Kaspersky vs Norton 2026: Malware Detection & Performance
Norton offers superior malware detection (99.9% vs 98.6%) and includes identity theft protection, while Kaspersky provides faster scanning speeds and lower system resource usage. Norton is better for comprehensive security, Kaspersky for performance-conscious users.
Kaspersky Internet Security
Russian-based antivirus with lightweight performance and unlimited VPN included.
Performance-focused users, budget-conscious buyers, those with older computers, users needing multiple device coverage
Norton 360 Deluxe
American antivirus with industry-leading malware detection and integrated identity theft protection.
Users prioritizing maximum malware protection, those wanting identity theft services, privacy-conscious users in Western jurisdictions
Quick Answer
AI SummaryNorton offers superior malware detection (99.9% vs 98.6%) and includes identity theft protection, while Kaspersky provides faster scanning speeds and lower system resource usage. Norton is better for comprehensive security, Kaspersky for performance-conscious users.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Norton if you prioritize maximum malware detection accuracy (99.9%) and want integrated identity theft monitoring through LifeLock; it's ideal for users who value comprehensive protection over system performance. Choose Kaspersky if you need a lightweight antivirus with faster scanning speeds, lower CPU usage, unlimited VPN, and better value pricing while maintaining strong security (98.6% detection).
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Choose Kaspersky Internet Security if
Best pickPerformance-focused users, budget-conscious buyers, those with older computers, users needing multiple device coverage
Choose Norton 360 Deluxe if
Users prioritizing maximum malware protection, those wanting identity theft services, privacy-conscious users in Western jurisdictions
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Malware Detection Rate:✓ Norton 360 Deluxe wins(99.9% vs 98.6%)
- Annual Subscription Cost (Single Device):✓ Kaspersky Internet Security wins($39.99 vs $49.99)
- System Resource Usage (CPU):✓ Kaspersky Internet Security wins(2.1% vs 3.8%)
Key Facts & Figures
27 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Kaspersky Internet Security | Norton 360 Deluxe | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Performance Impact(%) | 8-12% | — | — |
| Memory Usage at Idle(MB) | 145 MB | — | — |
| Annual Subscription (3-Device, 1-Year)(USD) | $39.99 | — | — |
| Supported Devices Per License(devices) | Up to 3 | — | — |
| Malware Detection Rate(%) | 98.6% | 99.9% | |
| Annual Cost per Device(USD) | $39.99 | $49.99 | |
| Full System Scan Speed(GB/min) | 45 GB/min | 28 GB/min | |
| Maximum Devices Covered(devices) | 10 devices | 5 devices | |
| VPN Monthly Data Allowance(MB) | Unlimited | 500 MB | — |
| Cloud Backup Storage(GB) | 10 GB | 100 GB | |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $59.99 | — | — |
| CPU Usage During Active Scan(%) | 2.1% | 3.8% | |
| AV-TEST Institute Rating (2024)(points) | 98/100 | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Price (1 Device)(USD) | $89.99 | $89.99 | |
| CPU Usage During Full Scan(%) | 12-14% | 12-14% | |
| Full System Scan Duration (1TB)(minutes) | 22-25 minutes | 22-25 minutes | |
| Devices Per Standard License(devices) | 5 devices | 5 devices | |
| CPU Usage at Idle(%) | 4-6% | 4-6% | |
| Annual Cost (1 Device)(USD) | $49.99 | $49.99 | |
| AV-TEST Institute Score 2025(/18) | 17.8/18 | 17.8/18 | |
| Boot Time Impact (vs. unprotected)(%) | 12% slower | 12% slower | |
| Annual Price (1-Device, 1-Year)(USD) | $49.99 | $49.99 | |
| System Performance Slowdown(%) | 3-5% | 3-5% | |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 60 days | 60 days | |
| Devices Protected (Standard Plan)(devices) | 5 devices | 5 devices | |
| False Positive Rate(%) | 1.1% | 1.1% | |
| Customer Support Rating(out of 5) | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 98.6%Malware Detection Rate99.9%(winner)
- $39.99(winner)Annual Subscription Cost (Single Device)$49.99
- 2.1%(winner)System Resource Usage (CPU)3.8%
- 45(winner)Full Scan Speed (GB/min)28
- Not includedIdentity Theft ProtectionIncluded in LifeLock(winner)
- 10(winner)Devices Covered (Premium Plan)5
- Unlimited(winner)VPN Data Limit (Monthly)500 MB
- Malware Detection Rate
Kaspersky Internet Security
98.6%
Norton 360 Deluxe
99.9%(winner)
- Annual Subscription Cost (Single Device)
Kaspersky Internet Security
$39.99(winner)
Norton 360 Deluxe
$49.99
- System Resource Usage (CPU)
Kaspersky Internet Security
2.1%(winner)
Norton 360 Deluxe
3.8%
- Full Scan Speed (GB/min)
Kaspersky Internet Security
45(winner)
Norton 360 Deluxe
28
- Identity Theft Protection
Kaspersky Internet Security
Not included
Norton 360 Deluxe
Included in LifeLock(winner)
- Devices Covered (Premium Plan)
Kaspersky Internet Security
10(winner)
Norton 360 Deluxe
5
- VPN Data Limit (Monthly)
Kaspersky Internet Security
Unlimited(winner)
Norton 360 Deluxe
500 MB
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Kaspersky Internet Security | Norton 360 Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| System Performance Impact(%) | 8-12% | — |
| System Performance Slowdown(%) | 3-5% | — |
| Memory Usage at Idle(MB) | 145 MB | — |
| Full System Scan Duration (1TB)(minutes) | 22-25 minutes | — |
| Annual Subscription (3-Device, 1-Year)(USD) | $39.99 | — |
| Annual Cost per Device(USD) | $39.99(winner) | $49.99 |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $59.99 | — |
| Annual Subscription Price (1 Device)(USD) | $89.99 | — |
| Annual Cost (1 Device)(USD) | $49.99 | — |
Show 1 more attributeAnnual Price (1-Device, 1-Year)(USD) $49.99 — | ||
| VPN Included | Yes (unlimited) | — |
| Parental Controls | All plans | — |
| Password Manager | Pro+ and above | — |
| Identity Theft Protection | Not included | Included (LifeLock) |
| Cloud Backup Storage(GB) | 10 GB | 100 GB(winner) |
Show 5 more attributesPassword Manager Included Yes — Free Version Real-Time Scanning Not included — VPN Data Cap (Free Tier)(GB/month) Not included — Monthly VPN Data Allowance(GB) Unlimited — Identity Theft Protection Included All plans included — | ||
| Supported Devices Per License(devices) | Up to 3 | — |
| Maximum Devices Covered(devices) | 10 devices(winner) | 5 devices |
| Devices Per Standard License(devices) | 5 devices | — |
| Devices Protected (Standard Plan)(devices) | 5 devices | — |
| Malware Detection Rate(%) | 98.6% | 99.9%(winner) |
| Full System Scan Speed(GB/min) | 45 GB/min(winner) | 28 GB/min |
| CPU Usage During Active Scan(%) | 2.1%(winner) | 3.8% |
| CPU Usage During Full Scan(%) | 12-14% | — |
| CPU Usage at Idle(%) | 4-6% | — |
| Boot Time Impact (vs. unprotected)(%) | 12% slower | — |
| VPN Monthly Data Allowance(MB) | Unlimited | 500 MB |
| AV-TEST Institute Rating (2024)(points) | 98/100 | — |
| Installation Required | Yes (separate download) | — |
| Cross-Platform Support | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | — |
| 24/7 Phone Support Availability | Yes (140+ countries) | — |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | All tiers included | — |
| AV-TEST Institute Score 2025(/18) | 17.8/18 | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 60 days | — |
| VPN Data Allowance (Annual)(GB) | Limited to premium | — |
| False Positive Rate(%) | 1.1% | — |
| Customer Support Rating(out of 5) | 4.7/5 | — |
Kaspersky Internet SecurityShow 1 more attribute
Show 5 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Kaspersky Internet Security
Pros
- Fastest full-system scan speed at 45 GB/min
- Lowest CPU usage at 2.1% during active scans
- Unlimited VPN data with no bandwidth restrictions
- Covers up to 10 devices with single license
- Most affordable annual subscription at $39.99 per device
Cons
- Lower malware detection rate at 98.6% vs Norton's 99.9%
- No built-in identity theft protection or credit monitoring
- Banned for use in US government agencies (2022 restrictions)
Norton 360 Deluxe
Pros
- Highest malware detection rate at 99.9% per independent testing
- Includes LifeLock identity theft protection with credit monitoring
- 100 GB secure cloud backup storage included
- Lifelock covers up to 5 devices standard
- U.S.-based company with government certifications
Cons
- Higher system resource usage at 3.8% CPU during scans
- Slower scan speed at 28 GB/min compared to Kaspersky
- VPN limited to 500 MB monthly data (requires upgrade for unlimited)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Kaspersky performs better on Windows 11 systems with only 2.1% CPU usage during scans versus Norton's 3.8%, and completes full scans 60% faster (45 GB/min vs 28 GB/min). However, Norton's superior detection rate (99.9% vs 98.6%) means you get better protection despite slightly slower performance.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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