Norton Vs AVG: Which Is Better? (Detailed Comparison)

Norton Vs AVG, Online data security is more crucial than ever. The secret to protecting your identity and private information is to make sure you have the greatest antivirus software on the market. In this article, I contrast Norton and AVG, two popular antivirus software companies.

I’ll go into great depth about which firm has the greatest software. I’ll also contrast and provide a summary of other crucial factors, such as extra features, cost, and usability.

Video: AVG Free Software VS. Norton Antivirus 

BACKGROUND

Norton

Since 1991, Norton security deluxe has held a significant position in the antivirus industry. It was once known as Symantec, but that name was changed to NortonLifeLock in 2017 after it purchased LifeLock identity protection.

Norton Vs AVG

It announced the acquisition of Avira antivirus in December 2020 and the acquisition of Avast, which had bought AVG a few years earlier, in August 2021. Because Avast has previously completed syncing the cloud and behavioral monitoring technologies of Avast and AVG, Norton security deluxe could soon adopt the greatest features from all three of these organizations.

AVG Technologies

1990 saw the establishment of AVG Technologies in post-communist Czechoslovakia. It has rapidly grown since its inception and now provides users all around the world with a variety of different protection levels.

Although their protection rates and technology are quite comparable, AVG was acquired by Avast for $1.3 billion in 2016. However, AVG continues to be a separate brand from Avast software. 

Although NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec), the company that makes Norton Antivirus in windows defender, purchased Avast in late 2020, there is currently no connection between Norton’s and AVG’s products as of the time of writing.

COMPATIBILITY AND PRICES

Your risk from internet threats is decreased when you get antivirus protection. Antivirus software that is available for free only offers a minimal level of malware protection and functions. Although choosing a free piece of software may seem more attractive, paid subscriptions and packages typically offer users greater peace of mind.

Norton malware protection offers a wide range of pricing options, with a significant price difference between its entry-level alternatives and its more feature-rich ones. The prices range from $19.99 to $299.88 per year for the various programs.

Additionally, Norton offers a wide variety of product kinds, some of which are catered to certain markets, such as one for gamers. I’ve listed the company’s main or best antivirus products in the table below.

Some of Norton’s internet security bundles have obvious distinctions. For instance, you get parental controls and coverage for five devices when you combine Norton’s Antivirus Plus and 360 Deluxe. Before you buy any antivirus software, take into account important features like these because they can make a significant difference.

Although AVG does give a free service, it’s advisable to locate the appropriate paid option to meet your needs as these offer superior coverage and protection in Norton antivirus plus.

Internet Security, a mid-level offering from AVG, offers a range of coverage options from one to ten devices. The most expensive option available is AVG Ultimate, which covers 10 devices but costs $59.88 a year.

For those on a tighter budget, AVG offers a monthly membership alternative. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the service. In addition, Norton security VPN provides a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the program.

The software from Norton and AVG free works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices.

SUITABILITY AGAINST MALWARE

Finding the best software to defend your personal information against malware is crucial as hackers are becoming more common online.

To determine which antivirus program or avast free antivirus provides the best defense, I ran some tests. Using test files from the European Institute of Computer Antivirus Research, I put Norton and AVG to the test in real-time (EICAR). I also performed three live sample runs. The results are displayed in the table below.

After extraction, Norton blocked the first EICAR sample and the next two zipped samples. The three live samples I tested were quickly found and removed. All active malware files were promptly blocked by AVG. Zipped files could be downloaded with its real-time scanner, however, unzipped EICAR samples were not.

Overall, in my tests, Norton and AVG both did well.

However, as these tests by themselves do not provide a clear picture, I also looked at independent testing carried out by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.

Both Norton and AVG scored 100 percent in AV evaluation Tests of its tests conducted in September and October 2021. These results provide a detailed and in-depth examination of how AVG and Norton operate based on tests with almost 19,000 samples. AVG and Norton’s products are state-of-the-art.

The most recent Real-World Protection test report from AV-Comparatives examined information from July to October 2021. AVG scored a 99.8% protection in mobile device rating in these tests, whereas Norton received a 100% rating.

During this testing period, Norton detected 37 false alarms compared to just 5 for AVG. When a safe file is incorrectly classified as a danger, it results in a false alarm. Seven false alerts per year are the industry average, so Norton can do better.

It’s challenging to pick a clear winner because both performers are strong. Norton would be my suggestion for the more careful user due to a perfect score in all current lab testing.

CONSEQUENCES FOR PC PERFORMANCE

Your PC’s speed and performance matter, thus it’s essential to have antivirus software that doesn’t hinder its operation. To find out which program had the smallest effect on PC performance, I conducted some further experiments.

The impact of each avast free antivirus service during full and fast scans is displayed in the table above. Four times as long as AVG’s full scan service, Norton’s full scan took 121 minutes. Norton produced a more thorough result by scanning twice as many things as AVG.

The information I gathered regarding how each piece of software affected PC performance both while a complete scan wasn’t running and when it was is also displayed in the table below.

With only 14 percent CPU use as opposed to AVG’s 51%, Norton surpassed AVG in this area. This changed when a complete scan was running, and AVG’s CPU usage was far lower than Norton’s.

I looked at the most current performance testing from AV-Comparatives from October 2021 to see if my findings matched theirs. These tests are quite thorough and provide information on eight typical tasks:

• Obtaining files
• Navigating webpages
• File duplication: initial and subsequent runs
• Application installation and removal
• Archives and unarchived data in mobile devices
• Application launch: initial and subsequent runs

Except for installing apps, Norton received the top “extremely quick” rating in all other categories. AVG also scored extremely well in all categories except running programs. Although it is obvious that both programs are performance-light, most users install applications less frequently than they operate them.

AVG’s overall performance appears to be comparable to Norton’s in many instances. Having said that, Norton does offer a more in-depth and thorough scan with little effect on CPU usage while a scan is not running. Norton triumphs in this round as a result.

FEATURES

The majority of antivirus programs offer a plethora of additional capabilities to protect you online in addition to screening your computer for viruses and malware. To help you understand what is offered, I’ve listed the top features of Norton 360 Deluxe and AVG Internet Security below.

How Can I Tell If My Antivirus Is Effective? (Easy Guide)

Norton 360 Deluxe:

• 50GB of cloud backup
• Threat protection in real-time
• Keyboard manager
• A safe VPN
• Dark Web surveillance
• APC SafeCam
• Parental authority
• Internet security from AVG:
• Modern antivirus
• Behavior defense
• A.I. detection
• Instantaneous updates
• Distraction-free mode
• Password security
• Webcam security
• Shredder for data

Norton 360 Deluxe

• 50GB cloud backup: Norton enables you to save and guard against hardware failures and ransomware of your files and documents. Additionally, it offers security in case your smartphone is taken.
• Parental controls: You can easily keep an eye on your kids online using the parental control options.
• PC SafeCam: This function gives you peace of mind by alerting you to any unwanted access to your camera.

AVG Internet Security

• Webcam security: This service guards against webcam hacking by requiring unauthorized apps to request your consent before using your webcam.
• Data shredder: To completely protect all of your information, the data shredder safely deletes files and data from your device.
• Password protection: With AVG’s password protection service, your passwords are shielded from being read, changed, or deleted by barred programs.

To safeguard your internet webcams and personal information, Norton and AVG both offer comparable services. The packages from Norton provide more effective protection for your personal data and safe storage for your most crucial information.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Selecting an antivirus solution with reliable customer assistance is essential for further assurance.

There is a forum on the AVG website, however, it is unclear how long it takes for replies to be made. Although phone services are also more expensive, the support center lets you search for your questions and offers solutions in the form of how-to manuals. No technical support hotline exists.

Even if you buy one of Norton’s more affordable packages, it provides help for all of its products 365 days a year. Along with online forums, frequently asked questions, and social media help, there is also live chat support available. In comparison to rival products, Norton’s help is thorough.

ANTIVIRUS TESTING METHODS

At Comparitech, we employ a methodical approach to antivirus testing to find the most crucial benchmarks and features. 

We evaluate the company’s reputation, the service’s privacy policy and data, and the company’s jurisdiction in addition to analyzing how simple the antivirus is to install and operate. Our approach also seeks to determine:

• The effect of full and fast scans on system resources
• The time required to conduct quick and thorough scans
• The effectiveness of online protection and real-time scanning tools
• The efficiency of malware removal and detection by antivirus software during scans

Our method combines internal testing with lab findings from the top antivirus testing organizations worldwide:

• AV Check
• AVS Comparisons
• Effitas MRG
• S.E. Labs

Our ability to compare an antivirus’s performance against that of other programs is made possible by the combination of these two approaches.

Additionally, it enables us to offer unbiased information on how well each product can detect and respond to threats across various platforms and operating systems.

CONCLUSION

Antivirus software services are offered by Norton and AVG in comparably comparable ways. However, I believe Norton to be the obvious victor because to its excellent customer care, thorough scans, and low influence on PC performance. 

Norton is well worth its premium price because of its emphasis on security and excellent customer support.

References:

https://www.quora.com/Which-antivirus-is-better-between-Norton-and-AVG

https://comparisons.financesonline.com/avg-antivirus-vs-norton-security

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