There are tons of alternatives for Gmail but what in particular you don't like about Gmail btw? It's probably the best and most trusted email provider service.
I prefer Google chrome and the most important ones are in my head. I just don't like to use different apps for different purposes. I like to keep things simple.
The VPN is off in Norton 360 by default I guess. You have to turn it ON if you want to use it. I have Norton as well and I haven't used that option since day 1. I use protonVPN when I need to use VPN.