We live in the digital era and as such cannot stop using smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices. As these important smart devices are used, there is a possibility of having your data at risk if you invest and take advantage of antivirus programs. You need good antivirus programs with enhanced features to protect not just your information but your devices too. Norton and Windows Defender are two great antivirus programs lots of people use to achieve security and protection goals. They have the same goal which is to protect information and digital devices but are not the same from all angles. Here in this article, we will compare the two antivirus providers so you can choose the best one based on your needs.
Main Differences between Norton vs Windows Defender
| Features | Norton | Windows Defender |
| Compatible | Norton is compatible with more platforms. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and Mac. | Windows Defender is not compatible with iOS, Android, and Mac. |
| Ease of use | Windows Defender is easier to use | Not easier to use |
| VPN | Norton antivirus program has a VPN | Windows Defender doesn’t have a VPN |
| Launched company | It is launched by Symantec Corporation | It is launched by Microsoft |
| Price | Norton is a paid antivirus program | Windows Defender is free |
Norton vs Windows Defender: Features & Capabilities
Some of the features and capabilities of Norton and Windows Defender antivirus programs include:
Malware Protection
Norton and Windows Defender antivirus providers offer good malware protection. Although Windows Defender lacks enhanced security features, it does a great job. Norton and Windows Defender antivirus programs protect your smart devices from malware, ransomware, viruses, online threats, and offline threats. Windows Defender antivirus program uses cloud-delivered and real-time protection technologies to increase the protection of devices, detecting and detecting malware fast. Norton on the other hand provides all-in-one protection for your devices. Norton uses comprehensive and multi-layered protection technologies to keep your online identity and privacy safe from any malicious actor.
System Performance
In general, antivirus programs compromise the performance of a system. However, antivirus providers have improved their programs to minimize the performance overhead. Noticing a performance impact while using these two antivirus providers depends on the task at hand and your system. The system performance impact of Windows Defender which is a built-in service is not straightforward. It tries not to hog the resources of your devices – system. While it can have a great performance impact on scanning, you may not notice it when running sometimes. Just like Microsoft Windows Defender, the Norton antivirus program may have a performance impact. It may also not have a performance impact at times.
User Interface
Norton and Windows Defender antivirus programs have user-friendly interfaces. The interface of Windows Defender is simple and minimalist.
Security features
The Windows Defender antivirus program offers good security service but has a limited set of security features. When it comes to detecting malware programs, Microsoft Windows Defender is great for offline security but new malware programs may not be detected sometimes. Norton on the other hand has all the security features you want though it is a paid antivirus provider. Norton offers you better and more useful security features.
Norton vs Windows Defender: Pricing
Norton antivirus program is one of the best antivirus providers with the best security features but does not come free. You have to pay to benefit from its security services. Windows Defender antivirus provider on the other hand offers good and free security features. When comparing both, Windows Defender is more cost-effective than Norton’s antivirus program. Norton starts its prices from 9.99 dollars per month. Other prices for Norton antivirus plans include 19.99 dollars/year (first year) for Norton Antivirus Plus, 39.99 dollars/year (first year) for Norton 360 Standard, and $49.99/year (first year) for Norton 360 Deluxe.
Reasons to choose Norton over Windows Defender
While both antivirus programs are good in protecting your devices and information from malware, spyware, viruses, and other threats, you might want to choose Norton antivirus over Windows Defender for having more security features such as identity theft protection which improves online privacy and on-device security. Apart from security features, you should choose Norton over Windows Defender in terms of malware protection. Norton is better since it has more enhanced features for privacy and security. Choose Norton’s antivirus program as it is compatible with Windows, Android, Macs, and iOS devices while Windows Defender runs only on the Windows operating system.
Reasons to choose Norton over Windows Defender
If you want an antivirus program that will secure your devices and information from malware, spyware, ransomware, and other threats without having to spend a dime, choose the Microsoft Windows Defender. You don’t need to subscribe to use it. The Norton antivirus program is not free. All the plans are paid for. Another reason to choose Window Defender antivirus provider over Norton is the simple user interface.
The Similarities between Norton and Windows Defender
Protecting your devices and information is the major importance of every antivirus program. Norton and Microsoft Windows Defender antivirus providers give you top-notch protection from malware, viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Windows Defender antivirus program and Norton antivirus program are compatible with the window operating system.
Norton and Windows Defender Alternatives
The Norton antivirus program has alternatives such as SOAX, NordLayer, Avast Business Pro Plus, Bitdefender, OpenVPN, Privileged Access Security Solution, NordVPN, OneLogin, and ESET. Some of the antivirus alternatives for the Microsoft Windows Defender antivirus program are Norton antivirus program, Bitdefender antivirus program (which has a better antivirus engine and many security features), TotalAV (which detects malware better, is easier to use and has excellent personal computer tune-up), Avira antivirus software (better anti-malware scanner) and McAfee antivirus program which has better website protection such as Wi-Fi scanner and a customizable firewall.
Norton vs Windows Defender: Final Verdict
You can protect your devices and information from malware, spyware, viruses, ransomware, and other threats with good antivirus software like Norton and Windows Defender. Norton antivirus provider has a top record in protection with great security features. It offers you protection against identity theft and incomparable online security. Windows Defender on the other hand offers good security and protection but doesn’t have features like Norton though it is free. Norton antivirus provider offers paid security services. Depending on what you want, both of them can serve you well.
FAQ
Is Norton antivirus program safe?
Every antivirus package from Norton offers malware protection as they are highly effective. You will get identity theft protection and top security features with their paid service.
What’s the duration of Norton antivirus software?
According to Norton, its virus definitions are updated over 100 times each day. These updates are done invisibly and automatically so you may not see them.
Should I use Windows Defender in 2022?
Windows Defender is good and should be used in 2022 as there are lots of developments to make it better. The Microsoft Windows Defender can protect your devices and information against online threats.
Can I run Windows Defender and Norton antivirus programs together?
Yes, you can use both antivirus programs together but the Microsoft Windows Defender will not be active in the background. It is not necessary to run antivirus programs simultaneously as it will result in a high system performance impact.
Does Norton and Windows Defender slow down my devices?
All antivirus providers play a big role in your system performance. In order not to compromise the performance of your system or to reduce performance impact, Norton has been optimized several times. Nevertheless, your system might still slow down.
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