Avast vs Norton

Avast vs Norton The Ultimate Comparison

Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer

Updated on August 12 , 2021

We'll be discussing two of the most popular antivirus programs, Norton and Avast. You may be wondering which antivirus to install on your device; this article will compare the two options and give you helpful information to make an informed decision. Let's see which antivirus is the best between Norton vs Avast.

Software
Features
  • Real-time malware protection
  • Advanced security features
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Value for money
  • Real-time malware protection
  • Around-the-clock support
  • Strong privacy protection
  • Safe web browsing

Overall Comparison

Our verdict on overall best antivirus program is Norton Antivirus

Norton Pros

Avast Pros

  • Excellent virus detection
  • Exceptional phishing protection and malicious URL blocking
  • Reliable malware protection 
  • Webcam security
  • Excellent, no-limit VPN
  • Storage facility hosted for backup safety
  • Dependable firewall 
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
  • Amazing support service
  • Continually updates their program
  • User-friendly interface
  • Excellent security against malware
  • Reliable ransomware protection
  • Useful sandbox tool
  • Consistent password manager
  • Negligible influence on system performance

Norton Cons

Avast Cons

  • Drains system resources
  • The subscription fee is relatively high
  • The first scan is done after installing takes a long time
  • If you need to uninstall the program, there are issues
  • Android anti-theft to be discontinued
  • More expensive 
  • Android anti-theft has been discontinued
  • Minimal security protection on iOS devices
  • Parental control and backup are not offered for macOS

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Avast Vs Avira

Both Norton and Avast have advantages and disadvantages. Norton offers reliable real-time threat protection and releases updates more frequently than Avast. 

Norton also has a smart firewall and an around-the-clock anti-threat feature that makes the software very reliable.

Avast does not fall short; it works with a home security network that blocks out phishing sites

The software also has a password enabler that makes it difficult for hackers to break into your system. 

What swayed our opinion in favor of Norton is its user-friendly and "neater" interface. 

Overall winner: Norton comes out ahead of Avast in more ways than one

Key Features Compared

Here are the main antivirus features of both Norton and Avast compared: 

 

Norton

Avast

Antispyware and antivirus

Yes

Yes

Firewall

Yes

Yes

Webcam protection

Yes

Yes

Password manager

Yes

Yes

Anti-phishing

Yes

Yes

Ransomware protection

Yes

Yes

Payment and banking protection

No

No

Parental control

Yes

No

Network protection

Yes

Yes

Encrypted storage

No

No

Update apps automatically

No

Yes

VPN

Yes

No

Cloud backup

Yes

No

File shredder

No

Yes

Performance optimization

No

No

Identity protection

No

No

Suspicious apps to run in sandbox

No

Yes

Norton and Avast offer similar features like;

  • Webcam protection 
  • A password manager
  • Ransomware protection
  • Advanced firewalls 

However, only Norton offers a PC cloud backup and a VPN. The PC cloud backup enables you to save important documents and photos to the cloud. 

Norton’s VPN is superb, as it ensures your online privacy and protects your personal information. 

Avast offers a feature that allows you to shop safely online, which prevents hackers from hacking your router's DNS. Your passwords and online banking information are much safer when you use Avast in comparison with Norton.

The excellent, no-limit VPN and cloud backup offered by Norton makes it stand out. 

Best for antivirus features: Norton

Avast Features;

Avast Features

Norton Features;

Norton Features

Malware Protection Capabilities

Malware can infect your device without you even knowing it. The main types of malware are viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.

Let’s compare Avast vs Norton malware capabilities by taking a look at test results released by two reputable test sites.

We looked at test results released by AV-Test in April 2021, and this was the results; 

Avast Results;

Avast Malware Performance Results

Avast scored 6/6 in both the zero-day detection test and the malware test over 4 weeks. This means that they detected all the malware that was used to test the product.                                           

Norton Results;

Norton Malware Protection results

Norton also scored 6/6 on both tests; which means that these two products are pretty equal when it comes to malware detection capabilities, but we didn’t want to reach a hasty conclusion just yet.

We also looked at the results released by another test website, AV-Comparatives. Unsurprisingly, their results proved that both programs are reliable when it comes to detecting malware threats.

Best for malware protection: Both programs performed similarly in protecting my device against malware, with Norton slightly ahead.

System Performance

The impact an antivirus program has on the performance of your device is a critical aspect to consider when evaluating it. 

We looked at independent tests such as AV-Test to compare Avast vs Norton when it comes to system performance impact.

Avast Test Results;

Avast System Performance

Avast did well in the test results. The impact it had on systems while running other applications was minimal.

Norton Test Results;

Norton System Performance

Norton also did well in the test but had a little more impact on the systems while copying files.

Best for system performance: When it comes to system performance impact, Avast performs better than Norton. 

Pricing

Norton’s products are more expensive than Avast’s, but Avast offers a limited free antivirus program, which is not available from Norton. 

The prices for both programs in 2021 are:

Avast Pricing;

Avast offers a free version, the free version has all the basics. Avast offers Premium Security for a single device for $69.99/year or 10 devices for $89.99/year. Avast Ultimate is $99.99/year for a single device or $119.99/year for 10 devices

Norton Pricing;

Norton's pricing plan starts at $59.99/year for 1 device with the Norton Antivirus Plus package. The Norton 360 Standard package is $84.99/year for 1 device, the Norton 360 Deluxe package is $104.99/year for 5 devices, and the Norton 360 with LifeLock Select package is $149.99/year for 5 devices

Best price: Avast.

Norton is more expensive and does not offer a free version.

Ease of Use and User Friendliness

Avast's design is neat and uncluttered. The home screen is very informative and welcoming and you can run a virus scan directly from the home screen to check for threats.

Avast Home Screen

Norton's interface is more low-key and conventional, but also convenient. You will find one main panel with four tabs that provide simple access to familiar tasks. On the top panel, you will see your device's current protection status.

Norton Interface

Most-user friendly provider: Norton.

Although it has a more traditional interface, its user-friendliness and ease of use are far superior. 

Customer Support

Avast's support channels include live chat and email, but if you're willing to pay extra, you can sign up for Avast's technician phone support option. You can also find answers to your questions using Avast's self-service that provides a comprehensive FAQ on its support website.

Norton offers live chat and phone support 24/7, as well as a community forum. Besides this, social media support is also available via its Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Best customer support: The social media support channel offered by Norton, as well as the 24/7 support, makes Norton the winner.

Conclusion

Norton comes out on top, especially when it comes to features offered, user-friendliness, and customer support. 

However, it is important to remember that deciding which antivirus program to choose is fundamental, so you need to be sure of the choice you make.  Each of us has our unique needs, so take everything into consideration before you decide which program to use.