From our best comments. See all Norton reviews here.
Virus scanner and removal tool
Viruses, malware, and other online threats can hide in files you download, websites you visit, and links you click. Norton AntiVirus Plus helps find and remove these threats to minimize potential harm.
30-day free trial. Payment method and subscription required. Details below*
Reliable protection against viruses with a promise
Packed with cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, Norton AntiVirus Plus offers powerful digital protection. Our software helps keep your device clean by monitoring for threats to your network, files, and applications. And if a virus slips through, our experts will help remove it.
30-day free trial. Payment method and subscription required. Details below*
What Norton AntiVirus Plus can do for you
A virus scanner hunts down and stops malicious code — and the best ones adapt to ever-changing threats. Norton AntiVirus Plus goes further: it blocks malware in real time and also helps prevent everyday mistakes that could leave your devices and data exposed.
A man holding his smartphone with a screenshot of the virus scan feature in the Norton mobile security app.
Scans for threats 24/7
The virus scanner draws on a vast malware database to spot known threats, while advanced behavior monitoring and pattern analysis help it detect new and emerging malware strains.
Makes it easy to securely manage passwords
Safeguard your passwords, credit cards, and other credentials with a secure password manager. It auto-fills logins to block keyloggers and spyware, reducing the risk of identity or financial theft.
A man uses the scam detector feature in a Norton antivirus product to check if a text about an unpaid speeding ticket is a scam.
Detects scam messages
Virus scanners stop some threats cold, but many attackers rely on trickery instead of hacks. Our AI-powered Scam Assistant helps you spot scams and suspicious offers, giving you real-time guidance to stay safe.
Makes it easy to update software
Use the Software Updater feature to keep all your installed applications up to date. This helps improve security and fix known bugs on apps for better performance.
A father and daughter look at a tablet together, smiling because their device is protected.
Blocks attackers from accessing your network or devices
Automatically monitor and block suspicious traffic with a built-in Smart Firewall to shield your network and devices from unwanted intrusions.
An award-winning virus scanner you can trust
Good product.
Norton has done a good job keeping my computer safe.
09/03/25
Good seamless virus protection.
Norton offers very good, seamless virus protection.
07/17/25
Secures my machines the best.
I have tried several of the leading programs but Norton remains [the] best.
07/03/25
Signs you should scan your device for viruses and how to do it
If your device runs hot, slows down, or floods you with pop-ups, run a malware scan to check files and apps for hidden threats like viruses, spyware, and adware — the common culprits behind poor performance — and remove infections to restore security.
Here’s how you can complete a virus scan with your Norton AntiVirus Plus subscription via the Norton 360 app:
Bonus features
Virus scanners are a great first step toward detecting and blocking threats. And for just a few extra dollars a month, you can upgrade your Norton 360 plan to unlock advanced privacy tools, expanded personal information monitoring, and added protections to keep your family safer online.
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Virtual private network
Encrypt your online traffic and protect your privacy when using public Wi-Fi with a no-log VPN.
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Dark web monitoring
Get notified if personal information like your email address or credit card number is found on the dark web.
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Parental controls
Manage your kids’ screen time and the content they see to introduce them to the web safely.
Scan your device for viruses now
Want to get advanced antivirus, malware, ransomware, scam, and hacking protection for your PC, Mac, tablet, or phone? Get a free trial of Norton AntiVirus Plus and give our virus scanning software a spin right now.
FAQs
Yes, some companies offer free scans that can help detect viruses, spyware, and other cyberthreats. These may work for you if you want a one-time check for an existing, known threat. However, they may not be equipped to handle advanced attacks, and typically lack additional cybersecurity features.
You should run a quick virus scan once a week, and a full scan if you believe your system may have a virus. With Norton AntiVirus Plus, you can schedule automatic checks to help keep your device virus-free without any heavy lifting.
No, free virus scanners can’t protect your device from all cyberthreats. They often provide basic protection against common viruses, but can offer more robust protection against a wider range of threats if you upgrade to a paid plan.
You should run a virus scan if you notice your device is running unusually slow, overheating, you're seeing excessive pop-up ads, or new toolbars and programs have appeared on your browser without your permission. Other signs include files being deleted or modified without your knowledge, or your device crashing and freezing more often than usual.
Independent testing from security.org found that Norton offers stronger malware protection, giving it an overall score of 9.7/10, compared with 7.9/10 for Malwarebytes. The review also praised Norton’s behavior-based detection, which helps defend against zero-day attacks.
Other industry experts, including PCMag, have also ranked Norton AntiVirus Plus as one of the best options available, citing both lab results and hands-on testing.
Macs include antivirus technology called XProtect. However, iPhones don’t have built-in virus scans — iOS uses other security features to help protect against malware. If you suspect your device is infected, install a third-party virus scanner like Norton AntiVirus Plus to confirm.
System Requirements
Device Security
Not all features are available on all devices and platforms.
Norton Family, Norton Parental Control, Norton Cloud Backup, and SafeCam are not currently supported on Mac OS or Windows 10 in S mode.
No one can prevent all cybercrime or identity theft.
*Automatically renews annually after the trial period ends, unless cancelled. The price quoted in the cart today is valid for the introductory term after the trial, after which your subscription will be billed at renewal pricing. Renewal pricing is subject to change and may be charged up to 35 days before the active term ends. For support or to cancel automatic renewal, log into your account or contact support
Norton AntiVirus Plus: A yearly subscription is just [$29.99] for the first year after the free trial, then only [$59.99]/year after.
Virus Protection Promise: To be eligible, you must have a qualifying subscription with automatic renewal. If a Norton expert is unable to remove the virus from your device, then you may receive a refund based on the actual price paid for the current term of your qualifying subscription. If you have a bundle (a qualifying subscription from Norton purchased with either another offering from Norton, or a third party offering), your refund will be limited to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of only your qualifying subscription for the current term, not to exceed the total bundled price paid. Any refund will be net of any discounts or refunds received and less any shipping, handling and applicable taxes, except in certain states and countries where shipping, handling and taxes are refundable. The refund does not apply to any damages incurred as a result of viruses. See Norton.com/guarantee for complete details.
