There are a number of threats that prevail on the internet today, many of which can have serious consequences for the victims involved. Investing in antivirus and antispyware software is a smart move for any individual or organization, however, with the industry for cybersecurity platforms exploding, how might one decide on the best platform to protect their devices? 

Today on the market, two popular cybersecurity software are Norton and Bitdefender. Norton is a leading and comprehensive protection package for threats on the internet. Bitdefender is globally recognized internet security software designed to protect users against the threats of the internet.

Let’s have a closer look…

Main Differences between Norton vs Bitdefender summarized:

NortonBitdefender
Features & CapabilitiesAntivirus, Antispyware, Malware and Ransomware protectionCloud backupFirewallPassword managerParental controlsVPNPC SafeCamVirus Protection PromiseProtection on up to 10 devicesTotal web protectionAntivirus and AntispywareBanking and payment protectionSystem optimization toolsParental controlsFirewallWi-Fi network securitySecure data encryptionFile shredderVPN30-day money back guarantee
Pricing$19.99 USD – $149.99 USD per year$24.99 USD – $159.99 USD per year

Norton vs Bitdefender – Features & Capabilities: 

Norton

  • Founded in 2001 in California, Norton is one of the leading companies around the world in consumer cybersecurity
  • For years, it has been giving users exemplary comprehensive protection for devices, including antivirus, antispyware, malware and ransomware protection, a VPN service, and other security enhancing tools
  • The platform offers protection to Windows PC, Mac, and mobile devices and smartphones through four options:
    • Norton Antivirus Plus
    • Norton 360 Standard
    • Norton 360 Deluxe
    • Norton 360 with LifeLock Select
  • Other features include a password manager, parental controls, firewall, cloud backup, and a PC Safe Cam
  • Norton is protecting and securing the devices of over 50 million users around the world

Bitdefender

  • Bitdefender was founded in 2001 in Romania and since then has been a market leader as detection and prevention tool for cyber threats, targeting small and medium sized businesses, mid-market enterprises and individual consumers
  • For years, it has been offering best-in-class protection against malware through antivirus and antispyware programs, system optimization tools, its VPN service, firewall, file shredding, parental controls, and secure data encryption
  • The platform’s protection is offered for Windows and Mac computers, mobile devices, and smart homes through its four options:
    • Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
    • Bitdefender Internet Security
    • Bitdefender Total Security
    • Bitdefender Premium Security
  • Additionally, users have access to extra features such as microphone and webcam protection, OneClick Optimizer, which cleans any device to speed up performance, and a privacy firewall
  • Trusted by millions of users around the world, Bitdefender offers a 30-day money back guarantee, as well as a free product offering with minimal features as a trial of the platform

>>More: Norton 360 Vs. Avast: Which Is Better For YouNorton vs ESET: Which Is Best For YouNorton vs. McAfee: Which Is Better For You | Norton vs Malwarebytes: Which Is Better For You


Norton vs Bitdefender – Pricing

Norton
Norton Antivirus PlusNorton 360 StandardNorton 360 DeluxeNorton 360 with LifeLock Select
First year price$19.99 USD$39.99 USD$49.99 USD$99.48 USD
Renewal price$59.99 USD$84.99 USD$104.99 USD$149.99 USD
Bitdefender
Bitdefender Antivirus PlusBitdefender Internet SecurityBitdefender Total SecurityBitdefender Premium Security
First year price$24.99 USD$29.99 USD$39.99 USD$49.99 USD
Renewal price$59.99 USD$79.99 USD$89.99 USD$159.99 USD

Reasons to choose Norton over Bitdefender

If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable antivirus and antispyware protection, Norton may be the best option for you. It comes at a slightly lower price tag overall but does not compromise on features and performance. Norton is an extremely well-performing software, achieving high scores on many performance tests, and its notable reputation stands tried and true. If you want a cybersecurity software that is exceptional in performance while coming at an affordable price, Norton is the best option for you. 

Reasons to choose Bitdefender over Norton

Bitdefender overall seems to offer a great value for its price, even though it is slightly higher. It performs exceptionally at blocking viruses and high-speed scans and offers a number of exciting features. What positions Bitdefender nicely amongst its competitors is its free product option, which allows users to try out a minimal feature offering before committing to the more expensive product tiers. 

Similarities between Norton and Bitdefender

Both Norton and Bitdefender have reliable reputations as leading antivirus and antispyware softwares from across the world. Both platforms offer comprehensive device protection for PC, Mac, and mobile devices or smartphones, a VPN service, parental controls, and firewall. The platforms also offer four comparable tiered products, offering different levels of features.

Norton and Bitdefender Alternatives

The internet can be a scary place, with cyber crimes and internet threats looming around every corner. This is why investing in a cybersecurity software to protect your personal information is a great idea. On the market today, some of the best antivirus protection of 2022 include McAfee, one of the leading antivirus platforms out there today, MalwareBytes, a high-speed and reputable cybersecurity software, and Webroot, notable for taking minimal harddrive space. 

Norton vs Bitdefender – Final Verdict

When looking for the best cybersecurity software for you or your organization, both Norton and Bitdefender are exceptional options to better protect your devices. Both softwares offer a number of comparable features, such as password managers and VPN services, and overall, highly effective malware protection tools. At a slightly lower price tag, Norton offers a tremendous amount of value in its service and ultimately performs just as well, if not better, than Bitdefender. Nevertheless, both cybersecurity softwares are great options to select and your choice boils down to what features you might find more valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is online privacy important?

From internet scammers and hackers to crooks trying to steal your identity online, there is no shortage of cyber-criminals on the internet. Unfortunately, having your personal information accessed without consent can have serious consequences. By protecting your devices through a trusted antivirus and antispyware platform, your information and data will be kept private from unwanted parties. 

How can I better protect myself on the internet? 

Keep your personal information to yourself! Sharing anything online can make you vulnerable to cyber crimes. When creating passwords online, ensure that they are different every time and are complicated and hard to figure out. Diversifying your passwords will also ensure an entire chain of accounts won’t be compromised if one password is exposed. A cybersecurity platform or the use of a VPN are a few smart strategies to seamlessly protect your devices. 

What are Private Data Leaks?

A serious threat of the internet is a private data leak, when your personal information is accidentally exposed, or “leaked” online. As a victim of a private data leak, information such as your date of birth, your emails, usernames, and passwords, medical history, place of address, and your official identification number can be then made vulnerable online, leaving you exposed to any sort of cyber attack. 

References & Links

  • https://ca.norton.com
  • https://www.bitdefender.com
  • https://www.comparitech.com/antivirus/norton-vs-bitdefender/
  • https://www.wizcase.com/blog/bitdefender-vs-norton/
  • https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-antivirus-protection

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