Perplexity offers the following assessment, for which I cannot guarantee its accuracy:
The protection effectiveness of Norton, Avast, and AVG in 2025 is rated as follows:
### Norton
Norton 360 Deluxe is rated as the best antivirus program, offering outstanding protection with 100% malware detection and removal. It has no negative impact on system speed. Norton offers comprehensive features such as anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and parental controls. It is very user-friendly, fast, and attractively priced, with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Norton is considered the top performer in the comparison, especially for users seeking all-round protection for up to five devices.[1][2][3]
### Avast
Avast also achieves very good results, with an offline detection rate of 97.7% and an online detection rate of 99.3%. It performed very well in various tests, particularly in mobile security and real-time protection. However, Avast has been criticized in the past for selling user data, but has since taken measures to improve data protection. Avast is close to its best competitors in terms of performance and also offers a good free version.[4][5][6][7]
### AVG
AVG is rated as a solid antivirus solution, with excellent malware detection (100% in Deep Scan) and one of the best firewalls in the 2025 test. It offers many features, but lacks strong ransomware protection and parental controls, which may be a disadvantage for some users. AVG has good overall performance, but is somewhat less comprehensive and more expensive than some competing products, compared to Norton. It has a free version with basic protection and is user-friendly.[8][9][10]
### Advantages and Disadvantages at a Glance
| Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|----------|----------|-----------|
| Norton | 100% malware detection, many additional features (VPN, password manager, parental controls), low system impact, good value for money | Some features only available in higher plans |
| Avast | Very good malware detection, strong mobile security, free version, low system impact | Privacy issues in the past, data sale scandal (now improved) |
| AVG | Excellent firewall, 100% malware detection in deep scan, good web and email scanners | Weak ransomware protection, no parental controls, sometimes more expensive |
### Favorite
Norton is considered a favorite, especially for users who want comprehensive protection with many additional features and low system impact. Avast is a good alternative, especially for users who want a strong free version and good mobile security. AVG is suitable for users who are looking for a solid all-round solution with one of the best firewalls, but who place less emphasis on ransomware protection and parental controls.[11][1][4][8]
In summary, Norton offers the complete package with the best protection and the most diverse features. Avast impresses with a strong free version and good performance. While AVG offers a good firewall and strong malware detection, it offers somewhat limited additional functionality.
Buy Norton360™ Today and Get:
Free Scareware: Pop-ups that scream “Your system is infected!” every 10 minutes
Want to fix it? You’ll need:
Norton Utilities™ – to “clean” the mess we made
Norton Antitrack™ – because we track you first, then offer to stop it
Slogan:
This happened last night on another post as well 
www.av-comparatives.org
