Side by side
Microsoft Defender for Individuals vs Norton AntiVirus Plus
Both stand on antivirus software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2
Choose Microsoft Defender for Individuals if you want security and identity features for personal devices under a Microsoft 365 subscription. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan or identity and credit monitoring outside the United States and its territories.
Visit Microsoft Defender for Individuals
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+1
Norton AntiVirus Plus combines antivirus and ransomware protection with a password manager across four listed platforms. Its annual plans differ by device count and both include 2 GB of cloud backup.
Visit Norton AntiVirus PlusThe facts
| Microsoft Defender for Individuals | Norton AntiVirus Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Microsoft 365 Personal: $99.99 a year | Norton AntiVirus Plus - 1 device: $59.99 a year |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Norton AntiVirus Plus |
| Website | microsoft.com | us.norton.com |
| On antivirus software | #71 of 120 | #75 of 120 |
Microsoft Defender for Individuals: what it does well
- Covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
- Includes ransomware protection and antivirus and anti-phishing features on supported platforms.
- Scans the dark web and monitors more than 60 types of personal information.
- Provides 24/7 identity theft support and specified insurance coverage.
- Dashboard includes alerts, recommendations, and up to 30 days of history.
What to know first
- Requires a Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or Premium subscription.
- There is no free plan.
- Identity and credit monitoring are limited to the United States and US territories.
- Protection features vary by operating system.
Norton AntiVirus Plus: what it does well
- Ransomware protection included
- Password manager included
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Five-device option available
- Includes 2 GB cloud backup
What to know first
- No free plan
- Parental controls not included
- Plans billed annually
- One-device plan covers one device
Alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Individuals Alternatives to Norton AntiVirus Plus The whole list