Contents
- Norton vs Bitdefender plans compared
- Which is cheaper in Norton vs Bitdefender?
- Norton 360 in detail
- Bitdefender in detail
- Identity protection: LifeLock vs Ultimate Security Plus
- Norton vs Bitdefender by need
- What about small businesses?
- How to choose
- FAQ
How do Norton and Bitdefender plans compare?
Both companies sell tiered security suites that bundle antivirus with a VPN, a password manager and extras. The tier names differ, so a fair Norton vs Bitdefender comparison has to match plans by device count and features rather than by name. The table shows what each vendor’s own page listed in October 2026 (US dollars, plus applicable tax).
| Plan | Devices | First-year price | Renewal | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 Standard | 3 | $39.99 | $94.99 per year | VPN, Password Manager, 2 GB cloud backup, Dark Web Monitoring |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | 5 | $49.99 | $124.99 per year | As above, plus 50 GB cloud backup, Privacy Monitor, Parental Control |
| Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus | 10 | $99.99 | $189.99 per year | 250 GB backup, LifeLock identity protection, one-bureau credit monitoring |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | 3 | $29.99 | Not shown | Malware, spyware, adware and ransomware protection; no VPN or password manager |
| Bitdefender Total Security (Individual) | 5 | $59.99 | Not shown (2-year: $119.99) | Password manager, scam and cryptomining protection, VPN limited to 200 MB/day per device |
| Bitdefender Premium Security (Individual) | 5 | $79.99 | Not shown | Unlimited VPN, Scam Protection Pro, privacy firewall |
| Bitdefender Ultimate Security (Individual) | 5 | $8.99 per month; 2-year $179.99 | Not shown | Unlimited VPN, dark web monitoring, Digital Identity Protection |
| Bitdefender Ultimate Security Plus (Individual Standard) | 5 | $11.99 per month; 2-year $379.99 | Not shown | Adds identity theft protection, up to $1,000,000 coverage, one-bureau credit monitoring |
Bitdefender also sells family versions: Total Security Family is $79.99 for 5 members and up to 25 devices, and Ultimate Security Family is $11.99 per month. Norton’s page said cloud backup works on Windows only, so Mac users should not count on it.
Which is cheaper in Norton vs Bitdefender?
In year one, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus ($29.99) and Norton 360 Standard ($39.99) are the cheapest entry points, but they are not like-for-like: Antivirus Plus has no VPN or password manager. Comparing Norton 360 Deluxe ($49.99 for 5 devices) with Bitdefender Total Security ($59.99 for up to 5 devices), Norton is $10 cheaper in year one. The Norton vs Bitdefender picture flips at renewal if Norton’s published $124.99 holds, because that is 2.5 times the first-year price. Bitdefender’s page says renewal prices may be higher but does not state them, so check the number at checkout and set a reminder.
Also note what Bitdefender Total Security’s VPN is: a standard VPN with 200 MB per day per device. Unlimited VPN traffic starts at Premium Security ($79.99 first year), which is the fairer comparison when VPN matters.
Norton 360 in detail
Pros
- Cloud backup from the lowest tier (2 GB) up to 250 GB on LifeLock Select Plus.
- Clear identity-protection upgrade through LifeLock, including up to $25,000 in Stolen Funds Reimbursement on Select Plus.
- Published renewal prices, so you can plan the real cost.
Cons
- Large renewal jumps: $39.99 to $94.99 on Standard and $49.99 to $124.99 on Deluxe.
- Cloud backup is Windows only.
Choose Norton if you want backup and identity monitoring from one vendor. Skip it if you will not track the renewal date.
Bitdefender in detail
Pros
- Plans that scale to 25 devices for 5 members on family tiers.
- Unlimited VPN from Premium Security upward, on 3,000+ servers per its Ultimate page.
- Monthly pricing is listed on the Ultimate pages, which helps if you do not want an annual commitment.
Cons
- Renewal prices are not stated on the pages checked.
- Entry Antivirus Plus is basic, and Total Security’s VPN is capped at 200 MB a day per device.
Choose Bitdefender if you have many devices or want an uncapped VPN without a separate subscription. Skip it if you want bundled cloud backup.
Identity protection in Norton vs Bitdefender
If you want identity theft features, compare Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus ($99.99 first year, $189.99 renewal) against Bitdefender Ultimate Security Plus. Bitdefender’s Plus Standard tier lists up to $1,000,000 identity theft insurance with one-bureau credit monitoring at $11.99 per month ($379.99 for two years), and the Extended tier lists $2,000,000 with three-bureau monitoring at $13.99 per month. Bitdefender’s page is inconsistent about insurance on the non-Plus Ultimate tier, so treat the Plus tiers as the ones with confirmed coverage. Coverage terms and eligibility differ by plan and state, so read each vendor’s terms before relying on them.
Norton vs Bitdefender by need
Best for a single user who wants backup
Norton 360 Deluxe, with 50 GB cloud backup on Windows.
Best for a household with many devices
Bitdefender Total Security Family, up to 25 devices for 5 members at $79.99 first year.
Best for an uncapped VPN included
Bitdefender Premium Security at $79.99, since the Norton vs Bitdefender Total Security comparison leaves the Bitdefender VPN capped.
Best on a tight budget
Norton 360 Standard ($39.99) if you want a VPN and password manager, or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus ($29.99) if you only want protection.
What about small businesses?
These are consumer suites. A business with employees, shared devices or compliance needs normally wants centrally managed protection with an admin console. Our guides on the best EDR solutions and endpoint management software cover that category, and the security for business hub lists more.
How to choose between Norton and Bitdefender
- Count your devices. Norton Standard covers 3, Deluxe 5 and Select Plus 10. Bitdefender covers up to 5 per individual plan and 25 on family plans.
- Decide if you want cloud backup. Norton includes it; it works on Windows only.
- Decide how much VPN you need. Unlimited VPN is on Bitdefender Premium Security and above; Total Security caps it.
- Decide on identity protection and compare the Plus tiers.
- Check the renewal price before checkout.
- Use the trial or refund window to test performance on your own machine.
Common Norton vs Bitdefender mistakes
- Comparing first-year prices only. Norton’s renewals are 2 to 2.5 times its intro prices.
- Comparing Norton 360 Deluxe with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which are not like-for-like.
- Assuming Total Security includes unlimited VPN.
- Installing two full antivirus suites at once, which causes conflicts.
Related guides: Dashlane vs 1Password · Best EDR solutions · Best endpoint management software
Pricing sources, as read in October 2026: Norton plans, Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Ultimate Security.
Norton vs Bitdefender: frequently asked questions
Is Norton or Bitdefender better?
In Norton vs Bitdefender, Norton is better if you want cloud backup and a clear identity-protection upgrade, while Bitdefender suits households with many devices and anyone who wants an uncapped VPN on Premium Security and above. Check each renewal price before buying.
Is Bitdefender cheaper than Norton?
It depends on the plan. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is $29.99 against Norton 360 Standard at $39.99, but Norton 360 Deluxe ($49.99) is cheaper than Bitdefender Total Security ($59.99) in the first year.
Does Norton 360 include a VPN?
Yes. Norton’s page lists a VPN on Standard, Deluxe and Select Plus.
How many devices does Bitdefender Total Security cover?
The individual plan covers up to 5 devices for 1 member, and the family plan covers up to 25 devices for 5 members.
Does Bitdefender Total Security include unlimited VPN?
No. Its page lists a standard VPN with 200 MB per day per device. Unlimited VPN is on Premium Security.
How much does Norton 360 Deluxe cost after the first year?
Norton’s page lists $124.99 per year at renewal for Deluxe, against $49.99 for the first year.
Which has identity theft protection, Norton or Bitdefender?
Both. Norton offers LifeLock plans such as Select Plus, and Bitdefender offers Ultimate Security Plus with up to $1,000,000 or $2,000,000 listed coverage depending on tier.
Is Norton vs Bitdefender relevant for businesses?
Not directly. Both plans reviewed here are consumer suites. Businesses should look at managed endpoint protection instead.
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