Finding the suitable antivirus that fits your unique requirements is a complicated task. Implementing software like Kaspersky or Norton needs a perfect deal of contemplation along with a comparison of essential factors. Kaspersky and Norton are both market leaders in the security and antivirus division. Both antivirus providers offer antivirus software using the latest malware detection methods and secure millions of user devices worldwide.
Despite being so popular, Kaspersky also has a minor controversy due to its link to the Russian government. Let’s put each antivirus up against one another and see which comes out on top in terms of performance, additional features, and cost.
But between the two, you must be wondering which one is better? TechNinjaPro has used plans & pricing, integration, customer support, videos, languages supported, screenshots, user ratings, features, and other parameters in this comparison blog.
We will also look at some independent research from the top antivirus lab running independent tests and consider other critical aspects, including performance and the impact of scans on the system’s speed. If you do not have enough time to read the complete comparison, here is the quick version.
An Overview of the Winners in Each Category
1. Features
Norton is the winner in the feature category. Its products are packed with many advanced features you would not find in any other antivirus suite.
2. Malware Protection
In the malware protection category, both antivirus providers show excellent performance in recent independent malware protection evaluations.
3. System Performance
Once again, both Kaspersky and Norton bagged perfect scores in tests conducted by an independent research lab.
4. User Interface
Norton is the winner because it has a far more attractive interface than its competitor, although both providers offer an easy and intuitive user interface.
5. Pricing
Both antivirus providers have a similar pricing structure and have something to offer to all sorts of users.
6. Compatibility
Both antivirus providers are cross-platform, and they are compatible with Android, Mac, Windows, and iOS devices.
7. Customer Support
Both providers offer 24/7 excellent customer support for their product users.
Background
Kaspersky was established in 1997 in Russia and currently operates in around 200 countries. They protect more than 250 million users and help 250000 corporate customers with cybersecurity. The provider’s impressive portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and services to fight the most evolving and sophisticated digital threats. However, Kaspersky is controversial, as some privacy experts are wary of the alleged links with the Russian government.
On the other hand, Norton is popular, and a leader in the antivirus market and has been around for 28 years. Symantec Corporation founded Norton in 2001 in California. It helps secure the devices and online privacy of more than 50 million users.
1. Features
Features are the main thing people examine when they are searching to buy a product. You can have an excellent idea about a product by just looking at its features. Kaspersky Free is the firm’s free antivirus product. It provides basic-level malware protection, protects against online attacks, and scans downloaded files for malware.
If your device is so riddled with malware that it would not start, you can use Kaspersky’s Rescue Disk. The drawback of using a free product is that it usually provides limited protection. If internet security is your top priority, you should choose the premium suite that best meets your requirements.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a premium product. Along with everything that is included in the free basic version, it provides a Silent Mode utility that stops all notifications, ransomware protection, and a vulnerability scanner that checks for system vulnerabilities like outdated apps.
Kaspersky Internet Security is also a premium product of Kaspersky. Kaspersky Internet Security adds a two-way firewall that monitors network traffic and prevents hacking attempts via a network, a hardened internet browser for safe banking, and webcam & microphone protection.
It also includes a limited parental control module. Kaspersky Internet Security’s parental module helps you control what websites your children visit and how much time they can spend online.
Kaspersky Total Security is the most advanced premium suite with everything that is part of Internet Security and adds a Data Shredder that lets you safely delete your important files so they cannot be recovered, and unlimited password manager, and a file backup utility with 2GB of online space. A full parental control filter and a file encryption utility are also included in the Kaspersky Total Security Suite.
A single subscription to Kaspersky Total Security protects all your Macs, PCs, and mobile devices. A very limited virtual private network is also included in all suites of Kaspersky.
In the end, Kaspersky Security Cloud put the company’s six premium products and apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android under one account. It has all the features included in the Total Security suite, plus some extra features and platform-specific enhancements under Kaspersky’s Adaptive Security technology
Now, let’s have a look at Norton’s features. To start with, Norton does not have a free antivirus product. Its paid protection starts with Norton Antivirus Plus. It protects your system against malware threats and provides a smart firewall, 2GB cloud storage, and a password manager. You can protect one PC or Mac with this package.
If you need more protection and cover more devices, you can go for Norton 360 Deluxe. It is one of the best plans on the antivirus market right now and protects up to five devices. It has all the tools mentioned above, including a secure VPN, webcam protection, parental controls, privacy monitoring, and dark web monitoring. The 360 Deluxe packages come with 50GB of cloud storage.
The next version is Norton 360 Premium I plan which has the same features as the Deluxe package but covers up to 10 devices. Norton 360 with LifeLock Select suite is another version that provides unmatched features across the market. Under this version, you get an identity alert system, stolen wallet protection, SSN and Credit alerts, ID verification monitoring, and Norton’s iconic Million-Dollar Protection package.
Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate is another paid version from Norton. It comes with court records, scanning, identity lock, fictitious identity monitoring, 401k and investment activity alerts, phone takeover monitoring, and home title monitoring.
2. Malware Protection
Both antivirus providers are equipped with award-winning antivirus suites and real-time multilayered protection against threats. With these two providers, you can say goodbye to viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, Phishing scams, worms, and other threats.
In the malware protection section, TechNinjaPro will use evaluations and tests done by AV-Test. The products are subjected to many assessments and parameters, including protection against zero-day attacks and prevalent malware detection. From the tests, We will know which antivirus provider is the best for malware protection.
Norton uses the same antivirus engine across all its products. It is backed up by AI and machine learning. These technologies create multiple defenses against various online threats. Norton also does a perfect job besides malware protection to ensure that you do not fall victim to identity theft.
Here are Norton’s test results from AV-Test:
On the other hand, Kaspersky provides the best possible protection, and its high-end products include the addition of the cloud for personalized security. Like Norton, Kaspersky also uses the same antivirus engine for its products. Hence, the underlying malware protection is the same with cloud exceptions. The adaptive cloud technology improves malware protection and security. This technology provides you the right protection according to your needs. It knows when to warn you and when to deal with online threats.
Here are Kaspersky’s test results from AV-Test:
3. System Performance
Often antivirus security products take a toll on your device’s performance when doing scan operations. You might notice this when doing complete scans. Once again, TechNinjaPro will rely on an independent lab test to know the toll your device takes when using Kaspersky or Norton products.
In these tests, the antivirus products are subjected to numerous system parameters while carrying out scanning operations. In general, Norton antivirus suites will provide your system a fever when doing full scan operations. The case is not different for identity theft protection suites such as Norton 360 with LifeLock since they use the Norton antivirus engine.
Here are the performance results of Norton from AV-Test evaluations.
Kaspersky is known to be light on your system. Even though Kaspersky Security Cloud uses adaptive technology to provide excellent protection, the engine is the same. It always makes sure that scanning operation would not get in your way, and hence Kaspersky suites would not impact performance like Norton. In addition, the background scans use fewer system resources.
Here are the performance results of Kaspersky from AV-Test evaluations.
4. User Interface
The way your interact with a product is another essential factor that impacts your overall user experience. Both products present their functionalities and features through appealing interfaces. Kaspersky antivirus suites feature a minimalistic and easy-to-use interface with functionalities highlighted in the Aqua green Kaspersky signature color. The new dashboard is insightful, and it presents easy accessibility to numerous features.
The home window house six titles, showing options like Database Update, Scan, Privacy Protection, Safe Money, Password Manager, Backup & Restore, Protection for Kids, and My Kaspersky. Each module contains relevant features and settings. Many other features can be directly accessed by ticking the more tools button given below the right boxes.
On the other hand, Norton packs the familiar feel that is across all its products. The interface is intuitive, user-friendly, and is marked with the yellow Norton signature color. The main dashboard provides easy access to functionalities and features. Like all other Norton products, Norton 360 with LifeLock also features big buttons for quick navigation.
5. Pricing
Both antivirus providers offer various packages, ranging from basic protection to extremely high-end functionalities. Kaspersky starts free but ultimately moves into paid protection. Norton is paid right from the start. Here are the pricing plans offered by both providers.
Norton offers different pricing plans for its products.
6 . Compatibility
7. Customer Support
With security being such a cutting-edge field at the moment, most providers offering antivirus service is at the top of their competition when it comes to customer support. Both Kaspersky and Norton offer comprehensive FAQs on their sites, covering topics such as downloading and general troubleshooting.
Kaspersky’s added resource center is comparable with Norton’s internet security center. Both offers in-depth articles about the latest development in the antivirus field and the most recent threats to internet security. Kaspersky provides 24/7 online support to its user, regardless of whether or not they already have a subscription. Norton also offers online customer support but works a bit differently, with users subscribing to the service according to their requirements.
Conclusion
Both antivirus providers offer strong features and impeccable security. You can easily protect multiple systems regardless of the platform. These antivirus products are cross-platform and are compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Kaspersky Security Cloud is an excellent product for malware protection but does not provide you an excellent value for money than Norton 360 with LifeLock Select.
Even though expensive, Norton provides excellent features, including identity theft protection and insurance. Additionally, Norton provides complete functional features such as VPN, whereas Kaspersky’s VPN is limited.