Bitdefender vs. Norton 2026: Is It Too Close To Call?

Bitdefender costs less over time, while Norton gives you a full security suite with plenty of features.

Patti Croft, Author

Steph Trejos, Editor

Last updated Oct 7, 2026

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Antivirus for Scam Protection

5.0

Editorial Rating

On Bitdefender's website

Antivirus Software

Bitdefender

PROMOTION: Save 50%

Top-rated antivirus that regularly earns top scores on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android
Passed every malware, drive-by download, and phishing detection test we ran, blocking threats instantly
Blocks and reverses ransomware attacks on Windows, restoring your files automatically

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best All-In-One Antivirus

5.0

Editorial Rating

On Norton 360 Antivirus's website

Antivirus Software

Norton 360 Antivirus

PROMOTION: Save Up to 76%

Our #1 rated antivirus that scores 18/18 on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android, verified across multiple test rounds
Passed every malware, drive-by download, and phishing detection test we ran, quarantining threats automatically
Backed by a 100% Virus Protection Promise: if Norton can't remove a virus, you get your money back

We recommend Norton 360 as the better antivirus. It offers all the cybersecurity essentials with one subscription. On top of its antivirus program, you get a password manager and cloud backup on every plan, plus a VPN on most. In this head-to-head matchup, Norton wins, but barely.

Bitdefender is the better pick if you want to save over time. Its five-device plan renews at a lower cost than Norton's. The starting plan covers antivirus and ransomware protection, but you'll need to upgrade for the firewall and parental controls.

We tested both hands-on and compared them on price, features, malware protection, and support.

In this article

At a glance
Methodology
Prices
Features
Test results
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Bitdefender vs. Norton: Which is better?

Bitdefender vs. Norton review at a glance

Bitdefender: Best for long-term savings
Norton: Best for a cybersecurity suite

		Our Pick
Star rating	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	Free or $34.99/first yr	Starts at $29.99/first yr
Max number of protected devices	Up to 5 on individual plans, up to 25 on family plans	Up to 10 on individual plans, up to Unlimited on LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan
Malware scans	Manual and scheduled	Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Norton Read Norton Review

How we test and rate antivirus software

Our team has conducted hands-on tests of more than 30 antivirus programs. A dedicated reviewer tests each product on a rotating basis across Windows, macOS, and Android with a subscription we purchase ourselves.

We evaluate each product across seven areas:

Test results (49%): We measure quick scan speed on a standardized test device, run in-house EICAR tests for malware detection, test protection against drive-by malware and phishing, and average each product's most recent AV-TEST scores across Windows, macOS, and Android.
Editor's score (20%): We evaluate the product's ease of use, onboarding experience, and overall trustworthiness.
Core features (20%): We determine if the product includes real-time protection, manual and scheduled scans, ransomware protection, a firewall, network protection, webcam and microphone protection, and phishing protection.
Value (3%): We compare the lowest plan price, money-back guarantee length, and maximum device coverage against competitors at the same price point.
Compatibility (3%): We assess availability across desktop and mobile platforms.
Customer service (3%): We determine the quality of the methods available for direct support, including live chat, phone, and email.
Bonus features (2%): We check whether the product includes additional tools like tune-up services, a password manager, an ad blocker, identity monitoring, parental controls, and a VPN.

We retest all antivirus products at least once a year and update our reviews to reflect any changes. To learn more about how we test, read our full antivirus testing methodology here.

Bitdefender pros and cons

Bitdefender has a simplistic interface and doesn't really affect system performance in terms of slowdown. It's a pretty cost-effective antivirus solution and can protect up to five devices on individual plans.

Bitdefender has manual and automatic malware scans. All plans have access to the virtual private network (VPN), but you'll need to upgrade if you want parental controls.

Pros

Simple yet powerful interface tools
Small to no performance impact on systems
Perfect AV-TEST scores on Windows, macOS, and Android

Cons

Some features left out for Apple products
Premium features cost more

Norton pros and cons

Norton has a full suite of privacy and security features, including a VPN, password manager, and cloud storage. It boasts extras like parental controls, dark web monitoring, and cloud backup. Norton has a variety of plans to choose from and can protect up to 10 devices.

Pros

Protection against all malware, ransomware, and hacking
Cloud backup and password manager included with all plans
Includes parental controls on Deluxe and Premium plans

Cons

No free version
Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first when using the portal

Is Bitdefender or Norton the better value?

Norton wins on value, but it's close. Norton costs less the first year, and its top plan covers twice as many devices. Bitdefender costs less at renewal.

		Our Pick
Price range	$34.99–$64.99/first yr	$29.99–$59.99/first yr
Best value plan	Bitdefender Total Security for $54.99/first yr	Norton 360 Deluxe for $49.99/first yr
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 60 days
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Norton Read Norton Review

Norton costs less up front. Norton AntiVirus Plus is $29.99/first yr for one device. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is $34.99/first yr but covers three devices.

For most households, the fairest matchup is Norton 360 Deluxe vs. Bitdefender Total Security, since both cover five devices. Norton 360 Deluxe is $49.99/first yr and includes a VPN, a password manager, parental controls, and 50 GB of cloud backup.

Bitdefender Total Security is $54.99/first yr and includes a device optimizer, parental controls, and cryptomining protection.

That flips at renewal. Norton 360 Deluxe renews at $124.99/yr, while Bitdefender Total Security renews at $109.99/yr.

Bitdefender also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out before you commit to the product. Norton's money-back guarantee is 60 days, which is double Bitdefender's.

Winner: Norton wins. It costs less the first year, and its top plan covers twice as many devices as Bitdefender's.

Does Bitdefender or Norton have better features?

Norton and Bitdefender offer similar features at a glance. However, remember that a lot of Bitdefender's additional features are only available at a higher price point.

		Our Pick
Manual and scheduled scans
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Firewall
Device optimization tools
Parental controls
Password manager
VPN
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Norton Read Norton Review

Bitdefender and Norton offer many of the same security features. However, Norton includes a password manager with all of its pricing tiers, while Bitdefender doesn’t include a password manager unless you purchase one of its premium suites. That may not be a big deal to some users, but password managers are useful for keeping your data more secure.

If you have Windows, Bitdefender includes a firewall, but if you’re using macOS, you won’t get this security feature. With Norton, you get the smart firewall no matter your operating system.

Bitdefender includes a VPN with its Total Security plan, but you’re limited to 200 MB of data per day. You get unlimited VPN traffic only from Bitdefender’s premium plans. Even though an ad blocker isn't included with its plans, we do like that Bitdefender VPN has toggles for ad blocking and tracker blocking.

Norton offers its Secure VPN starting with the Norton 360 Standard plan, and there doesn’t appear to be a data limit. Although Norton doesn’t specifically include an ad blocker, the VPN does block ad tracking, which may reduce the ads you receive from online marketing companies.

Winner: Norton wins again. It includes a password manager and firewall, regardless of what device type you have. We think Norton has more features most users would enjoy.

Which has better malware protection, Bitdefender or Norton?

We compared results from three independent labs: AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. We also ran our own EICAR malware detection tests on both products.

		Our Pick
AV-TEST Windows score	18/18 as of June 2026	18/18 as of June 2026
AV-TEST macOS score	18/18 as of March 2026	18/18 as of June 2026
AV-TEST Android score	18/18 as of July 2026	18/18 as of July 2026
AV-Comparatives malware protection score	99.94% as of March 2026	99.97% as of March 2026
SE Labs results	100% as of 2023 Q1 (most recent test)	99% as of 2026 Q2
EICAR score	3/3	3/3
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Norton Read Norton Review

AV-TEST scores each antivirus on protection, performance, and usability, with up to six points for each. Bitdefender and Norton both earned a perfect 18/18 on Windows, macOS, and Android in AV-TEST's latest rounds.

Norton edged out Bitdefender in AV-Comparatives' March 2026 malware protection test, 99.97% to 99.94%.

SE Labs results are harder to compare. Norton scored 99% in Q2 2026. Bitdefender scored 100% in Q1 2023 but hasn't been tested by SE Labs since.

In our own testing, both Bitdefender and Norton caught all three EICAR test files.

Winner: Norton wins, but just barely. Both earned a perfect 18/18 on AV-TEST and caught every EICAR test file, but Norton scored slightly higher in AV-Comparatives' March 2026 test.

Which has better compatibility and customer support, Bitdefender or Norton?

Norton wins. Both work on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and offer 24/7 support, but we found Norton's interface easier to use.

		Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, email, phone, support forums, online guides	Live chat, phone, support forums, online guides, Facebook, X
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Norton Read Norton Review

The Norton interface was a breeze to operate. We ran it with multiple browser tabs open simultaneously and saw no issues with system performance.

Bitdefender was also easy to use. Everything is organized well, and we didn’t notice an impact when running scans.

However, we weren’t thrilled with Bitdefender’s features being split up between the antivirus application and the browser hub, Bitdefender Central. Essentially, you are toggling between the Bitdefender app and Bitdefender Central, which can become frustrating.

Norton also offers support through Facebook and X, on top of 24/7 live chat and phone.

Bitdefender offers user guides and tutorials if you'd rather troubleshoot on your own. You can also reach support 24/7 by live chat, and by phone in most areas.

Winner: Norton wins. Its interface keeps everything in one place, while Bitdefender splits features between its app and Bitdefender Central. Bitdefender does have a Safari extension, which Norton lacks.

Bitdefender vs. Norton: Which is better?

Norton is the better antivirus overall. We like them both and think you’d be happy and well-protected with either. Of course, there are always reasons you may choose one over the other. Norton won every category we tested, but each one by a narrow margin.

PROMOTION: Save Up to 76%

5.0

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best All-In-One Antivirus

Antivirus Software

Norton 360 Antivirus

Our #1 rated antivirus that scores 18/18 on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android, verified across multiple test rounds
Passed every malware, drive-by download, and phishing detection test we ran, quarantining threats automatically
Backed by a 100% Virus Protection Promise: if Norton can't remove a virus, you get your money back

Learn More

Bitdefender is the better pick if you want to pay less over time, since it costs less at renewal. Norton is the better pick if you want an all-in-one security suite. Both scored a perfect 18/18 on AV-TEST, so you can't go wrong with either.

Top antivirus alternatives

Although Bitdefender and Norton are some of the best antivirus software on the market, they may not be for everyone. That’s why we’ve hand-picked some alternative providers for you to consider.

Antivirus	TotalAV	Aura Antivirus	Norton 360	Surfshark Antivirus
Best for	Best web protection	Best online identity protection	Best overall antivirus software	Best value
Starting price	$19.00/first yr	$35.99/first yr	$29.99/first yr	$2.79/mo
Features	Zero-day scans, anti-phishing, ransomware protection, password manager, ad blocker, TotalVPN	Antivirus protection, VPN, password manager, security for multiple devices	Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, cloud backup, password manager, Norton Secure VPN	Antivirus protection, Surfshark VPN, private search engine, data leak alerts, ad blocker
Learn more	Get TotalAV	Get Aura	Get Norton360 Antivirus	Get Surfshark Antivirus

FAQs

Does Bitdefender slow down PCs?

No, not noticeably. Bitdefender earned a perfect 6/6 for performance in AV-TEST's August 2026 Windows test, and we didn't notice slowdowns in our own testing. Still, any antivirus software may slow down your PC a little during a full scan.

What are Norton’s benefits?

Every Norton plan includes malware protection, a password manager, and cloud backup. Norton 360 Standard and up add a VPN and dark web monitoring. Deluxe and Premium also include parental controls.

Is Bitdefender still good in 2026?

Yes. Bitdefender scored a perfect 18/18 in AV-TEST's latest rounds on Windows, macOS, and Android. It also won AV-TEST's Best MacOS Security award for 2025.

What security is better than Norton?

Few antiviruses beat Norton on protection. It scored a perfect 18/18 on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android. Bitdefender comes close, and it costs less at renewal.

You can also see how Norton stacks up in our Norton vs. McAfee comparison.

Is Bitdefender better than Norton?

Not quite. Norton edged out Bitdefender in our testing, winning on price, features, support, and malware protection. But both scored a perfect 18/18 on AV-TEST, so you'll be well protected with either.

What are the disadvantages of Bitdefender?

Bitdefender costs more than Norton the first year, and its basic VPN caps you at 200 MB per day. You'll also need to upgrade from Antivirus Plus to get parental controls.

Protect Every Aspect of Your Digital Life — Even Your Time

4.7

Editorial Rating

On TotalAV's website

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Antivirus for Safe Browsing

Antivirus Software

TotalAV

PROMOTION: Get $80 Off

Antivirus that earned AV-TEST's Top Product award on Windows in August 2026
Passed every malware and drive-by download test we ran, quarantining threats automatically
Includes a junk cleaner, app uninstaller, and browser cleaner to keep your device running smoothly alongside the antivirus

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft holds a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.B.A. from Troy University and spent years working as a technical analyst and security specialist before moving into technology writing. She brings that enterprise security background to more than 180 articles at All About Cookies, with particular depth in antivirus software, where she has authored more than 80 reviews, comparisons, and guides covering antivirus, ad blockers, password managers, and data security.