Webroot vs Norton (2024 Comparison) – Forbes Advisor INDIA

The debate between Webroot vs. Norton is more relevant than ever for business owners. Webroot, known for its agile, cloud-based threat detection, promises swift and efficient protection. Meanwhile, Norton, an old hand in cybersecurity, offers a robust suite of tools backed by decades of trust. Both present compelling cases, but which one aligns with your business needs? 

Dive in as we discuss in detail the unique offerings of each, guiding you to make an informed choice in your fight against cyber threats.

Webroot vs. Norton: At a Glance

Both Webroot and Norton have their own distinct approach to cybersecurity. Webroot, with its innovative cloud-centric model, works well for businesses that are on the move. Its real-time threat detection ensures that even the most recent of threats are identified and neutralized swiftly. This agility is coupled with a lightweight design, ensuring businesses don’t have to worry about the software bogging down their systems. It is an ideal choice for those who require rapid responses and seamless integration into their existing infrastructure.

Norton, on the other hand, offers a more holistic approach. Its comprehensive suite encompasses everything from its flagship antivirus solutions to advanced firewall and endpoint security tools. This breadth of protection is backed by years of research and a reputation for reliability. Businesses that have diverse digital touchpoints, from e-commerce platforms to internal communication networks, find that Norton works well for them. Its ability to adapt and offer protection across various digital scenarios makes it a trusted ally for many.

To summarize, while Webroot offers quick and efficient protection, Norton provides a feature-rich and comprehensive shield. The decision between the two will largely depend on the nature of your business operations and the kind of digital challenges you anticipate.

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

Webroot

Starting Price

$29.99 (around INR 2,488) per year for one device

Standout Features

Lightning-fast scan speed, identity theft protection, real-time anti-phishing, threat protection

Starting Price

$29.99 (around INR 2,488) per year for one device

Standout Features

Lightning-fast scan speed, identity theft protection, real-time anti-phishing, threat protection

Why We Picked It

Businesses require cybersecurity solutions that are both agile and robust. Webroot stands out precisely for its ability to offer this blend. With its cloud-centric approach, Webroot ensures that businesses benefit from real-time threat detection. This means that emerging threats, which often exploit time-sensitive vulnerabilities, are identified and neutralized swiftly.

The advantage here is clear: Businesses can maintain their operational momentum without constant interruptions or the fear of new cyber threats.

Moreover, Webroot’s lightweight design is a boon for businesses that prioritize efficiency. Unlike some security solutions that can be resource-intensive, Webroot operates seamlessly in the background, ensuring that system performance isn’t compromised. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with limited IT resources or those that can’t afford any slowdown in their daily operations.

Additionally, with its scalable solutions, Webroot can effortlessly grow with your business, ensuring that as your digital footprint expands, your security measures evolve in tandem. In essence, for businesses seeking a nimble, efficient and forward-thinking cybersecurity solution, Webroot emerges as a compelling choice.

Pros & Cons

• Ultra-fast scans with minimal system impact
• Automatic protection over unsecured Wi-Fi
• Identity theft protection
• Real-time anti-phishing
• Built-in VPN

• Complex pricing for different types of users
• Only cloud-based deployment
• No firewall or email security features

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

Norton

Standout Features

Antivirus, malware, ransomware and hacking protection; password manager; VPN

Standout Features

Antivirus, malware, ransomware and hacking protection; password manager; VPN

Why We Picked It

Norton offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to a wide spectrum of digital needs. For businesses that operate across diverse digital platforms, from e-commerce sites to internal databases, Norton’s holistic approach ensures that every touchpoint is safeguarded.

Its robust antivirus solutions, coupled with advanced firewall and endpoint security tools, provide a multilayered defense against both common and sophisticated threats. This makes Norton an ideal choice for businesses that handle sensitive data, be it customer information, financial transactions or proprietary intellectual property.

Over the years, Norton has consistently adapted to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. This adaptability is crucial for industries that are regulatory-heavy, such as finance, healthcare and e-commerce, where data breaches can have severe legal and reputational repercussions. Additionally, larger enterprises with complex network architectures will benefit from Norton’s comprehensive suite that can be fully customized.

In summary, businesses seeking a well-rounded, adaptable and trusted cybersecurity ally, especially those in sensitive or heavily regulated sectors, will find Norton to be a trusted partner in their digital journey.

Pros & Cons

• Comprehensive security features including antivirus, firewall, VPN and identity theft protection
• Real-time monitoring
• Advanced threat detection
• Scan and filter phishing emails
• Secured cloud storage for backup data

• Heavy impact on system performance
• Typically charges annual subscriptions
• Higher-tier plans can be expensive

How Webroot and Norton Stack Up

When it comes to cybersecurity, one size rarely fits all. Each business has its unique operational dynamics, digital touchpoints and threat vulnerabilities. Webroot and Norton offer distinct approaches and features that cater to different business needs. A head-to-head comparison between them will help understand the nuances and strengths of each, allowing you to align their choice with their specific requirements.

Impact on System Performance

Webroot is known for its lightweight design and cloud-centric model, which minimizes its demand on system resources. The software runs unobtrusively in the background, allowing for smooth device operations. Quick installations and updates further enhance its appeal for businesses seeking minimal interruptions.

Norton is more resource-intensive due to its comprehensive toolset. Over the years, Norton has evolved to optimize its impact on device performance. For instance, its latest versions are designed for efficiency, with features such as “Silent Mode” to reduce disruptions during intensive tasks. Although it demands more system resources than Webroot, its extensive protection often justifies the trade-off for many users.

Password Management

Norton’s password manager is part of its Norton 360 suite. It is a robust tool that emphasizes encryption and secure storage. It not only stores passwords but also offers storage for credit card information and notes, all protected by bank-grade encryption. Norton’s Password Manager tool can generate strong passwords and auto-fill credentials. An added feature is its ability to alert users about weak or duplicate passwords, encouraging better password hygiene. With a user-friendly interface and integration into its broader security ecosystem, Norton provides a comprehensive password management solution.

Webroot, on the other hand, provides password management for its premium plans via LastPass Premium.

Firewall Protection

Webroot’s firewall feature is designed to complement the existing firewall in a user’s operating system, enhancing protection rather than replacing it. For instance, Webroot’s firewall monitors only the outbound traffic, not inbound, ensuring that malware within a system doesn’t communicate with external servers.

In contrast, Norton offers a more comprehensive stand-alone firewall as part of its security suite. It monitors both inbound and outbound traffic, providing robust protection against unauthorized access and potential threats.

Norton’s firewall is known for its deep customization options, allowing users to set specific rules for different applications and network conditions. With its intrusion prevention system, it actively blocks suspicious activities, ensuring a fortified defense against potential cyber threats.

Cost of Webroot vs. Norton

Webroot offers a range of pricing options depending on the product tier and the number of devices you wish to protect. It has solutions tailored for home users, businesses and other specific groups such as government and nonprofits. Discounts are often available for the first year of subscription, and the pricing can be competitive, especially for its basic antivirus protection. Its pricing page has information about Home and Business Users, but if you are a different entity eligible for specific pricing, you must reach out to its sales team.

Norton has a higher price point, especially for its comprehensive suites such as Norton 360. The renewal prices can vary based on the product and any promotions it might be running. Norton’s pricing often reflects the extensive features it offers and hence value for money depending on the size and maturity level of your business.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Customer reviews and ratings serve as a practical barometer, helping businesses make informed decisions based on the experiences of peers and ensuring that their chosen cybersecurity solution aligns well with their operational demands. They offer invaluable insights into the real-world performance and user experience of products. They can highlight potential strengths, weaknesses or quirks that might not be immediately evident from product specifications or promotional materials.

Businesses have diverse and specific needs. By examining reviews, decision-makers can identify if a particular solution has been effective for businesses similar to theirs or if there have been challenges in specific scenarios they might encounter. Ratings can also indicate the general satisfaction level of the user base, which can be a strong indicator of the product’s reliability and effectiveness.

Top Webroot and Norton Alternatives

It is always a good idea to explore as many alternatives as you can, before making the final choice between Webroot and Norton. It will help you weigh their pros and cons against what is available in the market before you actually commit to any one of them. Here are a few alternatives from the Forbes Advisor list of Best Antivirus Software.

Bottom Line

Though Webroot is quite recent compared to Norton, it is slowly trying to narrow the gap. As it stands now, Webroot, with its cloud-centric approach, offers fast and efficient protection, making it ideal for businesses prioritizing speed and minimal system impact. Norton, backed by a rich legacy, provides a comprehensive shield, suitable for businesses handling sensitive data or operating in heavily regulated sectors.

Webroot is best for:

• Businesses seeking quick response in face of threats
• Organizations that need lightweight protection
• Users that prioritize speed and efficiency over security

Norton is best for:

• Organizations looking for comprehensive protection
• Businesses that handle sensitive data
• Businesses that operate in highly regulated environments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)