The Best Antivirus Software of 2024

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The best antivirus software will ensure your system is protected against malware, spyware, and ransomware. Numerous cyber attacks that damaged assets or leaked sensitive data cost American businesses and consumers more than $12.5 billion last year. This only proves that having online security tools, like antivirus software, is critical. An antivirus offers real-time protection and can stop suspicious activity on your device, flag dangerous websites and downloads, and block ransomware, adware, and phishing attacks.

However, not all antiviruses are made equal. Therefore, I, alongside a team of experienced cybersecurity experts, have tested the best antivirus in terms of scanning speed, online protection, compatibility, value for money, and customer feedback. Read on to find the best virus protection software for your needs.

The Best Antivirus Tested By Our Experts

TotalAV – Best Antivirus Software Overall

Free Scan Included
VISIT SITE

Surfshark – Best Antivirus Protection with a Feature-Rich VPN

7-Day Free VPN Trial
VISIT SITE

Norton – Best Antivirus Software for Windows and Mac PCs

30-Day Free Trial
VISIT SITE

Nord Threat Protection – Best Antivirus with a Global VPN

7-Day Free Trial
VISIT SITE

TrendMicro – Best Virus Protection with AI-Led Threat Detection

30-Day Free Trial
VISIT SITE

Intego – Best Antivirus Software for Mac

30-Day Free Trial
VISIT SITE

Avast – Best Free Antivirus Software

Free-Forever Plan
VISIT SITE

McAfee – Best Antivirus Software for Windows 10

30-Day Free Trial
VISIT SITE

TotalAV – Best Antivirus Software Overall

TotalAV antivirus logo

Starting Price $19.00/year
Free Version/Trial Free scans
Key Features Antivirus Scanning, System Optimization, Web Protection, VPN
Compatibility Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Max Devices 8

Why We Picked It

TotalAV is one of the best antiviruses around to combat prevalent and emerging cyber threats. It has superb malware detection rates and real-time antivirus protection features – and over 25 million users trust the product.

Features

  • Real-Time Scanning – TotalAV’s real-time scanning feature is switched on by default, so your device enjoys protection against viruses, Trojans, and ransomware the moment the antivirus is installed.
  • Cloud Scanning – This incorporates cloud-scanning for identifying malicious software. Whenever TotalAV finds a suspicious file during a scan, it’ll compare it with known malware in its cloud database.
  • Zero-Day Threat Detection As well as dealing with known viruses, this feature enables the network to quickly identify and address previously unseen zero-day threats. TotalAV can also detect potentially hazardous startup programs, which are often hard to detect, and it offers various tools to speed up your computer.
  • WebShield Extension The WebShield extension for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge, meanwhile, will help you avoid malicious websites. This feature offers 360-degree protection while you browse the internet and can flag sites that may host malware or be used for scams or phishing schemes.

Pricing

TotalAV’s cheapest plan is $19.00/year, and it’ll give you protection for four devices, along with zero-day cloud scanning. To get you started, TotalAV also offers a free smart scan and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

TotalAV Pro TotalAV Internet TotalAV Total
Features Real-time protection, Web Shield extension, ransomware protection, zero-day scanning, phishing protection Adds a VPN Adds Total AdBlock, password vault, device protection
Devices 4 6 8
Lowest Price $19.00/Year $39.00/Year $49.00/Year

Who It's Best For

TotalAV is a great pick for both beginnersand experienced users looking for all-in-one security tool. It comes with system scans and real-time protection features, plus, it’s also affordable, and easy to use. Many also rate it as the best antivirus for Windows 11.

Pros

  • Top-rated antivirus with an unlimited VPN
  • Intuitive, modern interface
  • System tune-up and optimization tools
  • Excellent phishing protection

Cons

  • Limited identity theft monitoring features
  • Higher renewal prices
TotalAV
9.6
Review

 

Surfshark Antivirus – Best Antivirus Protection with a Feature-Rich VPN

Surfshark antivirus logo

Starting Price $36.32/year
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial for VPN
Key Features Antivirus, High-Speed VPN, Ad Blocker, Email and Card Privacy Tools
Compatibility Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Max Devices 5

Why We Picked It

Surfshark is one of the best antiviruses with a VPN, that also offers an alternative ID feature to avoid email spams or identity leaks. It also adds numerous privacy and security features to the standard malware-removal package.

Features

  • Malware Protection Surfshark offers robust protection from viruses, malware, and spyware. The company updates its database of known malware threats every three hours to ensure you’re safe from emerging threats. It also has great testing scores for protection and performance.
  • Usability It’s easy to set up and configure and has minimal impact on your device’s performance, making it an ideal pick for gamers and professionals who prefer a lightweight solution.
  • Additional Security Features Surfshark Antivirus also offers webcam protection, which will block unauthorized apps and websites from remotely activating your device’s camera. In addition, the product will inform you if your information, such as passwords, ID details, or credit card info, has been exposed by a data breach, so you can update your security.
  • VPN A significant benefit of subscribing to Surfshark is that you get the protection of one of the best VPNs on the market with fast connections and a large server network as well as a full antivirus product, saving you the cost of subscribing to two separate antivirus services.

Pricing

You’ll need to upgrade to the Surfshark One plan for real-time antivirus protection, but the package includes a wide range of security tools to keep you safe online. It costs $36.32/year with a two-year subscription and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark One Surfshark One+
Features Secure VPN, ad blocker, Alternative ID, Webcam protection, anti-spyware and malware protection Adds data removal services
Devices 5 5
Lowest Price $2.69/month $4.29/month

Who It's Best For

Surfshark provides an impressive security package, combining antivirus tools with one of the best VPN solutions around so you can use the internet securely and anonymously. Given this, it’s perfect for privacy-conscious users.

Pros

  • Top antivirus software with a secure VPN
  • Minimal device performance impact
  • Private search engine and data breach alerts
  • Webcam protection

Cons

  • Security tools limited to five devices
  • Antivirus software isn’t included with the cheapest plan
Surfshark Antivirus
9.5
Review

 

Norton – Best Antivirus Software for Windows and Mac PCs

Norton Antivirus logo

Starting Price $29.99/year
Free Version/Trial 30-day trial
Key Features Virus Protection Promise, Cloud Backups, Parental Controls, Identity Protection Tools
Compatibility Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Max Devices Unlimited

Why We Picked It

Norton Antivirus is one of the best antivirus software solutions for PC. It routinely gets full marks for protection, performance, and usability in independent testing, and it’s one of the few antiviruses with parental controls, making it ideal for families.

Features

  • Antivirus Scans and Firewall – Norton has a solid set of antivirus tools, from real-time antivirus tools to system scans and ransomware protection. It also has a smart firewall, which can block malicious traffic and prevent hackers from extracting data from your device.
  • Virus Protection Promise – A particularly notable feature is Norton’s Virus Protection Promise. If you can’t remove a virus from your device, even with expert support, then the company guarantees you a full refund.
  • Parental Controls – Besides its antivirus tools, Norton includes some of the best parental control app features around for ensuring the safety of your children online.
  • Unlimited Devices and Secure Storage – With top-tier plans, you can protect an unlimited number of devices and get up to 500GB of cloud storage to back up your files – making Norton perfect for families.
  • Performance – The antivirus generally has a low impact on system performance, but you may see a slight slowdown with older machines. Another slight downside is that its mobile apps aren’t quite as feature-rich as their PC counterparts.

Pricing

Norton’s entry-level plan covers one PC or smartphone for $29.99/year. It includes a 30-day trial, so you can thoroughly test the product, and a 60-day money-back guarantee, which is considerably longer than competing offers. Given the pricing, many rate it as the best cheap antivirus for Windows 10.

Norton Plus Norton 360 Standard Norton 360 Deluxe Norton 360 LifeLock Select
Features Malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, 2GB cloud backups, password manager Adds a VPN and dark web monitoring Adds parental control and privacy monitoring Adds LifeLock identity theft protection
Devices 1 3 5 10
Lowest Price $29.99/Year $39.99/Year $49.99/Year $99.99/Year

Who It's Best For

Norton gets excellent results in lab testing, and it comes with a wide range of features to ensure complete, real-time virus protection for your devices.

Furthermore, its robust parental controls and support for unlimited devices set it apart from its competitors and make it ideal for families. See our complete Norton vs McAfee guide for further analysis.

Pros

Cons

  • Slows down older devices during scans
  • Entry-level plan protects only one device
Norton
9.3
Review

 

NordVPN Threat Protection – Best Antivirus with a Global VPN

NordVPN logo

Starting Price $52.68/year
Free Version/Trial 7-day trial on Android
Key Features Global VPN Network, Web Protection, Ad Blocker, Password Manager
Compatibility Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Max Devices 10

Why We Picked It

NordVPN Threat Protection offers thorough internet security, scanning every file you download for malware while giving you access to a high-speed VPN network with a huge global server network.

Features

  • Web Protection – NordVPN Threat Protection is one of the least resource-demanding antiviruses and provides thorough web protection, scanning downloads to prevent malware from reaching your system.
  • Malware Blocking – It’s also able to automatically block pop-up ads, protecting you from adware, and to filter out websites known for malicious activity. This ensures you have an uninterrupted browsing experience and are far less likely to click on a malicious link.
  • VPN Server Network – Notably, the antivirus is bundled with the leading NordVPN VPN service, which offers high-speed connections and access to a network of 6,400+ servers in 111 countries.
  • VPN Security Features – It also includes advanced features like split-tunneling, which allows you to prioritize protected traffic, and MeshNet, which allows you to form a private network with users around the world.
  • Password Manager – You also get NordPass, one of the best password managers available. This enables you to securely store and access all your login information. These components combine for robust online protection, which puts NordVPN ahead of most competitors.

Pricing

NordVPN offers two security plans, with the cheaper Plus plan costing $52.68/year with a two-year subscription. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and a seven-day free trial for Android to test the service, which offers some of the best internet security tools around.

Nord Plus Nord Ultimate
Features Secure VPN, malware protection, ad blocker, password manager, and data breach scanner Adds encrypted cloud storage and identity theft recovery
Devices 10 10
Lowest Price $3.99/month $5.99/month

Who It's Best For

NordVPN is very suitable for users looking to install a multifunctional tool, that’s lightweight, yet highly secure. The excellent real time protection and

While the VPN service ensures you can access the internet securely and anonymously, with access to fast servers around the world.

Pros

  • Lightweight service
  • User-friendly interface
  • Excellent VPN, with a global network
  • Includes password manager and ad blocker

Cons

  • Can’t scan hard drives
  • Limited free trial options
NordVPN Threat Protection
9.0
Review

 

Trend Micro – Best Virus Protection with AI-Led Threat Detection

Trend Micro antivirus logo

Starting Price $19.95/year
Free Version/Trial 30-day trial, free tools
Key Features Ransomware and Phishing Blocker, Web Protection, Password Manager
Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook
Max Devices 10

Why We Picked It

Trend Micro uses artificial intelligence to provide robust virus protection, block malicious sites, and remove existing malware from your devices – and it offers excellent malware detection rates.

Features

  • Malware Protection – Trend Micro can protect your devices from widespread malware and advanced threats, though it lacks a smart firewall, like Norton.
  • Folder Shield – Trend Micro’s Folder Shield feature adds an extra layer of security to protect sensitive folders from ransomware, and it prevents unauthorized apps from making changes. The feature is able to protect both files stored locally and those with cloud providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud.
  • Malicious Website Blocking – The antivirus also blocks suspicious websites that may host malware to protect you when you browse the internet and shop online.
  • Pay Guard – In addition, there’s the Pay Guard tool, which helps secure your browser. It provides a secure channel for payments, preventing malicious individuals from accessing your credit card information or personal details and safeguarding you from financial losses and identity theft.

Pricing

Trend Micro’s starter plan costs $19.95/year and protects one Windows device. To cover other operating systems, you’ll need to upgrade to the Maximum Security plan, which covers five devices.

Plans include a 30-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

 Antivirus+ Trend Micro Internet Maximum Trend Micro Premium Suite
Features Ransomware protection, advanced AI learning, Trend Micro pay guard Adds online children protection, secure social media tool, system optimization Adds password protection and management and secures mobile devices Adds a VPN, dark web monitoring, identity fraud insurance, remote diagnosis and repair, and 24/7 support
Devices 1 PC 3 PC 5 devices 10 devices
Lowest Price $19.95/Year $39.95/Year $49.95/Year $54.95/Year

Who It's Best For

Trend Micro is an excellent choice for users on a budget seeking comprehensive protection. It offers some of the best virus protection tools. Because of its AI technology, it’s a proactive service that is quick to catch emerging threats.

It’s also a great option for businesses and individuals looking for Linux antivirus software.

Pros

  • AI-powered malware detection tools
  • Range of free tools
  • Superb ransomware protection
  • Impressive browser extension

Cons

  • No integrated firewall
  • Basic plan limited to one device
Trend Micro
9.1
Review

 

Intego – Best Antivirus Software for Mac

Intego antivirus logo

Starting Price $37.50/year
Free Version/Trial 30-day trial
Key Features Built for Macs, Real-Time Protection, System Optimization, Firewall
Compatibility Mac, Windows
Max Devices 5

Why We Picked It

Intego offers the best antivirus software for Mac. It’s packed with features, including a two-way Mac firewall and the Mac Washing Machine tool for system optimization, and the package has been designed specifically for Mac devices.

Features

  • Mac Malware Protection and Firewall – Intego specializes in protecting Macs from viruses and other threats with real-time antivirus protection, scans, and a two-way firewall. The firewall allows Intego to both protect your Mac from malicious traffic and to stop suspicious data extraction processes.
  • System Optimization – The Mac-focused antivirus will also help you keep your device clean and optimized with its Washing Machine feature. This scans your system and digs up junk files, such as cache files, logs, downloads, and duplicates, which are taking up unnecessary space on your device and can potentially be removed.
  • Windows Features – While Intego excels at protecting Macs, it has more limited features for Windows, and other providers, like McAfee, have stronger offerings for protecting Windows PCs.

Pricing

Intego’s entry-level Mac security plan costs $37.50/year for one device with a two-year subscription, while its Windows antivirus plans start at $39.99/year for one device. Intego also has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day trial.

Mac Internet Security X9 Mac Premium Security X9 Mac Premium Bundle + VPN
Features Virus and malware protection, automatic scanning, real-time protection, firewall, VirusBarrier, NetBarrier Adds Mac washing machine tool and personal backup Adds a VPN
Devices 1 Mac PC 1 Mac PC 1 Mac PC
Lowest Price $74.99 for 2 Years $129.99 for 2 Years $149.99 for 2 Years

Windows users should opt for the Family plan since it can cover 3 PCs:

Windows Personal Windows Family Windows Extended
Features Virus and malware protection, automatic scanning, real-time protection, firewall, VirusBarrier, NetBarrier Adds Mac washing machine tool and personal backup Adds a VPN
Devices 1 Windows PC 3 Windows PC 5 Windows PC
Lowest Price $39.99/Year $54.99/Year $69.99/Year

Who It's Best For

Intego offers the best malware protection for Macs, along with numerous tools to optimize your device and keep you safe online. It’s an ideal choice for Mac users.

Pros

  • Built-in two-way firewall
  • Excellent malware detection rates
  • Easy to install and use
  • Best malware antivirus for Apple users

Cons

  • Fewer features for Windows
  • No direct protection for smartphones
Intego
8.6
Review

 

Avast – Best Free Antivirus Software

Avast antivirus logo

Starting Price $35.88/year
Free Version/Trial Free plan, 30-day trial
Key Features Sandbox Testing, Webcam Protection, File Shredder, Web Security
Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Max Devices 30

Why We Picked It

Avast is a top-tier antivirus provider that offers an outstanding free version. The free and paid plans both offer an impressive range of features that ensure you have multi-layered protection in place.

Features

  • Free Antivirus Features – Avast’s free plan is arguably the best free antivirus software available. It can successfully detect common viruses, malware, and even ransomware and scans files and program behavior for potential threats. It also includes Smart Scan functionality, which can find hidden vulnerabilities.
  • Security Features on Upgrade – Upgrading to the premium plans unlocks more advanced features, such as webcam protection, Avast’s firewall, and its software updater. Avast can also help keep your apps patched and updated, ensuring your devices aren’t vulnerable.
  • Testing Scores – In independent testing, Avast routinely gets full marks for protection, performance, and usability, underlining its malware detection capabilities.
  • Network Scanning – In addition, Avast enables you to scan your network for signs of malicious activity, whether at home or on public Wi-Fi. It will then alert you if it’s unsafe to connect.
  • Performance – Although it offers impressive virus protection, I found Avast slightly more resource-hungry than most competitors, making TotalAV or Surfshark a better choice for gamers and individuals relying on performance.

Pricing

Avast offers an exceptional free antivirus, but you get much more if you upgrade to its paid plans. Its entry-level plan costs $35.88/year and protects three devices.

I recommend the Premium Security plan, though, which costs $49.99/year for one device or $69.99/year to protect ten and offers much more functionality.

Plan Price
Avast Free Antivirus Free
Avast One Silver – Protection $35.88/year
Avast Premium Security – 1 device $49.99/year
Avast Ultimate Security – 1 device $49.99/year
Avast Premium Security – 10 devices $69.99/year
Avast Ultimate Security – 10 devices $69.99/year

You can see our list of the best free antivirus solutions for more recommendations.

Who It's Best For

Avast is the best free antivirus software I’ve tested and provides a superb range of features with its free plans. Given this, it’s a great budget option – and it offers a wide range of plans if you choose to upgrade. See our Avast vs AVG guide for further analysis.

Pros

  • High antivirus detection scores
  • Automatic software updater and boot scan
  • Excellent free plan
  • Wi-Fi network safety analysis

Cons

  • May slow down lower-end devices
  • Confusing pricing structure
Avast
8.6
Review

 

McAfee – Best Antivirus Software for Windows 10

McAfee antivirus logo

Starting Price $29.99/year
Free Version/Trial 30 day trial
Key Features Protection Score, Social Privacy Manager, System Optimization, Identity Protection Tools
Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Max Devices Unlimited

Why We Picked It

McAfee offers a great antivirus suite that gets lots of praise for its usability, affordable plans, and decades of experience. It also offers a wide range of features and is among the best solutions for Windows 10 machines.

Features

  • Antivirus Scanning – McAfee has strong core antivirus features, with real-time antivirus protection and in-depth scans. It also has web protection, which flags links pointing to malicious websites, and it’s able to detect and block ransomware attacks attempting to encrypt your files.
  • Protection Score – My favorite feature is the McAfee Protection Score, which analyzes the active security measures on your device and gives you actionable insights on improving your defenses.
  • Data Breach Monitoring – It incorporates data breach monitoring, alerting you if your details have been leaked online, and warnings about weak and repeated passwords that could leave your accounts vulnerable.
  • Additional Security Features – The package ensures 360-degree digital protection, with a password manager, system optimization and scam protection tools, and social privacy management features, and it includes identity theft protection with its more comprehensive plans.
  • VPN – There’s even a VPN solution with the Essential package – though it isn’t as comprehensive a solution as those offered by Surfshark or NordVPN.

Pricing

You can subscribe to McAfee for $29.99/year, but the Essential plan is a far better buy, including the VPN, password manager, and protection for five devices at $39.99/year.

For unlimited devices, you’ll need a higher-tier plan but you’ll also get identity theft protection to help you monitor your credit score, prevent fraud, and perform security freezes.

McAfee Essential McAfee Premium McAfee Advanced
Features Scam Protection, web protection, VPN, password manager Adds personal data cleanup, online account cleanup (scans only), and identity monitoring and alerts Adds bank and credit card transaction monitoring and identity theft coverage
Devices Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Lowest Price $79.99 for 2 Years $49.99/Year $89.99/Year

Who It's Best For

McAfee is packed with features and excels at tackling ransomware and phishing attacks. It also has a great toolset for protecting your privacy, making it great value for money for individuals and families using Windows devices.

Pros

  • Protection Score for quick security assessments
  • Numerous identity theft protection features
  • Identifies links to malicious sites before you open them
  • Easy to install and use
  • Among the best Windows antiviruses

Cons

  • Relatively basic VPN
  • Need to upgrade for the best value for money
McAfee
8.5
Review

 

Methodology

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.

Do I Need Antivirus Software? What Is It?

Whether you’re using Windows or a Mac, it’s a good idea to have an antivirus software solution installed on your machine. Around 89% of desktop users use antivirus software – and it’s the smart thing to do. Anti-malware software scans your system for viruses that could be attempting to attack your device or steal your data.

And there’s plenty to be afraid of, whether it’s hackers stealing the passwords for your bank account or unscrupulous individuals locking your computer and holding it to ransom.

The very least you should worry about is the risk of malicious actors hijacking your bandwidth and processing power for botnets and crypto mining – though this can make your device inoperable. More serious threats include identity theft and fraud, with hackers cloning your credit cards and taking out loans in your name.

Given this, it’s critical to have robust antivirus protection in place.

How Does Virus Protection Work?

Today’s leading antivirus products protect you from viruses in several distinct ways.

  • Scans – Antiviruses scan your device for viruses and malware using a directory of known threats. They will then quarantine and remove suspicious files and software.
  • Network Security – Most security products will provide a firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. This will detect concerning network activity and data being extracted from your devices.
  • Real-Time Protection – Top antivirus solutions will offer real-time protection, which monitors software and system behavior to detect suspicious activity. This allows the security app to find and block infected files and to identify previously unknown threats.
  • Downloads – Many malware protection packages can also scan files before you download them to stop your device from being infected.

Will an Antivirus Slow Down My Device?

Antivirus software should generally have minimal impact on your device’s performance. I’ve looked at independent, third-party testing results as part of my review process, and my picks have performed well when it comes to having a limited impact on system resources.

Of course, you can also schedule scans to run only when it’s convenient. In addition, the best antiviruses include system optimization tools to ensure your software is up-to-date and running as efficiently as possible – which can have your machine running as good as new.

Having a malware infection, on the other hand, can cripple your device and leave you open to identity theft and fraud. Because of this, it’s a far better option to have an antivirus solution in place than to do without.

What Does Antivirus Software Do? What Threats Will It Block?

An antivirus program can shield you from a wide range of online threats. These include:

VirusesSpywareRansomwarePhishingSpam and Adware

Viruses

Viruses are self-replicating pieces of malware that seek to infect computers and spread. While viruses once only sought to create disruption, criminals today typically use them to gain access to devices and steal individuals’ personal details.

This might result in the device being used as part of a botnet or for cryptomining – or it might see a hacker attempting to steal your identity or access your bank accounts.

Experts have recorded more than 1.1 billion pieces of malware circulating on the internet. This number is increasing, with 100 million threats added to the count every year.

Just being online puts you at risk of being infected with a virus, but antivirus software products reliably protect computers against viruses.

Spyware

Spyware is a kind of malware that infects your device and spies on your activity to steal your personal data. This could include everything from passwords and credit card information to your financial details.

Some spyware programs will allow hackers to access your apps, use your microphone and camera, and disable your device. Fortunately, antivirus software can help shield you from such spyware attacks.

Ransomware

In ransomware attacks, hackers gain access to systems and then encrypt files before demanding payment to release them.

This can be extremely damaging for businesses and organizations that work with irreplaceable data, including small firms and hospitals, government bodies, and charities.

Antivirus security apps can protect against this type of threat in several ways. For example, they can flag phishing emails that could expose users to malware, provide secure backups to ensure files can be replaced, and proactively prevent programs from encrypting files and folders.

Phishing

Phishing attacks attempt to trick people into handing over their payment details to fraudsters via malicious domains. It may be sufficient, though, for the hackers to simply get you to click on a link or download a file for them to infect your device with malware.

Antiviruses can flag potentially dangerous links in emails and malware files attached to messages, keeping you safe from fraudsters.

Spam, Ads, and Adware

Pop-up advertising and spam websites are two of the most common ways for viruses to access your device and corrupt your files. Once a virus enters your system, it causes permanent damage.

Antiviruses can block these spam emails and advertisements. Many have ad and tracker blockers, which save you time, processing resources, and bandwidth and help to protect your privacy.

Premium solutions also offer monitoring services for your social media accounts and banking services to provide additional layers of protection.

Is Windows Defender Good Enough?

Microsoft Defender – formerly known as Windows Defender – is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus solution for Windows 10 and 11. It provides a reasonable degree of security, with real-time protection, a firewall, and antivirus scans.

However, it doesn’t provide advanced security solutions or the additional features offered by commercial providers, such as a password manager, secure storage, or a VPN, and it doesn’t include robust protection from phishing or ransomware attacks.

In addition, it can only protect a single Windows device and can’t protect your phone or other hardware.

A key benefit, though, is that the software makes it easy to deactivate its features when other antivirus software is installed. This means you don’t have to worry about the programs conflicting or unnecessarily slowing down your system.

How to Choose the Best Malware Protection Program

Various factors can make a big difference when it comes to choosing the right antivirus software for you and your devices.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important factors to consider for computer protection, whether you’re looking at Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Trend Micro Maximum Security, or other antivirus providers:

Detection RatesPrivacySecurity FeaturesEase of UseSupport

Detection Rates

The most important factor to consider when selecting an antivirus software solution is how well it can protect your device against current and future threats.

With tons of great options on the market that can deliver protection rates significantly above 95%, there’s no reason to settle for services that do less – and the best tools will consistently catch and quarantine threats with few false positives.

It’s also worth considering that if you’re using a free service that has poor detection rates, then you’re likely exposing yourself to threats and compromising the security of your device.

Privacy

Some companies gather information on how you use your computer to enhance their products. While simple product use information is normally anonymized, some products may transfer suspicious documents to the vendor’s scanning cloud from your computer.

I recommend looking for a vendor that provides guarantees about the secure and appropriate handling of your files and data to minimize the chance your privacy may be breached. The best virus protection products will ensure your system remains secure and private.

Some providers, such as Surfshark, offer both antivirus and VPN features, providing additional privacy and security for your internet connection.

Additional Security Measures

While it’s important to have malware protection and a firewall, many of the top antivirus programs offer more than that. For example, you might look for support across browsers and devices and additional services, such as a VPN or a password manager.

Getting this functionality bundled with your anti-virus software adds convenience while making you more secure, and it might also save you money, meaning you don’t have to run up additional subscription costs.

Ease of Use

The usability of antivirus apps is another important factor. While some applications might be complicated to use, others are simple.

Antiviruses should make it easy to run full system scans or to scan a single file. See our guide on how to check a file for viruses to see just how simple it can be.

In the past, some antivirus programs had a negative impact on device performance, but the entries on my shortlist generally have minimal system impact.

Try to find a security program that you feel at ease with – if you don’t use it or don’t make full use of it, you’re likely leaving yourself open to threats.

Before paying for a subscription, you can take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees to test the platform and make sure you’ve got a grip on the product.

Support

Customer service can make a big difference when looking at anti-virus software.

If you’re trying to remove a malware program that has made it through your firewall or you’re trying to optimize your antivirus, which seems to be consuming your entire CPU, then it’s good to be able to get ahold of expert assistance.

Look for tools with 24/7 customer support and multiple support channels, like live chat, email, and toll-free numbers. If a service has a reputation for poor support, then it may be worthwhile to cut it off your list.

What Devices Can Antivirus Security Software Protect?

Most antivirus companies provide solutions for a range of different operating systems and devices. Here’s what to look for:

  • Best Windows Antivirus – Antivirus firms typically offer robust solutions for PCs. I rate TotalAV, McAfee, and Norton as being some of the best options.
  • Best Antivirus for Mac – While Apple devices might be more secure than PCs, Macs can get viruses and are susceptible to malware and virus attacks today, so it’s advisable to buy an antivirus product. Intego is a top-rated solution for Macs and MacBooks and can scan your iPhone as an external drive.
  • Best Antivirus for Android – It’s wise to get protection for your mobile device. TotalAV, Surfshark, and Norton are top picks for Android security.
  • Best Antivirus for Chromebook – Chromebooks can get infected too. TotalAV, Norton, and NordVPN Threat Protection are some of the best security solutions for keeping your device secure.
  • Best Linux Antivirus Software – Few providers offer consumer solutions for securing Linux, but Bitdefender, Trend Micro, and ESET are excellent business solutions for the platform.
  • Best Server Antivirus – Keeping your server free of malware is critical for businesses. I rate Avast, Trend Micro, and ESET as some of the best providers to protect you.

How to Use Antivirus Software

Getting started with antivirus software is relatively simple, but the process can be confusing. Here’s a guide with step-by-step instructions for setting up TotalAV and running a scan.

  1. Get a TotalAV account

    First, go to TotalAV, click Buy Now, and select the appropriate plan for your needs. The basic plan is sufficient for most users, but you can upgrade to get a password manager and VPN. Click Purchase & Agree to complete your purchase.

    TotalAV landing page

  2. Download and Install TotalAV

    With the purchase complete, you can now download the app. Once that’s done, follow the install wizard’s instructions to finish the process. You can now use your login details to access your account.

    TotalAV installation wizard

  3. Run your first scan

    With TotalAV installed and set up, you can scan your device and make sure that your operating system is secure. You can pick from a smart scan or a full system scan. It’s smart to run a full scan to ensure your device is comprehensively checked as soon as you install the software.

    TotalAV settings option

    With that, you’re good to go, and TotalAV will offer real-time protection, regular scans, and complete online security.

    To schedule scans, go to the Settings cog on the left, select Antivirus Scans, then fill in the details you want, selecting the scan type, frequency, and any files or folders you want to be excluded.

    totalav the best antivirus software

    To ensure real-time protection is enabled, click the TotalAV icon on the left, then check the Real-Time Protection toggle on the following screen.

    You can find the settings for the WebShield firewall by clicking on the fingerprint icon on the left, clicking WebShield, then checking the Enable WebShield button. This ensures you’re protected while using the internet.

    If you have the Internet Security plan, you can also access the VPN from the left menu, as well as Total Password, which is included with the top-tier Total Security plan and as a separate product.

Free vs Paid Antivirus – Is Free Antivirus Enough?

The main difference between free and paid antivirus tools is the level of protection that they provide. Free tools provide basic protection, but paid plans offer additional features and provide multi-layered security defenses.

Avast is one of the most widely used antivirus software products, for example, but you get a lot more from the provider if you upgrade.

Krishi ChowdharyTech Expert
EXPERT INSIGHT

“A paid plan is an excellent investment in digital security if you handle sensitive data or use a computer for work. A free antivirus tool may be viable if you’re just using your computer to check email, read the news, and watch Netflix. However, you should consider upgrading to a paid version for advanced features and protection against ransomware and phishing attacks.”

Free plans often come with advertising or frequent reminders to upgrade. Some providers have even been found to be monetizing their products by selling user activity data to third parties.

An even worse scenario is to download malware disguised as antivirus software, which can then infect your network and start harvesting your data.

Because of this, it’s a smart choice to pay for a paid plan from a reputable provider so you can ensure your device, data, and identity are protected.

Conclusion

Overall, with cyber threats advancing daily, the need for additional cybersecurity tools, like antivirus, is only increasing. However, with so many options in the market, it’s quite difficult to determine which antivirus software is the best for you.

Therefore, after numerous hands-on tests and detailed analyses of each product, I am confident in recommending TotalAV as the best antivirus solution for most users. The provider delivered great ease of use and numerous security features, including real-time protection and scans, all for a very reasonable price.

TotalAV
9.6
Review

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Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert
Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert

Krishi Chowdhary has half a decade of experience writing buying guides and product reviews for numerous leading technology websites. He spent two years writing for Business2Community.com before joining Techopedia.com. He has a degree in Commerce and extensive experience in the technology industry. He's also the key driver behind TechReport.com's news content, delivering expertise insight into the latest tech and cybersecurity news daily.

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