Head-to-head · Antivirus for Mac
Avira Free Security vs Norton 360
Avira Free Security leads on 1 check, Norton 360 on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAvira Free Security · 9.1/10
- Free planonly Avira Free Security
- Free trialonly Norton 360
Avira Free Security scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Avira Free Security offers free plan; Norton 360 doesn't.
Avira Free Security is the better fit for free antivirus with broad everyday protection. Norton 360 is the better fit for users wanting a broad Norton security suite.
- Avira Free Security fits best
Free antivirus with broad everyday protection
- Norton 360 fits best
Users wanting a broad Norton security suite
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Side by side
| Feature | Avira Free Security 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Norton 360 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #3 in Antivirus for Mac | #7 in Antivirus for Mac |
| Best for | Free antivirus with broad everyday protection | Users wanting a broad Norton security suite |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $94.99/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Features Avira Free Security 2/5 · Norton 360 2/5 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phishing protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Real-time protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| VPN included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Password manager | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Coverage scope | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Devices included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Avira Free Security is a freemium security package for consumers who want free antivirus protection on Mac and other supported devices. Its core coverage includes full virus scanning, real-time threat protection, ransomware protection, and… Read the review → |
Norton 360 is a paid subscription security suite for individuals and families using Macs alongside Windows PCs, Android devices, iPhones, or iPads. It combines antivirus and malware protection with ransomware protection, AI-powered scam… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Avira Free Security — where it wins
- Real-time antivirus includes ransomware protection and quarantine
- Adds browser safety, VPN, password management, and file shredding
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Where it doesn't
- Feature availability varies across supported operating systems
- Parental controls are not included
- The package is not open source
Norton 360 — where it wins
- Combines antivirus, ransomware, VPN, password management, and scam protection
- Adds cloud backup, dark-web monitoring, and smart firewall features
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web access
Where it doesn't
- Annual pricing starts at $94.99, making entry cost relatively high
- Parental Control is limited to selected plans
- SafeCam webcam protection is available for Windows only
- Avira Free Security9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Mac security package combining malware protection with privacy and performance tools.
Visit AviraFull verdict → - Norton 3608.6/10 · 7-day trial
A broad Mac security suite with privacy, backup, and family features at a high annual price.
Visit Norton 360Full verdict →
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- Avira Free Security vs CrowdStrike Falcon Pro
All antivirus for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update