Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and Norton Secure VPN are closely rated, with Norton Secure VPN slightly edging out at 57.9% compared to Windscribe’s 57.5%. Norton Secure VPN, based in the United States, offers a cheaper price at $2.50/mo compared to Windscribe’s $5.75/mo for a 12-month subscription. Both offer a no-logging policy, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, and similar protocols. Norton Secure VPN stands out with a larger server count of 2000, compared to Windscribe’s 120. However, Windscribe supports unlimited simultaneous connections, compared to Norton Secure VPN’s limit of 5. Windscribe also offers a double VPN feature for enhanced security, which Norton Secure VPN lacks. From a user’s perspective, Norton Secure VPN might be the better choice for its larger server count and cheaper price, but Windscribe could be preferable for users who require unlimited connections and the extra security of a double VPN.
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: Windscribe vs Norton Secure VPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | Norton Secure VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $2.50/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $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, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 120 | 2,000 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 29 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & 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: Norton Secure VPN Better
Norton Secure VPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $4.99/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $2.50/mo for those who are willing to subscribe in long term.
In comparison, Windscribe sets its price higher at $12/mo for monthly subscribers and $2.50/mo for those who are willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
Based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Windscribe justify the higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
Norton Secure VPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and Norton Secure VPN are based in 14-Eye Alliance countries – which means the company may be obligated to retent your data and share them with gorvenment bodies. If you are handling sensitive information or require maximum data privacy – you should avoid both companies and look for VPNs in countries with a lower risk of government-led surveillance and data sharing
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance and Its Privacy Implications
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.
The presence of a VPN provider in a 14-Eyes country could mean legal obligations to surrender user data to government entities, 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, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Norton Secure VPN Better
The size of a VPN’s server fleet plays a crucial role in determining user experience. A larger fleet generally provides faster speeds, greater reliability, wider geographical coverage, lower latency, and potentially enhanced privacy. On the other hand, a smaller server fleet might lead to slower speeds, higher latency, limited content access, and potential privacy concerns.
In term of server counts, Norton Secure VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 5,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In comparison, Windscribe maintains a more modest server presence, with only 120 servers across 69 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Windscribe, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Norton Secure VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Norton Secure VPN Better
Norton Secure VPN offers a substantial sense of security to its users through a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This affords new users plenty of time to comprehensively evaluate its services.
Conversely, Windscribe proposes a shorter duration (just 3 days!) for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for those users who favor an extended trial to thoroughly ascertain the VPN’s suitability for their specific requirements.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
Norton Secure VPN permits users to connect up to 5 devices at the same time – which is a relative small number compare to market average. In contrast, Windscribe offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Zoog over Norton Secure VPN.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingNorton Secure VPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Windscribe is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we studied, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Bottomline
In conclusion, Norton Secure VPN is a more affordable option with a larger server fleet and a longer money-back guarantee, making it ideal for budget-conscious users seeking reliability and a risk-free trial. On the other hand, Windscribe, with its unlimited simultaneous connections and double VPN feature, is better suited for users prioritizing extensive connectivity and heightened security.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use ourWindscribe and Norton Secure VPN comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About Windscribe & 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.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a cross-platform, commercial VPN provider based in Canada. The company was founded by Yegor Sak and Alex Paguis in 2016. It offers unlimited, simultaneous connections, and its privacy policy promotes the service as a no-log VPN. Windscribe is known for its exceptional commitment to social responsibility, particularly around issues of censorship in authoritarian regimes. For example, it provided expanded bandwidth free accounts to everyone affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Windscribe has also offered free and unlimited service to all journalists in the region, and subsequently combatting Russian blocks that aimed to render these efforts fruitless.
To learn more, read our Windscribe review.