Norton vs AVG: Which Antivirus Is Worth It in 2026?

Keeping your data safe online matters more than ever, and good antivirus software is one of the simplest ways to protect your identity and personal information. This article compares Norton and AVG, two of the most popular antivirus brands.

We’ll look in detail at which company makes the better software, and also compare other important factors, such as extra features, price, and ease of use.

Video: AVG Free Software VS. Norton Antivirus 

BACKGROUND

Norton

Since 1991, Norton has held a significant position in the antivirus industry. The company was once known as Symantec, but the name was changed to NortonLifeLock in 2017 after it purchased LifeLock identity protection.

NortonLifeLock announced the acquisition of Avira antivirus in December 2020 and the acquisition of Avast, which had bought AVG a few years earlier, in August 2021. Because Avast had previously synced the cloud and behavioral monitoring technologies of Avast and AVG, Norton could adopt features from all three of these organizations.

AVG Technologies

AVG Technologies was established in 1990 in post-communist Czechoslovakia. It has grown rapidly since its inception and now provides users around the world with a variety of protection levels.

Although their protection rates and technology are quite comparable, AVG was acquired by Avast in 2016. However, AVG continues to be a separate brand from Avast software.

Although NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec), the company that makes Norton Antivirus, purchased Avast in late 2021, the Norton and AVG products remain separate.

COMPATIBILITY AND PRICES

Your risk from internet threats is decreased when you get antivirus protection. Antivirus software that is available for free only offers a minimal level of malware protection and functions. Although choosing a free piece of software may seem more attractive, paid subscriptions and packages typically offer users greater peace of mind.

Norton offers a wide range of pricing options, with a significant price difference between its entry-level alternatives and its more feature-rich ones. Check the Norton website for current pricing on the various programs.

Additionally, Norton offers a wide variety of product types, some of which are tailored to specific markets, such as one for gamers.

Some of Norton’s internet security bundles have obvious distinctions. For instance, you get parental controls and coverage for five devices when you combine Norton’s Antivirus Plus and 360 Deluxe. Before you buy any antivirus software, take into account important features like these because they can make a significant difference.

Although AVG does offer a free service, it’s advisable to find the appropriate paid option to meet your needs, as paid plans offer superior coverage and protection.

Internet Security, a mid-level offering from AVG, offers a range of coverage options from one to ten devices. AVG Ultimate covers up to 10 devices.

For those on a tighter budget, AVG offers a monthly membership alternative. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the service. Norton provides a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the program.

The software from Norton and AVG works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices.

SUITABILITY AGAINST MALWARE

Finding good software to defend your personal information against malware is crucial as online threats become more common.

Independent testing labs evaluate antivirus programs to determine which ones provide the best defense. Organizations like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives use test files from the European Institute of Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR) and live malware samples to assess protection.

In typical testing, Norton blocks EICAR samples after extraction, including zipped samples, and detects live malware quickly. AVG also blocks active malware files promptly, though its real-time scanner may allow zipped files to be downloaded before scanning them upon extraction.

Overall, both Norton and AVG perform well in malware protection tests.

However, as these tests by themselves do not provide a clear picture, I also looked at independent testing carried out by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.

Both Norton and AVG have achieved strong scores in AV-Test evaluations. These results provide a detailed examination of how AVG and Norton operate based on tests with thousands of samples. Both Norton and AVG products are considered state-of-the-art.

AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection tests have shown both Norton and AVG achieving high protection ratings, with Norton typically scoring slightly higher.

In some testing periods, Norton has detected more false alarms than AVG. When a safe file is incorrectly classified as a threat, it results in a false alarm. Norton has room for improvement in this area.

It’s challenging to pick a clear winner because both products are strong performers. Norton may be the better choice for more cautious users due to consistently high scores in lab testing.

IMPACT ON PC PERFORMANCE

Your PC’s speed and performance matter, so it’s essential to have antivirus software that doesn’t hinder its operation.

Norton’s full scan typically takes longer than AVG’s but scans more items, producing a more thorough result.

When comparing how each piece of software affects PC performance, there are differences both during idle operation and during active scans.

Norton has shown lower CPU usage than AVG when a scan isn’t running. This changes during a full scan, when AVG’s CPU usage tends to be lower than Norton’s.

AV-Comparatives conducts performance testing that evaluates how antivirus software affects eight typical tasks:

• Downloading files
• Browsing webpages
• File copying: initial and subsequent runs
• Application installation and removal
• Archiving and unarchiving data
• Application launch: initial and subsequent runs

Norton typically receives high ratings in most categories. AVG also scores well across the board. Both programs are considered performance-light, though most users run applications more frequently than they install them.

AVG’s overall performance appears to be comparable to Norton’s in many instances. That said, Norton does offer a more thorough scan with relatively low impact on CPU usage while a scan is not running. Norton has an edge in this category.

FEATURES

Most antivirus programs offer additional features to protect you online beyond scanning your computer for viruses and malware. Below are the key features of Norton 360 Deluxe and AVG Internet Security.

How Can I Tell If My Antivirus Is Effective? (Easy Guide)

Norton 360 Deluxe:

• Cloud backup storage
• Real-time threat protection
• Password manager
• Secure VPN
• Dark Web monitoring
• PC SafeCam
• Parental controls

Norton 360 Deluxe

• Cloud backup: Norton enables you to save and protect your files and documents against hardware failures and ransomware. It also offers protection in case your device is stolen.
• Parental controls: You can easily monitor your children’s online activity using the parental control options.
• PC SafeCam: This feature gives you peace of mind by alerting you to any unauthorized access to your camera.

AVG Internet Security

• Antivirus with behavior-based defense, AI detection and real-time updates.
• Webcam protection: unauthorized apps must ask for your permission before they can use your webcam.
• Data shredder: securely deletes files and data from your device so your information is fully protected.
• Password protection: shields your saved passwords from being read, changed or deleted by untrusted programs.
• Do-not-disturb (distraction-free) mode.

Norton and AVG both offer features to protect your webcam and personal information. Norton’s packages provide additional protection for your personal data and secure storage for important files.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Selecting an antivirus solution with reliable customer assistance is essential for further assurance.

There is a forum on the AVG website, but response times may vary. The support center lets you search for answers and offers solutions in the form of how-to guides. Phone support options are limited.

Norton provides support for all of its products 365 days a year, even with its more affordable packages. Along with online forums, frequently asked questions, and social media support, there is also live chat support available. Norton’s support is comprehensive compared to many competitors.

ANTIVIRUS TESTING METHODS

Antivirus testing uses a methodical approach to find the most important benchmarks and features.

Testers evaluate the company’s reputation, the service’s privacy policy, and the company’s jurisdiction in addition to analyzing how simple the antivirus is to install and operate. Testing also seeks to determine:

• The effect of full and fast scans on system resources
• The time required to conduct quick and thorough scans
• The effectiveness of online protection and real-time scanning tools
• The efficiency of malware removal and detection by antivirus software during scans

Testing methods combine internal evaluation with lab findings from top antivirus testing organizations worldwide:

• AV-Test
• AV-Comparatives
• MRG Effitas
• SE Labs

Comparing results from multiple sources helps assess an antivirus’s performance against other programs.

This approach provides information on how well each product can detect and respond to threats across various platforms and operating systems.

CONCLUSION

Norton and AVG offer antivirus services in comparable ways. However, Norton stands out due to its excellent customer support, thorough scans, and relatively low impact on PC performance.

Norton is well worth its premium price because of its emphasis on security and excellent customer support.

References:

https://www.quora.com/Which-antivirus-is-better-between-Norton-and-AVG

https://comparisons.financesonline.com/avg-antivirus-vs-norton-security

Frequently Asked Questions