Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer Updated on August 12 , 2021 |
We have compiled a comparison between two well-known brands for you to make the best decision in terms of online protection. We compared Windows Defender vs Norton, to see which solution offers the best features.
| Our verdict on overall best antivirus program is Norton Antivirus |
Norton Pros | Windows Defender Pros |
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Norton Cons | Windows Defender Cons |
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Windows Defender is an in-built antivirus solution for Windows devices. Although it lacks most features seen in other antivirus suites, it offers impeccable protection.
On the other hand, Norton is a top-tier antivirus suite with a proven track record. It packs great features, offers incomparable online security, and protects you against identity theft.
| Overall winner: Norton |
Feature | Windows Defender | Norton |
Virus Scanner | Yes | Yes |
Threat Protection | Yes | Yes |
Malware Removal | Yes | Yes, Norton 360 provides anti-malware protection |
Phishing Detection | Yes | Yes |
Spyware Protection | Yes | Yes |
Ransomware Protection | Yes | Yes |
Cloud Backup | Yes | Yes, Norton Online Backup can upload encrypted copies of your files and folders to its cloud servers |
Firewall | Yes | Yes |
VPN | No | Yes |
Browser Protection | No | No |
Webcam Protection | No | Yes, Norton SafeCam help protect your webcam |
Password Manager | No | Yes |
Identity Theft Protection | No | Yes |
Parental Control | Yes | Yes |
Safe Banking | No | Yes, connect to your bank via a secure NortonLifeLock server in the cloud |
Performance Optimization | No | Yes, use Norton to optimize and improve computer performance |
Cleaning Tools | Yes | Yes, run Norton Clean to remove junk files |
File Shredder | No | Yes |
Game Mode | No | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Windows Defender is a powerful antivirus that is offered as part of Windows Security and is integrated into the Windows OS. It utilizes most of the Windows features.
Norton offers third-party antivirus suites that provide on-device security, online privacy, and identity theft protection. More than 50 million users trust Norton products to offer the needed protection. Unlike Windows Defender, Norton packs various features relevant to its products
Windows Defender Features:
Norton Features:
Best for antivirus features: Norton. Comparing Windows Defender features to those of Norton, it is clear it doesn’t stand a chance. Norton packs a slew of features and even offers identity theft monitoring.
Malware protection is the most important criterion for any antivirus software. Windows Defender and Norton products offer unmatched malware protection. Even with the lack of security-enhancing features, Windows Defender does a premier job.
Both antivirus suites protect you against viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other online and offline threats.
To find out which of these two solutions provides the best protection against Malware, we looked at third-party testing done by AV-Test. The results were:
Windows Defender Results:
Norton Results:
Overall, both Windows Defender and Norton are neck and neck in terms of malware protection.
| Winner: Both. |
While defense from threats and functionality matters, the impact it has on your system performance is just as important. This means you need to choose an antivirus solution that delivers the best system performance results.
To determine the winner in this category, we looked at third-party testing done by AV-Test, again. The results were:
Windows Defender Results:
Norton Results:
It is clear that Windows Defender takes the win here as it is a built-in solution.
| Best for system performance: Windows Defender |
WD | Norton | ||
Windows Defender | Free (Unlimited Devices) | Antivirus plus | $19.99/year - one PC or Mac |
360 Standard | $39.99/year - one PC, Mac, Smartphone, Tablet | ||
360 Deluxe | $49.99/year - five PCs, Macs, Smartphones, Tablets | ||
360 with LifeLock Select | $99.48/year for five devices | ||
360 with LifeLock Advantage | $191.88 /year for ten devices | ||
360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus | $299.88 /year for unlimited devices |
Norton gives you excellent value for your money, but Windows Defender wins in this case as it is a free product.
| Best price: Windows Defender |
The Windows Defender interface is simple with colors of white, light gray, and blue. The Home window is your “security at a glance.” It contains quick links to the following modules: Virus & Threat Protection, Account Protection, Firewall & Network Protection, App & Browser Control, Device Security, Device Performance & Health, and Family Options. Each module contains related features and their settings.
Norton 360’s user-friendly interface contains the signature colors of the company: black, grey, and yellow. Just like Bitdefender, the Norton 360 dashboard notifies you that you’re safe.
From the program's dashboard, you can easily access identity, performance, security, and all the other features. It even includes a web portal to manage the devices using the antivirus program efficiently.
| Most user-friendly provider: Norton |
Microsoft Customer Service and Support is available to help you with questions about Microsoft products and services. They offer technical support and will provide support options to resolve technical support issues. This may include self-help support or assisted support.
Norton offers 24/7 customer support via telephone, live chat, and email.
| Best customer support: Norton |
Windows Defender is reliable antivirus software that you can use as your first line of defense on your Windows devices. However, if you need comprehensive protection, you will need a paid premium antivirus suite like Norton.
