3. System Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPerformance is one of the most critical aspects consumers don\u2019t like compromising. With a low-end computer, you would gladly trade security for performance. However, you will be vulnerable to online threats and malware. To put an end to this practice, antivirus companies are now designing their products with security and performance in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will notice performance impacts when you launch scanning operations. Both Norton and McAfee Total protection have two scanning modes; Quick scan and Full scan. They also offer custom scans. For example, you can choose to scan a folder, a file, or even an external storage device such as a USB drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Quick scan rapidly checks a few areas where malware and viruses are likely to infect your system. This scan takes a few minutes, and you might notice a little impact on performance. On the other hand, a full scan is an in-depth scan that checks almost everything on your hard drive. If you have a low-end device, you might not perform some operations during a full scan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this section, we will again pit Norton and McAfee Total protection against each other. To measure their system performance impact, we will consider evaluations and test results from the reputable AV-Test and AV-Comparative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tests revolve around parameters such as your daily computer usage activities such as launching applications, copying files, web browsing, and downloads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us start with Norton. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nChart 5 Norton Oct-2020 performance results. Source: AV-Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our next results are from AV-Comparatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nChart 6 Norton Oct-2020 performance results. Source: AV-Comparatives<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, let us look at how McAfee Total Protection fares in terms of performance. We will start with AV-Test evaluations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nChart 7 McAfee Total Protection Oct-2020 performance results. Source: AV-Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the performance results from AV-Comparatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nChart 8 McAfee Total Protection Oct-2020 performance results. Source: AV-Comparatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, both products seem to have less impact on performance, as shown in the AV-Test results. But looking at the results keenly, McAfee Total Protection has a lower impact than Norton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is also evident in the AV-Comparative results, where Norton has a two-star advanced performance rating. In contrast, McAfee Total Protection has the three-start advanced plus performance rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winner: McAfee<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n4. User Interface<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe user interface enhances the usability of a computer program. In this section, we will see how Norton and McAfee Total Protection implement their user interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norton<\/strong> products pack a minimalistic yet intuitive interface. The dashboard design features green and yellow colors. Features are implemented by big buttons, which, when clicked, open more functionalities. Unlike other antivirus suites, Norton cares for its \u2018old\u2019 customers. If you don\u2019t like the \u201cMy Norton\u201d interface, you can always switch to the old, still sleek looking \u201cClassic\u201d interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe new interface offers easy access to new functionalities, such as access to the VPN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nMcAfee<\/strong> Total Protection also sports a decluttered, user-friendly interface. The dashboard features big buttons similar to Norton\u2019s, and it uses the blue signature color with a hint of red. The interface is well organized, and you can find various features and functionalities without navigational worries.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe dashboard provides various insights and information, such as your device\u2019s security status and other system information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nComparing both products, they both have user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winner: Tie<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Pricing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNorton<\/strong> offers various subscription plans for its products. Here are the details<\/p>\n\n\n\n