Protecting your device from viruses, malware, and threat is a must. Fortunately, there is a long list of antivirus software you can count on, including Norton and Avast. Both antiviruses have been trusted by millions of users to protect their devices. But when it comes to Norton vs Avast, which one is better? Every user may have different needs and preferences when picking antivirus software. But time has proven that both Norton and Avast are able to thrive amidst the strict competition in the industry. Scroll through and get to know head to head comparison between Norton and Avast!
Norton Overview
Norton is an antivirus product developed by NortonLifeLock. Initially released in 1991, this cross-platform software runs on major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Norton highlights extra protection against virus, malware, ransomware, and also spyware. As one of leading antivirus, Norton comes packed with tons of features and functionalities. It includes generous cloud storage up to 10GB, VPN service, and password manager. Moreover, the company offers different versions and pricing that can be chosen based on your needs.
Avast Overview
Avast has been around for a while since its initial release in 1995. Developed by Avast, it is among widely used software to protect devices against virus, malware, and threats. Both freeware and paid versions are available to provide browser security, firewall, anti-phishing, and much more. Compared to its rivals, Avast Antivirus offers excellent protection since it has the ability to detect up to 100 percent of malware samples, according to a test in February 2018. Not surprisingly, Avast becomes one of the most popular antivirus product on the market.
Norton vs Avast Comparison
It is not easy to point out the best antivirus among a number of products available, but a head-to-head comparison will give a huge help. Since the rivalry between Norton and Avast is real, you are about to figure out which one is better.
1. Features
The features actually heavily depend on which version you are using. Norton offers Standard and Deluxe versions, both of which are paid editions. While Norton doesn’t come with a free version, Avast Antivirus offers a free version in addition to Premium (single and multi-device) and Ultimate edition. Norton highlights extra protection to your devices. Using this product, you will get not only antivirus but also anti-spyware and ransomware shield. This service ensures viruses and threat cannot penetrate into your system as well as prevent them from appearing. Moreover, Norton has a complete package with added features such as Virus Protection Promise that helps you remove malware with a refund promise if they are failed. There is also a VPN service, allowing you to enjoy a secure connection on public Wi-Fi.
Meanwhile, Avast antivirus free edition could be the best choice for students or non-commercial use. It comes packed with protection against ransomware, virus, and threats. Thanks to a real-time monitoring service that keeps your device protected. If you need to get more features, Avast Premium that is available for single-device and multi-device comes packed with DNS cache protection, data file eraser, app updater, and remote access shield. Not to mention it has a secure sandbox to run suspicious files.
2. Norton vs Avast Protection
Protection becomes an essential aspect to discuss in this Norton vs Avast comparison. Evaluating the protection measures of both antivirus products helps you decide which one is better for protecting your device. Both Norton and Avast have been certified and comply with the highest standard of malware protection according to the AV-TEST Institute. This means both services are reliable for protection against malware and viruses. However, there should be one that comes up as a winner. When it comes to malware protection, Norton works by mitigating threats before they have the chance to infect your system. That’s why this antivirus continuously upgrades the most recent type of malware on its database. Simply put, Norton offers protection from the browser level. Meanwhile, Avast is built to identify threats that are already inside the system. For this reason, background scanning plays a major contribution in protecting your device. It will be a bit troublesome when your device is less powerful. Firewall protection is among features brought by both services. While Norton works with smart firewall, Avast offers advanced firewall which can be personalized. Norton’s smart firewall helps choose what can go through while pre pre-installed firewall from Avast allows you to whitelist come applications.
3. Scanning
As leading antivirus products in the industry, both Norton and Avast provide efficient scanning tools. However, Avast is able to scan 20 percent faster than Norton. Thanks to constant background scanning that helps save time for this service. Norton that doesn’t scan the background constantly takes more time for scanning. Despite the longer period of time it takes, Norton is able to perform more thorough scanning. However, a further investigation is still required.
4. PC Performance
Let’s compare Norton vs Avast PC performance. In this aspect, Norton seems to be the winner since it is friendlier to any devices. While Avast works excellently only on high-end computer, Norton works better on most computer. Scanning typically uses a large amount of resources. When running in the background, Avast uses processing power about twice as much as Norton does. But when it comes to full scan, both Norton and Avast use the same amount of CPU. While performing a quick scan, Avast spends processing power about 3 times as much as Norton uses. Higher-end computer can easily handle this job but devices with low specifications may not have sufficient resources to use.
5. User-friendliness
Both Norton and Avast are quite simple with a user-friendly interface. Norton comes with a black and white base that looks minimalist, making a perfect choice for users who prefer a simple, clean, and minimalist appearance. On the other hand, Avast is starker with vector-style boxes and rich colors. Coming with a dark base, it offers a modern look. For users who prefer a fresh, modern, and vibrant appearance, Avast could give the best experience. This product also has simple menu options for easier usage.
6. Norton vs Avast Pricing
Free subscription gives Avast an added value. For students and non-commercial use, this freeware could be more than enough for protecting devices. In contrast, Norton doesn’t offer a free subscription so users have to choose between four paid editions. While Avast Premium costs $34.99/year, Norton Standard spends $39.99/first year. And if you wish to gain extra features, you may upgrade Avast highest tier, the Ultimate that costs $59.99 per year. At the same tier, there is Norton Deluxe that charges $49.99/first year. Norton’s highest tier is priced at $54.99/first year that offers all Deluxe features and supports up to 10 devices. You will also get 25 GB cloud storage along with premium safety features as well as automatic backups. At a glance, Avast seems to be cost-efficient with its lower price. But when compared to what the products offer, Norton is much better. It may cost a few extra bucks but you will have much more to enjoy at the same tier.
7. Norton vs Avast Mobile Apps
It is necessary to compare Norton vs Avast mobile apps, especially if you wish to protect your smartphone the same way you protect the desktop computer. Unlike its desktop version, Norton for mobile is dominated with a black interface. It also offer a VPN service that auto-select a region.
Norton for mobile comes packed with a lot of features and functionalities, such as provides ad blocker, scans Wi-Fi weakness, and warning feature when device is connected to unsecured connections. For Android, Norton has added features like spam call checks and battery usage warnings.
Just as with Norton, Avast for mobile has a beautiful and user-friendly interface. This app also offers VPN services, yet users cannot control their VPN location. Additionally, it features scan for Wi-Fi but doesn’t have the ability to send warning messages like Norton does. There are more other features to enjoy, especially for Android users, such as device tracking and malware protection. It also provides you with app installation checks and RAM boosting.
Final Thought
All in all, both Norton and Avast Antivirus are excellent products to protect your devices against viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats. But based on a head-to-head comparison above, Norton takes the lead for a reason. This product may be more expensive in each tier, not to mention it doesn’t offer free subscription. It is also slightly slower than Avast. However, a few extra bucks means extra protection to your devices and slower performance with fewer CPU usage makes it worth the wait. So, which one should you choose? Norton may take the lead over Avast but it doesn’t mean Norton is the best for all consumers. If you are looking for an antivirus product for your high-end computer but it should offer free subscription and fast performance, Avast could be a good bet. On the other hand, if protection against threat is your priority, Norton is worth the consideration. Especially if you don’t have one of those higher-end computers, Norton is friendlier to your device. Based on Norton vs Avast comparison above, which one will you choose?
