Pros

• Unblocks a few streaming platforms
• Has P2P-optimized servers
• Can block ads and trackers
• Has a split tunneling feature
• Uses AES-256 encryption
• Follows a no-logs policy
• Can be purchased with an antivirus
• Offers a free 7-day trial

Cons

• No Wi-Fi Security on macOS or Windows
• Apple apps weaker
• Doesn’t allow to select specific servers, only regions

What is Norton VPN?

Norton Secure VPN is a virtual private network service that belongs to Gen Digital Inc., formerly known as NortonLifeLock Inc. The company is based in Tempe, Arizona, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes Alliance. Additionally, it’s important to mention that the conglomerate also possesses other popular antivirus brands like Avast, LifeLock, Avira, and AVG.

In addition to VPN services, Norton offers a range of cybersecurity tools for complete protection. Norton 360 is their notable product, providing antivirus protection, password management, dark web monitoring, and more. The antivirus protects against viruses and malware while browsing. The password manager ensures strong passwords for online accounts. Dark web monitoring tracks stolen personal data. With Norton’s comprehensive cybersecurity suite, you can browse the internet worry-free.

Pricing— How much does Norton Secure VPN Cost?

Norton VPN offers various pricing plans to cater to different budgets, with the cost determined by the number of devices to be protected and the duration of the subscription. Opting for the 1-year subscription at $3.33 per month provides the best value for money, supporting up to 5 simultaneous connections. It’s important to note that this option involves an annual payment of $29.99 instead of monthly charges.

On the other hand, there are alternatives for monthly subscriptions. However, they result in higher long-term expenses. Below are the specifics of Norton VPN pricing plans.

It is essential to mention that Norton VPN can be obtained separately or as part of the Norton antivirus suite. It is encompassed in the following malware protection packages:

• Norton 360 Standard ($39.99/year)
• Norton 360 Deluxe ($49.99/year)
• Norton 360 with LifeLock Select ($99.99/year)

Antivirus packages are priced higher due to the inclusion of multiple malware protection features, with the VPN being offered as an additional feature. The most affordable option is the Norton 360 Deluxe at $49.99 per year, while other plans are more expensive.

Can you get Norton VPN for free version?

Certainly, Norton VPN can be obtained at no cost when acquired alongside Norton antivirus, rather than as an independent product. The Norton 360 Standard, Deluxe, and LifeLock Select subscriptions offer a complimentary 7-day trial for testing the VPN.

During the trial period, the Norton Deluxe and LifeLock Select allow you to utilize the VPN on up to 5 devices at no cost. If you wish to test it on additional devices, you will need to choose the LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan, which enables unlimited simultaneous connections. Upon signing up and entering your credit card details, the free trial will commence immediately. You will not be billed for up to 7 days if you remember to cancel the subscription within the week. Failure to do so will result in the deduction of the first-year price for your selected plan from your account.

Is Norton VPN safe?

Norton VPN is indeed secure, but it lacks many features. It employs AES-256 encryption, which is widely used in the market, and adheres to a strict no-logging policy. However, it is disappointing that it does not support the WireGuard tunneling protocol, and the kill switch is only accessible on Windows and Android applications.

Norton VPN may not have extra features, but it provides essential protection for your online data and anonymity. It also includes additional security tools such as Wi-Fi security and an ad blocker.

Encryption

When it comes to security, Norton VPN employs the robust AES-256 encryption that is considered nearly impossible to crack. This encryption technique ensures that every connection to the VPN server is encrypted and unreadable to unauthorized third parties. The use of this cipher is a standard practice among reputable VPN providers, making it a benchmark for security in the industry. With such strong encryption, users can rest assured that their online activities remain private and secure from potential cyber threats.

Tunneling protocols

Norton VPN provides different tunneling protocols for different operating systems. While Windows and Android users can use the OpenVPN protocol, macOS and iOS users can only use L2TP/IPSec. OpenVPN is a widely used protocol known for its safety features, whereas L2TP/IPSec is considered a reliable option within the industry.Although Norton VPN offers fewer options compared to other VPN providers, they prioritize reliability over quantity. However, implementing modern protocols like WireGuard could enhance their service further. It is worth noting that the choice of tunneling protocol depends on the user’s preferences and needs, as each protocol has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Kill switch

The kill switch feature is a critical component of VPN technology that safeguards your IP address in the event of a connection disruption. It functions by automatically blocking all web traffic to ensure sensitive data, such as your location and IP address, remains private. Norton VPN offers this feature on its Windows and Android applications, operating as a system-wide kill switch that blocks all internet traffic rather than just specific apps. The setting can be enabled in the General tab of the settings menu, providing an added layer of security for users concerned about their online privacy.

Having a VPN connection that automatically reconnects in case of a drop is an essential security feature. Often, VPN connections can drop momentarily without the user even realizing it, leaving their internet connection unsecured. With an automatic reconnection feature, users can ensure continuous protection at all times, giving them peace of mind and added security. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently use public Wi-Fi networks or travel frequently and need to connect to unknown networks.

Logging

After examining the privacy policy of Norton VPN, we discovered that it does not gather any data about your online activities. However, it does collect subscriber information for communication purposes and tracks data on the device you use and aggregate bandwidth usage. It is important to note that while Norton VPN assures its users that their online activity is not monitored, it is always advisable to carefully review a VPN provider’s privacy policy before using their services. When choosing a VPN provider, privacy-conscious users should prioritize those who have clear and concise privacy policies and are committed to protecting their users’ online privacy.

It’s important to mention that Norton VPN is based in the United States, which is part of the 5-Eyes surveillance alliance. Despite the US not being privacy-friendly, this VPN guarantees that no sensitive information will be accessible to unauthorized parties.

Ad blocker

Norton Secure VPN includes Ad Tracker Blocking to prevent potentially harmful ads and trackers, such as pop-ups, banners, and redirect ads, while browsing online. We tested this feature using the AdBlock Tester and it received a score of 86 out of 100, successfully removing various types of ads and images.

During testing with the Can You Block It tool, it successfully removed video ads and pop-under ads, but had difficulty with Push Notification Requests and page push ads. The app also includes a block history feature, allowing users to review the websites that were blocked in the past week, the last 30 days, or the entire duration of VPN usage. This feature is accessible on all devices, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Wi-Fi security

The Wi-Fi security feature is an important tool that helps protect your device from potential threats when connecting to unsecured networks. This feature is available on both iOS and Android smartphones or tablets and can be especially helpful when traveling or working in public places. Essentially, the feature activates an automatic connection to Norton VPN whenever an insecure network is detected, thus safeguarding your device against any potential attacks. Additionally, users can choose to customize the feature by setting it to start automatically or receive warning notifications and enable it manually. By utilizing this feature, you can ensure that your device remains secure while accessing public Wi-Fi networks.

Apart from selecting a VPN, it is also possible to add specific networks that you know are secure to the “My Trusted Networks” section. This ensures that the VPN does not start when your device connects to these trusted networks. In doing so, you can save bandwidth and improve performance while still being assured of security when accessing untrusted networks. It is important to note that adding a network to the trusted list should only be done after careful consideration and research into its security measures.

Split tunneling

Norton VPN’s split tunneling feature allows users to exclude certain apps from connecting to the VPN. This means that specific applications can be manually selected to bypass the secure VPN connection and instead connect directly through your ISP. This feature is particularly useful for generic applications like games that do not put your privacy at risk.However, it is important to note that financial apps or other programs that hold sensitive information should not be excluded. Currently, Norton VPN’s split tunneling feature is only available on Windows and Android devices. Despite this limitation, it remains a valuable tool for those looking for greater control over their online privacy and security. By selecting which apps connect through the VPN and which don’t, users can optimize their internet usage while protecting their sensitive information.

Is Norton VPN fast— What’s Speed & performance?

Although Norton Secure VPN lacks WireGuard, it is still a reliable VPN service. However, it may not be as fast as some of the fastest VPNs available in the market. To determine its performance, manual tests are necessary to compare it with other VPNs. We conducted manual tests on a Windows 10 virtual machine equipped with specific hardware to evaluate its performance. It is essential to perform manual tests to identify any limitations and ensure that the VPN service meets your requirements. Additionally, factors such as server location and network congestion can also affect VPN speeds.

To evaluate Norton VPN comprehensively, we tested its servers in five countries across different continents: the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia. Speed tests were conducted to assess server performance. See the table below for a summary of the results. These tests are crucial for users as they provide insights into the speed and connectivity of a VPN service. Conducting such tests helps users make informed decisions about which VPN service to choose based on their specific needs.

Baseline: 500mbps download speed and 500mbps upload speed

Norton VPN’s average download speed retention rate stands at 60%, while the upload speed retention rate is 54%. The proximity to a server has a significant impact on the speed results, and the closer we are physically, the better the performance. Although there are faster VPNs available in the market, Norton VPN still offers above-average speed test results. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize online security without compromising internet speeds. It is also worth noting that Norton VPN provides a user-friendly interface and is compatible with multiple devices, making it a convenient option for individuals and businesses alike.

Norton VPN— Servers & locations

Norton VPN offers servers in 29 diverse countries, such as Singapore, the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and more. However, the exact number of servers is not publicly disclosed by the developers, leading to speculation from reviewers and online sources estimating around 1,000 servers. It is important to await official information from the VPN service providers rather than rely on unfounded assumptions.

Norton VPN does not offer the option to manually choose specific servers. Instead, it automatically connects to the fastest server, minimizing the need to know the total number of servers. However, users can still select the server locations they wish to connect to. Additionally, there is an auto-connect feature that selects the location with the fastest speed at the time.

How Is Norton VPN good for streaming?

Norton VPN provided varying outcomes when attempting to access different streaming services. Although its UK servers successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer, it took multiple attempts. Norton Secure VPN had similar results with Netflix, only unlocking a few regional libraries.

Nevertheless, we achieved improved outcomes in unblocking US-exclusive YouTube TV and various geo-blocked videos on YouTube. Additionally, we were able to access Max on a few occasions. In general, these unsatisfactory outcomes indicate that the Norton VPN service is far from being among the top VPNs for streaming.

Norton VPN was unsuccessful in bypassing the location restrictions of Netflix and Hulu. The developers of these streaming services are constantly improving their anti-VPN technologies, which explains why some products are unable to bypass them. If you’re looking for a VPN to access global content, NordVPN or Surfshark are recommended as they are effective with all major streaming platforms and can help you access your favorite shows from anywhere in the world.

Is Norton VPN Safe And Good for torrenting?

Norton VPN is not suitable for torrenting due to its sole P2P-friendly server location in the app, known as Torrent-Optimized Region. The speeds are also slow and inconsistent, typically ranging from 2 Mbps with occasional peaks up to 8 Mbps. To illustrate, our test using an official torrent for Ubuntu showed that downloading a 3 GB file would take over an hour with Norton VPN, whereas it would only take 3 minutes with the VPN connection disabled. Therefore, Norton VPN is not an ideal choice for torrenting. Other VPNs designed for torrenting offer significantly better speeds and even feature dedicated P2P servers. It is recommended to explore alternative options for an improved torrenting experience.

How does Norton VPN work and its use?

Upon launching the Norton Secure VPN app for the first time, you will be prompted to log in to your account. If 2FA is enabled, you will need to enter a verification code. Otherwise, you will be directed to the simple home screen, featuring the on/off button on the left and the server selection menu on the right. Your current IP address is displayed below. The default VPN region is set to auto-select, allowing Norton VPN to connect to the most optimal server automatically. Alternatively, you can manually choose a server location from the menu on the right. Selecting a country will immediately connect you to the corresponding VPN server. Once connected, your IP address will change, and all online activities will be encrypted using AES-256 ciphers.

Before using Norton VPN to browse the web, it is advisable to activate the kill switch. You can accomplish this by accessing the settings menu (located at the top as a cogwheel). In the settings menu, you will also have the option to enable split tunneling and make necessary adjustments. Once these steps are completed, Norton VPN can be used to achieve your objectives, such as evading your ISP or circumventing geographical limitations. Norton Secure VPN is capable of effectively fulfilling these purposes.

How to use Norton VPN Step by Step Guide?

Below is a simplified guide on using Norton VPN to quickly set it up and running.

• Download the VPN application from the official Norton website.
• Access the software and sign in.
• Please go to the settings menu and activate the kill switch to stop data leaks.
• Select your desired server location from the primary menu.
• Activate the VPN connection by using the on/off switch.

User Friendly Interface and ease of use

Norton VPN is a highly compatible service that works seamlessly on all popular platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. The user-friendly interface remains consistent across all desktop and mobile apps, ensuring that users don’t have to adjust to changes when using different devices running on different operating systems. Moreover, the installation process is quick and easy. Users can download Norton VPN from the official website and follow the instructions on the installation wizard or get it from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store within minutes on their smartphones. This convenience makes Norton VPN a go-to choice for anyone looking for a reliable and hassle-free VPN service.

Windows

Norton Secure VPN’s compatibility with various versions of Windows makes it a popular choice for users seeking enhanced online security and privacy. However, it is not compatible with S mode in Windows 10 and 11. The simple interface allows users to activate the VPN with just one click, while the option to choose a specific region is available for users. Although specific server selection is not possible, Norton Secure VPN includes additional security features such as ad tracker blocker, kill switch, and split tunneling. These features can help protect your online activity from prying eyes and secure your personal information while using public Wi-Fi networks or accessing sensitive websites.

macOS

Norton VPN provides a versatile VPN service with a dedicated app for macOS, compatible with the current and two previous operating system versions. The macOS app shares a nearly identical interface with its Windows counterpart, allowing users to easily connect to their preferred server region and options. While the macOS version offers Ad Tracker Blocking, it lacks split tunneling and kill switch features, which may be a drawback for some users. Nonetheless, the Ad Tracker Blocking feature can effectively prevent advertisers from tracking online activities and collecting data, making Norton VPN a user-friendly solution for Mac users seeking online privacy and security.

Android

Norton VPN for Android is a flexible VPN service that is compatible with Android devices running 6.0 or later. The app is user-friendly with a modern design, making it easy to navigate. You can download and install the app from the Google Play Store within minutes. A notable feature of the Norton VPN Android version is the quick access button, allowing for one-click VPN activation. Users can effortlessly choose their preferred region and activate ad-blocking and wifi security features. The Android version of Norton VPN offers a wide range of features similar to its Windows counterpart, maintaining a user-friendly interface without unnecessary elements. Overall, Norton VPN for Android is an excellent option for those seeking a dependable VPN service with robust security features, providing a streamlined way to safeguard online privacy on mobile devices.

iOS

The Norton Secure VPN app for iOS comes with fewer features compared to its counterparts for Windows and Android. The app’s interface is similar to the Android version with a few minor differences. Upon downloading, users will come across a clean and straightforward interface that includes separate tabs for enabling the VPN connection and selecting the VPN region at the bottom. Furthermore, users can utilize the auto-connect feature to automatically select the country that provides optimum speeds.However, it lacks some essential features such as kill switch and split tunneling, which are available in the macOS variant. Despite these limitations, Norton Secure VPN remains a reliable option for iOS users looking to secure their online activities and protect their privacy while using public Wi-Fi networks or browsing online.

Customer support

Norton provides several customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, a phone number, a blog, and a community forum. If you need quick assistance, you can choose the 24/7 live chat.However, my experience with seeking help through live chat was quite frustrating. The support website presented multiple hurdles before I could engage in a chat with a real person. It directed me to FAQs, community forums, and other areas before allowing me to chat. Even when the chat window eventually appeared, I still had to explain my issue to a virtual assistant.

When testing Norton VPN’s customer support, it is important to acknowledge that the site had a notice about a high volume of calls and messages. Therefore, the underwhelming support experience could be due to overburdened support agents. If the problem is too difficult to address through text, there is a phone line available on the site. For those who prefer self-learning, Norton offers numerous informative articles on its website and community forum. In summary, Norton provides a variety of support options to cater to different preferences.

Is Norton VPN good and worth it?

Norton VPN is a reliable VPN service that provides users with essential security features, such as a kill switch and split tunneling. The kill switch ensures that your internet connection is disconnected if the VPN suddenly disconnects, preventing your online activity from being exposed. Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps or websites go through the VPN, giving you more control over your online privacy.In addition to these features, Norton VPN also offers Wi-Fi Security and Ad Tracker Blocking for mobile devices. Wi-Fi Security protects your device from potential cyber threats while connected to public Wi-Fi networks, while Ad Tracker Blocking helps prevent advertisers from tracking your online activity. All in all, Norton VPN provides a solid foundation for securing your online activities and keeping your personal information safe.

Norton VPN is not the most suitable option for streaming due to its difficulty with many streaming platforms. Although it offers P2P-optimized servers, they are rather slow. Nevertheless, if you require extra online browsing security or need to connect to unfamiliar wireless networks, Norton VPN is a dependable addition to its antivirus service. It is reasonably priced and performs effectively for essential functions.

Norton Secure VPN Review— FAQ

Is Norton VPN good?

Indeed, Norton VPN is a fairly effective VPN option. It provides cost-effective pricing and presents different subscription options for safeguarding 1, 5, or 10 devices at the same time. The application is suitable for both desktop and mobile devices and guarantees swift and secure connections from any location.

Does Norton VPN really work?

Norton VPN is a trustworthy option for security and privacy, utilizing the robust AES cipher to encrypt data and maintaining a strict no-logs policy. However, our testing revealed an approximate 40% decrease in speed, which is not as favorable as other VPN options.

Does Norton VPN track my internet activity?

Norton VPN does not track or store your online activity. It follows a no-log policy to guarantee the privacy of your browsing data.

Is Norton VPN trustworthy?

Norton VPN is reliable because its developers are reputable for their dependable antivirus software products. You can obtain this VPN as a standalone option or as part of the Norton antivirus suite.

Does Norton VPN work in China?

Regrettably, Norton VPN is ineffective in China due to the country’s robust anti-VPN protocols. Only a limited number of VPNs are able to bypass these measures. Unfortunately, Norton VPN is still in the development stage and needs significant enhancements to bypass location restrictions in China.

What are the pros and cons of Norton VPN?

Norton VPN offers the advantages of unblocking multiple streaming sites, blocking ads and trackers, encrypting data with strong ciphers, and providing no-logging privacy. However, the downside is that the available features depend on the device, with Wi-Fi Security being limited to mobile devices and split tunneling and kill switch not being available on Apple apps.