Surfshark has built a reputation as a leading virtual private network choice in today’s market. It provides cost-effective pricing across its entire range of plans, delivers rapid and dependable speeds, and does not compromise on user security and features.
Conversely, Norton Secure VPN is a VPN offered by the well-known security and antivirus provider Norton. While it delivers good VPN speeds, it boasts a limited server network and lacks any distinctive features to differentiate itself from its competitors.
- Surfshark VPN: Ideal for most businesses seeking a high-caliber VPN with swift speeds, robust security, and reasonable pricing.
- Norton Secure VPN: Best suited for users of Norton 360 products requiring basic protection and an easy-to-use VPN application.
A Comparison of Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN
| Our evaluation | 4.6 / 5 | 3.0 / 5 |
| Security methods | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 | OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Server quantity | $3,200 | 1,000–2,000 (reportedly) |
| VPN server spots | 100 nations | 28 nations |
| Data breach monitoring | Yes (Surfshark Starter) | Yes (through Norton 360) |
| Simultaneous device locations | Unlimited | Up to 10 devices |
| Trial offer or complimentary version | Mobile free trial | None |
| Initial price | $2.79 per month (annual) | $2.49 per month (annual) |
Comparison of Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN Prices
The subscription models of Surfshark center around their main VPN service, with additional features as you progress through each paid arrangement. AllPremium Surfshark subscriptions offer an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections, while Norton limits you to a maximum of 10 devices connected at the same time — depedent on the specific plan you opt for.
SEE: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Utilize Norton Secure VPN (TechRepublic)
Norton Secure VPN can be acquired along with other Norton products in the Norton 360 services bundle. Alternatively, if you are not interested in their other software options, you can purchase the VPN on its own.
To learn more about Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN, refer to our complete review of Surfshark and thorough review of Norton Secure VPN.
Surfshark Pricing
There are three subscription levels available for Surfshark: Surfshark Starter, One, and One+. The Starter package includes basic VPN features, an ad blocker, and a disguised email generator. On the other hand, the One plan adds real-time email breach notifications, an antivirus program, and webcam protection.
| 1 month | $15.45 per month | $15.95 per month | $17.95 per month |
| 1 year | $2.79 per month | $3.19 per month | $5.09 per month |
| 2 years | $2.19 per month | $2.69 per month | $4.29 per month |
Lastly, the One+ package encompasses all the features of the other plans, along with data deletion from corporate databases and people search websites. While it would have been nice if Surfshark provided a free version, there is a trial version of its mobile app and a 30-day refund policy for all its apps.
Norton Secure VPN Pricing
Norton stands out in terms of its VPN pricing because it is based on the number of devices you wish to connect. This differs from most VPN services that structure their prices according to contract durations.
| 1 device | $29.99 for the initial year or $2.49 per month |
|---|---|
| 5 devices | $39.99 for the first year or $3.33 per month |
| 10 devices | $59.99 for the first year or $4.99 per month |
One minor drawback with Norton Secure VPN’s subscriptions is that the prices are valid only for the first year, with a potential increase after the first year upon renewal. It would have been preferable if Norton maintained the same price after the initial year of subscription — especially as this practice is common among other providers.
Thankfully, Norton offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing users ample time to evaluate their software and request a refund within the specified timeframe.
Comparison of Features between Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN
Network Security Protocols and Encryption
Champion: Surfshark
Both Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN employ the AES-256 encryption algorithm for their VPN services, which is reassuring as AES-256 is known as the industry standard and arguably the most secure encryption algorithm in use today.
SEE: Step-By-Step Guide on Utilizing Surfshark VPN (TechRepublic)
The distinguishing factor is that Surfshark supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 security protocols, which are, in my opinion, the top three protocols one would desire in a contemporary VPN solution. This sets it apart from Norton, which lacks the modern and rapid WireGuard security protocol.
To give credit to Norton, its Secure VPN also supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. However, if you desire a combination of security and speed in your tunneling protocols, then Surfshark is the ideal choice for you.
VPN Server Network and Locations
Winner: Surfshark
When it comes to server infrastructure, Surfshark emerges as the leader with its 3,200 servers spanning 100 countries. In contrast, Norton Secure VPN has a smaller network covering 28 countries only, with an estimated server count ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 servers.
In terms of its server infrastructure, one of Norton’s key weaknesses is its limited server count, with only 2,000 servers which is noticeably fewer than the 3,000–4,000 server networks typically seen in modern VPNs. Furthermore, the spread of its servers across countries is quite small compared to Surfshark, thus reducing users’ access to diverse geographic regions globally.
For those primarily interested in accessing geo-restricted content, my recommendation leans towards Surfshark due to its significantly larger server count and broader location presence.
External assessments and unaffiliated evaluations
Advantage: Surfshark
While both VPN providers assert no-logs policies indicating they do not retain user data, only Surfshark has been subjected to an external evaluation, validating its genuine no-logs claim. An independent audit on Surfshark was carried out by Deloitte in 2023 and confirmed that the VPN provider had appropriately configured its internal systems “in line with Surfshark’s depiction of its no-logs policy.”
REFER TO: Is a VPN Really Worth It in 2024? (TechRepublic)
Conversely, Norton Secure VPN has not undergone any third-party audit or independent examination at the present time. Although a respected security provider, I highly recommend opting for a VPN that can furnish verifiable evidence regarding its no-logs policy.
Speed and efficiency
Advantage: Tie
Surprisingly, during my evaluation, both Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN delivered commendable speed and stability. The performance of both VPNs was consistent in day-to-day activities such as regular browsing, research, content streaming, as well as during upload and download trials.
One consideration is that Norton Secure VPN’s fewer servers might impact its ability to offer reliable speeds across various locations. Since server speed is influenced by proximity to a server’s location, Surfshark, with its broader array of locations, stands a better chance of consistently providing satisfactory speeds.
For instance, if you are using Norton Secure VPN and find yourself in a country not covered by its server network, you might experience slower speeds or a less stable connection.
However, my assessment indicates that both VPNs can offer consistently fast and stable speeds — provided your location falls within the VPN’s server network coverage.
Distinctive security attributes
Advantage: Surfshark
Besides its core VPN capabilities, Surfshark offers several additional features aimed at enhancing security. With its Starter plan, users gain access to an antivirus program, real-time breach warnings, and a private search tool.
An interesting aspect is that all these features are conveniently accessible within the Surfshark VPN application itself, allowing users to utilize Surfshark as a comprehensive security center within a single desktop application. On the contrary, Norton provides similar services like antivirus software and dark web monitoring, but these are independent services not integrated within the VPN platform.
With Norton Secure VPN, users benefit from an ad and tracker blocker, split tunneling, and a kill switch, as well. While these are valuable features, Surfshark includes these same functions within its application.
Simplicity of Usage
Draw: Equality
Regarding user-friendliness, Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN both provide desktop applications that are user-friendly and visually appealing. Surfshark excels at structuring its application and sorting its security features in a logical manner.
Conversely, Norton Secure VPN is also intuitive and opts for a simpler approach compared to Surfshark. This may result from its more fundamental VPN software without many additional features, but it is evident that the application can deliver a seamless experience regardless.
Surfshark advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Broad server network covering 100 countries.
- Consistently high speeds.
- Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
- Competitive pricing options.
Disadvantages
- No free version available.
Norton Secure VPN advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Rapid and steady VPN performance.
- Straightforward application interface.
- Possible bundling with other Norton products.
Disadvantages
- Very limited server network.
- Not subjected to a third-party security audit.
- Lacking distinctive security features.
Is Surfshark or Norton Secure VPN the right choice for your organization?
In my view, it’s evident that the majority of organizations should lean towards selecting Surfshark over Norton Secure VPN. Although Norton Secure VPN performs adequately, it lacks several features that are considered essential for a modern VPN.
Specifically, Norton Secure VPN’s server network, spanning only 28 countries, is significantly smaller compared to Surfshark’s 100-country coverage and extensive server infrastructure. Surfshark also incorporates more prominent security elements, such as built-in antivirus protection and real-time breach notifications, which outshine Norton’s basic VPN offering.
SEE: 10 Myths about Cybersecurity You Shouldn’t Believe (TechRepublic Premium)
I also give the nod to Surfshark regarding third-party assessments, as its security audit provides a more reliable option for consumers and businesses. While I remain optimistic that Norton may opt for an independent security evaluation for its VPN in the future, at present, Surfshark presents itself as the wiser choice.
Moreover, considering Surfshark’s budget-friendly pricing, user-friendly interface, and consistent high-performance rates, it’s clear that Surfshark prevails in this head-to-head VPN showdown.
I recommend Norton Secure VPN primarily to businesses that are already using Norton’s security solutions and are looking to add VPN functionality to their existing suite. In all other cases, Surfshark should be the preferred option between the two.
Analysis Approach
To evaluate Surfshark and Norton Secure VPN, I conducted hands-on assessments of both VPN services and conducted an in-depth review of each service’s characteristics, pricing, and actual operational performance.
During the evaluation, each VPN received scores based on a variety of factors, from pricing to security protocols. Specifically, five main evaluation criteria with corresponding weights were considered:
- Pricing (20%).
- Essential VPN features (30%).
- User-friendliness (15%).
- Customer service (30%).
- Expert analysis (5%).
In addition, I supplemented the findings with feedback from actual users and reliable reviews to enhance the evaluation of both services.
For speed and efficiency testing, I tested both VPNs on a Windows platform and utilized Ookla’s publicly available Speedtest. Finally, I considered how each VPN could cater effectively to different user profiles, usage scenarios, and organizational needs.
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