Bitdefender vs Norton: Which Antivirus Keeps You Safer in 2025?

The rise in cybersecurity threats, such as phishing attempts and spyware, is prompting organizations and individuals to install antivirus software on their systems. Choosing the best one between them matters, especially in 2025. In this race, Bitdefender and Norton are two of the biggest names, promising to protect your data, but they work differently.

Both Norton vs Bitdefender offer powerful protection, each with its own strengths. Bitdefender excels with its strong malware detection and great value for money, while Norton stands out for its advanced identity protection tools and reliable customer support. The key is to figure out which one best fits your needs.

Overview of Bitdefender and Norton Antivirus

Bitdefender became popular because it offers strong protection without slowing down your computer. Over the years, Bitdefender has built a reputation as one of the smartest and most lightweight antivirus software on the market.

Norton, on the other hand, has been a trusted name in cybersecurity for many years. People love it for its reliability, solid protection, and helpful customer support, making it a go-to choice for many users.

Together, Bitdefender and Norton have earned their place among the best AI antiviruses in the UK.

Comparison Between Bitdefender and Norton

To make an informed decision between the two, here is a detailed comparison of Bitdefender vs Norton antivirus to help determine which one is more reliable for your needs.

Malware Protection

Bitdefender uses advanced AI-powered behavioral detection to stop viruses before they can even act. In recent AV-Comparatives (March 2025) tests, Bitdefender achieved 98.7% detection in both offline and online modes, with only 5 false alarms, and an overall protection rate of 99.97%. The AV-TEST April 2025 evaluation awarded Bitdefender Total Security a perfect 6/6 protection score (as well as full marks in performance and usability). If your goal is best internet security, Bitdefender excels at malware detection and system performance.

Norton uses its SONAR behavioral monitoring and a vast cloud-based threat database to detect attacks, excelling at phishing and identity theft protection. In the same AV-Comparatives March 2025 test, it achieved a 99.3% online detection rate and 99.96% overall protection, with 10 false positives, slightly more than Bitdefender’s 5.

Firewall Protection

When you compare Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360, both come with strong firewalls to keep your system safe. Bitdefender’s firewall gives you more control; you can easily check what’s going in or out of your computer and choose which apps can connect to the internet.

Norton, on the other hand, takes the “set it and forget it” approach with its smart firewall. It quietly runs in the background, automatically blocking anything suspicious without requiring user input. Comparitech tests found that Norton’s firewall detected 100% of threats.

User Experience

Bitdefender has a clean interface that’s easy to use, even if you’re not a tech expert. It runs quietly in the background, with no unnecessary pop-ups or interruptions. According to CyberNews, Bitdefender uses fewer system resources and delivers quicker startup times than Norton 360. It also provides strong Android protection and is recognized as the Best Free Antivirus for Android in the UK.

Norton keeps things simple. Its easy-to-use dashboard provides clear guidance, so even beginners can operate it without stress. It might use a bit more system power and works perfectly on Mac and Android, but can sometimes slow down Windows devices a little or mark safe files as threats.

For iOS users, both Norton and Bitdefender are frequently rated among the Best Antivirus for iPhone in the UK.

Advanced Security Features

Bitdefender comes with tools that make your online life safer. It has an Anti-Tracker to stop websites from following you, a File Shredder to permanently delete private files, and SafePay for secure shopping and banking. Users also get webcam protection, parental controls, and a password manager.

Norton, meanwhile, focuses more on protecting your identity and keeping your data safe. It includes a VPN (with no data limit) to keep your browsing private, dark web monitoring to alert you if your info is leaked. Moreover, Norton 360 Premium vs Bitdefender Total Security shows that Norton has an edge in identity protection.

Bitdefender and Norton both include secure VPNs, making them top contenders in the 10 Best Antivirus With VPNs.

Pricing and Plans

Here’s a simple table comparing Bitdefender and Norton plans, including the devices covered, first-year prices, and key features.

Bitdefender

Norton

FAQs

Is Bitdefender Better than Norton?

It depends on what you want. Bitdefender is faster and stronger at stopping viruses. Norton offers more comprehensive protection with additional tools, such as a firewall and a password manager.

Bitdefender Or Norton for Mac: Which Is Better?

The best antivirus for Mac would be Norton as it includes a firewall and a password manager, which Bitdefender doesn’t offer fully on Mac.

Which Antivirus Is Better for Email, Spam, and Phishing Protection?

Norton is slightly better for various types of phishing attacks and web-based threat protection, while Bitdefender performs better at filtering spam and fraudulent emails in your inbox.

When it comes to Bitdefender vs Norton, the choice ultimately depends on what kind of protection you’re looking for. Both antivirus programs are top-tier, offering strong defense against modern threats, just in different ways. Antivirus software works best when incorporated with the best free ad blockers in the UK and the best encryption tool, which add extra layers of privacy and online protection.

They both rank among the Best Antivirus software for Small businesses in the UK. Free or basic versions often appear in the Best Free Antivirus for Laptop in the UK, and even Chromebook users can rely on their protection, as both are included in the Best Antivirus for Chromebook users in the UK.

Stay tuned to Virtual Codes Vault for all the latest information and updates on the best antivirus software.