Head-to-head · Anti-Phishing Software
Norton Safe Web vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
Norton Safe Web leads on 0 checks, Avast Online Security & Privacy on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNorton Safe Web · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
Norton Safe Web scores higher on our rubric for anti-phishing software: 9.0 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
Norton Safe Web is the better fit for people seeking free browser-based phishing protection. Avast Online Security & Privacy is the better fit for free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls.
- Norton Safe Web fits best
People seeking free browser-based phishing protection
- Avast Online Security & Privacy fits best
Free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Norton Safe Web 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Avast Online Security & Privacy 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #4 in Anti-Phishing Software | #8 in Anti-Phishing Software |
| Best for | People seeking free browser-based phishing protection | Free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Browser extension, Cloud | Browser extension |
| Platforms | Chrome extension, Web | Chrome extension |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Norton Safe Web 3/6 · Avast Online Security & Privacy 3/6 | ||
| Phishing URL blocking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email phishing detection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Browser protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Credential protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Real-time scanning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Threat detection dashboard | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Norton Safe Web is a browser extension and a feature included with Norton device-security plans. It checks websites and links for scam URLs, phishing attempts, malicious links, and other threats, then warns about or blocks suspected… Read the review → |
Avast Online Security & Privacy is a free browser extension for people who want warnings about dangerous websites and basic privacy controls while browsing. It checks visited URLs, can block access to dangerous sites including phishing… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Norton Safe Web — where it wins
- Checks URLs against a database of scam sites
- Real-time updates help identify and block new threats
- AI analyzes page text, code, images, and hidden elements
Where it doesn't
- Free extension has more limited capabilities than plan-included version
- Protection is browser-focused, with no email protection specified
- Standalone Safe Web pricing is not published
Avast Online Security & Privacy — where it wins
- Scans visited URLs and can warn about or block dangerous sites
- Adds safety indicators to search results to help spot phishing sites
- Includes anti-tracking, advertiser opt-outs, and cookie controls
Where it doesn't
- Protection is delivered through a browser extension, not a standalone app
- Some privacy features require an Avast One or Avast Premium Security subscription
- Support channels are limited to documentation
- Norton Safe Web9.0/10 · Free plan
A free browser extension for real-time URL filtering and AI-assisted phishing detection.
Try Norton Safe WebFull verdict → - Avast Online Security & Privacy8.5/10 · Free plan
A free browser extension pairing phishing warnings with practical privacy controls.
Visit AvastFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Google Safe Browsing vs Norton Safe Web
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- Bitdefender TrafficLight (now Bitdefender Web Sage) vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
- Norton Safe Web vs Netcraft Browser Extension
- Norton Safe Web vs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
All Anti-Phishing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update