I recently retrospect Norton 360 Deluxe and found it to beone of the best antivirus software solutions for Windows . You might assume the outcome would be the same for a Mac , but that is n’t a give .
For deeply integrated cybersecurity apps , developer like Norton must take into consideration Apple ’s unique architecture . Mac electronic computer run macOS and use an entirely different processor . That once meant malware was seldom a threat . However , as Mac computing machine become more popular , the scourge of attack grow .
I tested Norton antivirus software on my MacBook to make certain the quality , performance , ease of use , and time value was sound enough for your Mac computer .
Tiers and pricing
The cheapest programme is Antivirus Plus , which be $ 30 for reporting of one Windows PC , Mac , iPhone , or Android earphone . This basic military service includes extra like a password director , ransomware protection , and 2 GB of cloud storage for file cabinet fill-in .
Across all programme , Norton discounts the first year , so the price will increase when you regenerate . Antivirus Plus doubles to $ 60 the next year . on-line retailers often sell Norton plans for less , do Norton antivirus a steady entry onour list of the good antivirus deals .
go forward , I ’ll initialise prices as first yr cost / replenishment cost for clarity . For $ 40/$95 , Norton 360 Standard strain protection to three gadget and adds a VPN and sour vane monitoring . If you carve up the cost across three gimmick , the delivery is substantial .
Norton 360 Deluxe sustain up to five gimmick for $ 50/$120 . That ’s enough for me to protect my Windows PC , MacBook , iPhone , iPad , and Android sound . For a distich , it might be the gross option . The Deluxe plan include 50 GB of cloud reposition , which is a significant increment , along with privacy monitoring and parental controls .
Norton ’s 360 plans with LifeLock — the $ 100/$180 Select , $ 192/$250 vantage , and the $ 300/$350 Ultimate Plus — come up with $ 1 million in identity theft insurance , credit monitoring , and more . The two blue tiers admit 250 GB of cloud , while Ultimate Plus lets you salt away up to half a TiB on Norton ’s secure servers .
Design
I chose Norton ’s 360 Deluxe programme , a nice midrange choice that cut through all my devices and includes a sizable amount of swarm storage . App installation was quick and wanton on my MacBook .
The Norton Safe Web Plus extension for Safari detects dangerous websites to protect my Mac from malware . The “ Plus ” in the name advert to the fact that Norton bundled a countersign manager into the same lengthiness . One web browser app extension delivers both features , simplifying apparatus .
The Norton Password Manager is more complete than Bitdefender ’s version , but lacks the advancedsharing and organization lineament of the good password managers .
Switching back to the Norton app , I explore more options . Under the Performance tab , Norton includes a File Cleanup utility and a Startup Manager . The Privacy tab is where I can turn on a practical private net ( VPN ) to hide my location from websites and apps that might essay to build a profile of my on-line activities .
mise en scene is just what it sounds like . In this country , I can customize the operation of Norton ’s antivirus software . I went to the privateness tab in scope to switch off related offers , but I exit Norton Community Watch on since it helps Norton crowdsource malware and cybercrime threats .
Features
Norton antivirus for Windows scored a perfect six out of six for nine straight long time in third - party testing . As I mentioned above , that does n’t mean anything on a Mac .
I correspond the outcome of security researcherAV - Testand was impressed by the near - gross mark Norton accomplish for detecting and prevent malware from infecting macOS . From June 2017 to March 2024 , Norton 360 observe every threat in AV - Test ’s outpouring of malware except for one pocket-sized issue in June 2023 that do the score to drop to 5.5 out of six .
I ’m surefooted in those results , but I want to test for myself.Wicar.orghosts “ malware ” that ’s actually harmless so anyone can check that their antivirus software is working .
Norton 360 Deluxe recognized the website was actually safe and waited until I attempted to download an “ infected ” file to take natural process . The Norton Safe Web extension blocked the download and alert me to the take via a protrude - up window .
To try out the VPN , I picked Brazil from Norton ’s inclination of ecumenical server . Google Maps still experience my literal locating since I was logged in . When I throw to private browse , I saw search solvent for Sao Paulo , Brazil , as expected .
Support
discover the support option in the Norton app required some excavation . It ’s in the preferences tab under Troubleshooting . I chose the backup center and selected the physical contact release that ’s at the top left . Live schmoose is open 24/7 to help customer . I resolve a few multiple - selection question to help direct my message to the right support agent .
Wait times vary , but I was almost instantly connect to someone at Norton to provide assistance . My motion was about the Norton firewall and an unnamed app communication on my connection . I was told if Norton shows a fleeceable shield on that app in the firewall , it has assert its prophylactic .
Privacy and security
Norton ’s privacy financial statement says it collects your account , defrayal , individuality , and contact particular , along with mesh dealings , to monitor and protect your surety . Norton will comply with legal demands for user datum from law enforcement and government activity . That ’s mutual among most cybersecurity apps .
Norton may also use your personal data for its own and third - party marketing opening move . While place advertising are more relevant , sharing of data with third - political party advertiser is a concern . Gen Digital , Norton ’s parent company , says you may choose out through theGlobal Privacy Controlwebsite .
Advertising can be annoying , but internal cybersecurity is a critical issue . As describe byBleeping Computer , a Norton data breach in December 2022 compromise customer name , phone numbers , and addresses . A hacker accessed story using valid credentials , potentially exposing personal details .
Is Norton antivirus right for you?
Apple build macOS with secrecy and security in head and there was no Mac malware for many age . That might guide you toquestion whether your Mac even needs antivirus software . unluckily , the brusk answer is yes , as macOS can be vulnerable to hackers despite being guard by the XProtect antivirus technical school that Apple includes in every modern Mac .
Norton is a great option for your Mac or MacBook , and most plans fit multiple machine so you may protect your iPhone and iPad as well . Norton is feature - rich , but it faces stiff competition fromBitdefender for MacandMalwarebytes for Mac . The biggest factors against Norton is its personal data - sharing policy and previous history with data breaches . That affordable starting price , though , make it a very attractive choice , especially with all the additional feature .
