Norton 360 vs Malwarebytes
Norton 360 and Malwarebytes 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 Malwarebytes for most users. It scores 9.3/10 vs 8.2/10 and excellent malware detection rates. Choose Malwarebytes if you need avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025.
Norton 360
WinnerComplete protection with identity theft monitoring
Starting from
$29.99/yr
Malwarebytes
Malware removal specialist with real-time protection
Starting from
$44.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $29.99/yr | $44.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.8% | 97.8% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 20 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
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
Malwarebytes
- AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025
- Excellent at removing existing malware
- 100% stalkerware detection (only product to achieve this)
- Lightweight and fast scans
- Great as a second-opinion scanner
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Lower AV-TEST scores (5.5/6 vs 6/6)
- No firewall included
- Real-time protection not in free version
Key Difference
The key difference: Norton 360 offers firewall while Malwarebytes provides browser guard. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Norton 360
Choose Norton 360 if you prioritize excellent malware detection rates, or value identity theft protection included.
Malwarebytes
Choose Malwarebytes if you prioritize avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent at removing existing malware.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Norton 360 is our winner with a rating of 9.3/10 compared to Malwarebytes's 8.2/10. Norton 360 stands out for its excellent malware detection rates and identity theft protection included. While Malwarebytes is more affordable, Norton 360's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Malwarebytes remains an excellent choice if avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025 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 Norton 360 better than Malwarebytes?
Norton 360 scores higher in our testing (9.3/10 vs 8.2/10). Norton 360 excels at excellent malware detection rates, while Malwarebytes is better for avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025.
Which is cheaper, Norton 360 or Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $29.99/mo. Malwarebytes offers 100% savings.
Norton 360 vs Malwarebytes: which should I choose?
Choose Norton 360 if you prioritize excellent malware detection rates. Choose Malwarebytes if you need avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Norton 360 and Malwarebytes?
The main difference is Norton 360 offers complete protection with identity theft monitoring, while Malwarebytes focuses on malware removal specialist with real-time protection.