Top Tested Norton Alternatives of 2024

A big decision in securing your digital life boils down to the choice of antivirus software. Even though Norton has stood as one of the best in protection against malware, pricing and features may drive users to look for alternatives.

So whether you’re a tech-savvy user in search of the highest protection features or just want something simple and effective for your family without breaking the bank, we explore some top antivirus alternatives that may surpass Norton in terms of value and security.

The best Norton alternatives

• TotalAV: Best for affordable protection
• McAfee: Best for security-minded families
• Bitdefender: Best for tech enthusiasts

Top 3 Norton alternatives compared

Starting price	As low as $29.00/yr (first year only)	As low as $39.99/first 2 yrs	As low as $24.99/yr (first year only)
Free version			Yes, but exclusive to Windows and Android
Firewall
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Parental controls
Learn more	Get TotalAV	Get McAfee	Get Bitdefender

TotalAV: Best for affordable protection

Who it’s best for

TotalAV is ideal for individuals or small families seeking effective yet budget-friendly antivirus solutions. It's particularly suited for those new to cybersecurity measures, providing an intuitive interface that simplifies the complex world of online protection. Users will find its straightforward setup and operation appealing, especially those who want protection across multiple devices without navigating complicated settings.

Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users who still demand robust security features to safeguard their personal and sensitive information from online threats.

What we liked

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.

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 limit of protecting only up to six devices may also 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	$29.00–$49.00/yr (first year only)
Free version	Yes
Firewall	No
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	No
Network protection	Yes
Parental controls	No
Extras	TotalAdblock, Disk Cleaner, iOS and Android Protection
Learn more	Get TotalAV

McAfee: Best for families seeking extensive security features

Who it’s best for

McAfee is particularly beneficial for families who need robust, multi-layered protection across various devices. Given its comprehensive coverage, including a powerful firewall and extensive parental controls, McAfee is the go-to option for those managing the digital safety of a household.

The ability to cover multiple devices under one subscription plan makes it ideal for large or small families. This ensures that everyone's devices are protected without needing multiple accounts.

Price-wise, McAfee offers several tiers. That makes it adaptable for different budgets while maintaining essential security measures, which is crucial for families looking to maximize protection without overspending.

What we liked

The standout aspects of McAfee that solidified its place in our recommendations include:

• Extensive device coverage: Protects a broad range of devices with a single subscription, ideal for families or individuals with multiple digital devices
• Advanced parental controls: Offers detailed control over children’s online activities, ensuring a safe browsing environment
• Firewall and phishing protection: Provides an added layer of security that actively blocks malicious intrusions and phishing attempts
• Identity theft protection: Comes with features that help protect personal information from theft, crucial for maintaining privacy online
• Comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus capabilities and tools for optimizing device performance and managing web browsing security

These features make McAfee an all-encompassing solution for families concerned with maintaining high security across all devices.

What we didn’t like

Despite its many strengths, McAfee has a few potential drawbacks that users should be aware of. Firstly, the software can occasionally bombard users with notifications, which may disrupt the user experience.

The VPN service that McAfee offers comes with a data limit unless auto-renewal is enabled, which may not be ideal for users who require constant VPN service.

Lastly, unlike some of its competitors, McAfee does not offer a free version, which could deter those looking for a no-cost security solution. These aspects may impact the overall satisfaction of some users, depending on their specific needs and expectations from an antivirus solution.

McAfee specs

Price range	$29.99–$249.99/yr
Free version	No
Firewall	Yes
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	No
Network protection	Yes
Parental controls	Yes
Extras	Online Account Cleanup, Personal Data Cleanup, Social Privacy Manager, VPN
Learn more	Get McAfee

Bitdefender: Best for tech enthusiasts

Who it’s best for

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.

What we liked

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 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	Free–$40.99/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

Honorable mentions

While our top picks for Norton alternatives provide comprehensive solutions, other noteworthy antivirus programs deserve mention too. These options didn't make our top three but are still excellent choices for various users, offering their unique sets of features and benefits.

• AVG: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust security tools, AVG offers effective protection against computer viruses, spyware, and other malware, along with webcam protection. It's particularly praised for its straightforward dashboard, which simplifies digital security for everyday users.
  
  Get AVG | Read AVG Review

• Avast: Avast stands out with its extensive network and smart home protection features, making it an ideal choice for modern, connected households. It offers comprehensive security tools, including a firewall, webcam protection, and enhanced Wi-Fi security.
  
  Get Avast | Read Avast Review

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: Parental control software allows parents to manage and monitor their children's internet use, ensuring they can safely explore the internet without exposure to inappropriate content.
• Virtual private network (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.

Norton Alternatives FAQs

Bottom line

Based on our extensive research and testing, we think TotalAV, McAfee, 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.

McAfee is an excellent option for families. It delivers extensive security features, including strong parental controls and a reliable firewall, ensuring comprehensive protection for all household devices.

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.

Honorable mentions like AVG and Avast also provide solid security solutions with user-friendly interfaces and specific features such as enhanced network protection. While not topping our list, these alternatives offer valuable security measures and remain competitive in the vast antivirus market.

Best Norton alternatives

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
	As low as $29.00/yr (first year only)	Best for affordable protection	Get TotalAV Read TotalAV Review
	As low as $39.99/first 2 yrs	Best for security-minded families	Get McAfee Read McAfee Review
	As low as $24.99/yr (first year only)	Best for tech enthusiasts	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review