How to choose the best antivirus software for your needs and budget?
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable antivirus software, you might be wondering which one to choose among the many options available in the market. Antivirus software is an essential part of your online security, as it can protect your devices and data from various malware threats, such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, and phishing.
However, not all antivirus software are created equal. Some offer better protection, performance, features, and support than others. Some are more expensive, while others are more affordable or even free. Some are easier to use, while others are more complicated or confusing.
To help you make an informed decision, I have compared two of the most popular and reputable antivirus products: Bitdefender and Norton. I have used both products for several months, and I have evaluated them based on their features, protection, performance, apps, and customer support. I have also considered their prices and plans, and their pros and cons.
In this post, I will share with you my honest and unbiased opinion on which antivirus software is better and why. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of what Bitdefender and Norton can offer you, and which one suits your needs and budget better.
Let’s get started!
Features
Both Bitdefender and Norton offer a range of features that can enhance your online security and privacy. However, Bitdefender has more features than Norton, and some of them are unique and innovative.
Here are some of the features that Bitdefender offers, but Norton does not:
- Webcam filter: This feature prevents unauthorized access to your webcam by malicious applications or hackers. You can choose which apps can use your webcam, and block the rest.
- File vault: This feature creates a secure and encrypted storage space for your important files. You can protect your files with a password, and access them only from your device.
- Autopilot: This feature optimizes your device’s performance and security settings based on your behaviour and preferences. You can also get personalized recommendations and tips from Bitdefender.
- Anti-tracker: This feature blocks trackers that collect your browsing data and personal information. You can also see how many trackers are blocked on each website, and how much time and data you save by using this feature.
Here are some of the features that both Bitdefender and Norton offer, but Bitdefender does better:
- VPN: Both products offer a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. However, Bitdefender’s VPN has unlimited bandwidth and servers in 30 countries, while Norton’s VPN has limited bandwidth and servers in 28 countries. Bitdefender’s VPN also has a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection drops, while Norton’s VPN does not.
- Password manager: Both products offer a password manager that stores and autofills your passwords and other login details. However, Bitdefender’s password manager has more features and functions than Norton’s password manager. Bitdefender’s password manager can generate strong and unique passwords, sync your passwords across your devices, scan your passwords for weaknesses, and alert you of any data breaches.
- Parental control: Both products offer a parental control feature that lets you monitor and manage your children’s online activity. However, Bitdefender’s parental control has more options and settings than Norton’s parental control. Bitdefender’s parental control can block inappropriate content, limit screen time, track location, and detect cyberbullying.
Here are some of the features that Norton offers, but Bitdefender does not:
- Cloud backup: This feature automatically backs up your important files to a secure cloud storage. You can choose how much storage space you want, from 10 GB to 75 GB, depending on your plan. You can also restore your files anytime, anywhere, from any device.
- LifeLock identity theft protection: This feature protects your identity and personal information from identity theft and fraud. You can get alerts of any suspicious activity on your credit reports, bank accounts, social security number, and more. You can also get assistance and reimbursement in case of identity theft.
Protection
Both Bitdefender and Norton offer excellent protection against malware and other online threats. They both utilize advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analysis, to identify and eliminate new and unknown malware.
They both also offer protection against ransomware, which is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom to unlock them. They both have a ransomware remediation feature that can restore your files in case of a ransomware attack.
However, Bitdefender has a slight edge over Norton in terms of protection, as it has more layers of defense and more options to customize your protection settings. Bitdefender has a network threat prevention feature that can block attacks that try to exploit vulnerabilities in your network, such as brute force attacks, botnet attacks, and port scans. Bitdefender also has a safe files feature that can prevent unauthorized changes to your protected files by any application.
Bitdefender also has more options to adjust your protection level, such as aggressive, normal, or permissive. You can also choose which types of files, folders, and applications you want to scan or exclude from scanning. You can also enable or disable various protection modules, such as web protection, email protection, anti-phishing, anti-fraud, and anti-spam.
Performance
Both Bitdefender and Norton have a low impact on your device’s performance, as they use minimal system resources and optimize your device’s speed and battery life. They both have a game mode feature that can automatically detect when you are playing a game, watching a movie, or using a full-screen application, and adjust your settings accordingly to avoid interruptions and slowdowns.
However, Bitdefender is more lightweight and faster than Norton, as it has a cloud-based scanner that can scan your files without downloading any virus definitions or signatures to your device. Bitdefender also has a quick scan feature that can scan your device in less than a minute.
Apps
Both Bitdefender and Norton have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. They both have user-friendly and intuitive interfaces, with clear and simple menus and buttons. They both also have online dashboards that let you manage your account and devices from any browser.
However, Bitdefender has more apps than Norton, and some of them are unique and innovative. Bitdefender has a smartwatch app that can alert you of any security issues on your device, and a smart home scanner app that can scan your home network and devices for vulnerabilities. Bitdefender also has a box app that can protect all your internet-connected devices, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and smart speakers, with a single device called Bitdefender Box.
Customer Support
Both Bitdefender and Norton have excellent customer support, with 24/7 live chat, phone, and email support. They both also have comprehensive knowledge bases, FAQs, forums, and blogs, where you can find answers to common questions and issues, as well as tips and guides on how to use their products.
However, Bitdefender has a slight edge over Norton in terms of customer support, as it has more options and channels to contact their support team. Bitdefender has a ticket system, a feedback form, and a remote assistance feature, where a support agent can access your device remotely and fix your problem. Bitdefender also has a premium support plan, where you can get priority access to their support team, as well as unlimited tech support for any device and issue.
Price and Plans
Both Bitdefender and Norton offer multiple plans and prices, depending on the number of devices and features you want. However, Bitdefender is more affordable and flexible than Norton, as it has more plans and options to choose from.
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