ProtonVPN vs Norton VPN: The Ultimate Showdown in 2025

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.

What is ProtonVPN?

Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy?

Check out ProtonVPN.

They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws. 

They also have some unique security features. They offer a free version.

Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives…

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

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.

Also, explore our favorite Norton VPN alternatives…

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

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

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.

More of ProtonVPN

We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?

• ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network, while ProtonVPN focuses more on privacy and has a free plan with no data limits.
• ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
• ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
• ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
• ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
• ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
• ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
• ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
• ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
• ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
• ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
• ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN: ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN service with stronger security and privacy features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
• ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
• ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.

More of Norton VPN

We’ve explored alternatives to Norton VPN, so how does Norton VPN stack up directly against them?

• Norton VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a much larger server network, and more advanced features than Norton VPN. NordVPN also has a strong, independently audited no-logs policy, making it a more robust choice for privacy and performance.
• Norton VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, strong security features, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While Norton VPN is simpler, ExpressVPN offers superior performance and a stronger commitment to privacy.
• Norton VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network than Norton VPN and can sometimes unblock more streaming services. However, Norton VPN can offer decent speeds and ease of use, though it may lack some of the advanced privacy features found in PureVPN.
• Norton VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically provides faster speeds, allows unlimited connections, and offers more features like split tunneling, often at a better long-term price than Norton VPN. Surfshark also has a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
• Norton VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy. At the same time, Norton VPN has a smaller server network and a less strict no-logs policy. PrivadoVPN also offers a free tier.
• Norton VPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength is its integration with ad and tracker blocking. Norton VPN is a more general-purpose VPN but lacks the specific ad-blocking focus.
• Norton VPN vs Virtual Shield: Norton VPN offers a more established brand name and a slightly larger server network than the very basic Virtual Shield.
• Norton VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Norton VPN also offers strong encryption but has a smaller server network.
• Norton VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Norton VPN, while not the most expensive, doesn’t necessarily outperform FastestVPN in speed or server selection.
• Norton VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Norton VPN focuses solely on VPN services and has a smaller server network.
• Norton VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various activities. Norton VPN is simpler but has a smaller server network and may not be as effective for streaming.
• Norton VPN vs McAfee VPN: Both are often bundled with antivirus software. Norton VPN generally offers a more feature-rich VPN experience than McAfee’s basic VPN.
• Norton VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections. While Norton VPN is user-friendly, PIA provides more customization options and often better performance.
• Norton VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN that takes a different approach to anonymity. Norton VPN uses a traditional server network, which may offer more consistent speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions