Kaspersky vs Norton: which antivirus offers the best protection for SMBs?
When it comes to protecting your devices, not all antivirus softwares are created for the same exact purposes. In one corner, we have Kaspersky Small Office Security, a trusted cybersecurity software for small businesses looking for a solid all-in-one defence. In the other, Norton Small Business, a heavyweight in the world of antivirus solutions, promising robust protection across multiple devices.
Both offer more than just an antivirus program, we’re talking password manager, cloud backup, parental controls, real-time detection of malicious software, and even built-in VPN features. But between Kaspersky’s total security suite and Norton’s slick security services, which one gives you the best performance, price, and peace of mind?
👉 We’ve tested, compared, and analysed both solutions to help you make the right call, whether you're protecting a team of five or just your personal computer. Let’s find out who really comes out on top in this Kaspersky vs Norton showdown.
What is Kaspersky Small Office Security?
General presentation of Kaspersky Small Office Security
Kaspersky Small Office Security (KSOS) is a lightweight yet powerful security solution tailored for small teams, supporting up to 25 users. If you're a small business owner or an IT manager juggling multiple roles, this antivirus program was built with your needs in mind.
Forget complicated setups and IT headaches: KSOS is designed to offer complete protection without requiring deep technical expertise. Whether you're in healthcare, finance, or consultancy, it shields your devices against malware, ransomware, and phishing threats, while letting you focus on growing your business.
Its biggest strength? A cloud-based management console that allows you to monitor and manage everything remotely. And with support for Windows, macOS, and Android, your entire digital ecosystem stays protected under one roof.
Key features of Kaspersky Small Office Security
Before we dive into the details, let’s be clear. KSOS isn’t just an antivirus. It’s a complete cybersecurity suite designed to deliver total security, especially where IT resources are limited. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- advanced ransomware protection with rollback: behaviour-based detection powered by machine learning blocks ransomware attacks and lets you roll your system back to a safe state if needed;
- safe money: when accessing banking or payment websites, KSOS automatically launches a secure browser to protect your data from phishing and malware;
- centralised management console : deploy, configure, and manage all security settings remotely from a single interface;
- multi-platform support: protects Windows PCs, Macs, and Android devices under one licence, ideal for hybrid teams or remote workers;
- file backup & encryption: offers both local and cloud-based backup options along with file encryption to keep sensitive business data safe;
- password manager: a built-in password manager that stores and secures your credentials, helping your team avoid weak or reused passwords.
Kaspersky Small Office Security
Pros and cons of Kaspersky Small Office Security
Let’s get real: no software is perfect, but understanding where Kaspersky Small Office Security excels and where it doesn’t will help you determine if it’s the right fit for your business.
✅ Kaspersky shines for small businesses that need robust protection without hiring a full-time IT team. Here’s what gives it an edge:
- comprehensive protection with antivirus, ransomware defence, backup, and encryption;
- easy to install and use, minimal technical knowledge required;
- remote management console simplifies multi-device control;
- lightweight and doesn’t impact system performance;
- supports Windows, macOS, and Android;
- strong value for money for a full-featured security solution.
❌ Of course, Kaspersky isn’t ideal for every setup. Here’s where it might fall short:
- not suitable for larger businesses, limited to 25 users;
- limited customisation options for advanced security policies;
- safe money feature lacks full macOS support;
- some users report occasional alerts requiring manual action.
What is Norton Small Business?
General presentation of Norton Small Business
Norton Small Business is a dedicated cybersecurity solution designed specifically for small and micro‑businesses that need robust protection without the complexity of enterprise software. It combines award‑winning real‑time antivirus protection with tools to protect your business data, online activities and devices from everyday cyber threats.
Unlike consumer‑focused products, Norton Small Business is built for business environments, offering essential security features that help safeguard your employees’ devices, customer information and financial data, while remaining easy to install and manage even without dedicated IT expertise.
At its core, it protects your network and endpoints from malware, ransomware and phishing attacks, while also providing utilities like cloud backup, firewall protection and password management.
Key features of Norton Small Business
Before breaking down the pros and cons, here’s an overview of what Norton Small Business brings to the table:
- 24/7 real‑time antivirus protection: continuous scanning and antivirus defence to stop malware, ransomware and cyberattacks before they disrupt your business;
- cloud backup: automatically stores copies of critical business files and folders in secure cloud storage to help protect against data loss from hardware failures or ransomware;
- secure browser: helps protect your team when browsing, banking or working online by isolating risky websites from your main environment ;
- password manager: a built‑in password vault to store business passwords securely and help your team avoid weak or reused login credentials;
- Software Updater & utilities: the Software Updater helps patch vulnerabilities in installed applications, while optimisation utilities keep PCs running smoothly;
- dark web monitoring : Norton may monitor employee email addresses and other key identity data to alert you if information appears on the dark web.
Norton Small Business
Pros and cons of Norton Small Business
Let’s take a closer look at the strengths and limitations of Norton Small Business so you can decide whether it fits your organisation.
✅ Norton Small Business stands out for its broad protection and simplicity, making it ideal for owners and managers who want strong cybersecurity with minimal fuss:
- comprehensive protection tailored to small business needs;
- background real‑time antivirus and firewall protection;
- cloud backup to safeguard critical business data;
- secure browser and password manager included;
- dark web monitoring for business accounts and identity data;
- easy installation with no IT expertise required.
❌ No solution is perfect, and this one comes with a few trade‑offs worth noting:
- no centralised admin dashboard for larger teams;
- limited scalability beyond smaller business setups;
- some advanced features (e.g., VPN) are only included in the Premium plan;
- fewer integrations with business tools compared with enterprise suites.
Kaspersky vs Norton: compare features
While both tools offer solid cybersecurity solutions, Kaspersky Small Office Security and Norton Small Business are built for different work environments. Let’s break down the features that matter most for small teams and business owners: protection, usability, and remote control.
| Feature | Kaspersky Small Office Security | Norton Small Business |
| Real-Time Malware Detection | Yes - Behavioural engine + ML | Yes – 24/7 malware, ransomware, spyware |
| Ransomware Protection & Rollback | Yes – Rollback system included | ⚠️ Partial – backup helps, but no rollback engine |
| Cloud Backup | Yes – Manual + encrypted options | Yes – Automatic cloud backup included |
| Password Manager | Included | Included |
| VPN | ❌No | ❌No (Premium plan only) |
| Parental Controls | ❌No | ❌No |
| Secure Browser for Transactions | Yes – Safe Money browser | Yes – Browser isolation included |
| Remote Management Console | Yes – Admin console (cloud-based) | ❌No – Setup is per device |
| Multi-Platform Support | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Max Devices per Licence | Up to 25 users | Up to 20 devices (5–20 seats) |
Focus on Malware Detection & Threat Response
Kaspersky uses behaviour analysis, AI, and signature-based scanning to detect threats before they cause damage. It's known for high detection rates in independent lab tests.
Norton Small Business provides always-on protection backed by years of experience in threat detection, though it lacks some of Kaspersky's behavioural rollback capabilities.
🏆 Winner: Kaspersky, for its more advanced behavioural detection and rollback mechanism.
Focus on Ransomware Protection & Recovery
Kaspersky includes a ransomware rollback feature that can restore affected files or system states after an attack, which is ideal for small teams without a dedicated IT recovery plan.
Norton offers cloud backup as a recovery method, but no built-in rollback feature to undo ransomware changes.
🏆 Winner: Kaspersky, for its proactive rollback capabilities.
Focus on Backup & Data Protection
Norton makes backup effortless: it runs automatically in the background and stores critical files securely in the cloud.
Kaspersky offers encryption and backup tools, but setup is more manual and geared toward users who want fine-grain control.
🏆 Winner: Norton, for its automated backup experience and ease of use.
Focus on Centralised Device Management
Kaspersky Small Office Security includes a full cloud-based admin console, letting you :
- deploy,
- manage,
- and monitor security policies for multiple devices from one dashboard.
Norton Small Business lacks central management. Devices are installed and configured separately, making multi-user administration more hands-on.
🏆 Winner: Kaspersky, for its streamlined and scalable remote management.
Focus on Cross-Device Protection
Kaspersky covers Windows, macOS, and Android. Its Android support is strong, but iOS support is limited under this plan.
Norton offers support for all major OS platforms, including full iOS integration, ideal for teams using a mix of mobile devices.
🏆 Winner: Norton, for broader cross-platform coverage (especially iOS).
Kaspersky vs Norton: compare pricing
| Plan | Kaspersky Small Office Security | Norton Small Business |
| Free | Not available | Not available |
| Entry | From 76,90 £/month for 3 users | From 61,19 £/month for 6 users |
| Premium | Not available | From 122,38 £/month for 10 users |
Kaspersky vs Norton: which interface is more intuitive?
A powerful security suite is only effective if you can actually use it without frustration. Here’s how Kaspersky and Norton compare when it comes to interface design, usability, and user experience across desktop and mobile.
| Criteria | Kaspersky Small Office Security | Norton Security Premium |
| Ease of Use | Simple and clear, designed for non-experts | Polished and beginner-friendly |
| Ergonomics | Classic, functional UI | Modern, sleek, with guided steps |
| Customisation | Moderate: more admin-level settings | Low: mostly preset modes |
| Mobile App | Android only, no dedicated iOS app | Full-featured on Android and iOS |
| Remote Management | Yes: cloud console for all devices | No: device-level setup only |
| Overall Feel | Business-focused, efficient | Consumer-first, visually appealing |
💡 Verdict:
- if you're managing multiple business devices, Kaspersky is the better choice thanks to its remote admin console and straightforward interface ;
- if you're a solo user looking for a smooth, mobile-friendly experience with minimal setup, Norton delivers a more refined and visually engaging UI.
Kaspersky vs Norton: compare integrations
The better a security solution integrates with your IT stack, the more it becomes a strategic asset. Whether you're a small business owner, IT admin, or tech advisor, the size of the integration catalogue, ease of connection, and automation potential are essential factors.
👉 Number of integrations available
- Kaspersky Small Office Security: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Kaspersky doesn’t focus on third-party app integrations. It offers limited native integrations, mostly with Windows tools, browsers, and Kaspersky Security Center for endpoint management. No direct CRM, cloud app, or productivity tool connectors are available out of the box.
- Norton Security Premium: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Similarly, Norton keeps integrations minimal. It functions as a closed ecosystem with its own VPN, password manager, and cloud backup, but lacks formal integrations with platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Slack.
👉 Ease of setup
- Kaspersky Small Office Security: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The cloud console is easy to deploy across endpoints and doesn't require IT expertise. It’s designed for quick installation and remote management, even for non-specialists. No scripting or command-line work needed for most use cases.
- Norton Security Premium: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Setup is fast and intuitive, especially for home or small office users. Device onboarding and feature activation (like VPN or backup) are simple, but advanced setup is limited by the lack of a business-grade console or integration layer.
👉 Customisation and automation
- Kaspersky Small Office Security: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
KSOS allows some policy-level customisation (e.g., scan frequency, device rules, user access levels), but lacks automation tools like triggers or cross-app workflows. Best suited for predefined security protocols, not process automation.
- Norton Security Premium: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Norton keeps it simple, no real automation capabilities beyond enabling or disabling modules. Great for users who want plug-and-play protection, but not built for workflows or policy scripting.
💡 Conclusion:
- Kaspersky offers superior remote management, faster deployment across devices, and slightly more admin-level customisation, making it better suited to small business operations.
- Norton, meanwhile, delivers a polished consumer-grade experience but is less flexible in business environments.
When to Choose Kaspersky or Norton?
Kaspersky and Norton both offer excellent business security software, but they’re built with different priorities in mind. Your choice depends on whether you’re looking for centralised control or simplicity at scale. Here’s how to decide.
Typical Use Cases for Kaspersky Small Office Security
Kaspersky Small Office Security is a smart pick for small businesses that need centralised endpoint management and strong protection, without hiring an IT team. It's ideal for industries handling sensitive data like finance, law, or healthcare.
📌 Choose Kaspersky Small Office Security if you:
- run a small business (up to 25 users) and want to manage all devices from one dashboard;
- need ransomware rollback to recover systems in case of an attack;
- prefer built-in file encryption and secure local/cloud backup;
- want a cloud console to deploy and monitor updates remotely;
- primarily work on Windows and Android systems;
- need more configuration options than a typical consumer suite provides;
- value strong malware detection with minimal system impact.
Typical Use Cases for Norton Small Business
Norton Small Business is built for entrepreneurs and small teams (5 to 20 devices) who want powerful protection without technical complexity. It offers a business-ready version of Norton’s trusted antivirus platform, with straightforward setup and essential tools.
📌 Choose Norton Small Business if you:
- manage a small team and want plug-and-play protection;
- prefer a solution that installs quickly with no central console to maintain;
- need real-time antivirus, firewall, secure browser, and cloud backup;
- want to protect employee devices on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android;
- don’t require detailed device policies or advanced admin controls;
- prefer an intuitive experience that works out-of-the-box for non-technical users;
- want optional upgrades to Premium features (e.g. VPN) if needed.
Kaspersky vs Norton: Which One Deserves a Spot on Your Devices?
Both Kaspersky Small Office Security and Norton Security Premium bring serious value to the table, but they’re built for different realities.
👉 If you’re managing a small business with :
- multiple endpoints,
- sensitive client data,
- and limited internal IT resources,
Kaspersky is the smart, scalable choice. Its cloud-based console, rollback features, and multi-user licensing make it ideal for teams who need strong protection without technical complexity.
👉 On the flip side, if you’re running a small team or micro-business and want a simple yet powerful security solution, with :
- real-time protection,
- cloud backup,
- and secure browsing,
then Norton Small Business delivers a clean, no-fuss experience. It’s ideal for business owners who want to protect multiple devices without dealing with complex admin tools.
Still hesitating? Both offer a free trial or refund window, so you can test before you commit.
FAQ – Kaspersky vs Norton
Is Kaspersky still safe to use in 2026?
Yes. Despite past concerns due to geopolitical issues, Kaspersky products remain trusted by independent testing labs and continue to score highly in malware detection and system performance. Many businesses and individuals still rely on it worldwide.
Does Norton slow down your computer?
Norton Small Business is generally lightweight, but some users report occasional slowdowns during full scans or backups on older systems. However, its performance has significantly improved in recent years.
Can I use Kaspersky or Norton on mobile devices?
Yes. Both solutions support Android, and Norton also offers full support for iOS. Kaspersky Small Office Security is more focused on Android and Windows environments.
Do either offer a free plan?
Neither Kaspersky Small Office Security nor Norton Small Business offer a permanent free version. However, both provide 30-day free trials or money-back guarantees so you can try the service risk-free.