Norton 360 vs McAfee
Norton 360 and McAfee are both full security suites with a VPN and identity features. Choose Norton 360 if you want LifeLock features on some US plans and a slightly cleaner experience. Choose McAfee if you want household coverage with scam-protection tools. Check renewal terms for both.
Norton 360
Best for identity protectionMcAfee
Best for householdsNorton 360 vs McAfee at a glance
| Norton 360 | McAfee | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| VPN | Included on most plans; check plan | Included on many plans; check plan |
| Identity features | Dark web monitoring; LifeLock on some US plans | Identity monitoring on many plans |
| Scam protection | Web and phishing protection | Scam-detection tools on some plans |
| Ease of use | Clear dashboard, some upsell prompts | Busier interface, frequent prompts |
| Independent lab testing | Routinely tested; check latest results | Routinely tested; check latest results |
| Our editorial score | 9.2 / 10 | 8.8 / 10 |
Which should you choose?
Pick Norton 360 if you want LifeLock identity features and a slightly smoother interface.
Pick McAfee if you want a household suite with scam-detection tools, or already have a McAfee trial on a new PC.
Two all-in-one suites
Norton and McAfee are the two best-known names in US consumer security, and their suites look similar on paper: malware and web protection, a VPN, identity monitoring and apps for every major platform. Both are routinely included in independent lab tests, so check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for current results.
Where they differ
Norton's standout is identity protection. Some US Norton 360 plans include LifeLock features, which go further than basic dark web monitoring. McAfee has focused on scam protection, with tools aimed at spotting suspicious texts, emails and sites on some plans, and on covering whole households.
In day-to-day use, Norton's dashboard felt cleaner in our review. McAfee's interface is busier and shows more prompts, which is why it scores lower on Performance impact & ease of use.
Preinstalled trials
McAfee often comes preinstalled as a trial on new Windows PCs. That is convenient, but do not let it renew by default. Compare plans, including Norton's, before the trial ends.
Pricing and renewal
Both providers sell several tiers, and the extras you get depend heavily on the plan. Both offer discounted first terms that renew automatically at a higher price. Before you buy, compare the renewal price for the exact plan you need, note how to turn off auto-renewal, and check the refund window. Plan features can also move between tiers over time, so recheck at renewal.
Who each suits
Norton 360 suits US buyers who see identity protection as a main reason to buy a suite, and who want a VPN and password manager in the same subscription. McAfee suits households that want broad coverage and like the idea of extra help spotting scam messages and websites.
The bottom line
For most US buyers who want identity protection, Norton 360 is the stronger pick. McAfee is a solid choice for households, especially if scam-detection tools appeal to you.
Norton 360 vs McAfee FAQ
Is Norton better than McAfee?
In our editorial scoring Norton 360 ranks higher, mainly for its identity protection options and cleaner interface. McAfee is close on protection features and stronger on scam-detection tools.
Should I keep the McAfee trial that came with my PC?
You can use it while it lasts, but compare plans before it converts to a paid subscription. Windows' built-in Microsoft Defender is another option if you decide not to pay.