Norton vs. Totalav vs. Malwarebytes in Real-World Malware Tests

If you're choosing between these three, Norton's your best bet with its perfect 100% detection rate and minimal system impact. TotalAV holds its own with impressive 98.8% detection and zero false alarms, whereas Malwarebytes lags behind with higher CPU usage and spotty performance. Certainly, they'll all block bad websites, but Norton's isolation mode and thorough features make it the clear winner. There's more to this story than just the numbers, though.

Detection Rates and Real-World Performance

Three heavyweight contenders duke it out in the malware detection arena, and boy, do we've some interesting results.

Norton takes the crown with a jaw-dropping 99.9% detection rate. Not too shabby! TotalAV follows close behind at 98.8% – still impressive stuff. But here's where it gets wild: TotalAV actually beats Norton in offline detection (93.4% vs 86%). TotalAV found threats with no false alarms while Norton had 12. TotalAV's ChromeOS support gives it an extra edge over Norton in platform versatility. TotalAV's system impact is lighter with only 32% CPU usage during scans compared to competitors. Norton completed its full system scan in 121 minutes while analyzing over 120,000 items. Both programs include 30-day money-back guarantees for annual subscriptions. Mind = blown.

• Norton aces AV-Test with perfect 100%
• TotalAV hits 98.2-98.9% consistently
• Zero-day protection? TotalAV nails 97%
• Norton's quick scan is lightning fast
• Both crush 10/10 malware in real-world tests

Spoiler alert: Malwarebytes trails behind both, but honestly, who's counting?

Security Features and Protection Capabilities

As detection rates tell us who's winning the numbers game, let's talk about what these security tools can actually do to keep you safe.

Norton's the heavyweight here, packing everything but the kitchen sink – real-time protection, firewall, VPN, and even identity theft protection.

Total AV isn't messing around either, with its WebShield rocking a 97% detection rate and some sweet optimization tools thrown in.

Malwarebytes? They're the behavior monitoring specialists, catching ransomware like it's going out of style. In recent tests, Norton demonstrated superior threat detection by identifying 9 out of 10 malicious files. Norton achieved a perfect score in performance and usability testing.

Here's what matters:

• All three block malicious websites
• Norton's isolation mode is seriously cool
• TotalAV's cloud backup could save your bacon
• Malwarebytes nails the exploit protection game

System Impact and Performance Metrics

When it comes to system impact, these security tools can either sip your CPU like fine wine or chug it like a frat boy at happy hour.

Let's get real about these performance hogs. Malwarebytes is like that friend who invites themselves over and eats all your snacks – it'll gobble up to 57% of your CPU during scans. Yikes!

TotalAV? It's more like your polite cousin who only takes a small portion – maxing out at just 32%.

The difference is obvious. TotalAV lets you keep working as it does its thing. Malwarebytes? You might as well go grab a coffee. Or two. Norton brings its 99.2% threat detection to the table, making the CPU drain more worthwhile.

Certification Results and Independent Testing

Independent lab tests don't lie, people – and they're telling us a pretty clear story here. Norton's crushing it with that perfect 100% detection rate in AV-TEST 2024. Not too shabby.

TotalAV and Malwarebytes? They're decent but not quite in Norton's league. TotalAV scored a solid 93.4% offline detection rate, whereas Malwarebytes hit 99.6% – respectable numbers, but still. In the latest Windows tests, both solutions achieved 17.0/18.0 scores.

Let's be real about certifications:

• Norton: Triple threat with AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs
• TotalAV: "Top product" status, but missed some threats
• Malwarebytes: Good grades, but fluctuating performance

Bottom line? Norton's the overachiever in this class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use These Antivirus Programs Simultaneously on the Same Device?

You shouldn't run multiple antivirus programs simultaneously as they'll conflict and slow your system. Instead, choose one primary antivirus and use Malwarebytes as a secondary scanner in passive mode.

Which Antivirus Offers the Best Customer Support Response Times?

You'll get the fastest customer support from TotalAV, with response times under 24 hours, efficient live chat, and reliable phone support. Their service greatly outperforms Norton's long waits and Malwarebytes' limited options.

Do These Antiviruses Work Effectively on Mac and Linux Systems?

You'll find Norton works well on Mac with dedicated features, but Linux support is unclear. TotalAV and Malwarebytes don't specify Mac/Linux compatibility in available test data.

How Often Do These Antivirus Companies Release Software Updates?

You'll find Norton releases updates hourly through LiveUpdate, whereas TotalAV and Malwarebytes typically push updates daily, ensuring your antivirus stays current with emerging security threats.

What Happens to Existing Malware When Switching Between These Antivirus Programs?

You'll need to run a full scan with your new antivirus after installation, as existing malware can remain active during the switch and potentially interfere with new protection.

Final Thoughts

With so many options available, it's essential to choose the right antivirus for your needs. But don't forget, even the best software can't fix everything. That's where Zoo Computer Repairs comes in. Whether you opt for Norton, Malwarebytes, or TotalAV, your computer might still face issues that require expert attention. Our lead technician, the youngest employee ever to work for IBM in Australia, and our team of certified professionals are here to help you troubleshoot and resolve any problems, from performance hits to software conflicts.

Open seven days a week from 7 am to 10 pm, we offer a complete range of services to ensure your tech runs smoothly. With more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Word of Mouth, you can trust us to get your machine up and running quickly. Plus, we provide free phone advice for existing customers for calls under five minutes. Don't just settle for antivirus software—let us help you optimize your computer's performance and keep it secure. Call Zoo Computer Repairs today at 0410 659 349 to see how we can assist you!