In other words, you’re restricted to what’s already available. Microsoft Defender is completely free and doesn’t offer an option for consumers to upgrade the software for a fee to enjoy extra features. Microsoft Defender vs Norton pricingĪt the time of writing, Norton has four consumer subscription tiers to choose from, each encompassing a different range of features as you progress through the higher tiers. Norton acquired Avast Antivirus in 2021, who also owned AVG, along with Avira, in the previous year, allowing Norton to utilize the best parts of each business to create a platform that combined tools from some of the top internet security products worldwide. Norton, formerly Symantec, changed its name to Norton LifeLock after acquiring LifeLock identity protection in 2017. Norton is an internet security brand that’s been around since 1991, starting as antivirus and anti-malware software before expanding into a full-featured internet security package in Norton 360 in the second half of 2006.

Microsoft Defender has undergone various name changes since its first installment, known as Windows Defender Antivirus before the May 2020 Windows 10 update, Windows Defender after the Windows 10 Creator update, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus before Windows 11. The software has evolved from only being able to detect spyware infections, replacing Microsoft Security Essentials in Windows 8 with a full-featured internet security suite in later Windows OS versions. Microsoft Defender, owned by Microsoft, first launched as a free downloadable anti-spyware tool for Windows XP systems in 2001 before Microsoft decided to integrate the software into Windows Vista and Windows 7 in later years. BEST DEAL FOR MICROSOFT DEFENDER: Microsoft Defender is completely free so you don’t need to worry about any subscription costs or commitments.īEST DEAL FOR NORTON: Get up to 83% off your first year with Norton, our highest-rated antivirus.

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