Bitdefender vs Norton: Which one to choose?
Being a hot commodity, antivirus software solutions never stop from providing users with diversity and new features. Aside from regular scans and trash cleaning, antivirus programs such as Bitdefender and Norton can also offer something more.
For example, they can scan your device for viruses, infections, and other threats, block trojans, phishing attacks, and remember the passwords you’ve used on different websites. Want to find out more? Welcome to our review!
Main Features of Norton and Bitdefender
Both antivirus software platforms are not bad in terms of toolsets and efficiency. Their primary function is to get you as far from trouble as possible. That is why the leading cybersecurity minds have equipped these platforms with decent protection tools and even more.
Norton Antivirus
The rich set of Norton skills includes:
- Compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- The variety of plans (LifeLock Select, Deluxe, Small Business, Family Premier, Standard, Ultimate Plus) for different budgets and needs.
- Independent tools that could be bought separately (Secure VPN, Privacy Manager, Computer Tune-Up, Ultimate Help Desk for 3 devices, Utilities Premium).
- Free Trials for Android, iOS and Family Premier.
- Real-Time Threat Protection (Protect your sensitive data 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year).
- Dark Web Monitoring (If your data appears somewhere outside of the “Surface Web,” they’ll let you know).
- SafeCam (You get a notification if other people are using your web camera).
Bitdefender antivirus
This guy here can also boast of some cool specs. For instance:
- Two different plans for Home and Business needs.
- Free tools (Virus Scanner for Mac, Traffic Light).
- Free Antivirus Trials (for Mac OS and Android, Premium Security, Total Security 2022, Family Pack 2022, Internet Security 2022, Antivirus Plus 2022, Antivirus for Mac).
- VPN for a safe browsing experience.
- Quick Scan for virus detection and removal.
- Prevention of phishing and masquerade attacks.
- Password Manager to enable you to quickly access your online banking services and make transactions in a nick of time.
Verdict
In this battle Norton vs Bitdefender, the winner is Norton. It has more features and provides advanced solutions.
Malware Protection: Norton or Bitdefender
We’re looking for an antivirus program that can make us forget about the outside threats once and for all. Let’s look at some features to see who is the best in the battle Bitdefender vs Norton!
Norton antivirus
- System Scan performs a usual scanning and cleaning.
- Reputation Scan scans specific folders or files that you believe could be a threat.
- Multi-Boot Scan checks other operating systems on your device. For example, if you’re a Mac user but have Windows going through as your back-up OS.
- Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, Malware & Ransomware Protection is a versatile tool that gets you covered if anything malicious is trying to get through your firewall.
- Virus Protection Promise is a unique feature promising to give your money back in case Norton isn’t able to deal with some virus or spyware.
- LifeLock Identity System notifies you whenever something unusual has landed on your computer.
Bitdefender antivirus
When it comes to malware protection, Bitdefender is ready to stand out. Numerous features that provide you with real protection from cybercriminals willing to steal your credit card password are proof to that:
- System Scan is a deep scan for hidden threats pretending to be usual downloads;
- Rescue Environment provides you with solutions to get rid of unbearable digital infections;
- Vulnerability Scan will show you if your system is or could be subject to a hacker’s attack;
- Threat Defense stands battle to viruses of different disguise, size, and origin;
- Manage Spammers is a curious feature letting you see who tends to send you spam messages or ads.
Verdict
Again, Norton steals the victory from Bitdefender’s hands and occupies the first place. Will Bitdefender fight back or remain at the tail end? Who knows.
User Interface and Impact on the System: Bitdefender vs Norton
Earlier, antivirus software was known to eat the power for its needs and make a turtle out of your computer. Today, antivirus developers claim to speed up system performance and make your devices work even better. But, do Norton and Bitdefender know about it?
Norton antivirus
- Several AV tests have proven that Norton’s performance is highly smooth and non-disturbing. Your progs and websites won’t take long to open when you’re running a Disk Check.
- You can download the Tune-Up tool to update your old computer and use precious suggestions for the antivirus.
- Power Eraser was made, especially for performance improvement purposes. Besides, you could get it for free for 30 days.
- Utilities Premium is another friend of yours if you want your PC to operate faster.
- Your RAM is clean because Norton stops or gets rid of apps that drain your computer’s memory.
- The User Interface looks pretty good with dominating green, grey, white, and orange colors. It’s easy to navigate and set up.
Bitdefender antivirus
- The first step to make the operation nice and smooth is to say goodbye to unnecessary or junk files. The Oneclick Optimizer feature cleans small and big-sized files and can uninstall the unused programs.
- If there’s still a problem, try the Disk Cleanup to get rid of junk files sitting at the depths of your device.
- You don’t have to replace your SSD to speed up the boot. Use the Startup Optimizer and see your system start faster and apps opening snappier.
- Anti-Theft will take care of the important files and programs from accidental loss. It also won’t let any criminal steal your sensitive data.
Verdict
Well, after testing both the protection programs, we’ve concluded that Norton defeated Bitdefender again. These guys are crazy, what are they going there, huh?
Pricing: Bitdefender or Norton
Usually, people want to pay for things as little as they can and tend to download pirated versions of the programs that could compromise their security. Then, they start looking for the lowest prices. Check out who’s the budget king now!
Norton antivirus
Comprehensive protection plans from Norton are the following:
- 360 with LifeLock Select – $149.99 a year
- 360 with LifeLock Advantage – $249.99 a year
- 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus – $349.99 a year
The pricing for other tools looks like this:
- 360 Deluxe – $99.99 a year
- 360 Standard – $79.99 a year
- AntiVirus Plus – $59.99 a year
- Secure VPN – $79.99 a year for 5 devices
- Family Premier – $49.99 a year
- Mobile Security for Android – $29.99 a year
- Mobile Security for iOS – $29.99 a year
- Utilities Premium – $39.99 a year – up to 10 devices
Small Business:
- 5 devices – $99.99 a year
- 10 devices – $149.99 a year
- 20 devices -$249.99 a year
- Computer Tune-Up – $49.99
- Student Discounts
Bitdefender antivirus
What do we have here?
- BOX – $199.99 a year
- Premium Security – $149.99 a year for 10 devices
- Total Security – $89.99 a year for 5 devices
- Internet Security – $79.99 a year for 3 devices
- Antivirus Plus 2022 – from $39.99 to $79.99 a year (1-10 devices)
- Family Pack 2022 – $119.99 a year
- Antivirus for Mac – from $39.99 to $59.99 a year (1-3 devices)
- Mobile Security for Android – $14.99 a year
- Mobile Security for iOS – $14.99 a year
- Premium VPN – $139.98 a year for 5 devices
- Small Office Security – $149.99 a year for 10 devices
Verdict
It’s hard to give gold to either of them. That is why this round ends up in a draw. The prices seem to be the same, just ranging in one plan or another. Norton has this special offer for Students (which is very thoughtful), while Bitdefender has more business plans. We believe it’d be fair to single out neither Norton or Bitdefender.
Customer Support
Customer support is an essential part of every antivirus comparison. The variety of communication channels between the customers and company, the wait time, and the effectiveness of troubleshooting determine whether a client will further use the service of a certain antivirus provider or give it up for somebody else.
Norton Antivirus
Norton provides the following ways of interaction:
- 24/7 live chat and minimum wait time (the support team is pretty friendly and is always there for you when you need them);
- Facebook and Twitter pages to support you via social media (they use their pages both as information-sharing means and forum; you won’t have to talk or chat with someone in person if you have social anxiety or other disorders);
- Phone Support for urgent issues (24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year);
- A huge FAQ section where you will probably find an answer to your problem and won’t have to bother contacting the Support Team.
People from independent sources say that Customer Support reacts fast and almost always resolves the issues that bother you. However, there are some unsatisfactory remarks about pricing, but that’s a whole different story.
Bitdefender antivirus
Bitdefender answer the question about means of communication like this:
- E-mail (send a detailed e-mail so that the Bitdefender team could come up with the solution for your particular issue);
- Forum (here, you can find some recommendations and pieces of advice on how to deal with different problems from both the users and the team; maybe, someone has already deal with a similar problem to yours and written a helpful step-by-step instruction);
- Chat (live-chat with Customer Support 24/7 to handle any problem of yours);
- Hotline (call them if it’s an emergency and get answers right now; besides, it’s a widely used method of communication when you’re doing your Tune-Up because you can speak and do the necessary enhancements at the same time).
Some reviewers say that they have problems with undesired automatic Bitdefender software updates. We hope that their software developers have already fixed that.
Verdict
Norton seems to handle Customer Support a little bit better than Bitdefender. (No offense, Bitdefender). It’s probably because of age and market experience. But, word on the street that Bitdefender’s Support Team responds within a few minutes in a chat and almost always gives useful information about your issue.
Our Verdict
Well, well, well. We’ve looked at all the most interesting and pressing aspects of the antivirus programs Bitdefender and Norton. In most cases, Norton was unbeatable and won the first prize thanks to better optimized and responsive software.
If you’re still wondering which antivirus is better for you, answer the following questions:
- What budget are you on?
Since both programs have different plans, they’re likely to meet everybody’s needs. They even have free trials. These are darn good offers.
- How many of your devices need protection?
Business plans are ready to protect up to 20 devices. But, an average user will likely need a smartphone, laptop, PC, and tablet protected. If you’re such a user yourself, opt for Standard or Premium packages. Both Norton and Bitdefender are doing well here.
- Do you need antivirus for home or business needs?
Even the most upgraded plan for home can’t protect the devices in your office. Bitdefender has more business packages to offer in this case.
- Does market experience matter to you?
If yes, opt for good old Norton. If not, choose any of the two.
That’s pretty much it. Good luck!
Bitdefender highlights:
- Bitdefender comes with many outstanding features, including anti-fishing/fraud, autopilot, work/movie/game modes, Wi-Fi SA (Security Advisor), online banking protection (it’s awesome), safe browsing, and more.
- This is, by far, one of the most intuitive and simple antiviruses on the market.
- Impressive third-party test results (only rivaled by Kaspersky).
- There’s a 30-day free trial for most packages. Total Security offers a 90-day trial.
Norton highlights:
- Safe and reliable files and data storage
- Blocking of illegitimate software
- Flexible scanning options
- User-friendly interface
- Decent variety of packages