NordVPN has a feature called Meshnet that most people don’t know about — and it’s genuinely useful. Instead of routing traffic through NordVPN’s servers, Meshnet lets you create encrypted connections directly between your own devices. Think of it as your own private network that works over the internet.
Here’s what Meshnet does, who it’s for, and how to set it up.
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What Is Meshnet?
The simple version
Meshnet creates encrypted, direct connections between your devices — like a private tunnel between your laptop at home and your phone abroad. Your data goes device-to-device without passing through NordVPN’s regular servers.
How it’s different from regular VPN
| Feature | Regular VPN | Meshnet |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic routes through | NordVPN server | Directly between your devices |
| Main purpose | Privacy and IP masking | Device-to-device connections |
| Latency | Depends on server distance | Often lower (direct connection) |
| File sharing | Via cloud services | Direct device-to-device transfer |
| Remote access | Not included | ✅ Access devices remotely |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 (same level) |
What Can You Do with Meshnet?
Practical use cases
| Use case | How Meshnet helps |
|---|---|
| Access your home PC remotely | Connect to your home computer from anywhere, securely |
| Share files without the cloud | Transfer files directly between devices — nothing stored on third-party servers |
| LAN gaming over the internet | Create a virtual LAN with friends for low-latency multiplayer |
| Route traffic through another device | Use your home device as a VPN exit point while traveling |
| Collaborate with colleagues | Share network resources securely without corporate VPN setup |
Device limits
Each Meshnet supports up to 60 devices total — 10 of your own devices plus up to 50 external devices from other NordVPN users you invite. Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
How to Set Up Meshnet
Getting started
- Open the NordVPN app on your device
- Go to Meshnet in the menu (available on all platforms)
- Enable Meshnet — the app generates unique encryption keys for your device
- Link your other devices — sign in to the same NordVPN account and enable Meshnet on each one
- Invite external devices (optional) — send invitations to friends or colleagues who have NordVPN
Permissions you can control
For each connected device, you can set specific permissions:
- Traffic routing — Allow or deny a device from routing its internet through yours
- File sharing — Enable or disable direct file transfers
- Remote access — Control who can access your device remotely
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meshnet free with NordVPN?
Yes — Meshnet is included with every NordVPN subscription at no extra cost. It’s actually available as a free feature even for non-subscribers with limited functionality, but the full feature set requires a NordVPN account.
Is Meshnet secure?
Yes. All Meshnet connections use AES-256 encryption with perfect forward secrecy — the same security level as NordVPN’s regular servers. Each device gets unique cryptographic keys, and all connections are authenticated to prevent unauthorized access.
Can I use Meshnet and regular VPN at the same time?
Yes. You can have Meshnet connections active while also connected to a regular NordVPN server. The two features work independently.
Does Meshnet work across different operating systems?
Yes. You can connect a Windows PC to a Mac, an iPhone to a Linux machine, or any combination. Meshnet supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android with full cross-platform compatibility.
Conclusion
Meshnet is one of NordVPN’s most underrated features. If you need to access devices remotely, share files securely without cloud services, or create a private gaming network, it’s incredibly useful — and it’s included free with your NordVPN subscription.
NordVPN with Meshnet starts at $3.39/month.
