Norton vs Avast (2026): Which Is Better?
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Quick verdict
Norton wins overall with 9.5/10 vs 9.2/10 in our Antivirus comparison.
- VPN and password manager included
- Cloud backup
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Strong free version
- Web Shield blocks dangerous sites
- Top marks at AV-TEST
Head-to-head
| Feature | Norton | Avast |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.5 | 9.2 |
| Best for | Best all-in-one | Best free antivirus |
| Platforms | Windows · Mac · Android · iOS | Windows · Mac · Android · iOS |
| Money-back | 60 days | 30 days |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| AV-TEST (P/P/U) | 6 / 6 / 6 | 6 / 6 / 6 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
Pros & cons
Excellent lab results plus the most complete package: VPN, password manager and cloud backup in one subscription, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
- VPN and password manager included
- Cloud backup
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- High renewal price
- Frequent upsell messages
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
FAQ
Is Norton better than Avast?
In our Antivirus ranking Norton scores 9.5/10 and Avast 9.2/10. Norton: Excellent lab results plus the most complete package: VPN, password manager and cloud backup in one subscription, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
What is the main difference between Norton and Avast?
Norton is our pick for “Best all-in-one”, while Avast is best for “Best free antivirus”.
See all 6 Antivirus we compared →