Norton AntiVirus Plus
Gen Digital's entry-level paid antivirus for Windows and Mac, the base of the Norton 360 range.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS
Is Norton AntiVirus Plus free?
No, it's a paid product
3 alternatives with a free optionSwitch from Norton AntiVirus Plus to
All 5
BitdefenderCompareTotal Security plan: $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices
MalwarebytesCompareStarting price: $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)
Avast AntivirusCompareFree plan + paid
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- 5
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About Norton AntiVirus Plus
Norton AntiVirus Plus is the current form of Norton AntiVirus, one of the longest-running consumer antivirus brands, now owned by Gen Digital (the company formed from NortonLifeLock and Avast). It is the cheapest Norton plan and covers a single Windows PC or Mac with real-time malware scanning, a firewall, a password manager and a small allowance of cloud backup. Bigger bundles in the Norton 360 range add more devices, a VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls and, in the US, LifeLock identity theft protection. Phones are covered by separate Norton Mobile Security apps for Android and iOS. It is sold as a yearly subscription with a free trial; there is no free tier, and first-year prices are usually discounted before renewing at a higher rate with auto-renewal switched on. It suits home users who want a familiar name and phone support rather than relying only on the antivirus built into Windows or macOS.
Best for: Home users who want a well-known paid antivirus for one computer with support to call on.
Pros and cons
What works
- Long-established brand with consistent results in independent lab tests
- Includes a firewall and password manager, not just a virus scanner
- Easy upgrade path to Norton 360 bundles with VPN and identity protection
Why people leave
- No free tier, unlike Avast, AVG or the built-in Microsoft Defender
- Renewal prices are well above the discounted first-year price
- Frequent in-app prompts to upgrade to bigger Norton 360 plans
Norton AntiVirus Plus vs Bitdefender, Malwarebytes and Avast Antivirus
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Norton AntiVirus Plus | Bitdefender | Malwarebytes | Avast Antivirus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Verified price | — | $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices | $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices) | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes, Windows only | Cleanup scanner | Avast Free Antivirus for Windows |
| Open source | No | No | No | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Full Norton AntiVirus Plus vs Bitdefender comparisonFull Norton AntiVirus Plus vs Malwarebytes comparisonFull Norton AntiVirus Plus vs Avast Antivirus comparison
Top Norton AntiVirus Plus alternatives
See all 5- 1Bitdefender68.8
Top lab scores with a light footprint, and a free edition if you don't need extras.
- 2Malwarebytes64.8
Simple scanner with a free cleanup tool, good as a second opinion or a lighter paid plan.
- 3Avast Antivirus59.6
Free antivirus from the same parent company, enough for many home users.
- 4
Kaspersky59.4Long-standing Windows antivirus with lab-tested malware detection and a cheap entry tier, though it is no longer sold in the US.
- 5
ESET NOD32 Antivirus59.4Lightweight paid antivirus with fewer upsell prompts and detailed settings for power users.
Why people left Norton AntiVirus Plus
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Norton AntiVirus Plus: common questions
What is Norton AntiVirus Plus?
Norton AntiVirus Plus: Gen Digital's entry-level paid antivirus for Windows and Mac, the base of the Norton 360 range. Best for home users who want a well-known paid antivirus for one computer with support to call on. Available for Windows and macOS.
Is Norton AntiVirus Plus free?
No, Norton AntiVirus Plus is a paid product.
Is Norton AntiVirus Plus open source?
No, Norton AntiVirus Plus is not open source.
What platforms does Norton AntiVirus Plus run on?
Norton AntiVirus Plus is available for Windows and macOS.
What are the best alternatives to Norton AntiVirus Plus?
The highest-ranked Norton AntiVirus Plus alternatives right now are Bitdefender, Malwarebytes and Avast Antivirus. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Norton AntiVirus Plus vs Bitdefender: what's the difference?
Norton AntiVirus Plus is a paid product; Bitdefender is free with paid plans. Only Bitdefender runs on Android and iOS.