3. System Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOverall, Antivirus suites have a performance overhead during scan operations. This is not good as they compromise on performance. However, today’s antivirus suites have tried their best to reduce the performance overhead. Depending on your system and the task at hand, you may or may not notice a performance impact during scans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Windows defender performance impact is not straightforward. As a built-in service, it tries its best not to hog on your system resources. However, this might not be the case. At times, Windows Defender can have a significant performance impact when doing scans. Other times, it hard to notice if it is running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar to Windows defender, Norton products may or may not have a performance impact. Nonetheless, they have undergone several optimizations to ensure impeccable protection without impacting your system performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To evaluate the system performance influence Windows Defender and Norton products have, we will rely on AV-Test results. AV-Tests does various assessments that evaluate antivirus suites’ performance impact. These assessments test daily computer usages such as downloads, browsing, installation and launching of programs, and file operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are AV-Test results for Windows Defender<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are the AV-Test results for Norton<\/strong> products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nBoth antivirus solutions got a performance score of 6 out of 6 points. This means they have a little performance impact on your daily computer usage. Although both solutions can be aggressive when performing scans, they won’t heavily compromise your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winner: Tie<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n4. User Interface<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWindows Defender and Norton sport user-friendly interfaces. Windows Defender<\/strong> has a minimalistic and simple interface. Once you launch the security dashboard, you will see all the seven features outlined in the main window. This main window has two panels. The right panel hosts the features, while the left panel acts as a menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBesides the seven features, you can access other functionalities by clicking on the main features. As stated earlier, some functionalities rely on the Windows operating system. Thus, you might notice other apps opening up when you click on a functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nAkin to Windows Defender, Norton<\/strong> products also have a simple and decluttered interface. Unlike most antivirus suites, Norton packs two interfaces. The ‘classic Norton’ and the ‘My Norton’ interfaces. My Norton is the default interface and is vertically oriented. The main window has two panes. The left pane houses a mountain climber photo, very inspiring. The right pane hosts the features.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe classic interface is oriented horizontally, similar to most antivirus suites. It has big tiles which make it easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nOverall, both Windows Defender and Norton products have intuitive interfaces. Their designs are appealing, and navigation is easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winner: Tie<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Pricing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWindows Defender<\/strong> is a free antivirus integrated into Windows 10. You don’t need to buy it. As long your device runs on Windows 10, you will have access to Windows Defender.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s a different case for Norton<\/strong> products. Since they are paid premium antivirus products, you need a subscription to access what they offer. Norton has different subscription plans for each product it offers. The plans carry a 60-day Money Back Guarantee. Here are the details of the first-year subscriptions;<\/p>\n\n\n\nNorton antivirus plus costs $19.99 per year; it covers 1 PC or Mac.<\/li> Norton 360 standard goes for $39.99 per year; it covers 1 PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet.<\/li> Norton 360 deluxe retails at $49.99 per year; it offers protection for up to 5 PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets.<\/li> Norton 360 with LifeLock Select costs $99.48 per year; it offers protection for up to 5 devices.<\/li> Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage goes for $191.88 per year; it covers up to 10 devices.<\/li> Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus retails at $299.88 per year; it covers unlimited devices.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nNorton gives you excellent value for your money. Its features and identity protection make it worth your every penny. Nonetheless, Windows Defender won’t break your bank, and it offers robust protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winner: Windows Defender<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Compatibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou guessed correctly! As the name implies, Windows Defender is compatible with devices running on Microsoft Windows OS. As aforementioned, it is built into the Windows system. Windows Defender is designed to allow the installation of other third-party antivirus suites. It will automatically turn itself off once you install another real-time antivirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you wish to use Windows Defender on non-Window devices, Microsoft allows it. However, you will get a modified version known as the endpoint. This version comes with a subscription, and it is pretty similar to what you get on Windows. Only a few changes and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, Norton products are cross-platform. They are compatible with Windows, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. The products for Windows have many features as compared to what it provides on other platforms. Regardless, you get the same protection across all your devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winner: Norton<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWindows Defender is now a reliable antivirus software. You can even use it as your first line of defense on your Windows devices. However, if you need comprehensive protection, you will need a paid premium antivirus suite. In this definitive review, Norton is your go-to antivirus suite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It has an outstanding list of features, and it offers all-in-one protection \u2013 security, privacy, and identity theft. Additionally, Norton offers cross-platform products; you get the capability to protect all your devices. Norton subscriptions also give you excellent value for your money as they cover multiple devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDo I still need antivirus software with Windows 10?<\/strong><\/strong> By default, Windows 10 ships with Windows Defender. Although not a premium antivirus solution, Windows Defender offers impeccable protection. It also offers a firewall and limited parental control. Even so, it is prudent to have a paid premium antivirus security suite for comprehensive protection.<\/p> <\/div>
Is Windows Defender good enough for 2023?<\/strong><\/strong> Windows Defender has undergone several developments to make it a world-class antivirus. The current version goes head-to-head with some top-tier antivirus security suites. Nowadays, Windows Defender is sufficient to protect you against online threats. Couple it with another antivirus suite for maximum protection.<\/p> <\/div>
Is Norton better than Windows Defender?<\/strong><\/strong> Yes, Norton is way better than Windows Defender. Norton antivirus products pack impressive features, and they offer superior protection. The Norton 360 line offers privacy and identity theft protection. Additionally, Norton products are cross platforms, and they give you excellent value for your money.<\/p> <\/div>
Can Norton and Windows Defender run together?<\/strong><\/strong> Yes, Norton and Windows Defender can run together. However, Windows Defender will be inactive in the background. Also, it is not necessary to run to antivirus solutions simultaneously. The system performance impact will be high.<\/p> <\/div>
Does Norton slow down my computer?<\/strong><\/strong> Generally, antivirus solutions have a performance overhead. Norton has undergone several optimizations to ensure it doesn’t compromise your performance. However, at times it might get aggressive and hog significant system resources.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Is Windows Defender antivirus enough? How about comprehensive protection from Norton? Between the two, which antivirus solution will you rely […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Windows Defender vs Norton: Who Wins in 2023?<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n