It is common to compare one tool with another when looking for the best options. The same is the case when finding an antivirus that offers comprehensive protection for your devices and online privacy.
Bitdefender vs Norton are the two most popular names in the antivirus software market. They are both designed to offer great features that can help you work in a protected environment.
But they have a few differences that set them apart. And you need to know about them so you pick an option that best suits your requirements.
So, in the war of Bitdefender vs Norton, let’s see who provides the best antivirus protection. Read this discourse to get a clear overview.
Features and Functionality
Each program comes with its unique functions and features. Let’s take a look at the most prominent ones.
Bitdefender Antivirus Features
Bitdefender is a reliable antivirus with a simple interface that works seamlessly with Windows specifically. It also comes with a non-intrusive free version that you can experience before actually paying for the subscription.
When it comes to features, Bitdefender doesn’t disappoint. Bitdefender offers a range of features, including malware protection, a Bitdefender VPN, and a password manager in its premium security suite plan.
Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus is a program that includes web protection, anti-phishing, and anti-ransomware features. It is one of the best systems designed for Windows PC.
The good thing is that only recently has it won the “Product of the Year” award from AV-Comparatives, courtesy of its performance and customer reviews.
Here are some of the functions that you may expect it to perform.
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is designed to work against all types of e-threats, including viruses, worms, and Trojans. It ensures that your data and privacy stay intact.
- Bitdefender has a multi-layered approach against ransomware. This covers a data-protection layer that helps safeguard all your essential documents, pictures, videos, and even music against various degrees of ransomware attacks. The antivirus plan integrates successfully with the Advanced Threat Defense module to ensure the protection of your data.
- Bitdefender comes with a web-filtering technology. This one is designed to protect you from all types of harmful websites. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus can detect and block all known infected links so you can stay saved.
- Bitdefender Photon is an exclusive technology that helps Antivirus Plus seamlessly adapt to your system’s hardware to secure computing resources. It also leads to an improved speed and performance.
- Another feature you can benefit from is the Anti-tracker. This extension is designed to block trackers that may be used to collect your data. This feature also allows you to manage all the information on each website you click to open.
Norton Antivirus Features
This antivirus is designed to facilitate the protection of both your PC and Mac.
Norton offers a range of features, including malware protection, a VPN, and a password manager.
Norton’s antivirus program also includes dark web monitoring, parental controls, and a secure VPN. If you can pay more, you can get Norton’s premium plans that offer additional features, such as cloud storage and identity theft protection.
Here is an overview of what to expect from this product.
- Norton provides real-time threat protection, which offers advanced security to protect your data against existing and emerging online threats.
- It comes with a Smart Firewall for your PC or a Firewall for your Mac to monitor communication between systems while blocking any unauthorized traffic.
- You can use the no-log Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a secure and private environment for browsing.
- Norton has a password manager. This tool can easily generate, store, and manage your passwords as required. This helps keep your credit card information and other credentials safe all the time.
- You can use Norton Antivirus to manage your kids’ online activities. You can use this tool to help your children explore, learn, and enjoy the connected world securely using their PCs or smartphones.
The features and functions of both tools revolve around one ultimate purpose, which is the protection of your system. However, they come with different pricing plans that you must be aware of.
Pricing and Plans
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus gives you essential Windows protection for only $29.9 for the first year. You can use three devices in this plan.
The All-in-One Plan which protects up to 10 devices is now on sale for $69.99 for the first year.
When it comes to Norton, there are three plans available, and each has one-year and two-year options.
The Standard plan for one year costs $32.99, and for two years, it is worth $52.99. This plan only protects one PC, tablet, or phone.
The Deluxe plan is for $44.9 for one year and $71.99 for two years. If you opt for this, you can get protection for five devices at a time.
Finally, the Premium plan is the most expensive one. It costs $59.99 for one year and $95.99 for two years. This applies to ten devices at a time.
While there seems not to be much difference, Norton is slightly cheaper than Bitdefender in terms of what it offers.
However, it is imperative to note that you can get a free trial with Bitdefender but not with Norton, which may be a bummer for many.
Performance and Impact on PC
When using Bitdefender and Norton on your PC, you may experience minimal impact on your device’s performance. This is because Bitdefender’s antivirus program is known for its fast scanning speeds and low system resource usage.
Similarly, Norton’s antivirus program also offers fast scanning speeds and a range of performance optimization tools.
To summarize, you may not feel any impact on your work speed when running any of these programs at the back.
Customer Support and Reviews
Both Bitdefender and Norton offer 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. Bitdefender’s customer support is known for its responsiveness and helpfulness. You can also visit their website to get through different guides that might be useful for you in case of any glitch.
Similarly, Norton’s customer support is also highly rated, with a comprehensive knowledge base and online community. Whether you need account help, assistance with device protection, or assistance with identity protection, you can always get in touch with the Help Center on the website. The Chat Support feature is also useful in this case.
Security and Malware Protection
Both Bitdefender and Norton offer top-notch malware protection, with high detection rates and fast response times.
Bitdefender’s antivirus program includes advanced security features, such as anti-phishing and anti-ransomware protection.
Since online scams are nowadays on the rise, Bitdefender’s advanced anti-phishing protection is perfect for your protection. It easily helps keep you out of any dangerous attack.
This is how it works. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus sniffs and then blocks all the websites that may portray themselves as trustworthy but aren’t in reality. They may steal your financial data, which isn’t a positive thing.
Similarly, Bitdefender’s multi-layered approach is also worth mentioning here. It works against ransomware to safeguard your essential documents and files. The features partner with the Advanced Threat Defense module to give you all the desired protection online.
Norton’s antivirus program also includes advanced security features, such as dark web monitoring and identity theft protection.
Dark web monitoring helps scan all your personal information on dark forums and sites. Identity theft protection ensures you save your data from being used by anyone who may not be you.
Compatibility and System Requirements
Both Bitdefender and Norton are compatible with a range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Bitdefender total security antivirus program requires a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 1.5 GB free disk space to perform its magic.
On the other hand, Norton’s antivirus program requires a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 300 MB of free disk space.
If you have an issue with the installation or setting up procedure of any of these products, don’t experiment. Instead, check your device’s capacity and settings to see whether they meet the criteria. However, if you still don’t come up with a solution, take customer support guidance without thinking twice.
Alternatives and Comparison
The comparison between Norton and Bitdefender might be clear to you by now. Some of the features are similar, while there are a few that are special and unique. But we can’t deny that both these programs are highly rated in features, pricing, performance, and customer support.
However, they also have some tough competitors that may grab your attention while you search for the best antivirus program.
For instance, McAfee antivirus offers advanced privacy protection, is AI-powered, and provides excellent protection against identity theft. It also comes with many plans starting from $35.99.
Avast is another popular option that offers similar features and pricing. It offers six layers of safety, is easy to install, and provides excellent support against ransomware attacks. It offers one of its plans for free. Paid plans start from $39.99.
Make sure that you do your research properly before picking an option. Weigh the pros and cons of each to select a product that can truly be game-changing for your cyber security.
Bitdefender vs Norton: What Sets Them Apart
The race between Bitdefender and Norton is never-ending. That’s because each has a fanbase that is truly their loyal customer.
That said, you shouldn’t rush when opting for one option over the other. Consider factors like features, cost, and customer reviews to conclude.
While Bitdefender’s antivirus program is known for its fast scanning speeds and low system resource usage, Norton’s antivirus program offers advanced security features, such as dark web monitoring and identity theft protection.
So, if one offers one thing, the other provides something else that is as important as any other feature. Therefore, don’t take this comparison lightly; evaluate the pros and cons of each to make a decision.
Conclusion
So, what can you conclude from the Bitdefender vs Norton comparison? Both programs are designed to serve a similar cause, and that is to protect your devices from cyber attacks.
While Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plan is comparatively pricier and is available for Windows only, it has multiple jaw-dropping features that make it a good competitor to Norton. Since Norton has served this space for longer, the product offers much more enhanced features with multiple pricing plans to meet various budget limits.
It is hard to say that one is better than the other, but if you are a non-Window user, you may find Norton to be the best option for you. However, if that isn’t an issue, Bitdefender won’t disappoint you. It has excellent customer support as well to assist you at any time of the day.
