Our verdict: Norton 360 puts antivirus, a firewall, a VPN, a password manager and cloud backup into one subscription. The first year is cheap, but renewal costs more than double. The 7-day trial needs a Norton account and a payment method and is charged automatically if you do not cancel.
About Norton 360
Norton 360 is made by Gen Digital, the company behind Norton, Avast and AVG. The base Norton 360 plan covers three PCs, Macs, phones or tablets and includes real-time protection against malware and ransomware, a Smart Firewall on Windows, AI-based Scam Protection, a password manager, 2 GB of PC cloud backup, a VPN and dark web monitoring. Norton 360 Deluxe raises this to five devices and 50 GB of backup and adds parental control and a privacy monitor.
There is no free version of Norton 360. The free trial lasts 7 days and needs a Norton account and a payment method; the paid subscription starts when the trial ends unless you cancel. On the US store Norton 360 costs $39.99 for the first year and then renews at $94.99 per year. Annual plans can be refunded within 60 days of payment.
What it does well
- Antivirus and Smart Firewall. Real-time protection against malware, ransomware and network attacks on Windows.
- Scam Protection. AI-based checks for scam websites and text messages.
- Norton VPN. Encrypts your connection on public Wi-Fi, included in every Norton 360 plan.
- Password Manager. Stores and fills passwords and cards across Windows, iOS and Android.
- PC Cloud Backup. Backs up files from Windows PCs: 2 GB on Norton 360, 50 GB on Deluxe.
Who it is for
Good fit
Households that want antivirus, VPN, password manager and backup from one vendor under one bill.
Look elsewhere
Users who only need basic antivirus, or who do not want an auto-renewing subscription with a higher renewal price.
Pros and cons
Pros
- VPN, password manager and cloud backup included
- Covers PCs, Macs and phones in one plan
- 60-day refund window on annual plans
Cons
- Trial needs a payment method and converts to a paid plan automatically
- Renewal price is more than double the first-year price
- No free version
How to install Norton 360
Start the trial on Norton's downloads page, sign in or create a Norton account and enter a payment method. Download the installer from your account and run it; it replaces the need for a second antivirus. Note the trial end date and turn off automatic renewal in your Norton account if you do not plan to keep it.
Questions about Norton 360
Is Norton 360 free?
No. It has a 7-day free trial that requires a Norton account and a payment method; you are charged when it ends unless you cancel. On the US store Norton 360 costs $39.99 for the first year for three devices and renews at $94.99 per year.
What does Norton 360 Deluxe add?
Five devices instead of three, 50 GB of cloud backup instead of 2 GB, parental control and a privacy monitor.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Norton refunds annual subscriptions within 60 days of payment and monthly ones within 14 days of the first purchase.
