Microsoft Defender vs Norton
Microsoft Defender and Norton tie at 8.1/10 overall, so the choice comes down to which criteria matter more to you.
8.1/10, Very good
8.1/10, Very good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Microsoft Defender8.5
Tested in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives series with generally good results.
Protection record
35% weight
Norton9.0
Strong results in AV-TEST's consumer test series.
Microsoft Defender7.0
Lab reports have shown more slowdown in some tasks than the lightest rivals.
System impact
15% weight
Norton7.5
Moderate footprint given the size of the suite.
Microsoft Defender10.0
No extra cost on Windows.
Value for money
20% weight
Norton6.5
Renewal pricing is high, offset by a 60-day refund window.
Microsoft Defender5.5
Core protection and firewall; few consumer extras.
Extra features
15% weight
Norton9.5
VPN, password manager, cloud backup and identity tools bundled.
Microsoft Defender8.0
On by default with nothing to install, but Windows only.
Ease of use & platforms
15% weight
Norton7.5
Covers all platforms, but the suite has many prompts and add-ons.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Microsoft Defender | Norton |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Yes | No |
| Money-back window | Not published | 60 days |
| Free trial | Not published | Not published |
| In AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives tests | Yes | Yes |
| Main platforms | Windows (built in) | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Company base | United States | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Defender if…
You want something best for windows users who want solid no-cost protection.
- + No extra cost
- + Enabled by default
- + Tested by major independent labs
Choose Norton if…
You want something best for households wanting an all-in-one suite.
- + 60-day money-back guarantee
- + Very broad feature bundle
- + Strong lab protection results
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Microsoft Defender vs Norton: quick answers
Is Microsoft Defender better than Norton?
Microsoft Defender and Norton tie at 8.1/10 overall, so the choice comes down to which criteria matter more to you. Microsoft Defender scores higher on value for money, ease of use & platforms. Norton scores higher on protection record, system impact, extra features.
Who should choose Norton over Microsoft Defender?
Norton is best for households wanting an all-in-one suite. Microsoft Defender is best for windows users who want solid no-cost protection.
How were Microsoft Defender and Norton scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for antivirus software, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.