Norton VPN expansion has quietly reshaped the service’s global infrastructure, adding 25 new server locations to push its network past 130 endpoints across 90 countries. The bigger story, though, is the on-demand IP switching feature that lets users rotate their exit IP without disconnecting and hunting for a working address—a practical fix for one of VPN streaming’s most frustrating problems.
Key Takeaways
- Norton VPN now operates over 130 server locations across 90 countries, up from its previous footprint.
- On-demand IP switching allows users to change their exit IP within the same location without reconnecting.
- The feature targets streaming blocks by reducing the need to repeatedly disconnect and reconnect to find a working IP.
- Norton’s streaming performance remains limited compared to specialized alternatives like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- The update includes OpenVPN DCO support on Windows with claims of up to double connection speeds.
What Norton VPN expansion actually delivers
The Norton VPN expansion addresses two real pain points at once: geographic reach and streaming reliability. Expanding to over 130 locations in 90 countries gives users more endpoint choices when they need to appear in a specific region. But the on-demand IP switching feature is where the update gets practical. Previously, if a streaming service blocked your current IP, you had to disconnect from Norton entirely, reconnect, and hope the new random IP worked—a process that could take multiple attempts. The new manual IP rotation tool lets you stay in the same location while cycling through available IPs, cutting connection time and frustration.
This matters because Norton’s streaming performance has historically been inconsistent. TechRadar testing found that Norton only unblocks a couple of streaming platforms by default, making it weaker than specialized streaming VPNs like ExpressVPN, which operates servers in 94 countries, or Proton VPN, which runs over 15,000 servers across 145 countries. For users who rely on Norton for both privacy and occasional streaming access, the IP switching feature is a meaningful usability improvement—even if it does not transform Norton into a streaming powerhouse.
Norton VPN expansion: performance upgrades alongside server growth
The server expansion is not just about quantity. Norton has also rolled out OpenVPN DCO (Data Channel Offload) support on Windows, a feature many VPNs still do not offer. According to Norton’s claims, DCO delivers up to double connection speeds and 15% lower latency compared to standard OpenVPN. The company also upgraded to 25 Gbps servers in major cities including New York, London, and Tokyo, pushing infrastructure capacity where it matters most.
These performance enhancements address a legitimate weakness in Norton’s positioning. A faster, lower-latency VPN is more usable for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. Windows users running version 25.8 or higher with OpenVPN protocol enabled can access DCO today, while existing customers are receiving the feature in phased rollouts.
How Norton VPN expansion compares to the competition
The Norton VPN expansion is meaningful, but context matters. Proton VPN already operates over 15,000 servers across 145 countries, offering vastly more redundancy and geographic choice. ExpressVPN covers 94 countries with a more polished interface and stronger streaming credentials. Even Private Internet Access runs servers in 91 countries and prices aggressively at $2.19 per month.
Norton’s strength lies in its bundling with antivirus protection and its simplicity for users who want privacy without complexity. The IP switching feature and server expansion make it a more competitive choice for casual users who occasionally need to access geo-blocked content. But if streaming reliability is your primary goal, Norton remains a secondary option behind dedicated streaming VPNs.
Is the on-demand IP switching feature worth the update?
Yes, if you use Norton for streaming access in your target region. The feature eliminates the disconnect-and-reconnect cycle that made streaming frustrating. No, if you never stream or if you primarily use Norton for privacy in countries where VPNs are legal. Split-tunneling, available on Windows and Android, remains more useful for power users who want selective app-level VPN routing.
Does Norton VPN now reliably bypass all streaming blocks?
No. The on-demand IP switching feature improves your odds of finding a working IP for a blocked service, but it does not guarantee access. TechRadar testing shows Norton only unblocks a couple of platforms by default, and the manual IP rotation tool is a workaround, not a solution. For services with aggressive geo-blocking, dedicated streaming VPNs remain more reliable.
Can you torrent on Norton VPN?
No. Norton does not support torrenting and may disconnect your connection if it detects torrent traffic. If P2P file sharing is part of your workflow, you need a VPN that explicitly allows it.
The Norton VPN expansion is a solid incremental upgrade that makes the service more globally accessible and slightly more practical for streaming. The 25 new server locations and on-demand IP switching reduce friction without transforming Norton into a streaming specialist. For existing Norton users, the update is worth enabling. For new users choosing a VPN primarily for streaming, stronger alternatives still exist.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
