- Written by: Osama Zahid Cybersecurity Specialist
- Fact-Checked by Rebecca White Content Editor
Norton Overview
Norton is widely considered the best antivirus, as it has excellent malware detection scores and many security features. However, I wanted to see if it’s the best option in 2026, so I extensively tested Norton to learn its effectiveness .
In my tests, I found that Norton is a top-tier antivirus that delivers impenetrable security . It has a flawless malware detection score combined with features like a VPN, password manager, dark web monitoring, and more to ensure airtight protection. Plus, it has multiple subscriptions that offer great value for money.
You can try Norton completely risk-free , as it has free trials for all its plans and a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with its performance, it’s easy to get a refund by contacting its best-in-class customer support that’s available 24/7.
Try Norton risk-free for 60 days
In a Rush? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary
- Impenetrable security. Norton’s reliable virus scans, firewall, and other tools combine to deliver unbreakable protection. Read more about the app’s security .
- Many useful features. You’ll get a VPN, password manager, encrypted cloud storage, and more for added safety. Get more details about all of Norton’s features .
- Easy to install and use. All of Norton’s apps are easy to install and use. Learn more about all of Norton’s apps .
- Excellent customer support. You can get help via live chat, phone support, and various other channels. Find out about my experience with the app’s support .
- Great value for money. Norton offers multiple well-priced plans to suit everyone’s needs. Discover all of Norton’s subscription plans .
- Generous money-back guarantee. You’ll get 60 days to try the app completely risk-free. Learn more about its money-back guarantee .
Security
Norton provides excellent security against cyber threats like malware, phishing scams, and network intrusions. It’s among the industry’s best antiviruses at defending your devices against the latest malware. Throughout my tests, Norton reliably removed malware samples from my system and blocked unsafe websites.
Virus Scan — Reliably Finds and Removes All Cyber Threats From Your Device
Norton offers one of the best malware scanners, utilizing heuristic analysis, malware signature databases, and machine learning to find malware. The app’s scans have a detection score , meaning they reliably find and remove all threats like viruses, rootkits, worms, trojans, spyware, cryptojackers, and other malware from your device.
Its scans include the following options:
- Quick Scan — checks the critical and at-risk areas of your system.
- Full Scan — inspects your entire device to find threats.
- Custom Scan — lets you choose which files and folders you want to scan.
- Custom Task — removes temporary browser files, frees up disk space, updates Norton, and backs up important files.
Norton’s custom scan is especially impressive, as it lets you schedule your scans flexibly. You can schedule scans on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Also, you can specify the exact time when the scan should occur. It even has options that ensure scans only run when the PC is idle and plugged in, preventing unnecessary battery drain.
The app also includes other useful scanning tools, like Diagnostic Report and Power Eraser. Diagnostic Report checks your whole PC to provide in-depth information about its status, while Power Eraser is used for stubborn malware that traditional scans won’t remove. It’s a useful tool, but Power Eraser is limited to Norton’s Windows app .
