Best Norton Alternatives of 2026

Even though Norton is one of the best antivirus programs, we believe TotalAV, Surfshark Antivirus, and Bitdefender all make great alternatives. If you're looking to save on antivirus software, then TotalAV is a good option for affordable security. Bitdefender is best for tech-savvy users in search of advanced customization, while Surfshark Antivirus is best for a powerful security stack that covers unlimited devices.

Let's explore some top antivirus alternatives that may surpass Norton in terms of value and security.

The best Norton alternatives

Compare the best alternatives to Norton

Best for	Overall	Affordable protection	Security suite	Tech enthusiasts
Starting price	$29.99/first yr	$19.00/first yr	$2.79/mo	$34.99/first yr
Free version
Firewall
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Learn more	Get Norton	Get TotalAV	Get Surfshark Antivirus	Get Bitdefender

How we tested the best Norton alternatives

To determine the best antivirus software alternatives to Norton, we meticulously reviewed various antivirus programs based on several critical features that ensure comprehensive security and user-friendliness.

Our selection process focused on each program's ability to provide robust protection against a wide array of threats, the usability of its interface, cost-effectiveness, and the availability of additional security tools that enhance the overall value.

We prioritized features essential for protecting against the increasingly sophisticated landscape of online threats while also considering our audience's diverse needs and technical proficiency.

• Malware protection: This is the antivirus's ability to detect, block, and remove malicious software, which is fundamental to any security product. Effective malware protection safeguards your devices from the most common to the most damaging threats.
• Phishing protection: This feature is essential for defending against fraudulent websites that attempt to steal sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. It also ensures users can browse the web safely.
• Ransomware protection: This protects your data by preventing ransomware from locking your system and demanding payment to regain access. It is crucial for personal and professional data security.
• Firewall: A firewall monitors network traffic to block unauthorized access to your computer, acting as a barrier against potential intruders.
• Parental controls: This software allows parents to manage and monitor their children's internet use, ensuring they can safely explore the internet without exposure to inappropriate content.
• VPN: A VPN enhances privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address, making it harder for third parties to track your online activities.

TotalAV: Best for affordable protection

What we liked

TotalAV is ideal for individuals or small families seeking effective yet budget-friendly antivirus solutions. It's particularly suited for those new to cybersecurity solutions, providing an intuitive interface that simplifies the complex world of online protection. 

We appreciated TotalAV's comprehensive yet affordable suite of security tools, which cover everything from real-time protection to effective malware scanning.

Highlights include:

• Real-time protection: Continuously scans and protects against threats as they happen, ensuring your devices are safeguarded at all times
• Anti-phishing protection: Keeps your sensitive information secure by blocking malicious sites and phishing attempts
• System tune-up: Cleans up your system to enhance performance, including features like Junk Cleaner and Duplicate Finder
• Affordable plans: Offers a range of subscription options that provide great value, especially in the first year
• Multi-device compatibility: Supports multiple devices across various platforms, ensuring comprehensive protection no matter where you are or what device you use

These features make TotalAV a standout choice for those who want thorough protection without a hefty price tag. For more details, see how TotalAV compares to Norton.

What we didn’t like

Despite its many benefits, TotalAV does have some drawbacks. The lack of a firewall feature is a significant omission and might concern users who seek an extra layer of network protection.

Additionally, the software can be prone to crashes during certain operations, which could interrupt your workflow and cause frustration.

Plus, the six-device limit may be restrictive for larger households or tech enthusiasts with multiple gadgets. Despite the software's strong performance and affordability, these issues could be a dealbreaker for some.

TotalAV specs

Price range	Starts at $19.00/first yr
Free version	Yes
Firewall	No
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	No
Network protection	Yes
Parental controls	No
Extras	Total Adblock, Disk Cleaner, iOS and Android Protection
Learn more	Get TotalAV

Test results

Star rating summary

Surfshark Antivirus: Best security suite

What we liked

Surfshark Antivirus is particularly well-suited for people who want one subscription to cover both their antivirus and their broader online privacy, rather than juggling separate tools. Bundled under Surfshark One or One+, it pairs the antivirus with Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark Alert. If you opt for a Surfshark One+ plan, you'll also receive identity theft restoration services and data removal. 

Despite being part of a bundle, the antivirus tool doesn't feel like an afterthought. It earned a perfect 17/18 protection score on AV-TEST's June 2025 test. And during our in-house tests, Surfshark Antivirus detected the malware dummy files we downloaded in real time.

We appreciated Surfshark's efficient, unobtrusive scanning and its focus on rounding out privacy protection alongside malware defense.

Highlights include:

• Ransomware Shield: Monitors selected folders for unauthorized encryption attempts 

• File and drive-level scanning: You can scan specific files, folders, USB drives, and external hard drives, not just the whole device

• Broad VPN network: The bundled Surfshark VPN spans 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, useful well beyond just antivirus protection

• Data breach monitoring: Surfshark Alert flags if your email, passwords, or card info shows up in a breach

These features make Surfshark Antivirus a standout choice for anyone who'd rather buy one security suite than stitch several tools together.

What we didn’t like

Surfshark Antivirus isn't available as a standalone product; it only comes packaged with Surfshark One or One+, which is a real limitation if you just want a lean, single-purpose antivirus. It also lacks a firewall, which some competitors include by default.

Most notably, it has consistently failed our phishing-page detection test, so it may not stand up to Norton and the other alternatives for phishing protection. 

Surfshark Antivirus specs

Price range	Starts at $2.79/mo
Free version	No
Firewall	No
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	Yes
Network protection	No
Parental controls	No
Extras	VPN, alternative ID, dark web alerts, search engine, identity theft protection, data removal
Learn more	Get Surfshark Antivirus

Test results summary

Star rating summary

Bitdefender: Best for tech enthusiasts

What we liked

Bitdefender is particularly well-suited for tech enthusiasts who demand high-level, configurable security options across multiple devices. Its comprehensive feature set, including multi-layer ransomware protection and advanced network defense, appeals to users who require more than just basic malware defense.

The flexibility to customize security settings and the availability of features like VPN, Game, Work, and Movie modes cater to a tech-savvy audience that seeks to tailor their security software to fit various usage scenarios.

Despite its robust feature set, Bitdefender remains reasonably priced. It offers a great balance between advanced security solutions and cost, making it an attractive option for individuals who prioritize detailed control over their cybersecurity environment.

We were impressed by several aspects of Bitdefender, notably:

• Comprehensive protection: Offers extensive security features, including advanced malware protection, ransomware defense, and phishing prevention
• Flexible settings: Allows for detailed customization of security protocols, which is ideal for users who like to fine-tune their systems
• Multi-platform support: Protects various operating systems, ensuring comprehensive security regardless of the device or platform
• Additional security modes: Includes specialized modes for different activities, such as gaming, working, or watching movies, which optimize the user experience without compromising security

These features make Bitdefender an excellent choice for individuals who need a versatile and powerful antivirus solution that can be customized to meet various security needs.

Curious how Bitdefender stacks up against Norton 360? See our full Bitdefender vs. Norton comparison.

What we didn’t like

Despite Bitdefender's strengths, some limitations could detract from the user experience. For example, not all of Bitdefender's advanced features are available on every platform, particularly macOS, which can be a significant disadvantage for Apple users.

While highly configurable, the interface is complex and could be overwhelming for users who are not technically inclined. This complexity can make it difficult for some to navigate and utilize the full range of features effectively.

Lastly, there are inconsistencies across different software versions. The available features can vary greatly, necessitating that users carefully choose the version that best fits their security needs. These issues may require potential users to consider their specific needs and technical comfort levels before choosing Bitdefender as their antivirus solution.

Bitdefender specs

Price range	Starts at $24.99/first yr
Free version	Yes, but exclusive to Windows and Android
Firewall	Yes
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	No
Network protection	Yes
Parental controls	Yes
Extras	VPN, Special Modes for Game, Work, and Movies
Learn more	Get Bitdefender

Test results

Star rating summary

Bottom line

Based on our extensive research and testing, we think TotalAV, Surfshark Antivirus, and Bitdefender are top alternatives to Norton.

TotalAV stands out for its affordability and user-friendliness, making it an attractive choice for those seeking effective protection without a steep learning curve or investment. It’s particularly appealing to budget-conscious users or antivirus newcomers.

Surfshark Antivirus is for all-in-one security. It delivers antivirus protection, a VPN, data breach alerts, and more all under one subscription.

Bitdefender shines for tech enthusiasts who desire advanced security configurations. It offers a robust suite of features that safeguard against a wide array of threats while providing flexibility in customization.

FAQs