Norton vs McAfee - Which Antivirus Software is Better for Protecting Your Computer?
As our lives have become more dependent on technology, we need to secure our devices from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Antivirus software has become a necessity to protect our computers from such cyber dangers. Among the many antivirus solutions available in the market, Norton and McAfee are two popular choices. But which one is better? In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of each software.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Norton has been leading the antivirus industry for several years. Independent testing by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives consistently ranks Norton as a top-performing antivirus software. In September 2021 tests by AV-TEST, Norton scored 6 out of 6 in protection, performance, and usability. McAfee, on the other hand, has been lagging behind in recent years, according to several tests.
Verdict: Norton wins!
Features
Both Norton and McAfee offer similar features such as firewall protection, identity theft protection, and email security. However, Norton takes an edge with its LifeLock service, which provides added identity theft protection to users. McAfee, on the other hand, offers cross-device support and optimization features.
Verdict: Tied
User Interface
The user interface can make or break the experience of using a software. Norton's interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate the software. McAfee has also improved its user interface in recent years, but it still can be overwhelming for some users.
Verdict: Norton wins!
Pricing
Pricing is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing an antivirus software. Both Norton and McAfee offer different plans based on the number of devices and features. However, Norton's pricing tends to be on the higher side, but it comes with additional features such as a VPN, which McAfee lacks.
Verdict: Tied
Customer Support
In terms of customer support, Norton once again outshines McAfee. Norton offers 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and chat, while McAfee only offers phone support during business hours on weekdays. Norton also has an extensive knowledge base, community forum, and a user manual to help users troubleshoot issues.
Verdict: Norton wins!
Conclusion
Based on our analysis, Norton seems to be the better antivirus software between the two. Norton has consistently performed better in independent testing, has an intuitive user interface, and better customer support. However, McAfee is not too far behind and may be a better option for users looking for an affordable software with cross-device support.
References
- "Security Suites: Windows Tests September 2021." AV-TEST, September 2021, www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/.
- "AV-Comparatives." AV-Comparatives, 2021, www.av-comparatives.org/ind