password become lost or otherwise forgotten and this key is not available!

    With the new account registered and the master password and account recovery process complete, the NordLocker service will now be ready to use. As can be seen below, the initial web-based portal shows us an empty cloud account with the option to create lockers available on the left (more on lockers a little later on) as well as options for managing the account and checking account notifications when necessary to do so.

    nordlocker review - initial web portal view

    And with this, the new NordLocker account configuration is complete and the service is ready to go! In the next section of my review, I will be looking at the NordLocker Windows desktop software before moving on to look at use of various other parts of the service including file synchronisation and file sharing amongst other things.

    Installing the Desktop Software

    Once logged in to the account, the link for downloading the NordLocker desktop software can be found in the user profile menu towards the top right of the webpage. Clicking on this link will direct users to a special download page where the correct download for the operating system currently in use (either Windows or MacOS) can be found.

    nordlocker review - desktop software download page

    At just over 50MB in size in my instance, downloading the Windows edition of the desktop app was a quick process and I had the installer up and running on my system just a few moments later. It should be noted that, slightly disappointingly, the software did require a reboot (something which is becoming fairly unusual) although this is not too much of an issue overall.

    nordlocker review - desktop software installer complete

    With the reboot complete, the NordLocker desktop application will now be installed and ready to use. One of the first tasks will be to log-in to the NordLocker service using the account name and password which was set-up earlier on (this is done via a web browser window which the app opens up) and then by finally entering the master password to complete the authentication process.

    nordlocker review - windows software asking for master password

    With the authentication process now complete, the main application interface itself will be opened up and ready to use on the device. As can be seen in the image below, NordLocker automatically create the first personal locker (similar to a folder) by default which can then be used to start moving files into the cloud storage with straight away.

    nordlocker review - initial view of windows app

    And with this, the installation of the NordLocker desktop application is complete! I will be looking some of the many additional features that this software has to offer alongside features of the wider NordLocker service itself in the following sections of this review!

    NordLocker Lockers Concept

    Before starting to use the NordLocker service, I wanted to quickly address one of the key operating concepts included within the service, this is the “Locker” concept.

    nordlocker review - lockers in nordlocker web interface

    A locker within NordLocker works in many ways like a simple folder does within an operating system such as Windows. We can create and work completely form a single locker within our NordLocker account as well as creating multiple lockers with differing parameters such as access and sharing rights and also specify whether or not the locker is synchronised with the cloud drive or stored locally on the device itself!

    NB – One of the key reasons for keeping lockers stored offline (on a local device) might be to enhance the privacy of its contents even further (by not storing it on the cloud) as well as to make use of the secure and encrypted locker service without taking up valuable cloud storage space!

    It is important to note that NordLocker is a very security conscious service and that all data is automatically encrypted as soon is added to a locker and not decrypted again until it is removed or shared (even if the locker is being stored locally on the local device and is not synchronised with the cloud). This flexible approach means NordLocker provides the best of both worlds for anyone wanting to securely store files in the cloud but also doubles up as a user-friendly way of encrypting and securely storing files on a local device to boot!

    NB – Even when making use of the 3GB free account, the NordLocker desktop software allows for unlimited amounts of file encryption to take place when using local disk storage!

    File Synchronisation & Sharing

    The sharing and synchronisation of files is, of course, one of the key reasons for making use of any cloud storage service and also one of the most effective methods for ensuring any important files are protected in the cloud. As was briefly mentioned in the previous section, NordLocker automatically create an initial locker (cloud folder) when installing the desktop software which will be automatically keep in sync across multiple devices and the cloud drive itself as any files and folders are added to it.

    nordlocker review - windows app locker with photos showing

    Adding files and folders to a locker is as simple as dragging and dropping them over the desktop software interface or by making use of the “Impot folder” tool found on the main app toolbar. When using a cloud=based locker, once the synchronisation process has started, it is important to remember that NordLocker will not only synchronise these files between the cloud drive and any other connected personal devices, but it will also take the time to secure all data with strong AES 256-bit encryption before it leaves the device!

    NB – Remember, one of the key selling points of NordLocker is its built-in AES 256-bit encryption which is applied to secure all data stored within the service by default!

    Whilst this highly secure level of encryption does help to keep all data stored under the NordLocker service effectively safe, it does pose one issue in particular when it comes to copying files back from the NordLocker app to a desktop device.

    nordlocker review - decrypting files from windows app

    As can be seen highlighted above, whilst the NordLocker app itself does making browsing files easy, due the way in which encryption is applied to protect these files we must use the “Export decrypted” menu to move or copy said files back to the local device, decrypting them in the process!

    nordlocker review - choosing local or cloud only sync storage

    Whilst the NordLocker desktop application will also configure automatic file synchronisation between the device and the cloud storage by default, we do still have some control over the synchronisation setting used. As can be seen above, one of the first settings allows for us to specify if files should be stored both locally on the device and the cloud at the same time or simply stored only on the cloud and a cached copy downloaded only as the file is required (a setting which can be changed later on).

    nordlocker review - additional sync settings

    Further synchronisation related settings (seen above) include being able to specify if any files moved to the folder (NB, not copied) should be automatically removed from the device once the move is complete and the ability to specify where new locker folders are stored when they are created by converting existing device folders.

    NB – Lockers are containers (folder like structures) which are the base level of folder found within the NordLocker cloud storage service. These lockers can be created from scratch or via an existing device folder being converted into a locker whilst using the app!

    nordlocker review - convert folder into locker settings

    As can be seen above, creating a new locker from an existing folder is as simple as right-clicking on the folder in question and choosing the “Convert to Locker” option found in the context menu. The first (and only) folder / locker options window will then open up allowing us to specify if the new locker should be synchronised between the device and the cloud or kept on the local device only.

    NB – It should be pointed out that there doesn’t appear to be any recycle bin functionality enabled within NordLocker as of the time of writing my review. With the highly secure and privacy-focused nature of NordLocker taken into account this might be a plus point for some, but either way, bear this in mind when deleting files form the cloud drive service!

    With file and folder synchronisation covered, one other core aspect to making use of cloud storage is being able to easily share any files and folders with others. This sharing can easily be done using either the NordLocker web interface (which I will look at more in the next section) or the desktop software by right clicking any item and then choosing “Share a copy” as can be seen below.

    nordlocker review - windows app sharing context menu

    When creating a new sharing link within the desktop software, it is important to note that we must copy both the sharing link itself along with the security code which can be seen alongside it in the screenshot below:

    nordlocker review - windows app sharing link

    NordLocker actually recommend that the sharing link and the security code, both of which are needed to access to the file in question, should be shared separately in order to further enhance the security of the service. It is however, in my option at least, basically the same as having a shared link system which can provide password protected links (which is, of course, great to see built-in to the service either way).

    Finally, whilst I will be looking at the NordLocker web interface in more detail in the next section, I do still quickly want to point out that if you are looking to share file from within a web browser then this is also easy to accomplish.

    nordlocker review - share link on web interface

    As can be seen above, sharing files via the web interface is very similar to doing so within the desktop software and simply requires clicking the options menu which is found next to each file being to access the sharing menu. After this sharing menu is visible, as before, sharing is as simple as making use of the special link and the security code to provide access to the file for others.

    Using the Web Interface

    Having now seen the desktop software and the core file handling capabilities of NordLocker in use, in this section I will be focusing more on the web interface for the service and how useful this is in both using and managing the cloud storage account.

    nordlocker review - web interface with files

    As can be seen above, the main web interface is well laid out with any cloud enabled lockers easily accessible from the left side menu. Access to any files and folders is available in the centre of the page alongside file information on the right side of the screen plus the ability to access the account / profile menu via a button found towards the top right of the page.

    NB – Remember, when creating local lockers in the NordLocker desktop software, these lockers and all data within them is encrypted and then stored on the local device itself. This means such lockers aren’t available in the NordLocker web interface (nor are they synchronised between devices) and must be accessed on the local device used to create them!

    Adding new files to the cloud drive via the web interface is as simple as dragging and dropping said files over the webpage or, alternatively, making use of the “Upload” button found towards the top of the page to make use of the current browser’s uploading tools.

    Browsing of existing files and folders is also very easy within the web interface and this service works very intuitively as might be expected, this extends to also providing a gallery view to help make browsing any photos quick and easy as well. As can be seen below, when selecting any file or folder within the cloud drive, we will then be presented with an options pane on the right side of the page showing information about the file itself plus any available options for working with the selected items.

    nordlocker review - web gallery view with options

    NB – Unfortunately, whilst it is easy to add files via the web interface by simply dragging and dropping them, this does not appear to work in reverse (meaning the download links must be used to download files back to the device via the web!

    It is also important to note that this right-side information pane will change depending upon what items are selected. For example, when working with a locker at the locker level, this right-side pane will show options for sharing, editing, deleting plus the ability to share access with other NordLocker users by entering their account email addresses as can be seen below:

    nordlocker review - web sharing with other users

    Moving on past the file and locker functionality and the next important part of the web interface is found in the account menu which resides at the top right of the page. Form this menu, various parts of the service can be accessed including the user’s account (for resetting passwords, adjusting billing settings etc.) as well as the settings for the NordLocker service itself:

    nordlocker review - web interface settings page

    As can be seen above, some of the key settings available here include the ability to automatically lock the service after a configurable amount of time as well as the ability to configure multi-factor authentication providing additional access security for the account!

    Smartphone Apps

    In addition to the web-based interface and desktop software for both MacOS and Windows devices, NordLocker also provide smartphone apps for both iOS and Android devices.

    nordlocker review - smartphone app in google store

    Any smartphone devices with the NordLocker app installed will automatically synchronise with the NordLocker account (once authenticated) and any cloud-based lockers will become available and accessible on the go.

    Security & Privacy

    The security and privacy of any stored data are two key components for which the NordLocker service is designed around.

    Security of data begins with a comprehensive implementation of secure, end-to-end encryption which is applied to all data across the entire NordLocker service. This includes both data which is sent to the NordLocker cloud for storage as well as an unlimited amount of data which can be also be stored locally on any in-use devices whilst still taking advantage of the secure AES 256-bit encryption on offer form the NordLocker desktop software.

    nordlocker review - app security settings page

    NB – Remember, making use of end-to-end encryption with AES 256-bit encryption technology is universally considered one of the most secure and privacy-focused methods for storing personal data safely in the cloud, regardless of which provider you might go on to choose!

    With this underlying encryption of all data being stored upon and passing through the NordLocker cloud service put aside for a moment, we are still afforded various other tools and features which can help in further securing the NordLocker account and the data contained within.

    nordlocker review - manage 2fa settings

    One key additional security feature on offer is that of multi-factor authentication (2FA), a service for which it is highly recommended to make use of for any online service when it is available plus the ability to set the account itself to auto-lock when inactive for a set period of time.

    One final security focused aspect to be aware of when using NordLocker is that as well as a NordLocker account, users of the service will also be asked to create a secondary master password for the account as well as optionally creating an account recovery key. This approach whereby a secondary password is used can help in further protecting the account (in effect, forming an additional form of authentication), it is still (of course) strongly recommended that this recovery key is made and stored safely in a secure place in case the account ever needs to be recovered.

    NordLocker Support

    NordLocker provide a useful help and support portal via their official website. From this support portal, users of the service can search and read through various support documentation which is available in addition to contacting the NordLocker support team via an online contact form should any further help be required.

    NordLocker Pricing

    NordLocker offer multiple personal pricing plans providing premium accounts with between 500GB and 2TB of storage available from just $2.99 / month. Also available from NordLocker are several business orientated plans starting with 500GB of cloud storage alongside the option to create customised plans with variable amounts of storage available.

    nordlocker review - pricing tables

    In addition to these premium plans, NordLocker also offer a 3GB free account which retains many of the core features of the service including full end-to-end encryption of data amongst other features.

    The full NordLocker pricing options are as follows:

    • Free (3GB) – 100% Free to use!
    • Personal (500GB) – $7.99 / month or $2.99 / month when billed annually
    • Personal (2TB) – $19.99 / month or $6.99 / month when billed annually
    • Business (500GB) – $12.99 / month per user (or $8.99 when billed annually)
    • Business Plus (2TB) – $18.99 / month per user (or $14.99 when billed annually)

    NB – Another option to obtain 1TB of premium NordLocker cloud storage comes via the NordVPN “Complete” subscription. This plan from NordLocker’s sister company, NordVPN, provides use of the VPN application, the NordPass password manager and 1TB of NordLocker cloud storage for just $5.99 per month (on a 2-year plan) – More information on this subscription can be found via the official NordVPN website.

    For more information on the full range of premium individual and business account offerings direct from NordLocker as well as the 3GB free account, please visit the official NordLocker website!

    NordLocker FAQs

    NordLocker is a highly secure and privacy focused cloud storage solution, one which provides secure end-to-end encryption for all data alongside secure sharing and synchronisation features plus useful apps for desktop and smartphone devices as well.

    NordLocker makes use of highly secure AES 256-bit encryption across all files alongside xChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption technology to further protect keychain and identity data during the encryption process.

    No, as of time of writing, NordLocker do not support WebDAV or FTP access to the cloud storage service.

    NordLocker currently host all servers powering the NordLocker service in the USA.

    NordLocker make effective use of zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption (using AES 256-bit encryption) to ensure all data is always stored in a secure state. End-to-End encryption is generally considered one of the most secure means of protecting data which is stored in the cloud and ensures only those with access to the master password and authenticated devices can access the files in their decrypted state.

    Yes, Nord Security, the parent company behind both NordLocker and the leading VPN service, NordVPN, has been running for more than 10 years and is widely considered a very reliable and security focused operation.

    No, NordLocker offer between 500GB and 2TB of storage across their standard personal and business plans. A customised business plan is available however, at time of writing, there is no indication that NordLocker provide an unlimited storage option on this plan.

    Yes! In-fact, with 500GB plans priced from $2.99 / month and 2TB plans from just $6.99 / month, NordLocker is not only one of the most security orientated cloud storage services on the market, but one with very competitive pricing given what is on offer!

    No, NordLocker do not impose download or bandwidth limits on any of their cloud storage plans. Use of the NordLocker desktop applications as a local encryption utility is also unlimited.

    NordLocker Alternatives

    In this section I will be comparing NordLocker to some of the other privacy and security conscious cloud storage services which are also available. This includes cloud storage services which share some of the same key features of NordLocker including secure end-to-end encryption, secure file sharing capabilities, those providing a high degree of user and data privacy as well as secure file synchronisation amongst many other related features.

    Remember, any ratings and opinions given below reflect my own personal views and should be treated only as a guide! When purchasing any form of cloud storage service, always be sure to carefully check the details of the offering out for yourself first and try and to make use of any free trials or free accounts, whenever possible, to help ensure the solution is right before committing to a purchase.

    1) Internxt (internxt.com)

    Internxt, a relatively new cloud storage service to the market, are offering what is undoubtedly a highly secure and highly privacy focused cloud storage alternative to NordLocker!

    nordlocker review - internxt alternative

    One of the key features of Internxt is its committed approach to providing a highly secure and private-by-design cloud storage offering. This approach sees all data stored on the service subject to secure, end-to-end and decentralised encryption (with AES 256-bit encryption in-use) alongside various other complimentary technologies including multi-factor authentication (2FA) plus an open-source code base ensuring maximum transparency with the IT security community.

    Security aside and various other features of Internxt include an easy-to-use web-based portal, desktop and smartphone apps, automatic device synchronisation, secure file sharing capabilities plus a built-in backup client allowing for automatic file backups to be taken and stored safely in the cloud. There is also unlimited bandwidth available on all plans making Internxt a good consideration for anyone regularly moving large amounts of data back and forward between local devices and the cloud!

    Internxt is priced from just $0.89 per month (for 20GB) with a 2TB account coming in at just $8.99 / month alongside various other pricing plans. More information on the Internxt service plus details of the 10GB free plan is available via the official Internxt website!

    2) MEGA.IO

    Founded all the way back in 2013, MEGA is not only one of the most established cloud storage provides in the market, but one which has for a long time being offering and refining a highly secure and privacy-focused cloud storage solution.

    nordlocker review - mega.nz alternative

    In much the same way as NordLocker, one of the key selling points of MEGA is that that it is a highly private service which makes use of secure, end-to-end encryption for all data stored upon the service and secure TLS/SSL channels for data as it is transferred to or from the service.

    MEGA also stands out thanks to the many additional cloud related features it provides to its users, this includes highly refined and very usable desktop and smartphone apps, secure file synchronisation and file sharing services, secure chat and video conferencing services plus command line tools for those wishing to make use of them.

    Other notable features of MEGA include historic file versioning which is available on all plans (including a full 30-days on the 20GB free plan), browser plugins allowing enhanced access to the MEGA web-portal on supported browsers plus auto camera uploads form within the smartphone apps amongst many other useful features in what is clearly a leading cloud solution!

    MEGA.IO is priced from just €4.99 / month for the entry level 400GB plan with the 2TB plan at €9.99 / month and other plans also available up to 16TB in total capacity. Also available is a very generous 20GB free account for all new users to the service, information on both the premium plans and this free to use option can be found via the official MEGA.IO website!

    3) Proton Drive

    Proton Drive, from the makers of the highly rated Proton Mail service, is a highly secure and privacy-focused cloud storage service making use of secure end-to-end encryption across the entire service by default.

    nordlocker review - proton drive alternative

    It is this commitment to providing the highest levels of data security and privacy which helps separate Proton Drive from many other cloud drives and sees the company stand out as a result. This includes measures such as owning their own hardware, operating under strict Swiss privacy laws, making use of open-source encryption technologies and apps plus employing digital signature technology to ensure any data stored upon the service is never tampered with in any way.

    Security aside and Proton Drive brings with it many useful cloud features including secure file sharing, encrypted file search technology plus an easy-to-use web-based portal, something which is very good to see given that Proton Drive don’t as of yet have any desktop apps available!

    Proton Drive is priced from just €3.49 / month for the 200GB plan with a 500GB plan also available from €7.99 / month when paying for 24moths upfront. A free to use 1GB account is also available for all new users to the service, more information on which, as well as the premium plans can be found via the official Proton Drive website.

    NordLocker Review Summary

    NordLocker clearly stands out thanks to some very competitive cloud storage pricing alongside a committed implementation of strong, end-to-end AES 256-bit encryption which is automatically applied to all data stored upon the service by default.

    Whilst the 3GB free account isn’t the most generous free cloud storage available by a long way, it should be pointed out that the NordLocker desktop software is fully enabled when using this free account and will act as a locally installed and easy-to-use encryption utility which allows for unlimited usage when working with files stored locally on the device. One area in which I believe NordLocker could easily be improved includes adding a decent level of historic file versioning to the service (at least 30-days) as this would make the service not only even more useful for synchronisation and sharing related tasks but also useful as a file backup solution in certain situations.

    Overall, a solid effort from NordLocker, good default levels of security, a very useful encryption utility and very competitive pricing on premium plans make this a cloud storage service worthy of consideration, great work NordLocker!

    Looking for Cloud Storage?

    Are you looking for practical help and advice in choosing cloud storage? If so, then be sure to check out our various guides including our Top 10 Free Cloud Storage guide, our guide to the Best Free Cloud Storage Services plus our guide to the Best Cloud Storage for Photographers amongst several others!

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