Norton vs Webroot 2024 : Which Is The Best Antivirus Software?

Main Differences between Webroot vs Norton

Let’s look at the differences between Norton and Webroot:

• Norton has added features to protect your personal information and hide your financial information. On the other hand, Webroot also has good features, but it’s not as complete as Norton.
• In 2020, Webroot won an award for the best security suite, while Norton got fourth place.
• Norton is good for keeping your files and data safe, while Webroot is focused on finding and getting rid of harmful software.
• Webroot works well with Windows XP 32-bit and Mac OS 10.7 Lion, but Norton can also protect smartphones and tablets.
• Norton has a better scanning option, while Webroot keeps trying to make theirs better.
• Webroot finds and removes harmful software from the cloud, but Norton stops suspicious software before they even get a chance to cause problems.
• Webroot has a good long-term subscription price, while Norton is expensive but offers different packages to choose from.

Overview: Norton vs Webroot

Let’s look at both Norton and Webroot in detail.

Norton 360 Overview 

The Norton 360 security suite is one of the best antivirus programs in 2023. It’s good at finding viruses and keeping your computer safe. But what else does it do to keep you safe?

Norton acquired LifeLock identity protection in 2017, which led to its name being changed to Norton LifeLock.

Norton uses smart computer learning to find viruses and is good at it. It found all the viruses I tried to download when I tested it. Norton also has a VPN, password manager, and tools to protect your personal information.

Norton AntiVirus Plus is the basic feature they offer. It’s like a bodyguard for your computer. It helps protect one computer from bad stuff.

This package has many cool things, like a smart firewall that watches out for anything fishy, a scanner that finds and stops malicious activities, and a tool to keep your passwords safe.

Then there’s Norton 360 Standard. It has everything from the basic package plus more features. You get a little space in the cloud to keep your data safe. There’s also an internet connection tool to stop people from peeking through your webcam.

Norton 360 goes even bigger with Norton 360 Deluxe.

It has everything from the Standard package and a lot more. More space in the cloud, a special feature to control what your family does online, and you can use it on many devices – like your computer, phone, or tablet.

If you want the whole deal, Norton 360 Deluxe with LifeLock Select is the destination. It’s like Deluxe but with even more. You get a team watching out for viruses on the dark web and tools to keep an eye on your money and personal info. They even promise to help you if something bad happens to you.

Norton is always ready to help you with customer service, like talking to a friend.

Webroot Overview

Webroot is a budget-friendly antivirus program that doesn’t use up many of your computer’s resources.

It also includes a good password manager and a few extra features like web protection and a system optimizer.

Their password manager is powered by LastPass, which is one of the best password managers available. However, the web protection feature doesn’t always work well, and the system optimizer might be too simple for most people.

This is like a bodyguard for your computer. It has a firewall and a scanner that looks for suspicious activities on your computer. This scanner is super smart and updates itself using the Cloud features.

It also has a shield to protect you from people trying to steal your info, like your identity.

There’s also a cool feature that stops others from peeking through your webcam, so you have your privacy. And when browsing the internet, you won’t need to worry about bad guys getting your money info because of safe browsing.

Also, it ensures your Wi-Fi is secure, and you can use a secret internet connection with the VPN.

Then there is Webroot Internet Security Plus. It’s like Antivirus, but even bigger.

You can use it on three devices – your computer or even your phone. It has everything from Antivirus and a tool to manage all your passwords safely.

The highest level is Webroot Internet Security Complete. This is like the superhero of protection. It has everything from the other versions and more. It helps your computer run faster and gives you a private online space. It’s like having a secret hideout on the internet.

Webroot’s products come with fancy customer support that’s always ready to help you.

Norton vs Webroot: Features Comparison

Let’s look at the comparison between Webroot and Norton’s features.

Features	Webroot	Norton
Ease of Use	✅
Antivirus and Antispyware	✅
Firewall		✅
Antivirus protection/anti-phishing	✅
Parental controls		✅
Password Manager		✅
Webcam protection		✅
PC Cloud Backup	✅
VPN		✅
Ransomware protection		✅
Banking and Payment Protection		✅
Network Attack Protection	✅
Secure data encryption		✅
Automatically update apps		✅
File Shredder	–	–
Performance Optimization	✅
Identity Theft Protection		✅
Overall Winner		Norton Wins

Now, let’s dig into the details.

Features of Webroot

1. Advanced cyber threat protection.
2. Real-time anti-phishing.
3. Cloud-based malware scanning.
4. Password manager for secure logins.
5. Secure browsing with Webroot Safe Browsing extension.
6. Parental control and monitoring tools.
7. Identity theft protection services.
8. 24/7 customer support

Features of Norton

1. Automatically scans your computer for viruses and other threats.
2. Provides real-time protection against online threats.
3. Offers customizable security settings to fit your needs.
4. Includes a password manager to store and securely protect your passwords and personal information in one place, accessible from any device with an internet connection.
5. Cloud-based malware detection detects the latest threats quickly and easily without slowing down your system’s performance or requiring you to download large updates regularly.
6. Protects up to 5 devices with one subscription, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones.
7. It offers a money-back guarantee to try it risk-free before committing long-term.

Real-Time Malware Protection: Norton vs Webroot

To find out which of these two programs is better at protecting against viruses, I could check tests done by groups that don’t take sides.

One of these groups is AV-Test. They have experts who test different antivirus providers to see how well they work. They look at three things: Protection, Performance (how fast it works), and Usability (how easy it is to use).

They did tests in early 2019. Norton did well, getting a perfect score in Protection. It stopped all sorts of defects and viruses, earning a 6/6 rating.

Webroot didn’t take part in these tests for some reason, though.

Another group is AV-Comparatives.

In their recent test, Norton did well again. It got the second-best award because it protected computers well and didn’t make mistakes by calling safe things harmful.

So, Norton seems to be doing a good job keeping viruses away from your computer.

On the other hand, Realtime Shield is a security tool from Webroot. It works on both Windows and MacOS, and you can turn it on or off in the advanced settings.

When you activate it, Realtime Shield keeps a constant eye on what your device is doing. It’s like a guard that watches for any bad software trying to sneak in and harm your device. By doing this, it keeps your device and personal info safe from harm, making sure you stay secure all the time.

System Performance: Norton vs Webroot

Webroot’s cloud-based approach tends to have less impact on system resources, making it a good choice for those who want minimal interference with their regular activities.

On the other hand, Norton has improved its performance, and while it might have a slightly higher impact than Webroot, it still aims to maintain a good balance between protection and system speed.

Ultimately, the choice between Webroot and Norton in terms of system performance depends on your preferences and the specific needs of your computer.

Webroot might be more suitable if you want a lighter impact on system resources. Norton’s newer versions offer a good balance if you want comprehensive protection with improved performance.

It’s recommended to consider your system’s specifications and usage habits when making this decision.

Scanning: Norton vs Webroot

When it comes to scanning for viruses, both Webroot and Norton 360 have their approaches.

Norton 360 offers various scanning options like smart, quick, full, and custom scans, along with Norton Insight, which identifies suspicious files for a custom scan.

During my test, smart and quick scans were fast, but no malicious files were found. However, the full scan took about 11 minutes and successfully detected all 10 malicious files.

Webroot simplifies its scanning with just two options: Deep Scan for a thorough check of your entire system and Quick Scan for focusing on high-risk areas.

You can customize these scans to fit your needs.

Interface: Norton vs Webroot

In my comparison of Norton vs Webroot, I considered interface one of the most important factors.

The antivirus program’s interface should be user-friendly because you’ll use it often.

When you open Norton’s dashboard, you’ll notice it’s primarily in green and yellow colors.

It displays your current protection status and how many licenses you’re using. At the bottom, you can easily see your security, backup, and performance status using clear icons and labels. You can also manage protection for all your devices through a web portal.

Webroot’s interface is straightforward to navigate, although it might look a bit old-fashioned.

It effectively provides access to identity protection, backups, and passwords on the right-hand panel. There’s also a bottom panel to check out the latest news and connect with the Webroot Community.

Pricing Plans: Norton vs Webroot

Here are the pricing plans for the Norton vs Webroot comparison.

Norton Pricing Plans

Norton offers several antivirus plans to cater to different needs:

• Antivirus Plus: This is the basic plan that safeguards one device. It includes Norton’s essential antivirus features and a firewall and provides 2GB of secure cloud storage.
• 360 Standard: Building upon the Antivirus Plus features, this plan includes Norton’s VPN for added online privacy, Dark Web Monitoring to watch out for your data on the dark web, and protection for up to 3 devices.
• 360 Deluxe: In addition to the features of 360 Standard, this plan adds Norton’s parental controls and a Privacy Monitor. It also increases cloud storage to 50GB and extends protection to cover up to 5 devices.
• 360 Select: The most comprehensive plan, 360 Select, includes all the previously mentioned features, along with 250GB of cloud storage. It also offers Norton’s ID Theft Protection and extends protection to cover up to 10 devices.

Webroot Pricing Plans

Webroot offers three different plans to protect your devices.

Webroot AntiVirus is the basic plan for $29.99 per year, covering one device. It includes important security features like a firewall, ransomware protection, and anti-phishing tools.

It’s a good choice if you’re a single user looking for basic protection.

Webroot Internet Security Plus is a mid-tier option priced at $44.99 per year. It protects up to three devices, including smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks. This plan is handy if you have multiple gadgets that need protection.

Webroot Internet Security Complete: The most advanced plan costs $59.99 per year and covers up to five devices. In addition to the features in the other two plans, it removes traces of your online activity, enhancing your privacy and security.

This plan is ideal if you have multiple devices and want comprehensive protection.

Norton and Webroot can be used on various operating systems, like Windows, MacOS, and Android. You’ll like that!

Customer Support

Norton 360 offers multiple ways to get help, including 24/7 live chat support. If you prefer solving problems independently, check out their extensive knowledge base with detailed articles.

Webroot also has a comprehensive knowledge base and a community support option with guides, tips, and FAQs. You can contact their support team by phone or email, but there isn’t a 24/7 live chat option, so response times may vary.

In this regard, Norton 360 takes the lead by offering a more comprehensive customer support experience, including 24/7 live chat support, which can be very helpful for users.

Ease of use

Webroot boasts a user-friendly interface that is both uncomplicated and discreet. Navigating the central hub is intuitive, with just a few clicks granting access to its full range of operations.

Throughout the dashboard, you’ll find numerous strategically placed tutorials and “learn more” buttons, helping even those less familiar with technology quickly extend its functionalities.

Much like Webroot, Norton embraces a straightforward interface devoid of excessive intricacies. However, unlike Webroot, Norton’s interface includes computers alone, extending compatibility to tablets and mobile devices.

Vivid colors and well-defined markers distinguish the interface, making features and functions visible.

Norton uses pop-up notifications to inform you about antivirus software modifications and potential threats, although these notifications can sometimes be an issue.

Nonetheless, they effectively provide immediate notification whenever your attention is required.

FAQs: 

❓Is Webroot a good security system?

No, Webroot is not a good security system. Tests done by independent labs have proven that Webroot doesn't do a good job of finding malware. Because of this, the AV test gave Webroot a low score of 2 out of 6 for protection. Other antivirus providers are more secure and cost less, so for most people, Webroot might not be the best option.

👀Do I need Norton If I have Webroot?

There are some good reasons to think about switching from Webroot to Norton. Experts have proven Norton, unlike Webroot, to be good at stopping malware. Also, Norton gives you extra things like a VPN, which helps you stay safe online, tools for parents to control what their kids do on the computer, and protection for your webcam. Lastly, Norton's basic plan gives you better security and costs less.

👉Do Norton and Webroot do the same thing?

Norton and Webroot are both companies that make antivirus software to keep your computer safe. But they have different kinds of products. Norton 360 gives you more protection against bad things like viruses and other dangers. They also give you extra features like a firewall, a shield for your computer, a VPN to keep your online activities private, and protection for your webcam.

On the other hand, tests have shown that Webroot is not as safe and doesn't give you as many extra things.

✅ Does Webroot include a VPN?

Webroot does have a VPN service, but you need to pay extra to use it – it's not part of their regular antivirus packages. Some people recommend that Webroot's VPN might not keep your private data completely safe because of DNS leaks. Also, if you want to watch shows on streaming websites using the VPN, Webroot's VPN might not work well for that because it doesn't work with a lot of the popular streaming sites.

Check my other comparisons: 

• Webroot vs Malwarebytes
• Bitdefender vs Webroot
• Malwarebytes vs Trend Micro

Final Verdict on Norton vs Webroot 2024

Competing in the antivirus software market is tough, and Norton 360 and Webroot aren’t evenly matched. In simple terms, Norton 360 is much better than Webroot.

Webroot didn’t do well in most areas except for one – it’s good for your computer’s performance.

But Webroot needs to improve in everything else, especially keeping your computer safe. Norton 360 consistently shows it’s great at protecting against viruses, both in my tests and in tests done by others.

When it comes to cost, Norton’s basic plan is cheaper. Even with all the features Webroot offers, it can’t compensate for not being great at finding viruses.

Norton outperforms Webroot in malware protection and performance in my tests and performs highly in independent tests.