Norton Secure VPN Review 2024: 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.
We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.
3.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Norton Secure VPN's website

VPN
Norton Secure VPN
Up to 50% off
  • VPN part of the trusted Norton security suite
  • Unblocks multiple streaming services

Designed by the well-established cybersecurity company Norton, the creator of Norton antivirus and Norton LifeLock, Norton Secure VPN combines reliable service with a clean and easy-to-use interface. This VPN service boasts features like strong data encryption, streaming support, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

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.

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 alliance
  • Some data logged
In this article
At a glance
Our experience
Who is Norton Secure VPN best for?
Prices and subscriptions
Features
Test results
Compatibility
Customer support
Alternatives
FAQs
Bottom line

Norton Secure VPN overview

Price $2.49–$4.99/mo for the first yr
Free version No — 60-day money-back guarantee
Max # of connected devices 1 – 10
# of servers Unlisted in 28 countries
VPN protocol WireGuard, OpenVPN, Mimic
No-logs policy Some data logged
Headquarters Tempe, Arizona, United States
Netflix access Limited
Learn more Get Norton Secure VPN

How we test and rate VPNs

We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.

Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.

To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.

3.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Norton Secure VPN's website
VPN
Norton Secure VPN
Up to 50% off
  • VPN part of the trusted Norton security suite
  • Unblocks multiple streaming services

Our experience

Norton is a trusted name in the cybersecurity world, so we had high hopes going into the hands-on testing of the VPN. Overall, it was easy to use and performed basic tasks well. All you had to do was click the yellow Turn On button and it automatically connected you to the fastest server near you.

Norton VPN Disconnected

Because Norton was aiming for simplicity, it was a bit less intuitive than usual to be able to find servers in different regions. You have to turn on the VPN, click on the small arrow next to the button, then click VPN Region to open the list.

Norton VPN dropdown for VPN settings with VPN Regions highlighted

Once the region list was opened, you can only choose based on country. There was no option that we could find to choose a specific city to connect to within a country, which limits the usefulness a little bit. The region pop up was also very small and had no search feature, so you had to scroll all the way down to the bottom manually to find UK and US servers.

Norton VPN server region list

Once connected, there was no noticeable drop in speed or usability. We were even able to attend our normal Zoom meetings without interruption. That said, when we connected to a server for the first time, our Spotify music had a weird audio glitch that only went away after we disconnected. This didn't happen every time, but is something worth noting.

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.)

With a price range of $2.49–$4.99/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 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 with its annual plans.

The monthly plans start at $2.49/mo (billed annually) for one device, $3.33/mo (billed annually) for five devices, and $4.99/mo (billed annually) 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 $29.99/yr (first year only) for one device, $39.99/yr (first year only) for five devices, and $59.99/yr (first year only) for 10 devices, making Norton Secure VPN an attractive option if you’re seeking a cost-effective VPN solution.

Plan 1 Device 5 Devices 10 Devices
Annual plan $29.99/yr (first year only) $39.99/yr (first year only) $59.99/yr (first year only)
Monthly plan $2.49/mo (billed annually) $3.33/mo (billed annually) $4.99/mo (billed annually)
The Norton Secure VPN site might not list all possible plans. Be sure to visit other site pages or contact Norton support for further details.

As far as payment methods, Norton accepts the following:

  • Credit card
  • PayPal
  • Google Pay

Norton Secure VPN also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on annuals, 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 like malware 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 with LifeLock Select
Annual price $39.99/yr (first year only) $49.99/yr (first year only) $99.99/yr (first year only)
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

Norton VPN features

Norton Secure VPN impresses with its secure and user-friendly interface, bank-grade encryption, and even a tracker blocker. However, advanced users might find some features lacking, such as dedicated torrenting servers and certain advanced privacy features like an ad and malware blocker.

Server count and countries

  • Unlisted in 28 countries

Norton Secure VPN doesn't list the number of VPN servers on its site, but customer support let us know that it has servers in 28 countries. This could be of concern if you're seeking a large server network since you can't really confirm it with Norton. 

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.

NordVPN provides one of the largest number of servers, with over 6,000 servers. Read our NordVPN review to learn if it's right for you.

No-logs policy and headquarters

  • Norton Secure VPN logs policy: Some logs
  • Norton headquarters: Tempe, Arizona, United States

Norton Secure VPN claims to be a no-logs VPN, but it does gather some data in accordance with the Norton LifeLock Global Privacy Statement. 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.

Security features

Norton Secure VPN offers the standard VPN features, including a kill switch and split tunneling. We were also surprised to see some additional features:

  • Kill switch: If your VPN connection drops, a kill switch disconnects your device from the internet. This prevents your IP address and online activity from being exposed. Norton's kill switch is available with its Windows, macOS, and Android apps only. You can find a toggle for it under the VPN settings menu.
  • 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. Split tunneling is only available with its Windows and Android apps. You can add which apps you wish to exclude in the VPN settings menu.
  • VPN protocols: Norton Secure VPN uses WireGuard, OpenVPN and its proprietary Mimic protocol. 
  • Ad tracker blocking: This feature blocks advertisers from tracking your online activity and targeting you with ads. You can also toggle it on from the VPN settings menu.

Norton VPN Settings Menu

Norton 360 features

If you opt to subscribe to the full Norton 360 security suite, you'll be treated to a lot more than just a VPN. You'll also get:

Full suite of Norton security tools

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

  • Speed test results: 27% decrease in speed on average, with some weird connection glitches. But overall decent.

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.

Overall, there was a 27% decrease in speed on average, with a same-country connection only dropping 22% and Australia dropping 58%. Latency was where we saw the biggest difference, with the U.K. and Australia seeing some considerable increases.

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 based in Canada without the VPN turned on recorded a download speed of 263.63 Mbps, an upload speed of 54.6 Mbps, and a latency of 19 ms.

Norton Secure VPN speed test results

Test type No VPN CA to CA CA to EU CA to US CA to AU
Download speed 263.63 Mbps 206.24 Mbps 199.65 Mbps 182.86 Mbps 111.42 Mbps
Upload speed 54.60 Mbps 51.52 Mbps 39.97 Mbps 40.43 Mbps 38.5 Mbps
Latency (ping) 19 ms 37 ms 103 ms 104 ms 241 ms
Download speed % difference N/A 22% decrease 24% decrease 31% decrease 58% decrease
Upload speed % difference N/A 6% decrease 27% decrease 26% decrease 29% decrease
Latency % difference N/A 95% increase 442% increase 447% increase 1168.42% increase
Test results as of 05/09/2024.

Norton VPN Netflix tests

  • Netflix test results: Norton Secure VPN was able to access US Netflix from Canada, but failed to connect to Canadian, UK, or Australian Netflix servers.

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 couldn't even watch Netflix in our own country. It would either load a few videos and then get hung up halfway through, or it would display this error:

Norton VPN gives an error when trying to access Netflix

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 05/09/2024.

Norton is reported to unblock content on other streaming services, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max (now just “Max”), and Amazon Prime Video. We tried out Prime and were able to access it:

Prime Video loading fine with Norton VPN enabled

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.

Norton VPN Leak Test results showing there's no leak

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.

Kill switch test

  • Kill switch test results: Though the VPN did have a kill switch, our real IP leaked while switching servers, so Norton VPN gets a fail here.

When enabled, a kill switch is meant to disconnect your internet when you're not connected to a VPN server. This ensures that your real IP doesn't get leaked while switching servers or if the VPN connection were to fail for any reason.

After we enabled the kill switch feature in Norton's settings, we went to an IPleak.net and switched from a Canadian (Montreal) to Belgium server. In between the switch, our real IP (based in New Brunswick, Canada) was leaked:

Norton VPN fails the kill switch test

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 solid compatibility, providing support for the most common operating systems and mobile devices:

  • Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, 10, and 11
  • macOS running the current and previous two versions
  • Android 8.0 or later
  • iOS and iPadOS running the current and previous two versions

Unfortunately, if you’re seeking a VPN for Linux or for your router, you’ll have to find another service provider.

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.

Live chat and phone support

The representatives behind the live chat are highly responsive and knowledgeable. They provide clear and concise answers while seeking to ensure customer satisfaction.

Despite being told we'd have to wait five minutes to be connected to an agent, we were connected almost immediately:

Norton VPN customer service showing an immediate connection to an agent

The main downside is finding the chat was kind of a maze to get to. You had to:

  • Go to the Contact Us page
  • Click on your topic
  • Click the Get help button at the bottom of a bunch of guides they recommend to you
  • Sign in

We weren't able to find it the first time we tried, but were very impressed once we were able to get through.

Support guides

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.

We were able to stumble across one guide about cancelling auto renewal that was actually out of date, which was a bit frustrating, but most of them were good quality.

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.

Price $3.09–$15.99/mo $2.19–$17.95/mo $2.03–$12.99/mo
Max # of connected devices 10 Unlimited 7
# of servers 6,300+ servers in 111 countries 3,200+ servers in 100 countries Unlisted in 100 countries
VPN protocol NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 OpenVPN, IKEv2. WireGuard
Encryption AES-256-GCM AES-256-GCM AES-256
No-logs policy
Headquarters Panama The Netherlands Romania
Netflix access
Learn more Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get CyberGhost

FAQs


+

Is Norton’s VPN any good?

Yes, Norton Secure VPN is a good basic choice for individuals seeking online privacy and security. It offers bank-grade encryption and servers in 28 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.


+

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.


+

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.


+

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 other VPN providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. That said, it does come with a full suite of security features, including one of the best antivirus software around (Norton 360), cloud storage, a password manager, a safe browser, and more.

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.

Still on the fence about Norton VPN? See how it compares to one of the best VPNs on the market here: Norton Secure VPN vs. NordVPN.

3.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Norton Secure VPN's website
VPN
Norton Secure VPN
Up to 50% off
  • VPN part of the trusted Norton security suite
  • Unblocks multiple streaming services
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.
Kalleigh Lane is a passionate digital security advocate and the Lead Editor at All About Cookies. After completing her Master of Arts in English Literature, Kalleigh has gained over 5 years of editing and writing experience in the fields of cybersecurity, tech, and finance. She has been featured in major media outlets such as The Globe and Mail and CTV News, emerging as an advocate for digital security.