Looking for the best antivirus protection in 2025? Norton 360 consistently ranks as the top antivirus software by independent testing labs like AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. In this comprehensive Norton review, we examine every feature, test result, and pricing option to help you decide if Norton is worth your investment.
Norton has protected devices since 1991 and is now part of Gen Digital Inc. With perfect malware detection scores and a comprehensive feature set including VPN, password manager, and dark web monitoring, Norton 360 remains our top-rated antivirus for 2025.
Quick Verdict: Is Norton 360 Worth It?
Our Rating: 9.7/10
Best For: Users seeking comprehensive all-in-one protection with antivirus, VPN, password manager, dark web monitoring, and identity theft protection.
Starting Price: $29.99/first year (Norton AntiVirus Plus) or $49.99/first year (Norton 360 Deluxe)
Key Stats: 100% Malware Detection | 18/18 AV-TEST Score | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Table of Contents
- What is Norton 360?
- Key Features
- Malware Protection
- Lab Test Results
- Pricing Plans
- Norton Secure VPN
- Password Manager
- Parental Controls
- Dark Web Monitoring
- Pros and Cons
- Norton vs Competitors
- FAQ
- Final Verdict
What is Norton 360?
Norton is one of the most recognizable names in cybersecurity, having protected devices since 1991. Now part of Gen Digital Inc. (formed after the 2022 merger with Avast), Norton 360 offers comprehensive digital security that goes far beyond basic antivirus protection.
Norton 360 combines industry-leading malware detection with a full suite of security tools including a VPN, password manager, cloud backup, dark web monitoring, and parental controls. The 360 in the name represents complete, all-around protection for your digital life. For more background, see our detailed Norton Review 2024.
Norton Product Lines
Norton offers several product tiers to suit different needs:
- Norton AntiVirus Plus: Basic antivirus with password manager, smart firewall, and 2GB cloud backup for 1 device
- Norton 360 Standard: Adds VPN and dark web monitoring for up to 3 devices
- Norton 360 Deluxe: Includes parental controls and 50GB backup for up to 5 devices
- Norton 360 Premium: 100GB backup and Privacy Monitor for up to 10 devices
- Norton 360 with LifeLock: Adds comprehensive identity theft protection with up to $1 million coverage
Key Features and Capabilities
Norton 360 packs an impressive array of security features that justify its position as our top-rated antivirus.
Security Features
- Real-Time Threat Protection: AI-powered malware detection using machine learning and behavioral analysis
- Smart Firewall: Monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts
- Anti-Phishing Protection: Norton Safe Web blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts
- Ransomware Protection: Prevents encryption of your files by ransomware attacks
- Exploit Prevention: Zero-day attack protection for newly discovered vulnerabilities
- SafeCam: Webcam protection against unauthorized access (Windows only)
Privacy Features
- Secure VPN: Unlimited bandwidth VPN with servers in 29+ countries
- Password Manager: Encrypted vault for all your login credentials
- Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts when your personal info appears on the dark web
- Privacy Monitor: Scans data broker sites for your personal information
- Cloud Backup: Up to 100GB encrypted cloud storage for important files
Malware and Antivirus Protection
Norton’s malware detection engine is the cornerstone of its protection. Using a combination of signature-based detection and advanced behavioral analysis, Norton identifies both known threats and zero-day attacks.
Scan Types
- Quick Scan: Analyzes the most vulnerable areas of your system in about 2-3 minutes
- Full Scan: Comprehensive system-wide scan that takes 10-15 minutes
- Custom Scan: Scan specific files or folders on demand
Detection Technology
Norton uses multiple layers of protection:
- Signature-Based Detection: Compares files against a constantly updated malware database
- Behavioral Analysis (SONAR): Monitors program behavior to detect suspicious activity
- Machine Learning: AI algorithms that improve detection over time
- Cloud-Based Protection: Leverages Norton’s global threat intelligence network
100% Virus Protection Promise
Norton backs its protection with a 100% Virus Protection Promise. If your device gets infected with a virus that Norton experts cannot remove, you are entitled to a full refund. This guarantee demonstrates Norton’s confidence in its malware detection capabilities.
Independent Lab Test Results
Norton consistently achieves top scores from respected independent testing laboratories. Here are the latest results:
AV-TEST Results (2025)
| Platform | Protection | Performance | Usability | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 18/18 |
| macOS | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 18/18 |
| Android | 6/6 | 6/6 | 5/6 | 17/18 |
Source: AV-TEST Institute
AV-Comparatives Results (2025)
| Test Type | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Real-World Protection | 100% | Advanced+ |
| Malware Protection | 99.96% | Advanced+ |
| Performance Impact | 3.8 (Low) | Advanced+ |
Source: AV-Comparatives
SE Labs Results (Q4 2024)
| Test Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Protection Accuracy | 100% |
| Legitimate Accuracy | 100% |
| Total Accuracy | 100% |
| Award | AAA (Highest) |
Source: SE Labs
Pricing Plans Comparison
Norton offers competitive pricing with significant first-year discounts. Here is a complete breakdown:
| Plan | First Year | Renewal | Devices | Cloud Backup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AntiVirus Plus | $29.99 | $59.99 | 1 | 2 GB |
| 360 Standard | $39.99 | $94.99 | 3 | 10 GB |
| 360 Deluxe | $49.99 | $119.99 | 5 | 50 GB |
| 360 Premium | $59.99 | $139.99 | 10 | 100 GB |
| 360 with LifeLock | $99.99 | $179.99 | 10 | 100 GB |
Pro Tip: Norton offers a 7-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions. This gives you plenty of time to test the software risk-free.
Norton Secure VPN
Norton Secure VPN is included with all Norton 360 plans and provides bank-grade encryption for your internet connection. While it is not as feature-rich as dedicated VPN services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, it offers solid protection for everyday use.
VPN Features
- Unlimited Bandwidth: No data caps on any Norton 360 plan
- 256-bit AES Encryption: Industry-standard encryption protocol
- No-Logs Policy: Norton does not track your browsing activity
- Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects if VPN drops (Windows and Android)
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN (Windows and Android)
- 2,000+ Servers: Servers in 29 countries worldwide
- WireGuard Protocol: Fast and secure connection protocol
Password Manager
Norton Password Manager is included with all Norton subscriptions and provides secure storage for your login credentials. It works across all your devices and integrates with major web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Password Manager Features
- Encrypted Vault: AES-256 encryption for all stored credentials
- Auto-Fill: Automatically fills login forms in browsers
- Password Generator: Creates strong, unique passwords
- Security Dashboard: Identifies weak and duplicate passwords
- Cross-Platform Sync: Access passwords on all your devices
- Secure Notes: Store sensitive information securely
Norton Family Parental Controls
Norton Family is one of the most comprehensive parental control solutions available. It is included with Norton 360 Deluxe and higher plans, helping parents monitor and protect their children’s online activities.
Parental Control Features
- Web Supervision: Block inappropriate websites and content categories
- Screen Time Management: Set daily time limits and schedules
- Search Monitoring: View what your children search for online
- Video Supervision: Monitor YouTube viewing history
- Location Tracking: Know where your children are (mobile devices)
- App Supervision: See which apps are used and for how long
- Instant Lock: Remotely lock devices when needed
Dark Web Monitoring
Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring continuously scans underground websites, forums, and marketplaces for your personal information. When your data is found, you receive immediate alerts with recommended actions.
What Norton Monitors
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Insurance ID numbers
- Gamer tags
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading malware detection (100% in tests)
- Perfect 18/18 AV-TEST scores on Windows and macOS
- Comprehensive feature set (VPN, password manager, parental controls)
- 100% Virus Protection Promise with money-back guarantee
- Unlimited VPN bandwidth on all 360 plans
- Up to 100GB cloud backup included
- LifeLock identity theft protection available
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 customer support via Norton Support
- Low system performance impact
- Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Cons
- Prices increase significantly after first year
- No free version available
- Some features Windows-only (SafeCam, Cloud Backup)
- VPN lacks advanced features of dedicated VPN services
- Mobile app has limited features compared to desktop
- Auto-renewal enabled by default
- LifeLock features limited to US customers
Norton vs Competitors
How does Norton compare to other leading antivirus solutions like Bitdefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky?
| Feature | Norton 360 | Bitdefender | McAfee | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29.99/yr | $29.99/yr | $39.99/yr | $29.99/yr |
| AV-TEST Score | 18/18 | 18/18 | 18/18 | 18/18 |
| Real-World Protection | 100% | 99.9% | 99.5% | 99.9% |
| VPN Included | Unlimited | 200MB/day | Unlimited | 300MB/day |
| Cloud Backup | Up to 100GB | No | No | No |
| Identity Protection | Yes (LifeLock) | No | Yes | No |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norton 360 worth it in 2025?
Yes, Norton 360 is worth it for users who want comprehensive all-in-one security. With perfect malware detection scores, unlimited VPN, password manager, and up to 100GB cloud backup, Norton provides excellent value. The 60-day money-back guarantee lets you try it risk-free.
Is Norton better than McAfee?
Norton and McAfee both score highly in independent tests. Norton has a slight edge with better real-world protection scores (100% vs 99.5%) and includes cloud backup, which McAfee lacks. However, McAfee offers unlimited device coverage on all plans. Choose Norton for better protection and cloud backup, or McAfee for covering unlimited devices.
Does Norton slow down your computer?
Norton has minimal impact on system performance. In AV-Comparatives testing, Norton scored 3.8 on their performance impact test (lower is better), placing it among the lightest antivirus solutions.
Is there a free version of Norton?
Norton does not offer a free antivirus version. However, you can try Norton with a 7-day free trial, and all annual plans include a 60-day money-back guarantee. Norton does offer a free standalone tool called Norton Power Eraser for removing stubborn malware.
Does Norton work on Mac?
Yes, Norton 360 works on macOS and achieves perfect 18/18 scores in AV-TEST evaluations. However, some features like SafeCam and Cloud Backup are Windows-only. Mac users still get full antivirus protection, VPN, password manager, and dark web monitoring.
Can I use Norton on multiple devices?
Yes, Norton 360 plans support multiple devices. AntiVirus Plus covers 1 device, 360 Standard covers 3, 360 Deluxe covers 5, and 360 Premium covers 10 devices. You can protect Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices with a single subscription.
Final Verdict
Our Norton 360 Rating: 9.7/10
Norton 360 earns our highest recommendation as the best antivirus software in 2025. With perfect malware detection scores from all major testing labs, comprehensive security features, and excellent customer support, Norton delivers outstanding protection for your digital life.
We recommend Norton 360 for:
- Users wanting best-in-class malware protection
- Families needing parental controls and multi-device coverage
- Anyone seeking all-in-one security with VPN and password manager
- Users who value cloud backup for important files
- Those wanting identity theft protection (US residents)
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a free antivirus solution
- Budget is your primary concern (renewal prices are higher)
- You want advanced VPN features for streaming
- You are outside the US and want identity protection
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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed are our own based on hands-on testing and research.
Last updated: December 2025. Prices and features may vary. Test results from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs.