There are so many choices in the VPN market that it’s often difficult to decide which provider to choose. You might be tempted to use a service from a company you recognize, like Norton Secure VPN, but plenty of lesser-known competitors offer more functionality while costing the same (or less) each month.
Crucially, we’re not talking about super-advanced, technical tools here. Norton’s VPN falls short in everyday situations as it isn’t particularly great at streaming, won’t work with Linux systems or routers, and doesn’t offer basic security features.
Below, we’ll reveal six of the best alternatives to Norton Secure VPN so that anyone can find the service that’s right for them. Better still, unlike Norton’s VPN, none of the VPNs below charge extra to protect multiple devices.
Here are our favorite alternatives:
- NordVPN: The best alternative to Norton’s VPN. Works with most major streaming services, keeps no logs, and works in China. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best budget Norton VPN alternative. Has no connection limit, far better streaming capabilities, and a very strong set of security tools. Servers in 100 countries.
- ExpressVPN: Beginner-friendly VPN with its own router firmware and an expansive network. Offers 24/7 support, its own connection protocol, and the ability to handle any day-to-day task.
- CyberGhost: Much quicker than Norton’s VPN, with a far larger network and servers specifically designed for streaming and torrenting. No-logs policy and around-the-clock support.
- ProtonVPN: A freemium VPN that doesn’t limit your bandwidth. Its paid plan offers more server locations and security tools than Norton Secure VPN, plus significantly higher speeds.
- AtlasVPN: Offers 5GB of free bandwidth each month. Paid plans unlock faster connections, 24/7 support, and several intriguing security features, plus access to the Linux app.
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Everyone uses the internet for different things. For example, some people really like to stream while others just want to play games securely. That’s why we looked for VPNs capable of dealing with any day-to-day situation. Essentially, all of the best alternatives to Norton Secure VPN needed to have:
- Quick and reliable servers in dozens of countries
- Powerful security tools and a user-first privacy policy
- The ability to securely access popular streaming platforms and region-specific websites
- An easy way to get in touch with customer support
- Apps for all major platforms
This is just a brief overview of our larger testing methodology. If you’d like to learn more, we have a whole post about how we test VPNs at Comparitech. Alternatively, take a look below for a closer look at the best replacements for Norton Secure VPN.
Best Norton Secure VPN alternatives
Here’s our detailed list of the best Norton VPN alternatives:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our favorite Norton Secure VPN alternative. It has servers in almost twice as many countries, delivers significantly higher speeds, and unlike most of its rivals, it works in places like China. NordVPN is also far more consistent when it comes to streaming – we were able to securely access just about every platform we tested, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, whereas Norton Secure VPN had quite a bit of difficulty in this regard.
If Norton Secure VPN detects suspicious activity, it can store your IP address, license, and device identifiers. NordVPN, meanwhile, keeps no identifiable data (barring advertising IDs on mobile, which can be easily cleared), and has proven this by undergoing independent audits. It offers a wider array of security tools, including automatic tracker-blocking, special Tor over VPN servers, and a MeshNet feature that lets you securely transfer files to and from your other devices, even if they’re on separate networks.
NordVPN offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Unlike Norton Secure VPN, it can also be manually installed on your router.
Pros:
- Newcomer-friendly VPN with heaps of functionality
- Speedy servers in 60 countries
- Excellent streaming capabilities
- No-logs VPN with plenty of powerful security features
Cons:
- Doesn’t let you know which servers are best for streaming
Our score:
BEST NORTON VPN ALTERNATIVE:NordVPN is our top choice. It’s faster, more privacy-conscious, and more versatile than Norton Secure VPN, plus its money-back guarantee is longer (on monthly plans), so you really put it through its paces without any risk at all.
Interested? Why not read our full NordVPN review?
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is our top budget pick, but despite its low price, it has plenty to offer. For instance, it boasts high speeds, the ability to securely access almost every streaming site you can think of, and it even works in China. Crucially, unlike Norton Secure VPN, it doesn’t charge extra to protect multiple devices – in fact, there’s no connection limit at all, so a single subscription can secure your entire household.
There are all kinds of privacy tools built-in, from the effectively-uncrackable encryption to a new feature that switches your IP address periodically. Naturally, Surfshark uses a kill switch and protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks. It’s undergone an independent audit to back up its no-logging claims. You can even pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like a little extra anonymity. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat just in case you have any issues.
Surfshark provides apps for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. It works with most popular router firmware but you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.
Pros:
- Fast and ideal for streaming
- Impressive security toolkit
- Works in China
- Secure all of your devices at once
Cons:
- A few tools that aren’t accessible without an additional monthly fee
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best low-cost alternative to Norton’s VPN. It’s just as fast, but doesn’t have a connection limit, logs less data, and is better for streaming. What’s more, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, which is more than the industry average of 60, and more than three times as many locations that Norton’s VPN offers. It’s also significantly better for streaming, working with major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Peacock. This is one of the few VPNs that can be relied upon in China, and users don’t even have to change any settings to get started.
Like Norton Secure VPN, this service relies on 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to keep your activities hidden. It has a few extra features like LAN traffic blocking, split tunneling, and a free Smart DNS tool that lets you access US-only platforms on devices without full app support (such as games consoles). Most importantly, ExpressVPN has been independently audited to prove it keeps no identifiable user data.
ExpressVPN apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Unlike Norton Secure VPN, it can also be installed on routers and even has its own firmware to make this process as smooth as possible.
Pros:
- Reputable VPN with solid speeds
- Excels at beating censorship
- Regularly audited for privacy
- Plenty of server locations to choose from
Cons:
- Cheaper options elsewhere in this list
Our score:
FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN boasts steady speeds, top-tier streaming abilities, and a decent number of customizable features. It’s significantly easier to install on routers than most of its rivals. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, even on monthly plans.
Take a look at our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has around 7,000 servers in 91 countries – that’s three times more options than Norton Secure VPN offers. It’s also much faster (averaging nearly 300 Mbps in our latest tests) and works with most major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Unlike its rival, CyberGhost supports Amazon Fire devices, Linux systems, and routers, plus it offers specially-optimized servers for torrenting, gaming, or browsing anonymously.
One of the things we love about CyberGhost is its versatility. It can block ads, trackers, and malware automatically, connect any time you use an unfamiliar network, or connect via a random port to get around some forms of VPN-blocking. Of course, this is in addition to its 256-bit encryption, leak protection, no-logging policy, and kill switch. A smart rules tab lets you customize things even further. If you’re having any issues, just get in touch using the 24/7 live chat service.
CyberGhost has apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Users also have the option of manually installing it directly onto their home router.
Pros:
- Among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested
- Task-specific servers
- Plenty of security features built-in
Cons:
- Settings could be better organized
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
EXTREMELY VERSATILE:CyberGhost works with a wide range of streaming services, delivers some of the highest speeds we’ve seen, and provides around-the-clock support. Not only that, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our complete review of CyberGhost.
5. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is a freemium provider but what’s unusual about it is that it doesn’t limit your speeds or how much bandwidth you can use. Instead, it hopes that you’ll upgrade to gain access to servers in 67 countries, including some specifically designed for secure streaming or browsing the dark web. Premium accounts can also connect up to 10 devices at a time (instead of one) and contact support staff using the 24/7 live chat service.
This VPN keeps your activities hidden using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s even a no-logs policy that’s been verified by independent auditors, meaning you don’t have to take ProtonVPN’s claims at face value. Users can also let certain websites bypass the VPN, use alternative routing to access ProtonVPN’s website in countries with strict censorship, or turn on the accelerator feature to potentially improve their speeds.
ProtonVPN offers iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. Not only that, but it can be manually installed on a wide range of routers.
Pros:
- Impressive speeds
- Works with most streaming services
- Can effectively use the free plan indefinately if you like
Cons:
- Kill switch and split tunneling features are mutually exclusive
- Free users can’t get in touch via live chat
Our score:
SECURITY-CONSCIOUS:ProtonVPN includes all kinds of security and privacy tools, from Tor over VPN servers to automatic malware-blocking. You’ll need a paid plan to take advantage, but all of these come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more with our full review of ProtonVPN.
6. AtlasVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
AtlasVPN has three free-to-use server locations and provides 5GB of data each month. Paying subscribers, however, have the connection limit removed entirely and can take advantage of higher speeds, 24/7 support over live chat, and access to the Linux, Fire OS, and Android TV apps. You’ll also be able to choose from servers in around 50 countries, with some specially-optimized for securely streaming. Considering Norton Secure VPN doesn’t work reliably with services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, that’s a huge advantage.
By default, your connection is secured with 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch but there are lots of other features to try out as well. For example, you might want to use the SafeSwap servers to change your IP address periodically, making you even harder to track across the web. AtlasVPN keeps no logs, blocks ads and trackers automatically, and can even let you know if your login details are leaked. In other words, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to stay safe online.
AtlasVPN has its own Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. It does not support router installation for the time being.
Pros:
- Protect all of your devices at once
- Quick and versatile
- Robust security and privacy
Cons:
- No router support
- Relatively small network
Our score:
HIGH-SPEED FREEMIUM VPN:AtlasVPN has a generous free plan but upgrade and you’ll gain access to specialized servers, additional security tools, 24/7 support, and better performance. Remember, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.
Check out our complete AtlasVPN review for more details.
Methodology: Finding the best alternatives to Norton’s VPN
Norton Secure VPN is a decent service, but it’s not without its shortcomings. When researching the best alternative options, we first checked to see if there were any that addressed the weaknesses of Norton’s VPN without adding any major flaws of their own. Then, we put contenders through a series of tests and examined how well they performed in the areas below:
- Server availability: Norton’s VPN only supports around 30 countries but the industry average for paid services is closer to 60 (with some offering as many as 100). We also look into whether a provider relies on virtual servers since this isn’t always obvious and determine which country’s data-protection laws actually apply to your traffic.
- Speed and reliability: You could have the best VPN in the world but if it’s too slow to use, there’s no point. Our team regularly speed tests providers to monitor their performance and ensure that we only ever recommend VPNs that are fast enough for the task at hand.
- Everyday potential: A VPN that only works sometimes is of no use to anyone. Services should be able to handle any day-to-day task, whether it’s helping you torrent anonymously, stay safe while gaming, or securely access Netflix.
- Security: It’s vital that your VPN has the tools needed for you to browse securely – otherwise, what’s the point? This includes uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch at a minimum, though additional tools (like tracker blocking) are always welcome. We also dig into the privacy policy and strongly prefer VPNs that have been independently audited as we’ve seen providers lie about their logging policies in the past.
- Pricing: Unfortunately, lots of VPNs charge more than is really fair. Naturally, we’ll never recommend anything overpriced, and actively try to bring the price down by seeking out deals, promotions, and discounts. If there’s a free trial or money-back guarantee available, we’ll always let you know so that you can try a service for yourself with no risk.
- Ease of use: Digital security is for everyone, not just tech experts. That’s why we prefer VPNs with novice-friendly features like 24/7 live chat, multi-platform support, and task-specific servers. Some have even removed connection limits entirely, getting rid of a restriction that’s been around almost as long as commercial VPNS have!
Norton Secure VPN FAQs
Does Norton Secure VPN cost money?
Norton Secure VPN is a paid service but there are a few ways to try it for free, at least for a limited time. First off, it offers a seven-day free trial if you sign up using the Android or iOS app. Alternatively, you can purchase a monthly subscription and cancel within 14 days to effectively use the service free-of-charge. Annual plans increase this to 60 days, but as you might expect, these have a higher initial cost.
Looking for a reliable free VPN? We’d suggest ProtonVPN, Windscribe, or AtlasVPN – these all offer reasonable speeds and plenty of security tools, without any restriction on how long you can use them (though you will normally have a monthly bandwidth limit).
Can I stream Netflix with Norton Secure VPN?
Netflix, like most other streaming services, tries to automatically detect VPN users, so that they can prevent people from accessing other countries' content libraries. Everyday users have to disconnect from their VPN when trying to stream their favorite shows. This is a bit of a hassle, but also a security risk since you could always forget to turn it back on when you’re done.
There are still a few VPNs that work reliably with Netflix but unfortunately, Norton Secure VPN isn’t one. We’d recommend using NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN since these all have a great track record with Netflix and can securely access some of the most popular libraries.
Is Norton Secure VPN secure?
As you might expect, this VPN was created by Symantec, the company behind the ubiquitous Norton antivirus. It uses industry-standard connection protocols, powerful encryption, and includes safeguards like a kill switch, so it’s certainly secure enough. Norton Secure VPN’s logging policy could be improved, though. While it doesn’t log details of the website you visit, it does store your IP address and license identifier (which is likely linked to your payment information, and hence, your real name).
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