Establishing an internet connection can expose users to the lurking threat of malware, making the choice of antivirus software a critical decision. Among the leading contenders in this space are Avast and Norton, both of which leverage the same robust antivirus engine to deliver impressive core malware protection. However, the nuances in features, resource consumption, and pricing ultimately guide consumers in selecting the right vendor for their needs.
Real-time threat detection
Avast excels in real-time monitoring, vigilantly observing file and application behavior to thwart potentially harmful activities before they can inflict damage. Its Wi-Fi security scanner adds an extra layer of protection by monitoring remote connection requests and checking for data breaches linked to your email address. In parallel, Norton employs advanced AI and machine learning technologies to defend against a spectrum of threats, including phishing, ransomware, and malware. Despite both brands achieving high success rates in blocking malicious links, users may encounter a fair share of false positives from both services.
Firewall
A robust firewall is essential for any antivirus suite, and both Avast and Norton deliver commendably. Avast provides comprehensive control over incoming and outgoing traffic, allowing users to customize protection levels easily. Norton matches this capability, but its Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) offers an additional layer of security by monitoring traffic that has already passed through the firewall, enhancing defense against sophisticated threats.
Identity theft protection
In the unfortunate event of identity compromise, both Avast and Norton offer solutions, albeit primarily through their premium tiers. Avast One includes essential features such as credit monitoring and professional assistance, along with identity theft compensation of up to million. Norton, on the other hand, partners with LifeLock to provide a more comprehensive identity theft protection service, featuring identity lock, credit monitoring, and alerts, alongside personal assistance and similar compensation limits.
VPN
With the increasing importance of online privacy, a VPN is a valuable addition to any antivirus suite. Avast offers a basic VPN even in its free version, though it comes with a weekly data cap of 5GB and limited server location options. Upgrading to a paid tier removes these restrictions and grants access to 59 server locations. Norton’s VPN, however, stands out with a more extensive network of 100 global locations and advanced features such as a kill switch, IP rotation, and ad blocking, making it a formidable choice for users seeking robust online security.
Password manager
While many antivirus providers integrate password managers into their premium offerings, Avast does not include this feature in its Avast One subscriptions. In contrast, Norton provides a user-friendly browser-based password management tool that allows for credential sharing across devices, complete with auto-fill capabilities and a password generator.
Parental controls
Avast lacks parental control features, which is a notable shortcoming given the prevalence of such tools among major antivirus vendors. Norton, however, excels in this area, offering intuitive parental controls that provide insights into children’s online activities, app usage, and screen time. The ability to blacklist websites and set geographic restrictions, coupled with GPS tracking, enhances parental oversight significantly.
Other security features
Beyond the core functionalities, both Avast and Norton come equipped with additional features that enhance their security offerings. Norton’s Data Shredder ensures that deleted files are irretrievable, while both services prevent unauthorized access to webcams. Avast’s Webcam Shield extends this protection to microphones. Norton compensates for Avast’s oversight with Dark Web Monitoring, alerting users if their personal data appears on the dark web. Both providers also feature private browsers for secure browsing, but Norton’s inclusion of cloud backup functionality provides an additional safeguard against data loss.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-avast-versus-norton-system-performance”>Avast versus Norton: System performance
When it comes to system performance, Avast demonstrates a slight edge over Norton, achieving a commendable impact score of 3.8 in recent tests conducted by AV-Comparatives. Norton follows closely with an impact score of 4.6. Both solutions outperform many other reputable antivirus options, making them solid choices for users concerned about system performance.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-avast-versus-norton-ease-of-use”>Avast versus Norton: Ease of use
Avast’s design philosophy emphasizes simplicity, making the user experience enjoyable and accessible. The intuitive interface of Avast One allows users to quickly navigate to essential features. In contrast, Norton’s interface, while well-designed, offers more complexity and information, which may appeal to advanced users but could overwhelm beginners.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-avast-versus-norton-protection”>Avast versus Norton: Protection
Ultimately, the effectiveness of antivirus software hinges on its ability to combat malware. Both Avast and Norton deliver impressive results, with identical detection rates in recent malware protection tests. While they may generate some false alarms, their high detection rates affirm their reliability in safeguarding users against known threats.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-avast-versus-norton-pricing”>Avast versus Norton: Pricing
Despite sharing the same antivirus engine, Avast and Norton differ in their pricing structures and feature sets. Avast offers a more economical entry point, with its Basic tier providing essential antivirus protection for a single device. The Avast One Gold plan, which includes identity protection features, is priced at .88 annually for five devices. Norton, while more expensive, offers a broader range of plans starting at .99 for one device and going up to .99 for its most comprehensive package, which supports up to ten devices.
