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There is no clear universal winner between Norton and TotalAV in the latest cited Windows tests. Both scored 6/6 for protection and usability in AV-TEST’s June 2026 Windows 11 results; Norton scored slightly higher for performance. In AV-Comparatives’ February–May 2026 real-world test, Norton’s protection rate was 99.3% and TotalAV’s was 99.0%, and both earned Advanced+. Choose by the specific plan, device coverage, included extras and renewal cost—not by treating a small test-score difference as a guarantee.
What the latest Windows tests show
The available results cover specified Windows versions and test periods. They are useful snapshots, not promises about how either product will perform on every device or against every threat.
AV-TEST: Windows 11, June 2026
AV-TEST evaluated home-user products during May and June 2026 using default settings and the most current publicly available versions. The products could update and query cloud services during testing. Scores are out of six in each category.
| Product tested | Protection | Performance | Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 26.4/26.5 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Protected.net TotalAV 6.6 | 6/6 | 5.5/6 | 6/6 |
AV-TEST’s maximum is six points per category and it says a total of 17.5/18 earns its Top Product award. Both products’ displayed scores meet that threshold; the cited summary provides scores rather than explicitly displaying award badges. See AV-TEST’s June 2026 Windows results.
#1 Best Overall
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 3 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qw3FS3qLL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 3 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
AV-Comparatives: real-world protection, February–May 2026
On fully patched 64-bit Windows 11, AV-Comparatives ran 400 test cases, aiming to simulate real-world conditions, including user interactions. Norton blocked 397 cases and was compromised in three, for a 99.3% protection rate. TotalAV blocked 396 and was compromised in four, for a 99.0% rate.
| Product tested | Blocked | Compromised | Protection rate | Wrongly blocked clean files/domains | Award group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton Antivirus Plus 26.1–26.4 | 397 of 400 | 3 | 99.3% | 5 | Advanced+ |
| TotalAV Premium 6.5–6.6 | 396 of 400 | 4 | 99.0% | 5 | Advanced+ |
The report notes that the tested Norton version used the Avast engine and TotalAV used the Avira engine. These are details of the tested builds and period, not a claim about every version. The small difference in protection rate does not establish a lasting ranking; both received Advanced+ and each had five false alarms in the report’s table. Read the AV-Comparatives report and methodology.
Rank #2
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 5 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IYV5zGyCL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 5 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
These results concern Windows, not a comprehensive comparison across macOS, Android and iOS. Keep the operating system and applications updated as well: AV-Comparatives notes that unpatched software vulnerabilities can be exploited.
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Norton and TotalAV each sell product families with different features and device allowances. A fair comparison matches the named plans on the number and types of devices you need, then checks what each plan actually includes in your region.
Rank #3
![Norton 360 Standard 2027 Antivirus, 1 Device, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41x4znw3OyL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 1 PC, Mac, iOS or Android device in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
TotalAV plan differences to check
- Internet Security and Total Security: TotalAV says both include Total VPN.
- Total Security: Total Password is exclusive to this tier.
- Antivirus Plus: The official page describes always-on protection for downloads, installs and executables, scheduled scans, and compatibility with current Windows, macOS, Android and iOS versions. Features can vary by device.
TotalAV describes its VPN as using AES-256 encryption and its password manager as storing and autofilling credentials. Those are vendor descriptions, not independent findings about efficacy. Consult the TotalAV Internet Security plan page and TotalAV Antivirus Plus page for current plan details; verify the exact offer and device limit shown where you live.
Questions to answer before comparing Norton tiers
- How many devices do you need to cover, and which operating systems do they use?
- Does the particular Norton plan include the features you want, such as a VPN, password manager, cloud backup or family controls?
- Does its device allowance match the TotalAV plan you are comparing?
The cited evidence does not establish current Norton plan-by-plan features or a like-for-like comparison of device allowances. Check the current details for the exact Norton plan and region rather than assuming that an extra comes with every Norton or TotalAV subscription.
Rank #4
![Norton 360 Premium 2027 Antivirus, 10 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JNWru8mYL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 10 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
Check the full subscription cost and exit terms
An introductory offer alone does not show what a subscription will cost over time. Compare the first-term and renewal totals for plans with similar device coverage and included features. The evidence here does not establish a current like-for-like Norton price or renewal comparison, so it cannot support a price winner.
Recommended Free Tools
TotalAV says its subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled and that cancellation is available through its online portal. Its stated refund windows are 30 days from starting an annual or biannual plan, and 14 days for a monthly or quarterly plan. If a refund is approved, access ends immediately. Terms may depend on jurisdiction and purchase; confirm the current conditions before subscribing. Check TotalAV’s current terms.
Best Value
![Norton AntiVirus Plus 2027, 1 Device, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VAV7G019L._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for your PC or Mac in minutes!
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- SAFEGUARD YOUR PASSWORDS Easily create, store, and manage your passwords, credit card information and other credentials online in your own encrypted, cloud-based vault.
- 2 GB SECURE PC CLOUD BACKUP Help prevent the loss of photos and files due to ransomware or hard drive failures.
- Record the initial charge, renewal amount and billing frequency shown at checkout.
- Confirm the number and types of devices included, and whether the extras you want are in that tier.
- Read the cancellation steps and refund terms for your purchase and location.
Which one should you choose?
Choose based on Windows test results
If recent Windows lab results are your main criterion, both are strong performers in the cited tests. Norton has a small edge in the AV-TEST performance score and the AV-Comparatives protection rate, while both products have full AV-TEST protection and usability scores and both earned Advanced+ in AV-Comparatives’ test. The differences are too limited and time-bound to make either a universal choice.
Choose based on included features
If you want a VPN or password manager, check the exact tier: TotalAV’s Internet Security and Total Security include Total VPN, while Total Password is included only with Total Security. Make the same feature-by-feature check for the Norton tier you are considering.
Choose based on devices and cost
For a household with several devices or mixed operating systems, prioritize matching device limits and platform support, then compare the actual first-term and renewal totals. Do not compare a discounted first term for one product with the other product’s renewal price.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
