Norton Secure VPN Review 2023: A VPN Worthy of Your Buck?

Norton Secure VPN proves to be a user-friendly and reliable option for secure browsing and geo-restricted content unblocking. This makes it a suitable choice for beginners and casual VPN users.
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Designed by the well-established cybersecurity company Norton, the creator of Norton antivirus and LifeLock, Norton Secure VPN combines reliable service with a clean and easy-to-use interface. This VPN service boasts impressive features like strong data encryption, streaming support, and the ability to connect up to 10 devices.

For those concerned about online security or wishing to unblock geo-restricted content, Norton Secure VPN might just be the ideal solution. We’ll break down all you need to know about its features, pricing, and compatibility, among other aspects, in our comprehensive Norton VPN review.

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In this article
Norton Secure VPN review at a glance
Who is Norton Secure VPN best for?
Norton VPN features
Norton Secure VPN test results
Norton VPN compatibility
Norton Secure VPN customer support
Norton VPN prices and subscriptions
Norton Secure VPN alternatives
Norton VPN FAQs
Bottom line: Is Norton Secure VPN good?

Norton Secure VPN review at a glance

Price $4.99–$9.99/mo for the first yr
Free version No — 60-day money-back guarantee
Max # of connected devices 1–10
# of servers 1,000+ servers in 29+ countries
VPN protocol OpenVPN
No-logs policy Some data logged
Headquarters Tempe, Arizona, United States
Netflix access Yes
Learn more Get Norton Secure VPN

Prices as of 07/19/2023.

Who is Norton Secure VPN best for?

  • Norton Secure VPN is highly recommended for those who prioritize online security and data privacy, particularly those who are already customers of Norton's other security products.

As a product of Norton, a renowned cybersecurity company, Norton Secure VPN integrates with the company's suite of security tools. This VPN offers a no-logs policy intended to safeguard your data from potential online threats. (Though Norton’s headquarters in the U.S. could be problematic.)

Norton Secure VPN is also suitable for those who enjoy streaming geo-restricted content, as it allows seamless Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer access. With a price range of $4.99–$9.99/mo for the first yr, it offers a competitive pricing model, particularly for those who opt for long-term subscriptions. And if you're unsure, there's a 60-day money-back guarantee you can take advantage of to save money on a VPN.

Norton Secure VPN pros and cons

Pros
  • Part of the trusted Norton security suite
  • Unblocks multiple streaming services
  • Competitive VPN pricing
Cons
  • Limited server selection
  • U.S.-based and within the Five Eyes Jurisdiction
  • Some data logged

Norton VPN features

Norton Secure VPN impresses with its secure and user-friendly interface, strict no-logs policy, and robust encryption. However, advanced users might find some features lacking, such as dedicated torrenting servers and certain advanced privacy features like an ad blocker that comes with other VPN providers like Surfshark and Proton VPN.

Server count and countries

  • 1,000+ servers in 29+ countries

Norton Secure VPN provides access to over 1,000 servers in more than 29 countries worldwide. A higher server count and a wide variety of server locations mean you're less likely to encounter congested servers that can slow down your internet speed. Plus, more server locations mean more options for bypassing geolocation restrictions.

No-logs policy and headquarters

  • Norton Secure VPN logs policy: No logs
  • Norton headquarters: Tempe, Arizona, United States

Norton Secure VPN claims to be a no-logs VPN, but it does gather some data. This includes your device name and type, IP address, as well as usage data to prevent service abuse. Norton notes this data is encrypted and stored while you use the VPN or for a max of 36 months. (Your IP address is not stored according to Norton.)

Additionally, Norton is headquartered in the United States. The location of a VPN's headquarters can affect the level of privacy it offers due to differing national laws and regulations regarding the collection of user data.

In the case of Norton VPN, being based in the United States could raise concerns since the U.S. is part of the Five Eyes Alliance. However, the VPN’s no-logs policy somewhat mitigates this risk, as there’s limited user activity data to surrender, even if Norton is obliged to provide it by law.

Kill switch

Norton Secure VPN includes a kill switch feature with its Windows and Android apps, which is crucial for maintaining online privacy. If your VPN connection drops, a kill switch ensures you stay protected by disconnecting your device from the internet. This prevents your IP address and online activity from being exposed.

A kill switch is particularly useful when you're connected to public Wi-Fi networks where your data could potentially be exposed to cybercriminals.

Split tunneling

A recent addition to the Norton Secure VPN apps for Windows and Android devices is split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose apps that can bypass the VPN connection, which can be useful if you want to protect your browsing activity while simultaneously accessing local network devices or services — or if some of your apps don't function correctly over a VPN connection.

Encryption

Norton Secure VPN employs AES-256 encryption considered the industry's gold standard. This encryption standard is used by governments and cybersecurity experts worldwide, providing a high level of security. AES-256 encryption essentially makes your online activity unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.

VPN protocol

Norton Secure VPN uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is widely regarded as the most secure and versatile VPN protocol available today. OpenVPN provides an excellent balance of speed and security. It is highly configurable and works on almost all networks and platforms, making it a good choice for most VPN users.

Norton Secure VPN test results

When assessing the value and performance of any VPN, rigorous testing is essential. We evaluate the impact of the VPN on internet speed, the reliability of its security features, and its ability to access geo-restricted content across various streaming platforms. Our objective is to give you a practical sense of what to expect from the VPN in everyday use.

Speed tests

Our speed tests with Norton Secure VPN returned satisfactory results, indicating minor reductions in speed when compared to our internet connection without VPN. These tests were conducted on a Windows PC with a stable broadband connection.

While the numbers may seem discouraging, we experienced no buffering issues while streaming Netflix and participating in Zoom calls. Norton Secure VPN provided a stable connection suitable for most common online activities.

We expect to see some decrease in performance while using a VPN since VPNs tend to slow down your internet. And higher latency while connected to servers located further away is also reasonable since distance greatly influences how much latency you experience.

Our baseline internet speed without the VPN turned on recorded a download speed of 365.43 Mbps, an upload speed of 142.06 Mbps, and a latency of 46 ms.

We tested our internet speed without a VPN to gauge how much Norton Secure VPN slowed down our internet.

Norton Secure VPN speed test results

Test type No VPN US to US US to EU US to CA US to AU
Download speed 365.43 Mbps 328.96 Mbps 296.01 Mbps 296.23 Mbps 43.17 Mbps
Upload speed 142.06 Mbps 181.39 Mbps 76.69 Mbps 81.29 Mbps 36.09 Mbps
Latency (ping) 46 ms 82 ms 229 ms 102 ms 212 ms
Download speed % difference N/A 9.9% decrease 19.0% decrease 18.9% decrease 88.2% decrease
Upload speed % difference N/A 27.7% increase 46.0% decrease 42.8% decrease 74.6% decrease
Latency % difference N/A 78.3% increase 397.8% increase 121.7% increase 360.9% increase
Test results as of 07/04/2023.

Norton VPN Netflix tests

Norton Secure VPN emerged successful in our Netflix tests, demonstrating its capability to bypass geo-restrictions for accessing streaming content.

One of the major reasons for using a VPN while streaming Netflix is to gain access to the libraries of different regions. Shows and movies on Netflix are geo-restricted due to licensing agreements, meaning what's available to stream can differ from one country to another.

With Norton Secure VPN, we could watch Netflix content from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia without any noticeable issues, lag, or buffering.

Norton Secure VPN successfully unblocked Canadian Netflix for us.

Norton Secure VPN Netflix test results

US to US US to UK US to Canada US to AU
Did it work with Netflix?
Test results as of 07/04/2023.

Norton VPN unblocked Australian Netflix for us.

Norton is also known to unblock content on Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max (now just “Max”), and Amazon Prime Video.

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

  • DNS leak test results: Passed
  • WebRTC leak test results: Passed

Norton Secure VPN passed both our DNS and WebRTC leak tests, reinforcing its reliability in preserving your online privacy and security.

DNS (Domain Name System) is often described as the phonebook of the internet. It translates user-friendly website names into their corresponding IP addresses. A DNS leak occurs when queries to this system aren’t entirely routed through the VPN, potentially exposing your original IP address to the ISP or any eavesdropper monitoring the network.

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a collection of technologies that enable web applications and sites to directly share audio, video, and data without needing an intermediate server. While useful, WebRTC can potentially leak your original IP address, even when a VPN is active. A WebRTC leak test checks for this vulnerability.

Norton VPN compatibility

One crucial aspect of a reliable VPN service is its compatibility with different devices and platforms. Whether you're using a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet, you want a VPN that can protect all your devices.

Norton Secure VPN offers broad compatibility, supporting a wide range of platforms. Below is a list of devices and operating systems that are compatible with Norton Secure VPN:

  • Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, 10, and 11
  • macOS current and previous two versions
  • Android (8.0 Oreo and later)
  • iOS current and previous two versions

Norton Secure VPN customer support

Norton provides 24/7 live chat and phone support, along with a support center full of guides and tutorials that are easy to follow. The representatives behind the live chat are highly responsive and knowledgeable. They provide clear and concise answers while seeking to ensure customer satisfaction.

The online support center features guides covering all common issues, setup instructions, and tips. They’re well-written and easily understandable for all levels of VPN users.

Norton VPN prices and subscriptions

Norton Secure VPN offers a range of subscription plans tailored to fit different needs. The pricing depends on the number of devices you wish to protect. Compared to other VPNs, Norton Secure VPN offers competitive pricing, especially its annual plans.

The monthly plans start at $4.99/mo billed monthly for one device, $7.99/mo billed monthly for five devices, and $9.99/mo billed monthly for 10 devices, which are introductory prices for the first year.

While these prices are in line with industry standards, where Norton really shines is in its annual subscriptions. The annual plans come in at about $2.50/mo billed annually for one device, $3.33/mo billed annually for five devices, and $5.00/mo billed annually for 10 devices, making Norton Secure VPN an attractive option if you’re seeking a cost-effective VPN solution.

Norton Secure VPN cost

Plan 1 Device 5 Devices 10 Devices
Annual price $2.50/mo billed annually ($29.99/yr) $3.33/mo billed annually ($39.99/yr) $5.00/mo billed annually ($59.99/yr)
Monthly plan $4.99/mo billed monthly $7.99/mo billed monthly $9.99/mo billed monthly
Learn more View Plan View Plan View Plan
Prices as of 07/19/2023.

Norton Secure VPN also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

Norton VPN with antivirus prices

For those seeking comprehensive online security solutions, Norton offers great value by bundling its Secure VPN with its highly-rated Norton 360 antivirus software. This combination provides even more protection against online threats while ensuring your privacy and data security.

Small businesses managing confidential client data, individuals conducting online banking, or parents wishing to ensure safe browsing for their kids could find these packages highly beneficial. Check out our Norton Antivirus review for more information.

Norton antivirus + VPN cost

Plan Norton 360 Standard Norton 360 Deluxe Norton 360 Select + LifeLock
Annual price $39.99/first yr $49.99/first yr $99.99/first yr
Number of devices 3 5 10
Norton Secure VPN
Antivirus protection
Password manager
Dark web monitoring
Cloud backup 2 GB 50 GB 250 GB
Parental controls
Identity theft protection
Details View Plan View Plan View Plan
Prices as of 07/19/2023.

Norton Secure VPN alternatives

While Norton Secure VPN is a reliable choice for many users, it's important to note that several other credible alternatives are available on the market. Depending on your specific needs, you might find one of our best VPN services a better fit.

  • NordVPN: Known for its robust security features and excellent speed, NordVPN boasts a network of over 5,400 servers spread across 59 countries. It also supports P2P sharing and unblocks several streaming platforms, including Netflix.

    Get NordVPN | Read NordVPN Review
  • Surfshark: Surfshark offers an excellent balance of speed, security, and affordability. It features an extensive server network, robust encryption, and a no-logs policy. Notably, Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, making it an excellent choice for large households or those with numerous devices.

    Get Surfshark | Read Surfshark Review
  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is highly praised for its exceptional speeds, strong security features, and ability to bypass geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms. It operates over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. These ensure a reliable and fast connection virtually anywhere in the world.

    Get ExpressVPN | Read ExpressVPN Review

Norton VPN FAQs


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Is Norton’s VPN any good?

Yes, Norton Secure VPN is a good choice for individuals seeking online privacy and security. It offers strong encryption and access to over 1,000 servers in more than 29 countries.

On the downside, Norton Secure VPN does log some data and is headquartered in the U.S., a member of the Five Eyes alliance.


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Should I turn on VPN with Norton?

Yes, turning on Norton VPN can enhance your online security. It can protect your data while using public Wi-Fi, maintain your privacy by hiding your IP address, and allow access to geo-restricted content.


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Which is better, Norton VPN or NordVPN?

While Norton VPN is simple and straightforward with solid security, NordVPN offers more advanced features such as double VPN connections and Onion over VPN for enhanced security. The choice between Norton VPN and NordVPN depends on your needs, such as your budget and the specific features you require.


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Is Norton VPN safe?

Norton Secure VPN is safe, but since it logs some user data and is based in the U.S., it's subject to American jurisdiction. This may make Norton VPN a no-go for those requiring the utmost level of privacy.

Bottom line: Is Norton Secure VPN good?

Norton Secure VPN provides a solid mixture of simplicity, security, and performance. With good value for money and an easy-to-use interface, it’s a worthy choice for casual VPN users and VPN beginners.

Norton’s VPN doesn’t provide as many advanced features as competitors like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. And some of its features, like the kill switch and split tunneling, are limited to its Windows and Android apps.

If you’re seeking a simple, user-friendly VPN that’s capable of unblocking streaming services, then Norton Secure VPN is a great choice. Bundling the VPN is a great option if you already use or plan to use other Norton products. On the other hand, if you want a VPN with more advanced features and numerous protocols, there are better options that we cover in our best VPNs review.

Learn More
On Norton Secure VPN's website

Author Details
Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.