Norton 360 Deluxe vs Bitdefender Total Security
Tom’s Guide ranks Norton 360 Deluxe its best antivirus overall: it covers five devices plus 50GB of cloud backup and had the lighter system impact in AV-Comparatives testing. Bitdefender Total Security is close behind and slows games less during a full scan.
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Quick answer
Get Norton 360 Deluxe for cloud backup, more scan options and 24/7 phone support; it’s Tom’s Guide’s #1 pick. Get Bitdefender Total Security if you game on your PC, or want Scam Protection; it’s Tom’s Guide’s #3 pick. Watch Norton’s renewal price.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Norton 360 Deluxe pricing (opens in a new tab)Check Bitdefender Total Security pricing (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Norton 360 Deluxe | Bitdefender Total Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 first year; sharp jump at renewal | $54.99/yr ($49.99 Tom’s Guide deal) |
| Tom’s Guide rank | #1 best antivirus overall | #3 |
| Devices | 5 | 5 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Scan types | Quick, full, targeted, startup | Full scan only (over 26 min) |
For more choices, see best antivirus, and if you only need basic protection, see best free antivirus.
Norton 360 Deluxe vs Bitdefender Total Security: side-by-side
| Norton 360 Deluxe | Bitdefender Total Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Tom’s Guide rank | #1 best antivirus overall | #3 |
| Price | $49.99 first year; sharp jump at renewal | $54.99/yr ($49.99 Tom’s Guide deal) |
| Devices | 5 | 5 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Scan types | Quick, full, targeted, startup | Full scan only (over 26 min) |
| Game FPS during full scan | 118 → 105 | 100 → 97 |
| AV-Test (Feb 2026) | 6/6 protection | 6/6 protection |
| AV-Comparatives (Apr 2026) | 90/100; impact score 5.3 | 85/100; impact score 9.6 |
| Extras | Firewall, hardened browser, Wi-Fi scanner, deepfake protection | Scam Protection; separate VPN app |
How much do they cost?
Norton 360 Deluxe plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | $49.99 first year | 5 devices; renews higher ($119.99 first year at Norton’s list price) |
Bitdefender Total Security plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total Security | $54.99/yr | 5 devices; $49.99 via Tom’s Guide deal |
| Ultimate Security | More | Adds identity protection, password manager and VPN |
What are the pros and cons?
Norton 360 Deluxe: pros
- 50GB cloud backup and VPN included
- More scan options
- 24/7 phone, email and chat support
Norton 360 Deluxe: cons
- Sharp price increase at renewal
- Some features Windows-only or paywalled
- AI assistant was slow
Bitdefender Total Security: pros
- Smaller hit to gaming during scans
- Scam Protection
- SE Labs AAA rating
Bitdefender Total Security: cons
- Only a full scan
- App windows aren’t full-size
- VPN is a separate app
Which should you choose: Norton 360 Deluxe or Bitdefender Total Security?
Both earned perfect AV-Test protection scores. Norton adds 50GB of cloud backup, scored higher in AV-Comparatives and is Tom’s Guide’s[2] top pick. Bitdefender is the better fit if you want the smallest impact while gaming. Check the renewal price either way.
Choose Norton 360 Deluxe if…
- You want cloud backup included
- You want quick and targeted scans
- You want phone support
Choose Bitdefender Total Security if…
- You game on your PC
- You want Scam Protection
- You want the smallest slowdown while gaming
System impact
In Tom’s Guide’s[2] gaming test, a full Norton scan dropped frame rates from 118 to 105 fps, while Bitdefender dropped from 100 to 97 fps. AV-Comparatives gave Norton the lower (better) impact score, 5.3 vs 9.6.
Renewal prices
Frequently asked questions
Is Norton better than Bitdefender?
Which slows your PC less?
How many devices do they cover?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Norton: Products and plans (us.norton.com)
- Tom’s Guide: The best antivirus software (2026) (tomsguide.com)
Related
McAfee+ Premium vs Norton 360 Deluxe
Both cost $49.99 for the first year in Tom’s Guide’s deals and scored 6/6 at AV-Test. McAfee+ Premium covers unlimited devices; Norton 360 Deluxe covers five but is Tom’s Guide’s best antivirus overall.
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