Top 6 Aura Antivirus Alternatives of 2026

If Aura antivirus doesn’t fit your needs, we’ve rounded up a collection of our favorite alternatives with features to fit any household, budget, or lifestyle.
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Best for Reliability

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Antivirus for Scam Protection
4.8
Editorial Rating
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On Bitdefender's website

Bitdefender
PROMOTION: Save 50%
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Best Value

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Antivirus for Beginners
5.0
Editorial Rating
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On Avast's website

Avast
PROMOTION: Save Up to 57%
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Best for Windows

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best All-In-One Antivirus
5.0
Editorial Rating
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On Norton 360 Antivirus's website

Norton 360 Antivirus
PROMOTION: Save Up to 60%
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Best for Identity Theft Protection

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Lightweight Antivirus
4.4
Editorial Rating
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On Webroot's website

Webroot
PROMOTION: Get Up to 50% Off
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Best Extras

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Unlimited Device Antivirus
4.9
Editorial Rating
See Price
On McAfee's website

McAfee
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Best for Public Wi-Fi use

2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Performance & Speed Antivirus
5.0
Editorial Rating
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On AVG's website

AVG
PROMOTION: Save 60%
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If you decide Aura antivirus isn’t for you, try one of our top alternatives: Bitdefender, Avast, Norton, Webroot McAfee, or AVG. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or want easy-to-use software, one of these options has you covered.

Each alternative protects against viruses and ransomware but has different features for individual needs. Let’s get into the details and find which one is right for you.

In this article
Top 6 alternatives compared
Bitdefender: Best for reliability
Avast: Best value
Norton: Best for Windows
Webroot: Best for identity theft protection
McAfee: Best extras
AVG: Best for public Wi-Fi use
What is Aura?
How to cancel an Aura subscription
Aura alternatives FAQs
Bottom line

Top 6 Aura Antivirus alternatives compared

Antivirus Aura Antivirus logo Bitdefender logo Norton 360 Antivirus logo Webroot logo Avast logo McAfee logo AVG logo
Best for Multiple security products Reliability Windows Identity theft protection Value Extras Using public Wi-Fi
Starting price $35.99/first yr $34.99/first yr $29.99/first yr $35.88/first yr $39.99/first yr $31.20/first yr
Free version
Firewall
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Learn more Get Aura Get Bitdefender Get Norton Get Webroot Get Avast Get McAfee Get AVG

Bitdefender: Best for reliability

Effective Defense Against the Toughest Threats
4.8
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Bitdefender's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Antivirus for Scam Protection
Antivirus Software
Bitdefender
PROMOTION: Save 50%
  • Consistently receives top scores across all third-party testers
  • Comprehensive scam protection, including AI-powered Scam Copilot and phishing defense
  • Includes extra features like safe banking, VPN, and more

What we liked

Bitdefender’s award-winning software is offered in various packages. There are plans for individuals, families, and even small businesses. Bitdefender includes specialized mobile protection for your specific operating system, making it a great choice for anyone who needs to protect a variety of devices.

Bitdefender consistently has strong third-party testing scores, showing that it’s safe and effective. The scores extend to both desktop and mobile, making it a great choice for any operating system. We’re fans of the extra features like parental controls and Bitdefender VPN.

What we didn’t like

The basic package only protects Windows computers. To protect additional operating systems, you’ll have to purchase a mid-range or higher package.

Bitdefender specs

Starting price Starts at $34.99/first yr
Free version Yes
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection Yes
Network protection Yes
Parental controls Yes
Extras VPN, password manager, social media protection, gaming mode, work mode, movie mode, and identity theft protection
Learn more Get Bitdefender

Avast: Best value

Consistently Scores Top of the Class in All Things Protection
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Avast's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Antivirus for Beginners
Antivirus Software
Avast
PROMOTION: Save Up to 57%
  • Consistently perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
  • Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
  • Maintains a full suite of features for Mac users, unlike many other antivirus options

What we liked

Avast has been a reputable name in the free antivirus market for a while, but its paid plans are where it really shines. That being said, if you need a quick, free antivirus, we recommend giving this one a try. It’s comprehensive, so even people on tight budgets can get the best protection.

Avast offers a lot with its free plan, but even more with its paid ones. We like that you don’t have to shell out a lot if you need protection and that Avast’s protection can be upgraded at any time. We also like the inclusion of identity theft protection in Avast One Platinum, which includes a budget-friendly rate.

What we didn’t like

Avast’s free plan offers many features, but only for one device. If you want to protect more, you’ll need a paid plan. While we understand why Avast is structured this way, sometimes you need quick protection on multiple devices.

Avast specs

Starting price Starts at $35.88/first yr
Free version Yes
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection Yes
Network protection Yes
Parental controls No
Extras VPN, performance enhancement tools, identity theft protection, and scam prevention tools
Learn more Get Avast

Norton: Best for Windows

#1 Antivirus Protection From an Award-Winning Brand You Trust
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Norton 360 Antivirus's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best All-In-One Antivirus
Antivirus Software
Norton 360 Antivirus
PROMOTION: Save Up to 60%
  • Backed by a 100% Virus Protection Promise
  • Tested protection against hackers, viruses, malware, and ransomware
  • Includes VPN, parental controls, and more

What we liked

If you aren’t sure where to begin and know you want a lot of protection, Norton can simplify the process. Norton’s 360 plans include basically everything. A Norton 360 plan plus LifeLock adds security to all aspects of your online life, from your identity to your kids’ internet experience to online security.

Norton is a powerhouse. It offers so many features that it’s great for anyone who wants a lot of protection but isn’t super tech-savvy. It’s why Norton is repeatedly named as one of the best antivirus options for Windows.

What we didn’t like

It’s pricey. All of that convenience includes a price tag that may go up on renewal. Norton is definitely quality, but it may not be reasonable for every budget.

Norton specs

Starting price Starts at $29.99/first yr
Free version No
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection Yes
Network protection Yes
Parental controls Yes
Extras Cloud storage, VPN, dark web monitoring, and identity theft protection
Learn more Get Norton

Webroot: Best for identity theft protection

4.4
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Webroot's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Lightweight Antivirus
Antivirus Software
Webroot
PROMOTION: Get Up to 50% Off
  • Effective antivirus with immediate and real-time threat detection
  • Minimal system resource usage
  • Includes identity protection, VPN, cloud storage, and more in higher-tier plans

What we liked

Webroot passed all of our in-house EICAR tests for malware detection, drive-by downloads, and phishing page detection. We also appreciate that real-time protection, the firewall, and web threat shield are all toggled on by default, so you're covered from the moment setup is complete. 

The inclusion of Allstate Identity Protection in the Total Protection plan is a standout perk that makes it a strong Aura alternative for identity-conscious users.

What we didn’t like

Webroot's third-party test results are mostly outdated. It hasn't submitted to AV-TEST in years, and the most recent AV-Comparatives results are over a decade old. While its SE Labs scores are encouraging, the lack of current independent testing makes it harder to compare to the other alternatives on this list.

Webroot specs

Starting price Starts at $29.99/first yr
Free version No
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection No
Network protection Yes
Parental controls Yes
Extras Password manager, identity theft protection, VPN, cloud storage
Learn more Get Webroot

McAfee: Best extras

Top-Tier Protection Without the Performance Impact
4.9
Editorial Rating
See Price
On McAfee's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Unlimited Device Antivirus
Antivirus Software
McAfee
  • Premium antivirus, scam, and web protection, plus a VPN, identity monitoring, and secure password manager
  • Extremely low performance impact on devices in third-party tests
  • Top plans include protection for unlimited devices, a very rare perk

What we liked

McAfee antivirus has been a household name for almost as long as the internet has existed. Due to this prominence, the company really understands potential online dangers and customers’ needs. While the company offers plans for everyone, families really win out with McAfee.

McAfee seamlessly integrates parental controls into its family plan, which also includes identity theft protection, a password manager, and AI-powered scam protection. We also like the social privacy manager feature, which helps you navigate the privacy settings on popular social media networks.

What we didn’t like

When we tested McAfee, we didn’t always find smooth compatibility with Mac. While it does work with Mac, we had to switch browsers for some of the features to work. This wasn’t ideal.

McAfee specs

Starting price Starts at $39.99/first yr
Free version No
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection No
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection No
Network protection No
Parental controls Yes
Extras VPN, social privacy manager, and identity theft protection
Learn more Get McAfee

AVG: Best for public Wi-Fi use

Trusted Protection by 435 Million Users Worldwide
5.0
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On AVG's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Performance & Speed Antivirus
Antivirus Software
AVG
PROMOTION: Save 60%
  • Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
  • Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
  • Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more

What we liked

AVG is another award-winning free antivirus. If you’re looking for advanced protection, however, you’ll want to test out AVG Ultimate. It’s perfect for anyone who frequently uses the internet outside of their home and wants to stay secure.

AVG offers tools that help verify Wi-Fi networks’ security, protect against phishing scams, tune up your device, and much more. If you frequently use a public internet connection, AVG’s tools will help keep you safe in that volatile environment. That’s why it’s one of the best antivirus solutions for Mac.

What we didn’t like

AVG offers many plan options that may be confusing for some people. While its all-inclusive plans have all of the features listed, you also have the opportunity to purchase those features separately, which can be frustrating when comparing products.

AVG specs

Starting price Starts at $31.20/first yr
Free version Yes
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection Yes
Network protection Yes
Parental controls No
Extras VPN, toolbar remover, email shield, web shield, data shredder, and hack alert
Learn more Get AVG

What is Aura?

Aura is an online security provider that offers antivirus protection, identity theft protection, and parental controls. Its antivirus solution offers the same level of quality for devices as its identity protection does for personal data.

Aura’s antivirus protection helps defend against malware, including ransomware, spyware, and adware. It also offers protection against Trojans, worms, and viruses. Certain plans include identity theft protection with credit locks and transaction monitoring too.

Pros
  • Virtual private network (VPN) included with every plan
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • No third-party testing
  • Pricey

How to cancel an Aura subscription

Aura includes a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’ve tried it out and don’t think it’s for you, make sure to cancel within that 60-day window.

To cancel your subscription, call an Aura specialist at 1-833-681-7577 or follow the instructions below.

  1. Sign in to Aura.com. Hover over the gear and select Membership.
  2. Click Cancel membership.
  3. You’re offered two options. You can call Aura to discuss your plan and address any concerns, or you can select Cancel online to proceed with your cancellation.
  4. Aura will ask for feedback.
  5. Select a reason and click Cancel membership.
  6. Click Continue cancellation.

Aura Antivirus alternatives FAQs

Is a free antivirus plan right for me?

Depending on your needs and what features you’re interested in, a free antivirus like AVG or Avast might be a good choice. The best free antivirus providers offer protection from viruses and malware. If you’re looking for simple protection, this may be the best route for you.

Does Mac have native antivirus?

Yes, Mac does have native antivirus software built into its operating system. While this isn’t impenetrable, Mac’s native protections tend to do a pretty good job. It’s worth noting that if you jailbreak your macOS or iOS devices, you’re significantly more susceptible to viruses and malware.

Can my iPhone get hacked?

Yes, it’s possible to hack an iPhone. Generally, iPhones are more secure than Androids, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use security best practices to keep your device secure. Shared Wi-Fi, suspicious apps, and older versions of iOS all make your phone more susceptible to hacking.

Bottom line

If you don’t feel Aura is the right antivirus choice for you, then you’ll definitely want to check out one of our top choices. Bitdefender, Avast, Norton, Webroot, McAfee, and AVG are a mix of freemium and paid services that all have something solid to offer.

Whatever you choose, make sure to keep active protection on all your devices so you stay protected at all times.

Combine Sophisticated Malware Protection With $1M in ID Theft Insurance
4.5
Editorial Rating
Get Deal
On Aura Antivirus's website
2026 Editors’ Choice
Best Antivirus With ID Theft Protection
Antivirus Software
Aura Antivirus
PROMOTION: Up to 53% Off
  • Real-time threat protection against advanced malware, including spyware, Trojans, ransomware, and more
  • Protects and streamlines online experience with an ad blocker, safe browsing tools, and password vault
  • Complete identity theft protection suite that includes credit, financial fraud, and identity monitoring
Author Details
Mary James is a cybersecurity writer and hands-on product tester at All About Cookies — with more than 340 articles and 75+ personally tested products covering VPNs, antivirus, password managers, and ad blockers. Before writing about consumer security, she worked at PC Matic, a U.S. antivirus company, giving her firsthand insight into how security software is built, marketed, and tested. Her work has been featured in MSN and CNBC.