Norton Antivirus Plus Review (2025): Is it the right choice?

Full Review

Norton is ranked #1 of the 28 best antivirus of 2025.

Norton offers a wide range of security features, surpassing most antivirus competitors. Even on the basic plan, Norton Antivirus Plus, users benefit from a robust anti-malware engine, firewall, anti-phishing tools, password manager, 2 GB of cloud storage, and a 100% Virus Protection Promise, ensuring a refund if Norton can’t remove a virus.

Upgrading to Norton 360 Deluxe enhances protection with parental controls, unlimited VPN, dark web monitoring, webcam protection, a privacy monitor, and 50 GB of cloud storage. US users and those in select countries can access up to 250 GB of cloud storage and advanced identity theft protections through Norton LifeLock plans.

All of Norton’s plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Anti-malware

Norton’s anti-malware protection is among the best available, utilizing a vast malware database, heuristic analysis, and machine learning to identify a wide range of threats. It offers various scanning options and real-time protection across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

During testing, Norton achieved a perfect detection rate, catching 100% of nearly 1,200 malware samples, including viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, zero-day threats, and PUPs. The real-time protection was equally effective, blocking all malware attempts—whether plain, zipped, or encrypted—before they could cause harm.

Norton’s full system scan took about 38 minutes, faster than most competitors. To speed up future scans, Norton Insight can whitelist trusted files, skipping them in subsequent scans. Additional scan options include quick scans for common threat areas and custom scans for specific locations, with scheduling available for convenience.

Norton also detects full-screen applications, pausing scans and notifications during gaming or media use, making it a top choice for gamers. Overall, Norton’s malware scanner is highly effective, versatile, and user-friendly.

Anti-phishing

Norton’s Safe Web browser extension offers strong anti-phishing protection, with features like community reviews and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to secure online transactions. Available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, it detected nearly all phishing sites in our tests, outperforming Chrome’s default protection.

One standout feature of Safe Web is the detailed information it provides about blocked sites. Users can view full reports explaining why a site was flagged and see reviews from other Norton users. The extension also allows users to search for site safety ratings directly from the Safe Web dashboard.

Norton’s Safe Search, which color-codes search results for safety, is less reliable. It often marked safe sites as “untested” and struggled to work correctly on desktop during testing, though it functioned better on Android. While Safe Search integrates with major search engines like Google and flags unsafe links, it’s not as consistent as Safe Web.

However, the built-in Link Guard feature effectively monitors links across social media and webmail, alerting users to any dangerous content shared by contacts. Overall, Safe Web provides excellent phishing protection, though Safe Search could use improvement in accuracy.

Firewall

Norton’s Smart Firewall is a significant upgrade over the default firewalls in Windows and macOS, offering advanced protection features like ARP and DNS spoofing prevention, SSL man-in-the-middle attack detection, and port access detection. It also provides extensive customization options, more than many competitors like McAfee, making it ideal for advanced users.

In testing, Norton’s firewall blocked all network intrusions, including several that bypassed the Windows firewall. It also placed network ports in Stealth mode, effectively hiding them from potential attackers.

The firewall allows users to set access rules for individual programs and control traffic for built-in Windows services like Network Discovery and Remote Desktop. It also monitors 136 lesser-known protocols used by malware and alerts users to potential threats.

Overall, Norton’s Smart Firewall performed excellently, detecting every intrusion and offering advanced control for those who need it, while still being user-friendly for most people.

Password manager

Norton’s password manager is a solid addition to its security suite, offering more than basic password storage found in many antivirus programs. While not as feature-rich as standalone managers like 1Password or Dashlane, it’s secure, simple, and includes useful extras.

Key features include:

• 256-bit AES encryption
• Unlimited storage for passwords, addresses, credit cards, and notes
• Cross-device sync for PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS
• Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari
• Auto-save and auto-fill
• Password generator and vault auditing tools

During testing, all features performed well. Importing passwords from other platforms (like LastPass) was easy, and the auto-fill function worked seamlessly across websites. The vault auditing tool is a standout, flagging weak, reused, or outdated passwords to improve security.

Norton’s mobile login feature allows vault access via a mobile device, and biometric login (fingerprint or face scan) is supported on iOS and Android. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection, though it’s tied to the Norton account rather than directly to the password manager, which could be a vulnerability if the Norton account is compromised.

A limitation is the lack of robust recovery options. If you forget your master password, recovery is only possible through biometrics or a recovery key. Without these, users must reset the vault entirely. While this improves security, it could be inconvenient compared to competitors offering emergency access or email recovery.

Overall, Norton’s password manager is an excellent, free option for secure password management, particularly for users already within the Norton ecosystem. It offers essential features with ease of use and ranks as one of the top antivirus-integrated password managers in 2025.

Other security features

Norton Secure Browser

Private Browser

Norton’s Private Browser is a free Chromium-based browser for Windows and Mac, offering several privacy and security features. Key components include:

• Privacy Guard: Blocks ads and trackers (although some ads bypassed this feature in tests).
• Web Shield: Detects and blocks malicious websites in real-time.
• Extension Guard: Warns about potentially harmful browser extensions.
• Privacy Cleaner: Clears cookies, browsing history, and cached data.
• Video Downloader: Allows downloading videos from many sites (except YouTube).
• Coupons (US only): Finds deals when shopping online.

While the browser incorporates Norton Password Manager, Safe Web, and Safe Search, it doesn’t offer standout features for advanced users. However, it provides a centralized dashboard for easy access to privacy tools.

Data Protector

Norton’s Data Protector is an effective tool against ransomware, blocking ransomware attempts even when whitelisted in tests. It also allows users to customize protection by selecting specific files and folders. Norton’s detection rates are excellent, outperforming some competitors, making it a reliable defense against file encryption attacks.

Parental Controls

Norton’s parental controls are top-tier, offering extensive monitoring and control across multiple devices, including:

• Web content filtering with 45+ categories.
• App blocking on Android.
• YouTube activity monitoring and partial video viewing.
• Search engine supervision.
• Device usage scheduling and time limits.
• Location tracking for mobile devices.
• “School Time” mode for focused online learning.

Norton’s parental controls excel in content filtering and app monitoring but lack support for Mac and Chromebook, and savvy kids can bypass web filters on Windows. Despite these limitations, Norton is highly rated for large families due to its device flexibility and comprehensive features.

Privacy Monitor

Norton’s Privacy Monitor helps remove personally identifiable information (PII) from data brokers. It scans 19 broker sites and provides a list of brokers selling your data. You can manually request removal or subscribe to Norton’s Privacy Monitor Assistant for automated assistance. This feature is similar to McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup and works effectively to protect your online privacy.

Device Optimization

Norton’s default system tune-up tools are functional but basic:

• Optimize Disk: Defragments your hard drive.
• File Cleanup: Deletes temporary files.
• Startup Manager: Controls which programs run on startup.
• Graphs: Shows a timeline of Norton’s activity on your device.

While useful, the basic tools lack advanced cleaning features like those found in Avira or TotalAV. The Utilities Ultimate upgrade offers real-time cleaning of browser files, junk files, and registry files, along with more customization for advanced system optimization.

Utilities Ultimate

Norton’s Utilities Ultimate offers a comprehensive set of tools to optimize PC performance. Key features include:

• Process Manager: Easily view and shut down background applications.
• System Junk Cleaner: Removes broken registry items, shortcuts, and junk files to improve speed.
• Uninstaller: Simulate or manually uninstall apps, offering more convenience than Windows’ built-in uninstaller.
• Disk Optimizer: Automatically optimizes disks to remove bloated files.
• Data Recovery: Recover deleted files before they’re permanently erased.
• Data Shredder: Permanently delete sensitive files.
• Undo Center: Roll back any changes made with Utilities Ultimate.
• NetBooster: Optimize internet settings for faster video streaming, downloads, and gaming.
• RAM Reclaimer: Free up RAM to speed up your device.

Although Utilities Ultimate is a paid add-on, it offers excellent system tune-up capabilities that boost performance and maintain a clutter-free PC. Competitors like Avira include similar tools in their premium plans, but Norton’s upgrade adds real value.

Dark Web Monitoring

Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring scans for personal information (PII) in dark web forums and databases, alerting users if any data, such as bank accounts, credit cards, or addresses, is found. Available in over 30 countries, Norton uses real human agents to search the dark web, making its monitoring more effective than automated systems offered by competitors like Kaspersky. If data is detected, users receive guidance on protecting their identity. For US users, this feature integrates with LifeLock, providing enhanced identity protection.

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

Norton’s LifeLock service offers comprehensive identity theft protection in eligible countries (primarily the US). It includes:

• Credit monitoring: Tracks changes to your credit report across TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
• Identity recovery assistance: Live support to restore your identity if it’s compromised.
• Legal assistance: Up to $1M in coverage for legal fees related to identity theft.
• Credit freezing: Prevent unauthorized access to your credit.

LifeLock is one of the most robust identity protection services available, though it’s limited geographically, and adding family members incurs extra costs. Despite this, LifeLock stands out for its extensive coverage and support.

Driver Updater

Norton’s Driver Updater scans and updates outdated drivers using a malware-free database of over 50 million drivers. It also includes a compatibility check, ensuring that the updates are tailored to your system. The updater worked smoothly during testing and included a tool for backing up and reverting drivers if needed, though it was rarely necessary due to its reliable updates.

Software Updater

Norton’s Software Updater automatically scans for outdated software and updates it in one click. It provides reasons when an update fails (e.g., a program is still running) and allows users to exclude certain programs if needed. While it doesn’t handle driver updates, the tool is excellent for keeping software up-to-date, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.

Cloud Backup

Norton’s Cloud Backup offers secure cloud storage, with capacities ranging from 2 GB to 500 GB depending on the plan. It allows users to schedule backups, select specific files or folders, and choose between cloud or local storage. While it lacks advanced features, it provides solid backup functionality similar to popular services like Dropbox or OneDrive. It’s PC-exclusive, so Mac users will need other solutions.

Additional Features

Norton offers several other valuable tools:

• PC SafeCam: Prevents unauthorized access to your webcam (Windows only).
• Spam Filter: Filters spam emails and allows for custom exclusion lists.
• AntiTrack: Blocks online trackers and hides your digital fingerprint (available as a paid add-on).
• Safe Email: Monitors up to 5 email addresses for malicious content, including phishing attempts (available for an additional fee).

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’s diverse plans cater to a range of cybersecurity needs. Here’s a summary of what we found when reviewing their offerings:

Norton AntiVirus Plus: For $19.99 / year, this basic plan provides robust malware protection, a smart firewall, a password manager, and 2 GB of cloud storage. It’s limited to one device, lacking some advanced features available in 360 plans.

Norton 360 Standard: Priced at $39.99 / year, this plan covers 1-3 devices (depending on location) and includes a VPN, webcam protection, dark web monitoring in select countries, and all features of AntiVirus Plus.

Norton 360 Deluxe: At $49.99 / year, this offers the best value. It extends coverage to 5 devices and provides parental controls, 50 GB cloud storage, and dark web monitoring in more countries. It’s feature-rich, though we wished for more device flexibility.

Norton 360 for Gamers: Designed for gamers at $44.99 / year, this plan enhances gaming performance with Norton GO, covering up to 3 devices. We found it optimized gaming experiences significantly.

Norton 360 Premium: Available in select countries at $59.99 / year, it covers 10 devices and offers 100 GB cloud storage, ideal for those needing more device coverage and backup space.

Norton 360 Advanced: Also priced at $59.99 / year, but for different regions, this plan mirrors the Deluxe but offers up to 200 GB storage and covers 10 devices. It’s a sound investment for larger device numbers.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Select (US Only): Starting at $99.99 / year, this comprehensive plan covers 10 devices and introduces identity protection, including credit monitoring and a $25,000 identity theft insurance.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage (US Only): At $191.88 / year, this advances the Select plan by increasing identity theft insurance to $100,000 and introduces features like payday loan lock and enhanced monitoring. The benefits are clear in numbers, and it’s suitable for those prioritizing identity protection.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus (US Only): The most premium at $299.88 / year, this plan provides unrivaled protection. It covers unlimited devices, offers 500 GB storage, and $1M identity theft reimbursement, among other advanced features. Though expensive, it’s perfect for those wanting top-tier security.

In conclusion, Norton offers a plethora of plans for different user needs. From basic malware protection to comprehensive identity theft insurance, there’s an option for everyone. Whether for single device users or large families, Norton’s offerings provide solid cybersecurity solutions.

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.