Last month, we featured a comparison of antivirus software from ESET and Bitdefender. Now, we’re turning our attentions to another set of solutions. In ‘McAfee versus Norton’ we’ll give a brief overview of both before identifying their key strengths and weaknesses.
Devices that are connected to the internet face constant threats from malware. This malicious software is designed to steal data, damage your files and cause other issues. The majority of operating systems include built-in antivirus software but for businesses in particular, it is a good idea to secure devices using additional, third-party antivirus software. There are many solutions available, so choosing the right one can be difficult. That is where we come in…
McAfee
One popular choice is McAfee, who present themselves as a “worldwide leader in online protection”. Founded in 1987, McAfee offer four award-winning antivirus packages:
- Basic (protection for 1 device)
- Essential (5 devices)
- McAfee+ Premium (unlimited devices)
- McAfee+ Advanced (unlimited devices)
The Basic package starts from £29.99 for the first year* and includes firewall, password manager, file shredder and 1 secure VPN licence. It also features identity monitoring, web protection, a protection score and more, and is ideal for individuals. Businesses will want to consider the other packages, which range in price from £39.99 to £74.99 for the first year.*
McAfee adopt a people-centric approach, claiming that they are “focused on protecting people, not devices.”
Norton
Another option to consider is the award-winning Norton brand. Their antivirus software product was founded by Peter Norton. It was developed and then distributed by Symantec in 1990 as part of the Norton family of computer security products. 33 years on, there are four main packages to choose from:
- Antivirus Plus (protects 1 device)
- Standard (protects 1 device)
- Deluxe (protects up to 5 devices)
- Advanced (protects up to 10 devices)
There are two ‘basic’ packages that each start from £19.99 for the first year: Norton Antivirus Plus and Norton 360 Deluxe. The former includes antivirus, malware, ransomware and hacking protection for a single device. A 2GB cloud backup is complimented by Norton’s ‘100% Virus Protection Promise’, which entitles customers to a refund should a virus not be removed**. The 360 Deluxe package includes the same but for up to 5 devices. Rather than 2GB cloud backup, however, this has a huge 50GB as well as some additional extras: VPN private internet connection, parental control and dark web monitoring. Smaller businesses will likely need to consider the Norton 360 Advanced package, which offers protection for up to 10 devices.
Comparison
We’ve briefly outlined the core antivirus packages from both, but here are some other factors to consider:
Ultimately, the choice is yours. As an individual, either brand will be a good one. As a business, and depending upon your size, there may be a deeper choice to take.
In Conclusion
McAfee versus Norton: Which is better? Let’s recap the evidence presented here to answer that question. Both have robust antivirus packages for individuals and small businesses (i.e., companies with 5-10 employees in total). For larger organisations, McAfee might be the better option from this particular comparison, however. That being said, there are certainly other options worth weighing up if a more ‘industrial’ use is required. Take ESET or Bitdefender, for example: Read our blog, ‘ESET versus Bitdefender: Which is better?’ here.
*All prices are correct at the time of writing, for the latest packages visit the official McAfee website and the official Norton UK website. **Terms & conditions apply as per the Norton website.