Windows Defender vs. Norton: Which One Should You Choose?

The main takeaways

• ✅ If you're looking for a free and lightweight antivirus that integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system, Windows Defender is an excellent choice.
• ✅ If you need more than just antivirus protection and are seeking an all-encompassing security solution, Norton is a highly attractive option.
• ✅ Relying solely on antivirus software may not be enough. To safeguard against potential data loss, it's crucial to regularly back up important data using professional backup software, such as Todo Backup, which provides an additional layer of protection.

Choosing the right antivirus software is crucial to protect your digital data from threats. Among the most renowned names in cybersecurity are Microsoft Defender and Norton. Both offer similar features, which can leave you puzzled about which one to pick. This article will compare the main aspects, performance, and pricing of Windows Defender and Norton. Whether you lean towards built-in or third-party solutions, there's valuable information here. By comparing prices, you can select the antivirus that best suits your specific needs.

Preview: Windows Defender and Norton

#️⃣Windows Defender refers to the built-in security software developed by Microsoft to protect users of the Windows operating system from viruses, malware, and other threats. It offers real-time scanning, automatic updates, a firewall, and various other protective features.

**Windows Defender is Microsoft's built-in antivirus software for the Windows operating system.** It safeguards your computer from security threats. Windows Defender runs in the background, providing real-time protection. It automatically scans downloaded files and updates regularly to ensure your system remains secure.

It also includes enhanced security features such as Windows Defender Firewall and SmartScreen. While it offers basic protection, it's suitable for many users' everyday needs. It's reliable for anyone needing a baseline security solution on their Windows device. However, if you require advanced customization and control, you'll have to look to third-party antivirus software.

Norton (#Norton)

Norton is a popular antivirus software in the realm of cybersecurity. It offers various software and services to protect digital data from online threats. Its products include Norton Antivirus, Norton 360, and Norton Secure VPN, among others. These tools provide real-time threat detection, firewall protection, and malware removal capabilities.

Related Reading: Is Norton a Good Antivirus? | Features, Pros, and Cons

In addition, they provide secure browsing and ensure comprehensive protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Norton is a reliable provider of online security, offering trustworthy digital protection for individuals and businesses alike. It adapts to evolving cyber threats and is committed to safeguarding users' privacy. Norton can remove viruses, block malicious websites, and keep your online activities private. If you're looking for safe browsing, Norton is a good option to consider.

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Windows Defender vs. Norton: A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the right antivirus software is crucial for protecting your computer from online threats. Here's a comparison between Windows Defender and Norton.

1️⃣ Safety and Reliability

Windows Defender keeps your device secure by protecting against viruses, malware, and other threats. Since it's built into Windows, it regularly receives updates and security patches from Microsoft. It features antivirus and anti-malware capabilities, as well as ransomware protection and network threat prevention. However, it doesn't offer advanced security features.

Norton is renowned for its robust security features. It offers excellent malware and ransomware protection, real-time threat detection, and advanced firewall capabilities. Norton boasts a vast database of threats and employs machine learning to identify and block emerging threats. Additional layers of security are provided by features such as a secure VPN and cloud backup. Users can trust Norton to provide comprehensive protection against various security threats.

2️⃣ Advantages and Disadvantages

3️⃣ Pricing Plans

Microsoft Windows Defender

• Free.
• A built-in, free antivirus solution for Windows users.
• It's included with Windows 10 and later versions.
• They're primarily designed for consumers with no upgrade options for additional features.

Norton

1. Norton AntiVirus Plus: Normally priced at $59.99 per year, but available for the first year at a discounted rate of $19.99. This plan offers 2 GB of cloud storage, virus protection, password management, and online threat protection.
2. Norton 360 Deluxe: Normally priced at $104.99, but offered at $49.99 for the first year. It includes all features of Norton AntiVirus Plus and adds a VPN, parental controls, webcam protection, and dark web monitoring.
3. Norton 360 with LifeLock Select: Usually priced at $149.99, but available for first-year subscribers at $99.48. This includes all basic plan features, 200 GB of cloud storage, dark web monitoring, and stolen wallet protection for up to five devices.
4. Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate: Priced at $349.99 annually, but with a first-year discount, it's available for $299.98. This top-tier package comes with advanced features like credit monitoring, 500 GB of cloud storage, and unlimited social media monitoring across all devices.

4️⃣ Usability and User Interface Design

Windows Defender is easy to use, since it's a tool that's built into Windows, and you don't have to download or install any extra software. Its scans and updates run automatically in the background.

Norton is user-friendly, with a straightforward installation process. It offers advanced features and customization options but keeps the basics easy to use. It includes easily understandable sections such as “Security,” “Internet Security,” “Backup,” “Performance,” and “My Norton.”

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5️⃣ Key Features

1. Smart firewalls

A smart firewall acts as a barrier between your device and the internet. By controlling the incoming and outgoing network traffic, it prevents hackers from attacking your device. Both Windows Defender and Norton include firewall features that monitor for unauthorized network access.

2. Malware protection

Malware protection is a basic feature of any antivirus software, and both Windows Defender and Norton provide strong malware protection.

3. Data Protection

Data protection ensures that your important files and documents are safe. Norton provides 50 GB of cloud backup space to store your data securely in the cloud. Windows Defender offers 5 GB of OneDrive cloud backup.

4. Password protection:

In an age of many online accounts and services, password protection is vital. Norton includes a password manager that generates and stores them securely. Windows Defender has Windows Hello, a system for using biometric authentication devices.

5. Device Optimization

Device optimization is another notable feature, and Norton excels in this aspect as well. It offers a range of optimization tools that enhance your device's performance, ensuring smoother operation.

Real-time protection

Real-time protection is a crucial feature offered by both Windows Defender and Norton. It monitors your system for threats and responds immediately upon detecting malware, blocking or removing it.

6️⃣ Impact on Computer Performance

Both Windows Defender and Norton are widely used antivirus solutions that can affect PC performance in different ways.

1. Resource Use

Windows Defender is a lightweight security app built into Windows that has a minimal impact on system performance and doesn't require additional background processes.

Norton is a third-party antivirus software that tends to use more system resources than Windows Defender. It runs as a separate application with additional background processes that can be resource-hungry at times.

Related reading: Windows 11 Virus and Threat Protection not working

Scanning performance

Scans with Windows Defender, such as quick scans and full system scans, tend to be lightweight and not significantly slow down your system. It's designed to run seamlessly in the background, without causing noticeable lag while you use your computer for everyday tasks.

Norton's scanning performance may vary depending on your system configuration and the specific task at hand. While it offers excellent malware protection, some users have reported that it can slow down their computer during scans, particularly during full system scans.

Test Results

Windows Defender vs. Norton: Which Should You Use?

If you're looking for a free and lightweight antivirus solution that integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system, Windows Defender is an excellent choice. It offers essential features such as real-time protection and malware scanning. For users with non-critical data who need basic protection, Windows Defender is a suitable option.

Norton comes packed with various security features. It offers robust malware protection, an intelligent firewall, ample cloud backup for data protection, password management, and device optimization. Norton is an attractive option for users seeking an all-encompassing security solution that goes beyond basic antivirus protection. Additional perks like a password manager and device optimization can significantly enhance your online safety and overall device performance.

While Windows Defender and Norton provide decent data security, you might need more specialized and efficient software to protect your valuable data. TotalAV is one such antivirus program that offers comprehensive protection.

TotalAV is an antivirus software renowned for its comprehensive digital protection. With its user-friendly interface, TotalAV offers ultimate safeguarding for your digital assets. It equips you with a robust defense system against online threats, actively scanning your system in real-time to detect and eliminate potential dangers. TotalAV places significant emphasis on privacy, providing a VPN service to keep your online activities anonymous and secure. Compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, it is a versatile choice for protecting all your devices. Coupled with excellent customer service and competitive pricing, TotalAV is suitable for users seeking advanced antivirus protection.

Related reading: Is TotalAV a Good Antivirus?

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TOTALAV

TotalAV is an award-winning antivirus and security software that provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and online threats.

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Bonus tip: Back up your computer for an extra layer of protection?

While antivirus software is crucial for safeguarding your computer from threats, relying solely on it is not enough. Antivirus programs can sometimes mistakenly delete important files. Therefore, an extra layer of protection is necessary by regularly backing up vital data to guard against potential data loss. Software like Todo Backup creates a secure copy of your data on cloud storage.

Todo Backup Free is a reliable backup software that helps you safeguard your important data. It features an intuitive interface, allowing you to back up files, applications, and the entire system. With its efficient storage management, it enables you to create full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups. It ensures data security and enables users to easily restore files.

• Backup and Restore: The Todo Backup tool enables users to create comprehensive backups of their system, disks, or individual files and folders. It offers multiple backup options, including full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups.
• Disk Cloning: It allows users to clone an entire hard drive or SSD, making it easy to migrate to a new disk.
• System Transfer: Users can migrate their entire system to another computer or storage device without reinstalling the operating system, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Scheduled Backups: Todo Backup provides the convenience of automatic backup scheduling. You can choose backup times and methods to ensure your data is always protected.
• File Recovery: Users can also recover files and folders from previous backups. This is particularly useful for retrieving data in case of accidental deletion or data loss.

Final Judgment

The choice between Windows Defender and Norton depends on your specific needs and preferences. Windows Defender offers a free built-in solution that provides basic protection for many users, whereas Norton comes with a suite of powerful features, making it an ideal choice for comprehensive online security.

Bear in mind that no antivirus is foolproof, which is why having a cloud backup is essential. Todo Backup is an indispensable tool for backing up your important data and preventing file loss.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Windows Defender and Norton

If you have more questions about how Windows Defender compares to Norton, here's some additional insight for you.

Do I need to install Norton if I am already using Windows Defender?

Windows Defender provides basic threat protection, while Norton offers advanced features and additional layers of security. If you're looking for more comprehensive protection and advanced threat detection, Norton would be the one to consider.

No, Lenovo Norton is not owned by Microsoft. It is a product developed by NortonLifeLock, which was previously known as Symantec Corporation. Although Microsoft is a major player in the technology industry, it does not own Norton antivirus software.

No, Norton is a product of NortonLifeLock, formerly known as Symantec Corporation. NortonLifeLock is an independent cybersecurity company that specializes in antivirus and internet security products.

How do I stop Norton from blocking my camera?

Follow the steps below to stop Norton from blocking your camera:

Turn on your computer. Open Norton. Go to the Settings or Preferences section. Look for something related to "Camera Protection" or "Webcam Protection." Disable the Camera Protection or Camera Block feature. Save the changes and exit the settings.