In comparison, Norton only blocked one EICAR sample and allowed the rest.įor the live samples, Kaspersky immediately deleted them after being unlocked and zipped. Kaspersky successfully identified all EICAR samples, and all were blocked.
I turned off real-time detection and ran a full system scan and a quick scan to see how well the malware was detected and quarantined. For the second test, I downloaded sample malware files from The European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR). The first test I performed checked for malware threats in real-time, instead of waiting for a scheduled scan. To see how each product performed, I conducted a number of tests.
Protecting your PC against malware is a key factor in deciding which antivirus program is best. Later in this comparison, I’ll delve into what they both have to offer consumers. In terms of price, Norton and Kaspersky are about even.
It’s also important to note that both work with all the major operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android devices. Norton offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, whereas Kaspersky offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Norton and Kaspersky both offer a money-back guarantee. Similarly, Kaspersky offers a hefty discount off its Total Security software, also coming in at $49.99.
Norton 360 Deluxe software is $50 off for the first year, cutting the price to $49.99, at the time of writing.
You can also add on LifeLock, an identity theft protection service.īoth Norton and Kaspersky discount your first year of subscription. The next tier up with Norton Deluxe provides everything the standard one has, but with an added 50GB of cloud backup, protection for up to five devices, and parental controls.
This basic plan includes anti-spyware, malware and ransomware protection with a password manager, 10GB Cloud Backup, secure VPN and safecam. Norton offers no free antivirus plan and prices start at $79.99 per year. Finally, the new Security Cloud program includes antivirus, anti-ransomware, mobile security, VPN, parental controls, and privacy tools. Kaspersky Total Protection features all of the above, but with parental controls, a password manager, and file backup. Next, Kaspersky Internet Security features webcam protection and an encrypted browser for when you bank online. The next tier offers you, again, basic software, but with the added feature of not slowing your computer down while protecting it. As expected, it offers very basic features and only gives you core protection against common viruses and suspicious websites. Kaspersky offers a free security cloud program. However, Kaspersky is controversial, as some privacy enthusiasts are wary due to the alleged links with the Russian government. The company’s portfolio is impressive and includes leading endpoint protection and services to fight the most sophisticated and evolving digital threats. They protect over 400 million users and help 250,000 corporate clients with cybersecurity. Kaspersky was founded in Russia in 1997 and currently operates in 200 countries. Norton helps secure the devices and online privacy of nearly 50 million consumers.
Since 2001, it has been produced by Symantec Corporation in California. Norton is well known and a global leader in the antivirus program world and has been around for 28 years. Here’s what I found out about Norton vs Kaspersky: Summary: Norton vs Kaspersky Norton If you don’t have enough time to read the full comparison, here is the quick version: Norton is my choice in this comparison, due to superior malware detection rates, good value for money, and useful additional features including a password manager and parental controls. I will also take a quick look at some independent research from the top antivirus labs running independent tests and consider other important aspects, including performance and the impact of scans on the speed of the PC. Let’s put each software up against one another and see which comes out on top in terms of performance, additional features, and overall cost.įor this comparison, I will use both my own in-house malware detection tests and find out which one offers my PC the best possible protection. In this comparison, I want to find out the answer to a simple question, which antivirus is better? Both providers offer antivirus software using the latest malware detection techniques and secure millions of user devices across the globe.ĭespite being so popular, Kaspersky also comes with a little controversy due to links to the Russian government.
Norton and Kaspersky are popular brands of antivirus, well known amongst security enthusiasts and consumers.