Your devices and data deserve the best protection. Here are CNET's picks for the best antivirus software to improve your digital security.
Our Experts
Written by
Dianna Gunn,
Clifford Colby,
Attila Tomaschek
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
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Dianna GunnWeb Hosting Expert
Dianna Gunn built her first WordPress website in 2008. Since then, she's poured thousands of hours into understanding how websites and online businesses work. She's shared what she's learned on blogs like ThemeIsle, BloggingPro and DomainWheel. She now works for CNET as a Web Hosting Expert, creating in-depth guides on web hosting and reviewing the top web hosting companies to help folks preparing to build a website for the first time.
Clifford is a managing editor at CNET, where he leads How-To coverage. He spent a handful of years at Peachpit Press, editing books on everything from the first iPhone to Python. He also worked at a handful of now-dead computer magazines, including MacWEEK and MacUser. Unrelated, he roots for the Oakland A's.
ExpertiseTech from browser security to password managers and government programs from mail-in voting to federal assistance
Attila is a Staff Writer for CNET, covering software, apps and services with a focus on virtual private networks. He is an advocate for digital privacy and has been quoted in online publications like Computer Weekly, The Guardian, BBC News, HuffPost, Wired and TechRepublic. When not tapping away on his laptop, Attila enjoys spending time with his family, reading and collecting guitars.
ExpertiseAttila has nearly a decade's worth of experience with VPNs and has been covering them for CNET since 2021. As CNET's VPN expert, Attila rigorously tests VPNs and offers readers advice on how they can use the technology to protect their privacy online.
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
What to consider
Effectiveness
Antivirus software runs virus scans for known viruses and malware, watches for shady websites, offers ransomware protection and monitors unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new viruses and malware. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives.
Light on system resources
You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download or open sluggishly or file copies take longer than expected, you may want to try another service.
Cost and discounts
Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: The prices we list above are for 10 devices -- if the company offered that package -- but you can trim your cost with antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices.
Privacy
Companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy. The security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share.
Protection for other platforms
Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. Android is second, with just under 1% of apps installed on Android devices with Google Play Protect in the potentially harmful app category.
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
What to consider
Effectiveness
Antivirus software runs virus scans for known viruses and malware, watches for shady websites, offers ransomware protection and monitors unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new viruses and malware. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives.
Light on system resources
You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download or open sluggishly or file copies take longer than expected, you may want to try another service.
Cost and discounts
Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: The prices we list above are for 10 devices -- if the company offered that package -- but you can trim your cost with antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices.
Privacy
Companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy. The security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share.
Protection for other platforms
Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. Android is second, with just under 1% of apps installed on Android devices with Google Play Protect in the potentially harmful app category.
Viruses and other malware -- software built with malicious intent -- can steal your information, lock you out of your devices and corrupt your operating systems or hard drives. Antivirus software scans your devices for these programs and removes threats when it finds them. Many antivirus programs also scan new downloads and block suspicious files from loading onto
Many modern computers come with built-in antivirus software -- Microsoft Defender for Windows 10 and 11, X-Protect for Mac -- and this is sufficient for some users. However, you may want to invest in one of the antivirus tools listed here for added protection, especially if you store sensitive files on your computer and/or rely on it for your income.
If you want the best antivirus software that also keeps it simple, McAfee Plus Individual is our first choice. It's also the only software we looked at that has received perfect AV-Test scores for protection, performance and usability in all tests conducted during 2024. Although we tested McAfee Total Protection, which has a device number limit, customer service confirmed that McAfee Plus uses the same software and is usable on unlimited devices.
If you're looking for total protection, Norton 360 is the best choice. In addition to near-perfect AV-Test scores, the Norton antivirus comes bundled with a VPN, password manager, safe-browsing tools, parental controls, identity theft protection and 100GB of cloud storage. All of Norton’s tools work with MacOS, and they also offer security tools for iOS and Android.
Best antivirus software of 2024
AV-Test. In fact, McAfee is the only tool on this list with top scores in all three of the AV-Test categories during all 2024 tests. </p><p>Choosing the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://www.mcafee.com/en-us/identity-theft/protection.html">McAfee Plus</a> Premium plan also gives you web protection for warding off malicious websites, a password manager and VPN. Moreover, this plan includes protection for unlimited devices, so families with over 10 devices can save money using McAfee Plus.</p><h3>Who it's best for</h3><p>McAfee is your best choice if you want simple, effective protection for all of your devices and internet use. McAfee is also a great choice if you have 10 or more devices and you want to protect them all without spending a fortune.</p><h3>Pricing</h3><p>McAfee Plus Premium costs $50 for the first year and $150 a year on renewal. If you have five or fewer devices you can buy the Essential plan for $40 ($120 a year on renewal) instead.</p>" page-position linktext linkurl like="~Protection for unlimited devices
~Text scam detector
~Social media privacy manager
~VPN" dislike="~Full scan takes a long time
~Active scans use enough resources to cause issues on older computers
~Price jumps significantly after first year" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo overridecredit="McAfee" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"3bae7b08-6f11-4356-9d89-546871ba63e5","alt":"McAfee antivirus software on a phone","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"3bae7b08-6f11-4356-9d89-546871ba63e5","filename":"mcafee-antivirus-software-1601.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1cdc87d959749230e055276fac9fc2eb2fb127dd/hub/2024/11/12/3bae7b08-6f11-4356-9d89-546871ba63e5/mcafee-antivirus-software-1601.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-11-12 16:48:03.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1cdc87d959749230e055276fac9fc2eb2fb127dd/hub/2024/11/12/3bae7b08-6f11-4356-9d89-546871ba63e5/mcafee-antivirus-software-1601.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageAltText":"McAfee antivirus software on a phone","imageFilename":"mcafee-antivirus-software-1601.jpg","imageWidth":5000,"imageHeight":2813,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-11-12","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"5o0ovmrdfiwcdhp","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__1754ca59-2b9a-49aa-b29d-4c07c34c887d" index="1" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" tagslugs="gap-project,freelance-update,sponsored-listicle,avg,hacking,malware,privacy,viruses,mcafee,macos-mojave,microsoft,symantec,hv14,windows-10" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="McAfee" imagealttext="McAfee antivirus software on a phone" class="c-bestListListicle">
The core McAfee antivirus software consistently receives top marks from evaluations by companies such as AV-Test. In fact, McAfee is the only tool on this list with top scores in all three of the AV-Test categories during all 2024 tests.
Choosing the McAfee Plus Premium plan also gives you web protection for warding off malicious websites, a password manager and VPN. Moreover, this plan includes protection for unlimited devices, so families with over 10 devices can save money using McAfee Plus.
Who it's best for
McAfee is your best choice if you want simple, effective protection for all of your devices and internet use. McAfee is also a great choice if you have 10 or more devices and you want to protect them all without spending a fortune.
Pricing
McAfee Plus Premium costs $50 for the first year and $150 a year on renewal. If you have five or fewer devices you can buy the Essential plan for $40 ($120 a year on renewal) instead.
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AV-Test lab. Bitdefender can extend this protection to all of your devices, with antivirus tools for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/consumer/ultimate-security">Bitdefender Ultimate Security</a> plan includes antivirus software for up to 10 devices and a slew of other privacy and security tools, including a VPN, password manager, parental controls, email protection (for local email tools like Outlook), an autopilot tool to help you understand how secure your computer is, plus webcam protection. US users with a valid social security number can also get identity theft protection, including up to $2 million in identity theft insurance.</p><p>Additionally, you’ll get two performance-enhancing tools: a One-click Optimizer that aims to help you find ways to speed up your device and a Battery Mode tool for configuring how much power individual device functions use to improve the battery life of your laptop. However, it’s worth noting that these tools -- and the firewall protection offered by Bitdefender -- aren’t available for MacOS.</p><h3>Who it's best for</h3><p>BitDefender Ultimate Security is your best choice if you want a suite of tools to protect all of your digital activities including email and other online activities. The parental controls also make BitDefender Ultimate Security a great choice if you've got kids or regularly care for kids who might use your devices.</p><h3>Pricing</h3><p>Bitdefender Ultimate Security costs $100 for the first year and $160 per year on renewal, with protection for up to 10 devices. Along with its Total Security offering, Bitdefender Ultimate Security includes a password manager, VPN and identity theft protection. For $80 a year ($130 on renewal), you can get Bitdefender Premium Security, with everything but identity theft protection -- we think the extra $10 is worth it for that feature. If you just want antivirus software, you can get protection for one device for $24 in the first year ($50 per year on renewal) -- or even grab the free version. But since most folks own multiple devices, we recommend Ultimate Security for comprehensive coverage.</p>" page-position linktext linkurl like="~Lightweight and easy on PC resources
~Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
~Identity theft protection and restoration
~Unlimited VPN
~Password manager
~Parental controls" dislike="~Firewall protection and performance tools not available on MacOS
~Price jumps significantly after first year" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo overridecredit="Bitdefender" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"9ce698bb-3b2d-493b-a115-483c97cbe729","alt":"Bitdefender antivirus software on a phone","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"9ce698bb-3b2d-493b-a115-483c97cbe729","filename":"bitdefender-antivirus-software-1585.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/a4195c1d5aa780e5024999c88229800aeb7950a3/hub/2024/11/12/9ce698bb-3b2d-493b-a115-483c97cbe729/bitdefender-antivirus-software-1585.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-11-12 16:47:57.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/a4195c1d5aa780e5024999c88229800aeb7950a3/hub/2024/11/12/9ce698bb-3b2d-493b-a115-483c97cbe729/bitdefender-antivirus-software-1585.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageAltText":"Bitdefender antivirus software on a phone","imageFilename":"bitdefender-antivirus-software-1585.jpg","imageWidth":5000,"imageHeight":2812,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-11-12","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"7ls2y9h0zczi4pg","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__4d3abf5b-2ee6-498f-b884-7a547a41620f" index="2" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" tagslugs="gap-project,freelance-update,sponsored-listicle,avg,hacking,malware,privacy,viruses,mcafee,macos-mojave,microsoft,symantec,hv14,windows-10" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Bitdefender" imagealttext="Bitdefender antivirus software on a phone" class="c-bestListListicle">
Bitdefender consistently earns top marks for its antivirus protection and usability from respected independent antivirus testing labs like the AV-Test lab. Bitdefender can extend this protection to all of your devices, with antivirus tools for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
The Bitdefender Ultimate Security plan includes antivirus software for up to 10 devices and a slew of other privacy and security tools, including a VPN, password manager, parental controls, email protection (for local email tools like Outlook), an autopilot tool to help you understand how secure your computer is, plus webcam protection. US users with a valid social security number can also get identity theft protection, including up to $2 million in identity theft insurance.
Additionally, you’ll get two performance-enhancing tools: a One-click Optimizer that aims to help you find ways to speed up your device and a Battery Mode tool for configuring how much power individual device functions use to improve the battery life of your laptop. However, it’s worth noting that these tools -- and the firewall protection offered by Bitdefender -- aren’t available for MacOS.
Who it's best for
BitDefender Ultimate Security is your best choice if you want a suite of tools to protect all of your digital activities including email and other online activities. The parental controls also make BitDefender Ultimate Security a great choice if you've got kids or regularly care for kids who might use your devices.
Pricing
Bitdefender Ultimate Security costs $100 for the first year and $160 per year on renewal, with protection for up to 10 devices. Along with its Total Security offering, Bitdefender Ultimate Security includes a password manager, VPN and identity theft protection. For $80 a year ($130 on renewal), you can get Bitdefender Premium Security, with everything but identity theft protection -- we think the extra $10 is worth it for that feature. If you just want antivirus software, you can get protection for one device for $24 in the first year ($50 per year on renewal) -- or even grab the free version. But since most folks own multiple devices, we recommend Ultimate Security for comprehensive coverage.
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AV-Test and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://www.av-comparatives.org/av-comparatives-awards-2023-for-norton/">AV-Comparatives for virus and malware detection. Norton antivirus provides excellent security software for Windows PCs, MacOS and mobile devices. </p><p>The company's products include Antivirus Plus, Norton Secure VPN, Norton 360 for Gamers, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select and more. Some of these tools were originally limited to Windows, but they’re now compatible with MacOS, as well.</p><p>In addition to malware and virus protection for your computer and mobile device, this security suite provides 100GB of cloud backups, safe-browsing tools, a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/what-is-a-vpn/">VPN, a password manager, parental controls and LifeLock identity theft protection and fraud alert. While not all of those services are necessarily best in their respective class, getting them all in one package is a compelling option, especially if you need an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-with-antivirus-in-2024/">antivirus and VPN service bundle</a>.</p><h3>Who it's best for</h3><p>Norton LifeLock is your best choice if you use both Windows and MacOS and you want complete protection for all of your devices.</p><h3>Pricing</h3><p>A 10-device subscription for Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is normally $190 per year, but you can get your first year for $100, which is $90 off.</p><p>For folks that don’t need Norton’s LifeLock protection, Norton 360 Deluxe offers many of the same antivirus features along with a VPN and password manager for $50 a month upfront ($120 upon renewal) and covers five devices. Or, you can grab the budget-friendly Norton 360 Standard which covers a single device for $40 in the first year and $95 per year on renewal.</p>" page-position linktext linkurl like="~Full suite of online security tools, including antivirus, malware ransomware and hacking protection
~Up to 10 devices on one subscription
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AV cyber pricing starting at $19.99\year or 75% off
Norton LifeLock has consistently earned high marks from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives for virus and malware detection. Norton antivirus provides excellent security software for Windows PCs, MacOS and mobile devices.
The company's products include Antivirus Plus, Norton Secure VPN, Norton 360 for Gamers, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select and more. Some of these tools were originally limited to Windows, but they’re now compatible with MacOS, as well.
In addition to malware and virus protection for your computer and mobile device, this security suite provides 100GB of cloud backups, safe-browsing tools, a VPN, a password manager, parental controls and LifeLock identity theft protection and fraud alert. While not all of those services are necessarily best in their respective class, getting them all in one package is a compelling option, especially if you need an antivirus and VPN service bundle.
Who it's best for
Norton LifeLock is your best choice if you use both Windows and MacOS and you want complete protection for all of your devices.
Pricing
A 10-device subscription for Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is normally $190 per year, but you can get your first year for $100, which is $90 off.
For folks that don’t need Norton’s LifeLock protection, Norton 360 Deluxe offers many of the same antivirus features along with a VPN and password manager for $50 a month upfront ($120 upon renewal) and covers five devices. Or, you can grab the budget-friendly Norton 360 Standard which covers a single device for $40 in the first year and $95 per year on renewal.
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AV-Test rankings</a> across all categories. AVG Internet Security is configured through an easy-to-use control dashboard, including comprehensive explanations of all features for newcomers. However, that doesn’t mean it’s only for beginners -- AVG Internet Security also offers advanced customization for a variety of settings, including the ability to enable auto-updates for specific apps and programs.</p><p>AVG Internet Security includes antivirus software with both scheduled auto-scans and manual scans, a web shield for blocking suspicious file downloads and webcam protection. </p><h3>Who it's best for</h3><p>AVG Internet Security is your best choice if you want an easy-to-use antivirus software with advanced customization options at an affordable price.</p><h3>Pricing</h3><p>You can get this protection for 10 devices for $59.88 in the first year and $100 a year on renewal.</p>" page-position linktext linkurl like="~Dashboard is remarkably easy to navigate
~Advanced customization for things like privacy settings
~Web Shield automatically checks files for malware before you download them
~Webcam protection" dislike="~Active scans use enough resources to cause issues on older computers
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AVG Internet Security offers excellent antivirus protection, with consistently high AV-Test rankings across all categories. AVG Internet Security is configured through an easy-to-use control dashboard, including comprehensive explanations of all features for newcomers. However, that doesn’t mean it’s only for beginners -- AVG Internet Security also offers advanced customization for a variety of settings, including the ability to enable auto-updates for specific apps and programs.
AVG Internet Security includes antivirus software with both scheduled auto-scans and manual scans, a web shield for blocking suspicious file downloads and webcam protection.
Who it's best for
AVG Internet Security is your best choice if you want an easy-to-use antivirus software with advanced customization options at an affordable price.
Pricing
You can get this protection for 10 devices for $59.88 in the first year and $100 a year on renewal.
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high-scoring antivirus engine</a> as the paid version of Avira, a popular antivirus software serving over 500 million users. Avira Free offers real-time protection against viruses and other malware, plus a scanning tool to find and remove any malware that sneaks past its protection. You can run scans manually or schedule them to run automatically on a daily or weekly basis.</p><p>Unlike most free antivirus tools, Avira Free Antivirus offers multilayered protection, including protection from ransomware and phishing. This protection is included with Avira Free Antivirus for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android.</p><p>Windows users get access to a software updater, a tool that finds and updates out-of-date software to improve system security. You’ll also get a browser extension that blocks trackers -- including ad trackers -- and unsafe sites, plus a password manager. However, these tools aren’t available for users of MacOS and Safari.</p><h3>Who it's best for</h3><p>Avira Free Antivirus is the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-free-antivirus/">best free antivirus</a> software on the market, making it a great choice if you want advanced antivirus protection but don't have money to spend.</p><h3>Pricing</h3><p>Avira Free Antivirus is free. There's also a paid version, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://www.avira.com/en/internet-security">Avira Internet Security</a>, with advanced internet security tools that costs $27 for the first year and $65 a year afterward.</p><p></p><p></p>" page-position linktext linkurl like="~Real-time protection
~Phishing and ransomware protection
~Automated daily and weekly scans, with scheduling capabilities
~Software updater tool
~Safe browsing tools
~Password manager
~Apps available for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android" dislike="~Some tools are only available for Windows users
~Browser extension isn’t available for Safari
~Dashboard includes some aggressive upsells" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo overridecredit overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"18dc5eba-d9c5-413d-9bad-1b81eb873c74","alt":"Avira antivirus software on a phone","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"18dc5eba-d9c5-413d-9bad-1b81eb873c74","filename":"avira-antivirus-software-1573.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b5b9daaa2971b8a58b0ca3f3bb98b2d09903116e/hub/2024/11/12/18dc5eba-d9c5-413d-9bad-1b81eb873c74/avira-antivirus-software-1573.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-11-12 16:47:58.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b5b9daaa2971b8a58b0ca3f3bb98b2d09903116e/hub/2024/11/12/18dc5eba-d9c5-413d-9bad-1b81eb873c74/avira-antivirus-software-1573.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageAltText":"Avira antivirus software on a phone","imageFilename":"avira-antivirus-software-1573.jpg","imageWidth":5000,"imageHeight":2813,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-11-12","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"qogo53tnt1p76me","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__1aebcef2-19d8-45f0-bcf8-ce70ae4005aa" index="5" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" tagslugs="gap-project,freelance-update,sponsored-listicle,avg,hacking,malware,privacy,viruses,mcafee,macos-mojave,microsoft,symantec,hv14,windows-10" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit imagealttext="Avira antivirus software on a phone" class="c-bestListListicle">
Avira Free Antivirus uses the same high-scoring antivirus engine as the paid version of Avira, a popular antivirus software serving over 500 million users. Avira Free offers real-time protection against viruses and other malware, plus a scanning tool to find and remove any malware that sneaks past its protection. You can run scans manually or schedule them to run automatically on a daily or weekly basis.
Unlike most free antivirus tools, Avira Free Antivirus offers multilayered protection, including protection from ransomware and phishing. This protection is included with Avira Free Antivirus for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android.
Windows users get access to a software updater, a tool that finds and updates out-of-date software to improve system security. You’ll also get a browser extension that blocks trackers -- including ad trackers -- and unsafe sites, plus a password manager. However, these tools aren’t available for users of MacOS and Safari.
Who it's best for
Avira Free Antivirus is the best free antivirus software on the market, making it a great choice if you want advanced antivirus protection but don't have money to spend.
Pricing
Avira Free Antivirus is free. There's also a paid version, Avira Internet Security, with advanced internet security tools that costs $27 for the first year and $65 a year afterward.
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recent independent testing</a> for guarding against malware threats -- but it’s primarily known for its ability to find and remove any malware that’s already found its way onto your computer.</p><h3>Who it's best for</h3><p>Malwarebytes is your best bet if you think malware has already infiltrated your computer and you want to get rid of it.</p><h3>Pricing</h3><p>You can get protection and disinfection for one device for $38 a year for your first year (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/"https://try.malwarebytes.com/get-premium/?c=cj&s=2774599&k=13089900&utm_source=cj&utm_medium=aff&utm_content=13089900&utm_campaign=AFF-CJ_2774599&tracking=cj&x-wts=cj&x-affid=2774599&ADDITIONAL_AFFID=cj-2774599&cjevent=598352494bf811ee83aaaaa00a82b836&clickid=598352494bf811ee83aaaaa00a82b836&pid=cj_int&cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww%22>$45 per year after). To cover five devices -- any combination of Windows, MacOS and Android -- it's $100 for a year of antivirus software.</p>" page-position linktext linkurl like="~Top-tier malware removal
~Includes Browser Guard for web browsers
~Easy to use, customizable interface" dislike="~Certain protections only available for Windows
~Real-time (preventative) protection isn’t as good as alternatives
~Multi-device plans are expensive" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo overridecredit="Malwarebytes" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"82551a7f-289f-47ff-b29d-c4e12d146df8","alt":"Malwarebytes antivirus software on a phone","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"82551a7f-289f-47ff-b29d-c4e12d146df8","filename":"malwarebytes-antivirus-software-1589.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7876dd4ab13ccfb2971ed9715d38dac5b7919c5f/hub/2024/11/12/82551a7f-289f-47ff-b29d-c4e12d146df8/malwarebytes-antivirus-software-1589.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-11-12 16:47:53.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7876dd4ab13ccfb2971ed9715d38dac5b7919c5f/hub/2024/11/12/82551a7f-289f-47ff-b29d-c4e12d146df8/malwarebytes-antivirus-software-1589.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageAltText":"Malwarebytes antivirus software on a phone","imageFilename":"malwarebytes-antivirus-software-1589.jpg","imageWidth":4668,"imageHeight":2626,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-11-12","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"y2u1can603chsrs","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__7f99b9cc-8cc7-410b-ac35-aad17dc5bb76" index="6" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" tagslugs="gap-project,freelance-update,sponsored-listicle,avg,hacking,malware,privacy,viruses,mcafee,macos-mojave,microsoft,symantec,hv14,windows-10" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Malwarebytes" imagealttext="Malwarebytes antivirus software on a phone" class="c-bestListListicle">
Malwarebytes protects your PC from viruses or malware attacks, scoring reasonably well in recent independent testing for guarding against malware threats -- but it’s primarily known for its ability to find and remove any malware that’s already found its way onto your computer.
Who it's best for
Malwarebytes is your best bet if you think malware has already infiltrated your computer and you want to get rid of it.
Pricing
You can get protection and disinfection for one device for $38 a year for your first year ($45 per year after). To cover five devices -- any combination of Windows, MacOS and Android -- it's $100 for a year of antivirus software.
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Factors to consider when choosing antivirus software
Picking the best antivirus software means finding one that keeps your PC or mobile device safe, doesn't consume a lot of system resources, is easy to use and stays out of the way until you need it. Here's what to look for.
Effectiveness
Antivirus software runs scans for known malware and can offer real-time protection. It can also watch for shady websites and suspicious links to keep you out of trouble. It can also offer ransomware protection and monitor unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new and not-yet-identified viruses and malware. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives.
You can determine an antivirus software’s effectiveness by looking at its detection rate in tests performed by labs like the AV-Test lab. None of this software is perfect -- malware is evolving all the time -- but you should look for software with an 80 to 90% detection rate.
Light on system resources
You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources, like RAM and CPU power. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download sluggishly, software opens leisurely or copying files takes longer than expected, you may want to try another service. The good news is that all of our picks offer a free trial or money-back guarantee to let you try out the antivirus program before you buy, so if your system feels bogged-down after installation, you may want to keep looking.
Cost and discounts
Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: You can trim your cost with smaller antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices rather than, say, 10. You may also find discounts on an app's Amazon page or at outlets like Best Buy.
During the purchase process, pay close attention to renewal costs. Most antivirus tools charge annual fees and only offer discounts for the first year (though you may be able to get a discount by paying for two years up front). These promotional prices might lead to you paying more -- sometimes as much as double the original amount -- for following years.
Bundled services
Antivirus software may come bundled with other security tools like a password manager and a VPN. Buying a security suite with all of these tools lets you manage everything from one account, saving you the hassle of managing multiple accounts -- and it can save you money, too.
However, the VPNs in these security bundles aren’t always the best tools available. You may want to purchase separate subscriptions or choose a VPN with antivirus if privacy is a major concern.
Privacy
To be effective, antivirus software needs to monitor what's going on with your PC, check in with company servers about unusual behavior and provide sound banking protection. The companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy. If you want to know more, the security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so you can read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share.
Protection for other platforms
Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. Android is second, with 0.15% of apps installed on Android devices (with Google Play Protect) in the potentially harmful app, or PHA, category as of January 2024.
The threat to MacOS and especially iOS is low, in part because of the tight control Apple has over its app stores. While Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and downloading files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices. Thankfully, you can stay safe when downloading apps by sticking with official app stores, reading reviews and consulting privacy policies.
Issues with Avast
In test after test, Avast Antivirus for Windows performed well for malware detection, with options ranging from Avast free antivirus software to Avast Premium Security. We've included its antivirus in our list of recommended security app options before.
However, early in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle charges that claimed the company had sold customer browsing information to more than 100 third parties from 2014 to 2020. Avast allegedly collected the data through browser extensions and antivirus software and sold the data through its Jumpshot subsidiary, the FTC claims. As part of the settlement, Avast is prohibited from selling or licensing any web browsing data for advertising purposes.
In response to the initial reports in 2020, then-Avast CEO Ondřej Vlček said in a statement that he understood that his company's actions raised questions of trust. To address that, Avast terminated Jumpshot data collection in January 2020 and closed its operations.
We hope the FTC actions mean that there will be no further Jumpshot-style activities and that Avast returns to glory as one of the best antivirus software options. Until then, we recommend using one of the many other solid choices in this realm (listed above).
Issues with Kaspersky
Let's talk about Kaspersky Lab, specifically about the 2024 federal ban, announced on June 20, prohibiting Kaspersky from directly or indirectly selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the US or to US citizens. This sweeping ban follows a more limited one in 2017 that prohibited Kaspersky software and services on federal government computers because of alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government.
Based in Moscow, Kaspersky Lab has for years produced some of the highest-rated antivirus software for business antivirus needs and home customers. Its software consistently earned top scores and awards for virus and malware detection and endpoint protection from independent testing labs.
“Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security and the American people," Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the official announcement of the ban.
In a statement, Kaspersky said it "does not engage in activities which threaten US national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted US interests and allies."
The Department of Commerce recommends those who use Kaspersky software switch to replacement software from other security companies as soon as possible. To aid Kaspersky customers with the transition, Kaspersky will be allowed to provide antivirus updates to its software until Sept. 29, 2024, the department said.
Our research process starts with looking at each antivirus company's website to evaluate its features, additional security tools (like VPNs) and pricing to determine its overall value. We also consider the operating systems and number of devices each antivirus tool can protect, prioritizing tools that can protect all of your computers and mobile devices.
If our initial research shows that a company provides a broad range of high-value security tools for multiple devices and operating systems, we review that company's test results from AV-Test. AV-Test is an independent third-party lab that tests antivirus tools for their performance, protection and usability. Antivirus tools that consistently receive a ranking of at least five out of six in all three categories are added to the list.
In addition to the antivirus apps we recommend, a handful of other anti-malware tools are worth considering among the best antivirus protection if you find them at a better price or just prefer to use one over our picks above.
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Maybe this antivirus provider isn't as well known to consumers because of its focus on enterprise security, but Trend Micro antivirus security quietly brings its business expertise to the home with its Trend Micro Maximum Security tools. Trend Micro's software earns high marks from AV-Test -- consistently scoring well for detecting zero-day attacks and widespread viruses and malware. Trend Micro also does a good job of not taxing system resources.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
If you're looking for something easy to set up and use, ESET NOD32 antivirus may meet your needs. It earns high scores for usability and offers solid virus protection. A five-device option is available for as little as $60 for a year on the base package, with a five-device one-year plan on its mid-range Essential tier running $70. ESET NOD32 has a 30-day free trial so you can try before you buy.
The best antivirus software is McAfee, which consistently earns top marks in all categories from AV-Test. The McAfee Plus plan is especially great for users with numerous devices, as it includes the top-notch antivirus software, a password manager and a VPN for unlimited devices -- all for $50 in the first year and $150 a year after.
Both Norton and McAfee have achieved 100% malware detection during third-party testing from AV-Test. However, new malware is created every day and lab conditions can’t perfectly replicate real-world conditions, so it’s unlikely to see the same results in real life. Following basic internet safety best practices is essential regardless of the antivirus software you’re using.
Norton is better if you’re looking for a total security suite. The Norton 360 subscription includes high-quality antivirus software, a password manager and VPN, safe browsing tools, parental controls and 100GB of cloud storage for backups.
If you just want basic antivirus software and/or you have numerous devices, McAfee is the better choice. You can choose the McAfee Plus plan for antivirus software, a password manager and a VPN for all devices.
Microsoft Defender -- formerly Windows Defender -- provides good security for most users, but it only had a 98.8% malware detection rate in the most recent tests conducted by AV-Test. Norton had a 100% malware detection rate in its most recent tests, proving that Norton is better than Windows Defender.
To a degree, yes. Some antivirus programs can do things like warn you or block you from visiting a suspected phishing site. Others may automatically block suspicious emails that appear to come from a malicious sender or contain phrasing common in phishing emails.
However, you cannot count on an antivirus program to be a failsafe solution for phishing protection. You still need to be vigilant and know what to look out for on your own when it comes to phishing because an antivirus program won't be able to catch everything.
Any program running on your computer will require a certain amount of processing power to work, which can affect your computer's overall performance. If an antivirus program is just running in the background, it shouldn't affect your computer's performance.
When actively running a scan of your system, antivirus software can noticeably slow down your computer. If this is the case, try scheduling antivirus scans at night, or at a time when you're not using your computer.
There is a common misconception that Macs are inherently immune to malware, but the truth is that most malware simply wasn’t created to target Macs due to their limited market share. As Macs continue growing in popularity, they're increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals looking to deploy malware designed for the MacOS operating system.
MacOS has a built-in antivirus solution called XProtect that can detect and remove malware. It works in the background and updates automatically to keep up with the latest threats, but it still may not catch everything that a third-party antivirus program will. So if you want to play it safe and boost the malware protection on your Mac, it's a good idea to add a third-party antivirus solution.
