Published on: September 26, 2025
The short answer is yes, Norton 360 is a top choice for parents in 2025, especially for those looking to protect their children’s digital lives. With a new school year kicking off, kids are spending more time online doing homework, research, and socializing.
Norton 360 helps parents stay ahead of online risks with powerful Parental Control features built right into the same app that defends against malware, phishing, and identity theft.
Plus, with a 60-day money-back guarantee, tools for blocking harmful websites, tracking screen time, managing app use, and monitoring location, you’ll get all the help you need to keep your little ones safe.
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Quick Expert Summary
Norton 360 stands out in 2025 not just for its top-tier antivirus and security features, but especially for
Combined with a secure VPN, identity monitoring, and comprehensive device protection, Norton delivers exceptional value with flexible plans, free trials, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s what you can expect with Norton 360:
- Tools to help with screen time, content filtering & location tracking
- Award-winning antivirus and real-time threat protection
- Smart firewall, password manager & cloud backup
- Secure VPN (no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption)
- Identity theft protection and dark web monitoring (on select plan)
- And much more…
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Norton 360 Overview – Powerful Parental Controls (Our Favorite Family Security Solution in 2025)
Norton offers several annual plans tailored to different needs. Even the basic plan includes advanced features like anti-malware, a password manager, and AI-powered scam protection, but it doesn’t include key features like Parental Control.
The real highlight comes with the Norton 360 Deluxe plan and higher tiers, which cover up to 5 devices and unlock powerful Parental Control. These tools help parents manage their child’s screen time, filter content, and track location, providing essential peace of mind in today’s increasingly digital and connected world.
Alongside Parental Control, you also get unlimited VPN, dark web monitoring, webcam protection, a privacy monitor, and 50 GB of cloud storage.
Pricing is in line with top competitors like Bitdefender and McAfee, but Norton stands out by including powerful family-focused features, especially its best-in-class Parental Control, available in its Deluxe and higher tier plans.
Combined with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, it’s one of the best value choices for families in 2025.
Empowering Parents with Smarter Online Supervision
Norton’sParental Control offers a wide range of monitoring and content management tools for up to 10 devices on Windows, Android, and iOS.
Parents can set healthy boundaries using a user-friendly dashboard and mobile app, with features including:
- Web Supervision – Blocks inappropriate websites across 45+ categories and reports browsing history. Filtering is age-based by default but fully customizable.
- Search & Video Monitoring – Shows search terms on Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other search engines, as well as YouTube activity, including short previews of watched videos.
- App & Mobile Supervision – Allows parents to view and approve Android apps, track device location, and block apps as needed.
- Time Supervision – Sets screen time limits and schedules, with a School Time mode to allow only educational content.
- Instant Lock – Temporarily disables access to devices while keeping communication open.
- Access Requests – Let’s kids ask for permission to override restrictions, encouraging open dialogue.
- Parent Portal & Alerts – Real-time notifications and on-the-go access to activity reports.
- Set emergency contacts – Unlock the device in case of an emergency, or contact them during a curfew or instant lock.
- Plus much more…
Norton’s filters are highly effective, even preventing VPN workarounds. However, the controls don’t support macOS, and many features are limited or unavailable on Chromebooks. Some functions can be bypassed on Windows by advanced users, but Norton alerts parents if tampering occurs.
Overall, Norton’s parental controls offer one of the most complete and intuitive solutions for families in 2025.
School Time: Keep Kids Focused in a Connected World
Norton Parental Control’s School Time helps parents support focus during school hours or homework without disconnecting kids from the internet.
It allows a custom list of approved educational websites while blocking distracting sites like gaming or social media, helping children stay on task.
Unlike blunt internet pauses, School Time balances access to educational resources with reduced temptation. Settings can be managed easily via the web portal or mobile app and adjusted as needed.
By promoting focus and discipline in digital learning, School Time complements Norton Parental Control’s broader tools, helping children succeed academically and safely.
Location Supervision: Know Where Your Kids Are – and Where They’ve Been
Norton Parental Control’s Location Supervision helps parents stay connected to their children’s whereabouts using GPS tracking on Android and iOS devices. Whether you want to check that your child made it to school or simply keep tabs during the weekend, it provides reliable peace of mind.
Key location features include:
- Real-Time Tracking & Alerts – See your child’s current location and receive updates at specific times
- 30-Day Location History – Review where your child has been over the past month.
- Favorite Locations – Set up safe zones (like school or home) and get alerts if your child enters or leaves those areas.
- Check-In Feature – Let your child send you their location with one tap, encouraging trust and communication.
Location Supervision is perfect for parents of tweens and teens, especially as they gain more independence. It complements the rest of Norton Parental Control’s tools by giving you another layer of insight and safety, without feeling overly invasive.
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Norton Plans With Parental Controls Included
Norton 360 Deluxe – Powerful Parental Control Plus Full Security Features
Norton 360 Deluxe gives you protection for up to 5 devices – phones, tablets, laptops – plus 10 child profiles for parental control. There’s no need to install different apps – Norton’s 360 offers one plan to protect the whole family.
Norton 360 Deluxe includes:
- Antivirus
- VPN with no data caps
- Password manager
- Parental control
- 50 GB cloud storage
- Identity monitoring
- Location tracking
- Dark web monitoring
- YouTube Monitoring
- Webcam protection
- All in one simple subscription.
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Norton 360 With LifeLock – Advanced Identity Protection (Parental Control Included)
In select regions, Norton offers 2 annual LifeLock plans, which add tools like credit alerts, financial monitoring, and up to 500 GB of storage. Note that available features may vary by region, and some users may see Norton 360 Premium, which supports more devices and includes additional cloud storage.
These plans include all Norton 360 features and add advanced identity theft tools and identity restoration assistance.
The LifeLock Select plan protects 10 devices with 1 credit bureau monitoring and 250 GB cloud backup.
The LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan covers unlimited devices, includes full 3-bureau credit monitoring, $1 million reimbursements, plus extras like social media monitoring and scam reimbursement.
If you want ultimate peace of mind, choose a LifeLock plan to protect your identity and your family’s digital safety.
What You Get Beyond Parental Control: Norton 360 Security Features
100% Malware Detection & Real-Time Defense
Norton’s malware scanner is one of the best, catching 100% of threats in my tests – including ransomware, spyware, and PUPs. It uses a massive malware database, machine learning, and heuristic analysis to block even the latest threats.
Its real-time protection also impressed me, instantly blocking malware downloads – even encrypted ones – before they could run.
Scans are fast (15-40 minutes, depending on device size), and you can customize scan types, schedule them, or exclude folders. Norton also pauses scans and notifications during full-screen apps, so it won’t interrupt gaming or streaming.
Norton’s Smart Firewall Provides Advanced, Customizable Protection
Norton’s Smart Firewall performs significantly better than the default Windows firewall, blocking every network intrusion during my testing, including ones that Windows missed. It protects against spoofing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and port-based threats.
It comes with intelligent default rules that automatically block suspicious connections and allow safe ones, helping reduce false positives. Advanced users can fine-tune settings for individual apps, create custom rules, or enable modes like Ask Mode (which prompts for every connection) or Smart Mode (which decides based on app behavior).
The firewall also maintains a detailed log of past networks and automatically switches to stricter settings on public Wi-Fi, helping you stay protected when using unsecured networks.
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Safe Web and Safe Search Help You Avoid Dangerous Sites
Norton’s Safe Web feature blocks phishing sites and malicious websites with impressive accuracy. It includes an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to secure your online activity and transactions.
You can use it through Norton’s apps or by installing browser extensions. In my tests, it outperformed Chrome in identifying phishing threats.
Norton also offers a Safe Search tool that displays safety ratings in your search results. While its default search engine isn’t for everyone, the visual warnings can still be useful when using Google or other engines.
Norton VPN Offers Strong Security With Useful Extras
Norton’s VPN includes everything you’d expect: 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, split tunneling, and WireGuard protocol support. It even works with streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime (though not Disney+).
It comes with 2,000+ servers across 28 countries and includes unlimited data on all plans. While it impacted speed slightly during tests, I could still stream and browse comfortably.
P2P support is available, but the VPN automatically assigns you a torrent-friendly server without the option to choose a location. That said, it’s one of the better VPNs bundled with an antivirus.
Norton’s Other Core Features to Protect, Optimize, and Backup Your Data
- Ransomware Protection automatically blocks ransomware threats in real time. Sensitive file types (like documents and photos) are protected by default, and you can customize which files and folders are shielded or which apps can access them.
- Password Manager stores and encrypts passwords, payment info, and secure notes. Includes password generator, vault health audit, autofill, and biometric mobile access, though recovery options are limited.
- Privacy Monitor scans major data broker sites for your personal information and guides you through removal, with an optional paid service where Norton handles the process for you. It quickly identified over 60 sites with my data, making cleanup straightforward.
- Device Optimization Tools include easy-to-use basics like a disk defragmenter, file cleaner, startup manager, and software updater to remove clutter and speed up your PC. Upgrading to Norton Utilities Ultimate unlocks advanced features like registry fixes, RAM boosters, and junk file removers.
- Dark Web Monitoring alerts you if your personal data appears in breaches or on dark web forums. Operating in 30+ countries, it uses live human agents for deeper dark web infiltration and provides detailed guidance if your data is found.
- Cloud Backup lets you securely back up important files to the cloud or local drives (Windows only), protecting against ransomware, hardware failure, or accidental deletion. Automatic scheduling and folder selection make it flexible and reliable.
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Norton Includes a Wide Range of Additional Tools
Beyond its core features, Norton includes several useful extras:
- Genie Scam Protection: Helps detect and respond to scams in emails and text messages.
- SafeCam: Blocks unauthorized webcam access.
- Spam Filter: Filters out suspicious emails and lets you whitelist trusted senders.
- AntiTrack (add-on): Stops tracking scripts and hides your digital fingerprint.
- Private Browser: Offers secure, tracker-free browsing.
- Sandbox: Runs risky apps in an isolated environment.
- Driver Updater (add-on): Keeps system drivers up to date.
- Email Protection: Scans emails for malware and phishing.
- Rescue Disk: Lets you create a bootable recovery drive for compromised systems.
Norton 360 Setup Guide – Easy to Install & Use
Getting Started With Norton 360 (3 Simple Steps):
- Create Your Account
Sign up for a Norton 360 plan and log in to your My Norton portal. - Download & Install
Download the app from your portal and follow the installation wizard. - Launch & Scan
Open Norton, run your first full system scan, and explore key features like the VPN, password manager, and parental controls.
Using Norton 360 on Desktop
Once installed, Norton’s desktop app welcomes you with a clean, modern interface. Key features like the antivirus scanner, VPN, and dark web monitoring are easily accessible from the home screen. I liked how the setup wizard guided me through enabling core tools such as cloud backup and the password manager without overwhelming me.
While the app includes a deep level of customization for advanced users, I found that the default layout keeps things simple for beginners. If I ever had trouble finding something, the built-in search bar quickly directed me to the right feature. The web dashboard also makes it easy to manage connected devices, parental controls, and identity protection tools in one place.
Using Norton 360 on Mobile
Norton’s mobile apps for Android and iOS provide excellent protection on the go. On Android, I appreciated the App Security feature, which scans apps for privacy risks and even analyzes them before download. iOS users get a monthly Device Report Card that highlights unsafe websites, networks, and apps.
Both platforms include real-time web protection, scam SMS filters, and a VPN. I especially liked the mobile Safe Search tool on Android, which color-coded search results based on safety. While the protection is strong, I found it slightly frustrating that some features – like the password manager, parental controls, and identity theft tools – require separate app downloads.
Despite that, Norton’s mobile tools sync well with the desktop suite, offering top-tier security across all your devices.
Norton 360 Customer Support – Friendly Staff, Multiple Language Options & Knowledgeable Answers
Norton 360 provides excellent customer support across multiple channels, including live chat, phone support, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and a user community. The live chat experience stood out to me – every time I used it, I connected with an agent in under five minutes. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help, often offering remote assistance to resolve more technical issues.
Phone support is another strong point. It’s available in dozens of languages, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many agents were available around the clock. During one call, a support rep in Colombia helped me resolve a website bug with patience and professionalism – one of the best tech support experiences I’ve had.
The support portal is clean and intuitive, walking you through a simple process to get the help you need. While Norton’s community forum isn’t particularly active, the FAQs and troubleshooting guides are well-written and often resolve basic questions without needing to escalate.
Is Norton 360 the Best Internet Security Suite for 2025?
In short, yes – especially for families. Norton 360 remains the top antivirus suite in 2025, and one of its biggest strengths is its robust parental controls.
Norton’s parental control suite – Norton Family – offers excellent tools for managing screen time, filtering content, and tracking device usage across multiple platforms. You can monitor websites visited, block inappropriate content based on age, and even see what videos your child is watching on YouTube. The School Time feature helps keep kids focused during learning hours, while location tracking and mobile app supervision add additional layers of control for parents on the go.
Alongside its strong parental controls, Norton 360 delivers excellent malware protection, catching every test sample using heuristics, machine learning, and real-time updates. Web protections like Safe Web and the Intrusion Prevention System block dangerous sites, phishing, and scams, keeping the whole family safer online.
The suite also includes a secure VPN with unlimited data, a reliable password manager, and standout dark web monitoring. LifeLock identity protection (in supported countries) adds up to $3 million in coverage, making Norton ideal for families concerned about fraud.
With its strong protection, feature-rich plans, and easy 60-day money-back guarantee, Norton 360 is still the best all-in-one internet security suite for most users in 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trust Norton with my child’s online safety?
Yes – Norton is one of the most trusted names in cybersecurity, with over 30 years of experience. Norton Parental Control is designed with both security and ease-of-use in mind, giving parents the tools they need to protect their children online. Features like content filtering, screen time limits, location tracking, and YouTube monitoring work together to foster safer, healthier digital habits for kids.
Is Norton Parental Control included in the free version?
No, Norton Parental Control is not available as a free product. You can get it as a standalone paid product, or it is included with
Can I limit how much time my child spends online?
Yes. With Time Supervision, you can set daily screen time limits, create custom schedules, and even pause internet access when needed. There’s also a
Does Norton protect against ransomware?
Yes, Norton provides strong protection against ransomware. Its security software is designed to detect and block ransomware attacks before they can encrypt your files.
Moreover, Norton’s automatic cloud backup feature acts as a safety net, offering a backup of your files in case they get encrypted by ransomware. With constant updates to its malware databases, Norton ensures it stays ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of malware, providing solid protection against ransomware and other threats.
What’s the best Norton plan for Parental Control?
The best plan for families is Norton 360 Deluxe. It includes full access to Norton Parental Control, plus antivirus, a VPN, webcam protection, dark web monitoring, and more – all for up to 5 devices. If you have a larger family or want extra cloud storage, Norton 360 Premium or Advanced may be better choices.
In some countries, Norton offers three plans with LifeLock identity theft protection. Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus is the most comprehensive (and most expensive), offering antivirus for unlimited devices and full identity protection for one primary user. Most users, however, will find
Which devices are supported by Norton?
Norton provides mobile apps that work for iOS devices and Androids, but Chromebooks aren’t officially supported. That said, several of Norton’s Android protections still work on Chromebook. This includes Norton’s app advisor, dark web monitor, and anti-phishing protection (if you install Norton’s browser extensions).