In today’s digital landscape, protecting your online privacy is more important than ever. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become essential tools for safeguarding personal information and ensuring secure internet access. Among the myriad of VPN options available, Norton and Surfshark are two of the most prominent names. Both offer robust security features, but how do they stack up against each other? This article provides an in-depth comparison of Norton vs. Surfshark to help you decide which VPN is the best fit for your needs.

Security Features

Norton

Norton is a well-established brand in the cybersecurity world, known for its antivirus software. Its VPN offering, Norton Secure VPN, is built on the same foundation of security that has made the brand a household name. Norton Secure VPN provides essential features such as:

  • AES-256 Encryption: This military-grade encryption ensures that your data remains secure from hackers and cyber threats.
  • No-Logs Policy: Norton claims to follow a strict no-logs policy, meaning your browsing activity isn’t tracked or stored.
  • Wi-Fi Security: Norton automatically secures your connection when you join a public Wi-Fi network, protecting you from potential threats.
  • Ad-Tracker Blocking: This feature helps prevent advertisers from tracking your online activity.

While Norton offers solid security features, it’s worth noting that its VPN is relatively basic compared to some competitors. It lacks more advanced options like a kill switch or split tunneling, which are standard in many other VPN services.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a newer player in the VPN market, but it has quickly gained popularity for its impressive feature set and competitive pricing. Surfshark offers a wide range of security features, including:

  • AES-256 Encryption: Like Norton, Surfshark uses top-tier encryption to protect your data.
  • No-Logs Policy: Surfshark also adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy.
  • Kill Switch: This feature automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your data from being exposed.
  • MultiHop: Surfshark allows you to route your connection through multiple countries, adding an extra layer of security.
  • CleanWeb: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, enhancing your browsing experience.

Surfshark’s extensive feature set makes it a strong contender in the VPN market, particularly for users who want more control over their online security.

Speed and Performance

Norton

When it comes to speed, Norton Secure VPN provides decent performance for everyday browsing and streaming. However, users may experience slower speeds when connecting to servers in distant locations. Additionally, Norton’s server network is smaller than that of many competitors, which can lead to congestion and slower connections during peak times.

Surfshark

Surfshark, on the other hand, is known for its fast and reliable connections. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers a wide range of options to ensure optimal speed. Its WireGuard protocol also enhances performance, making it a better choice for users who prioritize speed, particularly for activities like streaming and gaming.

Ease of Use

Norton

Norton Secure VPN is designed with simplicity in mind. The interface is straightforward, making it easy for users of all experience levels to connect to a VPN server and manage their settings. However, the lack of advanced features may be a drawback for more tech-savvy users who want greater control over their VPN experience.

Surfshark

Surfshark’s interface is also user-friendly but offers more customization options than Norton. Despite its robust feature set, Surfshark maintains an intuitive design that won’t overwhelm beginners. Advanced users, on the other hand, will appreciate the additional options available for fine-tuning their VPN connections.

Pricing

Norton

Norton Secure VPN is competitively priced, especially if you bundle it with Norton’s other cybersecurity products. However, it’s worth considering that Norton’s VPN is somewhat limited in features compared to standalone VPN services.

Surfshark

Surfshark offers one of the best value propositions in the VPN market. Its pricing is affordable, particularly if you opt for a long-term plan. Considering the extensive features that come with Surfshark, it’s a great option for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on security.

Customer Support

Norton

Norton provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and phone. Given its long-standing presence in the cybersecurity industry, Norton has a well-established support system in place, which can be reassuring for users.

Surfshark

Surfshark also offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. While it may not have the same legacy as Norton, Surfshark has built a reputation for responsive and helpful customer service.

Conclusion

When comparing Norton vs. Surfshark, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Norton Secure VPN is a solid option if you’re looking for a basic, easy-to-use VPN with decent security features and the added benefit of bundling with other Norton products. However, if you’re seeking a more feature-rich VPN with better performance and flexibility, Surfshark is the clear winner. Its extensive security features, faster speeds, and competitive pricing make it an excellent choice for most users.

In summary:

  • Choose Norton if you prefer a straightforward, no-frills VPN from a trusted brand, especially if you’re already using Norton’s other cybersecurity products.
  • Choose Surfshark if you want a more comprehensive VPN with advanced features, better performance, and great value for money.

No matter which VPN you choose, both Norton and Surfshark can help you protect your online privacy and keep your data secure in an increasingly connected world.