Malwarebytes vs Norton 360
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Malware protection and cleanup.
All-in-one security suite.
The verdict
Both Malwarebytes and Norton 360 are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Malwarebytes if you want a lower starting price (free – $5/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Malware protection and cleanup.
Norton 360 — All-in-one security suite.
Malwarebytes vs Norton 360: side by side
| Dimension | Malwarebytes | Norton 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $5/moWinner | From $3.50/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Individuals | Individuals, Families |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5Winner | 4.2/5 |
Malwarebytes key facts
- Vendor
- Malwarebytes
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $5/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2008
- Headquarters
- Santa Clara, CA, USA
Norton 360 key facts
- Vendor
- Gen Digital
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $3.50/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Individuals, Families
- Editor rating
- 4.2 / 5
- Founded
- 1991
- Headquarters
- Tempe, AZ, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Malwarebytes better than Norton 360?
Neither is universally better — Malwarebytes edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Malwarebytes or Norton 360 cheaper?
Malwarebytes is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $5/mo. Malwarebytes starts at free – $5/mo; Norton 360 starts at from $3.50/mo.
Can Malwarebytes replace Norton 360?
Yes for most teams — both are antivirus tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.