Antivirus software is essential for protecting your digital life. Like a seatbelt, you may not need it every day, but when you do, it’s crucial. Choosing the right antivirus involves balancing cost, features, and effectiveness. This article compares Malwarebytes and Norton, two popular antivirus solutions, to help you decide which is best for your Windows or Mac.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer various plans to suit different needs and budgets. However, their pricing structures differ, particularly regarding renewals. Norton offers enticing first-year discounts, but the price typically increases significantly upon renewal. Malwarebytes, on the other hand, maintains a more consistent pricing structure.
For basic protection, Malwarebytes’ Basic Security costs $45 annually. Norton Antivirus Plus starts at an attractive $30 for the first year, but this doubles to $60 upon renewal. While Norton’s entry-level plan includes a password manager and 2GB of cloud storage, these features may not justify the price jump for some users.
Mid-range options include Malwarebytes Premium Plus at $60 annually (with a VPN) and $80 for three devices. Norton 360 Standard, also with a VPN and three-device support, is priced at $40 for the first year and $95 for subsequent years.
At the high end, Malwarebytes offers a plan with $2 million in identity theft insurance, social media monitoring, and dark web monitoring for $120 per year. Norton’s comparable plan, 360 Select, costs $100 for the first year and $180 upon renewal. It includes $1 million in identity theft insurance, data breach monitoring, $25,000 in stolen funds protection, 250GB of cloud backup, and coverage for up to 10 devices.
A PC monitor shows a side-by-side comparison of Malwarebytes and Norton pricing.
Key Features: Malware Protection, Privacy, and More
Beyond basic malware protection, modern antivirus software should offer comprehensive cybersecurity features. Here’s how Malwarebytes and Norton stack up:
Malware Protection Performance
Independent security testing lab AV-Test consistently rates both Malwarebytes and Norton highly for malware protection. While both perform well, Norton generally edges out Malwarebytes in these tests, often achieving perfect scores. Norton’s long history of robust malware detection reinforces its reputation as a reliable antivirus solution.
Protecting Against Scams and Online Tracking
Both Malwarebytes and Norton incorporate features to enhance online privacy. Phishing protection is standard across most plans. However, a VPN for location masking and enhanced privacy is typically included in mid-range and higher-tier plans. It’s important to note that while VPNs offer increased privacy, they may not always bypass geo-restrictions for streaming services.
Customer Support and User Experience
Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer 24/7 customer support. In our experience, both companies provide prompt and helpful assistance.
Usability is another key factor. Malwarebytes prioritizes simplicity, focusing on core protection features. Norton, on the other hand, offers a wider range of features, which can make the initial setup slightly more complex. While Norton’s feature set can be beneficial for tech-savvy users, some average users might find it overwhelming.
Free Antivirus Options
For those seeking free protection, Malwarebytes offers a free on-demand scanner for Windows and Mac to remove existing malware infections. Norton’s Power Eraser provides similar functionality but is limited to Windows. However, free versions often lack real-time protection, which is essential for preventing infections.
Final Verdict: Which Antivirus Reigns Supreme?
Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer effective protection. Malwarebytes provides excellent value, especially for single-device users. However, Norton generally offers more comprehensive protection and features. While Norton’s second-year price increase and data-sharing policy are potential drawbacks, its robust security and extensive feature set make it a compelling choice. Ultimately, the best antivirus depends on your specific needs and priorities.
