Norton Antivirus Review

Choosing the right antivirus software can be overwhelming for many people, mainly because, over the years, it has become such a critical tool for staying safe online. But it doesn't have to be this hard, thanks to this guide from MacKeeper. As one of the most reputable antivirus options, Norton offers a range of features, such as real-time protection, virus scanning, firewall, and VPN.

Our team of experts is here to guide you through selecting the best cyber protection for your Mac. We'll explore the features, benefits, and performance impact of Norton and other tools like MacKeeper to help you make an informed decision about keeping your Mac secure.

Before we start

 

It's vital to ensure top-level online protection, and MacKeeper's Antivirus software is no better option. This highly effective and innovative cybersecurity tool also includes a cleaning app, an adware cleaner, an ad blocker, a Mac optimizer, and a VPN. This comprehensive suite of cyber protection tools will give you peace of mind and ensure you stay safe online.

 

Here's how to use MacKeeper's Antivirus on your Mac:

1. Open MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. Select Antivirus under Security from the sidebar.
3. Click on the Start Scan button.
4. Once the scan is finished, select the threats you want to delete.
5. Click the Delete button, and then click Delete again to confirm.

What is Norton antivirus?

Norton antivirus is a cybersecurity software tool that safeguards user computers, mobile devices, and tablets from a wide range of sophisticated online threats, such as malware, viruses, ransomware, phishing attacks, and more. Norton antivirus features software that offers a range of capabilities that enhance security, such as:

• Cloud Backup: This Norton antivirus features the ability for users to enjoy secure storage for important files to protect against data loss.
• Ransomware Protection: This Norton antivirus features the ability to detect and prevent ransomware attacks, ensuring your data remains safe.
• Secure VPN: This Norton antivirus features the ability to secure a virtual private network that encrypts your internet connection, protecting your online privacy.
• Parental Controls: This Norton antivirus features the ability for parents to monitor and control their children's online activities.
• Virus Protection Promise: This Norton antivirus features the promise that Norton will provide a refund to your subscription if they can't remove the virus from your device.

Norton antivirus plans have a longstanding reputation for highly effective malware detection and comprehensive security features.  

Who makes Norton antivirus?

NortonLifeLock, a leading American cybersecurity software company with headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, makes Norton antivirus plans and software. The NortonLifeLock firm has a rich history in cybersecurity, dating back over forty years, with its founding in 1982. Initially, the company was formerly named Symantec Corporation but was rebranded to NortonLifeLock in 2019 after divesting its enterprise security business.

The products the company develops enjoy some highly robust cybersecurity features and capabilities and are well-known for their reliable ability to proactively detect malware strains and other threats. It's worth noting that in comparison to other brands, such as AVG vs Norton, Norton enjoys a more established brand with extensive cybersecurity experience.

Does Apple recommend Norton antivirus?

While Apple doesn't outright recommend Norton antivirus or any other third-party antivirus software products, Apple's macOS includes proprietary security features, like Gatekeeper and XProtect, which can help keep your device safer against malware and other online threats.

However, it's important to note that Apple acknowledges that additional antivirus software can help enhance device security, especially for users who frequently download files, browse a wide range of websites, or use public Wi-Fi networks. This point is vital to remember as so much of our lives are split between online and in-person, making protecting your privacy critical.

Types of Norton antivirus

In this section of our Norton antivirus review, we'll examine the different Norton antivirus plans and explain their capabilities and how they can fit your unique needs. So, let's dive in and dissect each Norton antivirus plan, Norton ratings, the cost of Norton antivirus, and much more.

1. Norton AntiVirus Plus

As one of the most basic Norton antivirus plans, Norton AntiVirus Plus offers the fundamental online protection most users need to stay safe against common threats. Here's what you get with this plan:

• Malware Protection: Shields against various forms of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
• Firewall: Includes a built-in firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, ensuring safe connections.
• Cloud Backup: Offers 2 GB of secure cloud storage for backup, providing a safety net for essential files.
• Password Manager: Helps store and manage passwords securely.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports both Windows and Mac, making it versatile for different environments.

2. Norton 360 Standard

The next one on the list of the Norton antivirus plans, Norton 360 Standard, offers more features than AntiVirus Plus, such as a secure VPN and dark web monitoring. The Norton antivirus features in this plan are ideal for users looking for a more comprehensive security package to help protect their online privacy.

Additionally, Norton 360 Standard can also assist in efforts to remove virus from Mac and other threats. Norton 360 Standard offers enhanced security features and privacy-focused tools, a step from Norton AntiVirus Plus. Here's what you get in this Norton antivirus plan:

• Secure VPN: Provides a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) for anonymous browsing and encrypted internet traffic.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Monitors the dark web for personal information breaches, alerting users to potential risks.
• Cloud Backup: Increases cloud backup storage to 10 GB, offering more space for crucial data.
• Webcam Protection: Helps prevent unauthorized access to the device's webcam, ensuring privacy.

3. Norton 360 for Gamers

Next on this list of Norton antivirus plans is Norton 360 for Gamers, which focuses on hardcore gaming enthusiasts looking to boost their online security without impacting their device's gaming performance. Here's what makes this one of the best antivirus software for Mac gamers:

• Game Optimization: Ensures security without slowing down gaming processes, providing a smoother gaming experience.
• Dark Web Monitoring for Gamers: Focuses on gaming-related data, such as gaming accounts, ensuring they are not compromised.
• VPN and Firewall: Maintains secure gaming connections and protects against malicious threats while gaming.
• Performance Enhancements: It minimizes system resources the security software uses during gameplay, reducing lag and latency.

4. Norton Mobile Security for Android

For any Android users looking for online protection, Norton Mobile Security for Android is for those on the move. It provides comprehensive protection on their mobile devices against mobile-specific threats. Here's what it offers:

• Malware Protection: Defends against mobile malware, including spyware, ransomware, and adware.
• Anti-Phishing: Protects against phishing attacks that target mobile users via emails and SMS.
• App Advisor: Scans and advises on potentially risky applications before their installation.
• Wi-Fi Security Alerts: Notify users when connecting to potentially unsafe Wi-Fi networks.
• Privacy Tools include features to manage app permissions and prevent unauthorized data access.

5. Norton Mobile Security for iOS

In our review of Norton antivirus, here's the last product on this list of Norton antivirus plans for all iOS users. The Norton Mobile Security for iOS provides users with online protection for Apple mobile devices and contains cutting-edge capabilities to keep you safer online wherever you are. Here's what it encompasses:

• Anti-Phishing: Protects against phishing attempts through emails, messages, and browsing.
• Web Protection: Warns users about potentially unsafe websites, preventing accidental clicks on malicious links.
• Device Locator: Helps locate lost or stolen devices using GPS-based tracking.
• Secure VPN: Allows secure and encrypted browsing on iOS devices.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Monitors the dark web for personal information linked to the device owner.

Important: 

 

But if you're looking for an easy choice, MacKeeper's sophisticated antivirus tool is an excellent option. Selecting cutting-edge cybersecurity shouldn't be this hard, but with options like MacKeeper, this no longer has to be an agonizing issue.

 

This groundbreaking antivirus scanner never sleeps and is always looking to uncover sneaky viruses and malware that try to infect your Mac computer, taking care of intruders on the spot.

 

Follow the steps below to check Mac for malware using MacKeeper's Antivirus:

1. Download MacKeeper and then select the Antivirus option on the side menu.
2. Click on the Launch Antivirus button and wait until Antivirus is enabled.
3. Next, activate Real-Time Protection, then click Start Scan so MacKeeper can check your system for malware and viruses.

Features of Norton antivirus

Norton antivirus features aim to help provide peace of mind and protect users from a wide range of sophisticated digital threats. This section of the review of Norton antivirus provides an overview of the most notable features on how to make your Mac run faster:

1. Cloud Backup

The first Norton antivirus feature is the secure cloud backup, which helps users protect their valuable online data. The cloud backup feature makes it possible to safely store sensitive files and documents in a secure cloud environment, protecting against data loss from hardware failures, malware attacks, or accidental deletion.

2. Ransomware protection

The second Norton antivirus feature is ransomware protection, which helps safeguard and prevent ransomware attacks by detecting and blocking suspicious activity that may lead to unauthorized encryption of files. The ransomware protection feature protects data and keeps it secure, thereby reducing the chance of ransom demands by hackers.

3. Virus Protection Promise

The following capability on this list of Norton antivirus features is the Virus Protection Promise, which is a commitment by Norton to refund your subscription if they can't remove a virus from your device. The Virus Protection Promise provides users an additional layer of peace of mind and assurance and illustrates Norton's confidence in its malware detection and removal capabilities.

4. Secure VPN

Additionally, Norton antivirus plans in SecureVPN allow users to encrypt their internet connections and disguise their online activity to enhance their privacy and security. The Secure VPN feature in Norton antivirus features allows users to browse the web securely, protecting their data from potential eavesdroppers and hackers.

5. Parental controls

For any parents out there, Norton antivirus plans include parental control features to help parents monitor and manage their children's online activities. The parental control feature allows parents to set screen time limits, block inappropriate websites, and track their children's online behavior.

6. PC or Mac compatibility

Regarding PC or Mac compatibility, Norton antivirus plans allow users to protect their devices regardless of the operating system they use. This cross-platform support is beneficial for households or businesses that use different device operating systems and helps to provide consistent security across multiple platforms.

7. Dark Web Monitoring

Norton antivirus features Dark Web Monitoring; with this critical capability, users can scan the dark web for their personal information and receive notifications in case anything appears. This functionality makes it possible to take appropriate action to mitigate the risk of identity theft or other malicious activities.

8. Malware and virus scans

Norton antivirus plans also include the performance of regular malware and virus scans to detect and remove potential threats from the system. It's possible to do these scans on-demand or complete them later, providing flexibility in maintaining system security. This software also uses advanced algorithms to detect various malware types, ensuring comprehensive protection.

9. Password manager

On top of that, Norton antivirus plans include a password manager that can help users securely store and manage their passwords, reducing the risk of security breaches when reusing weak or old passwords.

10. Smart Firewall

Norton antivirus features a capability they call a 'Smart Firewall," which provides additional protection by monitoring network traffic and blocking unauthorized access. This feature functions as a barrier between your device and potential threats from the internet, helping to prevent cyberattacks and unauthorized data transmission.

11. Identity Lock

Then there's identity lock, which comes in many Norton antivirus plans and helps to safeguard against potential identity theft. This function alerts users of suspicious activity related to their identity, such as unauthorized credit checks or unusual account activity. With the advantage of receiving these alerts in real-time, users can take immediate action to prevent identity theft and secure their personal information.

12. Privacy Advisor

Norton antivirus plans also offer Privacy Advisory, a feature that guides users on enhancing their online privacy and security. This unique capability provides tips and recommendations on securing online accounts, protecting sensitive information, and avoiding common privacy risks, helping them to improve their digital security and maintain a safer online presence.

13. SafeCam

The SafeCam is one of the many Norton antivirus features that provides that next level of online protection. This capability helps prevent unauthorized access to your webcam, safeguarding your online privacy. It monitors webcam activity and blocks unauthorized applications or processes from accessing the webcam without permission.

Note from our experts: The SafeCam feature is only available for Windows PCs.

How much does Norton antivirus cost?

The cost of Norton antivirus depends on the plan and features you want and need. Below is a breakdown of the different Norton antivirus plans and their associated costs:

1. Norton AntiVirus Plus Plan

As the most basic of all the Norton antivirus plans, Norton AntiVirus Plus provides the fundamental online protection most users need to stay safe online. This bundle includes malware and ransomware protection, a firewall, and 2 GB of cloud backup storage, an ideal plan for individual users or small-scale protection needs. Below is a brief breakdown of this plan:  

• Price: Starts at $59.99 per year
• Website: Norton antivirus Plus
• Free Trial: Yes, 30-day trial
• System Requirements: Compatible with Windows and Mac

This tool in a nutshell: Norton AntiVirus Plus is the basic plan, offering essential antivirus protection, including malware and ransomware defense, a firewall, and 2 GB of cloud backup storage. It is ideal for individual users or those with smaller protection needs.

2. Norton 360 Standard Plan

The next one on our list of Norton antivirus plans is Norton 360 Standard, a step above AntiVirus Plus's features, providing a secure VPN, dark web monitoring, and increased cloud backup storage. This bundle is for users looking for additional layers of online protection and privacy features and is a popular choice for users who want a broader range of security tools. Below is a brief breakdown of this plan:

• Price: Starts at $84.99 per year.
• Website: Norton 360 Standard
• Free Trial: Yes, 30-day trial.
• System Requirements: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

This tool in a nutshell: Norton 360 Standard offers more features than AntiVirus Plus, providing a secure VPN, dark web monitoring, increased cloud backup, and webcam protection. This bundle is for users who need additional security and privacy features.

3. Norton 360 Deluxe Plan

The third Norton antivirus plan is Norton 360 Deluxe, primarily for households or individuals using multiple devices. This comprehensive bundle offers coverage for up to five devices, making it ideal for families or users with several gadgets, providing a cost-effective solution for multi-device security. Below is a brief breakdown of this plan:

• Price: Starts at $104.99 per year
• Website: Norton 360 Deluxe
• Free Trial: Yes, 30-day trial
• System Requirements: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

This tool in a nutshell: Norton 360 Deluxe is designed for households or individuals with multiple devices, covering up to five devices. It includes all Standard Plan features, parental controls, and 50 GB of cloud backup storage, offering a cost-effective multi-device security solution.

4. Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plan

Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, the next level up from the last of the Norton antivirus plans, provides additional layers to combat identity theft compared to the features offered by the Deluxe plan. This cutting-edge security plan includes credit monitoring, identity alerts, and other benefits to help protect against identity theft. Below is a brief breakdown of this plan:

• Price: Starts at $149.99 per year.
• Website: Norton 360 with LifeLock Select
• Free Trial: Yes, 30-day trial.
• System Requirements: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

This tool in a nutshell: Norton 360 with LifeLock Select adds identity theft protection to the Deluxe Plan, offering credit monitoring, identity alerts, and other benefits. It's for users looking for comprehensive identity protection and robust antivirus features.

5. Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage Plan

The Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage plan is a significant upgrade from the LifeLock Select plan, mainly because it provides enhanced identity theft protection, deeper credit monitoring, and more extensive data protection. This bundle is for users who require a higher level of identity protection and monitoring. Below is a brief breakdown of this plan:

• Price: Starts at $249.99 per year
• Website: Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage
• Free Trial: Yes, 30-day trial
• System Requirements: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

This tool in a nutshell: Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage is an upgrade from the Select Plan, providing enhanced identity theft protection, deeper credit monitoring, and more extensive data protection. It includes all the features of the Deluxe Plan.

6. Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus Plan

As the most comprehensive of all the Norton antivirus plans, Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus offers users a full range of security features, identity theft protection, and additional benefits. This plan includes advanced credit monitoring, a larger cloud backup capacity, and more extensive identity alerts. Below is a brief breakdown of this plan:

• Price: Starts at $349.99 per year
• Website: Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus
• Free Trial: Yes, 30-day trial
• System Requirements: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

This tool in a nutshell: Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus is the most comprehensive plan, offering complete identity theft protection, advanced credit monitoring, a larger cloud backup capacity, and additional benefits. It's ideal for users seeking the highest level of protection and identity theft insurance.

Considerations for Choosing a Plan

Overall, many of the Norton antivirus plans offer a variety of plans to suit different budgets and security needs, providing flexibility and comprehensive protection options. However, when choosing the right antivirus plan for yourself, keep these considerations in mind:

• Number of Devices: The Deluxe plan or higher may be the best choice if you have multiple devices to protect.
• Identity Theft Protection: The LifeLock plans offer additional protection and monitoring for users concerned about identity theft.
• Budget: Determine your budget and choose a plan that offers the best value for your money while meeting your security needs.
• Specific Features: Ensure your plan includes the required features, such as a VPN, cloud backup, or parental controls.

Does Norton antivirus work?

Norton antivirus provides users with an effective way to fight against viruses, malware, and other online threats with their various cybersecurity plans. As a company, Norton has a long track record of successfully providing comprehensive security through its Norton ratings and positive customer reviews, along with independent testing labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, which evaluate antivirus software for detection rates and overall performance.

Is Norton antivirus trustworthy?

With over forty years as a cybersecurity provider, Norton antivirus is considered generally trustworthy. Its parent company, NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec), has been a prominent name in cybersecurity for decades, further reinforcing its credibility. While trust in software involves several factors, Norton's transparency in handling user data and its track record of addressing security vulnerabilities contribute to its trustworthy image. For more information, read below about Norton's privacy policy and vulnerabilities.

Norton privacy policy

In terms of Norton's privacy policy, this legal document outlines how the company collects, uses, and protects user data. It also covers some users' data, like contact details and device information, which is collected to provide services, conduct analytics, and improve customer support.

Overall, Norton firmly commits to keeping user data secure and does not sell personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. You must read Norton's privacy policy to ensure you're clear on how Norton handles data and that it aligns with your privacy expectations.

Vulnerabilities in Norton antivirus

Norton antivirus, much like any other cybersecurity software, occasionally has vulnerabilities that tend to appear. Weak points like these can be due to coding errors, out-of-date software components, or newly uncovered entry points. To combat these issues, Norton regularly addresses these vulnerabilities by releasing patches and updates to maintain security.

Norton occasionally reports vulnerabilities found in its antivirus software; to mitigate these issues, the company works hard to respond promptly when delayed by these problems. Users are encouraged to keep their software up to date to ensure they have the latest security patches and features.

Which Norton antivirus is best?

When it comes to which is the best Norton antivirus plan, it depends on your specific needs, budget, and device count. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right plan:

• Norton AntiVirus Plus: This plan is ideal for users seeking basic protection against malware and other threats. It suits individuals with single-device security needs and a limited budget.
• Norton 360 Standard: Offers additional features like secure VPN, dark web monitoring, and more cloud backup storage. This plan is suitable for users seeking a broader range of security tools.
• Norton 360 Deluxe: Designed for households with multiple devices, offering coverage for up to five devices and parental controls. This plan is a good choice for families or individuals with several gadgets.
• Norton 360 with LifeLock plans: These plans provide additional identity theft protection and are ideal for users concerned about identity theft and credit monitoring. The LifeLock Select, Advantage, and Ultimate Plus plans offer varying degrees of identity protection.

Is Norton antivirus worth it?

Now, on to the big question, "Is Norton antivirus worth it?" The answer depends on what you need and want in cybersecurity software. Many Norton antivirus plans offer comprehensive features that make them worthy of consideration for users seeking reliable and established antivirus software. Norton also provides robust protection against a wide range of digital threats and is available in various plans catering to different needs and budgets.

But there are top-tier options available other than Norton. Software like MacKeeper's Antivirus is one of those security software tools. With 24/7 protection to fight against the latest strains of malware, spyware, ransomware, and other online threats, MacKeeper is a great alternative. Users can also access cutting-edge features like system cleaning, optimization tools, and a built-in VPN—all within a single app. Download MacKeeper's Antivirus today and stay safer online!

FAQs about Norton Antivirus

1. Is Norton antivirus free?

No, Norton antivirus plans aren't free. However, it's good to point out that Norton does offer a 30-day free trial for new users, allowing you to test the software and its features before committing to a paid subscription. If you try Norton during these 30 days, you can explore the various functions and determine if Norton meets your security needs.

Once the trial is complete, you can choose from one of the Norton antivirus plans to continue using the software. Each plan offers different levels of protection and varies in cost based on the features included.

2. Is Norton the best antivirus?

Norton has a well-known reputation for providing quality antivirus software, primarily because of its comprehensive protection and extensive features. Norton consistently ranks relatively high in independent testing labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, indicating its reliability and effectiveness in detecting and removing threats. However, the best antivirus depends on your specific needs and budget.

3. Does Norton antivirus protect from hackers?

Yes, Norton antivirus plans help protect against cyberattacks from hackers and cybercriminals, thanks to innovative features that work to thwart unauthorized access and other malicious activities. For example, Norton Smart Firewall consistently monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized access to your devices. Another tool, Norton's Secure VPN, encrypts internet connections, reducing the risk of eavesdropping on public Wi-Fi networks.

4. Which is better: Norton 360 Premium or Deluxe?

Overall, the main difference between Norton 360 Premium and Deluxe is the level of identity theft protection and the number of devices that can receive coverage. Norton 360 Deluxe covers up to five devices and includes parental controls, making it suitable for families or individuals with multiple devices. Norton 360 Premium offers more advanced identity theft protection and benefits like increased cloud backup storage.

5. What are the disadvantages of Norton Antivirus?

Understanding these disadvantages can help you decide whether Norton antivirus is the right choice for your security needs. While Norton antivirus plans have many advantages, there are some disadvantages to consider:

• Resource-Intensive: Norton antivirus can depend on system resources, potentially slowing down older or less powerful devices, which might affect overall system performance, especially during scans.
• Complex Setup: The initial setup can be challenging for some users, requiring configuration and customization to ensure optimal protection. This complexity might be daunting for those unfamiliar with security software.
• Additional Costs: Some features require additional payment or are available only in higher-tier plans, which can increase the overall cost of ownership.
• Occasional False Positives: Norton antivirus may occasionally flag legitimate software as malicious, causing inconvenience and extra work to resolve the false positives.
• Subscription Model: Norton requires a paid subscription to continue using the software after the free trial. This ongoing cost can be a drawback for users who prefer one-time purchases over subscription-based models.