Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN (2025): Which VPN Is Better?

Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN Choosing the right VPN in 2025 is important for keeping your online activities private and secure, and for accessing the internet freely. Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN are two famous choices that have different features, prices, and performance levels. Surfshark is known for its endless device connections, strong encryption, and advanced security features like MultiHop and NoBorders mode. It also has a strict no-logs policy and works in a place that protects privacy.

On the other hand, Norton Secure VPN is backed by the trusted Norton brand, giving bank-grade encryption, an ad tracker blocker, and split tunneling. However, it does not have advanced features like dedicated IP addresses and does not allow endless connections. Surfshark is liked for its fast speed, safe connections, and low cost. However, Norton Secure VPN is a good choice for those who want an easy-to-use VPN with basic safety included in Norton’s security package. In this comparison, we will look at their features, prices, speed, security, and general performance to find out which one is better for 2025.

Which VPN is better, Norton Secure VPN or Surfshark? Use our guide to compare pricing, features, and more.

Surfshark has made a name for itself as a top virtual private network choice in the market today. It has cheap prices for all its plans, offers fast and reliable speeds, and ensures user security and usability.

Norton Secure VPN is a VPN service offered by Norton, a well-known protection and antivirus company. It has good VPN speeds, but it has a limited number of servers and lacks unique features compared to other options.

• Surfshark VPN: Best for most businesses looking for a high-quality VPN with fast speeds, strong security, and affordable pricing.
• Norton Secure VPN: Best for Norton 360 product users who need basic protection and a simple-to-use VPN application.

Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN Secure VPN: Comparison

	Surfshark VPN	Norton Secure VPN

Our rating	4.6 / 5	3.0 / 5
Security protocols	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2	OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec
No. of servers	$3,200	1,000–2,000 (reportedly)
VPN server locations	100 countries	28 countries
Data breach monitoring	Yes (Surfshark Starter)	Yes (via Norton 360)
Simultaneous device connections	Unlimited	Up to 10 devices
Free trial or free version	Mobile free trial	None
Starting price	$2.79 per month (annual)	$2.49 per month (annual)

Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN Pricing

Surfshark offers memberships mainly for their VPN service, and you get extra features with each higher-priced plan. All premium Surfshark plans let you connect unlimited devices at the same time. In contrast, Norton limits you to 10 devices, based on which plan you choose.

Here’s a simple guide on how to use Norton Secure VPN: 1. **Download and Install**: First, get the Norton Secure VPN app on your device. 2. **Open the App**: Launch the app after installation. 3. **Sign In**: Log in with your Norton account details. 4. **Connect**: Tap the connect button to start using the VPN. 5. **Choose a Location (Optional)**: Select a different location if you want to change your virtual location. 6. **(TechRepublic)**

You can buy Norton Secure VPN along with other Norton goods in the Norton 360 service package. If you don’t like the other apps, you can buy the VPN by itself.

To learn more about Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN, read our complete reviews for each.

Surfshark pricing

Surfshark has three membership plans: Surfshark Starter, One, and One+. Starter offers simple VPN services, an ad blocker, and a tool to create masked email addresses. One also provides real-time alerts for email breaches, security software, and webcam protection. 

	Surfshark Starter	Surfshark One	Surfshark One+

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, One+ has all the features, plus it can remove your info from company databases and people search websites. I wish Surfshark had a free version, but it does offer a free trial for its mobile app and a 30-day money-back promise for all its apps. 

Norton Secure VPN pricing

Norton is different because its VPN pricing depends on how many devices you want to join. In contrast to most VPNs, which set their prices based on how long you sign up for, this one does it differently. 

1 device	$29.99 first year or $2.49 per month

5 devices	39.99 first year or $3.33 per month
10 devices	$59.99 first year or $4.99 per month

One small issue I have with Norton Secure VPN’s subscriptions is that their prices only apply to the first year. The price might go up when you repeat after that. I would have liked it if Norton had kept the same price after the first year of the contract, especially since many other companies do this.

Norton offers a 60-day money-back promise, allowing users plenty of time to try out their software and ask for a refund if needed. 

Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN Feature comparison

Security protocols and encryption

Winner: Surfshark

BothSurfshark vs Norton Secure VPN use AES-256 encryption for their services, which is great because AES-256 is known as the industry standard and is one of the most secure encryption methods available.

Check out this step-by-step guide on how to use Surfshark VPN from TechRepublic.

The key point is that Surfshark offers three top security protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. In my opinion, these are the best options for a current VPN. In contrast, Norton does not have the faster and more modern WireGuard protection protocol. 

To Norton’s credit, its Secure VPN also offers both OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. If you want a combination of security and speed in tunneling methods, Surfshark is the best choice for you. 

VPN server network and locations

 Winner: Surfshark

In the server area, Surfshark leads with 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Norton Secure VPN has a smaller network with servers in just 28 countries, totaling around 1,000 to 2,000 servers.

One of the main weaknesses of Norton is its server infrastructure. With only 2,000 servers, it has fewer than the typical 3,000 to 4,000 servers found in most current VPNs. Its presence in different countries is very limited compared to Surfshark, which makes it harder for users to reach a variety of locations around the world.

If you want to use a VPN to view content that is restricted by location, I suggest using Surfshark because it has many more servers in various places.

Third-party audits and independent testing

Winner: Surfshark

Both VPNs say they don’t keep records of user data, but only Surfshark has been checked by an outside party, which proved that it really doesn’t keep logs. In 2023, Deloitte did an independent audit of Surfshark. They found that Surfshark had set up its internal processes correctly, following its no-logs policy as described.

Is a VPN Worth It in 2024? (TechRepublic)

Norton Secure VPN has not been tested or reviewed by an independent organization yet. Even though this security provider is well-known, I strongly recommend picking a VPN that can prove it doesn’t keep logs of your activity.

Performance and speed

Winner: Tie

I was surprised to see that both Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN worked well regarding speed and security. The two VPNs worked about the same for everyday activities like browsing, researching, and watching videos. They also showed similar results in upload and download tests.

One thing to note is that Norton Secure VPN has fewer servers, which might affect its ability to provide fast speeds in different areas. Server speed depends on how close you are to the server. With Surfshark, you are more likely to get better speeds because it has servers in more locations.

For example, if you use Norton Secure VPN in a country that doesn’t have its servers, you may notice slower speeds or an unstable link.

My tests showed that both VPNs can offer fast and stable speeds, as long as you are in an area covered by the VPN’s servers.

Standout security features

Winner: Surfshark

Besides its basic VPN function, Surfshark has several extra functions that enhance security. The Starter plan includes antivirus protection, alerts for any security breaches happening in real-time, and a secret search tool.

The great thing is that everything can be accessed directly through the Surfshark VPN app. This means users can use Surfshark as a main security tool all in one desktop application. Norton provides similar services like antivirus software and dark web tracking, but these services are separate and not included with the VPN.

Norton Secure VPN offers an ad and tracker blocker, split tunneling, and a kill switch. That’s all it includes. Surfshark has the same good tools in its app.

Ease of use

Winner: Tie

Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN both have user-friendly desktop apps that are easy to navigate and visually appealing. Surfshark organizes its app well and makes its security features easy to find.

Norton Secure VPN is easy to use and has a simpler design than Surfshark. The app may have simpler VPN software and fewer features, but it still offers a smooth experience.

Surfshark pros and cons

Pros

• 100-country server network.
• Consistently fast speeds.
• Has WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
• Affordable pricing across plans.

Cons

• No free version.

Visit Surfshark

Norton Secure VPN pros and cons

Pros

• Fast and stable VPN speed.
• User-friendly application.
• Can be bundled with other Norton products.

Cons

• Minuscule server network.
• Hasn’t undergone a third-party security audit.
• Lacks standout security features.

Visit Norton

Should your organization use Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN?

Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN I believe that most companies should choose Surfshark instead of Norton Secure VPN. Norton Secure VPN works well, but it doesn’t have many features that we look for in a current VPN.

Norton Secure VPN has servers in only 28 countries, which is much smaller than Surfshark, which has servers in 100 countries and a network of 3,200 servers. Surfshark offers extra security features like a built-in antivirus and real-time alerts for breaches, which are better than Norton’s simpler VPN options.

Check out: 10 Cybersecurity Myths You Shouldn’t Believe (TechRepublic Premium)

I believe Surfshark is better when it comes to third-party testing because its security audit provides more reliable safety for consumers and companies. I hope Norton will let independent security experts test their VPN in the future. For now, Surfshark is the better option.

Surfshark is our top choice in this VPN comparison because it has low prices, a user-friendly app, and typically fast speeds.

I suggest Norton Secure VPN only to businesses that already use Norton’s security products and want more VPN features added to what they have. If not, you should choose Surfshark over the other option.

Methodology

I tested Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN by using both services and carefully looking at their features, prices, and how well they work in real life.

Both VPNs were rated based on factors like their price and security features. We considered five main bases and their related weights: 

• Pricing (20%).
• Core VPN features (30%).
• Ease of use (15%).
• Customer support (30%).
• Expert analysis (5%).

I added real user comments and trusted reviews to support my analysis of both products.

For speed and performance, I tried both VPNs on a Windows computer and ran them through Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I looked at how each VPN can best serve different users, their needs, and various companies. 

Conclusion

Surfshark vs Norton Secure VPN have their advantages, but Surfshark is the better option for most people in 2025. It provides better protection, faster speeds, more features, and works with unlimited devices at a good price. Norton Secure VPN is a good choice for basic protection, especially for those who already use Norton’s security tools. However, it is missing some important features, such as a kill switch on all devices, and it does not support endless device connections. If you want a VPN that has many features, is safe, and works well, Surfshark is the best choice. 

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