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Cybersecurity is non-negotiable for businesses today. A single malware attack can compromise sensitive data and damage your reputation. This article pits two leading antivirus solutions—Norton and Malwarebytes—against each other in a 2023 comparison. Both offer robust features, but they serve different needs. Read on to find out which antivirus software provides the most comprehensive protection and best suits your business requirements.
Featured Partners
Price per year
INR 1,199 per year
Money back guarantee
30 days
Additional Features
Firewall, email security, ransomware & malware protection, real-time protection. Also includes 24/7 IT support
No. of devices with antivirus protection
5 devices
Money back guarantee
30 days
Price Per Year
INR 1,199 per year
Featured
Protection for PC gaming, Device & Online Security
Malwarebytes vs. Norton: At a Glance
Malwarebytes and Norton are two popular cybersecurity solutions widely adopted by individuals as well as businesses for securing their digital assets. While Malwarebytes specializes in malware removal and has a straightforward, user-friendly interface, Norton offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions including antivirus, firewall and VPN services.
Malwarebytes also excels in scenarios where a system is already infected and needs a deep cleaning besides real-time protection. It offers specific anti-malware, anti-spyware and anti-ransomware capabilities. Norton, on the other hand, provides a more holistic approach to cybersecurity, ideal for businesses looking for all-in-one solutions. It offers features including email protection, identity theft protection and even parental controls, making it a well-rounded choice for small and midsized businesses with diverse security needs.
For small and midsized businesses, the choice between Malwarebytes and Norton would often boil down to specific use cases and requirements. For instance, if your business is grappling with frequent malware attacks and you need a specialized tool to counteract this, Malwarebytes is an excellent choice. If you already have a security solution, Malwarebytes can still work alongside it to strengthen protection against malware attacks.
However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive security suite that not only deals with malware but also offers a wide array of additional protective features, Norton would be a more suitable option. Both platforms offer enterprise-level solutions that can scale with your business, ensuring that your networks, devices, data and personnel remain secure.
Malwarebytes
Starting Price
INR 311.80 ($3.75) per device per month (billed annually)
Standout Features
Multifactor authentication, VPN add-on, Identity protection
Starting Price
INR 311.80 ($3.75) per device per month (billed annually)
Standout Features
Multifactor authentication, VPN add-on, Identity protection
Why We Picked It
Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity software designed primarily for detecting and removing malware, ransomware and other advanced threats. Its engine is built to scan in a “layered” approach, meaning it looks at different aspects of your system’s software and files to catch malicious code it may encounter. The software offers real-time protection by actively monitoring your computer for suspicious activity besides speed and efficiency. Additionally, Malwarebytes provides specialized anti-exploit and anti-rootkit capabilities, focusing specifically on zero-day vulnerabilities and deeply embedded malicious code that may evade traditional antivirus software.
The software’s interface is highly intuitive, making it accessible for users who may not have advanced technical knowledge. It offers various scan options, including quick scans for active threats and more thorough, customizable scans for deep-rooted issues.
For businesses, Malwarebytes also offers enterprise solutions that feature central management capabilities, network monitoring and endpoint protection. This makes it a reliable option for small to midsized businesses looking to protect their digital infrastructure without a steep learning curve. To check if it fulfills your basic requirements of a security solution, read a comprehensive review of the Malwarebytes Premium Antivirus.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent detection and removal of malware
- Fast and efficient scanning
- Minimal slowdown during scans
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Real-time protection
- VPN available only for top tier
- Not a comprehensive solution; best as a complementary security tool
Norton
Starting Price
INR 499 per device per annum (billed annually)
Standout Features
Antivirus, malware, ransomware and hacking protection; Password manager; VPN
Starting Price
INR 499 per device per annum (billed annually)
Standout Features
Antivirus, malware, ransomware and hacking protection; Password manager; VPN
Why We Picked It
Norton is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite that offers a wide range of protection services, going beyond just malware and virus detection. It includes an antivirus engine, a two-way firewall, email filtering, identity theft protection and a VPN for online privacy.
With real-time threat protection, Norton continuously monitors your system to catch any malicious activity and prevent unauthorized access to your data. Its SONAR (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response) technology helps to identify new, previously unknown threats based on their behavior, adding an extra layer of protection against zero-day attacks.
The software is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through its numerous features. For small to midsized businesses, Norton offers endpoint protection and advanced threat protection services, which include features such as device management and cloud backup solutions. It also provides options for secure web gateways, adding another layer of protection against web-based attacks and unauthorized data access.
This all-encompassing approach to cybersecurity makes Norton a robust choice for businesses looking for a complete security solution that can adapt to a variety of threat landscapes. You should read a comprehensive review of Norton Antivirus to see how it meets your security needs.
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive security features including antivirus, firewall, VPN and identity theft protection
- Real-time monitoring
- Advanced threat detection
- Scan and filter phishing or malicious emails
- Secured cloud storage for backup data
- Heavy impact on system performance
- Typically charges annual subscriptions
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive
How Malwarebytes and Norton Stack Up
Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer robust antivirus solutions with some key differences. Here is a comparison of their most important features.
Impact on System Performance
The performance impact of an antivirus program can be a critical consideration, especially for older or less powerful devices. Norton’s higher system impact means it might slow down other activities on your computer, such as loading applications or files, more noticeably than Malwarebytes would. This could be a significant drawback for users who multitask heavily, run resource-intensive programs or have older hardware that’s already working near its capacity.
On the other hand, Malwarebytes’ minimal impact on system performance implies a more balanced approach, affecting your system less noticeably than Norton. This might be the better choice for users who prioritize smooth, uninterrupted use of other applications while still maintaining a reasonable level of security. In essence, if performance and speed are crucial factors for you, Malwarebytes would likely be the less intrusive option, allowing other software to run more efficiently while still providing robust protection.
Password Management
Norton includes a built-in password manager as part of its security suite, offering a seamless experience for users to store and manage their passwords securely. Malwarebytes, on the other hand, doesn’t come with a native password manager but allows for third-party add-ons. This gives users the flexibility to choose a password management solution that best suits their needs.
Both approaches have merits, with Norton offering convenience and Malwarebytes providing customization options. Now it’s up to you to decide what you should choose.
Firewall Security
Norton includes a built-in firewall feature that actively monitors and controls both inbound and outbound traffic, offering an extra layer of protection against network intrusions. Malwarebytes, however, does not offer a native firewall, leaving users to rely on their operating system’s built-in firewall or third-party solutions.
Norton’s integrated approach provides a streamlined experience, while Malwarebytes offers flexibility but requires users to seek additional firewall protection for comprehensive security.
Built-In VPN
Norton includes a VPN service as part of its security suite for its higher-tier plans, providing users with secure, encrypted connections for enhanced privacy. This is especially useful for safeguarding data while using public Wi-Fi networks.
Malwarebytes offers VPN functionality as an add-on, giving users the option to incorporate it if desired. While Norton provides an all-in-one solution for users looking for built-in VPN features, Malwarebytes offers the flexibility to customize based on individual needs.
Also Read: Best Antivirus With VPN
Cost of Malwarebytes vs. Norton
Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer a variety of pricing tiers that cater to different user needs, but they differ in terms of cost-effectiveness depending on the package and the number of devices you wish to cover.
Norton generally offers a lower starting price for single-device coverage, with Norton Antivirus Plus often starting around INR 499 per device for the first year. On the other hand, Malwarebytes’ Premium option offers a free trial or INR 311.80 ($3.75) per device per month for its Premium service per device per year (for a limited time). Meanwhile, Norton’s equivalent offerings, like Norton 360 Deluxe for up to 5 devices, usually start at INR 1,199 for the first year.
Both companies often run promotional prices, so it’s important to check current offers for the most accurate comparison. Overall, Norton may be more cost-effective for individual users or basic protection, while Malwarebytes could offer better value for households with multiple devices.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
Customer reviews provide a comprehensive view that goes beyond promotional materials, offering a more complete understanding of how the software will fit into your specific needs and computing environment. Reviews offer valuable insights into a software’s important features such as user-friendliness, impact on system performance and the frequency and quality of updates. They can alert you to any frequent false positives or negatives, a critical factor in assessing reliability. Here is what real users feel about Malwarebytes and Norton.
Based on customer reviews, Malwarebytes generally receives higher satisfaction ratings across multiple platforms compared to Norton. Malwarebytes scores consistently above 4.3 out of 5, suggesting a reliable and satisfying user experience. Norton, while still positively reviewed, shows slightly lower and more varied scores. For business users, this could imply that Malwarebytes offers more consistent reliability, while Norton’s broader but less consistent reviews might signal a wider but potentially more variable user experience.
Top Malwarebytes and Norton Alternatives
Malwarebytes is featured on Forbes Advisor’s list of the 10 Best Antivirus Software as best antivirus for real-time protection. The list also includes other noteworthy antivirus options worth considering. We have discussed Malwarebytes and Norton in detail until now but it won’t be complete without mentioning at least some alternatives as well.
Featured Partners
Price per year
INR 1,199 per year
Money back guarantee
30 days
Additional Features
Firewall, email security, ransomware & malware protection, real-time protection. Also includes 24/7 IT support
No. of devices with antivirus protection
5 devices
Money back guarantee
30 days
Price Per Year
INR 1,199 per year
Featured
Protection for PC gaming, Device & Online Security
Bottom Line
Both Norton and Malwarebytes offer strong cybersecurity solutions but cater to different needs. Norton provides an all-encompassing security suite that’s ideal for those seeking comprehensive protection. Malwarebytes excels in real-time defense with minimal system impact, making it perfect for performance-sensitive environments. The right choice depends on your specific business requirements, so weigh the features carefully to safeguard your digital assets effectively.
Here is a quick and crisp recap for you.
Malwarebytes is best for:
- Tech-savvy users who want complete control over their antivirus software
- Businesses needing real-time protection
- Users who prioritize system performance
Norton is best for:
- Users looking for a comprehensive security solution
- Businesses that conduct high-value transactions or manage sensitive information online
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is better, Norton or Malwarebytes?
The question of whether Norton or Malwarebytes is “better” depends on specific user needs and preferences. Norton offers an all-in-one, comprehensive security suite that includes features such as a built-in password manager, firewall and VPN, making it suitable for those who want a wide range of protections in a single package. On the other hand, Malwarebytes offers strong, real-time protection with minimal impact on system performance, making it ideal for users who want focused, efficient malware protection and the flexibility to add other features as needed.
Does Malwarebytes replace Norton?
Malwarebytes and Norton are not direct replacements due to different feature sets. Norton offers a comprehensive security suite, while Malwarebytes focuses on real-time malware protection. Some users run both for layered security, but configuration adjustments may be needed to avoid conflicts.
Is there an antivirus better than Norton?
The “best” antivirus varies by user needs and system requirements. While Norton offers a comprehensive suite, others such as Bitdefender excel in zero-day detection and Malwarebytes in real-time protection. Individual preferences and specific needs ultimately dictate what’s considered better in antivirus software.
