In today’s digital landscape, cyber threats have become increasingly sophisticated, necessitating the need for robust antivirus software to protect sensitive data. Two prominent brands offering cybersecurity solutions are Norton and Webroot. Both have a strong reputation and offer a multitude of features. However, a closer comparison is needed to help you choose which product best meets your needs.
| Feature | Norton | Webroot |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Threat Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes | No |
| Password Manager | Yes | No |
| Secure VPN | Yes | No |
| Identity Theft Protection | Yes (with LifeLock) | No |
| Cloud-Based | No | Yes |
| System Impact | Moderate | Low |
| User Interface | User-friendly | User-friendly, simpler |
| 24/7 Customer Support | Yes (Live chat and phone) | Yes (Live chat only) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Features and Protection
Norton Antivirus is renowned for its robust set of features. It provides real-time threat protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It also offers a smart firewall, password manager, secure VPN, and Dark Web monitoring. Notably, Norton’s LifeLock identity theft protection feature stands out, offering reimbursement for stolen funds due to identity theft, a service not commonly provided by many antivirus solutions.
On the other hand, Webroot is a cloud-based antivirus that requires less space on your device. It also provides real-time threat protection and uses a threat intelligence network to identify and mitigate threats. Webroot boasts an impressive phishing detection rate and can secure up to five devices, including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. It also has a sandbox feature that allows potentially harmful software to run in an isolated environment.
Performance Impact
When it comes to system performance impact, Webroot has a slight edge. Due to its cloud-based design, it takes up less disk space and uses fewer resources, making it an ideal choice for older or less powerful systems. Webroot’s scans are quick and do not noticeably affect system performance.
In contrast, Norton is known for its thoroughness, which may result in a more noticeable impact on system performance, especially during full system scans. However, Norton has made strides to reduce this impact in recent years, and it runs more smoothly on modern systems.
User Interface
Both Norton and Webroot offer user-friendly interfaces. Norton’s user interface is well organized with its features readily accessible. It provides a simple overview of your system’s security status and gives easy access to scans and tools.
Webroot’s interface is similarly user-friendly but leans more toward simplicity. Its main dashboard is clean and easy to understand, displaying the security status of your system with prominent buttons for key functions.
Customer Support
Both companies offer extensive customer support. Norton provides 24/7 live chat and phone support to its premium subscribers. It also has a comprehensive online help center and community forums for additional help.
Webroot, on the other hand, offers a helpful online knowledge base, community forums, and a ticket system. However, its 24/7 customer support is only available via live chat, with phone support available during business hours.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Webroot’s packages are typically more affordable than Norton’s. However, Norton often includes additional features such as VPN services, cloud backup, and parental control in its more expensive packages, which can make it a more cost-effective option if you need those services.
Conclusion
The choice between Norton and Webroot boils down to your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for comprehensive protection with additional features like identity theft protection and a secure VPN, Norton may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you have a less powerful system or are budget-conscious and need a basic but effective antivirus solution, Webroot may be more suitable.
Always remember that the best antivirus is the one that suits your needs and provides the best protection for your specific use case. Both Norton and Webroot are reputable and reliable options, making either a worthwhile choice for enhancing your digital security.