Antivirus software is a crucial shield against cyber threats, but finding the right balance between cost and protection can be a challenge. Malwarebytes and Norton offer affordable options that cater to various budgets. Let’s delve into their pricing, features, and capabilities to determine which one suits your needs best.
Pricing Structures:
Malwarebytes and Norton have distinct pricing strategies. Norton offers a lower initial cost but becomes more expensive upon renewal. Malwarebytes, on the other hand, maintains a consistent annual fee. For basic protection, Malwarebytes Basic Security starts at $45, while Norton’s Antivirus Plus costs $30 for the first year but jumps to $60 in subsequent years.
Mid-tier plans include Malwarebytes Premium Plus at $60, adding a VPN for enhanced privacy, and Norton 360 Standard at $40/$95 for the first and second years, respectively, offering a VPN and support for three devices.
For comprehensive protection, Malwarebytes offers a $120 plan that includes $2 million in identity theft insurance, social media monitoring, and dark web surveillance. Norton’s closest equivalent, 360 Select, is priced at $100/$180, providing $1 million in insurance and data leak monitoring. Additionally, it includes $25,000 in stolen funds protection, 250GB of cloud backups, and protection for up to 10 devices.
Features and Protection:
Both Malwarebytes and Norton excel in malware detection and prevention. Norton boasts a perfect 6/6 rating from AV-Test, an independent security researcher, while Malwarebytes scores a respectable 5.5/6. Norton has a proven track record of consistently excellent malware protection.
In terms of privacy protection, both offer phishing and scam alerts. Malwarebytes’ Premium Plus plan includes a VPN, while Norton’s 360 Standard plan has a VPN and scam protection.
Customer Support and Usability:
Malwarebytes and Norton provide 24/7 support from live agents. Customer service is generally prompt and helpful. However, Norton’s software can be more complex, potentially challenging for less tech-savvy users. Malwarebytes’ focus on essential protection makes it more straightforward to use.
Free Options:
For those seeking a free solution, Malwarebytes offers a basic antivirus scanner for Windows PCs and Macs. Norton Power Eraser is a similar malware removal tool available only for Windows.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the choice between Malwarebytes and Norton depends on individual needs. Malwarebytes offers a great value for single-device protection and basic security. However, for a more complete suite of features, including a VPN, password manager, and cloud storage, Norton is a better option despite its higher second-year cost. It’s essential to consider the features that align with your priorities and budget when making your decision.
