Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
Norton vs Protegent
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- Smart firewall with intrusion prevention
- Dark web monitoring
- Integrated VPN for secure browsing
- Multi-device compatibility
- Strong protection against various cyber threats
- Cloud-based scanning for real-time updates
- Built-in system optimization tools
- Robust parental controls
- Aggressive upselling
- High renewal costs after initial discount
- Limited features on macOS and iOS
- Resource-heavy scans can slow down older devices
- VPN not included
- Limited device coverage on lower plans
- Slower support for lower plans
- Limited third-party test data
Norton Antivirus, developed by Gen Digital Inc. (formerly Symantec Corporation), has been a trusted name in cybersecurity since 1991. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Norton offers a comprehensive suite of security tools designed to protect users from malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and online threats. Their services extend beyond basic antivirus protection, incorporating features like real-time threat detection, a smart firewall, a secure VPN, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, and identity theft protection. With multi-device compatibility, Norton provides security solutions for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users. Independent security tests consistently rate Norton highly for their malware detection and overall performance, but user feedback is mixed. Customers appreciate their strong protection, ease of use, and frequent updates, while others criticize aggressive upselling, high renewal costs, and occasional performance slowdowns. Norton’s customer support includes 24/7 live chat, phone assistance, and an extensive knowledge base, though some users report difficulties with billing transparency and subscription management.
Protegent, founded in 2010 and headquartered in India, has quickly established themselves as a prominent provider of antivirus and internet security solutions. Known for their comprehensive suite of features, Protegent offers protection against a wide range of threats, including viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. With advanced features such as cloud-based scanning, real-time malware protection, USB threat scanning, and ransomware prevention, Protegent ensures users’ devices remain secure in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Beyond basic protection, Protegent also provides data recovery tools, system optimization features, and robust parental controls, catering to both individual users and businesses. While the company doesn’t have a significant presence in third-party testing, their focus on providing user-friendly, customizable plans makes them an appealing choice for various types of users. Protegent offers flexible subscription plans, allowing customers to select the level of protection that best suits their needs, from basic antivirus to complete security packages. Although there are some limitations regarding support and device coverage on lower-tier plans, Protegent’s features and pricing make them a reliable option for those seeking comprehensive digital security.
- Security Rating : Excellent
- VPN : Available
- Price : Starts at $19.99 per year
- Customer Experience : Great
- Firewall : Available
- Free Trial : 7 days
- Trustpilot Score : 4.4 out of 5
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Not included
- Price : Starts at $10 per year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : Included
- Free Trial : Unavailable
- Trustpilot Score : N/R
- Lifelock identity theft protection
- Ai-based behavioral analysis
- Parental controls with web filtering and screen time
- Safecam to block unauthorized webcam access
- "Crash Proof" feature for data recovery
- Advanced ransomware protection
- Automatic USB scanning
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
Norton vs. Protegent
Choosing the right antivirus isn’t just about blocking malware; it’s about finding protection that fits your devices, your habits, and your trust level. Norton and Protegent offer very different approaches to digital security, from how they handle threats to the kind of features they bundle. This comparison breaks down the essentials to help you decide which provider better matches your needs.
Service range and customization options
Norton provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed for cross-platform protection. Their offerings include real-time threat detection, a powerful firewall, identity theft monitoring, secure VPN access, parental controls, and cloud backup. They support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making them an all-in-one option for families or individuals with multiple device types. Customization options are solid, letting users manage scan schedules, notification settings, and device usage reports through a centralized dashboard.
Protegent focuses primarily on Windows PCs, offering core antivirus protection along with a few unique additions like data loss prevention and system monitoring. Their Total Security suite also includes features like laptop tracking and file encryption. However, their platform support is limited to Windows, and there are fewer options for configuration or automation compared to more mainstream antivirus tools. If you're running Windows and want built-in tools for both security and data safety, Protegent brings a more bundled approach.
Ease of use and integration
Norton’s interface is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. Setup is fast, and users are guided through key features upon installation. Everything from running scans to checking identity alerts is clearly labeled, and their mobile apps integrate well with the desktop suite. The online account portal helps manage subscriptions and devices in one place, making Norton user-friendly for beginners and advanced users alike.
Protegent’s design leans more utilitarian. The interface feels dated, with basic navigation and visual elements that may not appeal to modern users. However, the tools themselves are logically grouped and functional. There’s a steeper learning curve if you’re new to antivirus software, and because they don’t offer cross-platform apps or mobile integration, the experience is limited to desktop use.
Security and compliance
Norton has earned high marks from independent testing labs for their malware detection and system performance. They use a mix of signature-based scanning, behavior monitoring, machine learning, and cloud analytics. Their additional focus on identity protection and dark web monitoring adds value, especially for users concerned about privacy. Norton is transparent about their data practices and is aligned with major data compliance standards, including GDPR.
Protegent has not undergone as much third-party evaluation, so independent lab test data is limited. Their software combines antivirus with proactive data protection, aiming to prevent unauthorized access, accidental file loss, and system tampering. While their tools offer a unique angle on digital safety, users looking for published detection rates or compliance credentials may find less verification available compared to Norton.
Pricing and value
Norton offers several plans, starting with Antivirus Plus at $29.99/year for one device. Their 360 Standard and Deluxe plans, ranging from $39.99 to $49.99/year (first-year pricing), add features like a VPN, dark web monitoring, and parental controls. Norton also includes cloud backup storage, which increases with each tier. Renewal prices are higher, but the first-year value is strong considering the range of protections.
Protegent’s pricing varies by plan. Their Total Security suite, which includes antivirus, system monitoring, and other utilities, is priced around $20/year. They do not offer a free version, and their product lineup isn’t always easy to compare directly due to different bundling structures. While the tools included are extensive, the value depends on whether you’ll use all of them and whether you’re comfortable with a Windows-only setup.
Conclusion
Norton is a top-tier antivirus provider with wide platform support, strong independent test results, and a user-friendly experience. They offer advanced identity features and solid customization, making them a go-to choice for users who want all-around protection and cross-device syncing.
Protegent offers a more niche package focused on Windows users who want antivirus protection paired with system monitoring and file safety tools. Their interface and testing credentials are more limited, but their feature set is tailored toward users concerned with data loss prevention and device-level security. If you're looking for comprehensive tools on a Windows PC and can overlook a dated design, Protegent might suit your needs.