Norton 360 Mobile Security is part of the manufacturer’s multi-license security package, Norton 360, but it can also be purchased separately for mobile use only. You can choose between a subscription without VPN and identity monitoring for dark web leaks, and one where these features are included. Both options are relatively expensive: the basic subscription costs 29.99$ per year, and the full version 49.99$ Norton does not offer a free version, but you can try a free subscription for 14 days. Just remember to cancel the subscription in the Google Play Store before then if you don’t want to continue paying.
After installation, an initial virus scan, and the usual hassle with all the permissions the app needs, I was greeted by a sleek and minimalist interface. It uses the limited screen space well, but it can be a bit challenging to intuitively understand where the different features are located. For example, the VPN is found under the privacy section, and it’s the only feature there. Why not just call it VPN then? However, there aren’t many individual features, so you’ll learn the interface quickly.
Secure Searches Separately
You perform a manual virus scan by swiping down on the screen, and swipe up to access a security report. This report logs the app’s and the user’s activity, and you also get a detailed list of installed apps and the different risks associated with them, including how much data they collect, what permissions they request, and more.
Norton blocks access to malicious websites in apps like Chrome, Instagram, Facebook, and Outlook. Probably more apps too, but these were the relevant ones I had installed on my test phone. Even links in SMS messages are scanned before you can click on them. You can also get a quick icon for Norton Safe Search, a separate search bar that provides secure search results. This feature is also available in the Windows version of Norton 360.
The VPN service is one of the better ones I’ve tested, with fast servers, or at least fast enough, all around the world. There aren’t as many to choose from as in McAfee’s service, for example, with around 30 countries offering servers. But even on the other side of the planet, they are fast enough to stream from video services. Whether this means you can always bypass regional locks is not guaranteed, but that’s something no VPN can fully promise.
More Identity Protection
The identity monitoring feature, which tracks sensitive information on the darknet, allows you to register five email addresses, five phone numbers, ten credit card numbers, and some other information like gamer tags and passport details. Norton’s service provides the same alerts as its competitors on what I choose to monitor but is significantly less intrusive compared to McAfee, which doesn’t note when I manually mark an issue as resolved. Here, it’s much more discreet and smooth.
All of Norton’s features are individually very good. It offers complete protection against viruses, adds excellent security for web browsing and links in instant messages, SMS, and email, and the VPN service is really good if you feel like paying for it. However, that’s all you get – there are no bonus features like backup, call control, or theft protection. This makes the somewhat high price harder to justify.
Specifications
- Product Name: Norton 360 Mobile Security
- Tested: August 2024
- Contact: Norton
- Features: Privacy overview, browsing protection, secure searches, VPN, WiFi control, number blocker, identity monitoring
- System Requirements: Android 8
