Best Norton Alternatives of 2026: 3 Picks From 30+ Tested

Even though Norton is one of the best antivirus programs, it won’t be the right fit for everyone. Based on our testing, TotalAV is the best Norton alternative for affordable protection, Surfshark Antivirus is best if you want antivirus plus a broader privacy bundle, and Bitdefender is best for advanced protection and customization.

Below, we break down how these Norton alternatives compare on price, features, usability, and test performance so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

The best Norton alternatives 2026

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	$2.49/mo	$24.99/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 identify the best alternatives to Norton, we compared leading antivirus programs using the criteria we consider most important for everyday security and long-term value.

We evaluated each service for malware and phishing protection, ease of use, pricing, device compatibility, and extra security tools that improve the overall package.

We also considered different user needs, including beginners who want simple protection, families covering multiple devices, and advanced users who want deeper controls.

• 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 everything from common threats to the most damaging ones.
• 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 protecting personal and professional data.
• Firewall: A firewall monitors network traffic to block unauthorized access to your computer, acting as a barrier against potential intruders.
• Parental controls: This software lets parents manage and monitor their children's internet use, helping them explore the internet safely 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.

Learn more about our complete methodology and how we test antivirus software.

TotalAV: Best for affordable protection

Norton vs. TotalAV: Key differences

• Price: TotalAV starts at $19.00/first yr against Norton's $29.99/first yr, and TotalAV offers a free plan where Norton has none.
• Renewal cost: TotalAV Total Security renews at $179.00/yr after a $49.00/first yr rate. Norton 360 Deluxe renews at $119.99/yr after $49.99/first yr.
• Firewall: Norton includes a smart firewall on every plan. TotalAV doesn't have one, which is its most notable gap.
• Scan speed: Norton's quick scan finished in under a minute, and its full scan cleared more than 600,000 files in under 10 minutes. TotalAV's full scan ran past 10 minutes and slowed noticeably when it hit threats.

Want a full breakdown? Read our TotalAV vs. Norton comparison.

What we liked

TotalAV is a strong fit for individuals and small households that want affordable antivirus software without a steep learning curve. Its easy-to-navigate interface makes it especially appealing for people who want solid protection without spending much time managing settings.

We liked that TotalAV combines core antivirus protection with useful extras at a relatively low entry price. It covers the basics well and adds cleanup tools that may appeal to users who want security and device maintenance in one place.

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.

What we didn’t like

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

We also ran into some stability concerns during testing. Occasional crashes or interruptions may be frustrating if you want a smoother, more dependable experience.

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

Norton vs. Surfshark Antivirus: Key differences

• What you're buying: Surfshark Antivirus isn't sold on its own. It comes inside Surfshark One or One+ with a VPN, breach alerts, and data removal. Norton sells antivirus plans directly.
• Price: Surfshark starts at $2.49/mo against Norton's $29.99/first yr, though Surfshark bills monthly and Norton bills for the first year.
• Lab testing record: Norton scores 18/18 on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android. Surfshark scores 16.5/18 on Windows with no published macOS or Android results.
• Phishing protection: Surfshark struggled to block phishing pages consistently in our testing. Norton passed every phishing detection test we ran.

What we liked

Surfshark Antivirus makes the most sense for people who want more than antivirus alone. Bundled with Surfshark One or One+, it covers malware protection, VPN access, breach monitoring, and additional privacy features under one subscription.

Despite being part of a bundle, the antivirus component still performed well in key areas. It posted a strong AV-TEST Windows result and detected our malware test files in real time during hands-on testing.

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 has a few important trade-offs. It isn’t sold as a standalone antivirus product, so you have to pay for the broader bundle even if you only want malware protection. It also lacks a firewall, which may matter if you want more complete built-in network defense.

Its biggest weakness in our testing was phishing protection. Because it struggled to block phishing pages consistently, it may be a less reassuring choice than Norton or Bitdefender if that feature is a top priority.

Surfshark Antivirus specs

Price range	Starts at $2.49/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

Norton vs. Bitdefender: Key differences

• Price: Bitdefender starts higher than Norton, but it offers a free version for Windows and Android and Norton has no free plan at all.
• Firewall on Mac: Bitdefender's firewall is Windows only, and you can't schedule scans on macOS. Norton's smart firewall works across every supported operating system.
• Password manager: Norton includes one on every tier. Bitdefender reserves it for its premium suites.
• Test results: This one is close. Bitdefender scores 18/18 on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android plus 100% with SE Labs. Norton also scores 18/18 across all three platforms.

Want a full breakdown? Read our Bitdefender vs. Norton comparison.

What we liked

Bitdefender suits people who want more control over their security software and a deeper feature set than many entry-level antivirus products offer. Its protections go beyond basic malware defense, making it a strong pick for users who value layered security.

We especially like the customization options, plus extras like specialized performance modes and broader device coverage. Those tools give more experienced users room to tailor the software to how they work, play, and browse.

Bitdefender also does a good job balancing advanced features with competitive pricing, so you’re not necessarily paying a premium just to get stronger controls and more comprehensive protection.

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.

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 can overwhelm users who are not technically inclined. This complexity can make it difficult for some to navigate and utilize the full range of features effectively.

Another drawback is that Bitdefender’s features can vary noticeably by plan and operating system. That means you may need to compare packages more carefully than with simpler antivirus brands to make sure you’re getting the protections you expect.

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 research and testing, TotalAV, Surfshark Antivirus, and Bitdefender are three of the best Norton alternatives for different types of users.

Choose TotalAV if you want affordable, easy-to-use protection. It’s a strong option for shoppers who want the essentials plus a few extras without paying for a more advanced suite.

Choose Surfshark Antivirus if you want a bundled privacy and security package with antivirus, VPN, and monitoring features in one place.

Choose Bitdefender if you want the most complete protection and more control over how your security software works. It’s the best fit of these three for advanced users and anyone willing to trade a little simplicity for stronger features.

FAQs