NordVPN has decided to call it quits on its secure file-sharing Meshnet feature.
It is set to stop working on December 1, 2025 at which time all associated functionality will be removed. All other NordVPN features and services outside of Meshnet will be unaffected.
First introduced in 2022, Meshnet offered a unique and functional way to securely connect multiple devices similar to a LAN connection.
Despite the end of Meshnet, NordVPN remains our favorite VPN overall thanks to its blazing-fast speeds, ability to access all streaming sites, and excellent security features.
Why is NordVPN canceling Meshnet?
NordVPN
In a blog post on its website, NordVPN said, “When we built Meshnet, our goal was to give users more control over their connections and networks… we hoped it would become a valuable part of your online experience. But sometimes even good ideas don’t reach a wide enough audience.
As time went on, it became clear that while a small group of dedicated users valued Meshnet, it never really caught on the way we’d hoped.”
According to NordVPN, Meshnet “required significant ongoing resources.” The company now hopes to redirect these same resources into more popular services that the majority of its users rely on every day.
Meshnet alternatives
Meshnet was unique in that it not only allowed users to store and send files securely with end-to-end encryption, but it also allowed for fun applications such as multiplayer LAN gaming sessions.
Unfortunately, no other service on the market is offering quite the same thing as Meshnet. However, there are a few alternatives that can fill the gaps once the service shuts down.
NordVPN recommends that if you were using Meshnet for secure file sharing and storage, to switch to its other service NordLocker—although a separate subscription is required. A 3GB free plan is available, otherwise a 500GB plan will run you $2.99 per month, and a 2TB plan is offered for $6.99 per month.
Alternatively, ProtonVPN also offers a similar option in Proton Drive, which comes with a few tier options including a 5GB free starter plan.
