Windows Defender vs Norton: What Are the Differences?

Norton and Microsoft Defender are both excellent security apps. Many users want to get details about Windows Defender vs Norton.

I am being advised to remove the Norton Security system, which is a licensed version of course.  Experts say Norton would clash with Windows Defender in many processes. Also, I do not really need an external antivirus when windows defender is installed and working. I want to get an expert opinion on this for me to take a qualified decision to uninstall Norton. Thanks.Microsoft

Related post: How to Uninstall Norton Antivirus with Ease [Complete Guide]

Overview of Windows Defender and Norton

Windows Defender

Windows Defender comes built-in with the Windows OS and is also called Windows Security. It protects your PC from viruses and malware. It provides real-time protection against threats. Also, the SmartScreen feature will warn you if you visit a malicious website.

Norton

Norton is a third-party tool that protects your PC after purchasing a plan. Norton antivirus protects your PC from viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, and other threats that could cause harm to your PC. It offers multiple software and services including Norton AntiVirus, Norton 360, Norton Secure VPN, etc.

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Windows Defender vs Norton

Windows Defender vs Norton: which is better for you? Next, there are some comparisons between Windows Defender and Norton from 7 aspects – interface, malware protection, main features, performance and system impact, compatibility, price and plan, and customer service.

Windows Defender vs Norton: Interface

The first aspect of Windows Defender vs Norton is the interface.

Windows Defender is simple and easy to use. Windows Security is the main dashboard for controlling software features and operations. Here, you can see the 7 tabs – virus & threat protection, account protection, firewall & network protection, apps & browser control, device security, device performance & health, and family options.

Norton is user-friendly with a simple installation process. It offers several advanced features. Here, you can see the 5 parts – Device Security, Software Updater, Private Browser, Cloud Backup, and Password Manager.

Windows Defender vs Norton: Features

Here, this aspect of Microsoft Defender vs Norton is their features.

Windows Defender:

Microsoft Defender has a variety of security features to choose from, from basic threat protection to parental controls.

Virus and threat protection: You can find all available scans in this feature. You can perform several types of scans: Quick Scan, Full Scan, Custom Scan, and Offline Scan.

Account protection: To get enhanced security and other benefits for your Microsoft account, you’ll be asked to sign in. In addition, you can manage device sign-in options and set up dynamic locking in Windows Hello.

Firewall & network protection: Here, you can manage and disable or enable firewalls on different networks, including domain, private, and public networks.

Application & browser controls: It includes reputation-based protection, intelligent application control, and exploit protection. All these settings are essentially designed to protect your device from potentially harmful malicious activities.

Device security: Microsoft Defender device security involves securing the core parts of your computer, whatever they are. Core isolation, secure processors, and secure boot all ensure maximum protection for your device.

Device performance & health: It includes health reports on the Windows Time service, storage capacity, and applications and software.

Family option: It includes parental controls and health monitoring of family devices.

Norton:

Norton’s product has different versions with different features. The basic edition is Norton Antivirus Plus. It has the following features:

• 1 PC, Mac, tablet, or phone.
• Award-winning antivirus engine with online threat protection.
• Smart firewall.
• Password manager.
• 2GB cloud backup.

The more advanced edition is Norton 360 Standard.

• 1 PC, Mac, tablet, or phone.
• Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection.
• 100% virus protection promise.
• VPN private internet connection.
• 10GB cloud backup^.

The Norton 360 Deluxe plan has features of Norton Antivirus Plus and has more privacy features as well. They include:

• 3 PCs, Macs, tablets, or phones.
• Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection.
• 100% virus protection promise.
• 50GB cloud backup.
• Password manager.
• VPN private internet connection.
• Dark web monitoring.

The next is the Norton 360 Advanced plan and it packs the following additional features:

• 5 PCs, Macs, tablets, or phones.
• Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection.
• 100% virus protection promise.
• 200GB cloud backup.
• Password manager.
• VPN private Internet connection.
• Dark web Monitoring.
• Privacy monitor.
• Parental control.

Overall, both Norton and Microsoft Defender offer effective scanning and threat detection capabilities, with Norton offering more additional features.

Windows Defender vs Norton: Malware Protection

Then, let’s see Norton vs Windows Defender for malware protection.

Real-time protection and firewall

Microsoft Defender provides real-time protection, constantly scanning your devices and networks for threats. It includes a built-in firewall that protects your device from unauthorized access and blocks potentially malicious network traffic.

Norton provides real-time protection, continuously monitoring your device for potential threats and blocking them before they can cause damage. It includes a powerful firewall that prevents unauthorized network access and protects against malicious activity.

Scanning and threat detection

Microsoft Defender uses signature-based scanning and heuristic analysis to detect malware. It relies on its extensive threat intelligence database and cloud-based protection to identify and remove threats. Microsoft Defender also uses machine learning to detect and defend against emerging threats.

Norton offers a variety of scan options, including quick scan, full system scan, and custom scan. It uses advanced heuristics and behavioral scanning to detect and eliminate known and unknown threats.

Windows Defender vs Norton: Performance and System Impact

The fifth aspect of Windows Defender vs Norton is performance and system impact.

Microsoft Defender is an integrated part of the Windows operating system designed to consume fewer system resources and have minimal impact on system performance. It is optimized to work seamlessly with Windows, ensuring overall system performance is not affected.

Norton may consume more system resources than Microsoft Defender. However, as technology advances, Norton optimizes its software to minimize system impact and deliver efficient performance.

Windows Defender vs Norton: Compatibility

Windows Defender is compatible with devices running on Windows operating systems.  In contrast, Norton products are cross-platform. They are compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Windows Defender vs Norton: Price and Plan

Windows Defender is a free antivirus integrated into Windows 11/10. You don’t need to buy it. As long your device runs on Windows 11/10, you will have access to Windows Defender.

It’s a different case for Norton products. Since they are paid premium antivirus products, you need a subscription to access what they offer. Norton has different subscription plans for each product it offers. The plans carry a 60-day money-back guarantee. Here are the details of the first-year subscriptions;

• Norton Antivirus Plus costs $19.99 per year; it covers 1 PC, Mac, tablet, or phone.
• Norton 360 Standard goes for $24.99 per year; it covers 1 PC, Mac, tablet, or phone.
• Norton 360 Deluxe retails at $29.99 per year; it offers protection for up to 5 PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets.
• Norton 360 Advanced retails at $34.99 per year; it offers protection for up to 10 PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets.

Microsoft Defender vs Norton: Customer Service

If you need support, Microsoft Defender provides some options. You can chat with other users in the community or log into your 365 account and fill out a support ticket. Microsoft also provides articles to help you solve common problems, such as problems downloading apps.

Norton also has a support team that you can send a message on Facebook or Twitter. 24/7 live customer support means you can get help anytime, anywhere.

Microsoft Defender vs Norton: Which One to Choose

You know the differences between Windows Defender and Norton and now you can decide which one to choose.

If you’re looking for a free, lightweight antivirus solution for your Windows 11/10, Windows Defender is an excellent choice. It offers core features like real-time protection and malware scanning. Windows Defender is a good choice for users who don’t have critical data and need basic protection.

Norton offers a variety of security features. It offers malware protection, smart firewall, data protection with cloud backup, password management, and device optimization. Norton is a great choice for users looking for an all-in-one security solution. Additional features like a password manager and device optimization can significantly enhance your online security and overall device performance.

Back up Your File using MiniTool ShadowMaker

Only using antivirus software to protect your computer is not enough because there may be some problems with the antivirus software such as unable to login to Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender not working on Windows 11, Norton slowing down your PC, etc.

Therefore, it is recommended that you use another software to back up your important data to prevent data loss. Then which backup tool should you choose? MiniTool ShadowMaker is the best one.

It is a piece of free backup software, which can allow you to back up files, folders, partitions, disks, and even the system. Besides, it allows you to move Windows to another drive. It is highly recommended to select an external hard drive to save your backup. Now, let’s see how to back up data with MiniTool ShadowMaker.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

1. Double-click MiniTool ShadowMaker to launch it on your computer, then click Keep Trial to get into its main interface.

2. Go to the Backup page. You can find that MiniTool ShadowMaker selects the operating system as the backup source by default.

Here, if you need to back up files, thus, click SOURCE > Folders and Files, and then choose the files that you want to back up. Click OK.

3. Click the DESTINATION button, choose a destination to save your backup files, and then click OK.

4. At last, click Back Up Now to start the backup for your computer, or you can click Back Up Later to delay the task.

Final Words

To sum up, this post has listed multiple differences between Windows Defender and Norton, so after reading this post, you should know which one is more suitable for you. What’s more, it’s recommended to use MiniTool ShadowMaker to better protect your data.