Norton antivirus was a name that most people have heard of if they have used a computer for a long time. Originally when battle was between Norton and McAfee, they used to be king. I remember using it when it was the only real choice you had if you didnt want your computer to get a virus and die. Things have changed since then. Now, Norton feels like a fragment of their past life. There are so many other companies out there doing a better job, and Norton just doesnt seem to keep up like they used to.
How are antivirus companies doing now?
When you look at how these guys do in AV tests now we check things like how many blocks they get right and if they accidentally flag good files as a bad ones. Over the last 6 years, companies who do the antivirus tests and comparisons, we check them regularly. Norton used to be the best but not anymore.
In the most recent tests from 2024 – 2025, Norton blocks most of the zero day threats, like things that just came out today. They get a scores for blocking those new things. Bitdefender also gets great scores, and they do it without slowing down the computer.
One big thing testers look for is false positives. This is when the antivirus thinks a normal file is actually a infected and deletes it. In the last few years, Norton has had more of mistakes than companies like Bitdefender or ESET. If your antivirus is always screaming at you about things that arent actually dangerous, you stop trusting it. That is one reason why Norton feels like a shell of its former glory to me.
Is Norton a Resource Hog?
Resources are the computing power that makes your computer work. Some antivirus programs are lightweight which means you never even notice them. Others are heavy and make your computer feel like slow.
Norton has always had a reputation for being a bit of a pig when it comes to computer power. When they try to make improvements, they still uses a lot of RAM and CPU usage. If you have a new computer you might not notice it. If you are using an old laptop, Norton will make your experience suck.
Bitdefender, on the other hand, is much lighter. They use a different method of scanning files that dont put so much stress on your PC. EoWhen you compare the two, Bitdefender wins because it lets you play games or watch videos without the lagging like Norton seems to suffer from.
Comparing the Big Name virus protectors
If we look at the top 5 competitors like Bitdefender, Webroot, ESET, and Kaspersky, Norton has a hard time staying ahead.
Bitdefender, as an example, is usually one of the best. They block almost everything without many mistakes, and does it quickly.
Webroot is super tiny, installs in seconds, and uses little to no power. Norton looks huge in comparison.
ESET is one for people who know more about their computer because it is quiet, and doesnt spam ads or alerts.
Norton tries to do too much at once and adds things like identity protection and crypto safeguards into their software. Most people just want their computer secured. They dont need all the extra junk. It makes them feel bloated.
The Last Six Years of Antivirus Scores
If we go back to 2019 and follow the trail to 2026, there’s a pattern. Norton usually gets decent ratings, but they often lose points on performance. This means they’re good at catching viruses, but suck at staying out of the way.
In 2022, there was a big test where Norton missed more real world threats than others. Even if it is only a 1% difference, that 1% can be the difference between the virus that stealing your passwords and losing everything. Companies like Bitdefender and ESET have stayed consistent. They get the top scores regularly, while Norton slips a little more every time.
Why it feels different now
I really miss the old days when Norton felt good. Now, theyfeel more like dead weight. There are so many options that are cheaper, faster, and just plain better. When you see how well ESET or Bitdefender performs year after year, it makes Norton look like they’re sleeping on the job instead of working.
They’re a shell of their former glory. Now, it feels like they are just trying to sell you extra junk when you install it. They ask you to buy more and try new services. A good antivirus should be like a strong bodyguard and only speak when there is a problem. Norton talks too much.
What antivirus should you choose?
If you ask us, the choice is pretty clear for most people. Bitdefender Total Security gives you more for your money and won’t slow down your game. It has fewer false positives and ranks higher in the AV tests for years.
If you want great protection for your computer and personal information, I recommend looking somewhere other than Norton. It is sad to see a company that used to be the king fall so far, but thats what happens when there is so much competition. If you dont keep up, you get left behind.
Potecting your computer and your data is important. Currently, other companies are doing better. I dont expect Norton to rise up from their slump anytime soon.
It’s important to check antivirus test scores online before you decide, but for the last few years they don’t seem to be doing so well. Norton is okay, but nymore, I always suggest Bitdefender to my customers.
Make sure you always keep whatever program you choose updated. A program that isnt updated is like a lock with no key. If it isn’t locked up, it won’t stop anyone from getting in. Don’t let the bad guys in!
At One Stop Support, we offer Bitdefender to our customers and have licenses from 1 to 3 years for your devices, from one computer to multiple devices with different operating systems. Give us a call at 712-485-4214 and ask about getting Bitdefender at a discounted rate. Along with that offer, if you skip auto renewal through the dashboard, we can get you another discount when it is time to renew your software.
In the future, we would like to offer ESET as another option. I will be reaching out to them to connect with them, as I did with Bitdefender.
