Is Avast better than Norton?

Avast ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#5 against #6, score 82.5 against 81.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Avast is best for: free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path. Norton is best for: antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools.

Which is cheaper, Avast or Norton?

Avast: Free Antivirus for PC; Premium Security and bundles are paid. Norton: Annual subscriptions with first-year discounts and free trials.

Do Avast and Norton run on the same platforms?

Avast supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Norton supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.

Comparison · Antivirus software

Avast vs Norton: which is better in 2026?

Avast82.5#5 in best antivirus software

Norton81.0#6 in best antivirus software

Avast ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#5 against #6, score 82.5 against 81.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

82.5
Editorial score
81.0
4
Platforms
4
Yes
Free to use
No
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Avast if you want

Free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path.

Its free tier covers PC, Mac and mobile, which Avira's free download does not, and the paid tiers add a VPN and identity tools. Norton and ESET offer no free antivirus after their trials.

Choose Norton if you want

Antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools.

Antivirus bundled with a VPN, scam protection and LifeLock identity options, with mobile apps for Android and iOS. It has no free antivirus, and first-year discounts renew at a higher price.

The main differences

Avast can be used for free; Norton requires payment.

Side by side

	Avast	Norton
Score	82.5	81.0
Rank in list	#5 of 11	#6 of 11
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree Antivirus for PC; Premium Security and bundles are paid	SubscriptionAnnual subscriptions with first-year discounts and free trials
Free to use	Yes	No
Open source	No	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS	WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Free version	Yes	No
Extra tools	VPN and identity tools in paid tiers	VPN, scam protection, LifeLock
Best for	Free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path	Antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools
Strengths	Free antivirus for PC and free security apps for Mac and mobile Paid tiers add a VPN and identity tools	Antivirus bundled with VPN and scam protection Mobile security for Android and iOS Free trials and a free virus removal tool
Limits	Extras and the full feature set need a paid plan Feature lists differ by product, so compare the plan pages	No free antivirus product First-year discounts renew at a higher price
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Avast vs Norton

Is Avast better than Norton?: Avast ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#5 against #6, score 82.5 against 81.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Avast is best for: free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path. Norton is best for: antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools.
Which is cheaper, Avast or Norton?: Avast: Free Antivirus for PC; Premium Security and bundles are paid. Norton: Annual subscriptions with first-year discounts and free trials.
Do Avast and Norton run on the same platforms?: Avast supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Norton supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.