All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Best for Affordable Protection
Best for Tech Enthusiasts
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.
 |
 |
 | |
| Starting price | As low as $29.00/yr (first year only) | As low as $39.99/yr (first year only) | As low as $29.99/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 |
Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
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.
We appreciated TotalAV's comprehensive yet affordable suite of security tools, which cover everything from real-time protection to effective malware scanning.
Highlights include:
/images/2024/05/27/totalav-real-time-protection.png)
These features make TotalAV a standout choice for those who want thorough protection without a hefty price tag.
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.
| 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 |
Premium antivirus, scam, and web protection, plus a VPN, identity monitoring, and secure password manager
Added peace of mind with 24/7 expert online support and McAfee’s Virus Protection Pledge
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS on up to 5 devices
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.
The standout aspects of McAfee that solidified its place in our recommendations include:
/images/2023/08/24/malwarebytesvsmcafee_2.png)
These features make McAfee an all-encompassing solution for families concerned with maintaining high security across all devices.
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.
| Price range | $39.99–$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 |
Antivirus software offering reliable security
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
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.
/images/2023/11/07/bitdefender-free-antivirus-review05.png)
We were impressed by several aspects of Bitdefender, notably:
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.
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.
| Price range | $14.99–$49.99/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 |
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.
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.
Norton is known for its robust security features, including strong malware protection and comprehensive internet security suites. However, alternatives like Bitdefender, McAfee, and TotalAV offer comparable or more tailored features that may better suit specific user requirements. For instance, Bitdefender is renowned for its advanced security configurations, making it ideal for tech enthusiasts, while McAfee offers extensive parental controls and network protection that may be preferable for families.
TotalAV is considered a strong competitor to Norton with its comprehensive protection capabilities, user-friendly interface, and affordability. It offers real-time protection, phishing defense, and several system optimization tools. In some performance aspects, such as system impact and ease of use, TotalAV may even surpass Norton. However, the choice between TotalAV and Norton ultimately depends on which features are most important to the user and the specific security needs they have.
Norton’s top competitors include well-established names in the cybersecurity industry, such as McAfee, Bitdefender, and TotalAV. These companies provide various antivirus solutions that compete closely with Norton in terms of malware protection, security features, and pricing. Each has strengths: McAfee is excellent for families, Bitdefender appeals to those requiring detailed security configurations, and TotalAV balances performance and cost-effectiveness. These alternatives provide diverse options that cater to different security needs and user preferences.
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.
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
|
As low as $29.00/yr (first year only) | Best for affordable protection | Get TotalAV |
|
As low as $39.99/yr (first year only) | Best for security-minded families | Get McAfee |
|
As low as $29.99/yr (first year only) | Best for tech enthusiasts | Get Bitdefender |
Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
/images/2023/06/15/guardio_review.jpg)
/images/2023/03/24/best-antivirus-for-iphone.png)
/images/2024/06/26/is_kaspersky_safe.jpg)
/images/2024/06/19/norton_alternatives.jpg)
/images/2024/06/05/best_antivirus_free_trial_downloads_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/05/31/norton-deals-discounts-promotions.png)
/images/2024/05/16/norton-360-prices.png)
/images/2024/05/16/aura-antivirus-price.png)
/authors/ryan-clancy_allaboutcookies-author.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/kate_quinlan_headshot_april_2024.png){kind=small}
/images/2022/09/22/logo-totalav.png){kind=logo}
Lacks firewall protection
/images/2023/01/17/logo-mcafee-antivirus.png){kind=logo}
/images/2023/03/03/logo-bitdefender_large.png){kind=logo}
/authors/ryan-clancy_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)