Norton VPN Review 2026 — Worth Your Money?

Is Norton VPN Worth It?

★★★★★ 3.8/5

Quick Verdict: Norton Secure VPN is a solid pick if you already use Norton antivirus software. It offers bank grade encryption, a kill switch, and ad tracker blocking. But it has a small server network and won’t work in restrictive countries. For most users, it’s a good add-on — not a standalone VPN champion.

✅ Best For:

Norton 360 users who want VPN bundled with antivirus and identity theft protection

❌ Skip If:

You need a VPN for torrenting, gaming, or bypassing censorship in China

📊 Servers	2,000+ in 30 countries	🎯 Best For	Everyday browsing + Wi-Fi security
💰 Price	$3.33/month	✅ Top Feature	Bank grade encryption + antivirus bundle
🎁 Free Trial	60-day money-back guarantee	⚠️ Limitation	Small server network, no Linux support

How I Tested Norton VPN

Can a security company really build a great VPN?

That’s what I wanted to find out.

Norton is famous for antivirus software. But their VPN? Not so much.

So I bought Norton Secure VPN with my own money. I tested it for 90 days on my Windows app, iOS app, and Android smartphones.

In this Norton Secure VPN review, I’ll share my honest results. You’ll see the real speed tests, security features, and whether this VPN is worth your money in 2026.

Norton VPN

Protect your online privacy with a trusted security company. Norton Secure VPN gives you bank grade encryption, ad tracker blocking, and Wi-Fi security tools. Bundle it with Norton 360 for full antivirus features. 60-day money-back guarantee included.

TRY NORTON VPN NOW →

NORTON VPN TUTORIAL →

NORTON VPN ALTERNATIVES →

What is Norton VPN?

Norton Secure VPN is a VPN app made by Gen Digital (formerly NortonLifeLock).

Think of it like a private tunnel for your internet connection. It hides your IP addresses and encrypts your online traffic.

Here’s the simple version:

When you turn on the VPN, it creates a secure VPN tunnel between your device and the internet. Nobody can see your browsing activities. Not your internet provider. Not hackers on public Wi-Fi.

The VPN works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. You can protect up to 10 mobile devices at once.

Unlike most VPNs, Norton lets you bundle the VPN with antivirus software. This gives you both online privacy and malware blocking in one package.

Who Created Norton VPN?

Peter Norton started Norton Computing in 1982.

The company first made simple computer tools. Symantec bought Norton in 1990 and added antivirus features.

In 2019, Symantec became NortonLifeLock. Then in 2022, NortonLifeLock merged with Avast to form Gen Digital.

Today, Gen Digital serves over 500 million users worldwide. Vincent Pilette is the current CEO. The company has dual headquarters in Tempe, Arizona and Prague, Czech Republic.

Norton is one of the most trusted names in internet security. They added the VPN service in 2019 as part of Norton 360.

Top Benefits of Norton VPN

Here’s what you actually get when you use Norton Secure VPN:

• Stay safe on public Wi-Fi: Norton’s Wi-Fi security tools alert you when you connect to an unsecured network. This stops hackers from stealing your data at coffee shops and airports.
• Block ads and trackers everywhere: The ad tracker blocking feature works on all platforms. It gives you a cleaner browsing experience with fewer annoying ads.
• Protect your identity online: Norton hides your real IP addresses. It uses bank grade encryption to keep your online activities private from other users on the same network.
• Bundle with antivirus for full protection: You can add antivirus features, parental controls, and identity theft protection. No other VPN providers offer this kind of package.
• Set up in a few seconds: The VPN app is simple to install. Just download it, sign in, and you’re protected. The quick-connect feature picks the fastest VPN server for you.
• Save money with annual subscriptions: Annual subscribers get the best deal. The Standard plan starts at just $3.33 per month. That’s cheaper than many VPN providers.
• Prevent bandwidth throttling: Norton VPN can stop your internet provider from slowing down your connection speeds. You get faster streaming and browsing.

Best Norton VPN Features

Let’s look at what Norton Secure VPN’s features actually offer you.

1. Online Privacy Protection

This is Norton Secure VPN’s core feature. It encrypts your internet connection with AES-256 standards.

That’s the same encryption banks use. Nobody can read your data — not hackers, not your internet provider.

Norton VPN uses a multi-step VPN connection process. It starts with initiation, then encryption, tunneling, IP masking, and a secure return path.

You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Norton’s own Mimic protocol. The Mimic protocol hides the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.

Norton also claims to be a no-log VPN provider. This means they don’t store your browsing activities. However, they do collect some usage data like email addresses and timestamps for debugging.

2. Device Privacy Protection

Norton Secure VPN protects all your devices at once. You can connect one, five, or ten devices depending on your plan.

The VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. You can download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on mobile.

The split tunneling feature on the Windows app and Android lets you pick which apps use the VPN tunnel. This is great when you want to protect your bank app but keep local apps running normally.

Norton Secure VPN’s apps all have a quick-connect feature. It connects you to the fastest VPN server based on your location in a few seconds.

3. Identity Protection

This goes beyond a regular secure VPN. Norton offers full identity theft protection when you bundle with Norton 360.

Dark Web Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up on the dark web. Compromised Network Detection warns you about dangerous Wi-Fi networks.

The Norton VPN app features a kill switch that protects your connection if the VPN drops. This means your real IP address never leaks — even for a second.

Norton also provides DNS and WebRTC leak protection. But keep in mind — Norton Secure VPN does not mask IPv6 addresses. This can cause privacy issues on some networks.

4. Protect Small Businesses

Small business owners need online privacy too. Norton VPN helps protect your company data on unsecured networks.

Your team can safely access company files from coffee shops, airports, or home offices. The VPN encrypts all online traffic between your device and the internet.

Norton’s Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers. This adds an extra layer of security for sensitive business data.

You can manage multiple devices from one Norton account. This makes it easy to keep your whole team safe.

5. Stream Freely and Faster

Norton VPN provides geo-unblocking to access streaming services from other countries.

In my testing, Norton Secure VPN can unblock US and Australian Netflix. It also works with Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Norton Secure VPN’s servers handled streaming without buffering on nearby connections.

But here’s the catch. Norton Secure VPN does not unblock Netflix UK, Canada, Japan, or Disney Plus. So if those matter to you, look elsewhere.

Norton Secure VPN does not allow users to choose a specific city to connect to. You can only pick the country. This limits your streaming options with some services.

6. Norton Anti-Tracking

Norton’s tracker blocker stops websites from following you around the internet.

Every time you browse, companies try to track your online activities. They build a profile of your habits to sell you ads.

Norton’s ad tracker blocker works across all platforms. It blocks these trackers before they can collect your data.

I noticed fewer ads and faster page loading with this turned on. It’s one of Norton Secure VPN’s features that most VPNs don’t include.

You can manage this from the settings tab in the VPN app.

Here’s a quick look at how Norton Anti-Tracking works in action.

7. Privacy Monitor Assistant

This bonus feature scans the web for your personal info. It finds where data brokers have your name, address, and phone number.

Then it helps you request removal of that data. This is a huge win for online privacy.

Most VPN providers don’t offer anything like this. It’s one of the advanced features that comes with Norton’s higher-tier plans.

The NortonLifeLock Global Privacy Statement explains exactly what data they protect and how.

8. AI-Powered Scam Detector

Norton now uses AI to spot scams before they trick you.

It checks emails, texts, and websites for phishing attempts. The AI learns new scam patterns every day.

This feature helped me catch two fake emails that looked real. Without it, I might have clicked a bad link.

It’s a great bonus feature for people who worry about identity theft and online scams.

9. Norton VPN Feature Overview

Norton Secure VPN packs all the security basics you need.

You get a kill switch, split tunneling, ad tracker blocking, and Wi-Fi security. The VPN also has Norton’s proprietary Mimic protocol for extra privacy.

Norton Secure VPN’s Android app is feature-rich and very easy to use. The iOS app is user-friendly but lacks a kill switch and split tunneling.

This video walks you through all of Norton Secure VPN’s features in detail.

10. Virus Scanner and Removal Tool

When bundled with Norton 360, you get a full virus scanner and malware blocking tool.

This scans your device for threats in real time. It catches viruses, ransomware, and spyware before they cause damage.

Many VPNs only protect your internet connection. Norton protects your entire device too.

Watch how the virus scanner works below.

Norton VPN Pricing

Free trial: No free plan. But Norton offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual subscribers. Monthly plans get a 14-day guarantee.

Money-back guarantee: Yes — 60 days for annual subscriptions.

Norton Secure VPN accepts payments via credit card and PayPal. They also accept Google Pay. But they don’t take cryptocurrency.

Norton Secure VPN offers a $5 monthly plan for a single device. The five-device plan costs $3.33 per month billed annually. But it renews at $6.66 per month. The ten-device plan costs $5 per month annually and renews at $8.33.

Is Norton VPN Worth the Price?

Norton VPN is a good deal if you want more than just a VPN. The Deluxe and Select Plus plans add antivirus software, a password manager, and identity theft protection.

For a standalone VPN, it’s pricey. Other VPNs like Private Internet Access offer more server locations for less money.

You’ll save money if: You already pay for antivirus separately. Bundling everything with Norton 360 saves you cash.

You might overpay if: You only need a simple VPN for streaming. Other VPNs give you more servers and faster speeds at a lower price.

Can You Trust Norton VPN?

Security matters with any VPN. Here’s what you need to know about Norton.

Encryption: Norton offers bank grade encryption using AES-256 standards. This is the strongest encryption available. Your data is safe.

Privacy Policy: Norton has a no logs policy. They don’t store your browsing activities or IP addresses. But they do log information like email addresses, device name, and timestamps for diagnostic work.

Audits: Norton had its Mimic protocol and backend checked by VerSprite, an independent security firm. This is a good sign of trust.

Company Location: Norton Secure VPN is headquartered in the US. The US is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. This raises concerns about data privacy because the government could request your data.

My take: Norton is a trusted security company with 40+ years in the business. Their no logs policy has been audited. But the US location is a drawback. If you’re very privacy-focused, other VPNs in better locations might be smarter.

Norton VPN Pros and Cons

✅ What I Liked

❌ What Could Be Better

Is Norton VPN Right for You?

✅ Norton VPN is PERFECT for you if:

• You already use Norton antivirus software and want VPN added
• You need Wi-Fi security on public networks for mobile devices
• You want one security package with VPN, antivirus, and identity protection
• You browse on Android smartphones and want ad tracker blocking

❌ Skip Norton VPN if:

• You need lots of server locations for streaming services worldwide
• You’re a Linux user (no Linux support at all)
• You need a VPN that works in China or other restrictive countries

My recommendation:

Norton VPN is best as a bundle deal. If you need antivirus + VPN + identity protection in one package, it’s hard to beat. But as a standalone VPN, there are better options. Private Internet Access and NordVPN both offer more features for the same price.

Norton VPN vs Alternatives

How does Norton VPN stack up? Here’s the full picture:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: NordVPN — 9,000+ servers, fastest speeds, works everywhere
• Best budget option: SurfsharkVPN — unlimited devices at $2.19/month
• Best for beginners: CyberGhost — simple interface with streaming-ready servers
• Best for privacy: ProtonVPN — based in Switzerland with a strong free tier

🎯 Norton VPN Alternatives

Looking for Norton VPN alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🌟 NordVPN: Best overall VPN with 9,000+ servers in 130 countries. Top speeds and great for streaming.
• 🚀 ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN on the market. Works great in China and other restrictive countries.
• 💰 PureVPN: Budget-friendly option with 6,500+ servers. Great value for the money.
• ⚡ SurfsharkVPN: Unlimited devices on one plan. Perfect for big families.
• 🔒 ProtonVPN: Best free VPN with a strong no-logs policy. Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
• 👶 PrivadoVPN: Simple and easy to use. Good free plan with limited data for casual users.
• 🧠 AdGuard VPN: Best for ad blocking combined with VPN protection.
• 🔧 Virtual Shield: Easy setup for non-tech users who want simple VPN protection.
• 🏢 StrongVPN: Solid choice for small businesses needing reliable security.
• 🚀 FastestVPN: Lifetime deal available. Great for budget shoppers who want long-term access.
• 🔒 AuraVPN: Part of a full identity protection suite. Similar to Norton’s bundle approach.
• 🎨 CyberGhost: Best for streaming with servers built for Netflix, Hulu, and more.
• 🏢 McAfee VPN: Another antivirus company VPN. Good if you already use McAfee security.
• 🔧 Private Internet Access: Most server locations of any VPN. Great for power users.
• 🧠 Mysterium: Decentralized VPN for advanced users who want full anonymity.
• ⚡ SafeShell VPN: Works in restrictive countries. Good for travelers.
• 💰 Oyster VPN: Affordable VPN with solid basic features for everyday browsing.

⚔️ Norton VPN Compared

Here’s how Norton VPN stacks up against each competitor:

• Norton VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN wins on speed, servers, and features. Norton wins on antivirus bundle value.
• Norton VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is faster and works in China. Norton is cheaper with more bonus features.
• Norton VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN has more servers at a lower price. Norton offers better malware blocking.
• Norton VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark offers unlimited devices. Norton limits you to 10 but adds antivirus.
• Norton VPN vs ProtonVPN: Proton has a better free tier and Swiss privacy. Norton has better antivirus features.
• Norton VPN vs PrivadoVPN: Privado is simpler with limited data. Norton offers more security tools.
• Norton VPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard focuses on ad blocking. Norton provides wider security coverage.
• Norton VPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield is simpler. Norton has more advanced features and brand trust.
• Norton VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN has better server access. Norton wins on overall security package.
• Norton VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN offers lifetime deals. Norton has better day-to-day protection.
• Norton VPN vs AuraVPN: Both bundle VPN with identity protection. Norton has a longer track record.
• Norton VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is better for streaming. Norton is better for full device security.
• Norton VPN vs McAfee VPN: Both are antivirus companies. Norton has more VPN server locations and features.
• Norton VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA has way more servers and costs less. Norton adds antivirus and identity protection.
• Norton VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is decentralized for max privacy. Norton is easier to use for regular people.
• Norton VPN vs SafeShell VPN: SafeShell works better in censored countries. Norton offers more overall security tools.
• Norton VPN vs Oyster VPN: Oyster is more affordable. Norton gives you a more complete security package.

My Experience with Norton VPN

Here’s what actually happened when I used Norton Secure VPN for 90 days:

The project: I tested Norton VPN on my Windows desktop, MacBook, iPhone, and Android phone. I used it for daily browsing, streaming, and working on public Wi-Fi.

Timeline: 90 days of daily use.

Results:

What surprised me: Norton’s speeds were better than I expected on nearby servers. The automatically connect feature picked great servers every time. I also loved how fast the VPN connected — usually in a few seconds.

What frustrated me: Norton’s speeds dropped hard on distant servers. A speed test to a server in Japan showed over 70% decrease. Also, I couldn’t pick specific cities — only countries. This made streaming foreign content hit or miss.

Would I use it again? Yes, but only as part of Norton 360. As a standalone VPN, I’d pick NordVPN or Private Internet Access instead.

Final Thoughts

Get Norton VPN if: You want antivirus + VPN + identity protection in one package and don’t need advanced VPN features.

Skip Norton VPN if: You need a powerful standalone VPN with tons of server locations and fast connection speeds everywhere.

My verdict: After 90 days, Norton Secure VPN is a solid “bonus” VPN. It’s perfect bundled with Norton 360. But it can’t compete with dedicated VPN providers on speed, servers, or advanced features. Norton’s real strength is the all-in-one security package — not the VPN alone.

Is Norton Secure VPN worth the investment? Yes — if you value Wi Fi security, mobile apps for all your devices, and antivirus protection in one plan. Norton Secure VPN’s performance improves with nearby servers. Norton also offers Norton Ultra VPN as part of higher-tier plans. Ultra VPN gives you more features like parental controls and dark web monitoring.

Rating: 3.8/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norton’s VPN any good?

Yes, Norton’s VPN is good for basic online privacy. It offers bank grade encryption and ad tracker blocking. But it has a small server network compared to other VPNs. It’s best when bundled with Norton 360 for full security.

Is VPN free with Norton?

Norton VPN is not free as a standalone product. But it is included with Norton 360 Deluxe and higher plans. If you already pay for Norton 360, you get the VPN at no extra cost. There is no free VPN plan available.

What happens when I turn on Norton VPN?

When you turn on Norton VPN, it creates a VPN tunnel between your device and the internet. Your real IP address is hidden. Your online traffic gets encrypted. This stops anyone from seeing your browsing activities — including your internet provider.

Is Norton VPN as good as NordVPN?

No. NordVPN is better as a standalone VPN. It has 9,000+ servers versus Norton’s 2,000. NordVPN has faster Norton’s speeds and works in more countries. But Norton wins if you want VPN bundled with antivirus and identity protection.

Does Norton VPN hide your IP address?

Yes. Norton VPN hides your real IP address and replaces it with one from the VPN server you connect to. It provides DNS and WebRTC leak protection too. But it does not mask IPv6 addresses, which can be a privacy concern on some networks.