McAfee vs. Norton: Which One is Best to Use in 2023?

Ruheni Mathenge Last updated: April 30, 2023 Read time: 19 minutes Disclosure

Detailed McAfee vs. Norton antivirus comparison to help you pick which one is best to use in 2023. Alongside evaluating the features and pricing, we rigorous tested both products for different things.

McAfee and Norton have long been consumers’ choices for protecting their devices. Our detailed head-to-head McAfee vs Norton comparison is thus aimed at helping new users find their best pick. McAfee focuses more on device optimization and performance as it offers special features like ransomware encrypted storage, performance optimization, and file shredder. On the other hand, Norton focuses more on users’ privacy by offering webcam protection, parental control, and VPN.

McAfee and Norton are some of the well-established and easily recognizable security software suites in the world. Both have a reputation for effectively protecting against all kinds of online threats. But between the two services, which is the best for 2023? Malware and virus have become widespread, so it is imperative to go for the best protection.

We did rigorous testing on both products and consulted reliable, independent test labs to determine which offers better protection. McAfee narrowly did better than Norton, but it is still a trustworthy and solid software.

Read on the review to see our in-depth assessment of Norton vs. McAfee software programs and why we think McAfee performs better.

McAfee and Norton comparison at a glance

Both McAfee and Norton score well in the defense against all antiviruses and malware. Here is a quick summary of both services.

McAfee Total protection covers 10 devices and includes:

  • Identity theft protection
  • Vulnerability scanner
  • Wi-Fi network security
  • PC optimization tools
  • File shredder
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Norton 360 covers 5 devices and includes:

  • 50GB cloud storage
  • Unlimited VPN
  • LifeLock protection
  • Dark web monitoring
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
Features McAfee Total Protection Norton 360 Deluxe
Firewall
Webcam protection
Antivirus and Antispyware
Network Attack Protection
Parental control
Banking and Payment protection
Ransomware protection
Anti-Phishing
Password manager
Performance optimization
File shredder
PC Cloud backup
VPN
Encrypted storage
Automatic apps update
Identity theft protection

Background information

McAfee

Official logo of McAfee Total Protection

McAfee was established in 1987 as McAfee associates, named after its founder the infamous John McAfee, who resigned later in 1994. The firm has gone through leaps and bounds, including being acquired by Intel Corporation. Presently, it is developing various security applications and tools to provide antivirus protection for home users and businesses. 

It provides a proactive and verified solution to secure networks, systems, and mobile devices worldwide. This allows users to connect and browse the internet safely and securely. With its Global Threat Intelligence, McAfee delivers products that empower home users and businesses to protect data, identify vulnerabilities and prevent disruption. 


Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton 360-min