Malwarebytes vs. Norton
Here’s a handy guide to help you choose the best cybersecurity protection for you and your family.
Choosing the right cybersecurity protection is tricky.
At Malwarebytes, we prioritize our customers by designing products that are simple, effective, and accessible—offering free, easy-to-use threat scanning and detection tools. While Norton may offer similar features, we encourage you to consider your immediate needs up front to ensure you get the most value and protection for all devices for your entire family.
Compare Malwarebytes and Norton side-by-side
Available features* |
Malwarebytes |
Norton |
|---|---|---|
Device security | ||
|
AI-powered antivirus, scam, and exploit protection | ||
|
Proactive look ahead scanning | ||
|
Aggressive PUP and PUM detection | ||
|
Trusted Advisor | ||
|
Play mode (incl. Windows 11 ARM) | ||
|
Ultra fast and lightweight install | ||
|
System-level web shield | ||
Browser protection | ||
|
Ad blocking | ||
|
Scam and malware blocking | ||
|
Privacy enhancer | ||
Virtual private network (VPN) | ||
|
Secure VPN with kill switch | ||
|
Blind Operator security | ||
|
Fast and unrestricted protection | ||
Identity theft protection | ||
|
Dark Web and ID monitoring | ||
|
Credit monitoring (3 bureaus) | ||
|
Full identity recovery | ||
|
$2M ID theft insurance** | ||
|
Breach IQ score | ||
|
Advanced data broker scanning | ||
|
Free Digital Footprint and data breach scanner |
*Features vary by OS **US only
Why choose Malwarebytes?
It just works.
In the past 30 days, Malwarebytes protected people from:
Malwarebytes Browser Guard also blocks countless third-party ads and unwanted content for people online, speeding up their browsing by up to 4x.
We’ve got your back.
We’re a human-led outfit for a people-first internet. Malwarebytes provides:
We know what we’re talking about.
We’re the internet’s investigators. Our engineers and researchers have uncovered cybercrime networks, tracked ransomware gangs in real time, warned companies about attacks against their networks, and secured novel patents in cybersecurity.
We’re regularly trusted to explain modern security to people through The New York Times, the AP, Wired, The Verge, and more.
Cybersecurity cannot stand still. In constantly evolving our learning, we constantly evolve what we offer you.
Malwarebytes was awarded Product of the Year 2025 by AV Lab. Read more >
When all else fails, Malwarebytes prevails
Watch live as our software detects things other programs have overlooked.
Reviewed and awarded by those you trust.
Expert built, expert run.
Malwarebytes experts have been quoted and referenced in many news publications.
6 factors to help you choose the right antivirus software.
Whether it’s Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, or another antivirus solution, your security, privacy, and identity concerns must drive the decision.
Your antivirus should be more than a cleanup tool—it needs to actively monitor your system to block threats before they cause damage.
Antivirus tools shouldn’t slow your computer to a crawl.
If you use a combination of Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, look for antivirus software that offers cross-platform protection and centralized management for all your devices.
Cyber threats evolve quickly—your antivirus software should, too.
Not all antivirus solutions include privacy features such as internet browser protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. These features can offer an added layer of protection for your personal information and online activity.
Even the most powerful antivirus software won’t help if it’s too complicated to use. Choose an option with a clear, easy-to-navigate dashboard that makes security management simple for all users.
Online safety is more than just antivirus
Defend your security, privacy, and identity at every step, wherever you’ve been, are now, or are headed.
For your devices
For your identity
For your money
For your privacy
For your family
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