Norton Secure VPN: An Overview
Norton LifeLock, previously Symantec, is a major cybersecurity company.
However, that’s not true for Norton Secure VPN.
I do love the simplicity of the desktop app’s interface.
Norton Secure VPN Features
Secure VPN isn’t overloaded with features.
This is great news for users who have never used a VPN.
However, it’s sufficient for any casual VPN user.
Ad Tracker Blocking
The ad tracker blocking option is available and enabled by default.
The app shows you the number of ad trackers it blocked during the past seven and 30 days.
But it lacks customizability.
General settings in Norton Secure VPN
you could’t configure what specifically the VPN should block.
Split Tunneling
Norton Secure VPN offers app-basedsplit tunneling(URL-based tunneling is unavailable).
For example, suppose you’re using Norton Secure VPN tounblock Netflix libraries.
You suddenly remember it’s crucial that you quickly make a payment using your online banking account.
However, note that you shouldn’t do this on public Wi-Fi.
Any traffic transmitted through the unencrypted tunneling is vulnerable toman-in-the-middle attacks.
Split tunneling lacks the customization you typically find on other popular VPNs.
For example,NordVPNallows whitelisting as well as blacklisting apps, while Norton Secure VPN only allows blacklisting.
Torrent-Optimized Region
Norton Secure VPN doesn’t allow torrenting on regular servers.
For that use case, choose the “Torrent-Optimized Region” option in the server list.
However, this option is only available on the Windows and Android apps.
When you select this option, the VPN app automatically connects to a server with P2P support.
Norton’s unwillingness to activate the VPN connection when you’re torrenting can be a little annoying.
When you give a shot to connect to a VPN server when torrenting, you see an error.
This will help you use the VPN connection while your client runs on the side using an unencrypted tunnel.
Servers in Over 30 Countries
Norton doesn’t reveal the number ofVPN serversit has.
The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is essentially unbreakable, along with all protocols.
This means Norton Secure VPN lives up to its name and is indeed secure.
Moreover, my tests confirmed that Norton Secure VPN hid my IP address and DNS information.
Norton Secure VPN is backed by a company with an excellent reputation and zero instances of privacy-related controversies.
Speed
When you use a VPN, your internet traffic travels via an intermediary server.
Since the traffic has to travel longer, it decreases speed and increases latency.
I tested Norton Secure VPN’s speeds using Speedtest by Ookla over three days to average out the results.
It should still work for standard-quality streaming.
Streaming
Unfortunately, streaming isn’t Norton Secure VPN’s strongest suit, either.
I managed to get into most Netflix libraries and Amazon Prime Video during my tests.
Unfortunately, it failed to unblock BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu.
I was able to stream content without buffering, at least the content that I could access.
You might experience some buffering if you like streaming in 4K, though.
Norton Secure VPN Customer Support
I like that Norton offers 24x7 chat and phone support.
Support agents can also provide remote assistance.
The support is also proactive about offering remote assistance.
To connect to an agent via live chat, Norton makes you jump through many hoops.
Overall, I liked the promptness of the support.
Pricing
Norton Secure VPN offers annual and monthly plans.
The pricing for both is further dependent on the number of devices you’d like to connect simultaneously.
However, Norton VPN’s monthly plans are one of the cheapest on the market.
