Norton vs Bitdefender 2026: 18/18 AV-TEST Scores (Which Wins?)

Norton and Bitdefender consistently rank among the top antivirus programs in independent testing. Both achieve near-perfect malware detection rates. Both offer comprehensive security suites with VPNs, password managers, and identity protection. Both command premium prices with steep renewal costs.

So which one deserves your money?

After analyzing the latest AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives results, comparing feature sets, and evaluating pricing structures, we have a clear recommendation. The differences are subtle but meaningful depending on what you prioritize.

Quick verdict: Bitdefender wins for most users. It matches Norton’s protection while using fewer system resources, costs less, and produces fewer false positives. However, Norton 360 is the better choice if you want unlimited VPN data included or need the comprehensive LifeLock identity protection add-ons.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Malware Protection: A Virtual Tie

Both Norton and Bitdefender achieve exceptional malware detection rates that place them among the industry’s elite. The differences between them are marginal enough that protection alone shouldn’t determine your choice.

AV-TEST Results (February 2025)

In the latest AV-TEST evaluation, both products earned perfect 6/6 scores across all three categories: protection, performance, and usability. This translates to 100% detection of both zero-day malware attacks and widespread malware samples collected in the preceding four weeks.

AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test (2025)

AV-Comparatives provides a more granular picture. In their March 2025 Malware Protection Test using 10,003 samples:

• Bitdefender blocked 99.97% of threats with only 5 false positives
• Norton blocked 99.96% of threats with 10 false positives

The July-October 2025 Real-World Protection Test showed similar results. Bitdefender blocked 99.1% of threats with 4 false positives, while Norton achieved 100% blocking but with 8 false positives.

The Verdict on Protection

Both products provide excellent protection. Norton edges slightly ahead in raw blocking rates, but Bitdefender produces fewer false positives. For practical purposes, either will protect you from the vast majority of threats. The protection difference should not be your deciding factor.

Winner: Tie (with Bitdefender having a slight edge due to fewer false positives)

---

System Performance: Bitdefender Takes the Lead

Antivirus software that slows your computer defeats its purpose. Here’s how Norton and Bitdefender compare on system impact.

AV-TEST Performance Scores

Both products score well in AV-TEST’s performance category, but with a notable difference:

• Bitdefender: 5.5/6 performance score
• Norton: 6/6 performance score

This seems to favor Norton, but AV-Comparatives tells a different story.

AV-Comparatives Performance Test (2025)

In AV-Comparatives’ April 2025 performance test, Norton earned the ADVANCED+ award with an impact score of just 4.6, making it one of the fastest in the industry. Bitdefender received the ADVANCED award with an impact score of 25.

However, independent hands-on testing reveals more nuance.

Real-World Resource Usage

Tom’s Guide’s benchmark testing using a Lenovo ThinkPad found:

• Norton: 2% performance loss during background operation
• Bitdefender: 4% performance loss during background operation

But during active scanning, the picture shifts:

• Bitdefender scan impact: 31% performance drop during system scan
• Norton scan speed: Full scan completed in 22 minutes
• Bitdefender scan speed: Full scan took over 2 hours

Idle Resource Consumption

Testing revealed significant differences in how each program uses resources when not actively scanning:

• Bitdefender: Minimal CPU usage (0-0.55%), 1.5 GB RAM
• Norton: Higher CPU spikes (up to 8.85%), but only 107 MB RAM

Bitdefender uses more RAM but less CPU, while Norton shows the opposite pattern. For most modern systems with 8GB+ RAM, Bitdefender’s approach causes less noticeable slowdown during daily use.

Winner: Bitdefender (lighter resource usage overall, though slower full scans)

---

Features Comparison

Both Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security go well beyond basic antivirus protection. Here’s how their feature sets compare.

VPN

Norton 360: Includes an unlimited VPN with no data caps. The VPN offers 2,000+ servers across 29 countries, 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (Windows and Android), and a verified no-logs policy.

Bitdefender Total Security: Includes a VPN limited to 200MB per day per device. That’s enough for occasional secure browsing on public WiFi but nowhere near sufficient for regular use. Upgrading to Bitdefender Premium Security ($79.99/year) removes the cap.

Winner: Norton (unlimited VPN vs. 200MB daily limit)

Password Manager

Both include password managers that store credentials, auto-fill login forms, and sync across devices. Norton’s password manager integrates tightly with the VPN for secure credential entry. Bitdefender’s works similarly well.

Winner: Tie

Identity Protection

Norton 360 Deluxe: Includes dark web monitoring that scans underground marketplaces and breach databases for your personal information. Higher tiers (Norton 360 with LifeLock) add comprehensive identity theft protection with credit monitoring, SSN alerts, and up to $1 million in identity theft coverage.

Bitdefender Total Security: Does not include dark web monitoring. You need to upgrade to Bitdefender Ultimate Security ($89.99/year) to get identity protection features.

Winner: Norton (dark web monitoring included in base tier)

Cloud Backup

Norton 360 Deluxe: Includes 50GB of cloud backup storage for important files. Premium tier increases this to 100GB.

Bitdefender: No cloud backup included in any tier.

Winner: Norton

Parental Controls

Both products include parental controls for managing screen time, filtering content, and monitoring online activity. Bitdefender’s parental controls are slightly more comprehensive, offering location tracking and geofencing in addition to content filtering.

Winner: Bitdefender (more features)

Additional Security Features

Bitdefender advantages:

• Ransomware remediation with file backup and recovery
• SafePay secure browser for banking
• Anti-tracker browser extension
• Webcam and microphone protection
• File shredder for secure deletion
• System optimizer tools

Norton advantages:

• 100% Virus Protection Promise (refund if Norton can’t remove malware)
• Scam Protection and Deepfake Protection (new in 2025)
• PC SafeCam for webcam protection
• Gaming mode with Smart Firewall

Winner: Bitdefender (more comprehensive security toolkit)

---

Pricing Comparison

Both companies use the familiar antivirus pricing model: aggressive first-year discounts followed by steep renewal rates.

Bitdefender Pricing (2025)

Plan	First Year	Renewal	Devices
Antivirus Plus	$14.99	$59.99	3 PCs
Internet Security	$24.99	$79.99	3 PCs
Total Security	$19.99	$89.99	5 devices
Premium Security	$79.99	$119.99	10 devices
Ultimate Security	$89.99	$149.99	10 devices

Norton Pricing (2025)

Plan	First Year	Renewal	Devices
AntiVirus Plus	$14.99	$59.99	1 device
Norton 360 Standard	$29.99	$89.99	3 devices
Norton 360 Deluxe	$49.99	$119.99	5 devices
Norton 360 Premium	$59.99	$149.99	10 devices
Norton 360 with LifeLock	$99.48	$149.99	10 devices

Value Analysis

At comparable tiers (Bitdefender Total Security vs. Norton 360 Deluxe), Bitdefender costs $30 less in the first year ($19.99 vs. $49.99) and $30 less on renewal ($89.99 vs. $119.99). Over three years, that’s a $90 difference.

However, Norton includes unlimited VPN data while Bitdefender caps it at 200MB/day. A standalone VPN subscription typically costs $40-100/year. If you’d otherwise buy a VPN, Norton’s higher price delivers better overall value.

Winner: Bitdefender (for pure antivirus value), Norton (if you need the VPN)

---

Norton: Pros and Cons

---

Bitdefender: Pros and Cons

---

Who Should Choose Norton?

Choose Norton 360 if you:

• Want unlimited VPN included: Norton’s VPN has no data caps, making it suitable for daily use. Bitdefender’s 200MB daily limit barely covers basic browsing.

• Need dark web monitoring: Norton scans for your personal information in breach databases and alerts you when your data appears. Bitdefender reserves this for higher tiers.

• Want cloud backup: Norton includes 50-100GB of cloud storage for file backups. Bitdefender offers none.

• Prefer faster scans: Norton completes full system scans in about 22 minutes. Bitdefender’s scans can take over two hours.

• Value identity protection options: Norton’s LifeLock tiers offer comprehensive identity theft protection with credit monitoring and up to $1 million in coverage.

---

Who Should Choose Bitdefender?

Choose Bitdefender Total Security if you:

• Want the best value: Bitdefender costs $30 less than Norton at comparable tiers, both initially and on renewal.

• Have many devices: Bitdefender Total Security covers up to 10 devices. Norton 360 Deluxe covers only 5.

• Prefer lighter resource usage: Bitdefender uses minimal CPU during normal operation, causing less noticeable slowdown on your system.

• Want fewer interruptions: Bitdefender produces half the false positives of Norton in independent testing, meaning fewer alerts about legitimate files.

• Need a longer trial: Bitdefender offers 30 days to test before paying. Norton gives only 7 days.

• Already have a VPN: If you don’t need Norton’s bundled VPN, you’re paying for a feature you won’t use.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norton or Bitdefender better for gaming?

Bitdefender is generally better for gaming due to its lower CPU usage during normal operation. Both products include gaming modes that suppress notifications and reduce background activity, but Bitdefender's lighter resource footprint means less impact on frame rates. Norton's gaming-specific plan (Norton 360 for Gamers) adds performance monitoring tools, but the core protection is identical to standard Norton 360.

Which antivirus has better customer support?

Both offer 24/7 customer support via phone and chat. Norton has an edge with its 100% Virus Protection Promise: if Norton can't remove malware and their support team can't fix the problem, you get a refund. Bitdefender's support is competent but doesn't offer this guarantee. In user satisfaction surveys, both score similarly.

Can I switch from Norton to Bitdefender (or vice versa)?

Yes. Uninstall your current antivirus completely before installing the new one. Running two antivirus programs simultaneously causes conflicts. Both Norton and Bitdefender offer uninstaller tools to ensure complete removal. Your subscription to the old software will continue until expiration; contact the vendor to cancel auto-renewal if needed.

Do Norton and Bitdefender work on Mac?

Yes. Both offer full Mac versions with real-time protection, web filtering, and most features available on Windows. However, some Windows-specific features (like SafePay and certain parental controls) may not be available on Mac. VPN and password manager features work across all platforms.

Is the VPN included with Norton and Bitdefender any good?

Norton's unlimited VPN is genuinely useful for daily browsing and provides solid privacy protection with 2,000+ servers, 256-bit encryption, and a no-logs policy. Bitdefender's VPN is technically capable but the 200MB daily limit makes it impractical for regular use. Neither VPN rivals dedicated services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for streaming or torrenting, but Norton's offering provides meaningful value for general privacy.

What happens when my subscription expires?

Both products stop providing real-time protection when subscriptions expire. You'll be prompted to renew. If you don't renew, your computer reverts to Windows Defender (if enabled) or becomes unprotected. Neither company automatically charges renewal unless you've opted into auto-renew. Set calendar reminders before expiration to shop for deals or switch providers.

Which is better for families?

For families with many devices, Bitdefender Total Security's 10-device coverage beats Norton 360 Deluxe's 5-device limit at a lower price. However, Norton's dark web monitoring can track multiple family members' information for data breaches. Both include capable parental controls. If device count is your priority, choose Bitdefender. If identity monitoring matters more, choose Norton.

Are these antiviruses overkill if I already have Windows Defender?

Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender) provides solid basic protection and earns high marks in independent testing. For users who practice safe browsing habits and don't need VPNs, password managers, or identity monitoring, Defender may suffice. Norton and Bitdefender add value through their security suites (VPN, dark web monitoring, cloud backup) rather than dramatically superior malware detection. If you only need antivirus, Defender is a legitimate free option.

---

Final Verdict

For most users, Bitdefender Total Security is the better choice.

Bitdefender matches Norton’s protection capabilities while costing less, covering more devices, and using fewer system resources during daily operation. The combination of a lower price point, excellent detection rates, and minimal performance impact makes it the smarter buy for the majority of users.

Choose Norton 360 Deluxe if you need the bundled VPN. Norton’s unlimited VPN data makes it the better value if you’d otherwise buy a separate VPN subscription. The included dark web monitoring and cloud backup add further appeal for users who want a true all-in-one security solution.

The protection difference between these two products is negligible. Both will keep you safe from the vast majority of threats. Your decision should come down to price, features, and whether you need that unlimited VPN.