Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus better than Norton?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #6, score 89.0 against 81.0). Microsoft Defender Antivirus is best for: Windows PCs that need no extra software. Norton is best for: antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools.

Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender Antivirus or Norton?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Included with Windows; no separate purchase. Norton: Annual subscriptions with first-year discounts and free trials.

Do Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Norton run on the same platforms?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus supports Windows. Norton supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.

Comparison · Antivirus software

Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs Norton: which is better in 2026?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus89.0#2 in best antivirus software

Norton81.0#6 in best antivirus software

Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #6, score 89.0 against 81.0).

How we rank Share

89.0
Editorial score
81.0
1
Platforms
4
Yes
Free to use
No
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus if you want

Windows PCs that need no extra software.

Built into Windows Security at no extra cost and needs no setup. It covers Windows only, and tools such as a VPN come from third-party suites like the ones in this list.

Choose Norton if you want

Antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools.

Antivirus bundled with a VPN, scam protection and LifeLock identity options, with mobile apps for Android and iOS. It has no free antivirus, and first-year discounts renew at a higher price.

The main differences

Only Norton runs on macOS.
Only Norton runs on iOS.
Only Norton runs on Android.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus can be used for free; Norton requires payment.

Side by side

	Microsoft Defender Antivirus	Norton
Score	89.0	81.0
Rank in list	#2 of 11	#6 of 11
Price	FreeIncluded with Windows; no separate purchase	SubscriptionAnnual subscriptions with first-year discounts and free trials
Free to use	Yes	No
Open source	No	No
Platforms	WindowsWindows	WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Made by	Microsoft	Not stated
Free version	Yes	No
Extra tools	Personal subscription for other devices	VPN, scam protection, LifeLock
Best for	Windows PCs that need no extra software	Antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools
Strengths	Included with Windows at no extra cost Needs no separate install or setup Personal subscription available for other devices	Antivirus bundled with VPN and scam protection Mobile security for Android and iOS Free trials and a free virus removal tool
Limits	Built-in version covers Windows only The built-in version is antivirus only, without a VPN	No free antivirus product First-year discounts renew at a higher price
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs Norton

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus better than Norton?: Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #6, score 89.0 against 81.0). Microsoft Defender Antivirus is best for: Windows PCs that need no extra software. Norton is best for: antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender Antivirus or Norton?: Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Included with Windows; no separate purchase. Norton: Annual subscriptions with first-year discounts and free trials.
Do Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Norton run on the same platforms?: Microsoft Defender Antivirus supports Windows. Norton supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.