Norton Vs Kaspersky 2021

Kaspersky and Norton are two of the most established antiviruses in the market and both products offer some of the best features in the industry. From basic to advanced malware, both solutions give you all-around protection alongside a lot of add-on features. 

Each comes with a variety of features, but you probably won’t need all of them. Keep reading to find out which one is better suited to your security needs.

Security Suites Offered

As mentioned, both products have a lot of features aimed at providing 360-degree security. Here’s a quick review of the top features each antivirus has.

Kaspersky

Kaspersky has everything you would expect from a premium security suite. The only problem is that this software is only compatible with Windows. Other than this major drawback, you’ll get almost all the features and add-ons for your PC.

You’ll get top-notch ransomware protection based on multiple security layers. Some standout features are –

-  Sandbox environment, password manager, PC cleaner and optimization tools
-  Online transaction protection, network monitor, auto-software updater
-  Data backup, VPN, Firewall, Parental Control, and File Recovery

Norton

Norton protects all of your devices across platforms. It works seamlessly with PCs, Macs, Android and iOS phones. Compared to the other antivirus programs at the same price, the product misses out on essential features like a file shredder, a dedicated browser, or webcam protection.

But it does give you a 25GB secure space on the cloud with the premium plan. Other notable features are –

-  Fully-fledged malware protection including detailed and custom scans
-  Device cleaning and optimization tools, two-way firewall, VPN, and secure cloud storage
-  Automatic backups, safe browser, and password manager

Protection

Kaspersky’s antivirus engine can detect and remove all types of malware and other threats in real-time. The core antivirus engine uses a multi-layered security protocol alongside an advanced firewall to provide effective protection from zero-day threats. The solution had performed extremely well and ranked 3rd in the June 2019 AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test.

One of the best things about the software is its AI-powered monitoring which automatically detects suspicious behavior and uploads the signature to its database for further checking.

Norton also provides AI-powered scanning and real-time protection. It also works on a multi-layered security setup alongside a two-way firewall for enhanced protection. The antivirus is able to protect your devices from all types of malware and other similar threats. If the heuristic monitor detects suspicious behavior, it’ll immediately add it to the list of potential threats.

The solution received an ADVANCED+ rating for blocking 100% in the AV-Comparatives November 2019 Real-World Protection Test. 

Top Features

Kaspersky surpasses most antiviruses when it comes to running multiple scans at the same time. Based on test results, it takes 30% less time than most other products when running a full-system scan.

You can fully rely on the privacy features as you’ll get a private VPN that encrypts all of your online browsing.

Some other great features are the option to hide IP addresses, run the on-demand webcam protection, and encrypt the data on open and public networks.

Norton offers this unique feature blend of Machine Language, Artificial Intelligence, and Civilian cyber-intelligence threat network to scan and remove all types of malware. The firewall is automated and monitors both outgoing and incoming requests.

The best thing is that it doesn’t require any manual intervention. The system will auto-configure itself using the company’s massive list of whitelisted applications and programs.

Other top features include the patented LifeLock Identity Alert and a dedicated VPN.

User Interface

Kaspersky has always led the way when it comes to offering crisp and minimalist user interfaces, and the latest updates are no different. It creates the perfect visual cues with grey, green, and white colors.

On the main screen of the dashboard, you’ll find direct links to the six primary modules. Clicking on these will open a new window with a lot more features nicely grouped under each tab.

The bottom bar features other quick-links to support, resources, and settings.

Norton is also designed with the users in mind. The product features a neatly organized dashboard with easy-to-access features. The main screen houses five primary buttons and a notification window.

The lower half of the screen also features multiple quick-links to additional settings and features.

The online web dashboard is a nice feature for enhanced control over your devices.

Price

Kaspersky offers a variety of plans to choose from based on the number of devices used, with at least 50% discount for all new users. The basic antivirus plan starts from $29.99 for the first year for 1-3 Windows PCs and is an antivirus-only package.

Next up is the Internet Security Plan that covers three PCs, smartphones, and/or Mac under a single license. It’s priced at $39.99 for the first year and gives you advanced features like webcam protection and a safe browser. The top-tier plan “Total Security” covers 5 devices (Mac, mobile, and PC) at $49.99 for the first year.

You can choose from four different plans with Norton. The basic antivirus plan is priced at $19.99 for the first year reduced from $59.99 for 1 PC or Mac. The standard plan costs $39.99 for the first year for 1 device (including the option for smartphone/tablet) and gives you a 10GB cloud storage and VPN.

Next, you have the Deluxe Plan at $49.99 for the first year for 5 devices across platforms.

Finally, you have the top-tier Premium Plan at $99.99 for 10 devices for the first year.

Bottom Line

Both products are well-equipped to cover your security and privacy needs. However, it all boils down to one thing – your requirements. If you consider the pricing, Norton seems to be on the higher side for what you actually get.

When it comes to core antivirus protection, both the products have topped third-party lab tests. If you look at the additional features, Kaspersky wins the race, but it also doesn’t match up to the privacy standards of the former.

Based on the core features, overall cost, and ease of use, we place Kaspersky ahead of Norton as it offers better features, unbeatable protection, is lightweight on the system, and is competitively priced.