Norton vs. Kaspersky: Which Is the Best Antivirus?
Learn how they stack up in security, speed, and ease of use.
These days, staying safe online means more than just avoiding sketchy websites. Viruses, scams, and sneaky malware can slip into your device without warning, and that’s where antivirus software comes in. It works like a digital bodyguard, spotting and blocking threats before they cause damage.
Now, if you're looking for one, two big names often pop up: Norton and Kaspersky. Both promise to keep your device secure, but they do it in slightly different ways. So, which one’s the better pick for you?
Oyinebiladou Omemu
1/ Malware Protection and Security
When it comes down to the core job, stopping viruses, malware, and ransomware both Norton and Kaspersky are heavyweights. Think of them as two elite guards. Norton’s security engine is a beast, consistently scoring top marks in independent lab tests from places like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives.
It uses a massive malware directory and sophisticated machine learning to sniff out threats, both old and new. It’s like a guard who has memorized the face of every known bad guy and can spot a new one from a mile away.
Kaspersky, on the other hand, is equally formidable. For years, it has been the gold standard for threat detection, often catching zero-day threats that others miss. Its multi-layered defense system is incredibly robust, digging deep into your system to find and neutralize anything that looks suspicious. It’s like the hyper-vigilant guard who notices the slightest thing out of place. Both are exceptional, but Kaspersky often has a slight edge in detecting brand-new, never-before-seen malware.
Winner: Kaspersky, but only by a whisker.
2/ System Performance and Speed
A bodyguard shouldn't slow you down, and the same goes for antivirus software. Norton has worked hard to be incredibly lightweight; you can run a full scan while multitasking and barely notice it’s there, as it doesn’t hog your computer’s resources.
Kaspersky is also quite light, but tests show it can have a slightly bigger impact during scans. The difference is minor for most modern PCs, but if you're on an older machine or are a gamer who needs every ounce of performance, you might feel that slight drag.
Winner: Norton, for its consistently smooth and unobtrusive performance.
3/ Extra Features and Tools
Norton emerges as a comprehensive security suite, going beyond basic antivirus to include a Secure VPN, password manager, cloud backup, parental controls, and dark web monitoring.
Kaspersky offers a strong set of tools, such as its own VPN (with data limits on lower plans), a file shredder, webcam protection, and a hardened browser for secure payments. However, Kaspersky doesn't quite match the sheer breadth of Norton's all-in-one package, particularly its generous cloud backup and comprehensive dark web monitoring capabilities.
Winner: Norton, for providing a more complete, all-in-one security suite right out of the box.
4/ User Interface and Ease of Use
How easy is it to actually manage your digital security? Norton’s interface is clean and modern. It presents you with a simple dashboard showing your security status and big, clear buttons for scans, the VPN, and other key features. However, to access everything, you sometimes have to open a separate "My Norton" web portal, which can feel a little disjointed.
Kaspersky’s desktop app is a masterclass in design. Everything is logically laid out and accessible right from the main window. Clear categories on the left let you navigate to scans, privacy tools, and settings with ease. It feels more unified and intuitive, especially for users who want to fine-tune their settings without having to jump between an app and a website.
Winner: Kaspersky, for its beautifully designed and all-inclusive user interface.
5/ Pricing and Value for Money
Let's talk about the bottom line. Both Norton and Kaspersky offer tiered pricing plans, from basic antivirus to premium, all-feature suites. Norton's entry-level plans are competitively priced at $29.99/year.
Kaspersky's pricing is also very competitive and cheaper than Norton's for similar levels of protection. With their entry plan starting at $19.99/year, their mid-tier plans offer excellent value, providing core antivirus protection, plus a good set of privacy tools.
Winner: It's a Tie. Norton offers better value if you use all the extra features, while Kaspersky often provides a more affordable entry point for world-class protection.
6/ Customer Support
When it comes to customer support, Norton stands out with truly 24/7 assistance, offering live chat and phone help regardless of timezone or emergency. Their team is always on standby, backed by an extensive knowledge base and active user forums for self-help.
Kaspersky delivers competent support via email, live chat, and phone, but unlike Norton, its round-the-clock availability isn't universal. Depending on your region and subscription tier, you might face limited hours. Both companies have knowledgeable agents, but Norton's guaranteed accessibility gives it a clear advantage when urgent issues arise.
Winner: Norton, for its consistently available 24/7 live support.
7/ VPN
Norton Secure VPN comes bundled with most 360 plans, offering unlimited data, reliable speeds, and global server access, perfect for daily browsing and public Wi-Fi protection.
Kaspersky’s VPN has a major drawback: its free and mid-tier plans impose tight daily limits (200 - 300MB), barely enough for light use. To remove restrictions, you’d need their premium plan or a separate subscription.
Winner: Norton, for offering an unlimited VPN in most of its packages.
Conclusion
If you want a complete, "set-it-and-forget-it" security suite, choose Norton. It offers an excellent bundle, including an unlimited VPN, password manager, and cloud backup, making it a reliable, hassle-free choice for families or individuals.
But if your top priority is the most powerful threat detection engine, choose Kaspersky. It's ideal for tech-savvy users who value a slick, configurable interface and seek robust core protection without paying for extra features they don't need.
David Adubiina
