Antivirus alternatives

Looking for alternatives to Norton?

3 curated alternatives to Norton, each chosen for a specific reason — with the trade-offs spelled out.

Why people look for Norton alternatives

Norton buyers usually weigh other full suites that include a VPN and identity tools, or simpler antivirus products for fewer devices.

Cloud Backup is only available on Windows, excluding S mode and ARM devices
Not all monitoring features are available in every country
Cloud Backup, Parental Control and SafeCam are not supported on macOS
Windows on ARM versions do not include Parental Control

Norton alternatives ecosystem

Curated alternatives, the category they share and the buying guides Norton appears in. Every node links to its page.

How close is each alternative?

Placed by our editorial taxonomy (subcategory and category), not by a computed similarity score.

← More similarMore different →

Same subcategory

Same category, different approach

Different category

None in this set

Alternative explorer

Pick an alternative to see why it made the list, how it differs from Norton, and a side-by-side snapshot.

#1 · Security & identity suite

McAfee

Not yet scored

Antivirus bundled with scam detection, a VPN and identity monitoring, sold as Total Protection or the broader McAfee+ tiers.

Why it's on this list

McAfee is the most direct competitor, offering unlimited-device antivirus in McAfee+ tiers plus scam detection and data broker cleanup.

Strengths

  • Scam Detector covers texts, email and video
  • McAfee+ plans offer antivirus on unlimited compatible devices

Watch out for

  • Several identity, credit and cleanup features are available only in higher McAfee+ tiers
Norton compared with McAfee
NortonMcAfee
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forWindows households wanting an all-in-one suite, Families needing parental controlsHouseholds wanting identity monitoring with antivirus, Families with many devices
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
#2 · Security suite

Bitdefender

Not yet scored

Bitdefender Total Security covers Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with layered malware, ransomware and privacy protection.

Why it's on this list

Bitdefender Total Security emphasizes device protection and performance tools across four platforms but caps VPN traffic unless you upgrade.

Strengths

  • Supports Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
  • Includes Safepay, webcam and microphone protection

Watch out for

  • Some features, such as Safe Files and Rescue Environment, are specific to certain operating systems
Norton compared with Bitdefender
NortonBitdefender
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forWindows households wanting an all-in-one suite, Families needing parental controlsMixed-platform households, Users focused on device protection
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
#3 · Security suite

ESET

Not yet scored

ESET HOME Security tiers scale from core antivirus and safe banking to VPN and identity protection.

Why it's on this list

ESET HOME Security appeals to users wanting a lighter security focus, with VPN and identity protection reserved for its Premium and Ultimate tiers.

Strengths

  • Clear tier progression
  • Antivirus-only NOD32 option for Windows and macOS

Watch out for

  • Features vary by operating system across all tiers
Norton compared with ESET
NortonESET
PricingVaries — see official pricingVaries — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best forWindows households wanting an all-in-one suite, Families needing parental controlsUsers who prefer tiered security, Windows and Mac users wanting antivirus only
Free planNot verifiedNot verified
Free trialNot verifiedNot verified
Visit ESET Official vendor siteESET review