Norton Antivirus review: Is it still a top contender for internet security?

Our Verdict

Our Verdict

Norton is a widely used antivirus software known for its comprehensive suite of security tools that safeguard against various threats such as viruses, malware, and spyware. Despite its strong virus protection and 100% malware detection rate, it can be costly and may require additional payment for important features. Additionally, users should be mindful of its RAM usage.

Pros

• Intelligent firewall
• Excellent malware protection
• Most subscriptions offer unlimited VPN access
• Abundance of features even in the most affordable package

Cons

• VPN kill switch problems
• Costly after the initial year
• No file shredder or encryption features
• Might be challenging for those less familiar with technology

4.8

Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting price

$29.99 per year

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Included

Money back guarantee

Yes

A quick look at Norton Antivirus

Norton, with over three decades of experience, has established a strong reputation. Its high scores across different tests showcase its effectiveness against malware. 

The Norton suite includes additional tools like a VPN, password manager, smart firewall, parental controls, and cloud backup, along with a 100% virus protection guarantee. Norton's user-friendly interface enhances its usability.

Ranked highly by various reputable organizations, Norton offers protection for a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS, making it one of the top cybersecurity solutions available.

Pricing

The company provides various plans and pricing options tailored to different needs, including Norton AntiVirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, Norton 360 for Gamers, and Norton 360 with LifeLock.

Essential Norton package: Norton AntiVirus plus

The Norton AntiVirus Plus package offers protection against malware, spyware, and ransomware. It includes a smart firewall, password manager, and 2 GB of cloud storage. Pricing begins at $29.99 for the initial year for one device.

Norton 360 Standard

At $39.99 for the initial year, this specific plan provides a compelling array of features for one device. In addition to standard threat and malware protection, it offers webcam protection, dark web monitoring, and 10 GB of cloud storage.

Norton 360 Deluxe

The Norton 360 Deluxe offers everything included in the Norton 360 Standard, with the added benefits of parental controls, a privacy monitor, coverage for up to five devices, and 50 GB of cloud storage. It is priced at $49.99 for the first year at standard rates.

Norton 360 for Gamers

The features of this product encompass all those of Norton 360 Deluxe, with additional perks tailored for gamers, including Game Optimizer (Norton GO), Norton Crypto, and Notification Optimization. The price for the first year is $44.99 for up to three devices.

Norton 360 Select + LifeLock

The Select + LifeLock plan includes all the features of Norton 360 Deluxe, along with a range of LifeLock's security features. These include various options for ID theft protection, with coverage of $25,000 for identity theft losses and expenses, as well as up to $1 million in legal aid for identity theft. This plan also offers 100 GB of storage. The price for the first year is $99.99.

Features

Secure VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to safeguard their online information and data from hackers, snoopers, and identity thieves. It also shields your data from being intercepted by internet service providers (ISPs) or other third parties while using public Wi-Fi. Norton Secure VPN is a feature included in all Norton 360 plans.

Password Manager

Norton Password Manager is widely recognized and trusted as a tool for managing passwords. It assists users in generating robust passwords and securely storing them in an encrypted vault. Access to the vault is restricted to only those with the master password, which serves as the sole means of accessing all other passwords. This feature guarantees that your data remains protected in the event of a breach or unauthorized access attempts.

100% Virus Protection Promise

Norton experts provide a virus removal service. If they are unable to remove the virus from your device, you are eligible for a refund.

Other benefits

Parental controls

Norton offers parents the capability to manage their children's internet usage. This includes setting content filters, monitoring online activities, and establishing device time limits.

Smart firewall

Norton is also recognized for its firewall, which prevents unauthorized access to your computer or network by hackers or malicious software like worms and Trojan horses.

Fine print

Although Norton may seem flawless, its subscription model lacks flexibility. The Norton 360 Deluxe plan only supports up to five devices, so if you need to cover more than ten devices, you might have to consider switching to a competitor.

How Norton Antivirus compares?

In terms of ratings, Bitdefender is ranked highest among the three. It offers a free antivirus option for customers and can cover up to 15 devices with its family pack.

Norton performs better in terms of customization but can become slow due to RAM issues. On the other hand, Webroot is one of the fastest antivirus programs and uses the fewest system resources.

Webroot offers various protection packages, each with a generous 70-day money-back guarantee and a 14-day free trial. Bitdefender offers a 30-day trial, while Norton has only a 7-day trial period.

Is Norton Antivirus the right choice for you or your business?

If you're seeking a suitable antivirus to enhance your business's security, Norton is worth considering. However, it's advisable to assess the antivirus's impact on your computer, including scanning time and RAM usage, as decreased computer performance can hinder productivity.