Alternatives to Norton
The consumer security veteran
Norton ranks #6 of 9 in Antivirus software, with an Alt Score of 82. It is proprietary, sold by subscription from $94.99 first year (Norton 360 Standard) and available on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. 9 of 10 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Individual consumers and families wanting all-in-one protection for their computers, tablets, and phones, plus small businesses needing centralized device security across employee devices.
Antivirus and malware/ransomware protection, a VPN, dark web monitoring, and a password manager, with higher tiers adding cloud backup, parental controls, and LifeLock identity theft protection. Plans scale from single-device antivirus-only coverage up to multi-device 360 bundles with identity monitoring. AI-based scam detection is included on most plans.
You choose a plan based on device count and needed features, purchase a subscription, then download and install the Norton app on each covered device to activate protection. Coverage, scans, and account settings are managed from a central dashboard (my.norton.com), with subscriptions auto-renewing annually.
Where Norton stands out
Verified capabilities most alternatives don't have.
Why people leave Norton
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
Rows come from the Antivirus software checklist (14 rows). Human-verified cells only. ? means the value has not been verified.
| Antivirus software checklist | Norton | Bitdefender | Avast | ESET | Malwarebytes | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Independent lab scores (AV-TEST) | ||||||
| Real-time protection | ||||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||||
| Performance impact | ||||||
| Free tier | ||||||
| No data selling | ||||||
| Web protection | ||||||
| Cross-platform | ||||||
| Firewall included | ||||||
| Ad-free experience |
Every fact and feature listed for Norton is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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Pricing model Subscription verified 2026-07-10
Subscriptions automatically renew unless the renewal is canceled before billing.
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-standard -
Starts at $94.99 first year (Norton 360 Standard) verified 2026-07-10
$94.99 first yr.
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-standard -
License Proprietary verified 2026-07-10
When you purchase our software and services, you're only getting a license to use them for a limited purpose and subject to these terms. We continue to own all the rights to the software and services.
https://us.norton.com/legal/lsa -
Platforms Windows, macOS, Android, iOS verified 2026-07-10
Protection for 3 PCs, Macs, tablets, or smartphones. Windows® | macOS® | Android™ | iOS®
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-standard -
Status active verified 2026-07-10
Last modified: 04/16/2026
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v20260331190442651 -
Independent lab scores (AV-TEST) Yes verified 2026-07-10
According to a 2025 report from AV-TEST, an independent security research institute, Norton earned perfect or near-perfect scores across protection, performance, and usability categories.
https://us.norton.com/blog/security-tips/is-norton-antivirus-worth-it -
Real-time protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Help keep your PC, Mac, or mobile device protected from viruses, ransomware, malware, and other online threats as you bank, shop, and post online.
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-standard -
Ransomware protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-standard -
Performance impact Yes verified 2026-07-10
Norton 360 Deluxe works in the background to help keep your devices safe with very little CPU overhead. There should be little to no effect on your PC's performance.
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-deluxe -
Free tier No verified 2026-07-10
Trial only; no permanent free tier.
For trials, a payment method is required at sign-up and will be charged at the end of the trial period, unless canceled first.
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-standard -
No data selling Yes verified 2026-07-10
We do not sell customer personal information.
https://us.norton.com/privacy/do-not-sell -
Web protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Norton Safe Web is part of Norton 360, designed to enhance your online safety. It uses advanced AI to detect scams and dangerous websites
https://us.norton.com/feature/safe-web -
Cross-platform Yes verified 2026-07-10
Protection for 5 PCs, Macs, tablets, or smartphones. Windows® | macOS® | Android™ | iOS®
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-deluxe -
Firewall included Yes verified 2026-07-10
Norton 360 includes a smart firewall that monitors and controls your network traffic to help stop malware, unauthorized access, and risky connections before they reach your device.
https://us.norton.com/feature/firewall
FAQ
Yes. Bitdefender, Avast and Malwarebytes have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
ClamAV — every license claim links its source.