Choosing the right antivirus software can be daunting, especially with top contenders like Bitdefender and Norton boasting near-perfect malware protection scores. This article compares these cybersecurity giants across pricing, features, customer support, and usability to help you make an informed decision.
A person compares Bitdefender and Norton antivirus software pricing on a Windows PC.Comparing Bitdefender and Norton antivirus pricing.
Pricing and Subscription Tiers
While robust protection is paramount, cost remains a factor. Both Bitdefender and Norton offer attractive first-year discounts, but it’s crucial to consider renewal prices. Malwarebytes, for instance, offers consistent pricing and even discounts for longer subscriptions.
Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus starts at $40 for the first year and renews at $60, covering three Windows PCs. Total Security, offering cross-platform protection for five devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android), costs $70 initially and $100 upon renewal. Premium Security, including a VPN and password manager, is $80 for the first year and $160 thereafter. Ultimate Security, with identity theft protection, comes in at $90 initially and $180 for subsequent years.
Bitdefender and Norton antivirus price lists appear side-by-side.Bitdefender and Norton pricing comparison.
Norton often offers lower initial prices and more features. Norton Antivirus Plus starts at $30 and renews at $60. Norton 360 Standard, covering three devices, is $40 initially and $95 for renewal. Norton 360 Deluxe, covering five devices with a VPN, 50GB cloud backup, and additional features, is priced at $50 for the first year and $120 thereafter. Norton 360 with LifeLock, including identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and 250GB cloud backup, costs $100 initially and $180 annually.
Norton’s Ultimate Plus plan offers comprehensive protection, including financial transaction monitoring, home title monitoring, and up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement, for $300 the first year and $350 upon renewal.
Key Features: Malware Protection and Beyond
Effective cybersecurity requires more than a basic virus scan. Both Bitdefender and Norton offer a range of features to safeguard your digital life.
Malware Detection and Protection
Both Bitdefender and Norton achieve near-perfect scores from AV-Test for malware protection. However, AV-Comparatives’ offline tests reveal a difference: Bitdefender maintains a 96.1% detection rate in offline scenarios, while Norton drops to 81.8%. This highlights Bitdefender’s robust malware detection capabilities.
AV-Comparatives tests show offline detection, highlighting BitdefenderAV-Comparatives offline detection test results.
Scam and Tracking Prevention
Beyond malware, online tracking and scams pose significant threats. Upgrading to Bitdefender Total Security or Norton 360 Deluxe provides a premium VPN service to block trackers and maintain online privacy.
BitdefenderBitdefender’s VPN capabilities.
Additional Features
Both Bitdefender and Norton’s mid-tier plans include password managers for secure password management across multiple platforms. Norton offers cloud backup with its plans, allowing for data recovery in case of ransomware attacks or data loss. Bitdefender, on the other hand, provides ransomware protection with automatic file backup upon attack detection. Additionally, Bitdefender includes a system optimizer for enhanced performance, a feature mirrored in Norton 360 for Gamers.
Customer Support and User Experience
Both Bitdefender and Norton offer responsive and helpful customer support through self-service articles, 24/7 live chat, and phone support. Bitdefender’s response time is slightly faster in some tests.
NortonNorton’s live chat support.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
For basic Windows protection, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers a cost-effective solution. For cross-platform coverage, Bitdefender Total Security or Norton 360 Standard are viable options. At the mid-range price point, Bitdefender Premium Security, covering up to 10 devices with robust security features, is a strong contender. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider prioritizing robust malware protection, comprehensive features, and reliable customer support when making your decision.
