The Best Norton Alternatives in 2026
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Why look for a Norton alternative?
Norton is a strong all-in-one suite, but there is no free version and the price rises after the first year.
Our top Norton alternatives
Highest protection rate among the programs we list in AV-Comparatives' Feb–May 2026 real-world test, full marks at AV-TEST, and a light footprint on the PC.
- Top protection in two independent labs
- Very light on system resources
- Free version available
Pros
- VPN in the bundle has a daily data limit
- Price rises after the first year
Cons
What users say
The free version scores the same top marks at AV-TEST as many paid suites. Watch out for auto-renewal on paid plans.
- Strong free version
- Web Shield blocks dangerous sites
- Top marks at AV-TEST
Pros
- Pop-ups promoting paid upgrades
- Users report unexpected auto-renewals
Cons
What users say
Very few false alarms (only 2 in AV-Comparatives' test) and a quiet, low-impact design that suits older PCs.
- Very few false positives
- Light and quiet
- Many expert settings
Pros
- No free version
- VPN only in the top plan
Cons
What users say
Simple app with good protection results. Read the renewal terms carefully, many user complaints are about billing.
- Very easy to use
- 99.0% protection rate
- System clean-up tools
Pros
- Billing and renewal complaints
- Slightly slower in AV-TEST performance
Cons
What users say
Full marks at AV-TEST and plans for unlimited devices, but customer service ratings are very poor.
- Unlimited devices on family plans
- Full marks at AV-TEST
- Identity protection in top tier
Pros
- Very poor customer-service reviews
- No free version