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Technology · head to head

Google Chrome vs Norton 360

Google Chrome logo

Google Chrome

Technology

Fast, secure browser built for the modern web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Norton 360 logo

Norton 360

Cybersecurity

Powerful protection against evolving threats

From
$36/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Google Chrome has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Google Chrome multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities; Norton 360 device limit of 3 devices on Standard plan; higher tiers needed for family with multiple devices
  • They diverge on capability: Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Norton 360 covers Real-time threat protection.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Chrome and Norton 360 actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Chrome and Norton 360 differ
AttributeGoogle ChromeNorton 360
Starting priceFree$36/year
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
CategoryTechnologyCybersecurity
Founded20081982

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Chrome

  • Fast page loading
  • Extensive extension library
  • Cross-device sync
  • Built-in security
  • Developer tools
  • Incognito mode
  • Password manager
  • Auto-updates

Only in Norton 360

  • Real-time threat protection
  • Ransomware protection
  • Firewall
  • Password Manager
  • Secure VPN
  • Cloud backup
  • Dark Web Monitoring
  • Parental Controls

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Chrome

  • Web browsingnot Norton 360
  • Web developmentnot Norton 360
  • Online researchnot Norton 360
  • Work applicationsnot Norton 360
  • Entertainmentnot Norton 360
  • Educationnot Norton 360

Norton 360

  • Antivirusnot Google Chrome
  • Internet Securitynot Google Chrome
  • Identity Protectionnot Google Chrome

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Chrome

  • Multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
  • Frequent arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities allow remote attackers to execute code inside sandbox via crafted HTML pages
  • Known use-after-free and integer overflow issues in V8 JavaScript engine and Codecs

Norton 360

  • Device limit of 3 devices on Standard plan; higher tiers needed for family with multiple devices
  • Parental controls unavailable on Standard plan, requiring purchase of separate Norton Family app
  • No HIPAA compliance or BAA support for regulated industries
  • Exploit Prevention works only on Windows devices, not available for macOS
  • Limited account recovery options if master password is forgotten

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Chrome

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Chrome review.

Norton 360

$36/year
  • Norton 360 Standard$36/year
    • Antivirus and malware protection
    • VPN
    • Dark web monitoring
  • Norton 360 Deluxe$49.99/year
    • All Standard features
    • 50 GB cloud backup
    • Parental controls
  • Norton 360 Premium$54.99/year
    • All Deluxe features
    • 250 GB cloud backup
    • LifeLock identity theft protection

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Chrome if

  • You need fast page loading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want extensive extension library.
Google Chrome review

Choose Norton 360 if

  • You need real-time threat protection.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.
  • You also want ransomware protection.
Norton 360 review

Questions people ask

Is Google Chrome or Norton 360 better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Chrome starts at Free and Norton 360 at $36/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Chrome or Norton 360?
Google Chrome has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Chrome and $36/year for Norton 360.
Does Google Chrome or Norton 360 run on more platforms?
Google Chrome runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Norton 360 runs on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.
Can I use Google Chrome for free?
Yes. Google Chrome has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Norton 360 starts at $36/year.
What is Google Chrome best used for?
Google Chrome is most often used for web browsing, web development, online research, work applications. Of those, web browsing and web development are not what Norton 360 is typically brought in for.
What can Google Chrome do that Norton 360 cannot?
Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Extensive extension library, Cross-device sync, Built-in security. Norton 360 covers Real-time threat protection, Ransomware protection, Firewall, Password Manager.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Chrome: Does Google Chrome have offline browsing capabilities?

Chrome can display cached versions of previously visited web pages offline. Chrome removed the experimental offline mode flag, but can automatically load cached pages when offline for sites you have visited before.

Source
Norton 360: What operating systems does Norton 360 Standard support?

Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 11, macOS 10.13 and later, Android 10.0 or later, and current plus two previous iOS versions. Not all features are available on all platforms.

Source
Google Chrome: Is Google Chrome free to use?

Yes. Google Chrome is completely free to download and use. There are no paid tiers or subscription requirements for standard browsing.

Source
Norton 360: How much cloud backup storage is included in Norton 360 Standard?

2 GB of cloud backup storage is included with Norton 360 Standard. Higher tiers offer 50 GB (Deluxe) and 250 GB (Premium).

Source
Norton 360: Does Norton 360 include a VPN?

Yes. All Norton 360 plans include a VPN for secure browsing. The VPN is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Source
Norton 360: Is Norton 360 HIPAA compliant?

No. Norton 360 does not offer HIPAA compliance or Business Associate Agreements (BAA), making it unsuitable for healthcare organizations handling protected health information (PHI).

Source
Norton 360: What is the renewal price after the first year?

First year pricing is discounted. Standard renews at 94.99 USD per year, Deluxe at 119.99 USD per year. This represents a 140% increase over Deluxe's first-year rate of 49.99 USD.

Source
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