Norton VPN review › Alternatives
Norton VPN alternatives
Norton VPN is a good choice for many people, but not for everyone. These four VPNs fix its main weak spots: the device limit, Apple app gaps, and the price over time.
Prices side by side
Most VPNs give their best price on a two-year plan paid upfront. Norton's own website only sells one-year plans to most visitors, so the table shows both.
| VPN | Cheapest plan | Paid upfront | Devices | Money-back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton VPN | Standard, 1 year | $39.99 | 5 | 60 days |
| Surfshark | Starter, 2 years ($2.49/mo) | $67.23 | Unlimited | 30 days |
| Proton VPN | Plus, 2 years ($2.77/mo) | $66.38 | 10 at once | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | Basic, 2 years ($2.99/mo) | $83.72 | Varies by plan | 30 days |
| NordVPN | Basic, 2 years ($3.49/mo) | $94.23 | 10 at once | 30 days |
Norton's one-year price looks lowest upfront, but it renews at $79.99. Over two years, Norton Standard costs about $120, more than Surfshark or Proton VPN's two-year plans.
The alternatives
Surfshark: best if you have lots of devices
Surfshark puts no limit on devices or simultaneous connections, which solves Norton's biggest everyday annoyance. Its iPhone app supports split tunneling, which Norton's doesn't, and it lets you build your own multi-hop routes instead of choosing from a few fixed pairs. Every plan includes the CleanWeb ad and tracker blocker.
Trade-off: no phone support, and renewal prices rise sharply after the first term.
Proton VPN: best for privacy, and has a free plan
Proton VPN is run by the company behind Proton Mail and is based in Switzerland, outside US jurisdiction. Its apps are open source and its no-logs policy has been audited. The free plan has no data cap, which makes it the easiest way to try a VPN without paying anything.
Trade-off: the free plan is limited to one device and a small choice of server countries.
NordVPN: best for features and server choice
NordVPN has one of the largest server networks and a long list of extras, including threat protection, meshnet for connecting your own devices, and higher plans with cloud storage and identity tools. It supports Linux and routers, which Norton doesn't.
Trade-off: the most expensive option here, with large price increases at renewal.
ExpressVPN: best for beginners on Apple devices
ExpressVPN's apps are among the simplest to use, and they work equally well on Mac and iPhone, where Norton's apps are weakest. It has a broad server network, audited privacy claims, and more flexible split tunneling than Norton.
Trade-off: fewer extra features than NordVPN at a similar price.
When Norton VPN is still the better pick
Choose Norton if you want 24/7 phone support, the longest money-back guarantee in this list, and strong streaming performance from a brand you already know, and five devices is enough for you. Our full Norton VPN review covers it in detail.
Where these figures come from
Prices are the providers' published starting prices for new US customers, cross-checked against independent reviews in October 2026. Providers change their offers often, so always check the price and renewal terms at checkout. We earn a commission only from Norton VPN; links to the other four are ordinary links.