Kaspersky vs Norton 360
Kaspersky and Norton 360 are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Norton 360 edges ahead at 9.3/10.
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Quick Answer
Norton 360 beats Kaspersky for most users. It scores 9.3/10 vs 6/10 and excellent malware detection rates. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Kaspersky
BANNED IN US - Still available internationally
Starting from
$27.99/yr
Norton 360
WinnerComplete protection with identity theft monitoring
Starting from
$29.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 6.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Starting Price | $27.99/yr | $29.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 100% | 99.8% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Kaspersky
- Outstanding malware detection rates (international)
- Safe Money protects online banking
- Low system impact
- User-friendly interface
- Good parental controls
- Competitively priced internationally
- BANNED in United States since September 2024
- Cannot receive updates for US customers
- Russian government ties led to Commerce Dept. ban
- US users auto-migrated to UltraAV
- VPN has daily data limits (300MB on Standard)
Norton 360
- Excellent malware detection rates
- Identity theft protection included
- Unlimited VPN with no data caps
- Cloud backup storage included
- Dark web monitoring
- 100% virus protection promise
- Higher price point than competitors
- Can slow down older systems
- Auto-renewal at full price
Key Difference
The key difference: Kaspersky offers safe money while Norton 360 provides identity protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Kaspersky
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international), or value safe money protects online banking.
Norton 360
Choose Norton 360 if you prioritize excellent malware detection rates, or value identity theft protection included.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Norton 360 is our winner with a rating of 9.3/10 compared to Kaspersky's 6/10. Norton 360 stands out for its excellent malware detection rates and identity theft protection included. While Kaspersky is more affordable, Norton 360's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Kaspersky remains an excellent choice if outstanding malware detection rates (international) is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaspersky better than Norton 360?
Norton 360 scores higher in our testing (9.3/10 vs 6/10). Norton 360 excels at excellent malware detection rates, while Kaspersky is better for outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Which is cheaper, Kaspersky or Norton 360?
Kaspersky is more affordable at $27.99/mo vs $29.99/mo. Kaspersky offers 7% savings.
Kaspersky vs Norton 360: which should I choose?
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international). Choose Norton 360 if you need excellent malware detection rates. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Kaspersky and Norton 360?
The main difference is Kaspersky offers banned in us - still available internationally, while Norton 360 focuses on complete protection with identity theft monitoring.