Norton Secure VPN Review

The name Norton has been synonymous with antivirus software for decades, but it’s also a VPN provider. If you get Norton 360, the VPN is usually part of the package, but it’s also available for purchase as a standalone application. When you switch on Norton Secure VPN, your data enters an encrypted tunnel that protects it from your ISP and other prying eyes. Your IP address will read as coming from one of the 1,500 servers in 28 countries, so your location and data are hidden.

Pros & Cons of Norton Secure VPN

Key Features of Norton Secure VPN

When it comes to installing a VPN, there are lots of different reasons as to why you might need one. No matter why you’re hiding your internet traffic, some features are essential. People can use a virtual private network to hide their streaming habits from their ISP — or just to be vigilant when it comes to privacy and personal data. When compiling this review, we’ve prioritized server coverage, security and privacy, streaming and torrenting capabilities and cost.

Security & Privacy

Importantly, Norton VPN has a no-logging policy in place. This means that they don’t gather information based on your browsing habits while connected to its network. However, unlike some of the other VPN providers we’ve used, they haven’t employed a third-party to audit their security measures. There’s no reason to doubt Norton’s integrity, but it’s definitely a measure that’s worth looking out for. When it comes to encrypting your info, it uses the same measures that the military, government and online banking services use: 256-bit AES. This level of encryption hasn’t yet been broken by anyone, so it’s as safe as can be. All in all, Norton VPN is very simple, but it does offer comprehensive security and privacy measures.

Server Coverage

When a VPN provider offers a diverse range of server locations, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to connect to a local one for better performance. Plus, it always pays to have plenty of options in case a server in one or two locations is down. With Norton Secure VPN, you get access to over 1,400 servers across 28 countries — although they’re a little secretive about exactly where these locations are. The number of countries Norton VPN has servers in is lower than many other big providers. For example, continents like Africa and South America have limited coverage, as well as countries like China, Vietnam or Russia. A full 1,200 out of 1,500 servers are virtual, which means several can run on one physical machine. It still has a good amount compared to some other VPNs.

Performance

Netflix and other streaming providers have different offerings depending on where you are in the world. For example, the UK has different shows to the United States. A VPN can let you surf the worldwide services for new shows to binge without spending any extra. Netflix is quite thorough and tries to block VPN users, but Norton is able to bypass their blockade. That said, in some instances, Norton can slow down your system so much that it’s difficult to enjoy a show. If you use BitTorrent to download software or other files, your ISP might choke your connection or even cut you off. Norton Secure VPN supports torrenting, so you can continue with your P2P file-sharing activities in peace. Just be aware that download speeds are likely to be significantly slower than they would be without the VPN running.

Price

You can choose between a subscription that updates on an annual or monthly basis, with three levels that vary according to the number of devices you want covered. The price changes after the first year, so make sure you read the fine print when you download and install the software. One issue with Norton Secure VPN is the fact that you can’t sign up and pay for the service anonymously. It exclusively accepts major credit cards or PayPal, which is a shame for people looking to use a more secure currency like Bitcoin or Monero.

Norton Secure VPN Overview

What Customers Are Saying

Reviews about Norton Secure VPN are mixed, with one current customer saying, “This VPN service lets me browse the internet on my phone on public broadband networks without sharing my data. I use it for this and other simple tasks and it works well.” Although they don’t note exactly what they use it for, it seems to be best for people who don’t prioritize speed and performance and are more concerned about privacy.