Norton and MalwareBytes are Antivirus software developed to detect and eliminate malicious malware viruses/infections in the system or network.
It helps to save time, data, and as well as security breaches by those viruses. Both of this software safeguard the system from Cyber-criminals.
Key Takeaways
- Norton is an antivirus software that offers comprehensive protection against all types of malware and online threats.
- Malwarebytes is an anti-malware software that specifically targets and removes malware from infected systems.
- Norton provides real-time protection and automatic updates, while Malwarebytes relies on manual scans and updates.
Norton vs Malwarebytes
The difference between Norton and MalwareBytes is that the ascertained merit of the viruses is 100% and 90%, respectively. Norton has more advanced features like two-way firewall protection, parental regulators, Smartphone effectiveness, VPN service, device tune-up, and gamer mode, compared to MalwareBytes.

But MalwareBytes security is not that much advanced as compared to Norton. Though it has a feature of USB scanning, the security of information feature is much stronger in Norton.
Comparison Table
Parameters of Comparison | Norton | MalwareBytes |
---|---|---|
Usage | Difficult | Feasible |
Free trial | Unavailable | Available |
Scanning of Documents | Moderate | Fast |
Virus scan on USB | Unavailable | Available |
Email safeguard | Available | Unavailable |
Adware prevention | Unavailable | Available |
Chat safety | Present | Absent |
Extra attributes | Present | Absent |
Determinacy of infections | 100% | 90% |
Security | Advanced security options | Moderate |
Support system | Services of Live chat, Call, Email, Ticket | Live chat service |
What is Norton?
Norton Antivirus is an antivirus software product designed and assorted by Norton LifeLock in 1991 as a part of their system security products. It exercises signatures and heuristics for detecting viruses in the system.
It also includes email spam screening and phishing safety. This software is designed to run on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.
This product is available in two forms:
- A boxed copy
- OEM software
This antivirus software keeps constantly scanning the system whenever required. If any threat is found to be malicious, the antivirus obstructs the malicious form from entering the system, immediately informs the user, and asks for acknowledgement.
Norton software deters phishing attacks from sites as it could access the system’s private data like usernames and passwords, which helps the user not have any dangerous issues in the future.
Since this software is automatic, it just runs when the system boots on. It also protects the system from any infected threats as well as websites.
Norton updates its software to date so that any new threat identified can easily be detected and detached from the system.
Pros of Norton Antivirus:
- Well-secured and dependable files and data storage
- Occludes any lawless data
- Adjustable scanning options
- User-friendly interface
- A modest range of packages

What is Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes, previously known as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM), is an antivirus software developed by Malwarebytes Corporation. It was introduced in January 2006. Designed for Microsoft Windows, Chrome, iOS, macOS, and Android, that detects and deletes the dangerous virus.
It is easily procurable in the free version, intended to scan and remove viruses immediately installed. Whereas in a remunerated version, it furnishes a programmed scan, deep protection, and a flash-memory scanner.
Its first and foremost job is to scan, find, and completely remove dangerous software, such as adware, spyware, etc. Its method of scanning is unique.
This software fully scans the system in BATCH MODE, reducing the hindrance of any other malicious software running in another program of the same system. It does not scan the opened files once turned on, as it alters the prepared plan for scanning.
It works effortlessly with antivirus tools by appending a robust anti-exploit tool and anti-ransomware monitoring capacity. The attribute that makes it approachable is the Anti-Exploit tool that discovers viruses/infections that enters the computer because of software faults instead of malware.
The substantial attribute of MalwareBytes is its Real-time implementation and security.
The program is designed to not only abort the threats from viruses upon causing infection in the system but also prompt an image and sound-based alert that can instantly attract the user.
This software is available in two versions:
- Free version – This version f software needs to be manually run by the user whenever they think it’s needed.
- Prime version (paid) – This version of the software does its job of scanning, detecting, and automatically removing malicious threats to the system. It can also perform scheduled scans.
Pros of Malwarebytes:
- Unanimous with Microsoft Windows, iOS, Mac, Chromebook, and Android.
- Good in exertion with other antivirus products
- The influence of the system is below average.
- Splitting-fast scanning of documents
- Presents a decent free edition

References:
- http://conf.uni-ruse.bg/bg/docs/sns/2018/FPNO-FMI.pdf#page=85
- http://blog.hakzone.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Chapter-How-you-can-protect-your-computer-and-mobile-devices-from-malware-and-data-theft.pdf
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.