Wireshark vs Norton 360
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 Wireshark if you need Deep packet inspection and prefer a free starting option. Choose Norton 360 if you prioritize Real-time threat protection and want plans starting at $49.99/year. Wireshark has a higher user rating (4.8 vs 4.5).
Wireshark vs Norton 360: At a Glance
| Criteria | Wireshark | Norton 360 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Pricing | Free | $49.99/year |
| Pricing Model | free | subscription |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Desktop, Cli | Web, Desktop, Mobile |
| Category | Security & Cybersecurity | Security & Cybersecurity |
| Founded | 1998 | 1982 |
Feature Comparison: Wireshark vs Norton 360
| Feature | Wireshark | Norton 360 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| 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 |
Wireshark vs Norton 360: Pricing Breakdown
Wireshark Pricing
Model: free
- Full functionality
- Deep inspection
- Live capture
- Offline analysis
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
Pros and Cons
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
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
Who Should Use Wireshark vs Norton 360?
Choose Wireshark if you:
- Need Deep packet inspection
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Desktop and Cli
- Value Live capture
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
Frequently Asked Questions: Wireshark vs Norton 360
Is Wireshark better than Norton 360?
It depends on your needs. Wireshark has a 4.8/5 user rating while Norton 360 has 4.5/5. Wireshark excels in Deep packet inspection and Live capture, while Norton 360 stands out with Real-time threat protection and Ransomware protection. Consider your budget (Free vs $49.99/year), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Wireshark or Norton 360?
Wireshark offers a free plan and starts at Free. Norton 360 starts at $49.99/year. Wireshark has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use Wireshark and Norton 360 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 Wireshark and Norton 360?
The key differences include: pricing model (free vs subscription), platform support (Desktop, Cli vs Web, Desktop, Mobile), and feature focus. Wireshark emphasizes Deep packet inspection, Live capture, Offline analysis while Norton 360 focuses on Real-time threat protection, Ransomware protection, Firewall. User ratings differ slightly: 4.8 vs 4.5 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Wireshark and Norton 360.