Bitdefender Vs Norton: The Only Comparison You’ll Ever Need

Today, as we move a major portion of our lives, from photos to videos to office work, over the internet, it is extremely crucial that we have proper systems for protecting our data. Data thefts or damage to our computer or network happen through malware, including Viruses, Trojans, and more. These programs can also damage your device, steal your data, or take control of your computer.

Installing reliable antivirus software on our devices is essential. Usually, an antivirus works by downloading database files from its cloud servers onto your system. Then, it runs a scan to compare your system files with them for a match. If the files in your system match the virus definitions, the antivirus will quarantine or delete them. Also, many antivirus programs perform behavioral application checks to prevent possible attacks.

In this post, we will review the two most popular antivirus brands: Bitdefender Vs Norton. We dive deep into both products and study their features. We already know that it is always difficult to select the best between Bitdefender and Norton.

Please read to the end of the article to learn what they offer and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Bitdefender Vs Norton: Comparison Parameters

Before we move towards the showdown, let us first look at the product packages they offer.

* some regions have limited feature Norton Antivirus Plus

So with this, let us come to the actual comparison between Bitdefender Vs. Norton Antivirus.

Let's look at the features each of these antivirus packages offers. Bitdefender has a new free antivirus package with improved features for Home users. The old free version has been discontinued.

We will start from the most basic paid versions and then gradually move to the most advanced versions.

Please note that all the features from an earlier package have been carried forward by default to the next expensive version.

Hence, we will not repeat this in our comparison table.

Here's a detailed Bitdefender product comparison. To see Norton products in detail, visit Norton's official page.

With Norton Secure VPN, you get unlimited data, which is included in all its plans. The VPN is not an optional add-on but is a mandatory paid inclusion. Also, you can get it at the best price by using Norton Secure VPN coupons.

Bitdefender VPN is only included as a free add-on with all the products by default. You get 200 MB per day without the choice to select servers. If you wish, you can purchase Bitdefender Premium VPN separately. Learn more about what the Premium VPN offers in this Bitdefender Premium VPN Review.

Hence, with Bitdefender, you will have the option to select any dedicated VPN services like Surfshark or CyberGhost. In our opinion, a dedicated VPN service is far more advanced than the one included with the antivirus.

Though both of the antivirus packages are more or less similar in their offerings, in comparison to the features above, Bitdefender offers a better value proposition and choice than Norton.

Let us move to the next feature comparison.

When we compare these two top-performing antivirus brands, it is tough to decide the exact differences these two will have. However, although it is very tough for common people to test and judge an antivirus for performance, an organization named 'AV-Comparatives' & AV-Test consistently runs different tests on global antivirus providers. It publishes reports with winners across different categories.

AV-Comparatives

When they ran tests for Norton 360 and Bitdefender products, Bitdefender performed better in the Feb - Mar 2025 Real-World Protection Test. Bitdefender blocked 99.5% of threats in all the tests with 1 false positive. Though Norton blocked 99.5% of threats in this duration, it had 5 false positives.

According to the latest Malware Protection Test, Bitdefender outperformed Norton based on offline detection rates. Both Bitdefender and Norton received the Advanced+ award with few false positives.

AV-TEST

According to the latest AV-Test.org results, Bitdefender and Norton scored 6 out of 6 each in Protection, Performance, and Usability.

Please note that both Bitdefender and Norton compete every year. They offer some of the best protection against malware threats on the internet.

However, defending your computer against ongoing threats is not a static job. The protection will evolve, and so will the threats. Moreover, the AV-TEST Institute registers more than 350,000 new malware samples every single day.

It means there will never be a consistent 'best' solution in the antivirus industry. However, Norton and Bitdefender surely top the charts when it comes to malware protection. Bitdefender just has a slight edge at the point of writing this comparison. You can count on the numbers from independent firms when buying a good antivirus solution.

Any software, however perfect it may be in providing a solution to the problem, is of no use if it isn't user-friendly. This is true, especially with regard to antivirus software. With so many different modules, settings, and options in an antivirus package, it is crucial to communicate with the user easily. Moreover, it should be easy to navigate and control for its intended user.

In this section, we check for user-friendliness regarding Bitdefender vs Norton. The user journey starts with the installation phase and continues with the correct use of the software.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender is fairly simple to install onto your computer in under 15 minutes. The installation process resembles a guided tour. Once installed, the software is pretty simple to use. The dashboard is the most commonly visited page on Bitdefender antivirus. It is clean and well-organized to let you view and control the most important functions required.

The main page on the dashboard contains various options:

The dashboard also hosts 'quick actions' as shortcuts to more utilized options. If the antivirus finds any issue on your computer, it will usually alert you through sidebar pop-ups.

One-click prompts in these notifications will resolve most of the issues. You will rarely go to the main dashboard for any required additional settings. But that doesn't mean you cannot access detailed settings. Advanced users still have access to an array of micro-settings that allow them to decide how the antivirus program should perform according to their requirements.

Overall, Bitdefender is straightforward to use for general users and offers more advanced settings for experts.

Norton

Even though Norton offers a straightforward installation process similar to Bitdefender, its activation process can feel confusing, especially for new users. However, Norton has managed to improve its interface significantly over the previous version. The latest user interface is well-organized and provides hassle-free navigation.

The main window is divided into three sections:

On the left side of the main window, you will find a menu bar with different options. It includes Set Up Protection, Security, Performance, Privacy, Store, Search, and Settings. At the bottom, you will find a Send Feedback button.

The Center panel displays your system's security status and, below that, a button to run a smart scan. Norton has placed a few other options under the smart scan button, such as an option to see how many licenses you have used and add other devices to extend protection. There is also a bar graph that displays your system's performance score after running the Smart Scan.

The right side of the main window consists of two tabs: Control Panel and Alerts. The Control Panel tab combines all the essential features for quick access.

On the other hand, the Alerts tab contains all the notifications that require your immediate attention.

Furthermore, one appreciative aspect of Norton is its advanced customization capability. It ensures that users can make the most of the antivirus solution to ensure optimal system security.

Note: After using both the products, I found both the applications to be intuitive and easy to use. Anyone with little knowledge of antivirus programs can navigate through both Bitdefender and Norton and make the most out of its security features.

After carefully comparing both interfaces, we conclude this segment is a draw. Norton's latest user interface is a significant improvement over the old version. The updated interface ensures sleek navigation and better ease of use. Furthermore, its strong configuration capabilities give Bitdefender headstrong competition.

One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing an antivirus is its effect on your computer's regular performance. Antivirus is always 'ON' and running in the background to keep your system secure by running continuous scans. This puts a considerable strain on your system resources. However, the latest antivirus programs have considered this and improved a lot on this front.

If an antivirus slows down your system and you can't use it the same way you could earlier, count it as a bad user experience.

Let's compare Bitdefender and Norton in this avenue. For the tests, we are using Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360 Deluxe.

Bitdefender Idle State Resource Usage

It is important to note that the idle load is the baseline resource consumption that the antivirus will always reserve from your system.

During my Bitdefender Vs Norton comparison, I observed that Bitdefender consumed 0% of CPU resources, occasionally spiking up to 0.55%, using 1.5 GB of constant RAM.

Norton Idle State Resource Usage

On the other hand, Norton's CPU consumption spiked upto a maximum of 8.85%, and the RAM consumption remained constant at 107 MB, which is a significant improvement over the last performance test.

Please note that the CPU usage may vary depending on your system configurations.

AV-Test Performance Results for Bitdefender Vs Norton

The AV-Test organization tests all antivirus programs based on performance or impact on system resources. They also evaluate the loading speed of Websites and startup applications.

In the latest AV-TEST organization Performance category test, Bitdefender and Norton scored 6 out of 6. This means that they put very little strain on your system resources and do not cause substantial lag for the user.

Based on the above scenario, Norton consumes fewer system resources when idle but experiences higher CPU spikes than Bitdefender. Both programs have a constant CPU consumption of around 0%. If we select one strictly based on resource consumption, Norton is the preferred option due to its lower memory usage. Given the numbers, there will not be much difference in their usage scenarios at the idle state.

Both advanced and basic users require support. This feature can make or break a company's brand reputation. Usually, you can contact the antivirus provider's support team in case of a virus or malware attack beyond the user's understanding. Customers expect an immediate and correct response to their queries. Let us understand how these two providers stack up against each other in terms of customer support features.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender has almost all of the channels that every type of customer would feel comfortable connecting with. You can contact support through:

Norton

Norton also has similar customer support channels established, and you can contact them through:

Bitdefender's customer support articles and websites are easier to use and well-organized than Norton's website. To sum up the customer support parameter, both Bitdefender and Norton are truly approachable for almost all comfortable communication channels.

As discussed in the first section, Bitdefender and Norton offer different protection packages that are tailored to individual needs and requirements. The price varies according to the package selected and the extra features these packages offer.

Let us take a closer look at the different features both of them offer.

Bitdefender

* For the latest price, refer to Bitdefender Website.

The cheapest package is Antivirus Plus, which supports Windows only. It includes basic features like Real-time protection, Phishing Protection, VPN, and Ransomware protection. This plan supports up to ten Windows PCs. You can opt-in for a lower or higher number of PCs during checkout.

The mid-tier package, Internet Security, also supports only Windows. In addition to the regular virus protection features, the package includes additional features such as microphone and webcam protection, parental controls, and a network firewall.

Total Security subscription package provides support for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac Operating systems. To gain more insights into the features involved in this package, you can read our full Bitdefender Total Security review. Also, you can get rock-solid protection at the best price using Bitdefender coupons.

If you plan to continue with Bitdefender for the long term, you can further get assured discounts with 3-year subscriptions. All Bitdefender products include a limited VPN (200 MB/day). If you wish to have unlimited VPN covering upto 10 devices, Bitdefender Premium Security is ideal. It includes all the features of Bitdefender Total Security. 

Also, before you finalize any package, it is always a good habit to use the 30-day free trial and check your compatibility before the final purchase.

Norton

* For the latest price, refer to Norton Website.

The basic paid Norton Antivirus plan allows you to protect only one PC or Mac device. It also includes standard malware protection, a network firewall, a password manager, and 2 GB of cloud storage.

Norton 360 Standard and 360 Deluxe provide enhanced features and support for multiple devices. The 360 Standard plan protects up to 3 devices and includes 2 GB of cloud backup. Meanwhile, 360 Deluxe covers up to 5 devices, offers 50 GB of cloud backup, and includes additional features such as Parental Controls and a VPN. Learn more in our Norton 360 Deluxe review.

Norton 360 Premium plan protects upto 10 devices, and it provides a cloud backup of 100GB. It includes advanced features like parental control and WebCam protection.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Select safeguards up to 10 devices and includes 250 GB of cloud backup. This plan also offers advanced features like identity theft protection, stolen wallet protection, and more.

One of the most expensive plans, the Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus, adds an array of advanced identity theft protection and data theft modules to the program. It provides a 500 GB cloud backup service. Moreover, you can install it across an unlimited number of devices with certain restrictions. You also get priority support when you choose this module.

To get the best features from Norton, you will have to pay much higher than other players, especially Bitdefender.

Please note that the Norton 360 suites, including 360 Deluxe, 360 Premium, and 360 Deluxe with LifeLock Select, include Norton Secure VPN as part of the suite pack.

We recommend Bitdefender if you want sufficient malware protection with decent added benefits & that gives you an overall value for money. We like the availability of choice for the selection of a  number of devices and years of protection.

However, Norton can be a good choice if you have advanced online requirements and work with extremely sensitive data by paying that extra penny for the advanced features. You will feel the lack of flexible device plans with Norton.

Bitdefender Vs Norton: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bitdefender free to use?

Yes, there is a free version of the program for Windows, Mac, and Android devices.

Can I get a free trial of Norton?

Yes. You can try the software's 7-day Free Trial before buying it. However, as mentioned above, you will have to enter the payment information.

Which is better for Mac? Bitdefender or Norton

Both antivirus programs offer top-notch protection for Mac users. The latest report from AV-TEST Institute includes Bitdefender and Norton as top products. 

The Conclusion: What to Buy? Bitdefender Vs Norton

Through all the comparisons and the features that Bitdefender and Norton offer, they both stand neck to neck in the competitive antivirus world. Both have their pros and cons, but there is no denying that they deserve to be on the top of the charts for the best antivirus software.

However, based on our elaborate comparison and tests conducted by the AV test and AV-Comparatives, Bitdefender has:

You have the choice. If you wish to use Norton's features, you can do so.

Bitdefender Vs Norton: Which is Better?

Considering the protection, malware detection rates, features, and value for money, we will choose Bitdefender as our best antivirus.

Comparatively, there is nothing specifically wrong with Norton Antivirus. It is also one of the best antivirus solutions available on the market, having been in the top 5 in recent years.

Simply put, Bitdefender offers more value for money. You get solid protection and advanced features for a comparatively lower price. In addition, they offer flexible product plans, giving users more choices when purchasing a security solution.