⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Norton VPN starts at $3.33/month. Malwarebytes starts at $44.99/yr.
- Best for: Norton VPN for streaming and identity alerts. Malwarebytes VPN for simple privacy next to its antivirus.
- Key difference: Norton gives you three protocols. Malwarebytes runs on WireGuard only.
- Our pick: Norton VPN for most people. It packs more privacy tools into a cheaper entry plan.
Two antivirus brands. Two VPNs. One big question.
Is using a VPN from a security company a good idea?
Norton VPN and Malwarebytes VPN both say yes.
But they don’t build their VPNs the same way.
Norton adds bonus features on top of the tunnel.
Malwarebytes keeps things lean and borrows Mullvad’s servers.
Overview
We reviewed pricing pages, documentation, and user reviews for both Norton VPN vs Malwarebytes VPN.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each app.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
We cover security, speed tests, streaming, and value.
What is Norton VPN?
Norton Secure VPN is a virtual private network from a well-known security company.
It encrypts your online traffic with AES-256 and hides your IP address.
You can pick WireGuard, OpenVPN, or Norton’s own Mimic protocol.
The apps run on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
You can also bundle it with Norton 360 antivirus software.
Most people pick it for easy setup and its bonus features.
Here’s a quick look at how Norton Secure VPN’s apps work.
Norton VPN
A simple VPN from a big security brand. It adds ad tracker blocking and dark web alerts. Plans start at $3.33/month.
Norton VPN Pricing
Here’s what Norton VPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $3.33/month | One person starting out |
| Deluxe | $4.17/month | Households with several devices |
| Select Plus | $8.33/month | Users who want the widest coverage |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No standalone free trial. Promo sales sometimes drop the first year to $9.99, then it renews at $49.99 per year.
Money-back guarantee: 60 days for annual subscribers. Monthly plans get only 14 days.
📌 Note: Norton accepts a credit card or PayPal. It does not take crypto. Monthly plans and annual subscriptions both exist, but annual billing gives the longer refund window.
⚠️ Warning: Norton’s own plan pages list different numbers than our table. They show a $5 monthly plan for one device. The five-device plan is $3.33/month yearly but renews at $6.66. The ten-device plan is $5/month and renews at $8.33. We kept our CSV prices above, so check renewal rates before you pay.
Key Benefits of Norton VPN
Here’s what makes Norton VPN worth a look:
- Three Protocols: Choose WireGuard, OpenVPN, or Mimic. Mimic helps disguise VPN traffic.
- Kill Switch: It cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops. This stops data leaks.
- Ad Tracker Blocking: The tracker blocker works on every platform. Pages load with less clutter.
- Wi-Fi Alerts: Compromised Network Detection warns you on an unsecured network. That lowers the risk of identity theft.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Norton alerts you if your personal data shows up on the dark web.
- Throttling Protection: Your ISP can’t see your online activities. So it has a harder time slowing you down.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Norton VPN and used it for everyday browsing on a laptop and phone. Here’s what stood out:
Norton VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Choice of WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Mimic protocols
- Unblocks US and Australian Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
- Ad tracker blocking works on all platforms
- 60-day refund window on annual plans
❌ Cons
- Only about 29 countries and no city picker
- No IPv6 leak protection
- iOS app lacks a kill switch and split tunneling
What is Malwarebytes VPN?
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN comes from the maker of a popular anti malware solution.
It runs only on WireGuard with AES-256 encryption.
The network has 470+ servers in 45+ countries.
Behind the scenes, it uses Mullvad VPN’s server network.
Apps cover Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
It’s the easy pick if you already use Malwarebytes products.
Just remember it’s a security brand first and a VPN company second.
This short video walks through the Malwarebytes Privacy VPN app.
Malwarebytes VPN
A lean WireGuard VPN from an antivirus brand. Try it free for 7 days. Refunds are open for 60 days.
Malwarebytes VPN Pricing
Here’s what Malwarebytes charges in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $44.99/yr | Basic antivirus users |
| Plus | $59.99/yr | Antivirus plus VPN in one bundle |
| Total | $159.99/yr | Full security with identity protection |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: Yes. You get a 7-day free trial of Privacy VPN.
Money-back guarantee: 60 days on every plan.
📌 Note: Malwarebytes offers no discounts on Privacy VPN. It accepts PayPal and debit or credit cards, but no crypto. VAT in some countries can add up to 20% to your bill. The trial includes all the same features as a paid plan.
⚠️ Warning: Malwarebytes also sells the VPN on its own, and those prices differ from our table. One device is $3.33/month ($39.99/yr). Three devices cost $4.17/month ($49.99/yr). Five devices cost $5.00/month ($59.99/yr). We kept our CSV bundle prices above.
Key Benefits of Malwarebytes VPN
Here’s why some people pick Malwarebytes VPN:
- WireGuard Speed: WireGuard is lighter than older protocols. That usually means quicker connection speeds.
- Kill Switch: It blocks all network traffic if the VPN connection is lost.
- Connection Rules: Let certain apps or IP addresses skip the VPN. This is its version of split tunneling.
- MultiHop: Route traffic through two servers in different countries for added privacy.
- Private DNS: Malwarebytes protects your lookups with its own DNS server. It doesn’t track your traffic.
- Solid Support: Reviewers say support replies fast when you open a support ticket.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer installed Malwarebytes Privacy VPN on Windows and Android and used it for daily browsing. Here’s what stood out:
Malwarebytes VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fast WireGuard protocol with AES-256 encryption
- 7-day free trial plus 60-day money-back guarantee
- MultiHop routes traffic through two countries
- Quick, helpful customer support
❌ Cons
- Struggles with Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- No Linux, router, Fire TV Stick, or gaming consoles apps
- Speed drops of 34% nearby and 62% on distant servers
Feature Comparison
Norton Secure VPN’s features and Malwarebytes’ tools overlap in places, but the VPNs work quite differently. Below, we compare nine important features plus pricing.
| Feature | Norton VPN | Malwarebytes VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $3.33/month | $44.99/yr |
| Free Trial | ❌ | ✅ 7 days |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Mimic | WireGuard only |
| Kill Switch | ✅ (not on iOS) | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ Windows & Android | ✅ Connection Rules |
| Double VPN / MultiHop | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad Tracker Blocking | ✅ | ❌ (Browser Guard extension) |
| Dark Web Monitoring | ✅ | ✅ (Total plan) |
| Server Countries | About 29 | 45+ |
| Best For | Streaming and extra privacy tools | Existing Malwarebytes users |
1. Encryption & Protocols
Norton VPN: Norton offers AES-256 encryption and three protocols. You can switch between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and its own Mimic protocol. Here’s how the VPN works: every VPN tunnel follows the same path: initiation, encryption, tunneling, IP masking, and the return path.
https://youtu.be/vB3jd5KiBn8?si=u6TciXhkyYo1Kxxq
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes also uses AES-256, but it runs on WireGuard alone. WireGuard is fast and modern. The catch is there’s no backup protocol if a network blocks it.
⚠️ Warning: Neither VPN can reliably bypass firewalls in China or Iran. Pick a VPN with obfuscated servers if you travel there.
2. Kill Switch & Split Tunneling
Norton VPN: Norton’s kill switch protects your connection if the VPN drops. Split tunneling is only on the Windows app and Android. The iOS app is user-friendly, but it lacks both tools.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes has a kill switch that blocks all traffic if the VPN drops. Its Connection Rules let certain apps or IP addresses bypass the tunnel. That’s handy for banking apps that block VPNs.
3. No Logs Policy & Privacy
Norton VPN: Norton claims a no logs policy. But the NortonLifeLock Global Privacy Statement admits it keeps some usage data for debugging, and that log information includes email addresses and timestamps. It offers DNS and WebRTC leak protection but no IPv6 leak protection.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes says it does not store DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. It may keep limited data, like a public key for your connection. Critics call its privacy policy unclear and point to the lack of third party audits.
Malwarebytes also offers a Personal Data Remover that asks data brokers to delete your info.
⚠️ Warning: Both companies are based in the US. The US belongs to the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, which worries some privacy fans.
4. Ad & Tracker Blocking
Norton VPN: Norton’s ad tracker blocking is built into the app and works across all platforms. It also blocks ads for a cleaner page. The toggle is easily accessible from the settings tab.
Malwarebytes VPN: The Malwarebytes VPN app has no built-in ad blocker. Instead, you add Browser Guard, a free browser extension that blocks ads, trackers, and scam sites.
5. Servers & Speed Tests
Norton VPN: Norton Secure VPN’s servers number around 1,500 in about 29 countries. You can’t choose a city, only a country. In speed tests, norton’s speeds fell 40% on average in the US, and one Japan server lost 73%. Still, Norton Secure VPN’s performance on local servers is strong, and its best sessions hit a median of 950Mbps+.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes servers total 470+ across 45+ countries. Test results show drops of 34% on nearby servers and 62% on distant ones, where most VPNs lose less. There’s no way to see how many other users share a server, so it’s far from the fastest VPN.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the quick-connect button. Both apps can automatically connect you to the fastest nearby vpn server in a few seconds.
6. Streaming
Norton VPN: Norton unblocked US and Australian Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It failed with Netflix UK, Canada, Japan, and Disney Plus. So it’s good for streaming, with limits.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes has no dedicated streaming servers, smart DNS, or virtual servers. Many reviewers say it fails with Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Netflix results are mixed, and many VPNs handle streaming better.
7. Identity Theft Protection
Norton VPN: Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring alerts you if your personal info leaks. Compromised Network Detection warns you before you join risky public Wi-Fi.
Norton’s Privacy Monitor Assistant goes a step further and helps you remove your data from people-search sites.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes offers identity theft protection and dark web monitoring. Both sit in the Total plan, not the basic VPN.
Dark web monitoring runs quietly in the background and alerts you when something shows up.
8. Antivirus & Malware Blocking
Norton VPN: Pair the VPN with Norton 360 to get antivirus features, a virus scanner, and malware blocking. Some bundles add parental controls too.
Norton also includes an AI-powered scam detector that flags suspicious texts and links.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes is a malware specialist first. Premium Security adds real-time protection on windows devices and phones. The free version only scans for threats.
AdwCleaner is a free Malwarebytes tool that removes adware and a stubborn pop up window.
9. Apps & Devices
Norton VPN: Norton has user-friendly desktop and mobile apps for Windows, macOS, Android smartphones, and iPhones. The Android app is the most feature-rich. Windows and Mac users download it from their Norton account. Your account lists each device name, so managing mobile devices and laptops is easy.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The Mac desktop app needs macOS Catalina or later. There’s no support for Linux, routers, Fire TV Stick, or gaming consoles.
⚠️ Warning: Norton lets you connect one, five, or ten devices at once. Malwarebytes caps simultaneous connections at five. Neither suits a big smart-home setup.
10. Pricing & Cost
Here’s how the plans line up side by side.
| Plan Tier | Norton VPN | Malwarebytes VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ (7-day trial) |
| Entry | Standard: $3.33/month | Standard: $44.99/yr |
| Middle | Deluxe: $4.17/month | Plus: $59.99/yr |
| Top | Select Plus: $8.33/month | Total: $159.99/yr |
| Refund Window | 60 days (annual), 14 days (monthly) | 60 days |
Norton VPN: Norton’s Standard plan is the cheaper way in. It’s a good deal if you want ad tracker blocking and Wi-Fi alerts without paying for a full suite. Watch the renewal price, though.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes Plus is the sweet spot if you want antivirus and a VPN from one brand. As a pure VPN, it costs more than dedicated VPN services with bigger networks.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest entry price | Norton VPN | $3.33/month Standard plan |
| Netflix and BBC iPlayer | Norton VPN | Unblocks more libraries |
| More server locations | Malwarebytes VPN | 45+ countries vs about 29 |
| A free trial first | Malwarebytes VPN | 7 days, no payment risk |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Norton VPN | Built into the app |
| Antivirus from a malware specialist | Malwarebytes VPN | Plus plan bundles both |
💰 Your Budget
Norton’s Standard plan costs less to start. Malwarebytes Plus is fair value only if you also want its antivirus.
🔌 Your Devices
Both cover Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Neither supports a router, so smart TVs stay unprotected.
🎬 Your Streaming Habits
Norton works with more streaming services. Malwarebytes struggles with Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both apps are beginner-friendly with one-tap connect. Norton’s Android app packs the most advanced features.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Malwarebytes gives you a 7-day trial period. Norton relies on its 60-day refund for annual subscribers.
🛟 Support Options
Malwarebytes support gets praise for quick replies. Norton offers a large support library for installation problems.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Norton VPN to Malwarebytes VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- More server countries (45+ vs about 29)
- A 60-day refund on every plan
- MultiHop through Mullvad-backed servers
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Built-in ad tracker blocking
- OpenVPN and Mimic protocols
- Better Netflix and BBC iPlayer access
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel Norton auto-renewal in your Norton account
- Start the 7-day Malwarebytes trial
- Install the app and sign in to your Malwarebytes account
🔄 Switching from Malwarebytes VPN to Norton VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Three protocol choices
- Ad tracker blocking and Wi-Fi alerts
- Wider streaming access
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The 7-day free trial
- Coverage in 45+ countries
- A refund window that covers monthly plans
📋 How to switch:
- Turn off auto-renew in your Malwarebytes account
- Buy Norton and download it from your Norton account
- Sign in to the VPN app to activate it
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users on desktop and mobile. We didn’t test router setups, business plans, or censorship bypassing in China. Speed figures come from third-party speed test reports, and they change with your location. Features and prices reflect the September 2026 versions.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Norton VPN |
| 🔐 Encryption & Protocols | Norton VPN |
| 🕵️ Privacy & Logging | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🚫 Ad & Tracker Blocking | Norton VPN |
| 🌍 Server Locations | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🎬 Streaming | Norton VPN |
| 🪪 Identity Protection | Norton VPN |
| 🦠 Antivirus Pairing | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 📱 Apps & Features | Norton VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Norton VPN |
🏆 WINNER: NORTON VPN
Norton VPN wins 6 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Streaming, public Wi-Fi safety, budget-minded beginners
Norton VPN gives you more for less. You get three protocols, ad tracker blocking, and better streaming at a lower starting price.
Malwarebytes VPN is a fine add-on for people who already trust its antivirus. It has more server countries and a free trial. But its speed drops, streaming gaps, and unclear privacy policy hold it back.
Is Norton Secure VPN worth it? If a VPN is your main purchase, yes. If you mainly want malware protection with a basic VPN on the side, Malwarebytes Plus makes sense.
More of Norton VPN Compared
Here’s how Norton VPN stacks up against other vpn providers:
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle through Norton 360, Privacy Monitor Assistant, simpler settings for first-timers
NordVPN wins on: Far bigger server network, city-level server locations, independently audited no-logs claims
Norton VPN vs Private Internet Access
Norton VPN wins on: Mimic protocol option, dark web alerts, Compromised Network Detection
Private Internet Access wins on: City selection in many countries, open-source apps, more tweakable advanced settings
Norton VPN vs McAfee VPN
Norton VPN wins on: Protocol choice, split tunneling on Windows and Android, better BBC iPlayer access
McAfee VPN wins on: Tighter fit for existing McAfee users, VPN bundled in McAfee+ plans, identity tools in one dashboard
More of Malwarebytes VPN Compared
Here’s how Malwarebytes VPN compares with other vpns:
Malwarebytes VPN wins on: Antivirus from the same vendor, 7-day trial of the paid VPN, fewer settings to learn
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction outside the Five Eyes, a free plan, independent audits
Malwarebytes VPN vs Surfshark
Malwarebytes VPN wins on: Mullvad-backed servers, Browser Guard extension, deep malware cleanup tools
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, built-in ad blocking, wider streaming support
Malwarebytes VPN vs ExpressVPN
Malwarebytes VPN wins on: Lower bundle cost with antivirus, MultiHop routing, quick support replies
ExpressVPN wins on: Router app, more protocol options, stronger streaming unblocking
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norton VPN secure?
Yes, for everyday use. It uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. The weak spots are missing IPv6 leak protection and some diagnostic logging.
Is VPN included with Norton?
Some Norton 360 plans include Secure VPN alongside antivirus software. You can also buy the VPN on its own, starting at $3.33/month.
Does Malwarebytes VPN log data?
Malwarebytes says it doesn’t store DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. It may keep anonymized data, like a public key needed to connect.
Does Malwarebytes VPN work on Netflix?
Results are mixed. It has no dedicated streaming servers, and many reviewers report failures with Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Norton handles US Netflix more reliably.
Is Malwarebytes VPN better than NordVPN?
No. NordVPN offers a larger network, broader streaming support, and more features. Malwarebytes only makes sense if you want a VPN bundled with its antivirus.
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