A long-established antivirus and security suite with built-in VPN and dark web monitoring.
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Norton 360 vs Malwarebytes
Comparing Norton 360 and Malwarebytes to help you pick the right Security Software for your needs.
A focused anti-malware tool, often used alongside a primary antivirus.
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| Feature | Norton 360 | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Launched | 1991 | 2008 |
| Starting price | $49.99/year | $0 |
| Community votes | 187 | 198 |
Norton 360 Pros & Cons
- Bundles antivirus, VPN, password manager, and dark web monitoring in one subscription
- Long-established brand with decades of malware detection history
- Dark web monitoring alerts you if your personal data appears in known breaches
- Covers multiple devices under one plan on higher tiers
- Renewal pricing after the first year is often notably higher than the introductory rate
- Bundled VPN is generally less capable than dedicated VPN services
- Can feel resource-heavy compared to lighter, more focused security tools
Malwarebytes Pros & Cons
- Particularly effective at catching adware and potentially unwanted programs other tools miss
- Free on-demand scanner is genuinely useful as a second opinion alongside another antivirus
- Lighter on system resources than some full security suites
- Strong reputation specifically for malware removal, not just prevention
- Free tier lacks real-time protection — it's scan-on-demand only
- Premium tier doesn't bundle as many extras (VPN, password manager) as suites like Norton 360
- Best used alongside, not necessarily instead of, a full antivirus for some users
Verdict: Norton 360 vs Malwarebytes
Norton 360 and Malwarebytes both serve the Security Software category well, but suit different priorities. Malwarebytes is the more budget-friendly option, Based on community engagement, Malwarebytes is currently the more widely adopted choice (198 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is cheaper, Norton 360 or Malwarebytes?
- Malwarebytes is the more affordable option overall — it's offered as freemium, while Norton 360 is paid. Check each tool's current pricing plans for exact figures, since promotional rates and annual discounts can shift the comparison.
- Is Norton 360 or Malwarebytes rated higher?
- Norton 360 and Malwarebytes currently hold comparable editorial ratings, so neither has a clear edge — the right pick depends more on which specific features and pricing fit your use case.
- Which platforms do Norton 360 and Malwarebytes support?
- Norton 360 is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Malwarebytes is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Both tools cover a similar range of platforms.
- Can I switch from Norton 360 to Malwarebytes (or vice versa)?
- Most security software tools, including Norton 360 and Malwarebytes, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
- Should I choose Norton 360 or Malwarebytes?
- Norton 360 and Malwarebytes both serve the Security Software category well, but suit different priorities. Malwarebytes is the more budget-friendly option, Based on community engagement, Malwarebytes is currently the more widely adopted choice (198 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.