Norton and McAfee are the two most recognizable names in antivirus software. Both offer comprehensive security suites, but they have distinct strengths. Here’s the complete comparison for 2025.

Protection Scores

Both Norton and McAfee consistently score in the top tier of independent lab tests. Norton has a slight edge in malware protection; McAfee excels in phishing detection.

Features Comparison

• Norton: 75GB cloud backup, unlimited VPN (higher plans), LifeLock identity protection, parental controls
• McAfee: Unlimited devices, identity protection (McAfee+), Personal Data Cleanup, social media monitoring

System Impact

Norton is generally lighter on system resources than McAfee, which can be resource-heavy on older systems.

Pricing

Norton 360: .99-.99/year. McAfee+: .99-.99/year.

Verdict

Norton for better malware protection and cloud backup. McAfee for unlimited devices and identity protection features.