Bitdefender vs Norton: which antivirus will defend you against computer attacks?
Bitdefender or Norton? When it comes to protecting your devices, your sensitive data and your workflows, it's best not to make any mistakes. Cyber threats, ransomware, phishing, data leaks... digital security is no longer a luxury, it's a condition of survival for any connected business.
The match between these two cybersecurity heavyweights is a close one. Bitdefender shines with its advanced detection technology, lightweight system and professional management console. Norton, on the other hand, impresses with an accessible interface, an included unlimited VPN and all-in-one features designed for the self-employed and very small businesses.
Due to the large number of Bitdefender and Norton offerings,we are comparing Bitdefender's GravityZone Small Business Security plan and the Norton Small Business offering. Both suites are specifically designed for VSEs and SMEs: they promise robust security, simplified management and comprehensive protection against cyberthreats.
In this article, we go beyond the marketing promises:
➡️ compare their features, interfaces, prices and integrations,
➡️ identify when you should choose one or the other,
➡️ and above all, we'll help you make an informed choice based on your business needs.
What is GravityZone Small Business Security, the Bitdefender tool?
Overview of GravityZone Small Business Security
GravityZone Small Business Security is Bitdefender's professional solution designed specifically for SMEs, VSEs and organisations without a dedicated IT department. It combines the power of the GravityZone infrastructure (usually reserved for large companies) with a streamlined interface and simplified settings to meet the specific needs of small organisations.
With this version, Bitdefender provides businesses with advanced antivirus, network firewall, ransomware protection and a centralised cloud console, all optimised for rapid deployment without the need for advanced technical skills. The focus is on protecting business devices (PCs, Macs, servers) and easy user management, even in hybrid or teleworking environments.
👤The solution is used in a wide variety of sectors: accountancy firms, web agencies, industrial SMEs, service companies and the self-employed. It can be integrated into a Windows or Mac environment and also protects mobile terminals if required.
GravityZone Small Business Security key features
🛠️ GravityZone takes a proactive, lightweight approach to business cybersecurity, providing real-time protection without compromising system performance, thanks to the following features:
- next-generation antivirus based on machine learning and behavioural analysis,
- cloud administration console for managing all endpoints from a single interface,
- multi-layered protection against ransomware, malware, rootkits, exploits and phishing,
- intelligent firewall and integrated web filtering,
- USB device control to limit the risks associated with removable media,
- automatic and silent updates, with no impact on users,
- rapid deployment via link or centralised installation, with no local infrastructure,
- Centralised management of security policies, including for remote employees.
GravityZone by Bitdefender
Advantages and disadvantages of Bitdefender
✅ What sets GravityZone apart are its solid strengths that ensure effective security while remaining simple to use, even for non-experts. We're talking about:
- A simple yet powerful cloud console, ideal for managing multiple remote workstations.
- Advanced detection technology, acclaimed by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.
- Lightweight protection, with little impact on device performance.
- Rapid deployment, even without an IT department.
- Pricing tailored to small structures, with good value for money.
❌ Like any solution, GravityZone has a few limitations and constraints that are important to be aware of before committing, including:
- No VPN included, unlike some competing offers.
- A rather austere administration interface, less 'designer' than some tools.
- No built-in cloud backup or native encryption: requires third-party solutions if necessary.
What is Norton Small Business?
Overview of Norton Small Business
Norton Small Business is the professional version of the famous cybersecurity suite developed by Gen Digital (formerly Symantec), designed to meet the needs of small businesses with up to 20 employees. Its aim is simple: to provide effective protection for workstations and mobile devices, while offering ultra-accessible management, even without a dedicated IT department.
The solution stands out for its ease of deployment, simplified centralised console, and all-in-one package including antivirus, firewall, web protection, cloud backup and VPN - all manageable by a single administrator. Norton is clearly banking on immediate effectiveness: no complex configuration, no advanced settings required, just solid, continuous protection.
👤This is an offering that is particularly well-suited to VSEs, service agencies, the self-employed with employees and small firms, who want to secure their business without becoming cybersecurity experts.
Key features of Norton Small Business
🛠️ Norton Small Business offers a complete suite of protection, integrated into an accessible interface and designed to be managed quickly.
- Real-time anti-virus and anti-malware, with protection against zero-day threats.
- Intelligent firewall to control inbound and outbound network traffic.
- Web and anti-phishing protection, with automatic filtering of fraudulent sites.
- Unlimited VPN included for secure browsing on public networks.
- Cloud backup of important files (up to 50 GB depending on the plan).
- Simple multi-user management: each employee receives a link to install the protection on their device.
- Streamlined administration console, accessible from the cloud.
- Multi-device compatibility (PC, Mac, Android, iOS).
Advantages and disadvantages of Norton Small Business
Norton Small Business is designed to get to the essentials, with rapid configuration and global coverage right from installation.
✅ What sets Norton Small Business apart is its "all-in-one" approach that secures the essentials without complexity, ideal for pros without an IT department.
- Unlimited VPN and cloud backup integrated into the basic package.
- Highly intuitive interface, ideal for non-technical profiles.
- Quick installation, via a simple link sent to employees.
- Multi-device protection, including smartphones.
- No complex configuration, simplified management by the administrator.
❌ A few limitations to bear in mind before getting started with Norton:
- Less fine-grained control over security policies than Bitdefender.
- No SIEM, API or advanced monitoring integration: limited for technical environments.
- Identical functionality for everyone, with no role management or differentiated access.
- Few customisation options, which may frustrate more technical profiles.
GravityZone Small Business Security (Bitdefender) vs Norton Small Business: compare features
Both suites aim to protect small businesses, but their approaches differ: Bitdefender focuses on granularity and flexibility, while Norton plays the all-in-one simplicity card. Here's a clear comparison of the main features:
| Feature | GravityZone Small Business Security | Norton Small Business |
| Real-time anti-virus and anti-malware | ✅ Behavioural engine + multi-layered AI | ✅ Classic protection with frequent updates |
| Intelligent firewall | ✅ Customisable, advanced network filtering | ✅ Enabled by default, not fine-tunable |
| Cloud administration console | ✅ Yes, with control by workstation and policies | ✅ Yes, simplified for non-technical use |
| Protection against ransomware | Proactive detection + automatic remediation | ✅ Block known ransomware |
| Control of USB devices | ✅ Yes, authorisation management | ❌ Not available |
| Web protection / anti-phishing | ✅ Yes, integrated web filtering | ✅ Yes, with browsing alert |
| VPN included | ❌ No (VPN offered in separate packages) | ✅ Unlimited VPN included |
| Cloud backup | ❌ Not included (to be coupled with third-party tool) | ✅ Yes, up to 50 GB included |
| Security event tracking | ✅ Detailed event log per endpoint | ❌ Simplified view without detailed logs |
| Deployment and installation | ✅ Centralized or link-based, silent installation | ✅ By individual link, very easy to deploy |
| Cross-platform protection (PC, Mac, mobile) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
☝️En summary:
- Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security offers finer-grained, configurable and scalable protection, ideal for SMEs that want to stay in control, even without an IT team.
- Norton Small Business focuses on accessibility and immediate effectiveness, with a turnkey package that is very easy to administer.
Bitdefender vs Norton: which solution offers the best IT security for your business?
Which tool provides the best protection for your sensitive files?
Protecting sensitive data has become an absolute priority. In 2025, over 43% of French businesses suffered at least one cyber attack targeting their critical files. Faced with this growing threat, it is essential to choose a cybersecurity solution capable of effectively protecting your confidential documents.
| Criteria | GravityZone Small Business Security | Norton Small Business |
| Anti-ransomware protection | ✅ Multi-layered with automatic remediation | ✅ Blocks known ransomware, no remediation |
| File access control | ✅ Safe Files function and application control | ❌ Not available |
| Filtering of unauthorised access | ✅ Fine-tuning via security policies | ❌ Not configurable |
| External device monitoring | ✅ USB port management (activation, restriction) | ❌ Not offered |
| Native or built-in encryption | ❌ To be coupled with a third-party solution | ✅ Automatic encryption of files backed up in the cloud |
| Restore after attack | ✅ Event log + automated remediation | ✅ Restore from cloud backup |
👉 Conclusion:
- GravityZone Small Business Security offers more advanced, proactive protection for sensitive files, with real control over devices, applications and access.
- Norton Small Business, on the other hand, offers simple, automated encrypted backup, sufficient to restore lost documents, but without behavioural protection or access management.
Which tool has the best backup?
Backup is a cornerstone of enterprise cybersecurity. In the event of ransomware, accidental deletion or hardware failure, having a rapid recovery solution can make the difference between a simple incident and an operational disaster.
| Criteria | GravityZone Small Business Security | Norton Small Business |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated cloud backup | ❌ Not natively included (pair with an external solution) | ✅ Yes, automatic cloud backup included up to 500GB (Premium) |
| Encryption of backups | ❌ Depends on the third-party solution used | ✅ Yes, automatic encryption during transfer and storage |
| Restore after incident | ✅ System restore + local remediation (but not cloud) | ✅ Quick access to backed-up files from any device |
| Cloud storage capacity | ❌ No storage provided | ✅ 250 GB (Standard) / 500 GB (Premium) |
| Easy to manage backup | ❌ To be set up separately | ✅ Automated, simple configuration via Norton console |
👉 Conclusion:
- Norton Small Business clearly has the edge on the backup part: its solution incorporates an automatic, encrypted and easy-to-configure cloud backup, ideal for small organisations that don't want to invest in an independent backup system.
- Bitdefender GravityZone, on the other hand, does not include a native backup system, which means that the suite has to be paired with a third-party solution. It remains relevant in already structured environments or with an IT service provider.
Which tool has the best password manager?
Password management is a crucial issue for small businesses. Reuse, weak passwords, lack of double authentication... these are all entry points for cyber attacks.
| Criteria | GravityZone Small Business Security | Norton Small Business |
|---|---|---|
| Password manager included | ❌ Not natively included | ✅ Yes, integrated manager with secure access |
| Features include. | - | Encrypted storage, auto-complete, strong password generation |
| Team password sharing | - | ✅ Possible with multi-user access |
| Multi-platform compatibility | - | ✅ Yes (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) |
| Security and encryption | - | ✅ AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication |
👉 In brief:
- Norton Small Business clearly wins here, thanks to its integrated, encrypted and easy-to-use password manager. It allows every employee to secure their access while gaining in productivity.
- Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security does not offer a native password manager, which means that an external tool has to be added. This may be suitable for companies that are already equipped, but is a limitation for those looking for an all-in-one solution.
Which tool provides the best overall cyber security?
Global cybersecurity is no longer limited to a simple antivirus. Today, you need a complete defence against ransomware, malware, phishing attempts, network intrusions and unknown threats.
| Criteria | GravityZone Small Business Security | Norton Small Business |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time antivirus | ✅ Continuous scanning with AI behavioural detection | ✅ Classic antivirus with frequent updates |
| Anti-malware | ✅ Multi-layered with blocking of scripts, rootkits, exploits | ✅ Protection against known malware |
| Anti-ransomware | ✅ Automatic remediation + protected local backup | ✅ Block ransomware + restore via cloud backup |
| Anti-phishing | ✅ Web filtering and blocking of malicious sites | ✅ Detection of fraudulent sites while browsing |
| Behavioural detection (heuristics) | ✅ Yes, with AI and real-time process analysis | ❌ No (based solely on signature databases + reputation) |
| Network and firewall protection | ✅ Customisable firewall with inbound/outbound filtering | ✅ Simple but effective firewall, activated by default |
| Update frequency | ✅ Silent automatic updates, centralised | ✅ Regular updates, device by device |
👉 The conclusion:
- GravityZone Small Business Security is positioned as an advanced cyber protection solution for demanding environments, with high-level behavioural detection, a proactive anti-ransomware system and advanced network control.
- Norton Small Business offers excellent coverage for the most common threats, with a good balance between security and simplicity, but is less customisable and less proactive than Bitdefender on sophisticated threats.
GravityZone Small Business Security vs Norton Small Business: compare prices
Both solutions offer pricing packages tailored to small businesses, with specific features included in each plan. Here's a comparison of prices and key features:
| Solution | Annual price | Number of devices | Key features included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security | From €24.49 per year | From 1 device |
|
| Norton Small Business | From €69.99 per year for the first year | From 6 devices | Antivirus, firewall, unlimited VPN, cloud backup (250 GB), password management, web protection, 24/7 technical support. |
☝️ To sum up:
- Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is ideal for businesses looking for advanced, customisable protection with a full management console and granular security features.
- Norton Small Business is suitable for organisations that want an all-in-one solution that is easy to deploy, with integrated tools such as VPN and cloud backup, without the need for complex configurations.
Prices as of 27 May 2025.
GravityZone Small Business Security vs Norton Small Business: which interface is more intuitive?
The interface is often what makes the difference between a solution you use... and one you forget. For a small business without an IT department, it's crucial that the console is easy to use, while offering a good level of control.
👉 Norton Small Business clearly focuses on ease of use.
- Upon purchase, an administrator can invite team members via a simple email link.
- Each user installs the protection on their device in just a few clicks.
- The administration console is uncluttered, with no technical jargon, so you can see at a glance which devices are protected.
Ideal for small businesses or self-employed people with employees who want a tool with no learning curve.
👉GravityZoneSmall Business Security, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive and technical interface, designed for slightly more organised structures or those supported by an IT service provider. The GravityZone cloud console offers a granular view:
- assignment of security policies by group
- monitoring of events by workstation
- control of updates,
- network parameters.
It's extremely powerful, but requires a minimum of familiarity with the IT environment.
GravityZone Small Business Security vs Norton Small Business: compare integrations
In a professional environment, the ability of security software to integrate with other business tools is a real plus. Cloud console, IT tools, cloud services, monitoring: let's see how Bitdefender and Norton stack up in this area.
👉 Number of available integrations
- GravityZone Small Business Security: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Over 30 native integrations with business tools such as Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, VMware, Splunk, ConnectWise, ServiceNow, etc. - Norton Small Business: ⭐⭐☆☆☆.
Works in silos. No native integration with external cloud services or business tools. A solution designed to be autonomous.
👉 Easy to activate and configure.
- Bitdefender: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Integrations can be activated from the cloud console. Clear documentation, support available. Some connections require technical support. - Norton: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Nothing to configure, because little to integrate. The advantage: zero friction. The disadvantage: few bridges with the rest of your software ecosystem.
👉 Level of customisation (API, automation)
- Bitdefender: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Open API, customisable scenarios via SIEM/RMM. Interesting for companies supported by an IT service provider. - Norton: ⭐☆☆☆☆
No API, no external automation. The tool is deliberately closed to keep it simple, but this limits its scalability.
👉 Popular integrations available
- Bitdefender: Microsoft 365, Azure, VMware, AWS, Splunk, RMM, SIEM, ServiceNow
- Norton: No documented native business integration for the Small Business version
☝️ Conclusion:
- Bitdefender GravityZone is clearly better suited to SMEs that want to connect their cybersecurity to their business environment: supervision, cloud, infrastructure.
- Norton Small Business, on the other hand, remains a standalone tool, perfect if you are looking to minimise configuration and avoid interconnections.
When to choose GravityZone Small Business Security or Norton Small Business?
The choice between Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security and Norton Small Business depends above all on your business context, your technical needs and your level of autonomy in terms of cybersecurity.
Example of a use case for GravityZone Small Business Security
Choose GravityZone if you need a high level of control, even with a small structure.
- Multi-site or teleworking SME: you need to manage several remotely dispersed workstations, with a variety of user profiles. Bitdefender's cloud console enables you to control security remotely with precision.
- Small business with an IT service provider: you want to delegate configuration, but retain visibility. GravityZone offers advanced integrations (SIEM, RMM, Microsoft 365, etc.).
- Organisations concerned about compliance and security policy: you need granular rules, activity logs and fine-grained control over USB devices, web policies, etc.
- Technology-savvy small business or organisation with an IT manager: you're looking for a scalable, powerful solution that doesn't compromise on protection.
Use case example for Norton Small Business
Choose Norton if you prefer simplicity, rapid deployment and an "all-in-one" approach.
- Small business without an IT department: you need to protect your devices immediately, without having to go through complex configuration. Norton is ready to use.
- Self-employed with employees or micro-agency: each member can install the protection via a link, without requiring technical assistance. Management is centralised but intuitive.
- Organisations with business and personal use on the same devices: with unlimited VPN, cloud backup and web protection, Norton covers the essentials with ease.
- Companies looking for a packaged, maintenance-free solution: you want zero management, zero configuration, but still professional levels of security.
So which is better for your company's IT security, Bitdefender or Norton?
The choice between these two suites depends on your level of requirements, your internal organisation and the role you want cybersecurity to play in your business.
👉 Are you looking for a simple, quick-to-deploy solution that effectively protects your staff, without complex configuration?
Norton Small Business is a solid option. It offers turnkey protection, with unlimited VPN, cloud backup and anti-phishing, accessible to all teams, even without an IT department. Ideal for VSEs, freelancers or small agencies who want to secure their business without the headache.
👉 Need more control, visibility and customisation options, with centralised security policy management and pro integrations?
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security takes the lead. With its advanced cloud console, granular rules, and intelligent detection engine, it's aimed at structured or supported SMBs that want scalable, controlled cybersecurity.
| Need | Our recommendation |
| Rapid deployment without technical expertise | ✅ Norton Small Business |
| Turnkey solution for very small businesses or the self-employed | ✅ Norton Small Business |
| Professional cloud console, centralised management | ✅ Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business |
| Fine control of security policies | ✅ Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business |
| SIEM, Microsoft 365, IT monitoring integrations | ✅ Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business |
👉 And if you're still hesitating? The good news is that both publishers offer free trial versions or demonstrations. The easiest way is to test each tool in a restricted environment to see which one fits in best with the way you work.
FAQ : Bitdefender vs Norton
Is it easy to migrate from Norton to Bitdefender (or vice versa)?
Migration is possible, but it is recommended that you completely uninstall the old solution before installing the new one, to avoid conflicts. Bitdefender offers detailed guides to make this transition easier.
Is VPN included in all Bitdefender and Norton offers?
Bitdefender includes a VPN with a limited data quota in its basic packages, with the option of upgrading to a Premium version for unlimited use. Norton, on the other hand, offers unlimited VPN from the Standard package, which can be an advantage for mobile or teleworking users.
Which solution offers the best protection against ransomware?
Both solutions offer robust protection against ransomware. Bitdefender stands out for its Safe Files technology, which prevents unauthorised applications from modifying sensitive files. Norton also offers effective protection, with cloud backup features to restore files in the event of an attack.
What level of customer support do you offer?
Both publishers offer responsive customer support. Bitdefender offers assistance via chat, telephone and e-mail, with a comprehensive knowledge base. Norton also offers 24/7 support, with similar options.
What are the best alternatives to Bitdefender and Norton?
There are several reliable solutions that can meet specific business cybersecurity needs:
- ESET PROTECT: lightweight, reliable, ideal for SMEs.
- Kaspersky Small Office Security: simple and effective for very small businesses.
- Trend Micro Worry-Free: good cloud + email coverage.
- Sophos Intercept X: very good against ransomware, suitable for IT teams.
- CrowdStrike Falcon: for businesses with advanced security needs (EDR).
Article translated from French