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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Norton VPN Review 2024: It’s Safe, but Is It Good?

Our Score: 5.8/10
Ranked 209th out of 305 VPNs
Matthew Amos Updated on 12th March 2024 Senior Editor

Norton is one of the biggest names in cybersecurity, and many Norton 360 packages include a VPN. Since its antivirus software is so popular, you might think you don’t need to look elsewhere for further protection. But can Norton really compete with the top VPNs?

After testing all its features, I recommend trying Norton VPN if it comes with your 360 package. It can definitely keep you safe, but it isn't great for gaming or torrenting. In addition, it’s not the fastest VPN I’ve ever tested. To get a more well-rounded service, I recommend you try one of the best VPNs available today.

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Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Pros

Cons

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Norton Secure VPN Features — 2024 Update

6.0
💸 Price 1.67 USD/month
📆 Money Back Guarantee 60 Days
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🖥 Number of servers 3000+
💻 Number of devices per license 10
🛡 Kill switch Yes
🗺 Based in country United States
🛠 Support 24/7 live chat
📥 Supports torrenting Yes

Streaming — Decent at Unblocking and Playing Videos

Norton VPN could only unblock half of the major streaming platforms I tested. So, it’s not the best choice if you want to watch all of your subscriptions. There are no streaming-optimized servers, and its small number of locations means you have fewer choices when looking for a server that isn’t blocked.

When I could unblock a service, the video quality was good. There were no major issues with buffering or low resolutions. However, I’d recommend choosing a different VPN if streaming is your main reason for wanting a VPN.

Unblocked: Netflix, (HBO) Max, and Amazon Prime Video

I was able to access a few full Netflix libraries with Norton VPN.

Screenshot of Netflix player streaming Vinland Saga while connected to Norton VPNI was also able to unblock full libraries in France and Australia

Each server I tested let me load videos quickly and watch without buffering. However, the servers from Canada, the UK, and Japan could only unblock Originals. This is a version of the site that only has the content Netflix owns, so you lose many region-specific movies and shows.

The US server also let me access (HBO) Max. It’s not always an easy service to unblock, so I was happy about that. The streaming quality was great too. I was also able to access one more platform with some pretty tough geo blocks.

Screenshot of Amazon Prime Video player streaming Citadel while connected to Norton VPNI could load videos nearly instantly, and I didn’t experience any buffering issues

Unfortunately, that was the last popular streaming service Norton let me watch.

Blocked By: Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer

I tried several different browsers and reconnecting, but none of my troubleshooting tricks worked with these platforms.

Screenshot of an error message on Hulu showing it detected Norton VPNHulu is only available in the United States, so I couldn’t test other servers

I also used the US server to try and access Disney+. With that platform, I didn’t even get an error screen. The webpage just loaded indefinitely. BBC iPlayer also blocked me, which was surprising. I’ve even found several free VPNs that can unblock BBC iPlayer.

If streaming is your priority, many other VPNs perform better. You can check out these VPNs, which can all access every major streaming platform.

Speed — Average Speeds on Most Servers

Norton VPN gave us okay speeds most of the time. However, we did find several servers that were much slower than you’d expect. There also isn’t a fastest server feature or any indications within the app about how crowded the servers are. So, you may need to troubleshoot to find the best server for you.

We always test all of our speeds from the same location with the same connection. That makes sure it’s easy to compare our results. We also test each server at least 10 times to get the most accurate rates.

Screenshot of a chart displaying several Norton VPN server speedsI lost 41% of my speed on nearby servers and 51% on distant ones

All of our tests were done with the WireGuard protocol. That’s because it’s the only protocol Norton VPN offers on its desktop apps. Luckily, it’s generally the fastest.

As you can see from the charts, the distance didn’t make as much of a difference as you’d expect. Sometimes a distant server, like the one in Australia, was faster than a closer server (Canada). I can’t explain why since support couldn’t give me any answers. All I know is that a few of Norton’s servers are very slow.

Screenshot of Ookla speed tests with no VPN connected and while connected to Norton VPNIsrael is only about 5,500 km away, but it lowered our speeds by 92%

In addition, the fastest Norton VPN server we found was in Norway. It lowered our speeds by 13%. That’s pretty good, but I’ve found VPNs that only dropped my rates by 5%, or even less, at that distance. You can find a VPN that’s faster overall and has much more consistent servers if you read this list of the fastest VPNs.

Gaming — Too Much Lag for Online Gaming

Norton VPN’s ping results were too high for smooth gaming. Ping is the most important aspect of your speed while gaming. It tells you how quickly your inputs can be registered. You want it to be under 85 ms, so your character can instantly respond to your commands.

Screenshot of Steam running Counter-Strike: Global Offensive while connected to Norton VPNI couldn’t play competitively, and the game froze up completely several times

I tested Norton Secure VPN’s closest server to me (US) with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The game was stuttering constantly while I was looking for a match and picking teams. Once the game started, the lag was severe. It took a second or longer for my character to move each time I pressed a button. Needless to say, it wasn’t a fun match. These results also show me you won’t be able to use it with cloud gaming.

There are many VPNs that work great for online games. You can look at this list of the best VPNs for gaming to find one.

Server Network — Small With Few Locations

Norton VPN only has servers in 29 countries. There are some solid VPNs with less servers, but they usually offer far more countries (2 or even 3 times as many). The majority of the locations are in Europe, where it offers 19 countries. Every other continent only gets 3 locations or less.

It also doesn’t offer city-level locations. So, when you connect to a country, you don’t know where exactly your connection will be. In a big country like the US, that means you could be connected to a server that’s thousands of kms farther away than you expected.

Screenshot of Norton VPN's Windows app displaying the list of serversThere is no search function, but it’s not really needed with Norton’s small network

While it was difficult to get answers from support, an agent did tell me that Norton VPN owns its servers. That’s great because many VPNs rent their infrastructure, which creates another middleman that could potentially access your data. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer dedicated IP addresses or private DNS servers.

I also couldn’t confirm if Norton VPN uses virtual or physically-located servers. The lack of information about its server network and other features was frustrating. In addition, I did have a few connection issues. For example, one day the Turkey server was working fine. The next day, I couldn’t get it to connect, no matter what I tried.

This is one area where Norton VPN really falls behind the competition. The top VPNs offer so much more with their servers. You can read this list of VPNs that all have much larger networks with better features.

Security — Safe but Missing a Few Features

Norton does a commendable job of hiding your location, however, I felt that it could have included some extra features. I carried out more than 10 leak tests and at no point was my real IP address revealed. I used different servers to conduct these tests. Norton manages to do this by utilizing AES-256 bit encryption, a standard used by banks and militaries, making it incredibly challenging to decode.

However, it would be nice if you could switch between multiple protocols. There is only one available for each app. The choices aren’t bad, as you get WireGuard for desktop apps, and IKEv2 for mobile devices. But the top VPNs let you choose between several. It’s also disappointing that OpenVPN isn’t offered, since it’s considered the safest protocol.

In addition, there’s no double VPN feature, custom DNS servers, or obfuscation. However, I appreciate that it has the most essential security features. Overall, this is one of Norton’s strongest areas, but it’s still not perfect.

Split Tunneling

This feature lets you exempt certain apps from the VPN’s tunnel. It works, and it can be convenient. For example, it’s much easier to access my banking app without a VPN, so I can add it to the split tunneling list, but keep everything else encrypted. I just wish you could exempt websites too.

Kill Switch

This is a necessary feature every VPN needs, so I’m glad Norton VPN has added it. It blocks your internet connection if the VPN ever disconnects. I tested it by keeping a browser open while I switched servers. This showed me that it always blocked my network, so it works as advertised. You just need to remember to switch it on since it’s not automatic.

Ad Tracker Blocking

The VPN’s ad blocker is a nice feature, although it’s not perfect. It’s pretty simple; you can only turn it on and off. I appreciate how easy it is to use, but others have some more customization options. With it enabled, I still saw a few banner ads and pop-ups. However, it’s more than most VPNs offer, since this is strangely a somewhat rare feature.

Privacy — Good Policy but It’s in a 5 Eyes Country

NortonVPN doesn't retain any of your confidential data. It only saves anonymous details essential for the VPN's operation. This cannot be associated with your browsing activities, so I'm comfortable with its privacy stance. That said, I'd prefer if it were based in a jurisdiction more conducive to privacy. Additionally, I'd like to see a future audit of its policy to validate its assertions.

Does Norton VPN Keep Logs? No

Norton VPN doesn’t log your IP address or browsing history. It will store your device type, OS, bandwidth usage, the language you choose for the app, and some other minor things. This type of information is nothing to be concerned about because it’s anonymized. That means it’s never connected to any of your personal information.

I’m also glad that it has made its policy more clear. In the past, there was only one document for all of its products, but now it’s more specific about the data it collects through its VPN.

Was Norton VPN Audited? No

There hasn’t been an independent audit of Norton VPN’s infrastructure or policies. That means it’s possible it could be storing even more information. For now, all you can do is take its word for it. The top VPNs all hire reputable third parties to give you peace of mind that they stick to their word.

Based in the US

Norton’s headquarters are in the US, a country that’s been known to spy on its citizens. It’s also part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. This is an agreement between governments to share intelligence gathered about their subjects. What’s worrying about this is it means Norton could be asked to alter its policies in the future.

Does Norton VPN Work in China? No

You won’t be able to use Norton Secure VPN in China. Luckily, this was one of the few instances where it was easy to get a straight answer from support.

Screenshot of a live chat conversation with Norton support where they confirmed it doesn't work in ChinaFeatures like double VPN or obfuscated servers help some VPNs work in China

Many VPNs have been banned by the Chinese government, but it rarely goes after individuals for using them. However, we recommend you read up on the laws before you try using one there. If you choose to use a VPN in China, check out this list of VPNs that can get past the Great Firewall.

Torrenting — Couldn’t Get P2P to Work

I couldn't manage to torrent using Norton VPN. This is due to the fact that Norton VPN restricts torrenting to its optimized server, which is situated in the Netherlands. The limitation to a single location is frustrating, and if you're located at a considerable distance, slower speeds are likely. Additionally, connection problems with Norton VPN prevented me from ever accessing this specific server.

Norton VPN also doesn’t include port forwarding or the Shadowsocks protocol, which can improve torrenting speeds. Torrenting is legal in most countries, but it’s never legal to download copyrighted materials. You should only access torrents in the public domain, so you don’t break any laws. To torrent safely, you can try one of the best VPNs for P2P in this list.

Installation & Apps

8.0

Norton VPN is very easy to use, but that’s because there are few customization options. Connecting, choosing a server, and accessing the settings are all basically self-explanatory.

Screenshot of Norton's Windows app showing how it looks when it's connectedYou can access the settings menu by clicking the cog above the connect button

The VPN region drop down list is where you can choose a server. There are also only 4 tabs within the settings menu: General, Ad Tracker, Split Tunnel, and About. General lets you launch at startup, connect at launch, toggle the kill switch, and have updates installed automatically.

That’s really all there is to it. Its simplicity makes it a breeze to use, but if you’re looking to fine-tune a VPN to your liking, Norton VPN isn’t for you.

Setup & Installation

The VPN is easy to install. On desktop, you need to subscribe and access the download page from your account on Norton’s website. Once you download the installation file, you just need to follow the instructions.

I was able to complete the setup in less than 3 minutes. It’s actually a little easier for mobile. You just go to the proper store (Google Play or App) and install it like any other app.

Device Compatibility

Norton VPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. I’m glad it covers the main players, and while some VPNs have apps for a few more devices, your vital information is most likely stored on your laptop, desktop, or phone.

Unfortunately, there are no apps for Linux devices or routers. In addition, it doesn’t offer smart DNS, a feature that lets you change locations on any device with DNS settings. I really hope it adds router support in the future (and browser extensions would be nice). Hooking a VPN up to your router gives you a way to encrypt your connection on any smart TV or game console.

If you want to easily connect any WiFi-enabled device to your VPN, I recommend you try one of the best VPNs for routers in this list.

Desktop — Apps for Windows and Mac

These apps are nearly identical. Both only let you connect to the WireGuard protocol. You also get the kill switch with both, which is nice because some VPNs don’t offer this on macOS desktops. However, split tunneling isn’t available on the Mac apps.

Android and iPhone (iOS)

These apps only let you connect with the IKEv2 protocol. The kill switch is available with both, but once again, Apple users miss out on split tunneling. Besides some minor changes in appearance, they’re pretty much the same as the desktop apps.

Simultaneous Device Connections

Different subscription tiers gives you a different device limit. You can choose between 1, 5, or 10. Five is the average amount VPNs offer, and 10 is pretty generous. However, most VPNs don’t make you pay so much more for extra connections. The tier with 10 connections is twice as much as the plan with 1.

I was able to test out 4 devices at once, and there was no change in the VPN’s performance. Even while streaming with each one, there was no noticeable difference in speeds. So, the simultaneous connections work without issues, but the 10 device plan is too expensive.

Pricing

6.4
1 Device Annual
$ 1.67 / month per month
5 Devices Annual
$ 2.49 / month per month
10 Devices Annual
$ 4.16 / month per month

For the best savings, I recommend purchasing the VPN with one of Norton’s security packages. Several Norton 360 plans come with the VPN. So, if you’re interested in its antivirus products, you can try out Norton VPN that way.

However, I don’t recommend paying for the VPN on its own. There are monthly and annual plans. The annual plan with 1 device is the cheapest, especially for that term length. Some VPNs, like PIA, are cheaper and offer unlimited simultaneous connections under one account.

The annual plans also give you a 60-day money-back guarantee, which is twice as much as most VPNs offer. However, you only get 14 days with monthly plans. I tested the refund policy, and got all the money back in my account after 6 days.

Screenshot of conversation with Norton support agents where my refund was approvedI wish I knew you could cancel through your account page before I contacted support

Unfortunately, there’s no way to pay with cryptocurrency. You can only purchase Norton VPN with Paypal, or Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards.

Reliability & Support

4.0

Norton makes it a hassle to get in touch with support. There is a 24/7 live chat. But before you can talk to a live agent, you have to answer several questions asked by its bot. Then, you have to click through a series of pages on its website before you can actually find the live chat option. It’s almost like it doesn’t want you to talk to support.

There are even more steps after that. Worst, you have to give them your full name, email address, and phone number, just to get the chat started. Not only is it a hassle, but it’s not very privacy-friendly. I really don’t feel comfortable giving any VPN my phone number, and most don’t ask for it.

Even after all that, sometimes you have to wait for several minutes before a representative begins your conversation. You also need an account to get your questions answered. Another issue is that support agents try to close your chat window as quickly as they can. Once, I walked away for less than a minute, and when I came back, the window was closed. I had to go through the entire annoying process again.

Screenshot of a conversation over live chat with Norton support where they couldn't tell me if servers are virtualMany times the answers I got made no sense and weren’t related to my questions

Sometimes it even seemed like support was simply copy-and-pasting random text from the website. For example, when I asked about its privacy policy, I was sent a series of paragraphs related to the kill switch, WiFi protection and other unrelated topics. On the plus side, the agents were always friendly. I believe they tried their best, but they just weren’t knowledgeable about the product.

There is no email support, but you can contact it by telephone. I find that inconvenient compared to live chats, but it’s there if you’re interested. There are also several FAQs on the website, but these often have outdated information.

Compare Norton Secure VPN With The Top Alternative VPNs
Our Score: 9.9
Our Score: 9.7
Our Score: 9.5
Our Score: 9.4

The Bottom Line

Final Verdict — Not a Bad Choice if You Have 360

Norton Secure VPN has plenty of positives. It can unblock many major streaming platforms, and it’s quite secure. The VPN also passed all of my leak tests, and its kill switch works well.

However, it could use a little work in some areas. Its torrenting support is poor, and the server network is a bit small. Plus, it’s not the fastest VPN, and I wish it was easier to contact support.

You can use Norton VPN if it’s in your 360 package, but there are better options. It’s not a bad VPN, but I recommend looking into the top VPNs to see what they offer that Norton doesn’t. You can try one of the best VPNs available risk-free since they all come with money-back guarantees.

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  • Unblocks several major streaming platforms
  • Solid security features
  • Strict no logging policy

FAQs on Norton VPN

Is Norton VPN safe?

Yes, Norton Secure VPN is safe. It passed all of my leak tests. This is because it uses AES 256-bit encryption, the same level used by banks and militaries around the world. Plus, it also has a kill switch, which blocks your connection if the VPN unexpectedly disconnects. That means you’ll never have to go online without protection.

Is Norton VPN free?

No, but Norton VPN comes with some of Norton’s security packages. It also offers 7-day free trials if you sign up with an iOS or Android device. On top of that, there are 14-day money-back guarantees with monthly plans, and 60-day policies with yearly ones. I tested out its refund policy, and I was able to get all my money back in 6 days.

What’s the difference between Norton 360 and Norton Secure VPN?

Norton 360 is a package of security products, and Norton VPN comes with certain tiers. The cheapest plan (AntiVirus Plus) comes with Norton’s antivirus software, along with cloud backup, and a password manager. The Standard plan, and all packages above this, come with Norton VPN. You can also purchase the VPN separately, but it’s a better deal with 360.

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 60
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 10
We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Norton Secure VPN User Reviews (User reviews are not verified)
3.2
Based on 85 reviews in 8 languages

Write a Review on Norton Secure VPN

Please rate VPN.

All Speed Streaming Security Сustomer service
Lukas
Lukas
2/10
Disaster VPN

Internet connection is down to 10%. Problems with logging in my account. Problems with getting help. I bought vpn with norton 360 in deluxe option. Nothing is working now. Can't login to my account. Internet speed is down. Can't get help with refund - cause they want me to login to my account etc. Strongly advise against it.

John C
John C
6/10
Worked all right for 6 months

6 SEP 2023 Had this for six months and now, all the sudden, my internet speed with VPN turned on is unbearable. VPN also disconnects without warning or reason and has to be turned on again and again. As for blocking my location, when I first came here to Thailand, Norton did not hide me and sites were still blocked even while using US location. I have LifeLock, so I added the VPN, but when my year expires I will look elsewhere. I will probably have to find another VPN to get me through the next six months since I can't seem to find a fix for the latest lag and connection issues online.

Wayne
Wayne
2/10
Waste of time speed down to 10% of when VPN turned off

I'm looking at going elsewhere, a lot of sites I cannot go into, and my download speed is 5 to 10 at best. Turn the VPN off, every thing is great. Norton are not interested they just want your money it's a pity really.

About the Author

Matthew is a writer and editor for VPNMentor with a proven track record of providing in-depth analysis of the most highly regarded VPNs, including ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. His unparalleled expertise has enabled him to consistently deliver cutting-edge insights on the most sought-after (and newest) VPN services.

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