Norton Antivirus vs. Webroot: An In-Depth Comparison for Optimal Cybersecurity
Cyber threats are growing more sophisticated every day. Malware, viruses, and hacking attacks can slip past outdated antivirus software and wreak havoc on your devices and data. That’s why choosing a robust antivirus solution from a leading vendor is critical for maintaining cyber safety in the modern digital era.
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth comparison of two top antivirus tools – Norton and Webroot. We’ll contrast their key features, system impact, pricing, customer satisfaction, and expert recommendations so you can determine the best software for your unique needs and budget.
Core Protection Capabilities
Norton and Webroot leverage cutting-edge technology to detect and eliminate viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. According to AV-Test’s independent evaluations in 2022, both scored a perfect 6 out of 6 in the protection category across Windows 10 and MacOS devices.
However, Norton’s real-time scanning and elimination engine, which uses machine learning and artificial intelligence, edges out Webroot with a slightly higher malware blocking rate of 99.7% compared to 98.88%.
Both antiviruses provide robust firewalls to prevent unauthorized access and ransomware protection tools that proactively monitor typical ransomware behavior patterns. Their multi-layered approach combines threat blocking, behavior monitoring, and remediation to keep your data and devices secure.
Advanced Security Features
In addition to core protection, Norton 360 Deluxe and Webroot Internet Security Complete offer features like VPNs for anonymous browsing, password managers to securely store login credentials, and parental controls to protect kids online.
Norton 360’s secure VPN service provides bank-grade encryption for anonymous access on public WiFi. Webroot lacks a VPN component.
For identity monitoring, Norton 360 provides access to LifeLock identity theft protection while Webroot counters with identity and credit monitoring focused on dark web surveillance.
Both solutions also have built-in system optimization utilities to clean up junk files and boost device performance.
Impact on System Performance
Antivirus software inevitably consumes some system resources but it shouldn’t bog your device down. AV-Comparatives tests show both Norton and Webroot have a low impact on system performance, even during active scanning.
In February 2022 evaluations, Webroot used just 2% CPU and 48MB of RAM during a full system scan – slightly lighter than Norton which utilized 4% CPU and 69MB RAM. For context, many antivirus tools consume 10-15% CPU during active scanning.
Most users report Norton and Webroot having minimal impact on the speed or performance of their PCs and devices. The software interfaces are well-designed for ease of access and use.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Norton 360 Deluxe costs $99.99 per year covering 5 devices while Webroot Internet Security Complete is $79.99 per year for 3 devices.
Cost per device is lower for Webroot but Norton 360 provides more robust identity theft features. Norton also frequently offers discounts around 30-40% for the first year of new subscriptions.
Both vendors provide free trial periods so you can evaluate the software performance before committing.
Customer Satisfaction
Overall, Norton and Webroot enjoy positive feedback from customers and users. Both score around 4 out of 5 stars on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and Trustpilot.
Users praise the effective malware protection and minimal system slowdowns. Some complaints about Webroot concern its lack of dedicated customer support agents. Norton customers report reliability issues on occasion.
Norton consistently ranks higher in expert reviews and testing lab assessments. It received the Editor’s Choice award from leading tech sites in 2022.
Expert Recommendations
Independent testing labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives rate both Norton and Webroot highly in their malware protection assessments.
Norton leads in some expert reviews due to its larger security ecosystem, identity theft monitoring, and technical support. PC Mag picked Norton 360 as the best antivirus solution of 2022.
Webroot is favored by some experts for its light system footprint. It earned PCMag’s Editors’ Choice in the lightweight category.
The Verdict
For robust all-around protection and added identity monitoring, Norton 360 Deluxe beats out Webroot Internet Security Complete as the Editors’ Choice.
However, Webroot is the better option if you value minimal system impact above all else. Install the free trial versions to experience the performance first-hand.
At the end of the day, keeping your devices and data safe should drive any antivirus decision. With cybercrime on the rise, one of these leading solutions will provide much needed peace of mind.
