Best Antivirus Software of April 2024
Updated March 29, 2024 at 2:37 pm
How secure is your computer right now? If you’re like most people, you probably have a basic antivirus installed and call it a day. But as cyber threats become more rampant, using a reputable antivirus suite is more critical than ever. Choosing the right antivirus software is one of the most important decisions to keep your digital life safe.
We’ve researched all the top options to determine the best antivirus programs for 2023 so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. From industry leaders with real-time threat detection to budget-friendly crowd favorites, these 10 antivirus software options are guaranteed to give you ironclad protection and peace of mind. Read on to find your new antivirus champion.
Methodology To compile this list, we reviewed the top services on the market, compared the specs and features, and created a short list of the top antivirus software. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews, ratings and hands-on experience to find the best antivirus software for each category.
Our Picks - Best Overall: Bitdefender
- Best Value for Money: Norton
- Best Free Antivirus: Avast
- Best Lightweight Antivirus: AVG
- Best for Phishing Protection: Kaspersky
- Best for Plan Customization: F-Secure
- Best for Cloud-Based Threat Detection: Trend Micro
- Best for Families: McAfee
- Best for Real-Time Protection: Malwarebytes
- Best for Quick Scans: Webroot
Antivirus Software Options
Starting Monthly Cost
Simultaneous Connections
Starting Monthly Cost
Simultaneous Connections
Starting Monthly Cost
Devices
10 Best Antivirus Software of 2024
Best Overall
Bitdefender
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Bitdefender consistently scores high in independent tests, ensuring that no malware slips through the cracks. But it’s not just about the protection, Bitdefender also offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for tech-savvy individuals and beginners to navigate.
Key Features:
- Advanced malware detection
- Low system impact
- Real-time threat protection
- Secure VPN
- Multi-layer ransomware protection
Pros
- Bitdefender offers strong malware protection
- It has a low impact on system performance
- Bitdefender provides multiple features, including banking safety and a secure VPN
Cons
- Bitdefender’s add-ons can be relatively expensive
- The VPN incurs extra costs
- The first full scan with the software is slow
Best Value for Money
Norton
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Norton 360 Deluxe provides multi-layered protection from viruses, ransomware and malware. Its robust features give you complete security without breaking the bank. Norton is one of the lightweight software that won’t slow down your device or interfere with your activities.
Key Features:
- On-demand malware scan
- Password manager
- Dark Web monitoring
- Smart Firewall for iOS
- On-access malware scan
Pros
- Affordable subscription, especially for multi-device plans
- Available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- Strong malware detection rates
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive on older machines
- Some unnecessary bundled software cannot be deselected during installation
- No built-in password manager
Best Free Antivirus
Avast
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Avast is an ideal choice if you want a no-frills option to guard against viruses and malware. Avast is lightweight and offers solid protection.
Key Features:
- Real-time virus scanner
- Wi-Fi Inspector
- Password manager
- Junk cleaner
- Firewall
Pros
- It’s free
- Lightweight and won’t slow down your PC
- Essential security features for basic protection
Cons
- Recently fined by the FTC over accusations of selling user information to third parties
- Limited additional tools compared to paid suites
- Some pop-up ads for Avast paid products
- May miss some zero-day malware threats since it’s a free product
Best Lightweight Antivirus
AVG
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
AVG is an excellent choice if you’re focused on protecting your device from basic threats and don’t want resource-heavy software. The low system impact and affordable price make it great for budget-conscious users and those with older devices.
Key Features:
- Malware scanning
- Real-time threat detection
- Phishing protection
- Anti-theft phone tracking
- Web browsing protection
Pros
- Very lightweight and won’t slow down your devices
- Intuitive and simple interface
- Available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
Cons
- Not as comprehensive as paid antivirus options
- Fewer customization options for advanced users
- May miss some new or sophisticated threats
Best for Phishing Protection
Kaspersky
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Kaspersky’s real-time threat detection and anti-phishing capabilities are tough to beat. It uses real-time data from over 400 million users to detect new phishing sites and infected links in seconds.
Key Features:
- Safe Money for secure online transactions
- System vulnerability detection
- Network attack blocker
- Real-time threat monitoring
- Advanced malware detection and removal
Pros
- Unmatched phishing and malware protection
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Free version available with basic features
Cons
- Kaspersky is quite resource-intensive
- Occasional false positives on legitimate sites
- Concerns over data privacy with some governments
Best for Plan Customization
F-Secure
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
F-Secure offers highly customizable antivirus plans so you can pick and choose the features and desired level of protection. The software delivers a solid set of essential security tools with the flexibility to build the protection you need.
Key Features:
- Real-time malware detection
- Browser protection
- Banking protection
- Parental controls
- Password manager
Pros
- Flexible and affordable plans
- Minimal impact on performance
- Trusted security
Cons
- Limited extra features
- No dedicated ransomware protection
- No dedicated phishing protection
Best for Cloud-Based Threat Detection
Trend Micro
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
If you want comprehensive cloud-based security with innovative machine learning and global threat intelligence, Trend Micro delivers solid protection for your digital life at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- Behavior analysis
- Vulnerability scanning
- Password management
- Parental controls
- Cloud-based file and URL reputation services
Pros
- Excellent phishing and ransomware protection
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Multifaceted browser extension
Cons
- Limited customization options
- No multi-device volume licensing
- The interface may be confusing for less tech-savvy users
Best for Families
McAfee
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
McAfee is a reputable brand that offers comprehensive protection for up to 10 devices. For families looking to secure all their devices and keep kids safe online, McAfee is an excellent choice.
Key Features:
- McAfee Total Protection
- Parental controls
- Identity theft prevention
- Safe web searching
- McAfee PC Optimizer
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-device protection
- Useful parental controls
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Can impact device performance
- Interface may seem complicated
- The Mac version is missing some features
Best for Real-Time Protection
Malwarebytes
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Malwarebytes is a simple yet robust option for those looking for dedicated real-time malware and virus protection. While the free version offers essential safeguards, the full Premium version is worth the investment for comprehensive security and added features like ransomware rollback.
Key Features:
- Real-time malware and virus protection
- Ransomware protection
- Zero-day threat detection
- Behavior analysis
- Browser guard
Pros
- Highly effective at detecting and blocking malware
- Scans fast without slowing down your PC
- Free version available
Cons
- It occasionally gives false positives
- No firewall or device optimization tools
- Occasional compatibility issues
Best for Quick Scans
Webroot
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Webroot is ideal if you want essential antivirus protection without sacrificing performance. For ultra-fast, lightweight security, Webroot can’t be beaten. Its quick scans and minimal impact on resources make it a great choice if you have an older PC or just want an antivirus that stays out of your way.
Key Features:
- Real-time antivirus monitoring
- Phishing and identity theft protection
- Quick system scans
- Gamer mode
- Password manager and online backup
Pros
- Blazing fast scans
- Uses minimal system resources
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Limited customization options
- No parental controls or VPN in basic plan (available in other plans)
- Mediocre scores in some independent lab tests
Antivirus Software Introduction
When your data becomes infected, it can restrict the performance of your device or compromise your digital security. That’s why you need reliable antivirus software to protect your files and devices from damage and also safeguard yourself from cyber threats.
What Is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software is a program designed to detect, prevent and remove malicious software from computers, smartphones and other digital devices.
Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware and other harmful programs that can infiltrate your devices, compromise your data and potentially cause various forms of harm.
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
As you browse the internet or download files, antivirus software scans for threats and blocks them before they can infect your device. It works by comparing files, software and websites against a database of known malware signatures. If there’s a match, the antivirus software stops the threat in its tracks.
Some antivirus solutions also use heuristic monitoring to detect brand-new threats that haven’t even been identified yet. More advanced antivirus solutions monitor the behavior of running processes in real-time. If a program behaves like malware, such as making unauthorized changes to system files or attempting to access sensitive data, the antivirus can flag and block it.
Who Is Antivirus Software Best For?
Everyone using a computer can benefit from antivirus software. Whether you use your computer for work, school, gaming or just browsing, you’re at risk of infection from viruses, malware and other threats designed to steal data, take control of your system or just wreak havoc.
Besides individual users, businesses of all sizes use antivirus software to safeguard sensitive company information, prevent cyberattacks and ensure the security of their networks and devices.
Types of Antivirus Software
There are several types of antivirus software available, depending on your needs.
- Anti-Malware: Protects against malicious software like viruses, worms and trojans. It scans files, programs and data for known patterns or signatures of malicious code. Some popular anti-malware tools are Avast, McAfee and Norton.
- Anti-Spyware: Detects and removes spyware, which collects information about a user’s activities without their consent. Spyware can track your online behavior, steal personal information and compromise your privacy. Software like Malwarebytes and Spybot are good options for anti-spyware protection.
- Network Firewall: Monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized access to your computer. This type of antivirus can either be a software or a hardware. Windows Firewall is a common firewall software pre-installed on Windows PCs.
- Browser Security: Extends the protection of your antivirus software to your web browser. This type of security can block malicious websites, warn against phishing attempts and offer additional features like ad-blocking and tracking protection. Avast Online Security, McAfee WebAdvisor and Bitdefender TrafficLight are useful browser security extensions.
How To Choose an Antivirus Software
Choosing an antivirus software can be puzzling with so many options on the market. Here are some key things to consider:
Cost
Antivirus software ranges from free to over $100/year. Free versions provide basic protection but lack advanced features. Paid software typically offers stronger security and extra tools like a password manager or VPN. Choose what fits your needs and budget.
Reliability
Look for software with a proven track record of detecting and stopping malware, phishing attempts and other threats. Check reviews from independent testing labs to see each product’s detection rates and performance impact. The most trusted antivirus tools are tested and certified by labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.
Update Frequency
New viruses and malware emerge daily, so frequent updates are essential. Most paid antivirus software updates automatically in the background, while some free versions require manual updates. Automatic updates provide the best protection by quickly patching any vulnerabilities that arise.
System Compatibility
Make sure the antivirus software you choose works with your operating system and device types. Most are compatible with Windows PCs, but support for Mac, Android, and iOS can vary. If you have multiple devices, consider software that lets you manage security across platforms with a single subscription.
Additional Features
Some antivirus products bundle in extra security tools like a firewall, password manager, parental controls or VPN. If any of these features appeal to you, compare what’s offered between your top choices. But don’t make additional features the sole reason for choosing one product over another—the core antivirus protection should be your top priority.
Other Antivirus Software Alternatives
If you’re looking for antivirus software alternatives, here are a few good options to consider:
Sophos Home
Sophos Home is a highly rated free antivirus for Windows that provides solid malware protection. It scans for viruses, malware and ransomware and has minimal impact on system performance. Sophos Home lacks some of the extra features of paid antivirus software but is a simple, lightweight choice if you just want essential protection.
Windows Defender
Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software for Windows 10. It provides basic protection against malware and viruses at no extra cost. Windows Defender automatically scans downloads and blocks suspicious websites but lacks some of the advanced features of third-party antivirus software. However, for casual use on a home computer, Windows Defender should be sufficient for most users.
Cylance
Cylance is an artificial intelligence-based antivirus for businesses. It uses AI to block malware in real time and prevent infections before they happen. Cylance requires no virus signatures or updates and has minimal impact on system performance. However, Cylance Smart Antivirus is primarily targeted at enterprises and may be overkill for home users. It is available for both Windows and Mac.
ESET Smart
ESET Smart Security Premium provides robust protection for advanced users who want granular control over their security. While a bit pricey for home use, its highly configurable interface, excellent malware protection and light system footprint make it a compelling choice for technical experts. With custom Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) rules, UEFI scanning and a vulnerability scanner, ESET has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Antivirus Software for Mac?
For Mac computers, the top choices are Bitdefender, Kaspersky and Norton. These provide strong protection against malware and viruses targeting MacOS without slowing down your system.
Which Antivirus Is Best for Total Security?
If you want maximum protection, look for software with features like a firewall, VPN, password manager, parental controls and identity theft prevention. Top “security suite” options are Bitdefender Total Security, Kaspersky Total Security and McAfee Total Protection.
What Is the Best Antivirus Software?
Overall, the highest-rated antivirus programs are Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Kaspersky Antivirus and Norton Antivirus Plus. They provide flawless malware protection, simple interfaces and solid performance.
Is Free Antivirus Software Any Good?
Free antivirus software can work well for basic protection but often lacks some useful features of paid software, like a firewall, parental controls and identity theft monitoring. Free versions also typically have more ads and upselling.
How Much Does Good Antivirus Software Cost?
Paid antivirus software typically ranges from $20 to $100 per year for a single device. The most feature-rich “security suite” software may reach $75 to $150 per year. But you can often find discounts of 25-50% off the list price by shopping sales or buying multi-year subscriptions.
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