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Norton Secure VPN Review

Our rating
Security Read more toggle icon
75%
Features Read more toggle icon
70%
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Norton is one of the biggest names in the world of cybersecurity. The market-leading brand produces some of the best and most popular antivirus software on the market and has millions of active users. Yet, despite its stellar reputation for all things security, Norton was surprisingly late to the market with its secure VPN app. It is still considered to be one of the newer options when compared to other VPN providers that have been protecting users online for years. But with such a big name behind it, Norton Secure VPN was destined for success. So does it live up to the expectation? We're going to find out.

In this Norton Secure VPN review, we put everything to the test. We take a close look at the server network, the security features, its ability to access streaming services, and much more. Ultimately, we decide whether Norton Secure VPN can keep you safe online and whether or not it's worth the investment. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this VPN.

    Pros

  • pro icon VPN offered by a reliable company
  • pro icon Unblocks Netflix
  • pro icon Kill switch feature

    Cons

  • con icon Limited server locations
  • con icon No support for Firestick
  • con icon Limited protocol options
Price Starting At: 3.33 $ / monthly 39.99 $ / annually
For New Users: 60 -day money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 1500+
General information
Type of IP offered: Dedicated
Simultaneous connections / Users: 10
OS support: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
VPN Promotion: Get VPN from Norton Secure VPN for 3.33$ per month
Capabilities
Unlimited Bandwidthcross iconKill Switchcross iconSplit Tunnelingcross iconZero Data Loggingcross iconFree Version / Trialcross iconMobile Appcross iconFirestick Compatiblecross icon
Payment options
  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Mastercard Debit
  • Paypal
  • Visa
  • Visa Debit
  • Visa Electron
Geolocations available
  • Brazil
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Norton Secure VPN Security

75%

One of the most significant advantages to Norton VPN when it comes to security is its reputation. With new VPN clients, you never really know what you are getting. You need to rely on reviews and give new brands the benefit of the doubt. With over 20 years in the cybersecurity and antivirus space, Norton has more than proved itself as a reliable and trustworthy creator of secure software.

Norton Secure VPN comes with the highest levels of AES 256-bit encryption, which they call bank-grade encryption. Although this has become somewhat of an industry-standard, it's good to see that it's available. Two VPN protocols are available with Norton, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec. Although these are two of the most popular and secure VPN protocol options, it's disappointing that others like IKEv2 and Wireguard are not available. We always prefer to have plenty of options, and we find this to be quite limiting. The good news is that OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec are both secure and can be used for all browsing activities, including streaming and downloading.

The dynamic IP addresses provided by Norton Secure VPN are a huge selling point. Unlike a static IP that remains the same, a dynamic IP address changes every time you connect to a VPN server. This makes it significantly harder for Internet Service Providers to track your online activity or gain access to your user data. This is also complemented by multi-hop technology. With multi-hop, your internet traffic isn't routed through one VPN server but a selection of different VPN servers. This also helps to make it much harder for online threats to track you.

DNS and WebRTC Leaks were non-existent when we tested Norton Secure VPN. Unfortunately, such leaks are a common problem with VPN usage, so we were delighted to find that Norton had tackled it head-on. We ran several leak tests and found that neither our actual location nor real IP address was exposed. Again, this is fantastic when you're using a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions and don't want to be detected. The in-built ad tracking blocker is another great perk. It stops persistent ads from popping up as you browse, and you can even check how many ads have been blocked since you installed the app. This can be disabled at any time, but it's recommended that you keep it on.

There are plenty of other security features included with a Norton Secure VPN subscription, but there's a catch. Despite having many impressive tools, some are limited to specific devices and operating systems. So it's great that they are available, but then disappointing that they're only available to particular users.

Take the network kill switch, for example. A fantastic security feature that detects when your VPN connection drops. If this happens, the kill switch will temporarily cut your internet connection. This helps to prevent data leaks and ensures that your online privacy is never compromised. It's also great if you're using the VPN to access Netflix or other streaming services - if the VPN connection drops and Netflix can detect your real IP address, you may face an IP ban or even a total account closure. The catch? It is only available on Android and Windows devices. So if you're using a Windows laptop, you can use it, but using a Mac on the macOS operating system means you miss out on the kill switch entirely.

Unlike many other VPN services, Norton Secure VPN keeps logs. We spend a lot of our time talking about VPNs with strict no-logs policies, so it's strange to come across a VPN that openly stores user data. That said, there's a good reason for it. Norton is a US-based company and forms part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes Alliances. This means that the company could be subject to auditing and have to provide specific user information to third parties. What helps is that Norton is very transparent about the data it collects and what it's used for, so there are no nasty surprises.

Some of the data that Norton collects and keeps include your contact details, financial information, marketing preferences, and device preferences. There is significantly more information stored by Norton Secure VPN than there is by most other VPN providers, but the company's US jurisdiction gives it no choice. The one positive is that your browsing history and specific internet activity are not logged, stored, or shared. So there is a 'no-logs policy' in some areas, but not others.

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Norton Secure VPN Features

70%

Norton Secure VPN has around 1,500 VPN servers in total, which is modest but adequate. This doesn't compare much to the leading VPNs in the market. Many others have anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 servers to choose from. The server locations are spread across 31 countries, which isn't exactly worldwide coverage. There are very few areas in countries with high levels of internet censorship, so you won't be able to connect in places like China or North Korea. We would like to see the geographical coverage improve, but the 31 countries available are a good start.

One of the newest features recently added to Norton Secure is split tunneling functionality. Split tunneling is very convenient and isn't available with all VPN service providers. With the split tunneling tool, you can select which traffic you want to encrypt through the VPN and which you don't. For example, maybe you're based in the US but want access to UK Netflix, so you connect to a UK server. But then perhaps you want to log on to your online banking, which probably won't work on a VPN connection. The answer? Split tunneling. You can select certain websites and apps to bypass the VPN, and this can be toggled in just a second within the Norton Secure VPN app.

Depending on the package, you can have anywhere from one to ten simultaneous connections with Norton VPN. This is very flexible and allows you to create a plan that suits your needs without overspending on connections you don't need. In terms of compatibility, the VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android only. It does not work with Linux, Amazon Fire Stick, or any consoles.

There is a workaround for this, though. Norton can be configured on specific routers, so every device connected to the wifi network will benefit from the same levels of security. One of the best features of the Norton Secure VPN app is just how easy it is to use. The untrained eye may consider the app old-fashioned or out of date, but everything is by design. Norton wanted to create a VPN app that appeals to beginners and advanced users, and it did precisely that.

Unfortunately, Norton Secure VPN does not support torrenting or P2P filesharing of any kind. In fact, there is a complete blanket ban on all filesharing activities. So if this is the reason you need a VPN, you will have to look elsewhere. It's not very surprising that Norton bans torrents, considering the entire brand is built on online security. Unfortunately, torrents are a breeding ground for viruses and other malware types, so Norton has decided to take no risks.

Norton Secure is surprisingly affordable, with flexible packages and several ways to pay, including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. You can't pay with cryptocurrency yet, which is the preferred method for the most security-conscious, but we expect this to be available in the future. There is a 60-day money-back guarantee on the annual plan, which is double the guarantee period of most other VPN services on the market.

Summary

3.5
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Table of content

Does Norton Secure VPN Unblock Netflix and Other Streaming Services?

Norton Secure is one of the safest and most reliable VPNs on the market if you just want to protect your safety and privacy online. But how does it fare with streaming? There are two things that you need a VPN to be able to do when it comes to streaming – it needs to unblock, and it needs to be able to maintain high speeds.

The unblocking ability comes down to the VPN protocols used and the server locations. You will need a VPN server in the location that you want to watch the content from. Although Norton Secure has a smaller network than some of its competition, it’s more than adequate for accessing foreign content libraries. There are VPN servers in locations with the largest Netflix libraries, like Japan and the USA.

So you can easily connect to a server that will change your IP address, but during our VPN review, we found that the unblocking can be inconsistent. The good news is, for the most part, Norton Secure VPN was able to unblock Netflix. It was a bit hit-and-miss at first, but everything worked as it should after switching between VPN servers. This is quite impressive, considering that Netflix is renowned for its ability to detect and block VPNs.

The issue was Norton Secure VPN’s ability to unblock alternative streaming platforms. The truth is that it struggled with many of the most popular sites, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Each of these streaming services had the geo-restriction error despite being connected to a local server on Norton Secure VPN. Its difficulty at unblocking some platforms might be because it only has OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec protocols. There are much better protocols out there for bypassing restrictions, such as Wireguard.

How Fast is the Norton VPN Server Network?

Our speed tests look at three main things – download speeds, upload speeds, and ping. You should remember that there are many variables when it comes to the speed of a VPN and its server network. You could experience slow speeds for a number of reasons, including your own internet speed and your distance from the server. Before conducting a speed test, we ensured that everything was perfectly optimized – a local server and a super-fast internet. This meant that we could get an accurate idea of Norton Secure VPN’s impact on an internet connection.

Let’s just say that the results were quite disappointing. The download speed dropped by 60% when we activated the VPN and connected to a server. Upload speeds were also reduced by 40%, and ping was around five times slower. This is a significantly bigger difference than we would expect to see from a VPN service, with the numbers usually sitting around 20%. Such a reduction can cause painfully slow internet speeds and make it difficult to download or stream. However, the speeds remained stable enough for general browser traffic like Google Search and social media.

Again, the poor speed test result is likely down to Norton Secure VPN not using the fastest VPN protocols. With OpenVPN, the time it takes between data sending and receiving is much longer than Wireguard or Hydra.

How Much Does Norton Secure VPN Cost?

The pricing structure is a huge selling point to Norton Secure. Not only is it cheaper than much of the competition, but it has a lot more flexibility in its packages. You can choose the number of devices to protect (one, five, or ten) as well as the term of the subscription, monthly or annually.

It’s clear that the annual plans are where the savings are. If you choose a yearly plan, you will also be protected by a 60-day money-back guarantee, significantly longer than many other VPN services allow.

Although there isn’t a free trial specifically for the Norton Secure VPN app, users can get a free trial of Norton 360. Norton 360 is the complete package, including antivirus, parental control, privacy manager, and of course, Norton VPN. So if you opt for the Norton 360 trial, you will be able to try the Norton VPN risk-free for seven days.

What Devices Does Norton Secure VPN Work on?

Norton Secure VPN offers apps for four different operating systems; Windows and macOS for desktops and laptops and Android and iOS for mobile devices. It’s great that the major operating systems are covered, but some obvious alternatives are missing. Many security-conscious users like to use the Linux operating system, for example, and Norton isn’t available.

It’s also worth remembering that certain Norton Secure VPN features are only available on specific devices. Split tunneling, for example, can be used on the Android and Windows app, but not macOS or iOS. Likewise, the kill switch is one of the best security features but can only be used on Android. So it’s best to read and understand which devices have which limitations because even if you can install the app on your device, it doesn’t mean you can utilize all of its features.

The Norton VPN apps are intuitive, with a similar look and feel to other Norton products. This means that it’ll be incredibly easy for anybody that has used Norton Antivirus in the past. So whether you’re a beginner or a VPN expert, you will find the Norton VPN app easy to use.

Does Norton Secure VPN Support Gaming?

In theory, yes, Norton works for gaming, but not very well. The best VPN services for gaming can maintain fast speeds and low ping, and unfortunately, Norton Secure doesn’t do a great job of either. Our speed test results indicate that Norton Secure is not one of the best VPN services for gaming, as it can result in lag, buffering, and even disconnection.

Does Norton Secure VPN Support Split Tunneling?

Split tunneling is a premium tool, only supported by specialist VPN providers. Fortunately, Norton Secure VPN is one of those providers. It’s a newly added feature and one that has already been incredibly popular with users. Split tunneling means that you can choose which apps and websites use the encrypted connection and which don’t.

You should note that split tunneling currently only works on the Android and Windows VPN apps. It is not supported on iOS or macOS. However, we do expect this to change in the future.

How Good is Norton Secure VPN’s Customer Support?

The Secure VPN is just one of the many Norton Products. Being part of a much bigger platform has a lot of pros, but it also has its drawbacks. One of them is the lack of a dedicated customer support team. To clarify, Norton has 24/7 live chat, but there isn’t a team or channel specifically for the Norton Secure VPN app.

We reached out to the customer support team on several occasions and were impressed with the quick responses and friendliness of the agents. Unfortunately, they were unable to answer many questions about the Norton VPN. It’s clear that most of the training and knowledge is on other Norton products, like the Antivirus suite.

For US-based customers, there is also a 24/7 telephone live, which is a nice perk. It’s not something available with most VPN services and is a clear indicator of the sheer size of Norton as a business. But, again, we received professional service from the phone support team, and the level of knowledge on the Norton VPN product seemed better. Remote assistance also means that the professionals can take over control of your computer to fix any technical issues – with your permission, of course!

Is Your Personal Information Safe with Norton Secure VPN?

It’s called secure VPN for a reason, and it lives up to its name. Norton has built a multi-million dollar business on cybersecurity and protecting user privacy. So it’s no real surprise that the VPN is one of the best for online security. That said, whether your personal information is truly safe with Norton is up for debate.

That’s because Norton does log user data, including personally identifiable information like your email and IP addresses. It is also obliged to share these when requested by the Government or Governing bodies because of its membership with Five Eyes. So although unlikely, there is a chance that your information could be shared with third parties. The good news is that your browsing data isn’t stored, so everything you do online remains anonymous.

How Does Norton Secure VPN Compare with Other VPNs?

Norton Secure VPN has a lot of similarities to the market-leading VPNs. Several security features include 256-bit AES encryption, multi-hop functionality, and a network kill switch. It also has excellent protection against DNS leaks and provides a couple of excellent VPN protocol options. Ultimately, Norton Secure can grant you completely private internet access and is up there with one of the best for doing so.

There are fewer Norton VPN server locations than we expected. For a company so large, we expected to see a vast selection of servers worldwide. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. The server locations only cover 31 countries and exclude many popular places for VPN users. Some of the biggest VPNs on the market have over 5,000 servers to choose from, so Norton Secure VPN falls relatively short in this department. There are also no specialty servers labeled for streaming or specific activities.

Although Norton Secure VPN works with Netflix, it can be unreliable at times. It also fails to unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many large streaming services. The upload and download speed would also need some improvement before Norton VPN could be fully recommended for streaming or gaming. Additional server locations and more advanced VPN protocols could help to improve this.

Pricing is one of the main highlights of Norton Secure VPN. Prices start as low as $4.99, and you’re able to select the number of devices you want to protect. This is one of the areas that Norton beats much of the competition. With other VPN services, you’re likely to pay higher prices and be forced to pay for more devices than you need.

In conclusion, we were satisfied in every area of our Norton Secure VPN review. Sure, as highlighted, there is some room for improvement. But, Norton has created a low-price VPN solution that is great for the security-conscious.

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Author Cliff Durward

Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids. I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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