Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN and Norton Secure VPN have varying advantages. Proton VPN, rated at 80.8%, excels in privacy with its Switzerland jurisdiction and has a larger server network spread across 68 countries. Norton Secure VPN, rated at 57.9%, offers a cheaper price and performs better in restricted regions like China. Based on these factors, Proton VPN offers a more balanced user experience, making it the suitable choice.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: Proton VPN vs Norton Secure VPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Norton Secure VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $2.50/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $4.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 2,970 | 2,000 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 29 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and Norton Secure VPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Norton Secure VPN cheapest 12-month plan starts at $2.50/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Proton VPN Better
For those prioritizing online privacy, the jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration. Proton VPN, with its base in Switzerland, offers a substantial privacy edge over United States-based Norton Secure VPN. Not part of the EU or US jurisdiction, Switzerland is known for its neutrality and strict privacy regulations. This provides a robust legal framework that benefits ProtonVPN users.
On the other hand, Norton Secure VPN is based in United States, a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries. In other words, company like Norton Secure VPN could be legally obligated to comply with government requests for user data, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Comparing the two, ProtonVPN’s Swiss base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in Switzerland gives ProtonVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and Norton Secure VPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Norton Secure VPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 2,000 servers across 29 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Norton Secure VPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and Norton Secure VPN reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of Norton Secure VPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Performance in China: Norton Secure VPN Better
Proton VPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, Norton Secure VPN currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between Proton VPN and Norton Secure VPN.
Bottomline
In conclusion, Proton VPN and Norton Secure VPN both offer reliable VPN services, albeit with varying strengths. Proton VPN boasts a wider server network and a greater privacy advantage due to its Swiss jurisdiction. Norton Secure VPN, however, provides a better likelihood of effective operation in China and has an advantageous price point. Ultimately, the selection between the two depends on a user’s specific demands and budget considerations.
About Proton VPN & Norton Secure VPN
Norton Secure VPN
Part of NortonLifeLock’s suite of security products, Norton Secure VPN is a service offered by the company formerly known as Symantec, which was established in 1982. Norton Secure VPN focuses on securing private information over public Wi-Fi, offering features like bank-grade encryption and a no-log policy. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. NortonLifeLock is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, USA.
To learn more, read our Norton Secure VPN review.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.