Alternative to Norton antivirus (ex Bullguard user who got migrated)

[Stalkedbyzombies]

I was moved to Norton after they took over Bullguard. I previously used Norton and hated it. I still do not get along with it. My annual anti virus is up for renewal. Could anyone recommend an alternative? Thanks

[Pixiedust1234]

I've used the free version of Avast on all my laptops and some phones for years and never had problem.

I've used the free version AVG on phones and it seems to do the job okay too.

I hated Norton ever since it behaved like a virus taking over my computer until I had paid the annual fee. Nasty tactic.

[CharlottenBurger]

I use Malwarebytes Premium just because my bank gave me the licence free of charge and renews it each year. Seems to work, although it can be a bit over-zealous about software I know is OK. If the bank discontinued the free offer, or if I ceased being a customer, I'd install the free version, or consider paying for it. £29.99 a year for 1 device, or £69.99 for up to 5, I think I must have the latter because it works on our laptopn and desktop PCs without complaining.

[CharlottenBurger]

PS the bank is Natwest.

[Stalkedbyzombies]

Thanks. I have tried Avast before I cannot remember why I chose Bullguard over it but since I do not have a choice now...I'll look into both of these!

[weathervane1]

I've been in IT for 30+ years and have used most of the big name anti-virus programs. One thing that is important to me is the impact of running such programs on my hardware - which in turn depends on the age and configuration of each system. About five years ago I moved from Norton (too many issues with not always running or having to reinstall following some updates). I now use Bitdefender Total Security and VPN. It seems to be very effective, has a light footprint as far as impacting PC performance and so far hasn't given me any issues.

[CharlottenBurger]

@weathervane1

I've been in IT for 30+ years and have used most of the big name anti-virus programs. One thing that is important to me is the impact of running such programs on my hardware - which in turn depends on the age and configuration of each system. About five years ago I moved from Norton (too many issues with not always running or having to reinstall following some updates). I now use Bitdefender Total Security and VPN. It seems to be very effective, has a light footprint as far as impacting PC performance and so far hasn't given me any issues.

My PC has a 10th generation 6 core i5 and 32 GB RAM, and a 500 GB M2 SSD for the OS. I tell you what I also have, and that is two PCs running GNU Linux (Debian 11) and two Raspberry Pis. No virus worries there! It always makes my husband laugh when people ask him about IT stuff and assume I don't know anything.

[BlueChampagne]

BitDefender

[HundredMilesAnHour]

I pay for Maywarebytes. Much better than Norton or McAfee.

[HundredMilesAnHour]

Sorry, Malwarebytes!

[Stalkedbyzombies]

Thanks. Bitdefender and Malaware Bytes both score highly in the reviews. Ultimately, I am looking to use the same provider for both VPN and antivirus as finding competitive renewals for two different products is becoming a chore.