A virus is a type of malicious code or program that can alter the way the computer works then replicate and spread to other files, folders, and disks and cause damage to a computer system by inserting its code into computer programs, this can be avoided using an antivirus.
An antivirus is a program designed to protect the computer system from different kinds of viruses like trojan horses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and adware. The purpose of antivirus is to delete the malicious software that has already infected the computer and protect it in the future, it scans the system in real-time to find any threats, then removes them before any damage happens.
Softwares like Norton and webroot are both Antivirus that secures program files and hardware from malware although they both differ in features and functionality.
Below is a detailed review of Norton and Webroot software, we’ll be highlighting the features and capabilities of both to help you decide which would serve the user’s best interest.
Main differences between Norton and Webroot (summarized)
Here’s a table that highlights the main differences between Norton and Webroot
| Webroot | Norton | |
| User interface | it has a clean and organized interface and also all the needed functionality in a dashboard | it has an interface that’s compatible with all devices. |
| Malware protection | it is a cloud-based antivirus that makes scanning for threats fast. | it scans user files and compares them against the malware directory to detect malware |
| Pricing | pricing is based on the number of devices | Pricing is based on the number of simultaneous connections yearly |
| Free Trials | offers a 14-day free trial | offers a 7-day free trial |
Norton vs Webroot: Features and Capabilities
Norton and Webroot differ in features and capabilities, here’s what you need to know
Features and Capabilities of Norton
Here’s a breakdown of Norton’s key features and capabilities;
Antivirus Scanner
Norton offers a quick scan option also the ability to scan the computer system to identify and remove threats.
Online Protection
Norton keeps users secure while staying online by scanning the URLs for spyware, viruses, and malware.
Smart Firewall
It helps prevent suspicious programs from gaining access to files by alerting the users of a possible threat.
Password manager
Norton enables the users to create strong and reliable passwords with features like a password generator, unlimited password storage, and a lot more.
Cloud backup
Norton has a 50GB cloud backup drive, to store user data and files.
Parental control
This feature allows users to monitor their children’s online activities to enjoy the internet safely.
Features and capabilities of Webroot
Antivirus scanner
Webroot uses a cloud-based malware index in scanning the computer to detect and remove threats. Webroot is known to have the fastest scan time amongst competitors at 20 seconds scan time.
System Optimizer
This feature protects users’ online privacy by removing saved browser cookies and deleting junk files from the computer system or device.
Password Manager
Webroot makes use of LastPass, the most trusted password manager for the protection of user passwords and other personal information.
Online storage
Webroot has a 25GB online storage to keep user files and documents.
Norton vs Webroot: Pricing
Norton and Webroot differ in pricing systems, Below is their pricing system
Norton’s Pricing system
Norton Antivirus Plus
Pricing starts at $19.99 for the first year, with a renewal price of $59.99
Norton 360 Standard
Pricing starts at $39.99 for the first year, with a renewal price of $84.99
Norton 360 Deluxe
Pricing starts at $49.99 for the first year, with a renewal price of $104.99
Norton 360 with Lifelock
Pricing starts at $99.48 for the first year with a renewal price of $149.99
Keynote:
Considering Norton’s pricing system, there’s an obvious difference between the standard and premium subscriptions. Norton works with all operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, and Android devices.
Webroot’s Pricing system
Webroot doesn’t make its pricing policy public except for your signing up for it. Pricing starts at $29.99, it works with all operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, and Android devices.
Webroot Antivirus
Pricing starts at $29.99 for the first year, then a renewal price of $39.99 annually.
Webroot internet security plus
Pricing starts at $38.99 for the first year, then a renewal price of $59.99 annually.
Webroot Internet Security complete
Pricing starts at $51.99 for the first year, then a renewal price of $79.99 annually.
Reasons to choose Norton over Webroot
Here are some of the benefits Norton has over Webroot.
- It has parental control Features that Webroot does not have, it is an added advantage for users to create a safe internet experience for children.
- Norton has updated software that helps users to automatically update programs to their latest version every 7 days, Webroot does not have this feature.
- Norton supports several non-English languages for better adaptation by non-English users.
- Norton seamlessly runs in the background without slowing down the computer system
- Norton has an interface that is compatible with every device compared to Webroot whose interface is only compatible with computers.
Reasons to choose Webroot over Norton
- Webroot has the simplest Intuitive and friendly user interface
- Webroot offers its services for multiple devices at an affordable price compared to Norton
- Webroot is known to have the fastest scan at 20seconds
- Webroot has an anti-phishing technology, which improves the online safety of users.
Similarities between Norton and Webroot
The similarities between Norton and Webroot are based on their features and capabilities.
- Both Norton and Webroot have equally effective and efficient customer service options.
- Both Norton and Webroot have equally satisfactory, user friendly, and easy to use user interface
- They both offer cloud backup for user data and files to store and recover anywhere and anytime it is needed.
Norton and Webroot Alternatives
When in search of services of another antivirus, these are software that can work well in place of Norton and Webroot.
- For a developer or designer, W3Dart is a great choice. W3Dart is software that detects bugs and reports threats.
- If you are interested in cloud-based software, Logic Monitor is a Great Choice. It monitors users’ devices nonstop and provides full-stack visibility to organizations.
- Atera is also a good tool for online monitoring. It scans and gives real-time alerts on threats and a lot more
Norton vs Webroot: Final Verdict
Webroot is a great choice for medium to large organizations, also considering the pricing, it is a more affordable choice. But Norton is considered a better choice because It offers advanced security services, it is also better in terms of system performance and malware detection.
FAQ
Is Webroot better than Norton for freelancers?
A freelancer would need an antivirus that makes sure user data is uncompromising. Webroot is known for its quick scan and affordable pricing but in terms of online security and data handling Norton is a great choice
Which Antivirus is best suited for users with kids
Norton is the best option for users with children because it gives users control over children’s online exposure.
Can I test drive Norton or Webroot before purchase?
Both Norton and Webroot offer free trials, Norton for 7 days and Webroot for 14 days with access to almost every feature.
Resources