Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →In the cited 2026 lab tests, Avast and Norton were effectively tied on the tested protection measures. AV-TEST gave both products full marks in separate Windows 11 and macOS rounds, while an AV-Comparatives Windows test grouped Avast, AVG, and Norton at a 99.3% protection rate. Those results do not make the products or their plans identical: your best choice depends on your operating system, device count, desired extras, and the price and renewal terms available in your region.
What the independent tests say
The strongest direct takeaway is parity in these particular tests—not an overall verdict on every Avast and Norton plan. The editions, platforms, and test periods differ, so keep each result in its own context.
Windows 11: AV-TEST, July–August 2026
AV-TEST evaluated current Windows 11 home security products using default settings, current publicly available versions, and cloud updates. Avast Free Antivirus 26.6 and Norton 360 26.6/26.7 each scored 6/6 for protection, 6/6 for performance, and 6/6 for usability: 18/18 overall. Each category is worth up to six points; AV-TEST says at least 17.5 total points qualifies for its Top Product award. The organization described its approach this way: “We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats.” See AV-TEST’s Windows 11 August 2026 results.
macOS Tahoe: AV-TEST, June 2026
In a separate test of nine macOS products, Avast One 26.5.1 and Norton 360 26.6 each earned 6/6 in protection, performance, and usability. This is not a continuation of the Windows comparison: the operating system and Avast edition are different. See AV-TEST’s macOS home-user results.
#1 Best Overall
- SPEED-OPTIMIZED, CROSS-PLATFORM PROTECTION: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows (Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11), Mac OS (Yosemite 10.10 or later), iOS (11.2 or later), and Android (5.0 or later). Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers
- SAFE ONLINE BANKING: A unique, dedicated browser secures your online transactions; Our Total Security product also includes 200MB per day of our new and improved Bitdefender VPN
- ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Real-Time Data Protection, Multi-Layer Malware and Ransomware Protection, Social Network Protection, Game/Movie/Work Modes, Microphone Monitor, Webcam Protection, Anti-Tracker, Phishing, Fraud, and Spam Protection, File Shredder, Parental Controls, and more
- ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING: Your product-specific code is printed on a card and shipped inside a protective cardboard sleeve. Simply open packaging and scratch off security ink on the card to reveal your activation code. No more bulky box or hard-to-recycle discs. PLEASE NOTE: Product packaging may vary from the images shown, however the product is the same.
Windows 11: AV-Comparatives, February–May 2026
In a 400-case real-world protection test, AV-Comparatives grouped Avast, AVG, and Norton together at 397 blocked cases, 3 compromised cases, and a 99.3% protection rate. Its formula gives user-dependent cases half weight. The report says “AVG and Norton use the Avast engine”; that is relevant context, but it does not show that the complete products, editions, features, or user experiences are interchangeable. AV-Comparatives also cautions that its dynamic real-world tests cannot be repeated or replicated like static detection-rate tests, and the grouped result should not be read as a head-to-head comparison of identical editions. Read the AV-Comparatives report.
How to choose between Avast and Norton
Use the test scores as one input, then compare the exact plans you would actually buy. A free product, an entry-level paid antivirus, and a broader security suite may have different device limits and included tools.
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.
Start with your devices and operating systems
- List the devices you need to protect and whether they run Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.
- Check the device allowance and supported platforms for the specific Avast and Norton tiers you are considering; the cited test results do not establish a full platform-support or device-limit comparison.
- For Mac protection, give more weight to the separate macOS test than to a Windows score, and note that AV-TEST tested Avast One on macOS but Avast Free Antivirus on Windows.
Compare only confirmed plan features
Decide whether you need extras such as a VPN, firewall, identity monitoring, cloud backup, parental controls, or scam protection. Confirm each feature against the exact tier and region before paying; the available evidence does not establish a complete, like-for-like feature matrix for Avast and Norton.
Compare the cost beyond the first term
Look at the introductory price and the renewal amount, in the same currency and for the same device count. A low first-year offer can be less attractive if its recurring price is higher, and a broader device allowance is useful only if you need it.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
![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.
What Avast’s displayed European prices show
Avast’s European comparison page displayed these Premium Security prices when accessed on October 7, 2026. They are European storefront figures, not global prices or a direct price comparison with Norton; offers can change.
| Avast option | First-year price displayed | Annual renewal price displayed |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Security, one PC plus one mobile device | €39.99 | €72.99 |
| Premium Security, 10 devices | €49.99 | €99.99 |
Check Avast’s European comparison page for current terms. The cited sources do not establish a complete, like-for-like Norton plan price comparison, so check Norton’s regional storefront directly before deciding.
Rank #4
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
Is Avast better than Norton, or should you switch?
The cited tests do not establish a universal winner. If you are choosing solely from the reported lab performance, the tested products are tied on AV-TEST’s Windows and macOS category scores, and AV-Comparatives places Avast, AVG, and Norton in one result group for its Windows real-world test. That evidence applies to the named products and rounds, not every current edition or future test.
Before switching, compare the plan you have now with the exact replacement: supported devices, features you use, first-term cost, and renewal price. If your current protection meets your needs and the alternative offers no concrete advantage for your devices or budget, a switch is not justified by these scores alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL, LIGHTNING-FAST ANTIVIRUS: Protects your computer from viruses and malware through the cloud; Webroot scans faster, uses fewer system resources and safeguards your devices in real-time by identifying and blocking new threats
- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION: Protects your usernames, account numbers and other personal information against keyloggers, spyware and other online threats targeting valuable personal data
- REAL-TIME ANTI-PHISHING: Proactively scans websites, emails and other communications and warns you of potential danger before you click to effectively stop malicious attempts to steal your personal information
- ALWAYS UP TO DATE: Webroot scours 95% of the Internet three times per day including billions of web pages, files and apps to determine what is safe online and enhances the software automatically without time-consuming updates
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.
