Test Results: Norton 360 displayed mixed outcomes in our in-house evaluations. Real-time protection against 10 malware samples achieved an 80% success rate, and the full system scan, covering 350K files, also achieved an 80% success rate but took over 5 minutes. However, the Power Eraser feature proved disappointing as it failed to detect any malware in our rigorous tests.
In independent lab tests, the September-October 2023 AV-TEST reports showcased nearly flawless results for Norton, with only a half-point deduction in performance for causing slowdowns during frequently-used application installations.
Features: Norton Antivirus introduced an AI-powered tool called Genie to detect scams, available for free on mobile devices. Additionally, the antivirus offers a software updater that effectively checks for updates in popular software such as Microsoft Visual C++, Edge, and Google Chrome.
One standout feature of Norton Antivirus is its VPN service, regarded as one of the best in the market. The VPN ensures adequate security with AES-256 encryption and supports the OpenVPN or IKEv2 tunneling protocols, although it may not be particularly fast as it lacks WireGuard.
Pricing: Starting at $19.99/year for the Plus plan, Norton provides robust malware protection at an affordable price. Users can explore more advanced and feature-rich Norton 360 plans like Deluxe and Select through a 7-day free trial. Furthermore, even the Norton 360 Deluxe and Premium plans offer a free 7-day trial for users to experience their enhanced features.
Pros | Cons |
· Excellent protection · Plenty of extras · Powerful identity-theft suite · Free 7-day trial · Easy-to-use · Optimization tools | · On the pricier side · Some features require extra apps |
Antivirus software protects against various security threats, including:
- Malware (Various Forms): Ransomware, spyware, rootkits, adware, cryptojackers, viruses, etc.
- Protection Across Devices: Computers, smartphones, routers, and IoT home appliances.
In addition to malware protection, top antivirus services can block malicious online ads, enhance device performance, and monitor the dark web for data leaks. Some providers also offer VPNs and password managers.
Not all antivirus services are equally effective, as the threat landscape changes constantly. Choosing trustworthy providers that frequently update their tools is crucial. Independent antivirus labs like AV-TEST and third-party reviews can help identify the best options.
Regarding free vs. paid antivirus
- Free Antivirus: Offers basic protection but may have limitations and potential downsides, such as pop-up ads or even malicious programs. Choose free services from reputable companies for better security.
- Paid Antivirus: Provides reliable and comprehensive security, often with advanced features like custom scanning, ransomware protection, and firewalls. It ensures that antivirus companies are funded either through premium plans or personal data, minimizing the risk of selling information to third parties.
In conclusion, while free antivirus options exist, paying for a premium plan ensures more reliable and robust protection against cybersecurity threats.
