Norton Secure VPN Review

Our Verdict

Overall Rating: 5.0/10

Norton Secure VPN is not recommended as a reliable tool for privacy and security. Despite addressing some previous security vulnerabilities, it lacks significant features, has limited device compatibility, and its logging policy remains among the least favorable in the industry. While it offers competitive speeds and affordability, it does not deliver an overall satisfactory performance.

Ranked #35 out of 62 VPNs

Norton Secure VPN Category Ratings:

• Streaming: 7.1/10
• Torrenting: 3.7/10
• Privacy & Logging: 0.1/10
• Speed: 7.8/10
• Server Locations: 7.1/10
• Bypassing Censorship: 9.0/10
• Security & Features: 5.0/10
• Ease of Use: 8.5/10
• Customer Support: 6.0/10
• Price & Value: 6.0/10

Pros:

• Compatible with US Netflix, HBO Max, and other services
• Fast download speeds on local servers
• User-friendly applications
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Functional in China

Cons:

• Logs IP addresses
• Does not prevent ISPs from monitoring web activity
• Ineffective customer support
• Lacks a Firestick app and router installation options
• Limited server presence in Asia, Africa, and South America
• No browser extensions

Norton Secure VPN is included with every Norton 360 subscription, which is Norton’s comprehensive security software suite. The VPN can be accessed through this suite or via a standalone app. Functionality remains consistent across both options, with only minor visual differences.

We have extensively tested Norton Secure VPN across all available devices to compile this review. Our analysis included evaluating speeds across its server network, attempting to access streaming services such as Netflix from various locations, and assessing the security and anonymity of its encryption.

EXPERT ADVICE: For superior performance, security, and unblocking capabilities, consider our top-rated VPN, ExpressVPN. It offers faster speeds, better security, and does not log your IP address. Experience ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days.

Norton Secure VPN Key Data

Data Cap	Unlimited
Download Speed	89Mbps
Logging Policy	Intrusive Logging
Data Leaks	Yes
Jurisdiction	US (Five Eyes Member)
Servers	2,000+
IP Addresses	2,000+
Countries with Servers	29
US Netflix	Yes
Torrenting	Partially
Simultaneous Connections	5
Works In China	Yes
Support	Live Chat Support & Online Resources
Cheapest Price	$2.50/mo over 12 months
Free Trial	7 Days (No Payment Info Required)
Money-Back Guarantee	60-day Money-Back Guarantee
Official Website	Norton.com

Privacy & Logging Policy

Norton Secure VPN Logs Your IP Address

Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 0.1/10

Norton Secure VPN records personally identifiable information, including your IP address and device type. As Norton is headquartered in the United States, it is subject to Five Eyes surveillance and data collection regulations. Consequently, Norton Secure VPN does not provide sufficient assurance of data privacy.

Ranked #52 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy

The table below details the types of data that Norton VPN logs and does not log:

Data Type	Logged by Norton Secure VPN
Account Information	Yes
Browsing Activity	No
Date of Last Connection	No
Device Information	Yes
DNS Queries	No
Individual Bandwidth Usage	Yes
Individual Connection Timestamps	No
ISP	No
Number of Simultaneous Connections	No
Originating IP Address	Yes
VPN Server IP	No
VPN Server Location	No

You can review Norton Secure VPN’s complete privacy policy on their official website.

While Norton Secure VPN asserts that it does not keep logs, our research indicates otherwise. Notably, it records your originating IP address, which is a significant privacy concern. An IP address is unique to your network and storing it undermines the fundamental purpose of a VPN.

Upon inquiry, Norton explained that they log this information to “gather your actual location to change it to a different place.” This rationale is misleading and unsatisfactory. A VPN does not need to retain your originating IP address to connect you to a server. Any necessary location data can be handled on the device itself without being stored externally. For instance, Mullvad VPN does not associate subscriber email addresses with their accounts.

On a positive note, Norton Secure VPN does not log connection timestamps or browsing activity, which helps reduce the risk of linking your activity to the stored IP address.

Based in the US

Norton Secure VPN is headquartered in the United States, which poses significant privacy risks. The US has stringent surveillance laws and is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which facilitates international data sharing among member countries.

The US’s data retention laws, including the Stored Communications Act (SCA), mandate that companies like Norton must surrender any stored user data upon government request.

While being based in the US can be acceptable if the privacy policy is robust—such as with Private Internet Access—generally, it is advisable to choose a VPN operating from a jurisdiction with stronger privacy protections.

Security & Technical Features

Security Has Improved, but It Remains Basic

Security & Technical Features Rating: 5.0/10

Norton VPN demonstrates a commendable level of security, having made significant technical advancements in recent years. It has addressed previous concerns related to DNS and IP address leaks and now includes a functional kill switch. However, its security capabilities remain limited by the lack of options for selecting different protocols or accessing additional security features. As a result, its overall security rating stands at 5.0.

Ranked #41 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features

Protocols

Protocols	Available in Norton Secure VPN
IKEv2/IPSec	Yes
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)	No
WireGuard	Yes

Encryption

Encryption	Available in Norton Secure VPN
AES-128	No
AES-192	No
AES-256	Yes
Blowfish	No
ChaCha20	Yes

Security

Security	Available in Norton Secure VPN
Diskless Servers	No
DNS Leak Blocking	No
First-party DNS	No
IPv6 Leak Blocking	No
Supports TCP Port 443	No
VPN Kill Switch	Yes
WebRTC Leak Blocking	No

Advanced Features

Advanced Features	Available in Norton Secure VPN
Ad Blocker	Yes
Dedicated IP	No
Double VPN	No
SOCKS	No
Split Tunneling	Yes
Static IP	No
Tor over VPN Server	No
Tracker Blocker	Yes

No DNS or IP Leaks Anymore

In our most recent tests, we were pleased to find that Norton Secure VPN no longer experiences any issues with data leaks.

Using our VPN leak test tool, we confirmed that Norton Secure VPN effectively secures both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, as well as DNS and geolocation data.

New Kill Switch Functionality

Previously, Norton Secure VPN lacked a kill switch, a critical security feature for any VPN. However, it now includes a kill switch across all applications and platforms.

We tested this feature thoroughly, and the results are detailed below:

Our testing confirmed that Norton Secure VPN’s kill switch effectively prevents the leakage of our true IP address when switching servers or when disconnecting and reconnecting our PC to the internet.

Encryption and Protocols

Norton Secure VPN encrypts traffic effectively, though it does not allow users to select their preferred protocol on any device or platform. By default, desktop connections utilize WireGuard, while mobile connections use IKEv2.

Although this represents an improvement, it remains important for Norton to provide greater transparency and protocol options across all platforms. WireGuard, in particular, should be available on mobile devices to align with desktop offerings. Most of the top-rated VPNs provide a broader range of features, including multiple protocols, first-party DNS, and advanced obfuscation.

While the lack of protocol choice is noted, our testing verifies that Norton Secure VPN provides robust encryption for your traffic across all devices. The Wireshark packet sniffing tool confirms that web traffic is securely encrypted, as illustrated below.

Ad and Tracker Blocking Performance

Norton Secure VPN includes an ad and tracker blocker across all its applications, aimed at preventing websites from tracking your activity and following your browsing behavior.

However, our testing revealed that the ‘Ad Tracker Blocking’ feature is only effective in blocking 48% of ads and trackers.

While the ad and tracker blocker provides some level of protection, it is notably less effective compared to other VPNs, making it one of the weaker options in this category.

Additional Security Features

Despite recent improvements, Norton Secure VPN lacks several advanced security features commonly found in paid VPN services. The limited range of options in its security settings menu highlights this deficiency.

Additional Features We Recommend

We suggest the following enhancements for Norton Secure VPN:

• VPN Protocol Selection: Allow users to select and view the VPN protocol in use.
• Custom DNS Servers: Provide the option to use custom DNS servers for improved privacy.
• Double Hop Servers: Implement double hop servers to minimize the risk of traffic correlation attacks.

Streaming Performance and Compatibility

Compatibility with Popular Streaming Platforms

Streaming Rating: 7.1/10

Norton Secure VPN demonstrated reliable performance with many of the streaming services we evaluated. It effectively bypasses geo-restrictions for major U.S. platforms such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as the BBC iPlayer in the UK. However, it falls short in accessing international Netflix libraries and some lesser-known streaming platforms.

Rank: #22 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming

The table below provides a detailed overview of streaming services accessible via Norton VPN from abroad:

Streaming Platform	Works with Norton Secure VPN
Amazon Prime Video	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes
Channel 4	No
Disney+	No
Hotstar India	No
Hulu	Yes
ITVX	No
Max	Yes
Netflix US	Yes

Occasional Access to U.S. Netflix

Norton Secure VPN was able to unblock U.S. Netflix through its U.S. servers, but its performance in this regard was less consistent compared to top-tier Netflix VPNs.

During our testing, Norton Secure VPN successfully accessed U.S. Netflix approximately 60% of the time. However, the VPN lacks city-level server options, which limits your ability to switch servers when issues arise. As a result, users may need to wait for Norton to address and resolve any connectivity problems.

Norton Secure VPN only successfully accesses U.S. Netflix and fails to stream content from any other Netflix regions. We tested the VPN with over 25 libraries, including those in the UK, Japan, and Australia, but were unable to stream TV shows or movies from these locations.

Reliable Access to U.S. Streaming Platforms

Norton Secure VPN demonstrates greater reliability with other U.S.-based video services. It consistently unblocks Hulu, Prime Video, and HBO Max when accessed from abroad.

Unlike its performance with Netflix, Norton Secure VPN reliably provides access to these streaming platforms. Additionally, the VPN’s U.S. server speeds are fast, ensuring high-quality video streams.

Effective with UK Streaming Services

Norton Secure VPN performed well with UK-based streaming services during our testing. It successfully accessed BBC iPlayer, All 4, and ITV Hub.

However, Norton Secure VPN does not offer city-level server options in the UK, which means users cannot switch IP addresses if a connection issue arises.

All videos loaded swiftly and streamed in the highest available resolution. We were able to watch “Sherlock” in HD without any buffering issues.

This performance was notably impressive, especially given our low expectations based on Norton Secure VPN’s performance in other areas. However, it is rated lower than top streaming VPNs primarily due to its limited support for Netflix libraries and its inability to unblock Disney+.

Speed

Overall Speed Rating: 7.8/10

Norton Secure VPN offers strong performance, particularly with long-distance connections, where it even surpasses prominent competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. However, its performance on short-distance connections is comparatively weaker. With an average download speed of 93 Mbps on our 100 Mbps connection, it remains fast but is outpaced by several other VPNs.

Rank: #41 out of 62 VPNs for Speed

We tested Norton Secure VPN on servers across six continents using a 100 Mbps internet connection, reflective of typical home speeds.

The table below provides a detailed overview of Norton Secure VPN’s speed test results from various global locations:

No VPN (UK)	UK (London)	Germany (Berlin)	US (New York)	Brazil (São Paulo)	South Africa (Durban)	Japan (Tokyo)	Australia (Sydney)
Server Location
Download Speed	100Mbps	93Mbps	90Mbps	89Mbps	96Mbps	82Mbps	81Mbps	82Mbps
Upload Speed	100Mbps	92Mbps	96Mbps	77Mbps	75Mbps	75Mbps	96Mbps	95Mbps
Ping	1ms	77ms	101ms	69ms	231ms	251ms	145ms	214ms
Distance	0mi	5mi	400mi	3,500mi	5,900mi	5,900mi	6,000mi	10,600mi

Each VPN reviewed undergoes a rigorous scientific speed testing process. For Norton Secure VPN, we utilized its WireGuard protocol and reported the results precisely as observed.

Even at its slowest, when connecting to a nearby server, Norton Secure VPN maintains commendable speed. Our tests with the New York, US server showed that it reduced internet speeds by only 11%. While this may not compete with the fastest VPNs available, it is noteworthy for a less prominent service.

However, Norton Secure VPN’s performance varies when connecting to servers overseas. The speed experienced can fluctuate significantly between locations, with some regions delivering high speeds while others lag. For instance, our connection to Brazil—a server located thousands of miles away—demonstrated speeds faster than those from our nearest server.

This variability and inconsistency in speed can make Norton Secure VPN less reliable for users seeking stable performance, although it remains relatively fast across various locations.

Gaming Performance

Norton Secure VPN is also a solid choice for gaming. When connected to a nearby server, we recorded a ping of 69ms, which is suitable for multiplayer games like CS.

The VPN also performs well with cloud gaming services. For instance, using Norton Secure VPN with Xbox Cloud Gaming allowed us to play Fortnite as if it were installed directly on our PC. We experienced minimal delay, finding a match in just 20 seconds with no noticeable input lag.

However, we do not recommend using Norton Secure VPN for accessing gaming lobbies in other countries. Connecting to a server in East Asia, for example, resulted in a ping of 145ms. This increased response time caused significant lag, leading to removal from some gaming lobbies.

Server Locations

Countries with Norton Secure VPN

Server Locations Rating: 7.1/10

Norton Secure VPN offers server coverage in 29 countries, which is comparatively limited. Notably, the VPN does not provide server options within countries, meaning users cannot select an IP address from specific cities. While it is commendable that Norton Secure VPN has servers on every continent, the majority are concentrated in Europe.

Ranking: #35 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations

• Countries Covered: 29
• Cities Covered: 29
• IP Addresses Available: 2,000+

Countries with Norton Secure VPN servers include:

Continent	Number of Countries
Europe	19
Asia	3
South America	1
North America	3
Africa	1
Oceania	2

Sixty-six percent of Norton’s VPN servers are located in Europe. We generally favor VPNs with more geographically diverse server networks to ensure broader access to nearby connections for users.

Currently, Norton Secure VPN has servers in only one country each in South America and Africa, and three countries in Asia. Notably, it lacks servers in key regions such as India, South Korea, and Indonesia. Users connecting from these areas may experience slower speeds and higher latency.

We are also disappointed by the lack of city-level server options with Norton Secure VPN. This limitation prevents users from bypassing US sports blackouts by connecting to servers in specific cities or states.

Additionally, Norton did not disclose whether their servers are physically located in the advertised regions or if they are owned or rented.

For those residing in countries not covered by Norton Secure VPN, investing in a VPN with more extensive coverage might be worthwhile to ensure optimal performance and speeds.

Proton VPN, for example, offers 6,587 servers across 112 countries, with 100% of these servers being physically located where they are advertised.

Torrenting

Torrenting Rating: 3.7/10

Norton Secure VPN is not recommended for torrenting. Despite offering fast P2P download speeds and a kill switch, it has notable shortcomings. The VPN logs your IP address and operates from a Five Eyes jurisdiction. Additionally, P2P traffic is restricted to servers in the Netherlands only, which can result in slower download speeds depending on your location.

Ranking: #44 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting

Below is a table summarizing the key data from our Norton VPN torrenting tests:

Average Download Bitrate	9.2MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers	1
Logging Policy	Intrusive Logging
Kill Switch	Yes
Port Forwarding	No

Some VPN review websites assert that Norton Secure VPN does not support torrenting. However, our findings indicate that torrenting is permitted on its server located in the Netherlands.

If you attempt to torrent while connected to any other server location, the VPN app will block the download and display an error message. To access torrenting capabilities, select the “Torrent-Optimized Region” option at the top of the server list to connect to the Netherlands.

Norton Secure VPN’s restriction of P2P downloads to the Netherlands lacks a clear justification. Although downloading copyrighted material was previously legal in the Netherlands, this was discontinued in 2014.

We would like to see Norton expand its P2P server network to include options for North American users as well.

P2P Speeds Based on Location

In our P2P speed tests, Norton Secure VPN demonstrated impressive performance. On a 10 MiB/s test connection, we recorded a bitrate of 9.2 MiB/s, resulting in torrent downloads that were nearly as fast as those from our regular internet connection.

Here is a comparison of the download speed for a 20GB torrent file with the VPN connected versus when it was disconnected:

VPN Server	Download Bitrate	Time to Download 20GB Torrent File
No VPN	10MiB/s	32 minutes
Norton P2P Server	9.2MiB/s	35 minutes

The closer you are to Norton’s P2P server in the Netherlands, the better your torrenting speeds will be. Speeds may decrease if you are located farther from this server.

For users outside the US, TorGuard is a recommended alternative. It offers fast P2P speeds and supports port forwarding, which can enhance torrenting performance.

Price & Value

Affordability Across Plans

Price & Value Rating: 6.0/10

Norton Secure VPN offers competitive pricing, especially when bundled with a Norton 360 subscription. It is also available for purchase independently at a low cost. You can opt for annual or monthly billing, with potential savings by registering fewer devices on your account. For example, a single-device plan is available at $2.50 per month, representing significant value.

Ranked #26 out of 62 VPNs for Price & Value

Available Payment Plans for Norton Secure VPN:

• 12 Months
  • $1.67 per month
    1 device: Billed $19.99 for the first 12 months, then $49.99 every 12 months thereafter. Save 60%.
• Monthly
  • $4.99 per month
    1 device: Billed $4.99 each month.
• 12 Months
  • $2.50 per month
    5 devices: Billed $29.99 for the first 12 months, then $79.99 every 12 months thereafter. Save 62%.
• Monthly
  • $7.99 per month
    5 devices: Billed $7.99 each month.

Plans are available for up to 10 devices, but these are significantly more expensive, nearly matching the cost of top-tier VPN services, making them less appealing.

Monthly plans offer some of the lowest initial rates available, but prices increase to $4.17 per month after the first year, more than doubling the initial rate.

For the best value, consider purchasing Norton 360, which includes Norton Secure VPN for an additional $10.00. This bundle provides extra features such as cloud storage and antivirus protection.

Note: In the UK, Norton Secure VPN’s monthly plans are not offered. Instead, annual plans are available, ranging from £19.99 to £69.99, depending on the number of devices.

Payment & Refund Options

Norton Secure VPN accepts the following payment methods:

• American Express
• Mastercard
• PayPal
• Visa

A 60-day money-back guarantee is available for annual plans, while monthly plans come with a 14-day refund period. The refund process is streamlined; cancellations can be completed online without the need for direct customer support, provided you are within the refund period.

Payment can be made via debit and credit cards or PayPal. A seven-day free trial is available for subscriptions purchased through the Android or iOS apps.

Although payment options are limited, Norton Secure VPN’s refund policies are among the most generous in the industry. Most competitors offer shorter refund periods, making Norton’s 60-day guarantee stand out. Additionally, the free trial for mobile users is a welcome feature in an industry where such offers are becoming increasingly rare.

Expert Tip: Norton plans may renew up to 35 days before the end of your current billing cycle, often at a higher rate. Be mindful of this to avoid unexpected charges if you do not plan to renew.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Norton VPN Performance in China

Bypassing Censorship Rating: 9.0/10

Our latest tests reveal that Norton VPN successfully bypassed web censorship in China nearly 100% of the time. We were able to access restricted sites such as YouTube from within the country. However, it is worth noting that Norton VPN does not employ obfuscation technology, which may impact its long-term effectiveness.

Ranked #5 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship

Despite Norton support’s claim that “Norton Secure VPN will not work in China,” our experience contradicted this assertion. We were able to consistently bypass the Great Firewall on all VPN servers tested from our Shanghai location. Additionally, connection times were impressively quick, with server connections established within 10 seconds each time, surpassing the performance of many other VPN services we evaluated.

Additionally, VPN servers are available in proximate locations such as Hong Kong, ensuring users can achieve high-speed connections with minimal latency.

However, it is worth noting that the VPN currently lacks obfuscation or anti-censorship features. We recommend that Norton consider incorporating options such as Shadowsocks or Obfsproxy to enhance privacy and bypass censorship.

Device & OS Compatibility

Norton Secure VPN is compatible with major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. However, it is important to note that the iOS and macOS applications lack certain features, such as split tunneling. The VPN does not offer applications for other platforms, including Fire TV or Linux, and cannot be installed on routers.

Available Applications

Norton Secure VPN can be downloaded on the following operating systems:

• Windows
• macOS
• iOS
• Android

Differences Among Applications

The Norton VPN apps exhibit some variations in features and functionality across these platforms.

Device	Norton 360 App	Kill Switch	Split Tunneling	Tracker Blocker	WireGuard
Windows	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
macOS	✓	✓	✗	✓	✓
iOS	✗	✓	✗	✓	✗
Android	✓	✓	✓	✓	✗

We appreciate that Norton is making progress toward feature parity with its VPN service. However, given the limited number of available applications, there should ideally be no discrepancies among them at this stage.

Depending on the pricing plan selected, Norton allows the VPN app to be installed on one, five, or ten devices simultaneously. It is important to note that each device counts toward this limit even if it is not actively connected to the VPN, which can be inconvenient.

This policy extends to Norton’s other products as well, not just its VPN service. It introduces unnecessary complexity compared to most other VPN providers, and we recommend that Norton reconsider its approach to simplify device management.

Platform Availability

Norton Secure VPN is not available for many devices, including Fire TV and Linux, and there is no manual workaround for router installations.

The service does not include Smart DNS functionality, which means it cannot stream geo-blocked content on devices that do not support VPNs, such as Smart TVs.

Additionally, Norton Secure VPN lacks browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

Given the substantial resources of the company, it is disappointing that Norton Secure VPN has not followed the example of leading competitors like NordVPN by introducing applications for streaming devices and Linux. This is particularly notable since Norton has similarly neglected Linux for its flagship antivirus product. Consequently, there is limited expectation for improvement in this area.

It is unfortunate that Norton Secure VPN cannot be used with Smart TVs or other streaming devices, especially considering that unblocking streaming sites is one of its few strengths.