Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.
Do you need help figuring out where to start?
You’re not alone!
We’ll break down the battle between two popular VPN providers: ProtonVPN vs Norton VPN.
In this showdown, we’ll compare their features, security, speed, and pricing to help you decide which one comes out on top.
Let’s dive in!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested both ProtonVPN and Norton VPN.
We’ve looked at everything from their security protocols and speeds to their ease of use and customer support.
This hands-on experience allows us to provide you with real-world insights and a clear picture of what each VPN offers.
Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month
Key Features:
- Secure Core servers
- NetShield ad-blocker
- Strong encryption protocols
Ready to experience a faster, more secure internet? Norton VPN offers bank-grade encryption and a no-log policy, ensuring your online activity.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $39.99/month
Key Features:
- Bank-Grade Encryption
- Secure VPN Protocols
- No-Log Policy
What is ProtonVPN?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy?
Eck out ProtonVPN.
They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws.
They also have some unique security features. Us, they offer a free version.
Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €9.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.
Key Benefits
- Focus on privacy: Located in Switzerland with strict privacy laws. Logs here!
- Secure Core servers: Routes your traffic through multiple servers for extra protection.
- Open-source apps: Their code is publicly available for anyone to review. Transparency is key!
- Free version available: Gives you a taste of what they offer.
Pricing
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.
- 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
- 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
What is Norton VPN?
You probably know Norton for their antivirus software, right? Well, they also make a pretty great VPN!
Norton VPN is all about keeping your online activity private and secure.
It’s super easy to use, even for beginners. Download the app, connect to a server, & you’re ready!
Norton VPN is a solid choice if you want something reliable and trustworthy.
Ready to experience a faster, more secure internet? Norton VPN offers bank-grade encryption and a no-log policy, ensuring your online activity stays private.
Key Benefits
- Strong security: Uses bank-grade encryption to protect your data.
- No-logs policy: Norton promises not to track your online activity.
- Broad device compatibility: Secure up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- Ad-tracker blocker: This helps prevent annoying ads from following you online.
- Split tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN connection.
Pricing
Norton VPN keeps its pricing simple with a few different options:
- Plus: $49.99/year
- Standard: $39.99/year
- Ultimate: $59.99/year
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of ProtonVPN and Norton VPN, examining the features that matter most to you as a VPN user.
Security and Privacy
- ProtonVPN: As a secure VPN committed to privacy and security, ProtonVPN operates under Switzerland’s strong privacy laws. ProtonVPN offers a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activity remains private. They utilize robust encryption and advanced security features like Secure Core, routing your internet traffic through multiple servers for enhanced protection. ProtonVPN also supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols, all considered top-tier and reliable standards in the VPN industry. Proton Technologies, the company behind ProtonVPN, also provides secure email services, further demonstrating their commitment to digital security.
- Norton VPN: Norton Secure VPN, a key component of the Norton 360 suite, also provides essential security and privacy features like encryption and a no-logs policy. However, it’s crucial to note that Norton VPN is based in the US, where privacy laws may not be as stringent as Switzerland’s. Norton Secure VPN is owned by NortonLifeLock, a US-based company.
Server Network and Locations
- ProtonVPN: Proton VPN offers a diverse range of VPN servers strategically located in over 60 countries. This extensive network provides ample options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from around the world. They even have specialized servers optimized for popular streaming services like Netflix and for users seeking a VPN for China to circumvent censorship.
- Norton VPN: Compare Norton VPN to ProtonVPN, and you’ll find its server network is smaller, with VPN servers in 30 countries. This might limit your choices for accessing geo-blocked content or finding the optimal server location for speed and performance.
Speed and Performance
- ProtonVPN: Our VPN speed tests reveal that ProtonVPN delivers impressive speeds, making it suitable for demanding tasks like streaming and downloading large files. Proton VPN offers various VPN plans, with higher-tier options providing access to even faster 10 Gbps servers.
- Norton VPN: While testing Norton VPN, we observed decent speeds, though not as consistently fast as ProtonVPN. Speeds can fluctuate depending on your location and the specific VPN server you connect to.
Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities
- ProtonVPN: If you’re a frequent streamer, ProtonVPN is a strong contender. It effectively unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix and supports P2P file sharing (torrenting) on designated servers.
- Norton VPN: Norton Secure VPN may unblock some streaming platforms, but its success rate isn’t as reliable as ProtonVPN’s. It’s important to note that Norton Secure VPN does not officially support torrenting.
Ease of Use and User Experience
- ProtonVPN: The ProtonVPN app is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and use. It’s available on a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
- Norton VPN: Norton Secure VPN also prioritizes ease of use, offering a simple interface accessible to users of all technical levels. It’s compatible with popular operating systems and mobile devices.
Customer Support and Assistance
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers customer support primarily through email and a comprehensive knowledge base.
- Norton VPN: Norton offers more direct customer support channels, including live chat and phone support, which can be beneficial for users who prefer immediate assistance.
Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN boasts broad device compatibility, supporting a variety of operating systems and devices, including less common ones like Linux and routers. They offer generous simultaneous VPN connections, allowing you to use the VPN on multiple devices with a single account.
- Norton VPN: Compare Norton VPN’s device compatibility, and you’ll find it supports major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. However, the number of simultaneous VPN connections allowed varies depending on the specific Norton 360 plan you choose.
This in-depth comparison should equip you with the information you need to decide between these two VPNs.
Consider your priorities, whether it’s accessing streaming services like Netflix, needing a VPN for China, or prioritizing secure email services and robust privacy and security.
Remember that using a VPN is a smart step towards enhancing your online security and privacy, especially when using public internet access.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship). This will help you prioritize features like speed, server locations, and security protocols.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) and supports the number of simultaneous connections you need.
- Logging Policy: Pay close attention to the VPN provider’s of logging policy. A strict no-logs policy ensures your online activity remains private.
- Jurisdiction: The VPN provider’s location matters. Choose a VPN based in a country with strong privacy laws.
- Security Features: Look for essential security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
- Advanced Features: Consider additional features like split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation, depending on your needs.
- Free Trials and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, you can test the VPN using free trials or money-back guarantees.
- User Reviews: Read the reviews from other users to understand the VPN’s performance, reliability, and customer support.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
In this VPN comparison, ProtonVPN emerges as the winner in our ProtonVPN vs Norton VPN showdown. Why?
ProtonVPN simply offers the best combination of strong security, a large server network, fast speeds, and essential VPN features.
Its commitment to privacy is further solidified by its base in Switzerland and advanced features like access to Secure Core servers.
While Norton VPN Standard is a decent VPN, it falls short in server locations and streaming capabilities.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs.
But if you’re looking for a leading VPN that excels in security, speed, and features, we recommend trying ProtonVPN.
They even offer a free plan to test the service before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN better than Norton VPN?
In our ProtonVPN vs Norton VPN review, ProtonVPN comes out ahead due to its stronger security features, larger server network, and better streaming support. However, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Which VPN is better, NordVPN or ProtonVPN?
Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN are excellent VPN service providers. NordVPN boasts impressive speeds and a vast server network, while ProtonVPN prioritizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core. Consider what matters most to you when choosing between NordVPN or ProtonVPN.
What is the difference between a VPN and a virtual private network?
There’s no difference! VPN stands for virtual private network. It creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server, protecting your VPN traffic from prying eyes. A VPN is a good tool for anyone concerned about online privacy and security.
How much does Norton VPN cost?
Much does Norton VPN cost? The price varies depending on which Norton VPN plan you choose. Norton VPN Plus, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton VPN Ultimate each offer different features and pricing. Check their website to compare plans and pricing.
Can I try ProtonVPN before I buy it?
Yes! Using Proton is easy. They offer a free plan with limited features, allowing you to experience the service before upgrading to a paid plan. This lets you test their speeds, security features, and overall performance.
