What's the best option for you?
Two different tools, two different approaches. A fair side by side comparison.
The Problem
A shift in the digital nomad vision.
Nomad List was revolutionary in 2015. But today's nomads face a different problem: not lack of data, but too much of it. And everyone sees the same rankings.
Analysis Paralysis
3,200+ metrics per city. Which ones actually matter for you? You're a traveler, not a data scientist.
Same rankings for everyone
Every nomad sees identical city scores. No personalization based on what YOU value. Lisbon is #1 for everyone, regardless of your vibe.
$200+ upfront
Pay once for lifetime access. But what if your needs change? What about ongoing updates and new features? High commitment.
Two ways to decide
Filter through data points, or start with how you want to feel?
Endless filtering
Still overwhelming? Adjust more filters...
Start With Feelings
Answer 3 questions about how you want to feel ↑
The only platform that matches by feelings first
While others ask "What's your budget?", we ask "How do you want to feel?"
Share your feelings
Calm, adventurous, creative, connected—pick what matters to you right now.
We translate to data
"Calm" → green space %, walkability, noise levels. Measurable attributes, not magic.
6 matches. Not 600.
Fewer options = better decisions. Backed by research, built into our system.
We're the only platform that restricts results. While others give 1,000+ options, we cap at 6. The Paradox of Choice proves fewer, better options lead to confident decisions.
The Difference
You need more than a table.
Nomad List treats city selection like data analysis. Novad treats it like discovering your next home.
| What You Experience | Nomad List | Novad |
|---|---|---|
| Time to first decision | 30+ minutes filtering | 60 seconds matching |
| Number of options shown | 1,000+ cities | Max 6 curated matches |
| Decision confidence | "All look good... I guess?" | "Yes, THIS one" |
| Personalization | Same rankings for everyone | AI-matched to YOUR vibe |
| When you get stuck | Add more filters → more confusion | Ask AI chat → instant clarity |
| Learning curve | Study spreadsheets | Answer 3 questions |
| Pricing model | $200+ one-time | Free + optional premium |
| AI features |
We're not "better" than Nomad List. We're fundamentally different. They help you analyze. We help you decide.
Why We Built This
From "Where do I go next?" to Novad
I spent 6 hours on Nomad List, filtering by wifi, cost, weather, safety, visas. I had 47 cities that all looked perfect on paper.
I was using every tool I could find—Google searches, Reddit threads, blog guides, travel forums. Hours of research for every decision. Sometimes even with all that preparation, the destination was cool... but not that magic moment I was looking for.
Then it hit me: I was answering the wrong question. Instead of asking "Which city has the best metrics?", I should have been asking "Where will I feel alive?"
So I built Novad—not another database to analyze, but a tool that helps you find destinations that match your feelings. Unique places that speak to YOU, not everyone else.
Because the best destinations aren't found in rankings. They're found when you stop filtering and start feeling.
Which one feels right?
Both are great tools. Pick the one that matches how you make decisions.
Go for Novad if you...
- Have been researching for weeks without booking
- Feel paralyzed by too many 'good' options
- Want someone to just narrow it down for you
- Trust your gut more than spreadsheets
- Value speed over analyzing every detail
- Prefer trying free before committing $200
Go for Nomad List if you...
- Want to browse 1,000+ cities at your own pace
- Enjoy deep-diving into data and metrics
- Prefer paying once and owning it forever
- Need historical trends and multi-year data
- Value an established platform with years of reviews
Try it now
Free forever · No credit card
FAQ