Alan Truly / Digital Trends
Antivirus computer software is like a safe knock — it ’s protection that you seldom need , but skipping it can be disastrous . That ’s why it can be slick balance the cost of more expensive plans with the extra security that come at a bounty .
Thankfully , Malwarebytes and Norton offer broken - cost options that work with any budget . Let ’s compare the price , plans , and features to determine which isthe best antivirus software for your Windows or Mac calculator .
Alan Truly / Digital Trends
Tiers and pricing
Malwarebytes and Norton have unlike long - full term pricing social organisation . Norton offer a better price for the first twelvemonth but is more expensive when it comes time to renew the subscription .
For the flashy antivirus plans , Malwarebytes Basic Security costs $ 45 annually , while Norton ’s Antivirus Plus starts at $ 30 but doubles to $ 60 the following year . Norton includes a password manager and 2 GB of cloud storage to back up important file in every antivirus plan , bestow value if you want those features .
Both are feature in ourlist of the best antivirus deals .
At the midrange , Malwarebytes Premium Plus costs $ 60 , adding a VPN for privacy . A three - gimmick architectural plan be $ 80 per class . Norton 360 Standard has a VPN and supports three devices for a first twelvemonth / next twelvemonth price of $ 40/$95 .
Malwarebytes ’ most expensive architectural plan costs $ 120 annually since it includes $ 2 million in identicalness stealing insurance , along with social media and glum web monitoring .
The closest eq , Norton 360 Select , is $ 100/$180 for $ 1 million in insurance and watching the internet for making water of your information . Norton also includes $ 25,000 in slip funds aegis , 250 GB of cloud backup , and protect up to 10 gadget for that price .
Features
Antivirus software protects you from hackers , but there are other cybersecurity detail to consider . You need malware to be hinder before it can infect your estimator , seclusion protection so you are n’t tracked as you browse the cyberspace , and more . Here ’s how Malwarebytes and Norton keep your data and activity safe .
Malware protection
AV - Test , an independent security researcher , get hold Malwarebytes and Norton each offer great malware protection , but Norton win in this comparison , scoring a unadulterated 6 out of 6 liken to Malwarebytes ’ 5.5/6 military rank .
Norton also enjoys a long history of consummate malware spotting and bar for the last nine age . As one of the most reliable antivirus root , Norton is severe to beat .
Scam and tracking protection
Both Malwarebytes and Norton have plans that protect your seclusion by alerting you to phishing attempts and prevent tracker from knowing your location .
Malwarebytes ’ tawdry design include phishing aegis , but you ’ll demand Premium Plus to get a VPN that hides your placement . Norton also includes cozenage protection in all plans , and 360 Standard has a VPN . Streaming service detect secrecy - focus VPNs , so you unremarkably ca n’t watch out videos restrict by your localisation .
Customer support and usability
When you pledge to Malwarebytes or Norton , you’re able to get 24/7 bread and butter from a live agent if you run into any job . I tested both and find client service to be straightaway and helpful .
Well - design software minimizes the need for support . While Norton wad its antivirus software package with feature , that makes apparatus more difficult . There ’s something to be tell for simpleness . Malwarebytes rivet on the most important aspects of protection , while leave out some of Norton ’s decent extra .
If you ’re just with technology , Norton ’s complexness wo n’t be a problem . For the average substance abuser , some feature film might go unused .
Free versions
If you ’re looking for a free option , Malwarebytes offers an antivirus digital scanner that can cleanse up any infections on your Windows PC and Mac . Norton Power Eraser offers exchangeable malware remotion but only on Windows .
Of course , protect your computing machine and personal information before it ’s exposed to malware is much good than take with the job later on . There are other good free solution usable . If you do n’t want a subscription plan , check out our guide tothe best free antivirus software package available .
Protect your privacy and data
Malwarebytes and Norton both extend practiced protective covering of your privacy and data point . The paint is finding the plan that works best for your penury . Malwarebytes ’ single - twist plans declare oneself better value unless you require the extra features Norton bundles . That might go you toward Malwarebytes , which would be fine . But overall , Norton offer the stronger protection and a more complete feature set that will come in handy .
The 2d - year price increase is n’t ideal , nor is Norton ’s privacy policy , which shares your data with third - party advertisers . Spam has n’t been a problem in my experience so far , but that ’s decease to raise a crimson flag for some .
Of of course , there are antivirus software solutions besides Malwarebytes and Norton . I found Bitdefender to be an excellent choice , and in many way ranking to competitor . agree out my head - to - head comparisons ofBitdefender vs. MalwarebytesandBitdefender vs. Nortonfor more details .
