Norton has long been a household name in cybersecurity, thanks to its robust antivirus software. However, its VPN offering has historically lagged behind dedicated VPN providers. That might be changing. The company has recently unveiled a series of upgrades that position Norton VPN as a more serious contender in the competitive VPN market.

A focus on privacy and speed

Central to the upgrade is a renewed commitment to user privacy. Norton has updated its no-logs policy, which has undergone a rigorous third-party audit. The results are promising, with the policy earning a low-risk rating. This is a critical step in building trust with users who are increasingly concerned about their online data.

Speed is another area where Norton has made significant strides. Independent tests suggest that Norton VPN is now among the fastest VPNs available, even outpacing some of the industry leaders in certain regions. While these results are promising, it’s important to note that real-world performance can vary depending on factors like server load and location.

New features and enhanced security

Norton VPN has introduced a host of new features to bolster its security and user experience. The Mimic protocol, designed to obfuscate VPN usage, is a standout addition. It’s a promising development that could help users bypass VPN restrictions imposed by websites.

Recognizing the growing importance of online security beyond just VPNs, Norton has integrated a password manager and an anti-scam tool into the VPN package. The latter, similar to NordVPN‘s Threat Protection, aims to safeguard users from phishing attempts and malware.

For those concerned about their digital footprint, Norton VPN now offers dark web monitoring. This feature alerts users if their personal information appears on the dark web. Additionally, comprehensive family controls are available for parents looking to protect their children online.

Streaming enthusiasts will also appreciate the expanded content access. Norton VPN claims to offer worldwide access to region-locked content without requiring specific streaming servers. While this is a promising feature, real-world performance tests will determine its effectiveness.

Areas for improvement

Despite these advancements, Norton VPN still has room for improvement. The absence of a kill switch on Mac and iOS devices is a notable omission. This feature is crucial for maintaining privacy, as it prevents data leaks in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Furthermore, the lack of WireGuard support on Apple devices is disappointing. WireGuard is known for its speed and security, and its availability on Windows and Android only highlights the disparities between platforms.

Pricing and plans

Norton VPN offers three subscription tiers: Norton Secure VPN ($79.99/yr, currently 50% off), Norton Ultra VPN ($109.99/yr, currently 54% off), and Norton Ultra VPN Plus ($129.99/yr, currently 53% off). Each tier comes with varying levels of features, device coverage, and storage. While the discounts currently offered are attractive, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your needs before committing to a plan.

Final thoughts

The upgraded Norton VPN is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. With improved privacy, speed, and additional security features, it’s gaining ground on established VPN providers. However, the absence of key features on Mac and iOS devices is a significant drawback.