Malwarebytes vs Norton – Which Is The Best For 2024?

Malwarebytes vs Norton Real-Time Protection

Norton’s Insight protection system leverages AI to identify suspicious programs based on similarities to known malware.

By checking for unusual behavior in real time and scanning in the background, Norton can detect zero-day threats that haven’t previously been identified or logged. Norton updates automatically, ensuring your system always has access to the latest virus definitions.

Norton Security History logThe Norton Safe Web browser extension alerts you to spyware and malware on websites you visit. It can also provide a safety rating before you click on a link, alerting you to potential dangers.

Malwarebytes’ real-time protection detects changes made in the system so any suspicious activity can be quickly addressed.

This protects against malware, ransomware, and exploits. The product also provides web protection, and the Browser Guard extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge can augment this by blocking web pages hosting malicious content and in-browser cryptojackers.

It also provides an easier, cleaner web experience on the whole and protects your privacy by blocking ads and third-party ad trackers.

Norton vs Malwarebytes Firewall Protection

Norton includes a Smart Firewall and Intrusion Prevention System.

The firewall monitors network traffic to identify abnormal behavior and potential attacks that may be attempting to take advantage of vulnerabilities. The second system monitors processes running on your system and can block outgoing traffic.

Malwarebytes doesn’t have its own firewall but relies on those provided by operating system providers.

Malwarebytes and Norton Anti-Phishing and Anti-Ransomware

If you click on a link in a phishing email, Norton’s Safe Web feature is able to block malicious sites, keeping you out of harm’s way. The platform’s password manager, available with the cheapest account, will also help to keep your accounts secure.

Norton provides anti-ransomware protection as standard, scanning for unusual network activity and unusual behavior on the system.

The encrypted cloud backup feature is an added benefit here, as you can ensure important files and folders are backed up so they won’t be lost even if you were to lose access to your device.

Malwarebytes provides anti-phishing features, like Norton, to assess and block potentially malicious sites in real time. Its ad blocker can also limit your exposure to pop-ups and other messaging intended to trick users into clicking.

System scans from Malwarebytes also look for malware, spyware, and ransomware so threats can be isolated and removed.

Malwarebytes and Norton 360 Security Scans

Of course, running virus scans is a core feature of an antivirus product, and each product has its own extensive malware database.

Norton allows you to run Smart, Quick, Full, and Custom scans, and you can schedule them. There are also options to whitelist files, optimize your device, and run the Power Eraser tool to tackle advanced threats.

Malwarebytes allows you to run a Threat Scan, Custom Scan, or Quick Scan and to schedule scans. Is Malwarebytes good? Yes, but Norton takes the lead.

Device Performance Optimization

Malwarebytes’ AdwCleaner is designed to target and remove adware, spyware, PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), browser hijackers, unwanted toolbars, and other hard-to-remove software installed on your PC.

This can help speed up your device and remove potential threats on your system.

Norton, meanwhile, has tools like Startup Manager, File Cleanup, and Optimize Disk to help manage processes like what programs open on startup, removing temporary files and folders, and addressing disk fragmentation.

VPN

Both Norton and Malwarebytes have pretty straightforward VPN features. Norton offers a VPN on its second tier, while Malwarebytes offers it as an add-on.

Norton has the edge when it comes to VPN coverage, with split tunneling and kill switch features to prioritize traffic and avoid data leaks if your VPN connection fails. Both providers have no-logs policies, committing not to log user data, and use AES-256 encryption to protect users.

Malwarebytes has 500+ servers in 40+ countries around the world, while Norton has servers in 29 countries. Both are adequate for allowing you to browse the web securely and anonymously and to access the internet from other geographic locations.

That said, neither have the advanced features offered by premium providers like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.

Identity Theft Protection

Norton LifeLock offers some of the most comprehensive identity theft protection services available. The LifeLock Plans include:

With the different plans, Norton can monitor and alert you to potential threats to your identity, and if you lose your wallet, Norton can help cancel and replace credit cards and driving licenses.

Norton also offers a credit monitoring service in which it closely monitors any changes or suspicious activity on your credit reports.

Beyond this, there’s monitoring of unusual investment and home title activity and the potential for reimbursement in the event that funds are stolen – providing some solid insurance.

With its Identity Protection add-on (+$8.33/m), Malwarebytes offers similar features with identity monitoring and alerts, white-glove identity recovery and restoration, and $1m in identity insurance.

Purchasing the Complete Protection package, meanwhile, gets you advanced social media monitoring, three-bureau credit reporting, and $2m in identity insurance, in addition to dark web monitoring.

Norton’s Virus Protection Promise

Norton is apparently so certain of the quality of its product that it offers a Virus Protection Promise – a guaranteed refund if your device gets a virus that Norton can’t remove even with expert assistance.

The guarantee covers Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, but not IoT devices, and is limited to the subscription purchase cost. It does not cover the cost of damage caused by viruses, however.

Is Malwarebytes safe? Yes, but it doesn’t have an equivalent for Norton’s protection promise.

Norton’s Password Manager

Given the frequency with which companies are hacked and user password databases are leaked, it’s important to have strong, unique passwords for all your accounts – and using a password manager is a great way to handle this.

Norton includes a password manager with its cheapest account. It’s a convenient and easy-to-use tool that can help you keep your online accounts secure and safe, storing all your usernames and passwords in an encrypted online vault, which is protected by a master password.

There’s an app and a browser plugin so you can log into your vault whenever you need, with your details being automatically synced. You can use it to store payment details, addresses, and notes, as well as passwords.

The app will also warn you about weak passwords, while Norton’s dark web monitoring features can alert you if your details have been leaked online so you can change them.

Malwarebytes has a free password generator, but it doesn’t provide a password manager.

Independent antivirus testing – Independent testing firms are able to conduct deep research into the performance of antiviruses, giving you concrete data on how they compare against each other for catching malware without slowing down your device.

We researched third-party data published by AV-Test, among other providers, for our Malwarebytes vs Norton 360 review. We also consider community user feedback, such as the products identified as the best antivirus software by Reddit.

Compatibility and Ease of Use – Products that are easy to use can make your life a whole lot easier. Antivirus programs should be easy to navigate and accessible for non-technical users.

If a product doesn’t cover your device or won’t protect your whole digital ecosystem, then it may not be a fit. Consider what you need it to do and what you want to pay for.

For more recommendations, see our guides to the best Windows antivirus and the best Mac antivirus tools.

Key Security Features – It’s important to look into the features available with each plan. Would a basic subscription be sufficient for your needs, or would you benefit from upgrading for features such as identity theft protection, password managers, or VPNs?

For business solutions, see our guides to the best business antivirus and the best server antivirus products.

Customer Support – Having high-quality support can make the difference between a broken product and something you’ll use for years. Check how easy it is to reach support and what users have said about it.

Price – The cost of the product is the bottom line. How much are you willing to pay, what will this get you, and what’s available at that price point in the market? When comparing Norton 360 vs Malwarebytes, it’s worth considering the trials, free plans, and money-back guarantees on offer.