Norton VPN Download: Worth the Hassle?

You know, I've always found it interesting how some of the biggest names in cybersecurity don't always deliver the best products across their entire lineup. Case in point: Norton VPN. As someone who's been testing VPNs for years, I recently took a deep dive into Norton's offering to see if it lives up to the trusted Norton name we associate with antivirus protection.

While looking for a simple norton vpn download, I discovered there's much more to consider than just grabbing the installation file. Let's unpack what you're really getting when you download this service – and why you might want to consider alternatives like SafeShell VPN instead.

The Download Process: Easier Said Than Done

Getting started with Norton VPN requires creating an account with your personal details – full name, email address, and physical address. This already raised my eyebrows since many privacy-focused VPNs require minimal information. The app is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, but notably absent for Linux users or those wanting router-level protection.

Once downloaded, the interface is admittedly simple and user-friendly. Even VPN newcomers will find it intuitive to connect to one of the 29 countries in their network. But simplicity comes at a cost...

Features (or Lack Thereof)

Norton VPN offers a bare-bones experience compared to industry leaders:

• Basic security features : Kill switch (though testing revealed reliability issues), split tunneling, and ad/tracker blocking
• Limited protocol options : Primarily WireGuard, with some variations by device
• Small server network : Only 29 countries, mostly in Europe and North America
• Device limitations : Depending on your plan, you can connect 1, 5, or 10 devices

But here's what's missing:

• No Linux support
• No router setup options
• No streaming device apps
• No double-hop feature
• No advanced customization
• No city-level server selection

Is this really enough in 2025? I'm not convinced.

Performance: A Mixed Bag

Speed is one area where Norton VPN actually surprised me. In recent tests, it delivered impressive raw numbers, with speeds approaching 950Mbps in optimal conditions. However, real-world performance told a different story.

During my testing, I experienced:

• Inconsistent connections, especially to distant servers
• Connection times of up to 20 seconds
• Occasional app freezes requiring restarts
• IPv6 leaks when using the Mimic protocol

For streaming, results were hit-or-miss. Norton VPN successfully unblocked:

• US and Australian Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• BBC iPlayer

But failed with:

• Netflix UK, Canada, and Japan
• Disney Plus
• Various regional services

Wait, isn't reliable streaming access one of the main reasons people use VPNs? This inconsistency is concerning.

Privacy Concerns: The Deal-Breaker

Now for the elephant in the room – privacy. Norton claims they "don't track, log, or save your browsing activities," but their privacy policy tells a more nuanced story. The service collects:

• Device names, types, and identifiers
• OS version information
• Bandwidth usage data
• Error codes and diagnostic information

Even more concerning, their policy mentions collecting IP addresses and other data for up to 7 days if "suspicious behavior is detected." What constitutes suspicious behavior? They don't specify.

As a US-based company subject to 14 Eyes alliance surveillance, this level of data collection should give privacy-conscious users pause. Unlike competitors such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, Norton hasn't undergone independent security audits to verify their privacy claims.

Pricing: Premium Costs for Basic Service

Norton VPN's pricing structure is straightforward but not particularly competitive:

• $40 for the first year (5 devices), then $80 annually thereafter
• Single-device plan: $4.99 monthly

Compared to services offering unlimited connections (like Surfshark at $60/year) or more robust feature sets at similar price points, Norton VPN feels overpriced for what you get.

A Better Alternative: SafeShell VPN

After my disappointing experience with Norton VPN, I decided to try SafeShell VPN, and the difference was immediately apparent.

SafeShell VPN offers:

• Superior streaming capabilities : Consistently unblocks Netflix across multiple regions, Disney+, HBO Max, and more
• Lightning-fast speeds : No more buffering or connection drops during streaming
• Broader device support : Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, plus Apple TV, Android TV, and even Apple Vision Pro
• Innovative App Mode : Allows accessing content from multiple regions simultaneously
• Advanced security : Their proprietary ShellGuard protocol ensures top-level privacy protection

What really impressed me was SafeShell's optimization for streaming. Their high-speed servers are specifically configured for services like Netflix, delivering buffer-free playback even in HD and 4K.

The Bottom Line

Look, I wanted to like Norton VPN. The Norton brand has earned trust in the security space for decades. But in 2025, their VPN service simply doesn't compete with dedicated providers.

If you're primarily looking for a VPN to enhance streaming and maintain privacy, SafeShell VPN offers a more compelling package. With better unblocking capabilities, faster and more consistent speeds, and stronger privacy protections, it addresses the very weaknesses that plague Norton's offering.

That said, if you're already invested in the Norton ecosystem and using Norton 360, the bundled VPN might be adequate for basic needs. Just be aware of its limitations.

How to Get Started with a Better VPN

Ready to try something better than a basic norton vpn download? Here's how to get started with SafeShell VPN :

1. Visit SafeShell VPN's website
2. Choose your subscription plan (they offer a flexible free trial)
3. Download the app for your preferred device
4. Select either Standard mode or App mode (App mode is recommended for streaming)
5. Connect to your desired server location
6. Start enjoying unrestricted content with superior speed and security

In today's digital landscape, we shouldn't have to choose between performance and privacy. With the right VPN, you can have both – something I found lacking in my norton vpn download experience but discovered in abundance with SafeShell.