Norton vs McAfee: Which Antivirus is Better for Your Device?

Published: 6 Apr 2025

Choosing the right antivirus software is essential to keep your devices safe from malware, phishing, and other online threats. Norton and McAfee are two of the most popular names in cybersecurity. Both offer reliable protection, but they differ in features, pricing, ease of use, and performance.

Whether you’re securing a single device or multiple ones, knowing what each software offers can help you make a smart decision. In this article, we’ll compare Norton vs McAfee side by side to help you figure out which one fits your needs best.

Table of Content

Quick Comparison Table: Norton vs McAfee

Here is a quick comparison table of McAfee vs Norton:

Feature	Norton	McAfee
Ease of Use	Clean, simple interface	Modern, slightly busy interface
Malware Protection	Excellent, top lab scores	Strong, reliable protection
Performance Impact	Lightweight, minimal slowdown	Slightly heavier on resources
Pricing	Higher, includes more features	Lower starting price
Customer Support	24/7, fast response	24/7, slower at times

Differences between Norton vs McAfee

Let’s discuss all the Key Comparison Between Norton vs McAfee in detail:

1. User Interface and Ease of Use

Both antivirus programs offer clean interfaces but differ in usability.

Norton:

Simple and modern interface with easy navigation.
Offers quick access to key tools and settings.
Clear display of protection status and notifications.
User-friendly for both beginners and advanced users.
Desktop and mobile apps are consistent in design.

McAfee:

Sleek and colorful interface with a dashboard layout.
Clear icons and large buttons for easier navigation.
Offers quick scans and customization directly from the home screen.
May feel cluttered for some users due to many features.
Mobile apps are intuitive and simple to use.

2. Malware Protection and Security Features

Both provide strong malware protection, but with some differences.

Norton:

Excellent malware detection with real-time scanning.
Includes firewall, VPN, password manager, and parental controls.
Offers dark web monitoring and identity theft protection.
Uses advanced AI to detect unknown threats.
Frequently scores high in independent lab tests.

McAfee:

Reliable malware and virus protection with daily updates.
Includes VPN, identity monitoring, and a secure file shredder.
WebAdvisor protects against phishing and malicious websites.
Provides anti-spam, firewall, and network protection.
Also performs well in most independent security tests.

3. Performance Impact

Antivirus software can slow down your system. Let’s see how these two compare.

Norton:

Lightweight and optimized to run in the background.
Causes minimal slowdown during scans.
Smart scan options reduce unnecessary performance hits.
Better suited for older or low-spec devices.
High performance in speed and efficiency tests.

McAfee:

Slightly heavier and may use more system resources.
Noticeable lag during full system scans on some devices.
Performance has improved in recent versions.
Offers “App Boost” to speed up frequently used apps.
Suitable for newer or high-performance systems.

4. Pricing and Plans

Both offer various plans, but pricing and value differ.

Norton:

Starts at a higher price but includes more features.
Offers plans for 1 to 10 devices.
Annual subscription includes VPN and dark web monitoring.
Better value for users needing multiple tools in one plan.
60-day money-back guarantee.

McAfee:

More budget-friendly options, especially for multi-device plans.
Offers unlimited device coverage in family plans.
Lacks some premium features in lower-tier plans.
Cheaper initial price, but renewal can be higher.
Also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. Customer Support

Good support is essential when dealing with security issues.

Norton:

24/7 customer support via chat and phone.
Active online community and helpful knowledge base.
Quick response time for common issues.
Offers guided help for installation and troubleshooting.
High customer satisfaction ratings.

McAfee:

Also provides 24/7 support through phone and chat.
Includes a support portal and helpful video tutorials.
Slower response in some cases compared to Norton.
Strong self-service resources on its website.
Good ratings, but mixed reviews for response speed.

🔍 Which Is Better: Norton or McAfee?

Choosing between Norton and McAfee depends on your specific needs. Norton is generally considered better for overall malware protection, advanced features, and low system impact. It offers a user-friendly interface, strong identity theft protection, and more flexible plans for individuals and families.

McAfee, on the other hand, shines in its affordable multi-device packages and privacy tools like VPN and file shredder. It’s a great choice for users looking for basic protection across many devices at a lower cost.

If you want high-end protection with more advanced tools and performance, Norton is the better option. But if you’re on a budget and need solid security for multiple devices, McAfee is a good pick.

Conclusion

Norton and McAfee both offer strong antivirus solutions, but they target slightly different users. Norton stands out with powerful malware protection, minimal system impact, and advanced features like identity theft monitoring. It’s ideal for users who want top-level protection and are willing to pay a bit more. McAfee is perfect for users seeking affordable multi-device coverage with solid core features.

In the end, Norton is the better choice for power users and advanced security needs, while McAfee is great for families and budget-conscious users who want reliable protection.

FAQs about Norton and McAfee

Here are some of the most FAQs related to Norton vs McAfee:

Is Norton better than McAfee for malware protection?

Yes, Norton has advanced detection technology and regularly scores higher in malware tests compared to McAfee.

Which is more affordable, Norton or McAfee?

McAfee usually offers lower prices, especially for multi-device plans, while Norton costs more but includes premium features.

Does McAfee slow down your computer?

McAfee can use more system resources than Norton, especially during full scans, but it has improved its performance over time.

Can I use Norton or McAfee on mobile devices?

Yes, both offer mobile apps for Android and iOS with essential features like scanning, VPN, and theft protection.

Which is better for identity protection?

Norton includes dark web monitoring and identity theft protection in its higher plans, making it a stronger choice for this feature.

Do both offer VPNs?

Yes, both Norton and McAfee include VPNs in many of their subscription plans for secure and private browsing.

Can I install McAfee on unlimited devices?

Yes, McAfee’s premium plans support installation on unlimited devices, making it a good pick for households.

Is Norton difficult for beginners?

No, Norton is very easy to use and has a simple layout that guides beginners through setup and daily use.

Which has better customer support?

Norton generally provides faster and more efficient support, though both offer 24/7 assistance.

Can I try Norton or McAfee before buying?

Yes, both offer money-back guarantees and free trials so users can test them before making a final decision.