Quick comparison: 5 free alternatives to Norton 360
| Alternative | Price | Platforms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender Top pick | 100% Free | Windows | Offline |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Free | 100% Free | Windows | Offline |
| Avast Free Antivirus | Freemium | WindowsmacOSAndroidiOS | Offline |
| AVG AntiVirus Free | Freemium | WindowsmacOSAndroid | Offline |
| Malwarebytes | Freemium | WindowsmacOSAndroidiOS | Offline |
Step-by-step guide: how to switch from Norton 360 to Microsoft Defender
Can’t decide? Take the 4-question quiz and we’ll tell you which one suits you
A closer look at each alternative
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1. Microsoft Defender
Top pick100% FreeOfflineWindows- Price
- Free, no paid plans.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Built into Windows 10 and 11 with real-time protection, and no ads or nagging to pay.
Link checked on November 5, 2026
Was it useful? -
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free
100% FreeOfflineWindows- Price
- Free, no paid plans.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- A free antivirus for Windows that is light and discreet, with hardly any pop-ups.
Link checked on November 5, 2026
Was it useful? -
3. Avast Free Antivirus
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOSAndroidiOS- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Free protection with plenty of extra features; it often nudges you towards the paid version.
Link checked on November 5, 2026
Was it useful? -
4. AVG AntiVirus Free
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOSAndroid- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- A free antivirus from the same company as Avast, easy to use; it also pushes the paid version.
Link checked on November 5, 2026
Was it useful? -
5. Malwarebytes
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOSAndroidiOS- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Its free version scans and cleans your computer when you suspect something; real-time protection is paid.
Link checked on November 5, 2026
Was it useful?
Tip for students: On most Windows computers, Microsoft Defender is already included and is enough: keep Windows up to date and don’t install programs from dubious websites.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Norton 360 or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions about alternatives to Norton 360
What is the best free alternative to Norton 360?
Our first pick is Microsoft Defender. Built into Windows 10 and 11 with real-time protection, and no ads or nagging to pay. Bitdefender Antivirus Free and Avast Free Antivirus are also worth trying. The best one for you depends on the features you use most.
Are there open source alternatives to Norton 360?
None on this list is open source, but all of them are free or have a free plan: Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free and Malwarebytes.
Which alternatives to Norton 360 work offline?
Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free and Malwarebytes install on your computer and work without a connection.
Can I use an alternative to Norton 360 on my phone?
Yes: Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free and Malwarebytes have an app for Android or iOS.
More free alternatives
- Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Alternatives to WinRAR
- Alternatives to WinZip
- Alternatives to NordVPN
- Alternatives to Internet Download Manager
- Alternatives to Windows
Also featured in: Security and privacy