Norton Mobile Security is the product of the respected antivirus provider designed for mobile devices, as the name suggests, offering protection for your smartphone or tablet. It comes in two different versions, one for Android devices and one for iOS hardware. Since this is the case, you might be wondering how Norton versions of Mobile Security could compare and what kind of features it has. We've got all the answers right here, so let's take a closer look at both forms of Norton Mobile Security to see if it might be right for you when it comes to defending your smartphone. Get today's best price on Norton's best antivirus products
What is Norton Mobile Security?
Mobile Security is NortonLifeLock software designed to protect smartphones and tablets. It's available for Android and iOS, both of which are essentially the same base app, but with slight differences (we'll get to that).
What devices can I use Norton Mobile Security on?
Norton creates mobile apps for Android and Apple devices, and you'll need to be running Android 6.0 and iOS 12 or higher, respectively. Both apps can be purchased as a separate subscription, giving you protection for a single mobile device. Alternatively, those who subscribe to Norton 360 Deluxe, the company's premium security suite for users who want multi-device coverage, can also take advantage of Norton Mobile Security apps, as 360 Deluxe offers coverage for up to five devices, and these can be mobile or PC (Windows or Mac). Please note that the respective apps on Google Play (Android) and the Apple App Store (iOS) have a slightly different name and, at the time of writing, are called Norton 360: Privacy & Online Safety (Android) and Norton 360: Mobile Security (iOS). . These are the apps you'll download to your device, and they're probably called that because, as we just said, Norton 360 subscribers will come to install the software.
(Image credit: NortonLifeLock)
Norton Mobile Security: what functions does it have?
There are two different versions of Norton Mobile Security, one for iOS and one for Android. You get a bit more with the latter, but they both have the same basic functionality, so let's cover those core features, and then look at the extras on Android below. Here's what you get with Norton Mobile Security for iOS and Android: Web Protection When you're browsing the web, Norton Mobile Security protects you from any nasties it might encounter, while monitoring your text message likes for questionable links. Wi-Fi Security This feature evaluates all wireless networks you connect to and alerts you if they are potentially unsafe or even downright dangerous or compromised, preventing your data from being intercepted or a worse fate like a malware infection. VPN Additional online security is provided through a built-in VPN. Norton Secure VPN is a pretty straightforward deal, but it gets the job done and is pretty solid, so having it built in is a huge boon. Device Security Warning Both apps will monitor the version of the operating system you're using and notify you if it's out of date and could therefore pose a security risk if you don't update to a newer version.
(Image credit: Norton LifeLock)
Android Extras: Malware Scanner and App Advisor
With the Android version of Norton Mobile Security, along with everything above, you also get automatic and on-demand malware scanning. This isn't something iOS can do, as it takes a different route with security, sandboxing apps. Also, Android users enjoy monitoring when it comes to apps from the Google Play Store. App Advisor scans any app you plan to install and provides a breakdown of all potential privacy risks, along with other issues like excessive battery drain, and will naturally report anything that contains malware or adware. This is a useful feature that could save you a lot of headache in the long run.
How good is Norton?
Norton's antivirus engine ranks very well in major independent test labs, and in AV-Test Norton Mobile Security has scored full marks in all recent Android tests, which is obviously a good thing. Therefore, you can be sure that you get a high level of security for your phones and tablets. As we've seen, the Android version of Norton Mobile Security offers a bit more in terms of App Advisor, but you still get a lot of great features with the iOS app, including this VPN and Wi-Fi network check. With a Norton Mobile Security subscription, you get coverage for a mobile device at a reasonable selling price, competitive with big rivals like Bitdefender. However, if your needs go beyond just mobile, and you also own computers, it might make a lot more sense to buy a Norton 360 Deluxe subscription instead. Of course, if you have a few mobile devices to protect, the cost of the 360 Deluxe plan is barely more than three separate Norton Mobile Security subscriptions, and Deluxe supports five devices; Besides that, it can also protect PC (including Mac). than phones and tablets. Norton Mobile Security apps are the best choice for those who just want solid protection for one or two mobile phones and don't need anything else. Get the best price on your preferred Norton plan