Norton 360 Deluxe Review (2024 Update): The Pros & Cons (2024)

Norton 360 Deluxe 2024: Review Summary

Norton is ranked #1 of 28 antivirus brands.

Norton 360 Deluxeis the best antivirus of 2024. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, all the security features you need, and an excellent price.

Buy it if you want complete protection for up to 5 devices. You will get excellent anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, and an unlimited VPN, which will protect your privacy online.

• Malware protection: 100%.Norton detected and removed each of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
• Speed impact: 100%.Norton’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
• Features: 100%.Norton 360 Deluxe includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager,and more.
• Price: 100%. Compared to similar products at Bitdefender and McAfee, Norton 360 Deluxe offers more value for money.

Thanks to the 60-day return policy, you can try it risk-free.

Norton 360 Deluxe 2024: Full Review

Norton is ranked #1 of the 28best antivirus of 2024.

We tested Norton 360 and found it to be feature-rich, even on its basic plan (Antivirus Plus): You get strong virus protection, a firewall, and tools like a password manager.

Upgrading to Norton 360 Deluxe adds extras like parental controls and a VPN. What sets it apart is the 100% Virus Protection Promise: if Norton can’t remove a virus, you get a refund.

Price-wise, Norton competes well with rivals like Bitdefender and McAfee. Plus, you get a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’re in the US, you can opt for Norton LifeLock plans for added identity theft protection.

In short, Norton 360 offers a well-rounded package at a competitive price, making it a strong choice for comprehensive security.

Anti-malware

We put Norton’s malware scanner through rigorous testing, using over 1,200 malware samples. It detected 100% of them, making it one of the best performers, on par with Bitdefender. Norton’s real-time protection was stellar too, blocking malware files even before they could start downloading.

The full system scan was quick, finishing in about 35 minutes, faster than most competitors that often take an hour or more. Besides the full scan, Norton offers quick and custom scan options. You can also schedule these to run whenever you like.

For gamers, Norton is a top pick. It knows when you’re in full-screen mode and pauses notifications and scans, letting you game uninterrupted.

In summary, Norton’s malware scanner is top-notch, offering various scan options without slowing down your PC. The real-time protection is equally robust, making it a strong choice for comprehensive malware defense.

Anti-phishing

We evaluated Norton’s Safe Web extension on various browsers, including Chrome and Firefox. It performed exceptionally well in identifying phishing sites, even catching ones that Chrome and rivals like McAfee missed. When it blocks a suspicious site, you get an option to view a detailed report, which we found useful for understanding the risks. You can even check user reviews of that webpage directly from the dashboard.

We also tested Norton’s Safe Search feature. It color-codes search results to indicate safety, but its accuracy was hit-or-miss. Some unsafe sites were marked as safe, while many actually safe sites were labeled “untested.” Despite these shortcomings, Safe Search adds an extra layer of security by flagging risky links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

In summary, Norton’s Safe Web offers robust anti-phishing protection and is excellent for safe browsing. Safe Search is less reliable but can still add an extra layer of caution when clicking links online.

Firewall

We put Norton’s Smart Firewall to the test and found it to be a step above the built-in firewalls on Windows and macOS. It successfully detected every network intrusion attempt in our exploit tests, even outperforming the Windows firewall in some instances.

One feature we appreciated was the “Stealth mode,” which makes your network ports invisible to potential hackers. Most firewalls leave ports either open or closed, making them vulnerable. Norton takes an extra step to secure them.

For those who like to tinker, Norton offers plenty of customization options, from setting program-specific access rules to monitoring uncommon network protocols for malware activity. But for the average user, the default settings offer robust protection right out of the box.

In summary, Norton’s Smart Firewall offers exceptional network protection with a host of advanced features, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced users.

Password manager

We found Norton’s built-in password manager to be a solid add-on, especially when compared to what most antivirus software offers. While it’s not as feature-rich as standalone managers like 1Password or Dashlane, it covers the basics and a bit more.

Here’s what we liked:

• Uses 256-bit AES encryption, making it highly secure.
• Offers unlimited password storage and syncs across different platforms.
• Browser extensions make auto-saving and auto-filling passwords a breeze.
• Features a password generator and vault auditing, helping you maintain strong, unique passwords.

Setting it up was smooth. After creating a master password, we could import existing passwords from other managers like LastPass. The auto-fill worked seamlessly, requiring just one click.

For added security, Norton offers two-factor authentication (2FA), although this is linked to your Norton account rather than the password manager itself. Mobile login options like fingerprint or face scan are also available.

On the downside, account recovery options are limited. If you forget your master password, your options are either biometric recovery, if previously enabled, or destroying your vault to start anew. There’s no email recovery or emergency contact feature, which some users might miss.

Overall, Norton’s password manager is easy to use and adds significant value to the antivirus package. It may not replace a dedicated password manager for advanced users, but for most, it offers a good blend of security and convenience.

VPN

We put Norton’s bundled VPN through its paces and found it to be one of the better offerings in the antivirus space for 2024. What sets it apart is the unlimited data on even its cheapest plan, a feature often reserved for pricier packages in competitors like Bitdefender.

Here’s what we liked:

• Standard security features like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
• Additional perks include Wi-Fi security, split-tunneling, and an ad blocker.
• Servers in 30+ countries and 6 continents, allowing most users to find a nearby server for better speed.

Speed-wise, it’s not the fastest we’ve tested but not the slowest either. Streaming HD video and web browsing were smooth on local servers, but expect some lag when connecting to far-off locations.

When it comes to streaming, it successfully bypassed geo-restrictions for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime. However, Disney+ and Hulu were a no-go. Torrenting is supported but restricted to specific servers, and you’ll need Norton’s standalone VPN app for P2P activities.

In terms of device compatibility, you get 1 device connection on the Standard plan, 5 on the Deluxe, and 10 on LifeLock. The VPN can also be purchased separately if you want more flexibility.

In summary, Norton’s VPN is a strong addition to its antivirus package. While it doesn’t replace a standalone VPN, it offers a lot for the average user in terms of security, privacy, and flexibility.

Other security features

We explored Norton’s additional security features beyond its core antivirus and VPN capabilities. Here’s what we found:

Dark Web Monitoring

Available in over 20 countries, this feature scans the dark web for your personal details—ranging from bank accounts to driver’s licenses. Unlike competitors who rely on automated databases, Norton employs real human agents to infiltrate dark web forums. When any of your data is found, you get instant notification and advice on steps to protect yourself.

Secure Browser

Norton’s Secure Browser is a simple Chromium-based option aimed mainly at beginners. It brings some key features to the table, like Privacy Guard to block ads and Web Shield to flag malicious sites. However, its Extension Guard was inconsistent in our tests, blocking some add-ons but allowing others with similar permissions.

In essence, it centralizes Norton’s security features for easier access, but tech-savvy users won’t find anything groundbreaking here. If you’re familiar with Chrome, you might not find much added value.

Identity Theft Protections (US Only)

Norton’s LifeLock feature is a powerhouse in identity protection. It covers everything from credit monitoring to legal aid. We signed up for the LifeLock Select plan and were impressed by its broad range of services. It taps into the three major U.S. credit bureaus—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—for comprehensive monitoring. Should identity theft occur, the service offers up to $1M in legal assistance and a $25,000 payout.

The downside? It’s U.S.-only. While McAfee offers a similar service in other regions, it can’t match LifeLock’s comprehensive coverage. For Americans worried about identity theft, LifeLock is a top choice.

Parental Controls

Norton offers top-tier parental controls, accessible on Windows, iOS, and Android. You can monitor unlimited devices, which sets it apart from competitors like Qustodio that limit device numbers. Features include content filtering, time limits, location tracking, and even YouTube supervision. There’s also a “School Time” mode for educational focus.

However, it does have drawbacks. It’s not available for Mac or Chromebook, and savvy kids could potentially bypass some of its features.

Privacy Monitor

Norton’s Privacy Monitor seeks to protect your personal information from data brokers. In our tests, we input our name and birthdate and the tool found 6 sites listing our info. Opting to remove the data was quick and hassle-free, taking just a couple of minutes. It’s an effective tool for those concerned about data privacy.

Data Protector

When it comes to ransomware protection, Norton’s Data Protector shines. It instantly blocked a simulated ransomware download in our tests. Even when we whitelisted the simulator, it thwarted most of the ransomware attacks. Customization is a bonus, letting you add specific folders and files to protect.

Device Optimization

For users who like a snappy computer, Norton offers a suite of system optimization tools. Features include disk optimization, file cleanup, and startup management. We found the Graphs feature particularly helpful to understand what Norton does in the background.

However, there’s room for improvement. The basic file cleanup doesn’t remove browser cookies or duplicate files. If you want more advanced features like real-time junk file removal, you can upgrade to Utilities Ultimate. We did so and saw noticeable speed-ups in CPU-heavy programs like Ableton Live and Photoshop.

Driver Updater

Norton’s Driver Updater works fast and efficiently. In our tests, it scanned over 100 drivers in less than a minute and updated them all with a single click. We experienced no slowdowns and found the database of 50 million malware-free drivers robust. The compatibility check system was also on point, ensuring the right drivers for our setup. Although there’s a backup and revert option, we never needed it due to the software’s accuracy.

Software Updater

We tried Norton’s software updater and found it made updating a breeze. It identified 11 outdated programs and updated them with one click, without hogging system resources. If an update failed, the reason was clearly stated, helping us resolve the issue easily. While it doesn’t update drivers like Avira does, it still shines in keeping your software current and secure.

Cloud Backup

Norton’s Cloud Backup is straightforward and efficient, though it’s restricted to PC users. In our tests, it automatically backed up 50 GB of critical files, but you can also customize what to save. You can schedule backups and choose to store files either in the cloud or on a local disk. While not revolutionary, it’s a dependable backup solution, offering storage ranging from 2 to 500 GB based on your Norton plan.

Additional Features

Norton 360 comes loaded with extras. PC SafeCam ensures your webcam isn’t hijacked. Norton 360 for Gamers brings tailored antivirus features for PC gaming. The Spam Filter works effectively, and AntiTrack, an add-on, helps with browsing privacy. There’s also a Virus Protection Promise—if Norton can’t remove a virus, you get a full refund.

Mobile App

Norton’s mobile app offers robust protection for Android and iOS, although it’s spread across multiple apps. We especially liked the App Advisor, which scrutinizes both pre-installed and incoming apps for risks. Web protection and SMS spam filters are also top-notch. While we appreciate the wide range of features, it’d be more convenient if Norton bundled all functionalities into a single mobile app.

Customer Support

Norton offers a variety of support options, but finding the right one can be a bit cumbersome. We appreciate the multilingual phone support, covering languages from English and German to Mandarin and Arabic—surpassing competitors like Malwarebytes. Our experience with phone support was excellent, particularly a helpful agent in Colombia.

However, contacting phone support is not straightforward. It requires an online form and a time-sensitive verification code before you can make a call. We wish Norton would simplify this by offering direct phone numbers.

Live chat is another strong point, once you get past the virtual assistant. Agents were knowledgeable, and the option for remote assistance is a big plus. For DIY solutions, Norton provides FAQs and troubleshooting guides, though the community forum lacks timely responses.

A premium support option, Norton Ultimate Help Desk, offers remote troubleshooting and more. While it’s useful for beginners, its cost may not be justified for more tech-savvy users.

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.

Note that some features, like the identity theft protection features, are accessed through Norton’s website, rather than the app.

Plan description

Norton AntiVirus Plus — Basic Plan

For $19.99 / year, this plan offers essential features like real-time malware protection, a smart firewall, and 2 GB cloud storage. It’s good for one device and lacks advanced features like VPN and parental controls.

Norton 360 Standard — Mid-Range Plan

At $39.99 / year, this plan offers additional perks like VPN and webcam protection. It covers 1 device globally, or 3 if you’re in the US. This is a solid choice if you’re looking for more than basic protection on a single device.

Norton 360 Deluxe — Best Value

For $49.99 / year, this is our recommended plan, covering up to 5 devices and including parental controls and 50 GB of cloud storage. The plan, however, maxes out at 5 devices, with no option for a small-scale upgrade.

Norton 360 for Gamers — Gaming Special

Priced the same as Deluxe, this plan comes with a game booster (Norton GO), and covers 3 devices. We found it optimized our gaming experience remarkably.

Norton 360 Premium — Extra Storage

Available in select countries, this plan offers up to 10 device coverage and 100 GB storage for $59.99 / year. It’s a good choice if you need extra cloud storage.

Norton 360 Advanced — International Plus

Also at $59.99 / year, this plan is like the Deluxe but allows up to 10 devices and gives 200 GB storage. A sensible pick if you need to cover more devices.

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

Starting at $99.99 / year, this plan offers substantial identity theft protections like credit monitoring and $25,000 in identity theft insurance, along with 10 device coverage and 250 GB storage.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage (US Only) — Identity Protection Advanced

Costing $191.88 / year, this offers improved identity protections and the same device coverage and storage as LifeLock Select. It’s worth it if you prioritize identity protection.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus (US Only) — The Whole Shebang

For $299.88 / year, this is the top-tier plan offering unlimited device coverage, 500 GB storage, and $1M identity theft reimbursem*nt. It’s pricey, but offers comprehensive protection.

To sum it up, Norton offers a range of plans suitable for different needs and budgets. Whether you need basic protection or extensive coverage, there’s likely a Norton plan for you.

Test score comparison

Next to our own anti-malware tests, we analyze those by AV-Test. We’ve compared the results of the 10 most recent tests for Windows 10. The tests were performed by AV-Test, the German anti-malware test lab. They use three factors:

• Protection (1-6): Antivirus protection against malware attacks.
• Performance (1-6): System slowdown caused by the antivirus.
• Usability (1-6): Frequency of false alarms and disruptions.

We used their results, and this formula, to calculate the final score:

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

Brands not listed in the table haven’t participated in the analysis by AV-Test. This is usually not a good sign. Because most reputable brands, except Panda, ESET, and Sophos, partake in the test.

Source: AV-Test.

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. However, take these results with a grain of salt, as some brands actively attempt to increase their ratings.

Personally, we are wary of exceptionally high scores. Especially those by brands such as TotalAV, known for aggressive marketing and sales tactics.

We consider scores between 4.0 and 4.5 good and realistic. Higher scores are dubious, and lower scores indicate that the brand might have a poor product or customer service. McAfee’s scores, for instance, are worrying.

Source: TrustPilot.

Company Profile

Norton is owned by Gen (NASDAQ: GEN).

Gen is a global technology company specializing in Cyber Safety. With a mission to enable people to navigate the digital world securely and privately, the company serves as an umbrella for several respected brands in the cybersecurity industry. These brands leverage cutting-edge AI technology and in-depth data analytics to safeguard over 500 million users across 150 countries.

The company operates dual headquarters, one in Tempe, Arizona, United States, and the other in Prague, Czech Republic. Gen’s portfolio includes:

• Norton, a leading Cyber Safety brand offering award-winning device protection and online privacy solutions.
• Avast, recognized for its advanced threat detection network, which employs machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide top-notch digital security and privacy.
• LifeLock, a pioneer in identity theft protection in the U.S., equipped with dedicated Identity Restoration Specialists.
• Avira, known for providing free security tools and has received accolades from various industry experts.
• AVG, focusing on a wide array of software security needs including internet security, performance optimization, and data control.
• ReputationDefender, specializing in online reputation management to ensure fair and accurate online representation.
• CCleaner, a leader in system optimization software, widely used for both individual and corporate needs.

By uniting these brands, Gen aims to address the critical cybersecurity challenges that society faces today and anticipates for the future.

How we test antivirus software

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

Anti-malware protection test

False positives test

False positives occur when antivirus software misidentifies legitimate software, files, or websites as malicious. We rely on AV-Test’s large-scale analysis of false positives in its usability test to guide our evaluations.

System performance test

We measure the CPU load during antivirus software system scans and consider AV-Test’s performance results on the slowdown caused by antivirus software when opening websites and handling software.

Firewall test

We evaluate two-way firewalls that filter incoming and outgoing data and allow users to set rules to regulate data streams. We use the ShieldsUP! test to determine if the antivirus software blocks all ports.

Password manager test

We assess password managers’ ability to create, store, and autofill secure passwords, as well as additional features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) test

We evaluate built-in VPNs on their security, privacy, speed, compatibility with streaming services, unlimited data access, and support for peer-to-peer networks and torrent clients.

Parental control test

We examine parental control features, such as screen time rules, website/app blocking, and real-world location tracking. We test these features on a device and attempt to circumvent them, checking if the activity is accurately reported in the parental control admin.

Anti-phishing protection test

We evaluate antivirus browser extensions that block phishing sites by installing them and attempting to visit dangerous URLs.

Ransomware protection test

We assess security suites’ ability to prevent data encryption through exploit prevention and behavioral detection during ransomware attacks.

Bonus features test

Ownership and reputation test

We analyze the trustworthiness of antivirus companies, especially concerning customer data. We read press releases, news articles, and privacy policies to determine their reputation.

Sources and tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions.