Both VPNs include the following industry-standard security features:
I like NordVPNs kill switch better.
Unlike Norton VPNs kill switch, it works on Mac, too.
Theres also an app-based kill switch that shuts down selected apps if the VPN disconnects.
Also, only NordVPN has full leak protection, while Norton VPN only prevents DNS and WebRTC leaks.
That said, in my tests, I never experienced any leaks with either provider.
Additionally, both providers have fast and secure VPN protocols.
NordVPN has 3 VPN protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and its own proprietary protocol NordLynx.
Only NordVPN has perfect forward secrecy and RAM-only servers.
And both VPNs have two-factor authentication.
This requires you to authorize every login attempt with a time-sensitive code and/or a security key.
Winner (Security):NordVPN
NordVPN has more advanced security features than Norton VPN.
However, NordVPN also uses perfect forward secrecy, full leak protection, and RAM-only servers.
These extras make browsing, streaming, torrenting, and gaming with NordVPN more convenient and secure.
I like that both providers have split-tunneling, which lets you choose apps to exclude from the VPN connection.
However, Norton VPNs split-tunneling isnt available on macOS or iOS.
Both NordVPN and Norton VPN provide obfuscation.
This hides your VPN traffic and provides extra privacy because nobody can tell youre using a VPN.
Both VPNs have an ad blocker, but NordVPNs feature is better.
NordVPNs Threat Protection Pro tool blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
Norton VPNs Ad Tracker Blocking tool only blocks ads.
NordVPN also has Onion Over VPN, which allows you to surf dark web sites in regular browsers.
But only NordVPN has a smart DNS tool.
This lets you use a VPN on smart TVs and gaming consoles that dont natively support VPNs.
Privacy NordVPN Has Stronger Privacy
NordVPN has a stricter no-logs policy than Norton VPN.
Additionally, unlike NordVPN, Norton VPNs no-logs policy has never been verified by an independent audit.
And only NordVPN is located in a privacy-friendly country, namely Panama.
Winner (Privacy):NordVPN
NordVPN comes out on top when it comes to privacy.
Youre also less likely to encounter overcrowded servers.
NordVPN only uses physical servers theyre actually located in the country you connect to.
Whats more, NordVPN has a larger P2P server web link it supports torrenting in 110+ countries.
Both NordVPN and Norton VPN offer obfuscation.
NordVPN also has dedicated IPs, Onion Over VPN servers, and double VPN servers.
The provider also has Onion Over VPN servers in Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Double VPN is supported on 90+ servers in 5+ countries.
Winner (Servers):NordVPN
NordVPN just has a better server online grid.
It has a higher server count, more server locations, and more P2P servers in more countries.
It also offers dedicated IP addresses, Onion Over VPN server, and a double VPN feature.
Speeds NordVPN Is Faster
Although both VPNs are fast, NordVPN performed better on distant servers.
On nearby servers, NordVPN gave me great speeds.
I never had to wait for websites or videos to load and never saw any buffering.
A 20 GB file took approximately 1113 minutes to download.
When I connected to a distant server, however, there was a slight drop in speeds.
Additionally, I got some minor buffering while watching 4K videos.
Downloading the same 20 GB file on a distant server took 1823 minutes.
I also had good connection speeds on local servers using Norton VPN.
Websites and videos loaded instantly and videos didnt buffer.
A 20 GB file took approximately 1314 minutes to download.
The same 20 GB file took 2527 minutes to download on a distant server.
Winner (Speeds):NordVPN
NordVPN performs better on distant servers.
NordVPN works with 10+ streaming services and can access 30+ Netflix libraries.
On the other hand, Norton VPN doesnt mention how many streaming services and Netflix libraries it works with.
However, Norton VPN doesnt work with Disney+, whereas NordVPN does.
And only NordVPN has a smart DNS.
Winner (Streaming):NordVPN
NordVPN is much better for streaming.
In contrast, Norton VPN doesnt work with Disney+ and doesnt have a smart DNS.
On top of that, the VPN doesnt let you choose a server to connect to for P2P traffic.
This means youll get slower download speeds if you live outside of Europe.
Both VPNs work with popular torrenting clients.
Unfortunately, neither provider offers port forwarding, which increases torrenting speeds by connecting you to more peers.
NordVPN includes SOCKS5 proxy support, which lets you change your IP address without encrypting your traffic.
This allows for faster download speeds when security isnt a big concern.
NordVPN provides better security for torrenting.
Norton VPN can only block ad trackers.
I ran leak tests on multiple servers for each provider and never experienced any leaks.
Winner (Torrenting):NordVPN
NordVPN is the better VPN for torrenting.
I played several rounds ofDota 2with each one.
The two of them had very similar speeds on local and distant servers.
My ping was very stable with both VPNs.
However, I experienced some lag when connected to distant servers.
Both providers protect you from Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks because they hide your real IP address.
Still, neither provider has anti-DDoS protection on its servers.
Only NordVPN has router support to game on devices that dont natively support VPNs.
Both providers maintain fast speeds on local servers and offer stable ping.
But NordVPN is the only one with router support, and it also comes with Meshnet.
Bypassing Censorship Neither VPN Is a Good Pick
Unfortunately, neither VPN works in restrictive countries.
Winner (Bypassing Censorship): None
Neither VPN works in restrictive countries.
So I recommend getting ExpressVPN instead because it consistently works in restrictive regions without any issues.
Plus, each VPNs mobile apps provide quick explanations for most features and options.
NordVPN and Norton VPNs desktop apps are great.
That said, NordVPNs desktop apps are simply more feature-rich.
But only NordVPN has router support.
Winner (Apps & Ease of Use):NordVPN
NordVPN simply supports more platforms.
Additionally, NordVPN also supports manual router setups, and all of its apps are more feature-rich.
Its also very important to note that Norton VPNs price doubles after the first year of subscription.
Both providers accept payment through credit cards and PayPal, but only NordVPN accepts cryptocurrency payments.
This makes NordVPN slightly better for privacy.
Winner (Plans & Pricing):NordVPN
NordVPN gives you better value overall.
NordVPN has a 30-day refund policy, while Norton VPN has a 60-day money-back guarantee for all long-term plans.
However, I found NordVPNs support library slightly easier to find and navigate.
I like that NordVPN and Norton VPN both offer 24/7 live chat support.
Only NordVPN has email support.
I sent them a couple of emails and was very happy with their response times.
I got a reply to my first email within 5 hours and my second within a day.
The responses I got were generally able to address my questions and concerns.
And only Norton VPN has phone support.
This is a great support option that few other VPNs offer.
Additionally, many of the 50+ countries where its available offer 24/7 support.
Plus, Norton VPN offers social media support on Facebook and Twitter.
This is a great alternative to live chat and email support that isnt available for most other VPNs.
When I contacted Norton VPN on their social media, I got helpful responses within half an hour.
That said, I personally think NordVPNs support reps are better because theyre slightly more knowledgeable.
Overall Winner:NordVPN
NordVPN is one of thetop VPNs in 2025.
It provides fast speeds, top-notch security, and high-end privacy features.
Norton VPN is also a pretty good VPN.
Overall, NordVPN is the clear winner.
Its better in almost every area, including price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than Norton VPN?
Yes,NordVPN is better than Norton VPNin almost every area.
Norton VPN only ties it in customer support.
Which is more secure NordVPN or Norton VPN?
NordVPN is more secure than Norton VPN.
Which one is faster NordVPN or Norton VPN?
Both VPNs provide fast speeds, butNordVPN is faster.
In my tests, both providers performed very well on local servers.
Which is better for streaming NordVPN or Norton VPN?
NordVPN is better for streaming.
Both providers work with top streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Max, and BBC iPlayer.
However, Norton VPN doesnt work with Disney+.
And it also comes with SmartPlay, which is great if you want increased security on your VPN.
Read more about the best VPNs in 2025
