Finding the best antivirus Reddit users recommend will help you zero in on genuine user feedback and the pros and cons of different products. From free plans to premium services with extra security features, you can learn how antiviruses perform based on the experiences of the Reddit community.
Combing through dozens of “Reddit best antivirus” threads and comparing user testimonials can be a tedious and lengthy process, though. In this guide, we’ve compiled details on which antivirus Reddit users recommend for a range of use cases, including the best real-time protection, online security, scanning, and more.
TotalAV – Superb antivirus software for complete, real-time protection
The Best Antivirus Software Reddit Recommends at a Glance
- TotalAV — Best antivirus Reddit users recommend for beginners
- Norton — Best Reddit antivirus for security
- Surfshark Antivirus — Best Reddit antivirus for privacy, with a leading VPN
- Avast — Best free antivirus Reddit users recommend
- McAfee — Best antivirus Reddit users recommend for families
- Intego — Best antivirus Reddit users recommend for Mac
- Show Full Guide
Best Antivirus Reddit Picks Reviewed
To find the best antivirus software Reddit users recommend, we’ve considered user reviews and extensively tested each product to ensure they offer robust security, excellent malware detection rates, and transparent pricing.
1. TotalAV — Best Antivirus Reddit Users Recommend for Beginners
Starting Price | $1.58/month (annual) |
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Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Max Devices | 8 |
Free Offering | Free scans |
Testing Results | Protection: 5.5/6, Performance: 5.5/6, Usability: 6/6 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface
- Generous free plan
- Numerous extra features
- Easy-to-schedule scans
- PUP protection
Cons
- Full scans can take time to complete
- High renewal price
2. Norton — Best Reddit Antivirus For Security
Starting Price | $2.49/month (annual) |
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Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Free Offering | 30-day trial |
Testing Results | Protection: 6/6, Performance: 6/6, Usability: 6/6 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
Pros
- Top-tier plans offer robust identity theft protection features
- Secure cloud backups with each plan
- Excellent ransomware protection
- 100% virus protection promise
- One of the best Windows antiviruses
Cons
- Reddit users complain about notifications
- Limited VPN functionality
3. Surfshark Antivirus — Best Reddit Antivirus for Privacy
Starting Price | $2.69/month (two years) |
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Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Max Devices | 5 |
Free Offering | 7 days for VPN |
Testing Results | Protection: 4.5/6, Performance: 4.5/6, Usability: 6/6 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Pros
- One of the best antiviruses with a VPN
- False flags while scanning are rare
- Lightweight solution
- User-friendly mobile and PC interface
Cons
- Full system scans can take time
- No free version
4. Avast — Best Free Antivirus Reddit Users Recommend
Starting Price | $2.99/month (annual) |
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Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Max Devices | 10 |
Free Offering | Free plan, 30-day trial |
Testing Results | Protection: 6/6, Performance: 6/6, Usability: 6/6 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Pros
- Great malware detection and removal rates
- Free plan includes ransomware protection
- Automatically installs security updates for apps
- Fast background scans
Cons
- Relatively expensive overall
- Full system scans may slow down devices
5. McAfee — Best Antivirus Reddit Users Recommend for Families
Starting Price | $3.33/month (two years) |
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Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Free Offering | 30-day trial |
Testing Results | Protection: 6/6, Performance: 6/6, Usability: 6/6 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Pros
- Flags scam emails and text messages
- Up to $2 million of ID theft coverage
- Easy to set up and use
- Robust firewall and malware protection
- Great parental control tools
Cons
- Some device performance impact
- Relatively expensive on renewal
6. Intego — Best Antivirus Reddit Users Recommend for Mac Devices
Starting Price | $3.13/month (two years) |
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Compatibility | Mac, Windows |
Max Devices | 5 |
Free Offering | 30-day trial |
Testing Results | Protection: 5.5/6, Performance: 5/6, Usability: 6/6 |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Pros
- Can detect malicious files on connected iOS devices
- Excellent parental controls
- Automatic and scheduled scans
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- No dedicated protection for iOS or Android
- Limited antivirus features for Windows
Comparing the Best Antivirus Reddit Recommendations
Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison of the best anti-virus software Reddit users recommend.
Antivirus Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Compatibility | Max Devices | Free Trial/Plan | Money-Back Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TotalAV | Beginners | $1.58/month (annual) | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | 8 | Free scans | 30 days |
Norton | Security | $2.49/month (annual) | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Unlimited | 30-day trial | 60 days |
Surfshark Antivirus | Privacy | $2.69/month (two years) | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | 5 | 7 days for VPN | 30 days |
Avast | Free Users | $2.99/month (annual) | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | 10 | Free plan, 30-day trial | 30 days |
McAfee | Families | $3.33/month (two years) | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Unlimited | 30-day trial | 30 days |
Intego | Macs | $3.13/month (two years) | Mac, Windows | 5 | 30-day trial | 30 days |
How We Review And Test Antivirus Software
15 Antiviruses Tested
20 Datapoints Measured
300+ Hours Testing
500+ User Reviews Read
We base our recommendations on first-hand experience and in-depth testing. All the Antivirus products we suggest, have been tested based on the following criteria:
- Core Security Features: We make sure that the antivirus software is fully equipped with features like real-time protection, scanning, a firewall, web protection, and more.
- Malware Detection Rates: We test malware detection rates ourselves by running both in-depth and quick scans on our devices. Additionally, we check independent lab tests.
- Compatibility: We check which devices and operating systems the antivirus software is compatible with. Often, different-looking dashboards and slightly different packages of features may be available.
- Performance Impact: A reliable and functional antivirus should not slow down your device significantly. So, we examine our device performance with and without the antivirus running.
- Customer Experience: Alongside our own experience, we are curious to know what real users have to say regarding the services. So, we’ve scoured the web for feedback on each of our tested antiviruses.
- Value for Money: We always consider value for money and how much each product is offering for the set price point.
Can I Trust Reddit Recommendations for Antiviruses?
Reddit is an excellent source of unbiased user reviews and feedback that can help you identify products worth your time and money. We often turn to Reddit and similar websites to get a broader perspective on the full customer experience from long-term users on the best antivirus software on the market.
Here’s why you can trust antivirus Reddit recommendations on the whole:
- Reviews come from genuine antivirus users – You’ll find honest, first-hand product reviews on Reddit, and they’ll often come from users with the technical know-how to explain what the antivirus does well in detail.
- Fake posts are easy to spot – Every user profile on Reddit is public, which allows you to check if a suspicious and excessively positive product review has been written by a user who only writes about a single brand. Fake posts often also contain sponsored links and endorsements.
- Redditors engage in discussions – Nearly every Reddit antivirus thread has more than one person commenting on the product’s features, such as usability, performance, and customer support. That means you’ll learn more about each product from long-term users with experience.
- Reddit users have high standards – Redditors are notoriously hard to please, meaning highly positive reviews are rare. If you find a thread in which multiple comments praise an antivirus, it’s likely a product that really delivers.
- Subpar antiviruses are criticized – Reddit users will gladly point out the flaws of a product they’ve used so you’ll know if an antivirus isn’t working as advertised.
Not every Reddit post you’ll see is written by a genuine user, though, as anyone can make a Reddit account, including product marketing staff and PR professionals. Because of this, it’s worth being wary of new users, suspiciously positive posts, and threads with limited responses.
Best Free Antivirus Reddit Recommendations – Are Free Tools Enough?
Many Reddit posts about the best free antiviruses point to Avast and TotalAV as the best options, with Avast being mentioned more often. However, experts recommend Avast’s paid plans, as they offer more advanced features and protect multiple devices, while its free plan protects just one.
Reddit users have varying opinions when it comes to free antiviruses in general, as many users have had negative experiences in the past.
Although they agree that free products are capable of protecting you from known viruses, Redditors point out that free antiviruses often track your activities, have frequent ads, and lack advanced features for multi-layered security.
While some Reddit users appreciate Avast or TotalAV’s free plans as the cheapest options around, most users agree that it’s better to opt for paid services, especially when they offer long money-back guarantees and trials that let you try services for free.
Does Reddit Recommend Windows Defender?
Redditors report having had positive experiences with Microsoft Defender, also known as Windows Defender, as it has high malware detection rates, doesn’t slow your system down, and is easy to use.
However, several threads point out its limitations, such as its subpar ransomware protection and dependence on other apps for some features.
In addition, its phishing protection tool, Windows Defender SmartScreen, only really works with Microsoft Edge, meaning you’ll have to switch browsers for the best results.
Generally, Reddit users recommend subscribing to third-party antiviruses because of their flexibility, enhanced security features, and coverage for multiple devices – whereas Microsoft Defender can only protect one PC.
How to Choose the Best Reddit Antivirus For You
You absolutely need an antivirus today, but you should consider your needs and requirements when researching the best anti-virus Reddit recommendations before committing to an antivirus provider.
Here’s a list of factors to consider before you make a decision:
Core Features – Look for a product that provides scans, real-time protection, and a firewall. Getting a VPN, a password manager, and parental control tools can also be very valuable, and you may also want features like phishing protection, identity protection, and automatic updates.
Check out our guide to getting rid of a virus on your computer for more tips.
Usability – If you’re looking for a good antivirus Reddit users recommend for protecting multiple devices, ensure that the product is compatible with all the devices and operating systems you use and that its apps are user-friendly and intuitive.
Customer Support – Reddit is an excellent source of first-hand product reviews from long-term users who’ve dealt with the provider’s customer support and refund process. Avoid providers that Redditors flag as being uncooperative or dishonest.
Performance – Although most antiviruses boast high malware detection rates and offer numerous advanced features, finding one that has minimal impact on your device’s performance and battery life can make a big difference to your experience.
Price – When evaluating value for money, consider the security features you need. For example, TotalAV offers the most value for money, but McAfee offers far more features.
FAQs
What’s the best antivirus, according to Reddit?
What’s the best free antivirus Reddit users recommend?
What’s the best Mac antivirus Reddit recommends?
Can you trust Reddit antivirus recommendations?
How does Reddit rate TotalAV vs Kaspersky?
What’s the worst antivirus, according to Reddit users?
References
- AV-Comparatives Intego testing (AV-Comparatives)
- AV-Test Avast free antivirus testing (AV-Test)
- AV-Test Surfshark antivirus testing (AV-Test)