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Norton AntiVirus Plus alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll antivirus and anti-malware software

Top picks

  • Bitdefender logo

    Best overall

    Bitdefender

    Total Security plan: $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices

  • Malwarebytes logo

    Best free option

    Malwarebytes

    Starting price: $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)

Common reasons people leave Norton AntiVirus Plus: no free tier, unlike Avast, AVG or the built-in Microsoft Defender, and renewal prices are well above the discounted first-year price. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Norton AntiVirus Plus, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Bitdefender currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Bitdefender logoBitdefenderFree plan + paid$59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devicesNoWindows, macOS, Android +18 of 868.8
2Malwarebytes logoMalwarebytesFree plan + paid$59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)NoWindows, macOS, Android +16 of 664.8
3Avast Antivirus logoAvast AntivirusFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 559.6
4Kaspersky logoKasperskyPaid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +24 of 459.4
5ESET NOD32 Antivirus logoESET NOD32 AntivirusPaid—NoWindows, macOS4 of 459.4
  1. Bitdefender logo

    1. BitdefenderTop pick

    Best for: Windows users who want a quiet, high-scoring free antivirus with an upgrade path

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Norton AntiVirus Plus

    Top lab scores with a light footprint, and a free edition if you don't need extras.

    Pros

    • Free Windows edition with no time limit and few alerts
    • Basic VPN included even in the free version
    • Total Security covers up to 10 devices across four platforms

    Cons

    • Free edition is Windows only
    • Free VPN is capped at 200 MB a day
    • Paid plans renew at a higher price than the first year
    Visit Bitdefender Compare with Norton AntiVirus PlusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Bitdefender a good Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Free version
    Yes, Windows only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    No time limit
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free VPN allowance
    200 MB per day
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms (Total Security)
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS; up to 10 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Total Security plan
    $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Premium Security plan
    $79.99 a year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Antivirus Plus Multiplatform plan
    $29.99 a year, 3 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, Windows only, no time limit
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Malwarebytes logo

    2. Malwarebytes

    Best for: People who want a familiar anti-malware scanner across several platforms

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Norton AntiVirus Plus

    Simple scanner with a free cleanup tool, good as a second opinion or a lighter paid plan.

    Pros

    • Free scanner is handy for cleaning up an already infected machine
    • One subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
    • Paid plans include a scam and ad blocking browser extension

    Cons

    • Real-time protection requires a paid subscription
    • Higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need
    • Feature set differs between operating systems
    Visit Malwarebytes Compare with Norton AntiVirus PlusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Malwarebytes a good Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free version
    Cleanup scanner
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    60 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Plus plan
    $79.99 a year, adds VPN
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Standard Family plan
    $119.99 a year, 10 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Avast Antivirus logo

    3. Avast Antivirus

    Best for: Home users who want a free real-time antivirus for Windows or Mac

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Norton AntiVirus Plus

    Free antivirus from the same parent company, enough for many home users.

    Pros

    • Free edition includes real-time protection, not just scans
    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
    • Smart Scan checks malware, add-ons and settings together

    Cons

    • Free version shows frequent upgrade offers
    • Firewall and ransomware shields need a paid plan
    • Setup can offer extra Avast apps you may not want
    Visit Avast Antivirus Compare with Norton AntiVirus PlusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Avast Antivirus a good Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free version
    Avast Free Antivirus for Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows support
    Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 11
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mac version
    Avast Security for Mac
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Smart Scan
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Gen Digital
    Checked Nov 8, 2026press.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Kaspersky logo

    4. Kaspersky

    Best for: Home users outside the US who want a full security suite with VPN and parental controls bundled

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

    59.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Norton AntiVirus Plus

    Long-standing Windows antivirus with lab-tested malware detection and a cheap entry tier, though it is no longer sold in the US.

    Pros

    • Strong results in independent antivirus lab tests
    • Higher plans bundle VPN, password manager and parental controls
    • Covers desktop and mobile platforms under one subscription

    Cons

    • No longer sold or updated in the United States following a 2024 US government ban
    • Mobile features are limited in some countries
    • Bundled cleanup and upsell tools add clutter if you only want antivirus
    Visit Kaspersky Compare with Norton AntiVirus PlusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Kaspersky a good Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Entry plan
    Kaspersky Standard
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirements
    Windows 7 SP1 or later, macOS 14 or later
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. ESET NOD32 Antivirus logo

    5. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Best for: PC and Mac users, especially gamers, who want light paid protection without extras

    PaidWindows, macOS

    59.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Norton AntiVirus Plus

    Lightweight paid antivirus with fewer upsell prompts and detailed settings for power users.

    Pros

    • Light on system resources, with a Gamer Mode
    • Detailed settings for advanced users
    • Full-featured 30-day trial without a credit card

    Cons

    • No free version
    • Covers only Windows and macOS; phones need a higher plan
    • Firewall and VPN are not in the NOD32 tier
    Visit ESET NOD32 Antivirus Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is ESET NOD32 Antivirus a good Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Gamer Mode
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirements
    Windows 10+, macOS 13+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Bitdefender logo

Best Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative for most people

Bitdefender

Top lab scores with a light footprint, and a free edition if you don't need extras.

Malwarebytes logo

Best Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Malwarebytes

Simple scanner with a free cleanup tool, good as a second opinion or a lighter paid plan.

Avast Antivirus logo

Best Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative for Mac

Avast Antivirus

Free antivirus from the same parent company, enough for many home users.

Kaspersky logo

Best Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative for Windows

Kaspersky

Long-standing Windows antivirus with lab-tested malware detection and a cheap entry tier, though it is no longer sold in the US.

Kaspersky logo

Best Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative for Linux

Kaspersky

Long-standing Windows antivirus with lab-tested malware detection and a cheap entry tier, though it is no longer sold in the US.

Bitdefender logo

Best Norton AntiVirus Plus alternative for iPhone and Android

Bitdefender

Top lab scores with a light footprint, and a free edition if you don't need extras.

Norton AntiVirus Plus alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Norton AntiVirus Plus?

Bitdefender ranks first right now. Top lab scores with a light footprint, and a free edition if you don't need extras. Malwarebytes and Avast Antivirus follow it in our ranking.

Norton AntiVirus Plus vs Bitdefender: what's the difference?

Norton AntiVirus Plus is a paid product; Bitdefender is free with paid plans. Only Bitdefender runs on Android and iOS.

Is Norton AntiVirus Plus free?

Norton AntiVirus Plus is a paid product.

How much do Norton AntiVirus Plus alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Norton AntiVirus Plus alternatives: Bitdefender, $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices; Malwarebytes, $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Norton AntiVirus Plus?

Yes. Bitdefender (free plan + paid), Malwarebytes (free plan + paid) and Avast Antivirus (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Norton AntiVirus Plus?

None of the 5 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which Norton AntiVirus Plus alternatives work on Linux?

Kaspersky runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Norton AntiVirus Plus?

The complaints we hear most: no free tier, unlike Avast, AVG or the built-in Microsoft Defender; renewal prices are well above the discounted first-year price; frequent in-app prompts to upgrade to bigger Norton 360 plans.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Norton AntiVirus Plus, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.