Quick answer: Norton AntiVirus Plus is still sold in October 2026 as Norton’s entry-level paid antivirus. It covers one device or up to five (Windows, Mac, Android or iOS) and includes real-time malware and ransomware protection, AI-based Scam Protection, a firewall, a password manager and 2 GB of cloud backup. Norton scored top marks in AV-TEST’s Windows tests throughout 2025 and 2026 and was a Top-Rated product in AV-Comparatives’ 2025 tests. Norton is now owned by Gen Digital. If you want a VPN, parental controls or more backup space, you need a Norton 360 plan instead.
This review is based on Norton’s product pages and dated results from independent test labs. We have not tested the software ourselves. An earlier version of this article said Norton “guarantees 100% protection”, had “the best parental controls in the market” and defended a PC from “17 different malware tests”, without saying who ran them. We have replaced those claims with dated, named test results.
Norton AntiVirus Plus or Norton 360?
The original article was titled as a review of AntiVirus Plus but mostly described the Norton 360 suites. The two are different products:
- Norton AntiVirus Plus: device protection, Scam Protection, a firewall (Smart Firewall on Windows), Password Manager and 2 GB of PC cloud backup.
- Norton 360 plans: everything in AntiVirus Plus, plus a VPN and Dark Web Monitoring. Higher plans add Parental Control and more cloud backup.
Prices and plans (as of October 2026)
As of October 2026, Norton’s US product page listed Norton AntiVirus Plus at US$59.99 a year for one device and US$84.99 a year for up to five devices, with no introductory discount shown when we checked. Norton plans renew automatically each year, so check the renewal price before you buy. Prices on Norton’s Indian website may differ.
Norton’s US pages describe these Norton 360 plans in October 2026:
| Plan | Devices | Main additions over AntiVirus Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 Standard | 3 | VPN and Dark Web Monitoring |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | 5 | VPN, Dark Web Monitoring, Parental Control and 50 GB of cloud backup |
| Norton 360 Premium | 10 | Same features as Deluxe, for more devices (availability varies by country) |
The original article said Norton 360 Standard covered one device with 10 GB of backup, and Premium came with 75 GB. Those details are out of date. Norton also sells plans that add LifeLock identity-theft services in the US.
Features Norton documents for AntiVirus Plus
- Device security: real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware and ransomware. The original article noted that malicious files are quarantined so they cannot run.
- Scam Protection: Norton says its AI-based Scam Protection helps detect scams online, in text messages and in deepfake videos.
- Online Threat Protection: blocks fake websites that try to steal passwords and financial details.
- Firewall: Smart Firewall for PC and Firewall for Mac, which monitor and block suspicious network traffic.
- Password Manager: generates, stores and syncs passwords and card details across devices. The original article described its password-strength checks.
- PC Cloud Backup: 2 GB of storage for important files.
- Guarantees: a 60-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions, and Norton’s Virus Protection Promise, which offers a refund if Norton’s experts cannot remove a virus from your device.
Independent test results
The two best-known independent labs both rate Norton highly:
- AV-TEST: In its Windows 11 tests for home users, Norton 360 scored the maximum 6 out of 6 for protection, performance and usability in every round from October 2025 to August 2026, the latest round published.
- AV-Comparatives: In its Consumer Summary Report 2025 (published 14 January 2026), which tested Norton AntiVirus Plus specifically, Norton received a Top-Rated Product award, the Gold award for Real-World Protection, and Silver awards for performance and for Advanced Threat Protection.
Test results change over time, so check the latest rounds on the labs’ websites if you are comparing products closely.
Who makes Norton?
Norton is made by Gen Digital. NortonLifeLock merged with Avast in September 2022 and renamed itself Gen Digital in November 2022. The same company also owns Avast, AVG and Avira, which matters if you are comparing those brands as alternatives.
Customer support
The original article said Norton offered phone support, live chat, an FAQ and a community forum. Norton’s site still links to customer support and a community forum; check its support page for the contact options available in your country.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top results from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives | No VPN or parental controls in AntiVirus Plus |
| Password manager and 2 GB backup included | Annual auto-renewal; compare renewal prices |
| Works on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS | No free version (Windows already includes Microsoft Defender) |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | Only 2 GB of cloud backup |
Before you pay, read our guide on whether a free antivirus is good enough. For comparisons, see our Bitdefender Antivirus Plus review and our list of antivirus software for PC.
Frequently asked questions
Is Norton AntiVirus Plus free?
No. It is an annual subscription. Norton offers free trials of some products, and Windows includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus at no cost.
Does Norton AntiVirus Plus include a VPN?
No. The VPN is included in the Norton 360 plans, starting with Norton 360 Standard.
How many devices does Norton AntiVirus Plus cover?
One device, or up to five devices on the larger option, according to Norton’s US product page in October 2026.
How does Norton score in independent tests?
Norton 360 scored the maximum in all three categories in AV-TEST’s Windows 11 rounds from October 2025 to August 2026, and AV-Comparatives named Norton a Top-Rated product for 2025.
Who owns Norton?
Gen Digital, formed when NortonLifeLock merged with Avast in 2022.
Checked in October 2026 against Norton’s US product pages for AntiVirus Plus and Norton 360, AV-TEST’s Windows 11 results (October 2025 to August 2026), AV-Comparatives’ Consumer Summary Report 2025 and Gen Digital’s 2022 filings. We have not tested Norton ourselves, so confirm current prices and features before you buy.
