Norton Antivirus for Mac Review (2025): The right choice?

Full Review

Norton is ranked #1 of the 28 best antivirus for Mac.

Norton 360 stands out with an extensive range of security features, even on its basic plan, Norton Antivirus Plus. Alongside a strong anti-malware engine, users receive a firewall, anti-phishing protection, a password manager, 2 GB of cloud storage, and a 100% Virus Protection Promise, which guarantees a refund if Norton can’t remove a virus.

Upgrading to Norton 360 Deluxe adds valuable features like parental controls (including the School Time tool), a VPN with unlimited data, dark web monitoring, webcam protection, a privacy monitor, and 50 GB of cloud storage.

Those looking to include identity theft protection, can opt for Norton 360 Advanced (outside of the US) or the LifeLock products (in the US). All of Norton’s plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Anti-malware

Norton’s anti-malware scanner is one of the best, leveraging a vast malware directory, heuristic analysis, and machine learning to detect all types of threats. It offers real-time protection and multiple scanning options for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

In testing, Norton detected 100% of the nearly 1,200 malware samples, including viruses, trojans, spyware, zero-day threats, and more. Its real-time protection blocked malware files before they could download, including zipped and encrypted files. The full disk scan took about 38 minutes, faster than most competitors, and Norton Insight can further reduce scan times by skipping trusted files.

Norton provides flexible scan options, like quick scans for commonly infected areas, custom scans for specific folders, and smart scans that check system performance and privacy issues. It also includes a gamer-friendly feature that suspends notifications and scans when apps are in full screen mode.

Overall, Norton’s malware detection and performance are top-notch, with excellent scan customization and scheduling options.

Anti-phishing

Norton’s Safe Web browser extension offers robust anti-phishing protection, community reviews for suspicious sites, and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to safeguard online transactions. Available on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, it detected almost all phishing sites during testing, outperforming Chrome’s default protection.

A standout feature of Safe Web is the detailed reports it provides for blocked sites, including user reviews and safety breakdowns. You can also search any site’s safety rating from the Safe Web dashboard.

Norton’s Safe Search, which color-codes search results based on safety, works in conjunction with Safe Web but has limitations. It occasionally mislabels safe sites and had issues displaying color codes in some browsers, though Norton’s support team helped fix this.

Additionally, Norton’s Link Guard monitors links shared on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, quickly flagging dangerous ones. While Safe Web excels in phishing protection, Safe Search could be more reliable in its accuracy.

Firewall

Norton’s Smart Firewall offers robust protection, significantly improving on the default firewalls in Windows and macOS. It provides advanced features such as ARP and DNS spoofing protection, SSL man-in-the-middle attack detection, and port access monitoring. For advanced users, it also includes extensive customization options, far beyond what competitors like McAfee offer.

In testing, Norton’s firewall detected every network intrusion and even blocked attacks that Windows Firewall missed. It also placed network ports in Stealth mode, hiding them from potential hackers, unlike the open or closed ports in many other systems.

Norton’s firewall allows you to set access rules for individual programs and manage traffic rules for Windows features like Network Discovery and Remote Desktop Connection. Additionally, it monitors 136 uncommon protocols often exploited by malware and alerts users to potential threats.

Overall, Norton’s Smart Firewall performed exceptionally well, offering powerful protection and customization for those who need it, while remaining effective on default settings for most users.

Password manager

Norton’s web-based password manager is a solid addition to its antivirus package, offering more features than most competing antivirus-based managers. While not as feature-rich as standalone apps like 1Password or Dashlane, it’s secure, simple, and includes several useful extras.

Key features of Norton’s password manager include:

• 256-bit AES encryption.
• Unlimited storage for passwords, addresses, payment details, and notes.
• Sync across multiple devices (PC, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
• Auto-save and auto-fill for logins.
• Password generator.
• Vault auditing for weak, old, or duplicate passwords.

Setup is straightforward, with options to import passwords from other managers like LastPass or Dashlane. Norton also offers biometric login on mobile and two-factor authentication (2FA) for vault protection, though 2FA is tied to your Norton account, not the password manager directly.

While Norton’s password manager works well, it lacks robust recovery options. If you lose your master password, recovery is limited to using biometrics (if previously enabled) or a recovery key provided during setup. If neither is available, your only option is to delete the vault and start fresh.

Despite these limitations, Norton’s password manager excels in ease of use and essential features, making it the top antivirus password manager in 2025. It’s free, supports multi-device syncing, and offers strong security with useful tools like vault auditing.

VPN

Norton Secure VPN is one of the top VPNs bundled with an antivirus in 2025, offering key advantages like unlimited browsing data, even on the cheapest plan, which sets it apart from competitors like Bitdefender and Panda Dome. It provides essential VPN features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (on Windows and Android), a no-logs policy, and extras like split tunneling, ad blocking, and Tor compatibility.

A unique feature of Norton’s VPN is its proprietary encryption protocol, Mimic, which uses obfuscation to make VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic. This improves access in restrictive environments and reduces throttling, potentially increasing connection reliability and speed. However, Norton Secure VPN still struggles to unblock certain streaming platforms, like Disney+, although it works with services like Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.

Norton Secure VPN has over 2,000 servers in 29 countries, which is decent for an antivirus-bundled VPN, though not as extensive as standalone VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark. 

In tests, local connections were stable for streaming and browsing, but long-distance connections (e.g., from the US to the Netherlands) experienced noticeable slowdowns in browsing speed, although videos loaded without issue.

The VPN supports torrenting but only on dedicated servers accessed through the standalone VPN app, with P2P traffic restricted to servers in the Netherlands. This setup may limit speed for users outside Europe. Norton’s VPN is bundled with its Standard, Deluxe, and LifeLock plans, supporting 1, 5, or 10 devices, respectively.

Overall, while not as feature-rich as standalone VPNs, Norton Secure VPN is one of the best VPNs included with antivirus software. It offers solid encryption, privacy protection, unlimited data, and a user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for everyday use.

Other security features

Norton 360 includes several additional security and privacy features that enhance its overall protection suite:

Private Browser

Norton’s Private Browser is a Chromium-based browser for Windows and Mac that focuses on privacy and security. It offers:

• Privacy Guard: Blocks ads and trackers (though some ads managed to slip through during testing).
• Web Shield: Detects and blocks malicious websites in real time.
• Extension Guard: Warns about potentially harmful extensions, though its blocking behavior can seem inconsistent.
• Privacy Cleaner: Centralizes cookie, cache, and browsing history cleaning.
• Video Downloader: Allows downloading of videos and audio from most sites (excluding YouTube).
• Coupons (US only): Finds online deals for users. The browser includes Safe Web and Safe Search but doesn’t introduce significant features beyond what tech-savvy users can achieve with standard browsers and extensions.

Data Protector

Norton’s Data Protector offers robust protection against ransomware by blocking malicious attempts to encrypt files. In testing, it successfully stopped a range of ransomware attacks, even when they were manually whitelisted. It allows users to customize protection by adding specific files and folders, making it an effective and flexible ransomware defense tool.

Parental Controls

Norton’s parental controls are among the best on the market, offering features for Windows, iOS, and Android devices:

• Content filtering: Blocks inappropriate websites and apps with 45+ categories.
• School Time mode: Restricts access to only educational websites.
• App and YouTube monitoring: Tracks app usage and YouTube videos.
• Search supervision: Monitors search activity across major engines.
• Time limits and location tracking: Sets time usage limits and tracks mobile device locations. It’s a great option for families with multiple devices, though it lacks support for Mac and Chromebook. Despite minor flaws in web filtering on Windows, it provides comprehensive and intuitive controls.

Privacy Monitor

Norton’s Privacy Monitor helps users remove their personal information from data brokers who collect and sell it. After scanning brokers, users can manually request removal or use Norton’s Privacy Monitor Assistant service to automate the process. The tool is simple but effective, providing a streamlined way to handle privacy concerns.

Device Optimization

Norton offers basic device optimization tools, including:

• Disk optimization: Defragments hard drives.
• File cleanup: Removes temporary files.
• Startup manager: Controls which programs run at startup.
• Graphs: Provides a visual timeline of system activity.

Utilities Ultimate

Norton’s Utilities Ultimate is a paid add-on designed to optimize your PC’s performance with a comprehensive set of tools:

• Processes: Manage background applications easily, similar to Task Manager.
• System Junk: Clean registry items, broken shortcuts, and junk files to boost speed.
• Uninstaller: Simulate or manually uninstall apps with an easier interface than Windows.
• Disk optimization: Automatically optimizes your disks to prevent system slowdown.
• Data recovery: Recover deleted files before they’re permanently erased.
• Data shredder: Permanently delete files to ensure they can’t be recovered.
• Undo Center: Review and undo changes made with Utilities Ultimate.
• NetBooster: Optimize your internet settings for faster video, downloads, and gaming.
• RAM Reclaimer: Free up additional RAM to improve system performance.

While Norton’s built-in tools are useful, Utilities Ultimate offers a more powerful solution for users wanting peak system performance. The only downside is that it’s a paid add-on, unlike some competitors like Avast, which include similar features in their premium plans.

Dark Web Monitoring

Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring actively scans for personal information (such as bank accounts, credit cards, and addresses) across dark web forums and breach databases. Available in 30+ countries, it uses human agents to infiltrate forums and uncover data that many automated systems miss. This hands-on approach offers more comprehensive monitoring compared to competitors like Kaspersky.

When a breach is detected, users receive immediate alerts with guidance on protecting their identity and accounts. It’s especially effective when paired with Norton’s LifeLock services, which add identity theft protection and recovery assistance.

Identity Theft Protection (LifeLock)

Norton’s LifeLock service is one of the most comprehensive identity theft protection offerings on the market (available in the US and select regions). Key features include:

• Credit monitoring from all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).
• Identity recovery assistance and legal support.
• Credit freezing and monitoring of court records, 401k, social security, and ID activity.
• Insurance payouts of up to $1M for identity theft damages and legal expenses. While LifeLock is highly effective, it’s only available in specific countries, and adding family members can be expensive. McAfee offers similar protection in more regions but without the depth of LifeLock’s services.

Driver Updater

Norton’s Driver Updater scans for outdated drivers and allows one-click updates. It uses a vast database of 50 million vetted drivers and offers a compatibility check to prevent any issues. The tool also includes a backup and troubleshooting feature to reverse updates if necessary, though the need for this is rare due to its reliability.

Software Updater

The Software Updater checks for and updates outdated software on your PC. It’s easy to use, allowing automatic updates or manual control, and provides clear error messages when updates fail. Unlike Avira, Norton’s tool doesn’t handle drivers, but it’s still an excellent way to keep programs up-to-date and reduce security risks.

Cloud Backup

Norton’s Cloud Backup offers automatic cloud storage for important files, similar to Dropbox or OneDrive. It allows users to schedule backups, back up specific files, and choose between cloud or local storage. Storage options range from 2 GB to 500 GB, depending on your Norton plan, which is a generous offering compared to competitors like Kaspersky.

Additional Features

Norton 360 provides even more security extras, including:

• PC SafeCam: Webcam protection (Windows only) to prevent unauthorized access.
• Spam filter: Filters out spam and allows manual control over blocked and trusted emails.
• AntiTrack: An add-on that blocks online trackers and masks your digital footprint.
• Safe Email: For an additional fee, Norton monitors up to 5 email addresses for phishing and malicious emails.

Plans and pricing

In the table below are the core products with their features and prices.

The prices shown are from the USA. However, most brands have different prices (and currencies) in other regions. So visit the brand’s website to see the price in our country.

Plan description

Norton AntiVirus Plus — Basic Plan

For $19.99 / year, this plan offers real-time malware protection, a smart firewall, Norton’s password manager, and 2 GB of cloud storage. It’s limited to one device and lacks features like VPN and parental controls.

Norton 360 Standard — Entry-level 360 Plan

Costing $39.99 / year, this plan provides all the AntiVirus Plus features and adds VPN, webcam protection, and dark web monitoring. It covers 1-3 devices, depending on your location.

Norton 360 Deluxe — Best Value

At $49.99 / year, you get everything in the 360 Standard plus coverage for up to 5 devices, parental controls, 50 GB cloud storage, and more. The only downside is you can’t add extra devices without upgrading plans.

Norton 360 for Gamers — Gaming Special

This $44.99 / year plan includes the 360 Deluxe features and adds game-boosting capabilities. We found Norton GO significantly enhanced gaming performance.

Norton 360 Premium — Advanced Features

Available in select countries, this $59.99 / year plan provides 360 Deluxe features, covers up to 10 devices, and offers 100 GB of cloud storage.

Norton 360 Advanced — International Advanced Plan

Similar to 360 Premium but with up to 200 GB storage. Priced at $59.99 / year, it’s good for larger device numbers.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Select (US Only) — Identity Theft Protection

Starting at $99.99 / year, this plan combines Norton 360 Deluxe features with comprehensive identity theft protections, including $25,000 insurance and 250 GB cloud storage.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage (US Only) — Enhanced Identity Protections

Priced at $191.88 / year, this extends the Select plan with higher insurance payouts and extra identity monitoring features.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus (US Only) — Premium Identity and Asset Protections

For $299.88 / year, this top-tier plan offers unlimited device coverage, $1M identity theft insurance, and extensive financial and social media monitoring.

Summary: Norton offers a diverse range of plans to suit different needs and budgets, from basic antivirus to advanced identity theft protection. The primary limitation is the inability to add extra devices to your plan without upgrading. Overall, Norton provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions worth considering.

Test score comparison

We conduct in-house anti-malware tests and review the results from AV-Test, a German lab renowned for its objective evaluations. Below is the average of the last 10 AV-Test results for Windows. Their scoring criteria are:

• Protection (1-6): Effectiveness in blocking malware.
• Performance (1-6): Impact on system speed.
• Usability (1-6): Frequency of errors like false alarms.

We calculate a final score using this formula:

Final Score = 60% Protection + 20% Performance + 20% Usability.

While these results influence our choice of the best antivirus for Windows 11, other factors like privacy and identity protection also play a key role. For a similar analysis for Android or macOS, visit our other comparisons:

• The best antivirus for Android.
• The best antivirus for Mac.

Note: Brands not listed in the table either do not participate in AV-Test trials or are tested too infrequently, such as Surfshark Antivirus.

Source: AV-Test (Last updated: December 2024).

Price comparison

We’ve compared the prices of the top antivirus products for Windows. To make it a fair comparison, we looked at what it would cost us, to protect a  single Windows PC with the most essential features:

• Anti-malware
• Anti-phishing (web protection)
• Firewall
• Password manager
• Unlimited VPN (no data limit)

A few notes:

• Some brands are missing features, lowering their value for money.
• Prices are second-year prices in the USA, without first-year discounts.
• Prices are rounded up for readability (e.g., $99.99 becomes $100).

Brands have different prices outside the USA. See those on their website.

User reviews

We’ve compared the user reviews of all antivirus brands. We’ve used the scores and review count of TrustPilot, a leading user review platform. 

We consider scores above 4.0 very good. Lower scores indicate that the brand might have a poor product or customer service. McAfee’s scores, for instance, are worrying.

Source: TrustPilot. Last Update: December 2024.

Company Profile

Norton is part of the Gen Digital family (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader in Cyber Safety with a mission to make the digital world safer and more private for everyone.

Gen is a collection of renowned cybersecurity brands that serve over 500 million users in 150 countries. Its portfolio includes Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, and AVG.

Operating from dual headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, and Prague, Czech Republic, Gen brings together cutting-edge AI technology and data analytics to tackle today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges. 

By consolidating these brands, Gen combines expertise and innovation to address both current and future cybersecurity threats.

How we test antivirus software

At SoftwareLab, we provide thorough and unbiased antivirus reviews to help you make informed cybersecurity decisions. Our comprehensive testing covers all critical aspects of antivirus performance. We assess each product in six key categories, weighted by importance:

For even more details, visit our blog posts on how we test antivirus software.