Let’s be real: browsing the web today feels a bit like walking through a minefield, doesn’t it? According to reports from Engadget, NordVPN is currently hacking away at its prices—specifically their “Complete” tier, which is seeing a massive 70 percent price drop. That brings the total to about $130 for two full years of service. But before you jump on that shiny discount sticker, it’s worth asking what’s actually going on here. This isn’t just a seasonal sale; it’s a peek into how we’re being forced to bundle our entire digital identities just to feel a shred of privacy.
For the longest time, a VPN was that niche tool your tech-obsessed cousin used to bypass region-locked Netflix shows or hide some… let’s call it “creative” torrenting. But those days are gone. We’re living in an era where data breaches are basically a weekly tradition and trackers follow you around like a stray dog. NordVPN’s latest pivot—bundling a VPN, a password manager, and a full terabyte of cloud storage—is a loud signal that the era of the “single-purpose app” is effectively over. They want to be your digital bodyguard, your filing cabinet, and your gatekeeper all at once.
Why One App Just Isn’t Enough Anymore
When you look at the “Complete” plan, you aren’t just buying an encrypted tunnel for your data. You’re getting NordPass and 1TB of encrypted cloud storage. If you think about it, that’s a direct shot at the giants like Google, Dropbox, and 1Password. Nord is betting—quite heavily—that you’re exhausted from managing five different subscriptions for five different security needs. And honestly? They’re probably right. Who actually enjoys tracking five different billing cycles? (I certainly don’t.)
The 70 percent discount makes the math look pretty tempting. At $130 for two years, you’re looking at roughly $5.40 a month. In a world where a decent sandwich can easily cost you twelve bucks, paying five dollars to secure your entire digital footprint—across your phone, laptop, and even that smart TV in the living room—feels like a rounding error. But there’s a deeper strategy here. By locking you into a two-year ecosystem, Nord makes it incredibly hard to leave. Once you’ve moved 1TB of family photos and 400 passwords into their vault, the “switching cost” becomes a massive headache. It’s a brilliant business move, even if it’s dressed up as a bargain.
On the performance side, NordVPN stays at the top of the charts because they’ve poured serious money into their server network and “Threat Protection” features. It’s not just about masking your IP anymore—it’s about killing malicious websites before they even have a chance to load. It’s proactive, not just reactive. In my view, this is exactly where the industry is headed. VPNs aren’t just “pipes” anymore; they’re becoming intelligent filters that scrub the “dirty” internet before it ever hits your screen.
Do You Actually Need a Terabyte of “Private” Space?
Including a full terabyte of storage in a VPN bundle is a fascinating play. Most of us are already paying the “Apple Tax” for iCloud or settled into Google One. So, why would you want NordLocker? The answer usually comes down to one thing: zero-knowledge encryption. While Big Tech companies *say* they respect your privacy, they usually still hold the keys to the kingdom. Nord’s pitch is that *only you* have the keys. If you’re a journalist, a business owner, or just someone who doesn’t want an AI scanning your personal photos to “train its model,” that’s a big deal.
Now, let’s be realistic—most casual users won’t ever fill up 1TB. It’s a “prestige” feature that makes that 70 percent discount feel even more substantial. But for those who *do* use it, it transforms the VPN from a background utility into a primary work tool. It’s a smart way to move up the value chain. They aren’t just selling you privacy; they’re selling you a secure home for your digital life. And let’s be real, $130 for two years of 1TB storage *by itself* would be a decent deal in some circles. Getting a top-tier VPN thrown in is just the cherry on top.
I suspect we’ll see more of this. The “unbundling” of the internet that happened over the last decade is starting to reverse. We’re heading back toward “walled gardens,” but this time, the walls are built out of encryption and security protocols rather than social media feeds. It’s the era of the “Security Super-App,” and Nord is currently leading the charge with these aggressive price cuts.
The Two-Year Gamble: Locking in Your Digital Safety
Why two years? Why not six months? It’s all about the data—and I don’t mean the data you’re encrypting. From a provider’s perspective, a two-year subscriber is a “sticky” customer. It gives them a stable revenue base to keep building out those thousands of servers worldwide. For the user, it’s a gamble. You’re betting that NordVPN will still be at the top of their game in 2026. Given their track record—like constantly evolving their NordPass password manager—it’s a relatively safe bet, but a commitment nonetheless.
And let’s talk about NordPass for a second. The “Plus” and “Complete” tiers include it, but they’re also running a standalone deal for 50 percent off ($36 for two years). If you aren’t using a password manager yet, please—for the love of all things digital—start. Using “Password123” or your dog’s name across ten different sites is essentially inviting hackers to dinner. Whether you get it through this bundle or somewhere else, cross-device syncing and breach monitoring are no longer luxuries; they’re requirements for existing online.
But there’s a catch with these “limited time” offers. Nord (and many others in the industry) are notorious for never actually saying when the sale ends. It creates that “FOMO” feeling. While the discount is genuine compared to their month-to-month pricing, don’t feel pressured to rush. Take the 30-day money-back guarantee seriously. Test it on your slowest device. See if the 1TB upload speeds actually work for your workflow. If it doesn’t fit, get your money back. The “best” deal is only a deal if you actually use the tools.
We’re Moving Toward “Identity Insurance”
As we look forward, I predict we’re going to see “Identity Insurance” become a standard part of these packages. We’re already seeing hints of it with breach monitoring. Eventually, these services won’t just tell you that your email was leaked; they’ll actively work to scrub your data from those “people search” broker sites that sell your home address to the highest bidder. Nord is already moving in this direction with their higher-tier “Prime” plans.
The reality is that the internet is getting more hostile, not less. AI-driven phishing and deepfakes are making it harder to trust anything in your inbox. In that context, a VPN bundle isn’t just a technical tool; it’s a psychological buffer. It’s a way to feel like you’ve done *something* to protect yourself. And while no tool is 100% foolproof, having a multi-layered defense (VPN + Password Manager + Encrypted Storage) puts you miles ahead of the average user.
So, is the 70 percent off deal worth it? If you’re currently paying for these services separately, or if you’ve been “meaning to get around to” securing your connection, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s a rare moment where the marketing hype actually aligns with a practical, high-value product. Just remember to set a calendar reminder for 24 months from now so you can re-evaluate the landscape when the renewal comes around at full price!
Your Questions Answered
Is the 70% discount really as good as it looks?
Yes, compared to the monthly “no-contract” price, it’s a massive saving. However, keep in mind you have to pay the full $130 upfront to lock in that rate for the two-year period.
Can I use NordVPN on more than one device?
Absolutely. One subscription covers multiple devices, including your phone, laptop, and even smart TVs. It’s designed to protect your whole household’s tech stack under one roof.
What happens if I don’t like it after I pay?
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can basically treat the first month as a trial run—if the speeds aren’t up to par or the interface feels clunky, you can get a full refund without the drama.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, digital security is a lot like insurance: you hate paying for it until the moment you desperately need it. NordVPN’s current sale is a clever way to make that “insurance” feel like a bargain. By bundling the VPN with a password manager and cloud storage, they’re simplifying the complex mess of staying safe online. It’s a proactive step toward a more private digital life, and at this price point, it’s hard to find a reason to say no. Stay safe out there, and don’t let the trackers win.
This article is sourced from various news outlets. Analysis and presentation represent our editorial perspective.
