Norton and Kaspersky are antivirus brands, both very well known. Norton is out of Mountain View, California and Kaspersky is a Russian-owned company. Both offer a diverse range of antivirus suites to match your protection needs. Norton has been a name in the antivirus business for years.
Main Differences between Norton vs Kaspersky
| Norton | Kaspersky |
| PC Cloud Backup | No PC Cloud Pick up |
| No Free Version | Offers a Free version |
| Dark Web Monitoring | Does not monitor the dark web |
| Offers 2 GB of storage space and provides password management storage with the basic plan | Offers cloud storage and a password manager with top tiered subscription |
| No VPN traffic cap | VPN traffic cap |
Norton vs Kaspersky: Features & Capabilities
Norton
Norton secures devices and online privacy for nearly 50 million customers. Norton has been one of the global leaders in antivirus for 28 years. Norton helps protect your device from malware and keeps your personal information safe. Norton has the standard real-time protection, firewall, virus removal features and provides other extras. If you go with the Norton 360 Deluxe or the LifeLock Select plans, you get a VPN that you can use on up to 5 devices with no traffic cap. Norton also offers the performance of dark web monitoring to check if your private details are in illegal marketplaces. With Norton you can have up to 500 GB of cloud storage, depending on the package you choose.
Features:
- Real-time threat protection
- Identity Protection
- Password Manager
- Secure VPN
- PC SafeCam
- Parental Control
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is a Russian owned company that started in 1997. Kaspersky operates in over 200 countries and protects 400 million users and does cybersecurity for corporate clients. Kaspersky has security features that prevent malware and helps you avoid online scamming and outrageous subscription plans. Kaspersky offers the real-time protection, anti-phishing, and system operation tools starting with its base subscription. Like Norton, Kaspersky offers the VPN with a pricier subscription, but there is a 300 MB daily traffic cap. Kaspersky offers a password management and cloud storage, but both come with limitations. Kaspersky offers a free safe kids protection as well as a premium safe kids protection. Kaspersky basic package does not offer a password manager nor 100% virus projection promise, as Norton does.
Features:
- Easy to use and set up
- PC, Mac and Mobile
- Blocks phishing
- Encrypted browser
- Safe Kids
Norton vs Kaspersky: Pricing
Norton has different pricing and package options. Starting with Norton Antivirus Plus at $19.99, moving to Norton at $39.99 to Norton 360 Deluxe at $49.99 then Norton 360 with LifeLock Select at $99.48 a month. Kaspersky starts at $29.99 per year for just the basic plan that includes malware protection and ransomware blockers, $39.99 per year for malware protection, Privacy Protector and Safe Money, for total security the cost is $44.99, and it includes malware protection, Privacy Protector, Safe Money, Safe Kids mode, password management and file protection. Kaspersky charges more if you want to protect up to five PCs.
Pricing for Norton seems to be more effective in terms of what you are receiving with the priced package.
Reasons to choose Norton over Kaspersky
Norton offers real-time monitoring for malware starting with its basic packages. Per reviews, Norton blocks all of your infections 100% of the time. Norton offers excellent customer service whereas Kaspersky does not offer video tutorials. Norton’s Anti-Virus Plus plan offers you real-time antivirus protection, anti-phishing, cloud backup at 2GB, password manager, 100% virus protection promise and online threat protection. Norton offers many different solutions to antivirus in varies pricing packages.
Pros:
- Credit alerts
- Identity lock monitoring
- Back activity alerts
- Up to 500 GB cloud backup
- Unlimited secure VPNs for PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones
Reasons to choose Kaspersky over Norton
Kaspersky offers free malware protection and is easy to install. You also have the option to participate in the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN). Kaspersky has tech support where there is a chat option available 24/7 or you can reach them by phone. Kaspersky has an extensive knowledge base and FAQ section for questions that may not need the chat feature.
Pros:
- Database regularly updated with the latest threats and viruses
- Little impact on memory and system performance
- Data Shredder
- Fully Encryption utility
- Smart Firewall
The Similarities between Norton and Kaspersky
Both Norton and Kaspersky show excellent performance in the malware protection. Norton and Kaspersky are similar in their run-time and system performance, and don’t force your computer to go into overdrive. The user interface for both Norton and Kaspersky are easy for you to use, with simple text fonts and colors.
Norton and Kaspersky Alternatives
There are tons of antivirus protection solutions. Do your due diligence and find the best one that suits you and your needs. Here are some alternatives to Norton and Kaspersky:
- Malwarebytes for Business
- Symantec End-user Endpoint Security
- Sophos Intercept X: Next-Gen Endpoint
- McAfee MVISION Endpoint Security
- Spybot
Norton vs Kaspersky: Final Verdict
If you are looking for one of the best antiviruses, then Norton is the choice over Kaspersky. Norton’s malware detection rates and the value for the price outweigh Kaspersky. In conclusion, both Norton and Kaspersky are great contenders for the ideal antivirus software. However, while Kaspersky offers extremely useful additional features such as encrypted browsers and file protection, Norton gives you access to a secure VPN. If you are looking for lower pricing, then Kaspersky would be the winner. If you want better protection, then Norton comes out on top. Both are amongst the top performers for malware detection.
FAQ
Does Kaspersky slow down computers?
No Kaspersky does not slow down your computer, but their faster alternatives.
Does offer a money-back guarantee?
Norton offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a competitive pricing structure with minimal impact on your system.
Is Kaspersky allowed in the United States?
The U.S. government banned the use of Kaspersky software in federal information systems in 2017.