When it comes to safeguarding your privacy, NordVPN emerges as a top contender among VPN services. Its headquarters in Panama provide an advantageous jurisdiction, coupled with a logging policy that prioritizes user privacy by deliberately excluding any form of traffic data. On the other hand, Norton Secure VPN operates from the United States, which brings its own considerations.
While Norton does incorporate IP addresses in its logging policy, it is important to note that they are anonymized. But does comparing these two VPNs lead to a zero-sum outcome? Surprisingly, our head-to-head analysis revealed instances where Norton actually surpasses Nord. Yes, you heard it right. To determine the VPN that best suits your unique needs, please continue reading for a detailed exploration of their respective strengths and capabilities.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Choose NordVPN
Our extensive evaluation shows that NordVPN shines as one of the leading VPN contenders, boasting an excellent rating of 9.5 out of 10. Meanwhile, Norton Secure VPN achieved a respectable eight-star rating overall. The truth is, for most individuals, NordVPN is likely to be the superior choice, and here’s why:
Based in a Non-member Country:
NordVPN operates from Panama, a non-member country of surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes. Consequently, our personal information remains secure without the risk of government sharing. Conversely, Norton Secure VPN is headquartered in the United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance, potentially subjecting them to government requests for personal data, which we’d rather avoid.
No Logging of IP Addresses:
NordVPN strictly adheres to a comprehensive logging policy, ensuring they do not retain our IP addresses or any online activities. Conversely, Norton Secure VPN logs various information, including anonymized IP addresses, geolocation data, and aggregated bandwidth usage. It is clear that NordVPN surpasses Norton Secure VPN in terms of privacy jurisdiction and logging policy, providing enhanced privacy protection.
More Servers in More Locations:
While Norton Secure VPN maintains a respectable number of servers, with over 1,500 across 31 regions, NordVPN takes the lead with an impressive network of 5,200 servers in double the number of countries. This extensive server coverage by NordVPN ensures greater accessibility and flexibility for users.
Kill Switch on All Devices:
NordVPN sets itself apart by offering a kill switch feature across all its applications, ensuring that in the event of a VPN disconnection, our web browsers and apps are automatically shut down to safeguard our data. Conversely, Norton Secure VPN only provides a kill switch on its Android app, limiting its protection across other platforms.
Torrenting Access:
For those seeking VPN services specifically for torrenting, NordVPN emerges as the only viable option, as Norton Secure VPN lacks compatibility.
More Consistent Netflix Access:
While Norton Secure VPN provides limited access to Netflix on certain servers, the reliability could be more consistent. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers a more reliable Netflix streaming experience across its vast network of over 5,000 servers, establishing itself as one of the top VPN choices for accessing Netflix content.
Faster Performance on Macs:
NordVPN exhibits a minimal latency increase of only 10 percent on a Macbook Pro, significantly lower than the industry average of over 30 percent. In contrast, Norton Secure VPN exhibits latency increases of over 200 percent, making NordVPN a superior choice for Mac users and gamers on Mac systems.
Broad Device Compatibility:
NordVPN is more compatible than Norton Secure VPN, offering support for Linux, proxy servers, routers, NAS devices, and various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Norton Secure VPN is limited to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Pick One:
Choosing between a proxy server and a VPN comes with pros and cons. Dive into our comprehensive guide on VPNs vs. proxy servers to explore and compare your options. Find the solution that best suits your specific needs and requirements.
Browser Extensions for Chrome & Firefox:
NordVPN caters to those who prefer browser extensions by providing dedicated extensions for both Chrome and Firefox. This feature gives users greater flexibility and convenience when using the VPN service within their preferred browsers. Norton Secure VPN lacks dedicated browser extensions.
Better Pricing for Long-term Commitment:
While Norton Secure VPN may appear more cost-effective for short-term packages, NordVPN offers highly affordable pricing for a two-year commitment. At just $89, equivalent to $3.71 per month, NordVPN’s pricing structure proves advantageous, especially considering its allowance for up to six devices.
Enhanced iOS App Experience:
Although the Norton Secure VPN & Proxy VPN iOS app is commendable, with a 4.1 rating and satisfactory performance, the NordVPN iOS app surpasses it with an impressive 4.6 out of five stars, indicating a superior user experience and functionality.
Here’s a Chart Summarizing the Key Comparisons:
| Based in a Non-Member Country | NordVPN | Norton Secure VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Based in a Non-Member Country | ✔️ | – |
| Logging Policy (IP Addresses) | ✔️ (No Logging) | ✔️ (Anonymized) |
| Number of Servers | 5,200 | 1,500 |
| Kill Switch Availability | ✔️ (Across All Apps) | ✔️ (Only on Android) |
| Torrenting Compatibility | ✔️ | – |
| Netflix Access | ✔️(Consistent) | Partially |
| Latency Increase on Macs | 10% | 200% |
| Device Compatibility | ✔️(Linux, Proxy, Routers, NAS) | Limited (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) |
| Browser Extensions (Chrome, Firefox) | ✔️ | – |
| Pricing (Two-year Commitment) | $3.29/mo | |
| iOS App Rating | 4.6 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 |
It is evident that NordVPN offers a comprehensive range of features, enhanced privacy protection, wider accessibility, and more excellent value for money, making it the preferred choice for most users seeking a reliable and secure VPN service.
Why You Should Choose Norton Secure VPN
While NordVPN holds a clear advantage as the more established VPN, there are a few reasons why someone might prefer Norton Secure VPN. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and needs.
- Faster on Windows: If you specifically require a VPN for Windows, Norton Secure VPN outperforms NordVPN on this operating system. Norton exhibited significantly less latency when tested on an Acer Aspire 5 than NordVPN, although neither performed exceptionally well. While NordVPN had 3,100 percent more latency, Norton only had 1,075 percent more. While not ideal, it may suffice for those who prioritize Windows compatibility.
- Coverage For Up to 10 Devices: Norton Secure VPN offers the advantage of connecting up to 10 devices, whereas NordVPN’s plans support up to six devices. This makes Norton a more suitable choice for businesses, particularly when combined with Norton’s antivirus software.
- More Affordable For One Month or One Year: NordVPN’s popularity comes with a higher price tag. According to Big Market Research, NordVPN and its major competitor ExpressVPN have significantly expanded the VPN market. Unfortunately, this increased recognition translates to higher prices compared to most competitors.
For Example, Norton Secure VPN offers a monthly plan for $9.99/mo, covering up to 10 devices, while NordVPN charges $12.99/mo for four devices less. Unless committing to a two-year plan, Norton proves to be more cost-effective than NordVPN.
Here’s a Chart Summarizing the Pricing & Features:
| VPN | Maximum Number of Devices | Length of Contract | Total Amount Billed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton Secure VPN | 1 | 1-Month | $4.99/mo |
| Norton Secure VPN | 1 | 1-Year | $29.99/yr |
| Norton Secure VPN | 5 | 1-Month | $7.99/mo |
| Norton Secure VPN | 5 | 1-Year | $39.99/yr |
| Norton Secure VPN | 10 | 1-Month | $9.99/mo |
| Norton Secure VPN | 10 | 1-Year | $59.99/yr |
| NordVPN | 6 | 1-Month | $12.99/mo |
| NordVPN | 6 | 1-Year | $4.59/mo |
| NordVPN | 6 | 2-Years | $3.29/mo |
Save Money:
For those willing to wait for holiday deals, NordVPN offers significant discounts during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In (2024), they provided up to 68 percent off on two-year plans and up to 58 percent off on one-year plans, among other substantial discounts.
- Dynamic IP Addresses: While NordVPN exclusively offers static IP addresses, Norton Secure VPN utilizes dynamic IP addresses. Dynamic addresses change each time you connect to the VPN, offering enhanced anonymity and privacy protection.
- Support Options: Norton Secure VPN distinguishes itself by offering support through various channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and phone. In contrast, NordVPN primarily provides assistance through an online help center, live chat, and 24/7 email support. Norton’s multiple support options may be more appealing to some users, including the convenience of reaching out via social media.
- Longer Money-back Guarantee: NordVPN provides a standard 30-day money-back guarantee, which is common among VPN companies. However, Norton Secure VPN extends this guarantee further, offering an entire 60-day period for users to request a refund.
In summary, while NordVPN remains a dominant player in the VPN market, Norton Secure VPN offers specific advantages such as better performance on Windows, support for more devices, affordability for shorter-term plans, dynamic IP addresses, varied support options, and an extended money-back guarantee period. It’s important to consider these factors when choosing between the two providers.
Commonalities
Although there were some similarities between NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN, the list of shared features is quite short. Let’s take a closer look:
- No DNS or WebRTC Leaks: Checking for DNS and WebRTC leaks is crucial for maintaining online privacy. We conducted tests using tools from ExpressVPN and DNSLeakTest.com and compared NordVPN and Norton VPN. Fortunately, both VPNs showed no leaks, ensuring our web activities and private IP addresses remained secure. This aspect turned out to be a tie between the two providers.
- Encryption: Both NordVPN and Norton Secure VPN employ AES-256 encryption, considered military-grade and highly robust.
- Apps for Multiple Operating Systems: NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN offers applications compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. This wide range of supported platforms is what we would expect from any reputable VPN provider.
- Good Android Apps: The NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN—Security & Privacy WiFi Proxy Android apps have received ratings of 4.2 in the Google Play store. We personally agreed with this assessment, as both apps worked seamlessly without any issues.
In summary, while NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN share a few common features, such as the absence of DNS and WebRTC leaks, the use of AES-256 encryption, compatibility with major operating systems, and well-performing Android apps, these similarities represent only a small portion of their overall offerings. It’s important to consider the unique aspects and differences between the two VPN providers.
Who Won, NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN?
When choosing between NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN, our overall recommendation is strongly toward NordVPN. It outperforms Norton in terms of privacy jurisdiction, logging policy, Mac speeds, and various other factors. However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all VPN solution, so let’s break it down further:
Reasons to Choose NordVPN:
- More Privacy: NordVPN operates under a privacy jurisdiction that protects your information from international surveillance alliances.
- Fast Mac Speeds: NordVPN demonstrated lower latency and faster download speeds on Mac devices.
- Low-cost Two-year Package: NordVPN offers an affordable pricing plan at just $3.71 monthly for a two-year commitment.
- Kill Switches on All Devices: Unlike Norton, NordVPN provides kill switches on devices beyond just Android.
- Better Access to Netflix: NordVPN is reliable for accessing Netflix content.
- Compatibility with Linux, Proxy, Routers, & NAS: NordVPN is an excellent option if you need a VPN for these devices and servers.
- Chrome & Firefox Browser Extensions: NordVPN offers extensions for both Chrome and Firefox, while Norton lacks this feature.
- Better iOS App: NordVPN’s iOS app offers a user-friendly experience compared to Norton’s counterpart.
Reasons to Choose Norton Secure VPN:
- Fast Windows Speeds: Norton Secure VPN delivers relatively faster Windows speeds than NordVPN.
- Low Monthly or Annual Packages: Norton, being a significant company with VPNs as a small part of its business, provides cost-effective options, especially when compared to NordVPN.
- Coverage For Up to 10 Devices: Norton Secure VPN allows connectivity for up to 10 devices, whereas NordVPN limits it to six.
- Support over Facebook, Twitter, or Phone: Norton offers customer support through various channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and phone, catering to individual preferences.
- Longer Money-back Guarantee: With Norton Secure VPN, you have a generous 60-day window to test and decide if it meets your needs, whereas NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To compare other VPN options, we recommend visiting our VPN compare page, where we thoroughly test and evaluate each VPN listed, ensuring you’ll find one that suits your requirements.
FAQ’s
Can both NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN unblock streaming platforms like Netflix?
Both NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN can unblock streaming platforms like Netflix. NordVPN has built a strong reputation for reliably accessing Netflix with its extensive network of over 5,000 servers in various locations. Their robust server infrastructure increases the chances of bypassing Netflix’s geoblocks, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of movies and shows from different regions.
However, Norton Secure VPN, being relatively newer than NordVPN, may have a different established track record in consistently bypassing Netflix restrictions. While some users have reported success, there may be instances where certain servers struggle to unblock specific Netflix libraries.
To maximize your chances of unblocking Netflix, it’s recommended to connect to servers specifically optimized for streaming, such as NordVPN’s dedicated servers for Netflix. Streaming platforms actively work to detect and block VPNs, making it an ongoing challenge. NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN continually updates their server infrastructure and employs measures to stay ahead of Netflix’s detection mechanisms.
Does Norton Secure VPN provide better customer support options compared to NordVPN?
In terms of customer support options, Norton Secure VPN offers a slightly broader range compared to NordVPN. Norton understands the importance of providing multiple channels for users to seek assistance, including Facebook, Twitter, phone, and online help center resources. This diverse range ensures users can choose the method that suits their preferences and efficiently communicate their concerns to Norton’s support team.
On the other hand, NordVPN primarily focuses on customer support through its online help center, live chat, and 24/7 email support. While these channels effectively address user inquiries, NordVPN does not offer direct support options like phone or social media platforms, which are available with Norton Secure VPN. However, NordVPN’s support team is known for their knowledge and responsiveness, ensuring users receive timely assistance and resolutions to their VPN-related issues.
Which VPN offers a longer money-back guarantee, NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN?
Regarding the money-back guarantee, Norton Secure VPN offers a longer refund period than NordVPN. Norton Secure VPN provides a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to thoroughly test the service and evaluate its performance. This extended period enables users to explore the features and suitability of Norton Secure VPN. In contrast, NordVPN offers a standard 30-day money-back guarantee, providing a reasonable timeframe for users to assess the VPN’s performance and determine if it meets their expectations.
Can I connect multiple devices simultaneously with NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN?
Both NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPNs offer the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, although the number of supported devices differs. NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices at the same time, providing ample coverage for various devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. On the other hand, Norton Secure VPN offers support for up to 10 devices concurrently, making it a suitable choice for users with a larger number of devices they want to protect with a VPN. Whether for personal or business purposes, Norton Secure VPN offers the flexibility to secure a significant number of devices simultaneously.
Conclusion
To sum it up, after a thorough comparison, it is evident that NordVPN emerges as the top choice between NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN. NordVPN excels in several key areas, including privacy jurisdiction, logging policy, Mac speeds, and a wide range of features. Users opting for NordVPN can benefit from enhanced privacy, faster speeds on Mac devices, extensive server coverage, compatibility with various devices and servers, and reliable access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix. Additionally, NordVPN offers competitive pricing options, particularly with its cost-effective two-year package.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the strengths of Norton Secure VPN. It delivers faster speeds on Windows, provides affordable monthly and annual packages, allows connectivity for up to 10 devices, and offers diverse customer support options. Notably, Norton Secure VPN boasts a longer money-back guarantee, giving users ample time to thoroughly evaluate the service.
Ultimately, the choice between NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN depends on individual preferences and specific requirements. NordVPN stands out as a comprehensive package with robust privacy features and extensive functionality. On the other hand, Norton Secure VPN appeals to users seeking faster speeds on Windows and cost-effective pricing options.
It is advisable to carefully evaluate your priorities and consider the features that align with your specific needs before making a final decision. Both NordVPN vs Norton Secure VPN have their own strengths, and by understanding your own preferences, you can choose the VPN that best suits your online security and privacy requirements.
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