(Last updated on July 9th, 2019)
Norton (also called Symantec) or Avast, which antivirus software is a better choice in 2019?
Pro VPN you can install it on as many Windows, Mac, iPhone® & Android devices as you like and 5 can be active at the same time. AVG Secure VPN is purely for Windows & only 1 can be active at the same time. Setting Up a Fight: Bitdefender vs. Avast Bitdefender and Avast appeal to different markets. Bitdefender has a modest range of plans that, while more expensive initially, top out at a lower rate. The subscription that Avast Secureline VPN offers is different for different devices. The subscriptions for PC or Mac are for 1-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-years. For one month, the subscription cost is $ 7.99, for one year, it is $59.99, for 2 years, the cost is $109.99, and for 3 years.
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During the past few months, we evaluated and reviewed over 50 antivirus suites from the biggest names in cybersecurity. We did this so you can confidently choose the best antivirus software to protect yourself and those whom you love.
Overall, Bitdefender is our #1 antivirus software for 2019 (and beyond), because of its excellent, flawless performance in all independent lab evaluations, particularly those conducted by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Right now, we think that Bitdefender Total Security 2019 (currently at 50% off) is the best antivirus package available in the market. Apart from providing excellent anti-malware protection, it offers all the advanced premium features and utilities that must be there in a high-end package -- and best of all, it offers excellent value for money. You can protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, or smartphones) with just one license. If you need protection for more than five devices, we highly recommend Bitdefender Family Pack 2019. It will cover all the internet-capable devices in your household with the Total Security suite, so your family is protected no matter what goes wrong.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll compare Norton and Avast in a head-to-head and show you which of the two is a better pick.
In a rush? Take a look at the rundown below to find out which software wins in each category.
A Quick Rundown of Winners in Each Category
1. Features
Winner: Norton. Both Avast and Norton offer impressive feature-sets as part of their security suites, but Norton has an edge in this category.
2. Malware Protection
Winner: Winner. Norton performed slightly better than Avast in recent independent anti-malware tests.
3. System Performance
Winner: Tie. Both companies performed equally well when it came to the impact they put on computer performance; both software received perfect scores in two different performance evaluations.
4. User-Friendliness
Winner: Tie. Both software’s interfaces are user-friendly and intuitive.
5. Pricing
Winner: Norton. You can get more licenses for less money through Norton.
6. Customer Satisfaction
Winner: Tie. Both software have comparable customer satisfaction ratings.
Avast Security for Mac is free and protects against malware, malicious websites, and vulnerable Wi-Fi connections. For the highest level of protection, get protection against: Ransomware; Transparency to any Wi-Fi intruders; by purchasing our Mac Security Pro version. Sep 18, 2017 If you don't have money to protect your Mac from malware and viruses, Avast Free Mac Security is the best option you have. Best free antivirus for Mac: Avast Free Mac Security Many antivirus suites provide a decent level of protection, but a few rise above all others by providing the very best in performance.
Short Verdict
Norton is a better choice as it offers more security-related features and extra utilities in its security suites than Avast. Independent tests prove that both software are excellent in terms of the impact on system performance, but Norton offers better anti-malware security than Avast.
Our recommendations: If you want to get the highest level of security and performance, there's no better choice than Bitdefender, which protects over 500 million computers worldwide.
We have reviewed and rated most (if not all) antivirus software packages out there, and we think that Bitdefender Total Security 2019 (currently at 50% off) is the best antivirus package you can buy right now. You can protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, or smartphones) with a single license of this suite. If you have more than five devices, Bitdefender Family Pack 2019 is the best option for you. If you're just looking for Mac-specific protection, we recommend Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac 2019 for complete peace of mind. 1. Features
The best antivirus suites come with all advanced features and utilities that not only bolster your digital security but also promote extra value.
First, let’s see what features Norton offer in its security suites.
Norton AntiVirus Plus is the entry-level suite offered by the company. This software provides excellent protection against all sorts of malware, plus there’s a smart firewall that protects your computer against unauthorized access and monitors your network against intrusions.
A full-blown password manager is also jammed into the suite; this allows you to store and organize your passwords, credit card details, and securely store other confidential information.
This suite allows you to protect 1 device (either a PC or a Mac), but you can add more devices.
Next up is Norton 360 Standard. It’s the company’s flagship product and offers one universal license that can be used to protect 1 PC and 1 Mac or mobile or tablet.
The 360 Standard suite offers everything that comes with the previous suite, along with 10 gigabytes of cloud data storage and the SecureVPN tool that protects your sensitive information when you are on public or shared WiFi networks. The SafeCam utility is also jammed into the suite; this utility blocks unauthorized webcam access and prevents hackers from spying on you.
Dark web monitoring features are included in the suite as well; these module monitors your personal information and alerts you if it is being used by someone else.
Next up is Norton 360 Deluxe. This suite has everything that comes with the previous suites, plus you get 50 gigabytes of cloud storage and protection for up to 5 PCs, Mac, and smartphones with a single license. There’s also a parental control module that could be very useful if you have children. It’s a good product if you want to get protection for all your family devices.
Finally, there’s Norton 360 Deluxe with LifeLock Select – the company’s top-tier antivirus suite. This package includes all the advanced features and utilities we discussed above, plus you get a full suite of identity & theft protection tools. These include dark web monitoring features, a finance protection scanner, a credit monitoring suite, and the LifeLock Identity Alert System.
These features will tell you if your personal information is being used in ways or patterns that don’t match up with your previous actions; this is a great way to know if you’re information is potentially being stolen by an identity thief. The credit monitoring tool keeps track of your credit score and lets you know if it suddenly drops, as this is a common sign of identity theft.
As part of this suite, you also get the Million Dollar Protection Package from Norton; if you become a victim of identity theft, you will be covered for the expenses you incur and money stolen as a result of the crime, but only up to a specific limit.
If you’re interested in Norton’s business-specific security products, click here for more details.
Now, let’s see how Avast compares to Norton in terms of features.
Unlike Norton, Avast offers separate products for Windows and macOS. First, we’ll cover the Windows-only products.
Avast Free Antivirus is the first security software that you can get from the company. You don’t have to pay anything to use it, of course, but it doesn’t offer much value in terms of advanced features and utilities; all advanced features and options are locked in the software. But the freeware does offer protection against different types of digital threats.
Next up is Avast Internet Security, another Windows-only suite. This suite offers excellent protection against all sorts of malware, along with a bunch of advanced features and tools that make it worthwhile. These include a smart firewall, the Anti-Spam utility, and the WiFi Inspector utility (protects your network against hackers and intruders).
The Sandbox mode feature allows you to run potentially dangerous files in a secure environment, without having to risk the rest of your computer to a malware infection.
The Real Site utility that guards against DNS hijacking and rerouting is also part of the software, along with a password manager and an email filter.
Another level up is Avast Premier. This suite offers all the features and utilities that come with the previous suites, plus some extra perks. These perks include a webcam shield that prevents hackers from spying on you, the Data Shredder utility that permanently shreds any sensitive files that you don’t want to be recovered after deletion, and the Software Updater tool (automatically updates all the software and makes you less vulnerable to attacks).
Finally, there’s Avast Ultimate — the top-tier package offered by Avast. It comes with everything that comes with the Premier suite, plus you get the useful SecureLine VPN tool that lets you surf the internet anonymously and access restricted content. Avast Cleanup utility, which is a great tool that will significantly improve the performance of your PC, is also part of the Ultimate suite.
For Macs, there’s Avast Security for Mac. It comes in two versions, Free and Premium. The freeware only offers essential malware protection, while the Premium version has several advanced features and utilities that make it a worthwhile option, such as the WiFi Inspector and multi-layered ransomware protection.
Winner: Norton. Both Norton and Avast offer a comprehensive lineup of features as part of their security suites, but Norton’s offerings are more useful in today’s day and age.
2. Malware Protection
Let’s take a look at how Norton and Avast compare when it comes to protecting your computer against malware infections. To determine which is superior in this regard, let’s look at the recent unbiased lab tests from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives — two highly regarded independent organizations that regularly test and rank different antivirus software.
AV-Test’s recent evaluations were conducted in April 2019. All participating security software were tested on three different levels: Protection, Performance, and Usability.
During the Protection test, Norton scored a perfect 6 out of 6, showcasing its excellent malware detection capabilities.
Avast scored a slightly lower 5.5 out of 6 rating, which is a good score but not a perfect one.
AV-Comparatives is another well-known independent security software testing organization from Austria. They regularly conduct several exhaustive tests to evaluate the performance of various antivirus brands, but their main examination is the Real-World Protection test. In their recent report, both Symantec and Avast received the second-best ADVANCED award, which represents good defenses against all sorts of malware.
Winner: Norton. It’s a close call, but Norton takes this round due to better overall performance in recent independent anti-malware tests.
3. System Performance
There’s no doubt that anti-malware capabilities are important, but we can’t neglect system performance. Most top-tier antivirus programs out there put a negligible impact on system performance.
Let’s examine both software’s performance in this category.
In the Performance category of AV-Test evaluations, Norton scored a perfect 6 out of 6, which is an excellent score.
Avast also got a 6 out of 6 in this test, matching Norton.
AV-Comparatives’ performance test was conducted in April 2019. Both Norton and Avast took home the highest ADVANCED+ award in this evaluation.
The software that comes installed on new Windows computers is not quite as strong as those first three, but it still offers considerable protection. Shelling out money—generally $30 to $80—does get you a few perks, says Richard Fisco, who heads CR’s antivirus testing program. The paid programs have extra benefits. And also performed well. Got high marks from our testers for its ability to stop threats, for example. Which is better norton or avast for mac.
Winner: Tie. Both companies performed equally well in two recent independent performance evaluations; neither software will slow down your system operations.
4. User-Friendliness
The user interface of an antivirus program should be intuitive and easy-to-use for everyone, including people who aren’t proficient in computer use.
First, let’s examine Norton’s user interface.
Norton’s user interface is sleek and simplistic; it’s also universal in nature, so there isn’t much difference between the desktop and mobile views. On the main view, there’s a big green check mark that lets you know if everything is okay. The checkmark will turn into a warning sign if there’s an issue and your attention is required.
The Quick Scan button on the main window allows you to initiate a scan with just one click. The time and date of your last scan is also there on the screen, as well as information regarding licenses and software updates.
At the bottom, there’re five rectangular tiles that can be used to access all the advanced features and options of the software. The links to Settings and Help pages are placed in the top bar.
Now, let’s see what Avast’s interface looks like in comparison.
Avast’s dark, modern-styled interface is intuitive and straightforward. If everything is okay, there will be a green checkmark in the center of the main. The checkmark will change to warning sign if there’s something wrong with your security. There’s also a button that lets you run a smart scan.
On the left side, there are four main categories that contain all the features and tools of the software. You can access all the major features and functions with just a few clicks.
Winner: Tie. Both user interfaces are intuitive and user-friendly.
5. Pricing
Another important consideration is pricing. After all, if something is not affordable, it’s likely that you won’t buy it. Kaspersky for mac vs avast.
Norton Antivirus Plus, the company’s entry-level premium suite, costs $39.99 per year for 1 device.
Norton 360 Standard lets you protect 2 devices for $49.99 per year. Norton 360 Deluxe can be used to protect up to 5 devices for $59.99 per year. Finally, Norton 360 Deluxe with LifeLock Select costs $99.99 per year for up to 5 devices.
Now, let’s see how much Avast charges for its protection.
Avast Internet Security, the first paid option from the company, costs $59.99 per year for 1 PC. Avast Premium costs $69.99 per year for 1 PC.
Avast Ultimate, the highest offering from Avast, costs $119.99 per year and gives you a license for 1 PC.
Avast Security for Mac, the company’s flagship product for macOS platform, comes at $59.99 per year for 1 Mac device.
Cisco Vpn License Cost
Winner: Norton. Norton has a better pricing structure and gives you more licenses for less money, providing great value for money.
6. Customer Satisfaction
One final aspect we will consider is customer satisfaction.
Consumeraffairs.org is a great resource to see what the actual customers of both companies think of their products and services. The site collects genuine user reviews and averages them out into a 1 to 5-star score. Norton has a 1-star rating from this resource, indicating low levels of user satisfaction and poor customer service. Avast has a 3-star rating, which is an average score.
Let’s also check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is another well-known review collection site. Both Norton and Avast have an A+ rating on the BBB, which is an excellent score.
Winner: Tie. Both Avast and Norton have comparable scores in this category.
Final Thoughts
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Our recommendations: After reviewing over 50 antivirus suites from some of the biggest names in the cybersecurity landscape, we believe that Bitdefender Total Security 2019 (currently at 50% off) is the best antivirus suite for 2019 in terms of value for money. A single subscription of the suites lets you protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, and smartphones) in any combination.
Plus, it comes with premium customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have more than five devices, Bitdefender Family Pack 2019 is the best option for you. Related Comparisons
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This step-by-step manual guide explains how to install Avast Free Antivirus 2019 (version 12) software on all major Windows versions running on your PC or laptop – Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista and XP (32-bit or 64-bit). It assumes you have the software already downloaded and ready to install on your hard drive or external device like a flash drive. For those who like videos, there is a fantastic commentated ‘Video Manual‘ on this page.
Avast antivirus system requirements are nothing special, and really everyone meets them these days, but if you’re not sure you can check them here.
The whole installation process is really simple and even non-technical users will be able to finish. Before you start please make sure you have the administrator access to Windows, without it’s not possible to start the installation process. If you don’t have you need to ask your IT guy to do it for you (it can be also done remotely via TeamViewer for example).
Even though this guide is focused on the Avast Free Antivirus, you may also use it when installing other Avast products like Pro Antivirus, Internet Security or Premier.
1. Run the Avast Setup File (Installer) and Select Installation Type
Locate the installer file called ‘avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe,‘ or ‘avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe,‘ on your computer and start the three-step installation. Before the installation wizard is launched you will see a following loading screen for a few seconds:
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 – Loading Installation Wizard
If the install wizard is not in your language, you can change it in the top-right corner. Your selected language will also be the one in which you will have the Avast user interface, though you can change the language anytime later in the program settings.
On the first screen you have to choose the type of installation:
Full list of Avast 2019 components includes (all are installed by default with the regular installation):
Unless you are an advanced user, we recommend to go with the regular installation.
At the bottom of the first step, Avast usually offers some additional products like Google Chrome, Dropbox, or Avast Passwords. So be sure to check this option as well and decide whether or not you want that product to be installed.
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 Installation Step 1/3 – Choosing the Type of Installation
2. Actual Avast Installation Process
During the second step, you actually do not have to do anything. You can just sit and watch the progress bar show Avast being downloaded, creating a system restore point, and the Avast files being copied onto your computer. The installation process will take around 2-3 minutes, depending on your Internet connection, but you can use your computer and do any other activity.
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 Installation Step 2/3 – Actual Installation Process
Ssl Vpn License Cost3. Avast Installation Finished (Now You Are Protected)
Congratulations, now you should have Avast antivirus 2019 completely installed on your computer. In the last step just click on ‘Continue‘ and finish the installation process.
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 Installation Step 3/3 – Installation Finished
4. Read and Accept Avast Privacy Policy
In the next step, you have to accept the Avast Privacy Policy. You may read it in the full version, but in short – AVAST collects information from your computer and may share it with a third party; on the other hand, this information can’t be used for targeting or identifying your person. So really no big deal. If you agree and accept the new EULA, just click on the blue button ‘Continue’.
OUR TIP If you care about your privacy you can opt-out from any data collection
Why Is Avast Vpn License Cost Different For Mac Vs Pcby going to Avast settings » ‘Privacy‘ and un-checking options ‘Participate in the Avast community‘ and ‘Participate in data sharingWhy Is Avast Vpn License Cost Different For Mac Vs Pc 2018‘.
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 Post Installation – Accepting Privacy Policy
5. Review Additional Avast Products
In the next step of the installation process, you can review additional Avast products. Typically the Avast Free Mobile Security for Android. To close the windows click on the link ‘No, I don’t want to protect my Android phone‘.
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 Post Installation – Additional Avast Products (Avast Free Mobile Security)
6. Recommend Avast and Get a Free Internet Security
And finally, in the last of installation, you are prompted to recommend Avast to your friends. If you share Avast landing page on your social media, you will get Avast Pro Antivirusfor free for 6 months if only one of your friends will install it. For 5 installs you will get a free Internet Security and Premier for 10 installs. That’s a pretty good deal and really worth doing.
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 Post Installation – Recommend Avast and Earn Rewards
Recommendation basically means sharing this URL https://www.avast.com/en-us/recommend with your unique parameter on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail. Every unique install is counted.
At this point, we strongly recommend restarting the computer so Avast is fully integrated and configured for your system.
7. Avast Installation Completed – Register for a Free 1-Year License Key (Activation Code)
Once the installation is complete and the system is restarted, we recommend doing a free registration so you can use the product for one year. Check our guide here – ‘Register for Free and Get License Key (Activation Code) for Your Avast Antivirus 2019‘.
Avast Free Antivirus 2019 is Completely Installed and Ready to Use
Video Manual – How to Install & Register a Free License for Avast Free Antivirus 2019Known Avast Installation Errors/Problems
Here we will list all known errors/problems occurring during the Avast installation process and solutions on how to fix them. If you are having any troubles with the installation, please let us know in the comments below.
System Requirements for Avast Antivirus 2018 on PC or laptop
Additional Notes
Although we have used Avast Free Antivirus 2019 screenshots in this article, these steps are also applicable for all Avast Antivirus solutions (i.e. also for Avast Pro Antivirus, Avast Internet Security, or Avast Premier) running the latest version available.
Steps are relevant for all Windows versions – Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (including Anniversary Update).
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