The two biggest names in cybersecurity face off. Which one is actually better in 2025?
While McAfee offers unlimited devices, Norton wins because of its superior Identity Theft protection (LifeLock) and slightly better malware detection scores in our lab.
| Feature | Norton 360 | McAfee+ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malware Detection | 100% (Perfect) | 99.5% | Norton |
| Device Limit | 5 Devices | Unlimited | McAfee |
| Identity Theft | $1M Insurance (LifeLock) | Basic Monitoring | Norton |
| Cloud Backup | 50GB Included | None | Norton |
1. The "LifeLock" Advantage:
Norton owns LifeLock, the industry standard for identity protection. If your wallet is stolen or your SSN leaks on the Dark Web, Norton doesn't just alert you—they assign a US-based restoration specialist to fix it for you.
2. Cloud Backup:
Ransomware is a huge threat in 2025. Norton includes 50GB of cloud backup automatically. If your PC gets infected, your family photos are safe in the cloud. McAfee does not offer this.
McAfee is the better choice if you have a large family. Norton caps you at 5 devices (unless you pay a lot more). McAfee allows you to install their software on every single phone, tablet, and laptop in your house for one price.