168 Highlights 92 Differences 5 Reactions 0 Likes

Surfshark vs Norton VPN: 168 Highlights & 92 Differences — So, Which VPN Actually Works Better

Surfshark leads with advanced privacy tools and stricter no-logs policies. Norton VPN provides fundamental security but stores connection logs. We compared Surfshark and Norton VPN for people who care about target user, account sharing policy, deployment type & connection logs and time-saving tools. Here’s what to know before committing.

83 Points
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
67 Points
Norton VPN
vs

Highlights 175

No extras. Just what matters.
83 Points
vs
67 Points

Why is Surfshark better than Norton VPN ?

Scroll down for more facts

Surfshark vs Norton VPN: An In-Depth Look into Two Popular Privacy Tools

When it comes to safeguarding your online privacy, both Surfshark and Norton VPN offer cloud-based VPN solutions designed to enhance security, privacy, and streaming. They share common features like kill switch protection, adherence to GDPR and CCPA regulations, unlimited bandwidth, and annual third-party audits to keep their services trustworthy. 

However, the differences lie in their depth of features, performance capabilities, and user-focused options. Surfshark stands out with its broader intended use covering Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P, and Gaming, while Norton VPN tends to focus on individuals seeking basic privacy and streaming.

Why Surfshark Makes a Powerful Case for Privacy Enthusiasts

Surfshark truly shines as a versatile VPN solution, ideal for both individuals and families alike, as shown by its support for account sharing under the account sharing policy. Its robust security is backed by periodic third-party audits and advanced key exchange methods, including ECDHE and RSA, which provide secure and modern encryption standards. Unlike Norton, Surfshark includes a stealth mode to mask VPN traffic, enhancing anonymity and bypassing censorship, a plus for privacy-conscious users.

Moreover, Surfshark commits to privacy with RAM-only servers and a strict no connection logging or metadata logging policy, ensuring minimal data footprint. Performance-wise, Surfshark offers superior peak speeds of 550 Mbps and lower latency impact at 15 ms, which is ideal for bandwidth-heavy activities like gaming and 4K streaming.

Supporting an impressive range of devices, including Linux, routers, smart TVs, and IoT gadgets, Surfshark excels in platform compatibility. It also features browser extensions and command-line interface (CLI) support. Its advanced options extend further with automation scripts, custom DNS, mesh networking, and API access, giving tech-savvy users the flexibility to tailor their VPN experience.

Surfshark's account management capabilities stand out with sub-accounts, multi-user profiles, and detailed login history visibility, reflecting its focus on multi-user environments. Add to this a flexible set of payment options, including gift cards, and its availability of business plans, and Surfshark emerges as a comprehensive, user-friendly option for those seeking extensive control over their online protection.

The Strengths Norton VPN Holds in a More Basic VPN Landscape

Norton VPN caters effectively to individual users looking for straightforward VPN protection with an emphasis on privacy, security, and streaming. It supports fundamental VPN needs with a kill switch and reliable cloud-based infrastructure compliant with GDPR and CCPA. Norton maintains annual third-party audits to ensure security standards, although its frequency lags behind Surfshark's periodic schedule.

While lacking stealth mode and more modern encryption protocols, Norton uses IKEv2 key exchange, known for good security and stability. Its logging policy claims no-logs, but it does collect some connection and metadata logs, a factor to consider for privacy purists. Still, user data deletion policies remain in place for GDPR compliance.

Streaming services are well supported on Norton VPN, with compatibility across popular platforms such as Netflix and Disney+, and it provides a moderate streaming reliability rating. However, it doesn't have gaming-optimized servers, which could impact users wanting the best performance for online games. Torrenting is restricted under its torrenting policy, limiting P2P enthusiasts.

Norton's supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, but it lacks coverage for Linux, routers, smart TVs, and IoT devices. This narrower device compatibility might be a drawback for multi-device households. Furthermore, it doesn't offer advanced features such as automation scripts, custom DNS, or API access.

In terms of account management, Norton provides basic session management but misses multi-user profiles and access control levels. On the upside, Norton offers a free trial, which Surfshark does not, giving prospective users a chance to test its service with no upfront cost. Its price point is higher compared to Surfshark, at approximately $3.33/month versus Surfshark's $1.70/month, making it less budget-friendly.

Quick Take

Surfshark leads with advanced security features, faster speeds, robust platform support, and flexible account management, making it ideal for families, gamers, and privacy-focused users. Norton VPN serves well for individuals needing basic VPN functionality with reliable streaming, but offers less customization and weaker privacy protections.

Bottom Line

Choosing between Surfshark and Norton VPN largely depends on your needs: Surfshark is the clear winner for comprehensive coverage, greater performance, and deeper privacy features at a budget-friendly price. Norton VPN can be suitable for users seeking a simple, branded VPN with a free trial for light internet privacy and streaming, but it lacks the extensive tools and features of Surfshark.

Verdict

  • Winner: Surfshark - For its superior speed, advanced privacy controls like RAM-only servers, broader device support, and rich, user-friendly features.
  • Runner-up: Norton VPN - Provides reliable basic VPN services with a free trial, but is limited in features, platform compatibility, and performance.

Comparisons 33

Two enter. One leaves your cart.

Price comparisons

(✱) Prices may be changed at any time without further notice.

Related comparisons 33

Because one duel is never enough.

Comparisons & Facts 175

Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.

We compared Surfshark and Norton VPN across usability, functionality, price, and what power users say. Your perfect vpn might be hiding in plain sight.

General Information 12

Account Sharing Policy

Is account sharing allowed?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Allowed

48 Norton VPN 0 Votes Restricted

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Account Sharing Policy

In Account Sharing Policy, Surfshark allows sharing, while Norton VPN restricts it. Users looking for shared access on multiple devices or family accounts will find Surfshark more accommodating.

Defines rules around sharing accounts.

Target User

Who is this VPN designed for?

62 Surfshark 0 Votes Individual, Family

58 Norton VPN 0 Votes Individual

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Target User

The Target User specification shows Surfshark caters to Individuals and Families, while Norton VPN focuses on Individuals only. This broad user base makes Surfshark more versatile and suitable for both single users and families.

Identifies the primary audience.

Deployment Type

What is the deployment type?

87 Surfshark 0 Votes Cloud-Based

88 Norton VPN 0 Votes Cloud-Based

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Deployment Type

Both Surfshark and Norton VPN use Cloud-Based Deployment Type, indicating similar infrastructure delivery for scalability and flexibility. Thus, no differentiation here in deployment methods.

How the VPN infrastructure is deployed and managed.

Release Year

When was this VPN first released?

87 Surfshark 0 Votes 2018

90 Norton VPN 0 Votes 2019

Surfshark
Surfshark

The VPN service was released in 2018, indicating experience and a matured product.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Release year is 2019, indicating several years of operation but possibly missing the newest features introduced after that year.

Year the VPN service was first released.

Supported Devices Count

How many devices are supported?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Unlimited Devices

38 Norton VPN 0 Votes 4-6 Devices

Surfshark
Surfshark

The VPN supports unlimited devices per account, accommodating users with many gadgets.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Allows up to 7 Devices concurrently, sufficient for an individual user with several gadgets or a small household.

Maximum number of devices supported per account.

VPN Service Type

What type of VPN service is offered?

27 Surfshark 0 Votes Consumer VPN

28 Norton VPN 0 Votes Consumer VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

The VPN service type is consumer-focused, designed primarily for individual and household use.

Indicates the primary service classification.

Intended Use

What is this VPN mainly used for?

57 Surfshark 0 Votes Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P, Gaming

61 Norton VPN 0 Votes Privacy, Security, Streaming

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Intended Use

Surfshark supports Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P, and Gaming as intended uses, while Norton VPN supports Privacy, Security, and Streaming only. Surfshark’s wider use cases make it better for gamers and P2P users.

Describes the main use cases supported.

Service Model

What service model does the VPN use?

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Subscription-Based

68 Norton VPN 0 Votes Subscription-Based

Surfshark
Surfshark

The service operates on a subscription-based model, which means users pay periodically to maintain access and updates.

Business and access model used to provide the VPN service.

Regulatory Compliance Statement

What regulations does it comply with?

82 Surfshark 0 Votes GDPR, CCPA, UK GDPR

83 Norton VPN 0 Votes GDPR, CCPA

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Regulatory Compliance Statement

Regarding Regulatory Compliance Statements, Surfshark complies with GDPR, CCPA, and UK GDPR, whereas Norton VPN complies with GDPR and CCPA only. Surfshark’s additional UK GDPR compliance offers stronger regional data protection.

Stated compliance with data protection regulations.

Platform Category

Which platform categories are supported?

71 Surfshark 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile, Browser, Router

66 Norton VPN 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile, Router

Indicates supported platform categories.

Simultaneous Connections

How many simultaneous connections are allowed?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Unlimited

38 Norton VPN 0 Votes 5–7 Connections

Number of devices that can connect at the same time.

Service Availability

Where is the service available?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Global

98 Norton VPN 0 Votes Global

Geographic scope where the VPN service is available.

Security & Encryption 24

Kill Switch

Is a kill switch available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Kill Switch

Both Surfshark and Norton VPN have a Kill Switch feature, essential for cutting off internet if the VPN connection drops, protecting user privacy equivalently.

Blocks traffic if VPN connection drops.

Stealth Mode

Is stealth mode available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Stealth Mode

Surfshark supports Stealth Mode, increasing user anonymity, while Norton VPN does not. This feature makes Surfshark preferable for users requiring enhanced privacy against network surveillance.

Hides VPN usage from detection systems.

Audit Frequency

How often are audits done?

77 Surfshark 0 Votes Periodic

67 Norton VPN 0 Votes Annual

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Audit Frequency

Audit Frequency for Surfshark is Periodic, implying multiple checks, while Norton VPN audits annually. More frequent audits by Surfshark suggest higher ongoing security assurance.

How often audits are performed.

Encryption Strength

What encryption strength is used?

87 Surfshark 0 Votes AES-256

88 Norton VPN 0 Votes AES-256

Surfshark
Surfshark

Encryption strength uses AES-256, a robust encryption cipher standard for secure VPN connections.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Encryption strength is AES-256, the industry standard for strong symmetric encryption.

Level and type of encryption used to secure data.

VPN Protocols Supported

Which VPN protocols are supported?

79 Surfshark 0 Votes OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2

83 Norton VPN 0 Votes WireGuard, OpenVPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

Supported VPN protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, covering a range of compatibility, security, and performance options.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, offering both a modern high-performance option and a well-established secure protocol.

Lists all supported VPN protocols.

Default Protocol

What protocol is used by default?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes WireGuard

68 Norton VPN 0 Votes IKEv2

Surfshark
Surfshark

The default VPN protocol is WireGuard, favored for its speed and modern encryption.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Default protocol is IKEv2, which provides a good balance of security and speed for mobile and desktop clients.

Protocol used by default.

Encryption Standard

What encryption standard is used?

72 Surfshark 0 Votes AES, ChaCha20

68 Norton VPN 0 Votes AES

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Encryption standard is AES, a widely used and trusted symmetric cipher family (specific key size should be checked separately).

Specifies the primary encryption algorithms used.

Firewall Integration

Does it integrate with a firewall?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

Firewall integration enables the VPN to work seamlessly with existing firewall setups for enhanced protection.

Integrates firewall rules for traffic control.

Obfuscation Technology

Is traffic obfuscation supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

Obfuscation technology conceals VPN traffic to evade censorship and VPN blocks.

Masks VPN traffic to bypass censorship.

Multi-Hop VPN

Is multi-hop VPN supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

Multi-hop VPN chains user traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy and anonymity.

Routes traffic through multiple servers.

Dedicated IP Option

Is a dedicated IP offered?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

No dedicated IP option is offered, meaning users must rely on shared IP addresses unless a separate add-on is available.

Provides exclusive IP addresses.

Key Exchange Method

How are encryption keys exchanged?

77 Surfshark 1 Votes ECDHE, RSA

82 Norton VPN 0 Votes IKEv2

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Key Exchange Method

The Key Exchange Methods differ: Surfshark uses ECDHE and RSA, offering robust cryptographic options, whereas Norton VPN uses IKEv2 only. Surfshark provides more versatile encryption key exchange for security.

Describes how encryption keys are securely exchanged.

Surfshark's key exchange methods like ECDHE and RSA seem more advanced compared to Nortons IKEv2 making me trust Surfshark more for security.

See more

Privacy & Logging Policy 18

RAM-Only Servers

Are RAM-only servers used?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
RAM-Only Servers

Surfshark offers RAM-Only Servers enhancing data security by not storing data on disks, whereas Norton VPN lacks this, making Surfshark more secure against data retention risks.

Indicates use of volatile memory servers.

Connection Logs

Are connection logs stored?

No 1 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Connection Logs

Concerning Connection Logs, Surfshark does not keep them, but Norton VPN does, impacting privacy. Surfshark is better for users wanting no connection logging.

Indicates logging of connection metadata.

No connection logs policy on Surfshark is big for me cause Norton collects connection logs and that kinda worries my privacy.

See more

IP Address Logging

Are IP addresses logged?

No 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

No IP address logging is claimed, indicating the provider asserts it does not store users' originating IP addresses; look for confirmation in audits or the privacy policy.

Indicates whether IP addresses are logged.

Bandwidth Usage Logging

Is bandwidth usage logged?

No 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Bandwidth usage logging is not performed, meaning the provider claims not to track per-user data transfer volumes; verify in the privacy policy for details.

Indicates logging of bandwidth usage.

Warrant Canary

Is a warrant canary published?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

No warrant canary is published, meaning there is no proactive public statement signaling government requests or gag orders.

Indicates presence of a warrant canary.

Privacy Certification

Does it have privacy certifications?

47 Surfshark 0 Votes ISO 27001, TRUSTe

0 Norton VPN 0 Votes None

Surfshark
Surfshark

Privacy certifications include ISO 27001 and TRUSTe, indicating adherence to internationally recognized privacy and security standards.

Privacy or security certifications held by the provider.

Logging Policy Type

What is the logging policy type?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes No-Logs

98 Norton VPN 0 Votes No-Logs

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Logging Policy Type

Both services have a No-Logs Logging Policy Type, meaning neither Surfshark nor Norton VPN logs user activities, maintaining strong privacy standards.

Describes the overall logging stance.

Activity Logs

Are activity logs stored?

No 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates whether user activity is logged.

Metadata Logs

Are metadata logs collected?

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Metadata Logs

Surfshark does not store Metadata Logs, whereas Norton VPN does, giving Surfshark an edge for users prioritizing minimal data collection.

Indicates logging of metadata beyond traffic.

Timestamp Logging

Are timestamps logged?

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates logging of session timestamps.

Jurisdiction Country

Which country is the jurisdiction?

82 Surfshark 0 Votes Netherlands

88 Norton VPN 0 Votes United States

Country where the VPN company is legally registered.

Data Retention Period

How long is data retained?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes No Logs

98 Norton VPN 0 Votes No Logs

Length of time user data is retained.

Network & Server Infrastructure 20

Server Ownership

Who owns the servers?

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Hybrid

Who knows? 0 Votes Norton VPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Server Ownership

Surfshark uses Hybrid Server Ownership, combining owned and rented servers, while Norton VPN’s server ownership status is unavailable. Surfshark’s hybrid model can provide improved control and performance.

Describes who controls the servers.

Gaming Optimized Servers

Are gaming servers available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Gaming Optimized Servers

Surfshark offers Gaming Optimized Servers, while Norton VPN does not, making Surfshark the better choice for gamers needing low latency and performance.

Servers optimized for low-latency gaming.

Total Server Count

How many servers are available?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes 3000+

88 Norton VPN 0 Votes 1000–3000

Surfshark
Surfshark

Total server count exceeds 3000, indicating a large network with many options for users worldwide.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Maintains 1000–3000 servers, which supports good geographic distribution and load balancing for typical usage scenarios.

Approximate total number of servers available.

Total City Coverage

How many cities are covered?

87 Surfshark 0 Votes 200+

68 Norton VPN 0 Votes 50–100

Surfshark
Surfshark

Total city coverage exceeds 200 cities, ensuring extensive geographic reach and more options for optimal performance.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Total city coverage is 50–100, indicating a moderate level of geographic granularity for server locations.

Number of cities with VPN servers.

Total Country Coverage

How many countries are covered?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes 90+

28 Norton VPN 0 Votes 20–40

Surfshark
Surfshark

Total country coverage extends beyond 90 countries, providing worldwide server options and global access.

Number of countries with server presence.

Tor Servers

Are Tor servers available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Tor servers are not provided, so users wanting integrated Tor routing will need to use Tor separately or choose another provider that offers this feature.

Servers designed for Tor integration.

Server Location Type

Are server locations physical or virtual?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Mixed

98 Norton VPN 0 Votes Mixed

Indicates how server locations are implemented.

Data Center Tier

What data center tier is used?

47 Surfshark 0 Votes Tier III

48 Norton VPN 0 Votes Tier III

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Data Center Tier

Data Center Tier is Tier III for both Surfshark and Norton VPN, indicating similar high standards for uptime and reliability.

Indicates data center reliability level.

Load Balancing

Is load balancing supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Distributes traffic evenly across servers.

Smart Location Selection

Is smart location selection available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Automatically selects optimal servers.

Specialized Servers

Are specialized servers offered?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates presence of purpose-built servers.

P2P Servers

Are P2P servers available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Servers optimized for P2P traffic.

Performance & Speed 14

Peak Speed Performance

What is the peak speed performance?

550 Mbps 1 Votes
Surfshark
300 Mbps 0 Votes
Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Peak Speed Performance

Peak Speed Performance is 550 Mbps for Surfshark and 300 Mbps for Norton VPN, meaning Surfshark provides 83% higher maximum speed, ideal for demanding bandwidth users.

Maximum achievable speed under ideal conditions.

Tbh I prefer Surfshark for its peak speed of 550 Mbps which feels way smoother than Nortons 300 Mbps especially while streaming or gaming.

See more

Smart Routing

Is smart routing used?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Smart Routing

Both Surfshark and Norton VPN feature Smart Routing to optimize traffic paths for better speed and reliability.

Routes traffic through optimal paths.

Average Upload Speed

What is the average upload speed?

420 Mbps 0 Votes
Surfshark
120 Mbps 0 Votes
Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

The average upload speed is 420 Mbps, suitable for high-quality video calls and fast file uploads.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Average upload speed is 120 Mbps, which supports high-quality video conferencing and fast file uploads for most users.

Typical upstream speed when using the VPN.

Average Download Speed

What is the average download speed?

480 Mbps 0 Votes
Surfshark
150 Mbps 0 Votes
Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

Average download speed of 480 Mbps provides fast data transfer, supporting HD streaming and bulk downloads.

Typical downstream speed when connected to the VPN.

Latency Impact

How much latency does the VPN add?

15 ms 0 Votes
Surfshark
20 ms 0 Votes
Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Latency Impact

Latency Impact is 15 ms for Surfshark and 20 ms for Norton VPN, showing Surfshark has 25% lower latency which benefits real-time applications like gaming and streaming.

Additional latency introduced by the VPN.

Speed Consistency

How consistent are the speeds?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes High

48 Norton VPN 0 Votes Moderate

Surfshark
Surfshark

Speed consistency is rated high, indicating stable and reliable connection speeds over time.

Stability of speeds over time.

Protocol Speed Optimization

Are protocols optimized for speed?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Protocol speed optimization is enabled, meaning protocol settings are tuned to maximize throughput where possible.

Optimizes protocol choice for speed.

Auto Server Selection Speed

Does it auto-select the fastest server?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Auto server selection includes speed optimization, so the client can automatically choose servers optimized for latency and throughput.

Automatically selects fastest servers.

Performance Transparency

Are performance metrics transparent?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Performance transparency is not provided, so detailed benchmark data and raw speed reports are not published by the provider. Users should consult independent reviews or test during a trial to verify speed claims.

Indicates disclosure of performance metrics.

Speed Throttling

Is speed throttling applied?

No 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates whether speeds are artificially limited.

Speed Test Tool

Is there a built-in speed test?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Built-in tool for measuring VPN speed.

Performance Analytics

Are performance analytics available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Performance Analytics

Surfshark offers Performance Analytics to monitor and improve network performance, which Norton VPN does not provide, making Surfshark more user-informed.

Provides performance monitoring insights.

Platform & Device Support 13

OS Version Compatibility

Which OS versions are supported?

78 Surfshark 1 Votes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Router

89 Norton VPN 0 Votes Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
OS Version Compatibility

OS Version Compatibility covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Router for Surfshark, broader than Norton VPN’s Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark supports more device types including Linux and routers.

Operating systems and platforms supported.

I like that Surfshark supports Linux routers and smart TVs which Norton doesnt, makes Surfshark way more flexible for all my devices.

See more

Browser Extension

Are browser extensions available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Browser Extension

Surfshark offers Browser Extension support, while Norton VPN does not, adding convenience for users who want quick VPN control in browsers.

Indicates availability of browser extensions.

Browser Types Supported

Which browsers are supported?

85 Surfshark 0 Votes Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera

Who knows? 0 Votes Norton VPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Surfshark
Surfshark

Browser types supported include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, enabling VPN use directly through popular browsers.

Lists supported browser types.

Device Management Dashboard

Is there a device management dashboard?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Includes a device management dashboard that helps monitor and control connected devices from a central interface.

Centralized device management interface.

Virtual Machine

Is virtual machine usage supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

No virtual machine offering is provided, so there may be limited VM-specific images or support for VM-based deployments.

Indicates usability in virtual machines.

Smart TV

Are smart TVs supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
Smart TV

Smart TV compatibility is available with Surfshark but not Norton VPN, making Surfshark better for users who stream content directly via Smart TVs.

Indicates support for smart TV platforms.

Gaming Console

Are gaming consoles supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates compatibility with gaming consoles.

Manual Configuration

Is manual configuration supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows manual VPN setup.

CLI Support

Is CLI support available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
vs
Norton VPN
CLI Support

CLI Support is available in Surfshark but not in Norton VPN. This makes Surfshark suitable for advanced users and administrators requiring command-line interface control.

Indicates command-line interface availability.

App Interface Consistency

Is the app interface consistent?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Consistent

98 Norton VPN 0 Votes Consistent

Consistency of UI across platforms.

Cross-Platform Sync

Is cross-platform sync available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Syncs settings across devices.

ARM Architecture

Are ARM devices supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates support for ARM-based devices.

Features & Functionality 24

API Access

Is API access available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

API access is available, facilitating integration with other software or automated management of the VPN service.

Provides programmatic API access.

Mesh Networking

Is mesh networking supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Connects devices in a private mesh network.

Per-App Rules

Can rules be set per app?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Applies VPN rules per application.

LAN Access

Is LAN access allowed?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

LAN access when connected allows users to interact with devices on the local network behind the VPN.

Allows access to local network devices.

Custom Routing Rules

Can routing rules be customized?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

Custom routing rules allow users to define specific paths for traffic, enhancing control and performance optimization.

Allows advanced routing customization.

Automation Support

Is automation supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

Automation support allows users to integrate VPN usage with other automated workflows and scripts.

Supports automation via integrations or scripts.

Split Tunneling

Is split tunneling supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows selective routing of traffic outside the VPN.

App-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set per app?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows split tunneling by application.

URL-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set by URL?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows split tunneling by website or domain.

Auto-Connect Rules

Are auto-connect rules supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Automatically connects under defined conditions.

Trusted Wi-Fi Detection

Can trusted Wi-Fi networks be detected?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Detects trusted networks to control VPN behavior.

Ad Blocker

Is an ad blocker included?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Blocks advertisements at the network level.

Streaming, Gaming & P2P Support 9

4K Streaming

Is 4K streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates support for 4K streaming quality.

Streaming Platform Support

Which streaming platforms are supported?

84 Surfshark 0 Votes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video

85 Norton VPN 0 Votes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video

Surfshark
Surfshark

Streaming platforms supported include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, ensuring broad access to popular services securely through the VPN.

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Supports streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, indicating the service likely includes servers optimized for geolocation-unblocking and streaming reliability.

Streaming platforms that the VPN can reliably unblock and support.

Streaming Reliability

How reliable is streaming access?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes High

58 Norton VPN 0 Votes Moderate

Consistency of streaming access over time.

HD Streaming

Is HD streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates support for HD streaming quality.

Gaming Latency Optimization

Is gaming latency optimized?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Optimizes routing for low gaming latency.

Cloud Gaming

Does it support cloud gaming?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates compatibility with cloud gaming services.

P2P File Sharing

Is P2P file sharing allowed?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates allowance of P2P file sharing.

Torrenting Policy

Is torrenting allowed?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Allowed

48 Norton VPN 0 Votes Restricted

Defines torrenting rules.

Port Selection for P2P

Can ports be selected for P2P?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows port selection for P2P traffic.

Account, Access & Management 10

Multi-User Profiles

Can multiple user profiles be created?

Yes 1 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows multiple user profiles under one account.

Multi-user profiles on Surfshark is a game changer since Norton does not have this feature, I can share with family easily.

See more

Sub-Account

Are sub-accounts supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows creation of sub-accounts with limited access.

Access Control Levels

Are access control levels available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Supports different permission levels.

Session Management

Can active sessions be managed?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows viewing and managing active sessions.

Device Revocation

Can devices be revoked remotely?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Supports device revocation so compromised or unauthorized devices can be removed remotely from the account.

Allows removal of connected devices remotely.

User Account Dashboard

Is there a user account dashboard?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Provides a central interface for managing the account.

Team or Family Plans

Are team or family plans available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates availability of shared plans.

Login History Visibility

Is login history visible?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Shows login and access history.

Password Policy

How strong is the password policy?

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Strong

8 Norton VPN 0 Votes Unspecified

Rules for password complexity and security.

Two-Factor Authentication

Is two-factor authentication available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Adds an extra layer of account security.

Customer Support & Documentation 8

Knowledge Base

Is there a knowledge base?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates presence of a self-help knowledge base.

Response Time SLA

What is the response time SLA?

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

68 Norton VPN 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

Expected support response time.

Community Forum

Is there a community forum?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates presence of a user community forum.

Support Channels

What support channels are available?

64 Surfshark 0 Votes Live Chat, Email, Ticket

71 Norton VPN 0 Votes Live Chat, Email, Phone

Lists available customer support channels.

Setup Guides

Are setup guides available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Provides step-by-step setup instructions.

Video Tutorials

Are video tutorials available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates availability of video-based tutorials.

API Documentation

Is API documentation available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Provides documentation for API usage.

Support Language Coverage

What support languages are available?

52 Surfshark 0 Votes English, Multi-language

88 Norton VPN 0 Votes Multi-language

Languages supported by customer service.

Billing, Plans & Trials 12

Free Trial Availability

Is a free trial available?

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

A free trial is available, enabling prospective users to evaluate the service before subscribing.

Indicates whether a free trial is offered.

Payment Methods Supported

What payment methods are supported?

60 Surfshark 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency, Gift Card

68 Norton VPN 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency

Supported payment methods.

Subscription Length Options

What subscription lengths are available?

64 Surfshark 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly, Multi-Year

65 Norton VPN 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly, Multi-Year

Available subscription durations.

Trial Duration

How long is the free trial?

7 days 0 Votes
Surfshark
7 days 0 Votes
Norton VPN

Length of the free trial period.

Money-Back Guarantee

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates availability of a refund guarantee.

Refund Period

What is the refund period?

67 Surfshark 0 Votes 30 Days

68 Norton VPN 0 Votes 30 Days

Time window for requesting refunds.

Anonymous Payment

Are anonymous payments supported?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Allows anonymous payment methods.

Auto-Renewal

Is auto-renewal enabled?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates whether subscriptions auto-renew.

Plan Flexibility

How flexible are the plans?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes High

48 Norton VPN 0 Votes Moderate

Ease of changing plans.

Plan Change Policy

What is the plan change policy?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Allowed Anytime

78 Norton VPN 0 Votes Allowed with Restrictions

Policy governing whether users can upgrade or downgrade their subscription plans.

Family Plan Availability

Are family plans available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates availability of family plans.

Business Plan Availability

Are business plans available?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Indicates availability of business plans.

Reliability, Trust & Reputation 11

Audit Transparency

Are audit reports public?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Publishes full audit reports.

Public Reputation

What is the public reputation?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Excellent

58 Norton VPN 0 Votes Good

Overall public perception.

Service Uptime

What is the service uptime?

99.9 % 0 Votes
Surfshark
99.9 % 0 Votes
Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Advertised service uptime is 99.9%, indicating high availability though not the highest enterprise-tier SLA.

Average service availability over time.

Downtime Transparency

Are downtimes disclosed?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Downtime is not transparently reported, so users may have limited visibility into outages and incident postmortems.

Discloses outages and maintenance publicly.

Independent Security Audits

Are independent audits conducted?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

No 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Independent security audits are not reported, so third-party verification of security claims is currently unavailable.

Undergoes third-party security audits.

Jurisdiction Clarity

Is jurisdiction clearly stated?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

Jurisdiction clarity is present, so the legal jurisdiction governing the service is identifiable and can be considered when assessing data-request risks.

Clearly states legal jurisdiction.

Third-Party Review Presence

Does the VPN have third-party reviews?

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Strong Presence

98 Norton VPN 0 Votes Strong Presence

Norton VPN
Norton VPN

There is a Strong Presence of third-party reviews, suggesting substantial independent analysis and user feedback are available.

Indicates whether the VPN service is actively reviewed on independent third-party platforms.

Company Transparency

Is company ownership transparent?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Discloses ownership and leadership.

No-Log Claim Credibility

Is the no-logs claim credible?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Credibility of no-logs claims.

Transparency Reports

Are transparency reports published?

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Yes 0 Votes Norton VPN

Publishes government request reports.

Surveys

Because hot takes deserve votes.

Performance

How would you rate the overall performance of this VPN?

Very fast — Under 2 hours
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Fast — 2 to 4 hours
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average speed — 4 to 6 hours
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Slow — 6 to 10 hours
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very slow — Over 10 hours
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Ease of Setup

How easy is it to set up this VPN?

Very easy — Takes under 5 minutes
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Easy — Takes 5 to 10 minutes
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average — Takes 10 to 15 minutes
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Hard — Takes 15 to 30 minutes
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very hard — Takes over 30 minutes
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

User Interface

How would you describe the usability of this VPN's interface?

Very intuitive — Easy to navigate and use
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Easy to use — Clear and simple interface
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average — Some features may be difficult to navigate
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Hard to use — Complex layout, hard to understand
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very hard to use — Frustrating interface
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Connection Stability

How stable is the connection when using this VPN?

Very stable — Rare disconnections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Stable — Occasional disconnections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average stability — Frequent minor disconnections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Unstable — Regular disconnections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very unstable — Almost always disconnects
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Security Features

How would you rate the security features of this VPN?

Top-notch security — Includes features like 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and kill switch
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Great security — Includes strong encryption and basic protections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average security — Standard encryption, basic protections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Weak security — Limited encryption and few protections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Poor security — No encryption or protections
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Device Compatibility

How well does this VPN work across different devices?

Excellent compatibility — Works on all devices without issues
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Good compatibility — Works on most devices with few issues
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average compatibility — Works on some devices, limited support
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Poor compatibility — Works only on specific devices
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very limited compatibility — Works on very few devices
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Speed During Use

How fast is your internet connection when using this VPN?

Very fast — No noticeable decrease in speed
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Fast — Slight decrease in speed
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average speed — Moderate decrease in speed
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Slow — Significant decrease in speed
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very slow — Extremely slow, hard to use
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Customer Support

How would you rate the customer support for this VPN?

Exceptional — Quick responses, helpful solutions
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Good — Support is helpful and timely
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average — Support is okay but may take some time
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Poor — Long wait times and incomplete solutions
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very poor — No helpful support, slow responses
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Design Appeal

How would you rate the design appeal of this VPN's interface?

Very appealing — Modern, clean, and visually pleasing
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Appealing — Simple and easy on the eyes
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Average — Nothing special, functional but basic
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Unappealing — Outdated and unattractive
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Very unappealing — Difficult to look at
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Pricing

How would you rate the price of this VPN compared to its features?

Great value for money — Worth every penny
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Pretty good price — Good balance of features and cost
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Fair deal — Reasonable for the features provided
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Kinda pricey — Higher cost than expected
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN
Crazy expensive — Far too expensive for what it offers
0 Votes
Surfshark
0 Votes
Norton VPN

Reviews 0

The good, the bad, and the brutally honest.

Average Rating

Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
0 / 5 0 Reviews
Norton
Norton
Norton VPN
Norton VPN
0 / 5 0 Reviews

Discussions 0

Thoughts, takes, and hot debates.

Awards 4

Only the best made it here.
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Best VPN For Gaming

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20

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10 Champs & 10 Wannabes — Which VPN Actually Protects Your Data Best?

Collections 0

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