Have for some years used Norton AV & firewall (Norton Internet Security) but am due to renew in two weeks and I think it's time I changed to another program but what

I read so much about Norton being a pain to remove and it being an over bloated program but am not sure how I should proceed.
Could the experts please recommend a replacement.
I'm not sure if a free download is the best way to go or if I should purchase a retail AV & firewall. I don't want my system (and data files) to be at risk so I need suggestions. I'm not all that competent on the computer which is why I require assistance with a big change like this.
Elvira