eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence in its content and product recommendations. It is important to note that the platform may earn revenue through affiliate links to partner sites.
Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection are prominent security solutions designed for both device and user protection, with a primary focus on antivirus capabilities complemented by additional features such as VPN services. Norton stands out for its robust customer support options, including multiple contact channels and comprehensive training resources. In contrast, McAfee excels in providing extensive privacy and personal data monitoring functionalities. A thorough evaluation of both products has been conducted to assist users in determining which option aligns better with their needs.
- Norton 360: A user-friendly solution with exceptional customer support starting at .99 for a single device.
- McAfee Total Protection: Ideal for those seeking advanced privacy and data cleanup features, also starting at .99 for a single device.
Comparison Overview
The following table provides a concise comparison of Norton and McAfee, focusing on their pricing plans, key features, and operating system compatibility.
| Norton | McAfee | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Price |
Norton Antivirus Plus: .99 (1 device) Norton 360 Standard: .99 (1 device) Norton 360 Deluxe: .99 (5 devices) Norton 360 with LifeLock: .99 (10 devices) |
McAfee Basic: .99 (1 device) McAfee Essential: .99 (5 devices) McAfee Premium: .99 (unlimited) McAfee Advanced: .99 (unlimited) McAfee Ultimate: 9.99 (unlimited) |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Number of Devices Supported | 1-10 (depending on plan) | 1-unlimited (depending on plan) |
| Ransomware Protection | Yes | No |
| VPN Feature or Add-On | Yes | Yes |
| Identity Theft Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Upon evaluation, Norton emerges as the superior overall solution, offering a wealth of device and identity security features, along with extensive customer support options. However, McAfee remains a strong contender, particularly for users focused on financial and credit monitoring capabilities.
Norton Overview
Better for Ease of Use & Customer Support
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
- Pricing: 3.7/5
- Core features: 3.5/5
- Advanced features: 4.3/5
- Ease of use and admin: 4.4/5
- Customer support: 5/5
Norton Antivirus and Norton 360 provide comprehensive protection for up to 10 devices, including mobile devices. In addition to antivirus capabilities, Norton offers ransomware protection, privacy monitoring, and a VPN. The platform supports a variety of operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. Norton also provides numerous training resources and customer support options via phone, email, and chat.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive identity and credit monitoring features | No anti-spyware or data cleanup features |
| Training videos available for new users | Limited security assessment functionality |
| Email, phone, and live chat support | Only supports up to 10 devices |
Key Features
- Dark web monitoring: Norton scans the dark web for personal information exposure.
- Parental controls: Enables parents to set internet time limits and filter content for children.
- Password manager: Generates strong passwords and syncs logins across devices.
- Privacy monitoring: Searches data broker websites for personal data to facilitate opt-out requests.
- Credit and financial protection: The premium plan includes credit monitoring for one bureau and limited reimbursement for stolen funds.
McAfee Overview
Better for Privacy & Data Cleanup Features
Overall Rating: 3.8/5
- Pricing: 4.7/5
- Core features: 3.3/5
- Advanced features: 4.3/5
- Ease of use and admin: 2.9/5
- Customer support: 4.4/5
McAfee Total Protection encompasses a suite of security plans that include antivirus, web protection, and safety scores. Even the basic plan features a VPN, identity monitoring, and text scam detection. McAfee is particularly beneficial for users focused on social media privacy and managing their online data exposure.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Even smaller plans include plenty of features | No training videos for new users |
| Credit and identity protection available | Limited ransomware protection |
| Unlimited devices in Advanced plan | No parental controls in Total Protection |
Key Features
- McAfee Protection Score: Provides an overall cybersecurity safety score with improvement recommendations.
- Social Privacy Manager: Assists users in adjusting social media privacy settings based on usage frequency.
- Bank transaction monitoring: Alerts customers of suspicious activity in their accounts.
- Credit monitoring: Monthly credit score updates and monitoring through one credit bureau.
- Data cleanup: Searches for personal information on data broker sites to facilitate removal requests.
Pricing Comparison
| Norton | McAfee | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | Norton Antivirus Plus: .99 | McAfee Basic: .99 |
| Mid-Range Plans | Norton 360 Standard: .99 Norton 360 Deluxe: .99 |
McAfee Essential: .99 McAfee Premium: .99 |
| Highest-Priced Plans | Norton 360 with LifeLock: .99 | McAfee Advanced: .99 McAfee Ultimate: 9.99 |
| Free Trial | 7 days | 30 days |
Both Norton and McAfee offer competitive pricing for their antivirus plans, making them accessible options for consumers. While Norton provides a seven-day free trial, McAfee extends this to a full 30 days, allowing users to explore its features more extensively.
Feature Comparison
In terms of core features, Norton edges out McAfee by offering a more comprehensive suite of security tools, including parental controls and advanced ransomware protection. However, McAfee’s data cleanup capabilities and social privacy management are notable strengths that cater to specific user needs.
Advanced Features
Both Norton and McAfee present a robust array of advanced features, including VPN access and password management. Each platform offers unique privacy management tools, making them suitable for users with varying security requirements.
Ease of Use & Administration
Norton excels in user support, providing extensive documentation and training resources, which can be particularly beneficial for less tech-savvy users. McAfee, while offering unlimited device support in its higher-tier plans, lacks the same level of user guidance.
Customer Support
Norton offers a comprehensive support system, including phone, email, and live chat options, ensuring users have access to assistance when needed. McAfee provides 24/7 phone and live chat support but does not include email assistance, which may limit options for some users.
Who Should Consider Alternatives
While both Norton and McAfee are excellent choices for individual users and freelancers, they may not be the best fit for businesses or families with specific needs, such as anti-spyware protection or extensive parental controls.
Top Alternatives
For those seeking alternatives to Norton and McAfee, consider exploring Bitdefender, PC Matic, and Malwarebytes, which offer comparable antivirus solutions tailored to various user requirements.
In summary, both Norton and McAfee present compelling options for consumers looking to enhance their digital security. Each product has its strengths, making it essential for users to assess their specific needs before making a decision.
