NordVPN axes Meshnet – here's why

(Image credit: NordVPN)

NordVPN has decided to retire its secure file sharing feature, Meshnet.

The feature will be fully shut down on December 1, 2025, and all functionality associated with it will cease to work.

Why is Meshnet shutting down?

Meshnet was a free add-on to all NordVPN plans. In its announcement blog post, NordVPN said its "goal was to give users more control over their connections and networks."

The provider had hoped Meshnet would become a valuable part of a user's experience. But the feature didn't gain popularity in the way NordVPN had hoped and it only had a small, but dedicated, user base.

NordVPN said "it had a clear purpose but didn’t resonate with the NordVPN community."

According to NordVPN, maintaining Meshnet required "significant ongoing resources." These resources can now be redirected and the provider can focus on improving features a majority of NordVPN users take advantage of.

"We want you to know that we did not take this decision lightly," NordVPN said. "We explored several alternative approaches to reworking Meshnet, but none were viable."

NordVPN infographic displaying how a Meshnet network could work and what devices you could connect to it — **Image: An example of how Meshnet works** (Image credit: NordVPN / Future)

Alternatives to Meshnet

Meshnet functioned like a secure Local Area Network (LAN). You could securely share files, link devices, and create personal mesh networks. 60 devices could operate on one network – 10 of your own and 50 external.

There are still a few months to go before Meshnet completely disappears, but NordVPN said current Meshnet users should prepare and plan ahead for its closure, as well as looking into alternatives.

NordVPN advised anyone using Meshnet for secure file sharing to switch to NordLocker.

You can store your files securely with encrypted cloud storage and file sharing can be done through a unique code. Your data is backed up, protected from unauthorized access and malware, and your files are never exposed – Proton Drive is a similar option and has a 5 GB free starter plan.

With NordLocker, you can get 3 GB of storage for free, 500 GB costs $2.99 per month, and 2 TB costs $6.99 per month.

1 TB of encrypted cloud storage is included with NordVPN Complete plans. This costs $4.99 per month for 27 months of protection (billed at $134.73).

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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