Best Norton alternatives in 2025
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If you’re looking for an alternative to Norton, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ve included all the top candidates that could replace Norton.
Together with the Cybernews research team I thoroughly tested and vetted these antiviruses beforehand to ensure that each could hold its ground and be a worthy competitor to Norton. Malware detection rates, security features, and pricing, we’ve weighed all these aspects and more. The testing has shown TotalAV to be a prominent frontrunner.
Regardless, all antiviruses on this list are worth your time. Plus, for risk-free trials on your side, I’ve also made sure that all the shortlisted antiviruses have a free tier, a money-back guarantee, or both.
Let’s go through them and find the best Norton alternative.
Top 5 best Norton alternatives 2025
- TotalAV – best Norton alternative in 2025 overall
- Bitdefender – best price-to-value option compared to Norton
- NordVPN’s Threat Protection – security-focused Norton replacement
- Surfshark Antivirus – all-rounded substitute to Norton with a VPN included
- Avira Antivirus – user-friendly choice instead of Norton
Norton advantages and disadvantages
While Norton has a strong reputation, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider before choosing Norton as your security software. Let's delve into the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Best Norton antivirus alternatives – detailed list
If you’re considering a switch from Norton, we’ve got you covered. Together with the Cybernews team, I meticulously researched, tested, and selected the best antivirus software that substitute Norton. Each provider offers unique advantages that make it a compelling alternative for Norton.
Overall, I evaluated 26 providers before picking the 5 best Norton alternatives. I’ve prioritized alternatives that surpass Norton in key areas, such as overall security, performance, and additional features. My selection process involved evaluating providers based on their ability to provide advanced protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats, while also offering valuable extras like VPNs, parental controls, and identity theft protection.
1. TotalAV – overall best Norton alternative
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 6 devices |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Coupons: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF! |
TotalAV is the best Norton alternative, due to its many security features and reasonable pricing. It’s ideal for single users or small families wanting a budget-friendly but reliable quality antivirus suite.
What I liked about TotalAV
First off, I found that numerous independent testing labs have given it their stamp of approval for TotalAV. The AV-TEST May-June 2024 summary showed excellent TotalAV performance – it blocked 100% of zero-day attacks. Meanwhile, AV-Comparatives awarded it an Advanced+ rating. This surpasses Norton, as Norton antivirus successfully blocked 99.97% of threats. While it’s a close gap, TotalAV is outstanding in this section.
What I also liked was that TotalAV’s extensive features include real-time and ransomware protection, malware removal, phishing protection, disk cleaner, and web shield. Premium plans also get a VPN, while the highest tier even gets an ad blocker and password vault.
What I didn’t like about TotalAV
However, TotalAV does have a few limitations that might be important to consider. The lack of a built-in firewall can be a concern if you want an extra layer of network protection. Additionally, while I've personally encountered minimal issues, some users have reported occasional crashes during certain operations, which could disrupt workflow.
Finally, the limit of protecting up to 3 devices might be restrictive for larger families or tech enthusiasts with multiple devices. While these drawbacks may not be deal-breakers for everyone, they are important factors to weigh against TotalAV's strong performance, affordability, and comprehensive feature set.
Why is TotalAV a good alternative to Norton?
TotalAV is a fantastic alternative to Norton because it's affordable and highly effective. With a strong set of security tools, including real-time protection, effective malware scanning, and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, TotalAV offers a free version for those on a budget.
Now in terms of price, plans start From $19.00/year for 3 devices. Additionally, you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
To read more about the provider, check out our thorough TotalAV analysis.
2. Bitdefender – good value Norton alternative with a free version
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 5 devices |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF! |
Another good alternative to Norton, Bitdefender, offers top-notch malware protection. Bitdefender generally offers a more competitive price-to-value ratio compared to Norton, providing as excellent protection as Norton but at a lower cost. It's particularly suitable for budget-conscious individuals who require strong security features without breaking the bank.
What I liked about Bitdefender
The first thing that I liked about Bitdefender was that it’s listed as Advanced+ by AV-Comparatives and has a very high malware detection score. Additionally, it snagged AV-Test’s Top Product certificate by scoring the full 6 points across three categories.
Moreover, Bitdefender offers ample features, including real-time protection, Advanced Threat Defense, ransomware protection, a firewall, and a VPN. Plus, unlike Norton, which includes parental control only in its premium plans, the feature is available in all of Bitdefender’s paid plans.
What I didn’t like about Bitdefender
While Bitdefender offers excellent value, I did find a few areas where it fell short compared to Norton. One notable drawback was its VPN's limited data cap, which could be restrictive for heavy users. Additionally, some users have reported occasional compatibility issues with certain software (especially with macOS) or hardware configurations.
Why is Bitdefender a good alternative to Norton?
Bitdefender is a great alternative to Norton because it's affordable and effective. It's easy to use and doesn't slow down your computer. Plus, it's good at stopping malware and viruses.
Now talking about price, the costs start From $9.99/year for a single device. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read more about this product in our full Bitdefender Antivirus review.
3. NordVPN's Threat Protection – all-in-one Norton alternative with a first-class VPN
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 10 devices |
| Free version: | No (only 30-day money-back guarantee only) |
| Platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Get NordVPN Antivirus with 72% OFF + 3 months for free! |
NordVPN is a highly-rated VPN provider that recently made its move into antiviruses in its bid to become an all-in-one provider that could serve as an alternative for Norton. It’s ideal for users who already have NordVPN and want an additional layer of web and file protection, as well as vulnerability detection. It’s great for those users that want a market-leading VPN together with antivirus features.
Things I liked about NordVPN’s Threat Protection
I especially liked that this feature is included in NordVPN’s subscriptions. Threat Protection is a feature that essentially does everything you’d expect from Norton antivirus.
Working in the background, Threat Protection protects against malware, blocks tracking and ads, identifies threats, and more. Threat Protection aside, NordVPN comes with plenty of other features. This includes a dark web monitor, dedicated IP, and 256-bit AES encryption.
Things I didn’t like about NordVPN’s Threat Protection
While NordVPN's Threat Protection offers solid security, I did encounter a few areas where it could be improved. Firstly, the user interface could be more intuitive, making navigating the Threat Protection easier. Additionally, while the protection against malware and viruses is reliable, I occasionally found that the ad-blocking feature wasn't as effective as some other solutions. Also, there are no scans available, which is what you’d get with Norton.
Finally, the lack of granular control over Threat Protection settings might be limiting for advanced users who prefer more customization options.
Why is NordVPN’s Threat Protection a good alternative to Norton?
NordVPN's Threat Protection is a strong alternative to Norton because it offers comprehensive protection against malware threats while securing your internet traffic with a VPN (the #1 product on the market). It also includes features like dark web monitoring, providing a more all-in-one security solution.
As for the pricing, NordVPN plans start from $4.39/month for 10 devices. Additionally, you can also make use of the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read more about NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature.
4. Surfshark Antivirus – lightweight antivirus alternative to Norton
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 5 devices |
| Free version: | No (30-day money-back guarantee only) |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Coupons: | Get Surfshark Antivirus – 85% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
An extremely popular VPN, Surfshark also includes antivirus in its all-in-one security bundle, Surfshark One that easily rivals with Norton. A lightweight solution, the antivirus protects against all types of cyber threats, including malware, trojans, and worms. Overall, Surfshark Antivirus is well-suited and oriented to those who are looking for a rich security tool with a strong emphasis on privacy, customization, and a high-quality VPN.
Things I liked about Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark One security suite has some sweet features included in the package. For starters, there’s Surfshark’s powerful VPN. Other features that stood out for me include scheduled scans, a secure search engine, breach detection alert, and Incogni.
The inclusion of a high-quality VPN with unlimited connections and a wide range of server locations was a significant advantage, too. So, if you already have a Surfshark VPN, for an additional price, you can get the antivirus and have a VPN and an antivirus.
Things I didn’t like about Surfshark Antivirus
While Surfshark Antivirus provides hassle-free protection, I believe it could benefit from a few enhancements. The absence of a firewall might be a concern for those who want comprehensive network security. Additionally, while the VPN is top-notch, the antivirus component could offer more advanced features and customization. Lastly, the all-in-one Surfshark One bundle might be pricier compared to standalone antivirus solutions.
Why is Surfshark Antivirus a good alternative to Norton?
Both Surfshark Antivirus and Norton offer comprehensive malware protection and additional security features. However, Surfshark Antirivus surpassed Norton in areas like VPN inclusion together with the software development kit (SDK). This SDK includes scanning technology that checks for known malicious hashes. If an unknown file is found, it’s sent for analysis.
As for the prices, Surfshark One starts From $50.85/year for 5 devices. Plus, there’s a standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark Antivirus review to find out more about this provider.
5. Avira Antivirus – user-friendly Norton alternative
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited devices |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Get 1 year of Avira at 58% OFF! |
Avira is a good alternative to replace Norton not only due to its good protection capabilities but also numerous useful security features. Plus, it has a free plan for testing. Avira Antivirus is mostly suitable for both free and premium users across Windows and other OS platforms.
Things I liked about Avira
To begin with, Avira Antivirus has proven its mettle in various independent lab tests – it scored a 99.98% protection rate in AV-Comparatives’ tests and was even awarded an Advanced+ ranking.
Moreover, Avira’s diverse features are a definite pull, too. Among them are real-time protection, multiple scanning options, ransomware protection, phishing and scam protection, Phantom VPN, and password manager extension.
Things I didn’t like about Avira
However, I found a few things that I didn’t exactly like about Avira. While I appreciated the fact that it offers a free version, its limitations on VPN and password manager features might definitely be restrictive for some users. Additionally, certain features are Windows-exclusive, limiting their availability for users on other platforms. Finally, while the interface is generally user-friendly, it could benefit from a more modern and visually improved design.
Why is Avira a good alternative to Norton?
Despite some of its limitations, Avira is a strong contender as a Norton alternative due to its combination of affordability, ease of use, and effective malware protection.
Its free version still allows users to test the software before committing to a paid plan, making it a great option for those on a budget. While it may not offer the same extensive range of features as some other alternatives like TotalAV, Avira's focus on essentials and its attractive prices make it a compelling choice if you want a reliable Norton alternative.
Lastly, talking about price, Avira’s paid plans start From $26.99/year. Moreover, there’s an impressive 60-day money-back guarantee for you to make use of.
Read more about this provider in our thorough Avira Antivirus analysis.
Norton alternatives compared
| Brand | Rating | Price | Free version | Firewall | Phishing protection | Ransomware protection | Parental control |
| 1. TotalAV | $19.00/month | ✅Yes | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | |
| 2. Bitdefender | $9.99/month | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | |
| 3. NordVPN Threat Protection | $4.39/month | ❌No, 30-day trial | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No | |
| 4. Surfshark Antivirus | $36.32/month | ❌No, 30-day trial | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No | |
| 5. Avira | $26.99/month | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No |
How we tested these Norton alternatives
To identify the best Norton alternative, I, along with the CyberNews research team, went through an extensive testing process. We evaluated a total of 26 popular antivirus software to guarantee you get a comprehensive selection.
Our methodology focused on key areas outlined in our comprehensive antivirus testing guide:
- Independent lab testing. We analyzed results from leading independent testing labs like AV-Comparatives and AV-Test. These tests evaluate an antivirus's ability to detect and block various malware types like widespread threats and zero-day attacks.
- In-house zero-day threat scans. To complement the above lab results, we also conducted our own zero-day threat scans using custom-designed malware samples. This provided more granular insight into each antivirus's real-world effectiveness against trending threats.
- Security feature evaluation. We went beyond basic malware protection. Yes, Norton offers a range of additional features, so we prioritized alternatives with similar feature sets. This included features like VPNs, password managers, parental controls, and secure search engines. We measured the effectiveness of these features as well.
- Compatibility testing. Security needs to be device-agnostic. We made sure of compatibility across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This allows you to protect all your devices with a single antivirus tool.
- Pricing analysis. Norton's pricing structure may not suit all budgets. So, we compared pricing plans of shortlisted alternatives, giving those offering better value for money a priority. This considered both initial costs and the features included in each tier.
Conclusion: is there anything better than Norton?
After reviewing the 5 best antivirus Norton alternatives, TotalAV stands out as the top choice that’s better than Norton. It has exceptional malware detection rates, striking real-time protection, effective malware removal capabilities, and reliable phishing protection making it a safe and powerful alternative that checks all the boxes.
While other options from the list offer their own unique strengths, TotalAV consistently outperformed them in key areas. Based on my in-depth testing and analysis, I confidently recommend TotalAV as the best Norton alternative. Its combination of powerful security, additional features, and attractive prices (and even a free plan) makes it a compelling choice for those looking to switch from Norton.
