Norton LifeLock review

Norton is easily one of the most reputable names in internet security software. Recognizing this, its parent company, Symantec, changed its name to Norton LifeLock. With this rebrand came a new, all-in-one approach to protecting consumer identity, devices, and online privacy in one app—Norton 360 with LifeLock, or Identity Advisor Plus in the UK.

In this Norton LifeLock review, we discuss the pros and cons of the identity theft protection software, considering the pricing options and comparing the app against competitors.

Plans and pricing

Norton offers one annual subscription for Identity Advisor Plus, which costs £29.99 a year.

LifeLock meanwhile offers four subscription tiers in the US market, which all come with a 60-day money-back guarantee if purchased as an annual membership.

The Standard package is the cheapest option at $9.99 a month for the first year and $11.99 a month thereafter. With up to $25,000 each for stolen funds reimbursement and personal expense compensation, this is the ideal package for those just starting out with identity theft protection. This option, however, does not include any device security benefits.

The Select package is also $9.99 a month in the first year, jumping to $14.99 a month every year after. It includes everything in the Standard package plus device security and a VPN for up to five devices, as well as 24/7 live member support.

The next subscription tier is the Advantage package. For $17.99 a month in the first year and $24.99 a month after that, you get everything in the Select package, plus a boost in stolen funds reimbursement to $100,000. With this package, device security and a VPN are available for up to 10 devices.

Finally, the Ultimate Plus package is $25.99 a month for the first year and $34.99 a month for every following year. With a huge $1 million each for reimbursement for stolen funds and personal expense compensation, this top tier subscription gives users security and VPN access for unlimited personal devices, plus priority 24/7 live member support.

Features

Alongside standard cybersecurity software features like real-time protection, a secure VPN service, a password manager tend and online backups, Norton LifeLock also features identity theft alerts and insurance against both identity theft and stolen funds. This functionality, alongside more generic selling points like the price, interface, and support, could be what sets LifeLock apart for you.

Some users have reported that features reserved for the more expensive LifeLock tiers can be found in cheaper packages with other businesses. That said, Norton LifeLock offers an all-in-one approach to device security, online privacy, identity theft protection, and parental control that does offer greater convenience than many similar packages.

Interface and in use

Norton has been in the cybersecurity market for a long time, and the yellow branding that has become synonymous with its products gives LifeLock’s user interface a familiar feel. The main features of the software are easily accessible from the main dashboard, and its simple design means nothing is too complicated.

LifeLock has a simple setup procedure, provided you are at least 18 years of age and a US resident. You can enroll your children via parental control, but the account owner must be an adult. Membership begins after a quick questionnaire, where you are asked to enter the details of a valid credit card and driver’s license. After creating a unique username and password, you are all set and ready to start using the software.

Support

The LifeLock website has a dedicated member portal that provides support services to all its users. A knowledgebase includes links to its most common support topics and categories, with a sidebar directing those needing more help to submit a support request or call a helpline.

While the Select and Advantage subscriptions come with 24/7 live member support, it’s worth noting that the Standard package doesn’t include this option. And with the Ultimate Plus top tier subscription, members get to skip the queue with priority access to the 24/7 live member support.

Security

While the Standard package doesn’t come with device security, those who opt to shell out for the Select, Advantage, and Ultimate Plus subscriptions will benefit from Norton LifeLock’s advanced security. Helping to protect your devices and information, it detects and alerts you to online threats like viruses, malware, and phishing.

This includes Norton security for between five and an unlimited number of devices, up to 500 GB PC cloud backup, virus protection, parental control, a VPN for between five and unlimited devices, anonymous browsing, an ad-tracker blocker, and a PC SafeCam.

The competition

While LifeLock’s features and support are in line with the market norm, the Norton brand is a trusted household name. Due to its long history in antivirus programs, none of its competitors are as recognizable in the market. Still, there are some other apps worth mentioning.

Intuit is the next most established brand after Norton, offering identity theft protection through TurboTax. IdentityForce and IDShield are also examples of more affordable software that have very similar features without the widespread recognition. Finally, the ADT brand has a high reputation for physical home security, but its identity theft protection app is less known.

Norton LifeLock’s simple, professional design and usability arguably set it apart from its competitors. With similar features but fewer clicks to discover it, it is clear to see why so many people use the software.

Final verdict

While the features of Norton LifeLock do line up with the market standard for identity theft protection software, other brands cannot compete with the proven Norton brand name. On the other hand, it’s a shame the Standard package doesn’t offer device security or even a VPN to protect personally identifiable information and bank details.

While the program is one of the pricier options in the cybersecurity arena, LifeLock makes up for it with its sleek and familiar user interface. The key takeaway here is if you have more money than time, and you are looking for a program to tick boxes in both identity theft protection and device security, go for one of LifeLock’s top tier subscriptions. If you already have a VPN installed and you are looking for something simple to help protect you from identity theft, the Standard subscription is probably all you need.