If you’re seeking top-tier protection, Norton 360 Deluxe has emerged as the best antivirus of 2024, with flawless anti-malware protection, zero impact on system speed, and all the essential security features wrapped up in a great value package.
This product provides complete coverage across up to five devices. With Norton, you gain anti-malware, anti-phishing, a robust firewall, a password manager, and unlimited VPN access. This powerful suite keeps your data safe and your online presence private.
Why Norton 360 Deluxe Stands Out
Norton 360 Deluxe scores highly across essential categories:
– Malware Protection: 100%. Norton successfully detected and removed all 1,200 malware samples used in testing.
– Performance Impact: 100%. Norton’s lightweight anti-malware engine does not impact system speed.
– Features: 100%. Norton includes everything from anti-phishing to a VPN and more.
– Price: 100%. Norton 360 Deluxe offers significant value compared to Bitdefender and McAfee’s similar offerings.
Comprehensive Norton 360 Deluxe Review
Anti-Malware Performance
Norton’s anti-malware scanner is among the best in the industry. In tests, it detected 100% of malware samples, equaling top competitors like Bitdefender. Real-time protection was equally impressive, identifying threats even before they started downloading. The full scan is notably fast, clocking in at around 35 minutes, well below the typical one-hour mark for most antivirus software.
For gamers, Norton is a top choice; it pauses notifications and scans when full-screen mode is detected, allowing uninterrupted gameplay.
Anti-Phishing Protection
Norton’s Safe Web extension excels in identifying phishing sites, outperforming even Chrome and McAfee’s phishing filters. It’s equipped with a user-friendly dashboard that lets users review detailed reports on blocked sites. While Norton’s Safe Search feature color-codes links, it could be more accurate; some unsafe sites were marked safe and vice versa. However, Safe Web remains an excellent anti-phishing tool overall.
Firewall
Norton’s Smart Firewall goes beyond the basics. It blocks every intrusion attempt in tests, even surpassing the Windows firewall in some scenarios. The firewall includes Stealth Mode, which keeps network ports invisible to hackers. For tech-savvy users, Norton’s firewall has advanced customization options for setting access rules for specific programs and protocols, but the default settings are highly secure for everyday users.
Password Manager
Norton’s password manager is straightforward and offers valuable features like AES-256 encryption, unlimited password storage, and cross-platform syncing. It integrates smoothly with web browsers and includes a password generator and vault auditing. While it lacks some advanced features seen in standalone managers, Norton’s password manager is more than adequate for most users and includes two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
VPN
Norton’s VPN, bundled with Norton 360 Deluxe, includes unlimited data. It provides essential security features such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Users have access to over 30 countries, and while speeds are moderate, they’re suitable for HD streaming and basic browsing. Norton’s VPN bypasses geo-blocks on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer, although it couldn’t access Disney+ and Hulu in tests.
Additional Security Features
Norton 360 Deluxe comes packed with extra features:
– Dark Web Monitoring: This feature scans the dark web for exposed data, using real human agents instead of automated databases.
– Secure Browser: Aimed at beginners, this Chromium-based browser includes Privacy Guard and Web Shield for ad-blocking and malicious site warnings.
– Identity Theft Protection (US Only): Norton’s LifeLock feature offers comprehensive identity protection with credit monitoring and up to $1M in legal assistance, although it’s currently only available in the U.S.
– Parental Controls: With features like content filtering and location tracking, Norton’s parental controls are robust but aren’t available on Macs or Chromebooks.
– Privacy Monitor: This tool removes personal information from data broker databases, enhancing privacy.
– Data Protector: Norton’s ransomware protection is highly effective, blocking ransomware in tests.
– Device Optimization: Norton offers basic system optimization tools such as disk cleanup and startup management.
– Driver and Software Updater: Norton’s Driver Updater works quickly and efficiently, while the Software Updater identifies outdated software and updates it with minimal system load.
– Cloud Backup: Provides secure backup options for critical files, with storage ranging from 2GB to 500GB depending on the plan.
Mobile App
Norton’s mobile app provides reliable protection for both Android and iOS devices. The app includes tools like App Advisor, which analyzes both pre-installed and incoming apps for security risks. Web protection and SMS spam filtering are also excellent, though consolidating all features into one app would streamline the experience.
Customer Support
Norton offers comprehensive support, though accessing it can be a bit complex. Multilingual phone support is a plus, and the live chat is prompt and informative. A premium support option, Norton Ultimate Help Desk, is available for remote troubleshooting, ideal for those less familiar with technology.
Great value for your money
Norton 360 Standard
Pros
- Provides dark web monitoring
- Excels in malware detection and real-time protection
- User-friendly interface
- Great malware protection
- Secure VPN
Cons
- Doesn't give you any parental controls
- No file shredding
Update proctetion
Norton 360 Deluxe
Pros
- Award-winning antivirus
- VPN with no bandwidth or server limits
- Protection against dangerous and fraudulent websites
- Streamlined mobile apps
- Powerful, self-sufficient firewall
Cons
- Parental control unavailable on macOS
- Online backup strictly for Windows
Advance Protection
Norton 360 Premium
Pros
- Anti-spyware, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware
- Protection for up to 10 devices including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets
- Includes a Secure VPN for private browsing
- Dark Web Monitoring to alert on potential identity theft
Cons
- Annual commitment required for service continuity
- Subscription model might not appeal to those preferring one-time purchases
Final Verdict
Norton 360 Deluxe provides a complete security package with top-notch anti-malware protection, minimal system impact, and extensive features like a VPN, firewall, and password manager. For $99.99 per year for up to five devices, it’s a solid investment in your digital security.
