Find the Best Antivirus

Every piece of software that has made our best PC antivirus list includes some level of protection against advanced threats, offers unique tools, and has a modern, easy-to-understand design. Trend Micro’s antivirus program ticks all those boxes. Indeed, this is a very modern-looking piece of software designed for a wide range of users. That's why we put it at the top of our list.

Even the most rudimentary plan has a number of special features. First of all, Trend Micro’s entire antivirus suite relies on artificial intelligence to provide the best virus protection possible, building heuristics based on user behavior. It provides ransomware and phishing protection - the AI can determine whether email offers are fake or if your social network platform is storing your private information. 

At a time when so much of what we do online is tracked, these security features are very good to have. Moreover, if you love online shopping, the integrated Pay Guard software will keep your credit card details safe and provide another layer of identity theft protection.

We hoped to crown Trend Micro as the top antivirus for Android devices, too, but mobile protection is only available with the Trend Micro Maximum Security package and is absent from the more affordable plan. However, this program has a solid reputation among users and often offers generous discounts, too, so it can become a pretty frugal choice if you snag the right deal.

Symantec makes what is possibly the best antivirus for PC and mobile devices, and it’s also one of the most popular ones. The “360” in the product name indicates that the Norton 360 antivirus software offers all-encompassing 360-degree real-time protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems.

This product is a favorite for both office and home use, particularly for anyone who hates installing a bunch of different apps when they can get all the features they need under one roof. Norton 360 is considered the best antivirus software for Mac because of its “Swiss Army knife” approach. 

In other words, it offers thorough malware protection, has a smart firewall, a secure VPN, and webcam protection. Moreover, Norton offers a Virus Protection Promise, which guarantees a refund if a bad actor manages to get past the program and cause damage to your computer system.

Even the basic Norton antivirus package comes with cloud backup for your files, ranging from 10 GB to 100 GB. The program’s integrated password manager app looks after all your login details, and you can also feel safe browsing the dark web with Norton’s dedicated dark web monitoring tool.

Although it’s the best antivirus for Mac, Norton 360’s value proposition isn’t that impressive. The basic Norton antivirus plan covers just one device, and the price can easily double with additional security features. Parental controls are available only with the more expensive plans, while online shopping protection can cost you even more. 

Kaspersky is a household name in the world of cybersecurity. One of the company’s products, Kaspersky Internet Security, offers more than just real-time protection and malware detection. Whether you’re looking to protect your PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone, Kaspersky could be the ideal antivirus for you.

Kaspersky owes a lot of its effectiveness to its extensive set of security features, which covers a lot of bases even in its cheaper format. You get ransomware protection, spyware detection, a shield from data collection apps and cookies, and even your webcam protection against unauthorized remote control.

Moreover, it comes with a list of outstanding features, including a VPN, as well as identity theft protection in the form of a layer of encryption for your browser that keeps your payment information from falling into the wrong hands. Even banks rely on Kaspersky because it’s the best antivirus app for online shopping, helping ensure safe payments for their clients. All of the aforementioned features are available on desktop, laptop, and mobile versions.

One license covers three devices in any combination you wish. Meanwhile, several payment and renewal options allow you to save a lot of money. You have the option of either protecting more than one device at the same time or getting an extended license. 

In addition to this, Kaspersky’s interface is clean and easy to navigate, as one would expect from the best paid antivirus. Some features are reserved for the more expensive Total Security package, including a password manager and cloud protection for your files. This is a good option for parents who wish to protect their children from inappropriate online content and keep track of them via a GPS for smartphones.

Bitdefender is already known as the best free antivirus software for Windows, but the Bitdefender Antivirus Plus version is much more than a simple malware blocker. This program is capable of assessing the level of your system’s vulnerability, advising you if your Wi-Fi network is unsecured, and providing real-time protection against trackers, fraudsters, and ransomware.

Every plan includes a VPN, albeit it’s limited to just 200 MB of traffic per day, as well as a file shredder and password manager. You can even set locks on your most important files so that Bitdefender monitors them and prevents any unauthorized changes.

Although it’s also regarded as the best antivirus for Android, multi-device support will cost you if you want to protect both your phone and your computer. If you need antivirus software for your Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS devices, you’ll have to buy the Bitdefender Total Security plan, with five additional licenses. Otherwise, the antivirus is limited to just one operating system. Upgrading will also net you a firewall, webcam protection, parental controls, and an anti-theft system for your portable devices.

One of Bitdefender’s most interesting features is its OneClick Optimizer, which quickly analyzes and suggests what apps you can disable from starting up and running in the background to speed up your computer or smartphone.

Not only is the Bitdefender antivirus possibly the best antivirus for laptop and desktop computers, too, but it’s also quite affordable. In fact, the basic annual plans for mobile and desktop devices alike are the cheapest among all the products on this list. Give the free version a spin, and you’ll see why this antivirus is so popular.

Rarely listed among the top antivirus software solutions and often overlooked, Sophos has gone all the way from zero to hero. Refreshingly simple, with a user-friendly interface and only two products to choose from, it offers a no-frills approach that many customers will appreciate. This is a great relief for users who are not tech-savvy but still want more than just basic antivirus protection.

Once you start the full system scan, you’ll have to wait some 55 minutes, as neither the Home nor the Business options have a quick-scan option. Another downside is the software’s intensive usage of resources; it takes up too many CPU cycles and bogs down the rest of your machine. However, what puts Sophos among the best internet security programs is that it will do its job without bothering you.

You can use the free antivirus program, but after your 30-day trial expires, some of the additional benefits such as anti-phishing, an extra anti-ransomware layer, privacy tools, and advanced malware protection option, will disappear. Keep in mind that if you opt for Premium, the price will cover up to 10 PCs or Macs, plus unlimited Android and iOS devices, all of which can be monitored from Android or iOS apps, or a unique dashboard.

So far, Sophos is a great antivirus software when it comes to integrated solutions for ransomware protection. The premium version includes a web protection layer that aims to keep you safe from dodgy websites. At the same time, real-time protection features detect and quarantine any malicious files, even before they can come into contact with test documents. The software generates very few false positives.

All in all, Sophos is missing some heavy-duty features, such as advanced scanning and email filtering, but its ease of use and ability to protect multiple devices brings it back into the running.

The McAfee antivirus suite has come a long way from being an underdog among security products to one of the best Android antivirus options. The company rightfully declares that its product is “more than just antivirus software, it’s peace of mind.”

The McAfee Total Protection plan is an all-around great cybersecurity solution, mainly aimed at home users, specifically families with children. Even the cheapest plans are packed with features, and the Family plans have very affordable upgrades covering up to 10 devices.

The astonishing list of essential features includes a password manager, an advanced file shredder, 256-bit encryption for your local files, and even some lifesavers such as an auto-play video blocker. 

However, as good as it is, McAfee isn’t free from disadvantages. The most glaring one, in this case, is the lack of a VPN without a selected renewal option, followed by the total absence of parental controls. But these shortcomings do little to detract from McAfee’s competence in providing safer browsing and network protection.

Those having difficulty navigating the McAfee antivirus app can always turn to the company’s support team. The support team can also help you choose from several different products, including what could possibly be the best phone antivirus, as well as options tailored for gamers and small-business owners. Free 30-day trials are available for all of McAfee’s products.

Many regard Avast as the best free antivirus software on the market, but this provider has a premium service as well. The first choice for many and BBB-accredited with an A+ rating, this antivirus has found its place in the world of gaming PCs and laptops due to its unintrusive nature. 

Thanks to its Game Mode, Avast ensures that all notifications, including those regarding updates, are hidden. The feature is especially convenient when you’re watching a movie or playing a video game.

Even though Avast is widely regarded as the best free antivirus software, the zero-dollar option comes with a few caveats. Namely, Avast’s antivirus offers fewer features in its basic free version than the cheapest versions of competing programs. 

Fortunately, the premium plans are all reasonably priced, with the most expensive option landing at $59.99 for the first year of use. This gives you additional ransomware and Wi-Fi protection, as well as some other bonuses from Avast’s security suite. 

On the flip side, even the basic free version of Avast has a Wi-Fi scanner, and, with its set of free browser add-ons, it can alert you if you run into malicious websites, so it’s still the best free Mac antivirus. It also has a modern design, with clearly labeled buttons in its desktop and mobile versions. The software might bug you about upgrading to paid plans, but Avast’s advanced virus protection is worth checking out.

One reason we didn’t rank Avast higher is because of its CPU dependency. On Windows systems, it’s pretty common for this antivirus to take a sizable chunk of your computer’s resources.

AVG is another contender for the best mobile antivirus. Along with Avast, this software has been a favorite form of internet security among users who need free antivirus programs for their smartphone or laptop.

The AVG AntiVirus FREE plan offers real-time malware protection. It’s able to shield your device from ransomware, spyware, and adware, and it also comes with a virus checker. Just like Avast, AVG has an optional browser extension for safer browsing and shopping. This antivirus can also keep you from downloading malicious files or opening phishing emails.

AVG is similar to the other candidates for the best free malware removal tool in that it reserves its more impressive features for the premium version. The free version includes everything mentioned above, plus a PC scanning tool that reveals potential performance bottlenecks on your system. It does exactly what it says on the tin and is super easy to set up and use.

What’s more, the upgrades are often extremely discounted, so the AVG Ultimate plan can cost as little as $35.99 for the first year. But even without the webcam defender, encryption, and firewall that come with the premium plans, this is still the best free Android antivirus. However, one concerning aspect of using AVG’s software is that it will track the browsing habits of its users.

For many years, NOD32 was considered one of the top options when it came to antivirus software. The title was well-deserved, as ESET is continuously working on improving the virus protection algorithms and phishing detection every customer gets with this program.

This antivirus software is also more attractive to specific user markets. For example, it’s widely used by gamers, to save them from both the annoyance of a giant pop-up covering their ammo count while they’re playing their favorite multiplayer shooter, and other, less inconsequential, threats. ESET recognized its customer base by building a Gaming mode, made specifically to serve as the best malware protection for your gaming device.

NOD32 is also known for being light on your system, not hogging system speed like its competitors tend to. It can detect and defend against ransomware script-based attacks like DDoS, phishing, exploits, and even the level-0 malware that sneaks deep into operating systems with minimal impact on your device performance.

However, ESET’s basic plan only covers one device, so you’ll have to pay extra if you need an antivirus for both your Mac and a mobile device. ESET’s plans are on the expensive side, unfortunately, so it’s not the ideal antivirus software for those with a limited budget.

That said, ESET Smart Security Premium is an excellent option if you’re in the market for more than just the best computer antivirus: The package includes a password manager, botnet defender, and firewall. But even this option only covers one device. Nonetheless, you’ll be getting tech support available 24/7 in many languages, as well as complex security software for your system. It’s not a bargain, but it’s far from a bad deal.

Today, most households have two or more computers, smartphones, tablets, and maybe even a smartwatch. That’s why F-Secure has come up with the best antivirus app for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, to keep our computers and all our gadgets secure.

The basic version of the F-Secure antivirus is called SAFE and, even in its basic form, it covers three devices with top-of-the-line internet security. That means you’re safe from viruses, ransomware, and other forms of malware.

F-Secure also protects your credit card details by letting you know whether a banking or shopping website is safe. Harmful sites that might impact the performance of your computer are restricted, and if you end up losing your smartphone, a finder tool is available, as are remote tools for managing F-Secure’s software on all devices where it’s installed. This is the best Mac antivirus for macOS 10.13 and newer.

If you’re a parent, you will be happy to know that F-Secure has thought of you, too. Both SAFE and TOTAL plans have a set of parental controls, allowing you to configure screen time for your children, while also providing them with a safe online space and protecting them from harmful content.

The downside of this antivirus software is its price. The basic version F-Secure - SAFE - costs significantly more than any other software we reviewed, even if it is a top antivirus app. This is especially troubling due to the lack of an integrated VPN or tracking protection. The cheapest version of the TOTAL package, which includes both of these, starts at a whopping €79.99.