Norton 360 vs Wireshark
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading security & cybersecurity solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Norton 360 if you need Real-time threat protection and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Wireshark if you prioritize Deep packet inspection and want a free tier to start. Wireshark has a higher user rating (4.8 vs 4.5).
Norton 360 vs Wireshark: At a Glance
| Criteria | Norton 360 | Wireshark |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Pricing | $49.99/year | Free |
| Pricing Model | subscription | free |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Web, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Cli |
| Category | Security & Cybersecurity | Security & Cybersecurity |
| Founded | 1982 | 1998 |
Feature Comparison: Norton 360 vs Wireshark
| Feature | Norton 360 | Wireshark |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time threat protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Secure VPN | ||
| Cloud backup | ||
| Dark Web Monitoring | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Windows Security Center | ||
| macOS Security | ||
| Browser extensions | ||
| AV-TEST Certified | ||
| AV-Comparatives Certified | ||
| Cloud deployment | ||
| Web support | ||
| Deep packet inspection | ||
| Live capture | ||
| Offline analysis | ||
| 3000+ protocol support | ||
| Rich display filters | ||
| VoIP analysis | ||
| Decryption support | ||
| Scripting with Lua | ||
| tcpdump | ||
| TShark | ||
| Nmap | ||
| Snort | ||
| Open source audited | ||
| Community reviewed | ||
| On-premise deployment |
Norton 360 vs Wireshark: Pricing Breakdown
Norton 360 Pricing
Model: subscription
- 1 Device
- Real-time threat protection
- Password Manager
- 2GB Cloud Backup
- 5 Devices
- All Standard features
- 50GB Cloud Backup
- Parental Controls
- 5 Devices
- All Deluxe features
- Identity theft protection
- $1M Identity theft coverage
Wireshark Pricing
Model: free
- Full functionality
- Deep inspection
- Live capture
- Offline analysis
Pros and Cons
Norton 360
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.5/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Web, Desktop, Mobile)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Real-time threat protection functionality
- Strong Ransomware protection functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Wireshark
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.8/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Deep packet inspection functionality
- Strong Live capture functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Norton 360 vs Wireshark?
Choose Norton 360 if you:
- Need Real-time threat protection
- Have a budget of $49.99/year+
- Work primarily on Web and Desktop
- Value Ransomware protection
Choose Wireshark if you:
- Need Deep packet inspection
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Desktop and Cli
- Value Live capture
Frequently Asked Questions: Norton 360 vs Wireshark
Is Norton 360 better than Wireshark?
It depends on your needs. Norton 360 has a 4.5/5 user rating while Wireshark has 4.8/5. Norton 360 excels in Real-time threat protection and Ransomware protection, while Wireshark stands out with Deep packet inspection and Live capture. Consider your budget ($49.99/year vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Norton 360 or Wireshark?
Norton 360 starts at $49.99/year. Wireshark offers a free plan and starts at Free. Wireshark has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use Norton 360 and Wireshark together?
While both are security & cybersecurity tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core security & cybersecurity needs.
What are the main differences between Norton 360 and Wireshark?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs free), platform support (Web, Desktop, Mobile vs Desktop, Cli), and feature focus. Norton 360 emphasizes Real-time threat protection, Ransomware protection, Firewall while Wireshark focuses on Deep packet inspection, Live capture, Offline analysis. User ratings differ slightly: 4.5 vs 4.8 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Norton 360 and Wireshark.