In today’s interconnected world, the threats lurking online are more sophisticated than ever. From insidious malware embedded in seemingly harmless apps to deceptive phishing emails and counterfeit websites mimicking trusted brands, digital dangers are just a click away. Without robust protection, you could unknowingly expose yourself to significant harm. Investing in the best antivirus software is not just about safeguarding your devices; it’s about securing your peace of mind. Knowing that a reliable antivirus is working tirelessly in the background, ready to neutralize any threat before it can cause damage, is invaluable.
To simplify your search for the ideal antivirus solution that aligns with your needs and budget, we’ve rigorously evaluated the leading security suites. Our comprehensive testing process focuses on assessing their effectiveness in defending against malware and various online threats. Crucially, we also scrutinize their impact on system performance to ensure your protection doesn’t come at the cost of a sluggish PC. Drawing upon decades of experience and in-depth testing, we confidently recommend Bitdefender Total Security as our top overall choice. Its exceptional protection is complemented by a suite of valuable features, including a secure browser and password manager. For users seeking a cost-effective solution, Microsoft Defender stands out as a compelling free option. Pre-installed on all Windows machines, Microsoft Defender has significantly enhanced its malware detection capabilities in recent years, making it a strong contender in the free antivirus space.
Think of the best antivirus software as your digital bodyguard, the first line of defense against the ever-present threats of hackers and cybercriminals. These malicious actors are constantly devising new schemes to steal your sensitive data, hard-earned money, and even your identity. Recognizing that different users have different needs, we’ve identified top antivirus solutions tailored to specific requirements – from comprehensive protection for large families to specialized features for secure online banking, options with minimal performance impact, and suites packed with extra functionalities. Below, we present a curated list of the best antivirus software to help you make an informed decision.
Top 3 Antivirus Brands at a Glance
1. Norton: The Comprehensive Security Powerhouse
Norton’s antivirus suite is renowned for its extensive feature set, going beyond basic malware protection to offer a complete digital security ecosystem. With features like a password manager, unlimited VPN data, identity theft protection, parental controls, and even online storage, Norton provides virtually every digital security tool you might require, all within a single package. If you are looking for an all-encompassing security solution and are willing to invest in premium protection, Norton is a compelling option.
2. Bitdefender: The Gold Standard in Antivirus Value
Bitdefender consistently ranks high in independent tests for malware detection and overall security performance. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus strikes an excellent balance between robust protection, a user-friendly interface, and a reasonable price point. It combines strong malware defense with a range of useful features, making it a top pick for users seeking exceptional value without compromising on security.
3. McAfee: Ideal for Large Families and Multi-Device Protection
McAfee stands out for its family-centric approach and generous device coverage. McAfee’s Antivirus Plus and Total Protection Plus plans offer protection for up to 10 devices at a competitive price, making it a cost-effective choice for households with multiple computers and devices. Their Total Protection Ultimate plan further expands on features, offering a comprehensive suite of security tools for extensive digital protection for the whole family.
Quick Overview: Best Antivirus Software
| Image | Best For | Product Name | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | 1. Bitdefender Total Security | Top-tier malware protection, ransomware recovery, VPN access, secure browser, password manager, file shredder. | |
| Best Free | 2. Microsoft Defender | Pre-installed on Windows, improved malware detection, password manager, protects Windows codebase. | |
| Best Features | 3. Norton 360 Deluxe | Excellent malware protection, webcam protection, password manager, backup software, cloud storage, unlimited VPN, optional LifeLock ID protection. | |
| Best Value | 4. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office | Home backup software, online storage, malware and identity protection, blockchain verification. | |
| Best Performance | 5. ESET Smart Security Premium | Lightweight performance, webcam protection, secure browser, file encryption. | |
| Best for Families | 6. McAfee+ Ultimate | Easy to use, unlimited VPN, ID protection, family plans for unlimited devices. | |
| Best for Banking | 7. Trend Micro Maximum Security | Fast malware scans, secure browser, file encryption, file shredder. | |
| Best for Scanning | 8. Sophos Home Premium | Economical, fast scans, corporate-level Intercept X technology. |
Detailed Reviews: Top Antivirus Software Choices
1. Bitdefender Total Security – Best Antivirus Software Overall
Pros:
- Exceptional malware protection scores in independent lab tests.
- Feature-rich suite including VPN, parental controls, and password manager.
- Offers ransomware rollback to recover encrypted files.
- Available LifeLock identity protection in higher tiers.
Cons:
- Noticeable system slowdown during full scans.
- Can become expensive at higher subscription levels.
- Limited VPN data allowance (200MB per day).
Bitdefender Total Security consistently earns top marks for its robust malware protection and extensive suite of security features. It’s a comprehensive solution designed to elevate the security posture of any Windows system, effectively identifying and neutralizing both established and emerging threats. Whether you’re facing ransomware, phishing attempts, or zero-day exploits, Bitdefender offers multi-layered protection. For home users seeking comprehensive security, Bitdefender Total Security is a prime choice. It can protect up to five computers for a reasonable price, while their entry-level Antivirus Plus plan provides protection for up to three computers at a more budget-friendly cost.
Beyond core antivirus capabilities, Total Security is packed with valuable extras. These include a password manager for secure credential storage, a file shredder for securely deleting sensitive data, a secure browser to protect online activities, and features to combat web piracy. For enhanced identity protection, add-on ID protection services are also available. While the included VPN is a welcome addition, its daily data limit of 200MB might be restrictive for heavy VPN users.
Bitdefender’s malware detection engine is consistently ranked among the best in the industry. It employs advanced technologies to block suspicious scripts, command-line fileless attacks, and memory exploits. It also effectively prevents potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) and rootkits from infiltrating your system. A standout feature is its ransomware rollback capability, which automatically backs up files under attack, ensuring you have clean copies for recovery. While Bitdefender provides a detailed attack timeline for forensic analysis, it’s worth noting that its scanning engine can impose a moderate performance load on your system.
If you prioritize comprehensive, top-tier protection and are looking for an antivirus suite that goes beyond the basics, Bitdefender Total Security is an excellent choice.
Read our full Bitdefender Total Security review
2. Microsoft Defender – Best Free Antivirus Software
Pros:
- Completely free and pre-installed on Windows systems.
- Requires no installation, ready to use out-of-the-box.
- Offers robust malware protection that has significantly improved.
- Provides a centralized Windows Security portal for easy management.
- Tamper-resistant design enhances security.
- Included upgrade for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Cons:
- Can be a resource hog, leading to system slowdowns during scans.
- Some advanced features are limited to Microsoft ecosystem products.
Microsoft Defender stands out as the most convenient and cost-effective way to secure your Windows PCs. Unlike third-party antivirus solutions, Defender comes pre-installed on every Windows system, providing immediate protection from the moment you power on your device. It’s an ideal solution for users who want effective security without the hassle of installation or subscription fees. For those seeking a “set-it-and-forget-it” approach to antivirus, Microsoft Defender is a strong contender.
While completely free, Microsoft Defender has evolved significantly in recent years and now offers surprisingly robust protection. It effectively addresses contemporary threats, incorporating behavioral analysis, UEFI startup code protection, and fileless attack prevention. It includes a memory integrity scanner, analyzes incoming email attachments for malicious content, and prevents unauthorized modifications to Windows code. Users concerned about privacy can opt out of sending viral samples to Microsoft for analysis.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Microsoft Defender can be resource-intensive. During scans, it may impose a considerable load on system performance, potentially causing noticeable slowdowns, especially on older or less powerful machines.
Microsoft Defender also incorporates several ancillary security features, although some are tightly integrated with other Microsoft products. For instance, local ransomware file rollback is not available, but Microsoft 365 subscribers benefit from online file backups for recovery. Similarly, Defender’s secure browser and password manager are designed to work seamlessly with the Microsoft Edge browser. Despite these ecosystem limitations, the Windows Security portal provides a unified interface to manage all of Defender’s security features, simplifying overall protection management.
For users seeking effective, hassle-free, and completely free antivirus protection, Microsoft Defender is a compelling choice, especially given its significant improvements in recent years.
Read our full Microsoft Defender review
3. Norton 360 Deluxe – Best Antivirus Software for Features
Pros:
- Solid malware protection capabilities.
- Offers unlimited VPN service.
- Optional LifeLock ID identity protection for enhanced security.
Cons:
- Lacks file shredder and file encryption features.
- Higher incidence of false positive malware detections.
- Scanning engine can be resource-intensive.
Norton 360 Deluxe distinguishes itself with an impressive array of security features, making it a feature-rich suite that caters to users seeking comprehensive digital protection. With multiple Norton 360 product tiers available, choosing the right version can be the most challenging aspect. Norton 360 Deluxe strikes a balance, offering a comprehensive set of features that will meet the needs of most users, including robust malware protection, a password manager, and a VPN with unlimited data. Norton 360 Deluxe is a strong contender for users who prioritize a wide range of security features and are willing to pay for premium protection. Norton’s entry-level AntiVirus Plus plan is available at a lower price point for single-device protection.
While Norton 360 Deluxe provides commendable malware protection, its scanning engine can consume significant system resources, potentially impacting performance during scans. Furthermore, Norton has shown a tendency towards higher false positive rates, occasionally flagging safe software as potentially dangerous.
A notable inclusion in Norton 360 Deluxe is backup software, a valuable asset in defending against ransomware attacks. Users can back up their data locally or to Norton’s cloud servers, with 50GB of cloud storage included.
However, Norton 360 Deluxe does lack certain features found in some competing suites, such as file shredding and file encryption. On the plus side, users have the option to add LifeLock ID protection services and insurance, further enhancing identity security. However, incorporating LifeLock can significantly increase the overall cost of protection.
If you prioritize a comprehensive suite of security features, including unlimited VPN and optional ID protection, and are willing to tolerate potential false positives and system performance impact during scans, Norton 360 Deluxe is a feature-rich option to consider.
Read our full Norton 360 Deluxe review
4. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office – Best Antivirus Software for Value
Pros:
- Excellent value for money, offering a comprehensive feature set at a competitive price.
- Includes blockchain verified task completion.
- Packed with numerous included tools and utilities.
- Integrated ID protection and $1 million insurance.
Cons:
- Lacks mobile apps for Android and iOS.
- Can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance.
- No firewall, VPN, or password manager included.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (CPHO) takes a unique approach to security, prioritizing data backup and recovery as core components of its protection strategy. Instead of starting with basic malware scanning and adding features, Acronis built CPHO around its robust backup software and integrated essential security services. CPHO not only protects against malware, PUAs, fileless attacks, and script-based threats but also offers effective anti-ransomware capabilities, including file restoration in case of an attack.
CPHO distinguishes itself by focusing on data protection and backup, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize data integrity and recovery. The program falls short in some traditional security areas, lacking features like a VPN, firewall, and password manager, which are commonly found in other security suites. Additionally, CPHO does not offer mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, limiting its protection to desktop systems.
Acronis excels in backup capabilities, providing both local and online storage options. The CPHO plan includes a generous 1TB of online backup storage and offers blockchain-verified certificates of completion for backup tasks, adding an extra layer of data integrity assurance. CPHO also includes a variety of helpful tools and utilities, although they are often presented as separate programs with distinct interfaces, which might impact user experience.
A significant value proposition of CPHO is its inclusion of ID protection features and $1 million in identity theft insurance, features that are often offered as expensive add-ons by competitors. Considering its comprehensive feature set, including backup, security, and ID protection, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office offers exceptional value, particularly for users who prioritize data backup and recovery alongside robust security.
Read our full Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office review
5. ESET Smart Security Premium – Best Antivirus Software for Performance
Pros:
- Minimal system performance impact during scans.
- Good malware protection scores.
- Includes useful security tools like secure browser and file encryption.
- Flexible licensing, allowing purchase of single licenses.
Cons:
- No unlimited device plan available.
- Lacks file shredder and VPN features.
- Limited customer support hours.
- No ransomware rollback feature.
ESET Smart Security Premium is designed for users who prioritize system performance and seek robust protection without significant slowdowns. ESET takes a streamlined, no-frills approach to security, focusing on efficient malware detection and essential security tools. It allows users to purchase licenses individually, offering cost savings for smaller households or single users, unlike suites that often require multi-device packs. While the Smart Security Premium 10-pack is available, the base NOD32 antivirus program provides core protection at a lower annual cost.
Smart Security Premium includes a secure browser for safer online activities, webcam protection to prevent unauthorized access, and a file encryption program for securing sensitive data. It effectively blocks phishing attempts and script-based attacks and protects the crucial Windows Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) startup code. ESET also incorporates innovative scanners for the Windows Registry and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) repository, adding layers of system protection.
ESET’s Ransomware Shield employs advanced heuristic monitoring to proactively block ransomware threats before they can cause harm. However, it’s important to note that the suite does not include file rollback in case of a ransomware infection.
Despite its comprehensive protection features, ESET Smart Security Premium is remarkably lightweight and has a minimal impact on system performance. Its performance overhead during scans is among the lowest observed in testing, making it an excellent choice for users with older PCs or those who prioritize system responsiveness.
If you value fast performance, effective malware protection, and a no-nonsense approach to security, ESET Smart Security Premium is a strong contender, particularly for users sensitive to system performance impact.
Read our full ESET Smart Security Premium review
6. McAfee+ Ultimate – Best Antivirus Software for Families
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface.
- Unlimited device licenses for many plans, ideal for large families.
- Includes unlimited VPN access and ID protection.
- Good malware protection capabilities.
Cons:
- Higher rate of false positive malware detections.
- Can have a heavy system performance impact during scans.
- Pricier compared to some competitors, especially initially.
McAfee+ Ultimate is designed with families in mind, offering an intuitive interface and unlimited device coverage on many of its plans, making it an ideal choice for households with numerous devices. Its straightforward and user-friendly interface, characterized by clear descriptions and illustrations, simplifies security management, requiring minimal technical expertise or effort from users. For families seeking comprehensive protection for a large number of devices with ease of use as a priority, McAfee+ Ultimate is a strong option.
While McAfee+ Ultimate may appear expensive initially, especially with its family plan pricing, it includes valuable extras like credit bureau monitoring, ID protection, and substantial identity theft insurance. Unlimited VPN access, a password manager, and a file shredder are also part of the package. The standout feature is McAfee’s family plan option, which provides protection for an essentially unlimited number of devices, making it highly cost-effective for large families or households with many internet-connected devices.
McAfee’s Next Gen Threat Protection employs signature-based detection, including variations of known threats, and AI Scam Protection utilizes machine learning to combat AI-powered threats. The program also defends against personalized email scams and fake websites. Ransom Guard can roll back suspicious file changes, recovering infected files from backup copies.
However, McAfee has exhibited higher false positive rates in testing and can impose a significant performance load during scans. Despite these drawbacks, McAfee+ Ultimate remains a compelling choice for families seeking comprehensive, easy-to-use protection for a large number of devices, particularly with its unlimited device coverage and family-oriented features.
Read our full McAfee+ Ultimate review
7. Trend Micro Maximum Security – Best Antivirus Software for Banking
Pros:
- Fast system scans for quick threat detection.
- Includes a secure browser specifically designed for online banking and shopping.
- Adequate malware protection capabilities.
Cons:
- Significant performance impact during active scans.
- Higher incidence of false positive malware detections.
- Limited customer support hours.
- No firewall included.
Trend Micro Maximum Security is tailored for users who prioritize online banking and shopping security, offering a secure browser and features designed to protect financial transactions. Trend Micro presents a mixed performance profile. While it exhibits a very light background resource footprint when idle, it becomes one of the most resource-intensive programs during active malware scans. However, its scans are remarkably fast, potentially mitigating the performance impact for users who value quick scans. For users who frequently engage in online banking and shopping and prioritize fast scans, Trend Micro Maximum Security is a specialized option. Trend Micro also offers a basic Antivirus + Security plan for single-system protection at a lower cost.
Maximum Security provides essential malware protection, defending against memory and fileless attacks, phishing scams, tech support scams, and cryptocurrency-mining malware. Its Folder Shield feature protects critical files in folders like Documents, OneDrive, and Pictures from ransomware encryption.
Beyond core antivirus, Trend Micro includes file encryption and shredding tools, as well as a secure browser to enhance online transaction security. Its password manager securely stores login credentials. However, webcam protection is not included. While Trend Micro offers fast scans and specialized banking protection features, users should be aware of its significant performance overhead during scans and potential for system slowdowns while actively protecting the system.
Read our full Trend Micro Maximum Security review
8. Sophos Home Premium – Best Antivirus Software for Fast Scans
Pros:
- Highly economical, offering protection for up to 10 devices at a lower price.
- Extremely fast scanning speeds.
- Incorporates corporate-grade Intercept X technology.
- Encrypts keyboard input to protect against keyloggers.
- Good malware protection scores in independent tests.
Cons:
- Moderate system performance impact during scans.
- Higher rate of false positive malware detections.
- Lacks file encryption, file shredder, secure browser, and password manager.
- Limited customer support hours and options.
Sophos Home Premium is positioned as a budget-friendly antivirus solution, offering protection for up to 10 computers at a significantly lower price point than many competitors. Its primary appeal lies in its affordability and exceptionally fast scanning speeds, making it an attractive option for users on a tight budget who need to protect multiple devices. For users seeking economical antivirus protection with fast scans, Sophos Home Premium presents a compelling value proposition.
Despite its budget pricing, Sophos Home Premium leverages Sophos’s enterprise-grade Intercept X technology, providing robust protection against boot-sector malware, UEFI startup exploits, and fileless attacks. It also defends against threats targeting the Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) and incorporates self-protection mechanisms to prevent tampering with its code.
To achieve its lower price point, Sophos Home Premium omits some features found in more comprehensive suites, such as file encryption, file shredding, a secure browser, and a password manager. It does include webcam protection and offers excellent remote management capabilities, allowing users to monitor and scan devices protected by Home Premium remotely.
Sophos Home Premium excels in scanning speed, rapidly identifying and eliminating threats. However, it exhibits a moderate performance impact during scans and has shown a tendency towards a higher number of false positives in testing.
If you prioritize affordability and fast scans and are willing to forgo some advanced features, Sophos Home Premium is a value-driven choice, particularly for users needing to protect multiple computers on a budget.
Read our full Sophos Home Premium review
Choosing the Right Antivirus Software for Your Needs
Selecting the best antivirus software ultimately depends on your individual needs, priorities, and budget. Just as with any software, consider what features are most important to you and how they align with your specific usage patterns and security requirements.
For users seeking the most economical option for multi-device protection, Sophos Home Premium offers excellent value, protecting up to 10 systems at a very competitive price. However, it lacks some advanced security features like VPN access and a password manager.
If comprehensive protection and a rich feature set are paramount, Bitdefender Total Security is a top contender. It provides a complete security suite with features like a VPN, password manager, and ransomware rollback, offering a well-rounded security solution. However, its VPN has a limited daily data allowance.
For users with a slightly larger budget who prioritize unlimited VPN access and a comprehensive feature set, Norton 360 Deluxe is an excellent choice. It includes unlimited VPN, a password manager, backup software, and optional LifeLock ID protection.
ESET Smart Security Premium stands out for its minimal performance impact, combining good protection with lightweight operation. It’s a suitable option for users with older PCs or those who prioritize system responsiveness. ESET also offers flexible licensing, allowing single-license purchases.
Families with multiple devices will find McAfee+ Ultimate particularly appealing due to its unlimited device coverage on family plans and user-friendly interface. It also includes ID protection services and insurance.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office provides exceptional value by integrating robust backup software and online storage with malware protection and ID protection features, offering a unique approach to security that emphasizes data protection and recovery.
For users who prioritize speed and efficiency, Trend Micro Maximum Security offers fast malware scans, making it a quick solution for threat detection, although it can be resource-intensive during scans.
How We Evaluate Antivirus Software
Our antivirus software evaluations are based on a comprehensive methodology that considers several key factors: interface usability, performance impact, protection effectiveness, feature richness, and overall value.
We begin by assessing the installation process for ease and speed. We then thoroughly examine the user interface, evaluating its intuitiveness, clarity, and overall user-friendliness. We navigate through all major and minor features, including VPN access, file shredding, and backup software, to assess their functionality and integration.
To measure performance impact, we quantify system slowdown during malware scans using a Lenovo ThinkPad T470 test laptop with specific hardware specifications. We utilize a custom Excel test to measure the time taken to complete a spreadsheet task under various antivirus loads, comparing it to a baseline performance reading to determine performance degradation.
For malware detection effectiveness, we rely on results from reputable independent testing labs: AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. These labs conduct rigorous stress tests using thousands of malware samples, including zero-day threats, to evaluate antivirus program’s detection and protection capabilities. We also pay close attention to false positive rates, indicating the accuracy and precision of the antivirus scanning engine.
For a more detailed understanding of our testing procedures, please refer to our how we test antivirus software and apps guide and our general how we test page on Tom’s Guide.
