Norton, a leading name in the cybersecurity landscape under Gen Digital, offers a range of antivirus and security solutions for various needs and budgets. This review explores Norton 360 Deluxe, examining its features, performance, pricing, and overall value.
Pricing and Plans
Norton offers various plans, including a free malware removal tool called Power Eraser. While helpful for immediate threats, a subscription provides proactive, real-time protection. Free trials are available for Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, with a 50% discount on the first year. However, be aware that the renewal price typically doubles.
Norton Antivirus Plus, the most basic plan, covers one device (Windows, Mac, or mobile) for $30 annually, including essential features like password management, ransomware protection, and 2GB of cloud storage. Norton 360 Standard, starting at $40, protects up to three devices and adds a VPN and dark web monitoring.
Norton 360 Deluxe, reviewed here, covers five devices for $50 annually and provides 50GB of cloud storage, privacy monitoring, and parental control features. Higher-tier plans incorporate LifeLock identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and up to 500GB of cloud storage, ranging from $100 to $300 annually. Gamers can opt for Norton 360 for Gamers, starting at $45. A comprehensive list of renewal prices is available on Norton’s website.
Setup and Design
My PC was protected as soon as NortonThe Norton 360 interface is clean and easy to navigate.
Installation is straightforward, involving a small initial download followed by automatic component installation. Setup allows for customized configuration, including optional features like dark web protection and cloud backup.
The Norton Safe Web browser extension provides real-time website safety ratings, alerts for suspicious links, and phishing protection. While additional extensions like Home and Coupons are offered, their value is primarily promotional. The Safe Search extension, while intended to enhance security, proved cluttered with ads, diminishing its usability.
Norton offers several browser extensions and Safe Web is the best.The Safe Web extension provides crucial online security alerts.
The integrated VPN includes a Split Tunnel feature, allowing selective app bypass. However, the app selection within this feature could be more user-friendly.
Cloud Backup offers customizable file selection for secure storage. Password Manager utilizes a master password and provides a recoverable security key. Dark web monitoring scans for leaked personal information, and parental controls allow for screen time management, app/website blocking, and location monitoring. While the extensive feature set requires some setup time, it allows for granular control and maximizes the subscription’s value.
Performance and Features
Norton maintained an excellent malware protection score from AV-test.Norton consistently receives high marks in independent malware testing.
Norton consistently achieves high malware protection scores from independent labs like AV-Test. In practical tests, Norton 360 Deluxe effectively identified and blocked test malware. The Safe Web extension provided clear warnings about potentially harmful websites.
Norton Safe Search might be useful, but there are too many ads.The ad-heavy Safe Search extension detracts from user experience.
VPN performance, while effective in masking location, may not consistently bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services.
Customer Support
NortonMultiple support channels are available, including live chat.
Support options include in-app resources, online documentation, community forums, social media contact, live chat, and phone support. While live chat is available, wait times can exceed the estimated duration. The live agents, however, are generally knowledgeable and helpful.
Privacy and Security
NortonUnderstanding Norton’s privacy policy is crucial for users.
Norton’s privacy policy acknowledges the collection of user data, including account information, payment details, and network traffic, for security purposes. Data sharing with law enforcement and government agencies occurs under legal obligations. Norton also utilizes data for internal and third-party marketing, including targeted advertising. Opt-out options for targeted advertising are provided through the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) and the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA). A past data breach in 2022 exposed a limited amount of customer data, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with data security, even for security providers.
Conclusion
Norton 360 Deluxe provides robust security and a comprehensive suite of features at a competitive initial price. The wide range of plans caters to diverse needs and budgets. However, the significant price increase upon renewal requires careful consideration. Users should compare Norton with alternatives like Bitdefender and Malwarebytes, weighing features, pricing, and renewal costs to determine the best fit for their individual security needs.
