Browser Extension Slows Down Web Page Load Times Terribly in Firefox

[southamsailor]

Issue abstract: Terrible slow down to web browser loading / response times.

Detailed description: It is terribly noticeably how web pages triple or quadruple their loading times when you enable the browser extension. Disable the extension and it flies. This is not introduced by enabling the VPN, as by enabling it via the Norton 360 interface I still have good performance. The issue is when the browser extension is enabled, even if the VPN is not connected.

Product & version number:Norton VPN with Add Blocker - 2.7.0.995 / Mozilla Firefox Browser 152.0.6 64-bit

OS details: Windows 11 25H2.

What is the error message you are seeing? There are no error messages, just terrible response times.

If you have any supporting screenshots, please add them: N/A

[bjm]

@southamsailor

It is terribly noticeably how web pages triple or quadruple their loading times when you enable the browser extension. Disable the extension and it flies. This is not introduced by enabling the VPN, as by enabling it via the Norton 360 interface I still have good performance. The issue is when the browser extension is enabled, even if the VPN is not connected.
Norton VPN with Add Blocker - 2.7.0.995 / Mozilla Firefox Browser 152.0.6 64-bit

Hello @southamsailor

Other browser extensions?

Does the Optional settings – make a difference

[southamsailor]

It is disabled and is terrible, if I enabled I can only imagine it will get worse. Besides, having the full Norton 360 Premium desktop app, I really see no gain in ALSO having the browser extension enabled. It adds nothing, but a minimal reduction of clicks.

[bjm]

@southamsailor

It is disabled and is terrible, if I enabled I can only imagine it will get worse. Besides, having the full Norton 360 Premium desktop app, I really see no gain in ALSO having the browser extension enabled. It adds nothing, but a minimal reduction of clicks.

Hello @southamsailor
as far as I’m aware – Norton VPN extension is a convenience/enhancement

The primary purpose of the Norton VPN browser extension is to provide quick, convenient control over your VPN connection right from your web browser without needing to open the full desktop application.

• Quick VPN Toggles: Allows you to easily turn the VPN on or off, connect to different virtual locations (cities/countries), and manage your connection status directly from the browser bar.
• Integrated Ad Blocker: Features a built-in ad blocker that hides unwanted banner ads and pop-ups while you browse. This not only makes web pages load faster and look cleaner, but also helps protect you by preventing malicious ads from executing.
• Seamless Streaming and Access: Enables you to easily change your virtual location so you can securely access websites, apps, and streaming content from other countries while on the go.

Install Norton VPN extension on your browser
Enable Ad Blocker in Norton VPN browser extension
Message: “VPN not installed” appears on Norton VPN extension
Features of Norton VPN

AI sourced content may make mistakes
Caveat: I do not run Norton VPN extension

[southamsailor]

It has more than 3K installs and only 9 reviews, with a total mean of two stars…

[bjm]

@southamsailor

It has more than 3K installs and only 9 reviews, with a total mean of two stars…

Care to share your other browser extensions?

May be best – to document/report “issue” directly via Norton support.
Note: for an official Norton response – open a support case:
Norton Support Help Center → Contact us (bottom of page)
Contact Norton Support → Let’s get started.

[bjm]

@southamsailor

Browser Extension Slows Down Web Page Load Times Terribly in Firefox

Hello @southamsailor

Yes, the Norton VPN browser extension can slow down page load times. While it is designed to be lightweight, any VPN service introduces factors that can cause noticeable lag during web browsing.

However, the extension also includes features that can actually speed up page loads under certain conditions.
Why the Extension Might Slow Things Down

• Data Encryption: The extension encrypts your browser traffic before it leaves your device, adding a small processing delay.
• Rerouting Distance: Your traffic must travel to a remote Norton VPN server before reaching the website, increasing latency and load times.
• Server Congestion: If many users are connected to the same virtual location simultaneously, server speeds will drop.
• System Overhead: Like all extensions, it runs code in the background, consuming device memory and processing power.

How the Extension Can Speed Things Up

• Ad and Tracker Blocking: The extension’s built-in ad blocker stops heavy, media-rich ads and invisible tracking scripts from loading. On ad-heavy websites, this often saves enough bandwidth to make pages load significantly faster than they would without the VPN.

Tips to Maximize Your Speed
According to Norton’s VPN Troubleshooting Guides

1. Choose the Closest Region: Connect to the geographically nearest server to minimize the distance your data travels.
2. Toggle the Ad Blocker: Ensure the built-in ad blocker is active to eliminate bandwidth-hogging scripts.
3. Limit Active Extensions: Disable other unused browser add-ons to free up memory for your browser.

Troubleshooting slow Internet connectivity issues with Norton VPN
Why is my browser so slow?

AI sourced content may make mistakes
Caveat: I do not run Norton VPN extension

[bjm]

fwiw ~ I’m not noticing slow page loading