Free Norton 360 alternatives

Norton 360 is a paid security suite for Windows, macOS and mobile devices covering antivirus, firewall and identity features. Subscriptions renew automatically and include extras many users do not need. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows for free, and Malwarebytes Free adds on-demand malware scanning alongside it.

Best free alternative to Norton 360: Microsoft Defender. Built-in real-time antivirus, firewall and ransomware protection on Windows, at no cost.

  1. Microsoft Defender

    You get: Built-in real-time antivirus, firewall and ransomware protection on Windows, at no cost.

    You miss: Identity theft protection, a password manager, a VPN and dark web monitoring.

    Get Microsoft DefenderMicrosoft Defender vs Norton 360

  2. Malwarebytes Free

    You get: On-demand malware scans and removal on Windows and Mac, with manual scans only.

    You miss: Real-time protection, a firewall, a VPN and identity theft monitoring.

    Get Malwarebytes FreeMalwarebytes Free vs Norton 360

Side by side

OptionWhat you getWhat you miss
Microsoft DefenderBuilt-in real-time antivirus, firewall and ransomware protection on Windows, at no cost.Identity theft protection, a password manager, a VPN and dark web monitoring.
Malwarebytes FreeOn-demand malware scans and removal on Windows and Mac, with manual scans only.Real-time protection, a firewall, a VPN and identity theft monitoring.

Questions people ask

What is the best free alternative to Norton 360?

Microsoft Defender. Built-in real-time antivirus, firewall and ransomware protection on Windows, at no cost.

Is there a free version of Norton 360?

Not a full one, but Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Free are free and cover most of what Norton 360 does.

What do you miss with a free Norton 360 alternative?

Identity theft protection, a password manager, a VPN and dark web monitoring.