Head-to-head · Antivirus for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac vs Norton 360
Malwarebytes for Mac leads on 1 check, Norton 360 on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMalwarebytes for Mac · 9.0/10
- Free planonly Malwarebytes for Mac
- Free trialonly Norton 360
- Most featuresMalwarebytes for Mac · 3 of 5
Malwarebytes for Mac scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.0 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.
Malwarebytes for Mac offers free plan; Norton 360 doesn't.
Malwarebytes for Mac is the better fit for free Mac-only malware and web protection. Norton 360 is the better fit for users wanting a broad Norton security suite.
- Malwarebytes for Mac fits best
Free Mac-only malware and web protection
- Norton 360 fits best
Users wanting a broad Norton security suite
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Malwarebytes for Mac 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Norton 360 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #4 in Antivirus for Mac | #7 in Antivirus for Mac |
| Best for | Free Mac-only malware and web protection | Users wanting a broad Norton security suite |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $94.99/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days | 60 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Browser extension | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, Chrome extension | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs · 24/7 | Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Malwarebytes for Mac 3/5 · Norton 360 2/5 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phishing protection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Real-time protection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| VPN included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Password manager | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Coverage scope | Multi-device | Not checked yet |
| Devices included | 1 devices | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Malwarebytes for Mac is a freemium security product for Mac users who want malware scanning, ongoing protection, and safeguards against harmful websites and scams. Its free offering includes on-demand and real-time scanning, malicious-site… Read the review → |
Norton 360 is a paid subscription security suite for individuals and families using Macs alongside Windows PCs, Android devices, iPhones, or iPads. It combines antivirus and malware protection with ransomware protection, AI-powered scam… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Malwarebytes for Mac — where it wins
- Free on-demand and real-time malware scanning
- Web protection, Scam Guard, and Browser Guard coverage
- Scheduled scans, quarantine, App Block, and security recommendations
Where it doesn't
- Standard plan covers one device
- Browser Guard is provided as a browser extension
- Mac protection is narrower than the broader multi-device plans
Norton 360 — where it wins
- Combines antivirus, ransomware, VPN, password management, and scam protection
- Adds cloud backup, dark-web monitoring, and smart firewall features
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web access
Where it doesn't
- Annual pricing starts at $94.99, making entry cost relatively high
- Parental Control is limited to selected plans
- SafeCam webcam protection is available for Windows only
- Malwarebytes for Mac9.0/10 · Free plan
A focused Mac security tool with free scanning, real-time protection, and web safeguards.
Visit MalwarebytesFull verdict → - Norton 3608.6/10 · 7-day trial
A broad Mac security suite with privacy, backup, and family features at a high annual price.
Visit Norton 360Full verdict →
More comparisons
- Avast One vs Malwarebytes for Mac
- Avast One vs Norton 360
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac vs Malwarebytes for Mac
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac vs Norton 360
- Avira Free Security vs Malwarebytes for Mac
- Avira Free Security vs Norton 360
- Malwarebytes for Mac vs Intego ONE
- Malwarebytes for Mac vs ESET HOME Security
All antivirus for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update