Top-Ranking Antivirus Programs : Comprehensive Review

We rely on our computers and mobile devices to help manage and control our professional and personal lives. No matter what you use your device for, your smartphones , tablets , and laptops contain personal, sensitive information that must be protected.

Antivirus software and programs are essential to protecting the details of our personal and professional lives. Device manufacturers’ built-in and default antivirus protections are much improved compared to a decade ago – but when you consider the modern-day threats we face, ranging from phishing to ransomware, you can never have enough protection.

With the right protection, you will be alerted when you visit suspicious websites, try to download or execute potentially malicious software, or malware otherwise finds its way on your system. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system without too much fuss.

Also: The best free antivirus software in 2024

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What is the best antivirus solution right now?

ZDNET has searched for the best antivirus you can trust to protect multiple devices and operating systems. Our pick for the best antivirus software overall is Bitdefender Total Security , which can handle advanced security threats with ease and without dragging your CPU.

Based on personal experience and testing, real user reviews, and expert options, these are the best antivirus software and apps to protect your most personal information in 2024.

Best antivirus software and apps of 2024

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View now at Bitdefender

Pros

• Robust malware scans
• Phishing protection
• Various subscriptions available

Cons

• Can be slow to get started
• Limited VPN

Bitdefender Total Security

Best antivirus overall

Our overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security. This software is designed to protect your personal data, such as passwords or financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your device.

Bitdefender is a well-known and trusted brand in the antivirus space. The antivirus solution isn’t too top-heavy and won’t hog your CPU, and it is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Beyond detecting and blocking malware, rootkits, and ransomware, the software also prevents invasive third-party data tracking and unauthorized access to your microphone or webcam. As a bonus, subscribers can use the built-in VPN to secure their online traffic, although this is limited to 200MB a day per device.

Also: The best password managers: Expert tested in 2024

Customers like Bitdefender’s ease of use and strong protection, but it is best for standard users who don’t want to exert too much control over the software.

Bitdefender’s plans are currently on sale, including the Total Security plan for $60 for a year of protection (saving you $40). The cheapest plan on offer is $35 per year. A free, limited antivirus solution is also available.

Bitdefender Total Security f eatures: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS compatibility | Free and premium antivirus software available | Business offerings | Mobile apps | VPN | Free trial

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View now at Norton

Pros

• Real-time protection
• Malware protection
• Affordable

Cons

• Advanced features limited to premium plans

Norton Antivirus Plus

Best affordable antivirus

Norton Antivirus Plus is a very affordable option if you only need to protect one device. Antivirus Plus is Norton’s basic antivirus solution and includes threat protection and monitoring, a firewall, and a free password manager – alongside 2GB of cloud backup storage.

If you want support for additional devices, dark web monitoring, a VPN, or parental controls, you will need to opt for Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Standard Deluxe, or Norton 360 with LifeLock Select. Customers note Norton’s strong security scores, although some are less than impressed with the price jumps after promotional periods.

At the time of writing, the company is offering 50% off its Plus plan, which means you will only pay $30 for your first year of protection (protection for one device). You can also take advantage of a 57% discount on Standard plans ($40 per year) that will protect up to three devices.

Norton Antivirus Plus f eatures: Real-time threat protection | Firewall | Password manager | Cloud backup | Free personal scam protection tool | PC and mobile compatibility | 60-day money-back guarantee

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View now at Mcafee

Pros

• Great compatibility
• Dark web monitoring
• VPN included

Cons

• Typical price is expensive

McAfee Total Protection

Best antivirus for extra features

McAfee Total Protection fits the bill when you want to purchase antivirus protection for multiple devices.

It offers protection for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Chromebooks. There is also a free password manager , VPN, and Dark Web monitoring service included so you can keep your credentials safe – and be made aware of any information leaks online that could compromise your identity or accounts.

Special alerts inform you of threats so you can act immediately. Customers say McAfee protection is solid and worth paying for, although software removal and pop-ups can be a nuisance.

When you sign up, you will receive 12 months of protection. When you purchase the software directly from McAfee, you have options, including an Essential package protecting up to five devices for $40 per year or individual advanced plans.

McAfee Total Protection f eatures: Antivirus protection | Dark web monitoring | VPN | Password manager | Firewall | File shredder | Suspicious website alerts | Protection scores

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View now at Surfshark

Pros

• Trustworthy performance
• Affordable
• Secure VPN

Cons

• VPN speeds can be slower than competitors

Surfshark One

Best antivirus for use with a VPN

Surfshark is most often associated with virtual private networks (VPNs), but if you are looking for a lightweight AV bolt-on for this type of privacy tool, the Surfshark One package might be for you.

A VPN provides an encrypted tunnel to mask your IP address and online activities. Surfshark consistently places as one of our top VPNs , especially considering how affordable it is, and the firm also provides a basic antivirus within its mid- and top-tier packages. The AV runs quietly in the background and performs real-time scans to keep you safe from online threats.

Surfshark offers a range of plans to suit your needs and budget. Subscriptions start at $2.69 per month on a two-year plan, with three months of free access included. Annual plans begin at $3.39 per month. Customers like Surfshark as a solid VPN that demonstrates good value for money.

If you would also like a data removal service from company databases and people search sites, you could also opt for Surfshark One+, which also includes a VPN and antivirus software. Plans start at $4.29 per month.

Surfshark One f eatures: Package options | Solid VPN | Alternative ID | Data breach alerts | Privacy-focused search engine | Scheduled scans | Webcam protection

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View now at ESET View now at ESET Home

Pros

• Full malware detection
• XDR
• Cloud-based defenses

Cons

• Can get pricey

ESET Protect

Best antivirus for business

ESET Protect is one of our top choices of antivirus programs for small to medium-sized businesses.

Depending on the program you opt for, the company provides customizable plans for organizations of all sizes. These plans include multiple device protection, endpoint defense, encryption, file protection, cloud-based monitoring for new threats, app protection, mail security, full disk encryption, multi-factor authentication, and more.

Organizations can add extended detection, response support, and more security services from ESET. On-premise or cloud options are available. If you sign up for at least one year, you can take advantage of a discounted rate on Protect Complete plans. Many customers are very happy with the service, although reporting processes appear to need refining.

Consumers, too, can sign up for Home plans starting at $50 per year.

ESET SMB f eatures: Custom plans | Discounts for longer subscriptions | Endpoint defense | File security | Cloud app protection | Management interface | MDR

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What is the best antivirus software?

*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which is the right antivirus software for you?

Factors to consider when choosing antivirus software

When selecting an antivirus, you should consider:

• Device support: Many antivirus solutions support a variety of devices. Consider whether you want to protect your PC or mobile device, for example – and check that plans will cover more than one machine.
• Protection: Research the protection on offer, including whether the software can protect you against threats such as ransomware, trojans, and spyware.
• Price: There are free, lightweight options that can handle day-to-day protection, but they are unlikely to offer additional support. If you opt for a paid plan, choose one suitable for your budget and be aware of any price hikes following promotional first years.
• Additional features: You may want a solution that provides additional advanced features such as a bundled VPN, a dark web scanner, a data breach notification service, or insurance.
• Resource use: Resource use varies across antivirus products, so you should check whether your machine will struggle with the extra workload. Apps tend to be optimized for modern mobile devices, but some older PCs may not work well with every antivirus option.

How did we choose these antivirus software and apps?

There are numerous factors we consider when recommending the best antivirus software solutions, including:

• Features: There are many threats out there, from malware to viruses, so we look for the best antivirus protection and features available to protect your online activity, whether you are using your PC or smartphone. Features may include email attachment checks, dark web data breach alert services, VPNs, and identity data monitoring.
• Real-time scanning: We like to see real-time scans as a feature of modern antivirus software as we consider this imperative to modern security. This feature ensures you are warned when threats emerge.
• Performance: Features mean nothing if the antivirus app or software does not have the power or performance to back it up. It is important to look for antivirus software and apps that not only attack existing threats, but prevent you from facing new ones, too.
• Accessibility: Antivirus software has been available for quite some time, and there are now plenty of mobile antivirus apps, too. Consider how you would best like to access your antivirus program and what mobile requirements there may be.
• Price: The best antivirus programs do not charge the highest fees, with several programs offering free versions, but with limited features. Consider your budget when you are trying to find the best antivirus protection.

What types of security threats are there?

Viruses are not the only thing that antivirus programs protect against. There are also worms, which attack your device and attempt to propagate across networks, and trojans that appear to be safe programs but are anything but – as they will lurk on your device and attempt to steal your account and financial information.

You often find viruses, worms, and trojans hidden within seemingly legitimate software, or if you are downloading pirated content, you are also putting yourself at risk of accidentally executing malware on your machine.

Ransomware, too, is a serious threat to consumers and businesses today. Modern antivirus programs are often able to stop it in its tracks before it encrypts your machine and demands a ransom payment in return for a decryption key.

Spyware, coming in forms including software executables and mobile apps, can severely impact your privacy. Spyware will monitor your activities and collect your data, and in cases of stalkerware, may also log your phone calls, text messages, social media activity, and GPS location.

Antivirus apps and programs also protect against adware that can tap into your web history and flood you with pesky and potentially dangerous ads or notifications. Also known as nuisanceware, while not usually dangerous, nuisanceware can slow down your device, drain power, and make it close to impossible to browse the internet normally.

You should keep in mind that many variants of malware today are not limited to attacks against PCs – malicious software can also be found in seemingly benign mobile apps.

What is better, Norton or McAfee?

Norton and McAfee are both reputable, well-established antivirus vendors that offer great product lines. Generally speaking, McAfee is a better all-rounder for beginners, whereas Norton often earns better protection scores and ratings.

What is the main drawback of antivirus software?

One of the main drawbacks of antivirus software and apps is the computing resources they require. You may find that some antivirus software could become a drain on your resources and slow down your system – this is especially apparent when real-time threat scanners (an important aspect of protection) are in use. That said, vendors have vastly improved resource requirements and this is less of an issue compared to a decade ago.

What about Kaspersky for the best antivirus?

Kaspersky Anti-Virus has long been considered an excellent antivirus program, but in 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) branded Kaspersky a national security risk and the Commerce Department banned the use of its software in the US. Kaspersky has denied these claims but intends to “gradually wind down “ its operations in the country.

How much is the best antivirus?

Many of the best antivirus programs and apps offer a free version that you can choose to protect your devices. While they may be limited in their features, you often have the option to upgrade to a $30 to $40 annual plan for more benefits. Paid plans may cover more devices, for example, or include additional features such as email scanning, dark web monitoring, and password management.

Are there any alternative antivirus software and apps worth considering?

When you are looking for a free antivirus program, you have a huge market to consider – and not every solution can make it to our recommendations list. If none of the options above appeal to you, we also found these options in our search for the best antivirus apps and software:

Best cheap software alternative Trend Micro Antivirus+ Trend Micro Antivirus+ offers robust but cheap protection for one device, starting at $19.95 for an annual plan. A free trial is also available. View at Trend Micro Best alternative for rapid malware scans Malwarebytes Malwarebytes provides a flexible antivirus solution with rapid threat scans for only $3.75 per month. View at Malwarebytes Best free antivirus alternative Avast Avast is one of our top choices if you want to try out a free antivirus solution. The free option is suitable for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. View at Avast Best software cloud protection alternative Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus Webroot’s antivirus offering is a compact, discreet, cloud-based solution for PCs or Macs. Prices start at $30 per year. View at Webroot Best AI threat alternative Sophos Home Sophos Home is a one-stop shop for Windows and Mac protection, including AI threat detection, parental controls, and real-time web scanning. Currently, you can enjoy 25% off a yearly subscription ($45) or you can opt for a free trial. View at Sophos Best AI-based antivirus protection for the family Aura Aura provides artificial intelligence-based threat detection and family plans, currently available for $10 per month. View at Aura

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