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VPN part of the trusted Norton security suite
Unblocks multiple streaming services
All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
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.
| 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 number of servers in 28 countries |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec |
| No-logs policy | Some data logged |
| Headquarters | Tempe, Arizona, United States |
| Netflix access | Limited |
| Learn more | Get Norton Secure VPN |
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.
VPN part of the trusted Norton security suite
Unblocks multiple streaming services
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 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) ($9.99/first yr) | $39.99/yr (first year only) ($19.99/first yr) | $59.99/yr (first year only) ($59.99/first yr) |
| Monthly plan | $2.49/mo (billed annually) | $3.33/mo (billed annually) | $4.99/mo (billed annually) |
As far as payment methods, Norton accepts the following:
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.
| 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 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.
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.
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.
Norton Secure VPN offers the standard VPN features, including a kill switch and split tunneling. We were also surprised to see some additional features:
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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:
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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.
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.
| 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 |
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:
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| US to US | US to UK | US to Canada | US to AU | |
| Did it work with Netflix? |
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:
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Norton Secure VPN passed both our DNS and WebRTC leak tests, reinforcing its reliability in preserving your online privacy and security.
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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.
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:
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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:
Unfortunately, if you’re seeking a VPN for Linux or for your router, you’ll have to find another service provider.
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.
Despite being told we'd have to wait five minutes to be connected to an agent, we were connected almost immediately:
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The main downside is finding the chat was kind of a maze to get to. You had to:
We weren't able to find it the first time we tried, but were very impressed once we were able to get through.
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.
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.
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| Price | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
| # of servers | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200 in 100 countries | Servers in 100 countries |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | Panama | The Netherlands | Romania |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VPN part of the trusted Norton security suite
Unblocks multiple streaming services
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