For Windows home users, Norton 360 and Bitdefender are effectively tied on the latest cited lab results. In AV-TEST’s July–August 2026 Windows 11 evaluation, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security each earned the maximum score in protection, performance, and usability. The more useful choice depends on the exact plan available where you live, how many devices you need to cover, which extras you will use, and the renewal price.
How do Norton 360 and Bitdefender compare on protection?
AV-TEST’s July–August 2026 home-user evaluation for Windows 11 awarded Norton 360 versions 26.6/26.7 and Bitdefender Total Security 27.0 6/6 for protection, 6/6 for performance, and 6/6 for usability. That is 18 out of 18 for each product, the test’s maximum; AV-TEST’s threshold for its Top Product award is 17.5 points. The lab described its approach as focusing on realistic scenarios and testing products against real-world threats. See AV-TEST’s Windows home-user results.
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This is a strong result for both suites, not proof that they perform identically on every computer or protect every platform and threat equally. It covers the named Windows editions and test period, not macOS, iOS, Android, or future versions.
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There is also a separate real-world protection comparison to consider cautiously. Bitdefender reports that AV-Comparatives’ February–May 2026 test recorded 99.5% for Bitdefender and 99.3% for Norton. Those rates are reported in Bitdefender’s comparison article; they should not be read as figures independently confirmed by the AV-Comparatives page. The small reported difference does not overturn the clearer same-round AV-TEST tie.
#1 Best Overall
![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.
What do the compared plans include?
Norton’s vendor comparison places Norton 360 Deluxe against Bitdefender Total Security. Its listed common features include malware and ransomware protection, scam protection, a firewall, a password manager, availability for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, five devices per compared plan, and 24/7 support. These are vendor-listed plan details, not a guarantee that every function works identically on every operating system or in every country. Check Norton’s comparison of the plans and confirm the local offer before subscribing.
| Feature listed in Norton’s comparison | Norton 360 Deluxe | Bitdefender Total Security |
|---|---|---|
| Core protection, firewall, password manager, and listed platform compatibility | Included | Included |
| Devices in the compared subscription | 5 | 5 |
| VPN allowance | No data limit listed | 200 MB per day per device |
| Cloud backup | Listed | Not listed in this comparison |
| Dark web monitoring and privacy monitoring | Listed | Not listed in this comparison |
| Data-breach detection | Not listed in this comparison | Listed |
| Deepfake protection | Listed | Not listed in this comparison |
“Not listed” means the feature is not shown for that plan in Norton’s comparison; it does not establish that the vendor has no similar feature in another product or tier. Bitdefender’s other tiers may offer different features or VPN terms. Confirm the precise subscription, supported operating systems, and country-specific limits on the vendor’s checkout page. Bitdefender also notes that price, availability, and features can vary by region and time in its plan comparison.
Rank #2
![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.
Which is better value after the first year?
Introductory offers can reverse the apparent price advantage. In Norton’s comparison, US prices shown as of March 2026 were $49.99 for the first year and $124.99 per year on renewal for Norton 360 Deluxe, versus $59.99 for the first year and $109.99 per year on renewal for Bitdefender Total Security.
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|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 Deluxe | $49.99 | $124.99 |
| Bitdefender Total Security | $59.99 | $109.99 |
On those dated examples, Norton costs less in year one while Bitdefender has the lower listed annual renewal price. These are not October 2026 checkout quotes: prices, taxes, introductory periods, and renewal terms may change and vary by country. Check the amount due today and the recurring price before payment, along with automatic renewal and cancellation terms.
Rank #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.
Device limits matter as much as the subscription price. The comparison lists five devices for each plan, but other tiers and markets may differ. Count the household’s computers and phones, then verify that the actual subscription covers them and supports their operating systems. If you would otherwise pay separately for a VPN, backup, parental controls, or monitoring, consider only the functions and platforms you will really use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose for your household?
Choose Norton 360 Deluxe if its extras fit your needs
- You want the bundle functions Norton lists, such as cloud backup, dark web and privacy monitoring, or deepfake protection, and they are available in your local plan.
- You would use the listed VPN with no data limit, rather than Bitdefender’s 200 MB-per-day-per-device allowance in this comparison.
- Your household fits the plan’s device cap and the renewal cost is acceptable after checking the current local offer.
Choose Bitdefender Total Security if its terms suit your devices and budget
- The current device allowance and renewal price work better for your household.
- The listed feature set meets your needs, and the VPN allowance is sufficient or you already use another VPN.
- You prefer this plan’s combination of device coverage and protection features over paying for bundle extras you may not use.
For a Windows-only decision
There is no winner on the cited AV-TEST scores: both received the maximum in the same Windows 11 round. Choose between the plans on features, device count, and the price you will actually pay after the introductory period. Do not treat one Windows lab result as a guarantee of equal results on other platforms; performance can also differ across tests and computer configurations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 5 Devices, 3 Months Free [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51m+bj-uvlL._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.
Rank #4
![Norton 360 Platinum 2027 Antivirus, 20 Devices, 3 Months Free [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kAiFhngDL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 20 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.
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.
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