If you’re trying to improve your online security, you can’t do without an encrypted cloud storage service. But will NordLocker keep your files safe? We’ve run it through extensive tests to give you our full review!
With an easy-to-use interface and secure end-to-end encryption, NordLocker is a great choice for anyone looking to store their files safely.
There is a free plan available that provides you with 3 GB of storage space. Rather want the NordLocker Premium experience? For only $2.99/month, you unlock 500 GB storage space! There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try NordLocker risk-free today.
The NordLocker app was developed by Nord Security, which also brought us the excellent NordVPN and NordPass password manager. In our NordLocker review, we go into detail about what this cloud storage provider can do for you.
NordLocker Short Review: How Does the Service Fare?
What We Like:
- End-to-end AES 256 encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard)
- Very easy to install and navigate
- Free plan available with 3 GB cloud storage
- Store files locally or in a private cloud
- Multi-factor authentication
- Share files securely with others
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like:
- Android and iOS apps are clunky
- Not as feature-rich as competitors
- No live support (unless you're a Premium user)
NordLocker’s biggest selling points are its security and privacy features. Users have the option to store files locally or in private cloud storage lockers (accessible from any device through cross-platform synchronization). Cloud storage is automatically backed up, and file-sharing is easy.
Moreover, NordLocker has zero-knowledge encryption on all files: you are the only person who has access. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of security.
Unfortunately, the NordLocker app is not as feature-rich as other cloud storage solutions, as we discovered during our NordLocker review. It’s not possible to collaborate with others within the encrypted lockers. On top of that, the mobile apps are lackluster.
Still, NordLocker is easy to use and will be a great option for users who want a highly secure, no-nonsense storage service. In terms of pricing, NordLocker has a free plan available and mid-range premium plans.
Read on to see how NordLocker fared in our testing!
NordLocker Membership and Pricing
| Feature | NordLocker Free | NordLocker 500 GB | NordLocker 2 TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage limit | 3 GB | 500 GB | 2 TB |
| Pricing: 1-month plan | Free | $7.99/month | $19.99/month |
| Pricing: 1-year plan | — | $2.99/month (Billed annually) | $6.99/month (Billed annually) |
| Zero-knowledge encryption | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Two-factor authentication (2FA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Device lockout | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cross-synchronization | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic cloud backup | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| WebAccess | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collaboration features | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Deleted file retention | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Live support | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Download link | Get NordLocker Free | Get NordLocker 500 GB | Get NordLocker 2TB |
If you’re looking for a solid encrypted cloud storage service without too many extras, NordLocker’s free plan goes a long way! You get access to 3 GB storage space and have the same features as premium users (with the exception of premium support).
Having said that, 3 GB isn’t a lot of free space. For comparison, our review of Icedrive revealed that the service offers users 10 GB free cloud storage space.
With NordLocker, the 500 GB plan starts at $2.99/month. Alternatively, you can get a 2 TB subscription for $6.99/month, billed annually.
Pro Tip:
Want to get the full Nord Security package? Choose NordVPN Complete, which includes all three Nord Security products: NordVPN, NordPass, and NordLocker. Pay only $5.49/month for the two-year plan.
It’s possible to pay for NordLocker with a credit card, Google Pay, or cryptocurrency. Of course, a 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans, so you can test out the service for a month and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
Security: How Safe is NordLocker?
After our NordLocker review, we can safely say that one of NordLocker’s biggest selling points is its strong emphasis on security. In terms of file protection, NordLocker is as safe as you can get.
Here’s a breakdown of the main security features:
- NordLocker has zero-knowledge encryption on all files. This means there is only one person who has the ability to access your cloud storage, and that’s you.
- Encrypt files locally on your device or in “cloud lockers” that you can access from any device.
- All your cloud-stored files are backed up automatically so you can retrieve them no matter what happens to your device. Unfortunately, there is no deleted files retention.
- Get access to your lockers via two-factor authentication (2FA).
Despite its solid security basis, NordLocker is not as feature-rich as other top cloud storage solutions. Collaboration features are lacking, as well as options to retain deleted files.
Encryption
NordLocker once started out as an encryption tool. It’s no surprise, then, that its encryption capacities are great! NordLocker applies zero-knowledge encryption across all its files and lockers. This means that you’re the only person with access to your encrypted files.
When you install the service, you will create a NordLocker Key. This is essentially your master password, which you use to encrypt and decrypt your data.
NordLocker also creates an encrypted “secret key” that you can use to get access to your encrypted data should you ever forget your master password. The recovery key is encrypted with an XChaCha20-Poly1305 cipher: not even the NordLocker app itself has access to it.
Since NordLocker’s software is not open-source, its zero-knowledge encryption can’t be fully verified. However, NordVPN offered a $10.000 bounty to anyone who could break into an encrypted locker: in 350 days, no one was able to.
Within the NordLocker application, various ciphers encrypt all lockers. You can save files locally or within “cloud lockers” (on NordLocker’s zero-logs servers). Either way, all files are end-to-end encrypted, and you are the only one who can unlock them.
You can drag and drop files from your devices to instantly protect them behind end-to-end encryption. No need to understand complicated cryptography or encryption protocols to do it right.
Cloud storage
NordLocker offers two options for storage:
- Local storage with encryption: Files stored on the hard drive of your device, always available on that device.
- Cloud storage with encryption: Files stored in a NordLocker “cloud locker” (don’t take up any space but inaccessible offline).
Depending on your payment plan, cloud lockers have a maximum of 3 GB, 500 GB, or 2 TB of cloud storage space.
NordLocker cloud storage is seamlessly integrated into your PC or Mac interface — there’s no need to open your browser. This makes the NordLocker app a great option for storing files online without sacrificing usability.
You can drop and drag files or folders into your NordLocker interface or create a new encrypted locker from scratch.
Files that you store in the cloud are backed up automatically. Locally stored files don’t benefit from automatic backups.
Keep in Mind:
When testing NordLocker, we found the cloud storage features to provide you with a secure foundation. However, NordLocker does not go above and beyond. There is no option to see different versions of files (version control) or retract files once you have deleted them.
Multi-factor authentication
To improve security, NordLocker offers multi-factor authentication. In two-factor authentication (2FA), you have to verify yourself via more than one authentication method (e.g. entering a password, as well as a temporary code).
Unfortunately, MFA is not automatically enabled with NordLocker. You’re going to have to enable it in the settings of your Nord Account.
For NordLocker, you have the option to use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Authy) or use a physical security key or built-in passkey.
We’d prefer if MFA was enabled by default, but it’s still a solid security feature.
Device lockout
You can trigger device lockout if you’re not using the app. After 15 minutes of not using NordLocker, the interface will be automatically locked.
You can manually adjust the time for device lockout from one minute up to an hour.
Privacy: Does NordLocker Take Good Care of Your Data?
Overall, NordLocker takes good care of your data. During our NordLocker review, we took note of the following things:
- NorcLocker was developed by Nord Security, which is known for its secure products: NordVPN (virtual private network) and NordPass (password manager).
- NordLocker has passed several independent audits.
- The app collects some personal data, most notably your IP address, browser type and cookies, and file change history. Data is anonymized to improve app performance.
- A list of third-party apps that have access to some of your data has been publicly disclosed by Nord.
Who’s behind NordLocker?
NordLocker was developed by Nord Security. This is the company that also developed NordVPN, our #1 tested VPN of the moment, and NordPass, a feature-rich password manager.
When it comes to privacy and security, Nord upholds a high standard of transparency and trustworthiness. The company is frequently audited by independent observers and has addressed any security vulnerabilities in the past publicly.
NordLocker is based in Panama, which has favorable data-retention legislation. On top of that, Panama is not part of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, 14 Eyes coalition.
Privacy policy
According to its privacy policy, NordLocker collects a minimal amount of anonymized data. The company uses this to improve app performance.
We’ve had a close look to see which user data actually gets collected:
- Account registration data, including email, payment data, and country of residence.
- IP address gets logged when you’re using Nord’s chat bot, and is also available to any social media companies whose widgets are being used by the Nord website.
- Operating system, for the optimization of push notifications.
- Browser type and cookies when using the website.
- Application diagnostics so Nord can diagnose problems.
- Anonymous usage data is collected to provide indications about how people use NordLocker.
- File change history, so Nord can display information about when a file was uploaded and encrypted.
As you can see, Nord still logs some information in order to provide its services. If you want to further anonymize your experience with Nord, we recommend using a secure email service to limit personalized data as much as possible when signing up.
For example, you can opt to pay with crypto, so you won’t share your card details.
Who does NordLocker share my data with?
Nord has publicly disclosed which third parties have access to some of your data. Here’s the list:
- Zendesk Inc. (live chat and support service)
- Iterable Inc. (emailing system)
- Twilio Inc. (emailing system)
- Google (analytics and diagnostics)
- AppsFlyer Ltd. (undefined)
- Bugsnag Inc. (undefined)
- Tune Inc. (conversion attribution system)
Note that these companies will have their own privacy policies that will apply to your data.
Ease of Use: Is NordLocker User-Friendly?
The NordLocker app is easy to install and use, as was revealed during our NordLocker review. Here are the most important takeaways about NordLocker’s usability:
- The software is easy to install, and NordLocker guides you through initial use.
- A convenient drag-and-drop system lets you encrypt all the files right away.
- File-sharing is straightforward. but there are no collaboration features.
- Cross-platform synchronization works well.
- There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee available.
- Live support is only available to Premium users.
Even so, it’s important to point out room for improvement. Unfortunately, NordLocker does not have collaboration features. On top of that, the mobile applications (iOS and Android) are lackluster.
Nordlocker’s website and installation process
NordLocker’s website is easy to navigate. You can quickly find an overview of features, pricing, and additional information. You can also download the free version of NordLocker right away or start with NordLocker Premium.
How to install NordLocker on desktop
Here’s what you need to do to install NordLocker on your PC and Mac:
- Download the software from NordLocker’s homepage. You can find the software you require for your operating system under “Apps.”
- Go through the installation wizard. It takes only a minute or so!
- Create an account if you don’t have one already.
- Create your master password for the files you store with NordLocker.
- Save your recovery key — this is key if you want to secure access to your files.
- Open the NordLocker interface and begin converting files.
With the NordLocker installation being so easy, you can encrypt your files in minutes.
How to install NordLocker on Android and iOS
To install the NordLocker app on Android or iOS, you’ll have to:
- Open the app store on your device (Google Play or Apple App Store).
- Search for the “NordLocker“ application.
- Choose “Install” on Android or “Get” on iOS devices.
- Open NordLocker after you install it.
- Log in with your Nord account.
- Enter your master password.
We tested NordLocker’s app on Android and iOS. Truthfully, there were some issues. On Android, the app is clunky, lackluster, and it takes a long while for files to sync to the private cloud.
On iOS, we ran into the same issues, but the app was somewhat easier to use. Still, this is certainly an area for improvement.
Working with NordLocker
If you don’t require too many features, NordLocker is a pleasant and secure cloud storage service to work with. At first use, you’ll get a quick tour of the app, which includes helpful tips.
When testing the software for our NordLocker review, we found that NordLocker works intuitively. It’s similar to the default file explorer of the system you’re on. For example, you can right-click at any time to create a new folder, or a new locker, just like you would in Windows’ default explorer.
To encrypt files on your computer, just drag and drop them from your device into the NordLocker interface.
When creating a new locker, you can choose to store it securely on your PC or in your private cloud.
File-sharing and collaboration features
NordLocker lets you share files with others in two different ways:
- Share encrypted lockers via email.
- Share encrypted files via a link.
You can share access to your lockers on the condition that the recipient already has a NordLocker account. It’s not possible to open a NordLocker file in any other way — which might be a drawback for some.
Previously, it was not possible to share individual files with others, but NordLocker has amended this. You can now share a copy of a single file through a securely-generated link.
The recipient must have a NordLocker account to open the file.
Keep in Mind:
NordLocker does not have a collaboration feature. For this, you will need to use a service like Sync.com, which lets you work together with others in the same file and allow to track changes.
Cross-platform synchronization
Most likely, you want to be able to sync your sensitive files across different devices. With cross-platform synchronization you can access and use your NordLocker cloud storage across different devices.
Of course, locally stored files are not accessible anywhere else. But you can access your cloud lockers from any operating system, except Linux.
There are some differences in functionality: in particular, the NordLocker app is more limited on a mobile device (Android and iOS). To not take up too much mobile storage, files are not automatically downloaded on your phone.
NordLocker is also available through your browser. The WebAccess feature uses the same encryption as the desktop and mobile apps.
Does NordLocker have a money-back guarantee?
Yes, NordLocker has a 30-day money-back guarantee. To get a refund, you need to contact its customer success team.
Depending on your country’s national legislation, you may also be eligible for refunds on renewals. However, this is not guaranteed.
Customer Service
Unless NordLocker users pay for their subscription, live support is not available to them. Other NordLocker users have to use the ticketing system.
It’s a bit of a shame that live chat is exclusively for NordLocker Premium users. Chat support would be a great benefit to free users, especially in the pre-purchase stage.
The ticketing system for free users is a lot slower. Response time for tickets is about 12 to 24 hours, though support agents give helpful advice.
On the website, you can also find responses to commonly asked questions, as well as comprehensive guides on managing your NordLocker files. This information is especially useful for new users.
Final Verdict: Is NordLocker Worth Purchasing?
We discovered during our NordLocker review that the provider offers an encrypted cloud service more specifically for users who don’t want tons of extra features. It covers all the bases and upholds a high level of security.
If you are looking for a fully-fleshed out cloud storage system, we recommend having a look at cloud storage solution Sync.com for comparison.
What can NordLocker offer you? Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption, an easy-to-use application, and a free plan that works well. Just drag and drop your files into the interface, and your online security has already significantly improved!
If our article didn’t cover everything you wanted to know, don’t worry. We have more answers for you in the FAQ section below!
Yes, NordLocker is as safe as a file encryption application can get. It features AES 256-bit encryption on all files. Encryption is done locally, even for files that end up in your private cloud. On top of that, NordLocker has extra security features like device lockout and multi-factor authentication.
NordLocker has cloud storage capabilities. It’s not extremely advanced — you can’t edit documents in NordLocker like you would in Google Drive. But it’s still a helpful tool to secure your files in the cloud.
Yes, you can share files with NordLocker. However, the recipient will need to have a (free) Nord account to access them.
There’s no need for a free trial since NordLocker has a free plan available that gives you access to all features. You can host up to 3 GB of encrypted files for free. For more storage space, you’ll have to purchase a subscription. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on all Premium plans.
