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10 BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE IN 2024: WINDOWS, ANDROID, IOS, MAC

Katarina Glamoslija
Updated on: February 29, 2024
Fact Checked by Kate Davidson
Katarina Glamoslija
Updated on: February 29, 2024
This article contains
 * 🥇1. Norton 360 — Best Antivirus for Windows, Android & iOS
 * 🥈2. Bitdefender Total Security — Best for Lightweight Scanning + Tons of
   Additional Features
 * 🥉3. TotalAV — Best for Ease of Use (Super Beginner-Friendly)
 * 4. McAfee Total Protection — Best for Online Security (+ Great for Families)
 * 5. Intego — Best for Comprehensive Mac Protection
 * 6. Panda Dome — Best for Flexible Pricing
 * 7. Kaspersky Premium — Best for Online Shopping + Banking
 * 8. Avira Prime — Best for System Optimization
 * 9. Trend Micro — Best for Secure Web Browsing
 * 10. Malwarebytes — Best for Basic Protection
 * Bonus. MacKeeper — Intuitive & Feature-Rich Antivirus for Mac
 * Comparison of the Best Antiviruses of 2024
 * How I Rated the Best Antivirus Software of 2024
 * How to Choose the Best Antivirus for Your Operating System
 * Built-In vs. Third-Party Antiviruses — Which is Better?
 * What Security Threats Can an Antivirus Protect You Against?
 * Why We Still Recommend Kaspersky
 * Frequently Asked Questions
 * Best Antivirus Programs in 2024 — Final Score:


SHORT ON TIME? HERE’S THE BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR 2024:

 * 🥇 Norton: Excellent virus and malware protection, with tons of extra
   features like anti-phishing, a VPN, a password manager, parental controls,
   live dark web monitoring, cloud backup, and a lot more.

There are hundreds of antiviruses out there — and they all claim to offer the
best protection at the best price. But I tested the top antivirus software on
the market and only a few of them are strong enough, secure enough, and
effective enough to be considered one of the best antiviruses of 2024.

Most antivirus programs nowadays include more than just a virus scanner — they
also come with features that add additional protection, like a network firewall,
phishing protection, a virtual private network (VPN), a password manager,
parental controls, as well as dedicated protections for mobile devices.

But a lot of antiviruses don’t exactly work as advertised — they have poor
malware detection rates, they don’t consistently block malicious sites, and
their extra features are badly designed and virtually useless (despite charging
you an extra fee).

I spent weeks testing the top antiviruses on the market — I ranked them on
security, functionality, speed, and price. Norton came out on top, but I found
10 other products that are also excellent. Read on to find out more about each
of them and decide which is best for you.

RISK-FREE FOR 60 DAYS — TRY NORTON NOW


QUICK SUMMARY OF THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR 2024:

Approved By Our Editors

🥇 Norton
Best overall antivirus in 2024 with excellent malware protection for all kinds
of devices.
Most of our readers choose Norton
🥈 Bitdefender
Best for lightweight malware scanning (with heaps of additional features and
tools).
🥉 TotalAV
Best for ease of use (with beginner-friendly apps and tools for all major
devices).
McAfee
Best for web protection (with parental controls and a great family plan).
Intego
Best for protecting your Mac + comes with great optimization toolset.
Numbers 6-10 of 2024‘s top antiviruses. Comparison table of all top picks.


🥇1. NORTON 360 — BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR WINDOWS, ANDROID & IOS

Approved by our experts

Approved by our experts
Most readers pick Norton
Malware detection rate
100%
Key Features
AI-based scanner & VPN
Number of devices
Up to 10
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
60 Days
Visit Norton Now
norton.com

Norton 360 offers unbeatable virus and malware protection. It’s a well-built and
well-maintained internet security suite that fully ensures all information stays
secure, private, and protected — and it works well across all operating systems.
It’s the best choice for home users looking for a complete, intuitive antivirus
with some of the best cybersecurity protections out there, all for a low-cost
yearly subscription.

Norton’s antivirus software uses a unique scanning engine powered by heuristic
analysis and machine learning, making it capable of scanning, finding, and
removing all of the newest and most advanced types of malware. It scored a 100%
protection rating during all of my independent tests, and it consistently scored
higher on detection and threat prevention than built-in antiviruses (like
Windows Defender).



Norton 360 comes with a wide range of additional features — and they’re all easy
to use and work just as promised. The features include:

 * Secure firewall.
 * Password manager.
 * Webcam protection.
 * VPN (with unlimited data).
 * Dark web monitoring.
 * Cloud storage.
 * Secure browser.
 * Ransomware protection.
 * And a lot more…

My favorite extra is dark web monitoring (it’s by far the best dark web
monitoring tool I’ve ever tested). It constantly scans the dark web for a wide
range of personal information, including credit card details, insurance
documentation, home addresses, phone numbers, gamer tags, and more, and it
immediately alerts you if it detects any stolen data.



Norton also includes a decent password manager — an important tool for
maintaining good online security. It generates strong passwords and stores them,
so you never have to remember them. Unfortunately, it lacks password sharing and
a built-in TOTP authenticator like some standalone competitors include, but it
does the basics well.

The secure VPN is an excellent addition, too. Especially if you’re using
unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. It encrypts your internet connection, making
your online activity virtually untraceable.

I also like the webcam protection feature, which stops unauthorized access to
your webcam. It worked pretty well in my tests — making it a reliable choice for
individuals worried about cybercriminals spying on them.

Norton provides excellent value across all of its packages. Priced at €14.99 /
year, its entry-level AntiVirus Plus plan doesn’t come with a lot of features,
but it still has real-time malware protection, a firewall, a password manager,
and 2 GB secure cloud storage. Norton 360 Standard is also a pretty good deal —
it adds unlimited VPN access and dark web monitoring and covers 3 devices for
€29.99 / year.

Norton 360 Deluxe is the best-value package for most users — for €34.99 / year,
you get more licenses (up to 5), more storage space (up to 50 GB), and access to
some of the best parental controls on the market. Starting at €92.14 / year,
Norton 360 with LifeLock Select also adds identity theft protection and credit
monitoring via Norton’s sister company, LifeLock — but these advanced plans are
only available for US customers.


Read Review
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Bottom Line:

Norton 360 provides the best antivirus protection in 2024. It offers one of the
strongest cybersecurity packages around — complete protection from all malicious
threats alongside a ton of excellent extra features, like a VPN (with unlimited
data), a password manager, secure cloud storage, parental controls, and a lot
more. You can try Norton risk-free with the company’s 60-day money-back
guarantee.

Read the full Norton review here >


🥈2. BITDEFENDER TOTAL SECURITY — BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT SCANNING + TONS OF
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Malware detection rate
100%
Key Features
Cloud-based scanner
Number of devices
Up to 10
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit Bitdefender Now
bitdefender.com

Bitdefender has an extremely advanced antivirus engine — it uses a massive
malware database together with machine learning and artificial intelligence to
detect and protect against malware more effectively than almost any other
competitor on the market.

Bitdefender found and removed every malicious threat from my system when I
tested it. And because its engine is cloud-based, all of the malware scans take
place on Bitdefender’s cloud server, offloading the strain on your device.
Bitdefender caused virtually zero system impact to both my Windows and Mac
laptops, even during intensive, full-disk scans.



But Bitdefender isn’t just an anti-malware scanner — it’s one of the most
comprehensive security suites available, providing some of the best protection
for both computers and mobiles, with features like:

 * Web protection.
 * System optimizer
 * VPN (200 MB/daily on most plans).
 * Parental controls.
 * Password manager.
 * Webcam protection.
 * Ransomware protection.
 * And a lot more…

Bitdefender’s web protection is excellent — the anti-phishing protection blocked
the vast majority of phishing sites in my testing, and I’m a big fan of Safepay,
which is a secure, encrypted browser window for online banking and shopping. I
particularly love Bitdefender’s multi-layer ransomware protection, which adds a
data-protection layer over your important files so that they can’t be encrypted
during a ransomware attack.

Bitdefender’s VPN is also one of the best on the market, providing
lightning-fast access to encrypted servers around the globe — unfortunately,
unlike Norton’s VPN, Bitdefender’s VPN limits your daily data usage on all but
the most expensive plans.

Similar to Norton, Bitdefender includes advanced settings for users who know how
to customize their antivirus protection. You can set custom scan settings for
specific areas of your computer, like scripts, network shares, boot sectors, and
even new/modified files. Bitdefender’s advanced settings help further its
reputation as one of the most powerful and customizable malware scanning engines
out there.



Bitdefender has several low-cost packages available. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus,
which is priced at €19.99 / year, has many of Bitdefender’s premium features
(except webcam protection, parental controls, and a device optimizer), but it’s
only available for Windows. Bitdefender Internet Security adds on parental
controls, a firewall, and coverage for up to 3 Windows computers for €32.49 /
year.

My favorite plan is Bitdefender Total Security, which includes 5 licenses for
Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS for €42.49 / year. There’s also Bitdefender
Premium Security, which includes all of Bitdefender’s features, plus the VPN
with no limitations — at €73.71 / year, it’s pricier than some competitors, but
considering the VPN is as good as the top standalone VPNs, I still think it’s
worth it.


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Bottom Line:

Bitdefender offers cloud-based scanning and heaps of cybersecurity tools for a
cheaper price than most competitors. I recommend Bitdefender if you’re looking
for a comprehensive cloud-based cybersecurity suite with extras like a VPN,
parental controls, and a password manager. And you can try out Bitdefender
risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Bitdefender review here >


🥉3. TOTALAV — BEST FOR EASE OF USE (SUPER BEGINNER-FRIENDLY)

Malware detection rate
99.60%
Key Features
Beginner-friendly apps
Number of devices
Up to 6
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit TotalAV Now
totalav.com

TotalAV has an excellent antivirus scanner and a couple of really good extras,
all inside a very intuitive dashboard — making it a particularly great choice
for beginner users who don’t want to deal with complicated menus and settings.
However, TotalAV also includes many customization options that advanced users
will appreciate.

TotalAV’s antivirus scanner is fast and reliable, with near-perfect malware
detection rates. The scanner caught 99% of all of my test malware, from viruses
and trojans to ransomware, missing only a couple of tricky files (which Norton
and Bitdefender managed to catch).



TotalAV’s WebShield stops you from visiting dangerous websites. It does this by
comparing websites you visit with a blacklist of unsafe websites and blocking
any matches. During my tests, it outperformed Chrome and Firefox, blocking
dangerous websites that both of them missed.

Furthermore, TotalAV’s Smart Scan simplifies routine maintenance tasks by
compacting them into 1 scan. This includes an antivirus scan, tracking cookie
scan, and disk cleanup. I appreciate the amount of time I saved while running
this scan.

You also get a full range of extra internet security features. I particularly
like TotalAV’s performance optimizer (which you can run separately from the
Smart Scan). During my tests, it cleaned up more space on my computer than most
other competitors. I also like TotalAV’s VPN — it’s secure, works with popular
streaming sites, and maintains pretty fast speeds across all servers (which is
why it ranks as one of the best antivirus-bundled VPNs on the market).

The password manager is pretty good, too. Total Password provides a secure way
to store all of your passwords and other bits of sensitive information in an
encrypted space. You get all of the standard features, like auto-saving and
auto-filling, a customizable password generator, cross-device synchronization,
and more. It performed really well in my tests, with my only complaint being
that it lacks password sharing. That said, it does include some pretty unique
features like Secure Me — a tool that lets you remotely log out of accounts on
all devices.



My favorite plan is TotalAV Total Security, which covers up to 6 devices and
costs €59.00 / year. It includes a VPN, premium password manager, and excellent
ad blocker alongside all the other features mentioned above. If you’re on a
budget, TotalAV Antivirus Pro is a good entry-level package for users looking to
protect up to 3 devices, and it costs €19.00 / year. All plans come with a
30-day money-back guarantee.


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Bottom Line:

TotalAV has a powerful antivirus engine and a good range of features inside a
user-friendly dashboard — I recommend TotalAV for first-time users just needing
something safe, secure, and easy to use. TotalAV’s packages all have a wide
range of features, and they’re all designed for maximum ease of use. Plus, all
TotalAV purchases have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full TotalAV review here >


4. MCAFEE TOTAL PROTECTION — BEST FOR ONLINE SECURITY (+ GREAT FOR FAMILIES)

Malware detection rate
100%
Key Features
Great web protection
Number of devices
Unlimited
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit McAfee Now
mcafee.com

McAfee Total Protection has a great range of internet security features —
malware protection, anti-phishing protection, a password manager, a VPN, and
identity theft monitoring and coverage. And all of its features are intuitive,
easy to use, and work just as promised.



Its excellent virus protection abilities alone make McAfee a great choice —
scoring a perfect 100% detection rate against all of the malware samples during
my series of tests. McAfee detected, blocked, and removed both simple and
advanced threats, including viruses, trojans, spyware, keyloggers, and rootkits.

Its anti-phishing protection is also excellent, preventing me from accessing
known phishing sites and other dangerous web pages. It identified the vast
majority of risky sites, outperforming both built-in protections from browsers
like Chrome and Firefox and web protection from most competing antiviruses.



Additionally, McAfee’s Scam Protection protects you from scams by warning you
about dangerous links in emails, texts, social media, or web browsers. I liked
how it quickly flagged malicious links, making it easy to avoid dangerous sites.

The Wi-Fi scan feature in the mobile app is great, too. It checks the Wi-Fi
network you’re connected to and lets you know if the encryption is good enough
to keep your info safe. I found it useful when on the move — it alerted me to
vulnerabilities on open networks (like in coffee shops) and helped me decide
whether to stay connected or find a safer network.

McAfee’s parental controls are also some of the best on the market — in addition
to blocking inappropriate and unwanted content and apps, they also come with
advanced location tracking, which allows you to track your child’s device with
almost perfect accuracy (this feature works much better than Google or Apple’s
tools for locating devices).

However, McAfee did slow down my computer a bit during full system scans (unlike
Norton and Bitdefender). While I was able to browse the internet, use Microsoft
Office, and watch videos on YouTube (there was some buffering), I couldn’t play
CPU-intensive games as my screen kept freezing during gameplay.

McAfee’s plans, which start at only €34.95 / year, offer excellent value. The
Plus plan (€39.95 / year) provides coverage for up to 5 devices, and the Premium
family package (€55.28 / year) adds parental controls and coverage for an
unlimited number of devices. There’s also the Advanced (€34.95 / year) and
Ultimate (€165.86 / year) plans, which add identity theft coverage of up to $1
million and other protections. Ultimate is distinguished by more extensive
credit monitoring and the addition of ransomware insurance.

Bottom Line:

McAfee Total Protection offers a great range of internet security protection for
all computers and mobiles. Its anti-phishing and Wi-Fi protections are
exceptionally good, blocking all risky sites and offering centralized security
control from the McAfee mobile app, and its parental controls are some of the
best on the market. This makes McAfee Total Protection particularly great for
families looking to keep a highly secure Wi-Fi network and improve their
children’s safety both online and offline. All Total Protection packages include
a commitment-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full McAfee review here >


5. INTEGO — BEST FOR COMPREHENSIVE MAC PROTECTION

Malware detection rate
100%
Key Features
Mac system cleaner
Number of devices
Up to 5
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit Intego Now
intego.com

Intego is the best macOS antivirus out there. Most antivirus brands only focus
on protecting Windows PCs — even competitors like Norton offer far fewer
features for their macOS programs than they do for their Windows versions. But
all of Intego’s Mac antivirus packages were exclusively designed to provide
high-quality internet security and optimization tools to macOS. It greatly
enhances Apple’s built-in safety features with things like:

 * Real-time malware protection.
 * Mac optimization and cleaning tools.
 * Advanced Mac backup options.
 * Network security options.
 * Parental controls.



Intego’s antivirus engine scored a perfect detection rate against all of my test
malware (both macOS and PC malware). And its scans are fast — scanning over
800,000 files in under 2 hours. I also really like that subsequent scans take
only a few minutes, thanks to Intego’s file caching system that ignores
already-scanned files (Norton uses the same technology to skip over previously
scanned files).

I’m also a huge fan of Intego’s customizable smart firewall — it monitors both
incoming and outgoing network connections and alerts you to programs trying to
connect to the internet, which prevents programs from sending data from your Mac
without you knowing (perfect for stopping hidden spyware attempting to send
sensitive information to hackers). The firewall also adjusts its settings
automatically depending on your environment — if you’re at home, work, or using
a public Wi-Fi network — ensuring you have the most appropriate settings
switched on.



Intego has a lot of pretty cool additional features — I particularly like how
you can connect an external drive or an iOS device to your Mac and run an
antivirus scan of it with Intego’s virus scanner. Because Intego doesn’t offer
internet security protection for mobile, this saves you from needing to get
multiple antivirus packages to protect your iOS devices — but if you want to do
more than run antivirus scans on iOS, you’ll need to get a separate iOS
antivirus app.

Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle X9 plan is excellent — it comes with all of Intego’s
best features, including disk optimization tools and parental controls. There’s
also the Mac Internet Security X9 plan, but it only has real-time malware
protection and a firewall. Starting at €24.87 / year, Intego is a bit more
expensive than the competitors, but then again, most competitors offer very
basic programs for Mac users (typically only malware scanners).

Intego also has a Windows product, Antivirus for Windows, but it’s just a simple
virus scanner and not full-suite security software like Intego’s Mac products.
If you need a Windows antivirus, any of the other ones on this list are better
choices.

Bottom Line:

Intego is the best antivirus for macOS in 2024 — it offers excellent protection
against Mac-based malware, it greatly enhances and improves upon Apple’s already
built-in security and device optimization tools, and it comes at a great price.
And there’s a 30-day no-risk money-back guarantee, so you’ll be able to see if
it offers the best protection for you.

Read the full Intego review here >


6. PANDA DOME — BEST FOR FLEXIBLE PRICING

Malware detection rate
95%
Key Features
PC Rescue Kit & game mode
Number of devices
Unlimited
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit Panda Now
pandasecurity.com

Panda offers an advanced virus scanner and easy-to-use interface, and it has 4
different pricing plans to choose from — I love that Panda provides its
excellent security solution to everyone, regardless of budget. I’m also happy
that Panda’s malware scanner performed well during testing (95% malware
detection rate and 100% ransomware detection rate), and I liked most of the
additional features too.



However, I was disappointed with Panda’s VPN — it didn’t perform well in speed
tests, and the unlimited-data VPN is only available on the most expensive plan.
If you’re looking for a VPN included in an antivirus package, I’d recommend
Norton or TotalAV.

On the other hand, I really like the Rescue Kit, which is a bootable version of
Panda that can be operated from a thumb drive (in case your computer gets
heavily infected by malware).



There are a few different Panda plans to choose from, including a fairly limited
free plan. Panda Free includes real-time virus protection for Windows and an app
scanner for Android, plus a Rescue Kit and a VPN (limited to 1 server and 150 MB
per day).

Essential, the most basic paid plan (€17.49 / year), adds a firewall and Wi-Fi
protection. The Advanced plan goes for €26.25 / year and adds ransomware
protection, while Complete (€35.49 / year) gets you a password manager and
various optimization tools. Panda Dome Premium adds an unlimited-data VPN and
grants you access to 24/7 customer support for €59.49 / year. All plans come
with a 30-day money-back guarantee and let you choose how many devices you want
to protect.

Bottom Line:

Panda has an option for every user, whether they want a simple free malware
scanner with real-time protection or a full-featured internet security suite.
Panda comes with lots of extras, including advanced ransomware protection, a
Rescue Kit for saving malware-infected PCs, a password manager, parental
controls, and a file encrypter and shredder. And all of Panda’s premium plans
are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Panda review here >


7. KASPERSKY PREMIUM — BEST FOR ONLINE SHOPPING + BANKING

Malware detection rate
100%
Key Features
Great parental controls
Number of devices
Up to 20
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit Kaspersky Now
kaspersky.com
We currently have no evidence to suggest that Moscow-based Kaspersky is a threat
to users. You can read more about our decision to continue recommending it on
our website here.

Kaspersky Internet Security has excellent antivirus protection, plus some
impressive bonus features like dangerous site protection that will help keep you
safe online. Its antivirus engine consistently delivers some of the best results
in the industry against all types of malware — the program was 100% effective in
all of my anti-malware testing.



Kaspersky also includes a good variety of cybersecurity features, such as:

 * Anti-phishing protection.
 * Safe Money secure browser.
 * VPN (unlimited data).
 * Password manager.
 * Smart Home Monitor.

I really like Kaspersky’s Safe Money feature — the program detects when you’re
about to make a payment online or access a banking website, offering to launch a
safe, sandboxed browser window that’s impenetrable to malware and spyware. While
I’m a fan of Safe Money, I slightly prefer Bitdefender’s secure browser,
Safepay, which loads much faster than Kaspersky’s. Kaspersky also lets you use a
virtual keyboard when handling online payments to avoid keyloggers.



On the other hand, the vulnerability scanner was a bit of a letdown. The scan
for vulnerabilities took ages and failed to detect any vulnerabilities. I didn’t
expect this, since Kaspersky’s built-in app updater had already identified
outdated applications on my system.

In my opinion, Kaspersky Premium is the best-value plan, providing malware
scanning, web protection, the Safe Money secure browser, an unlimited-data VPN,
a password manager with unlimited password storage, home Wi-Fi monitoring so you
can keep track of who connects to your network, and 1 free year of Kaspersky
parental controls for up to 1 user. At only €36.99 / year, this is a good deal —
and there are also options to cover 5, 10, and even 20 users depending on your
location.

Bottom Line:

Kaspersky offers a well-designed antivirus package with a good anti-malware
scanner. In addition, you get useful extras like a secure browser for online
finances, a VPN, a password manager, and 1 free year of parental controls. All
of Kaspersky’s plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Kaspersky review here >


8. AVIRA PRIME — BEST FOR SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

Malware detection rate
100%
Key Features
Device optimization tools
Number of devices
Up to 5
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
60 Days
Visit Avira Now
avira.com

Avira has one of the strongest and most robust antivirus engines around — it
consistently earns high scores during independent testing (and scored a 100%
detection rate during all of my tests), and it’s so good that Avira’s
anti-malware technology has been licensed out to several competitors, including
TotalAV.



Avira Prime also comes with a lot of really good additional features, such as:

 * Privacy optimization.
 * System optimization.
 * VPN.
 * Password manager.
 * Premium apps for Android and iOS.

Avira’s system optimization tools are some of the best on the market. While many
antivirus products include tune-up tools designed to help your device run
smoothly and free up hard drive space, Avira comes with the most advanced
tune-up and clean-up tools bundled with an antivirus, including:

 * Startup optimizer. Saved a full 2 minutes from my PC’s start time!
 * Game booster. Automatically allocates system resources and stops background
   processes to improve system performance.
 * Junk file cleaner. Removes duplicates, unused files, and some cached files.



Avira Prime is a particularly good antivirus if you have an old or slow
PC that’s often low on hard disk space. Avira’s system optimization tools had my
old Windows 7 computer running like new — in fact, it almost seemed faster than
my new Windows 10 PC! And since Avira’s antivirus engine operates entirely in
the cloud, it won’t slow down your devices like many other competitors that
download bulky software packages to your system.

At €36.95 / year, Avira Prime is a good value, but it’s pricier than some
top-rated antivirus packages. Avira does have cheaper plans, including Internet
Security (€15.95 / year), but Prime is the only package that includes advanced
system optimization, the unlimited-data VPN, and mobile apps.

Avira’s free version is one of the better free antiviruses software on the
market — if you don’t want to spend any money right now, Avira Free can help
keep your device protected with real-time protection, ransomware protection, and
even a free version of Avira’s VPN.

Bottom Line:

Avira is the most lightweight security suite on my list, with a cloud-based
scanner and excellent system optimization tools. It also has a VPN, password
manager, and coverage for up to 5 devices across all operating systems. You can
try out Avira risk-free with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Avira review here >


9. TREND MICRO — BEST FOR SECURE WEB BROWSING

Malware detection rate
100%
Key Features
Social media scanner
Number of devices
Up to 10
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit Trend Micro Now
trendmicro.com

Trend Micro has a decent anti-malware engine, as well as an excellent web
browser extension that monitors security risks, blocks online scams, and checks
websites for unsafe content. The antivirus scanner scored pretty well in my
testing, catching the majority of viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware on
my system, though it didn’t score as well as top competitors like Norton and
Bitdefender. Trend Micro also offers several scan customization settings,
allowing users to adjust the malware protections.



Trend Micro detected more phishing websites than Chrome, Firefox, or Safari when
I tested it. In addition, it detected scam links, unsafe content, malicious
code, and even misinformation, and it also blocked ads and scanned my browsing
history for any dangerous sites I may have visited accidentally.



Trend Micro also includes a password manager, secured with 256-bit AES
encryption. It offers basic features like unlimited password storage, password
generation, basic autofill, and two-factor authentication. However, compared to
top competitors like 1Password and Dashlane, it’s less intuitive and
feature-rich. That said, it remains a solid basic choice for password
management.

Starting at €13.78 / year, Trend Micro offers several plans to choose from.
Trend Micro Antivirus + Security protects 1 Windows device with malware
protection, advanced ransomware protection, and a secure browser for online
finances. Trend Micro Internet Security protects up to 3 devices (PC only) and
adds device optimization tools, social networking protection, and parental
controls. Trend Micro Maximum Security protects up to 5 devices (including
Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Chromebook) and adds a password manager. The
most comprehensive plan, Premium Security Suite, costs €50.64 / year, covers up
to 10 devices, and adds various identity theft protections and a fully-featured
VPN.

Bottom Line:

Trend Micro offers a strong set of malware and internet security features for
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chromebook users. It’s particularly good at web
protection, and its browser extension will help you avoid malicious websites,
scam links, and suspicious content. All Trend Micro plans are backed by a 30-day
money-back guarantee.

Read the full Trend Micro review here >


10. MALWAREBYTES — BEST FOR BASIC PROTECTION

Malware detection rate
95%
Key Features
Secure browser extension
Number of devices
Up to 20
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
60 Days
Visit Malwarebytes Now
malwarebytes.com

Malwarebytes is a simplistic, easy-to-use antivirus that offers good virus
protection for all operating systems and devices. During my tests,
Malwarebytes’s advanced malware scanner detected around 95% of my test malware,
which is pretty good (but not as good as top competitors like Norton).



Malwarebytes also offers a VPN with unlimited data, servers in 40+ countries,
and decent speeds. However, Malwarebytes’s VPN isn’t a good choice for streaming
or torrenting (if you’re looking for a good VPN to securely watch streaming
sites and torrent files, I recommend ExpressVPN).

That said, I’m a big fan of Malwarebytes’s web protection, which successfully
identified and blocked most of the phishing sites I tried visiting during
testing, as well as ads, trackers, and other potential scams. Unfortunately,
Browser Guard, which is supposed to enhance browser speed by obstructing ads and
unwanted content, only succeeded in blocking around a third of ads — a stark
contrast to competitors like Avira, which managed to block almost all ads.



Malwarebytes also offers Identity Theft Protection services, but this is a
separate offering at a much higher price point, starting at €92.14 / year.
However, if you sign up for one of the ID Theft Protection plans, you also get
Malwarebytes Plus, which includes the antivirus, Browser Guard, and VPN, which
is great.

Unfortunately, Malwarebytes doesn’t have some of the additional features that
the other antiviruses on this list offer (like a firewall, PC optimization
tools, parental controls, etc.). While I’d like to see Malwarebytes add some of
these extra features, I still think it’s a pretty good choice for users looking
for a decent antivirus program that they can install and forget about.
Malwarebytes starts at €55.28 / year.

Bottom Line:

Malwarebytes is a straightforward and minimalistic antivirus program, offering
effective malware scanning and web protection. It provides a reliable VPN and
user-friendly interface, and it offers comprehensive Identity Theft Protection
(though this isn’t included in its standard antivirus packages). Despite some
limitations in features like ad-blocking, Malwarebytes is a solid choice for
those seeking basic, no-frills virus protection. Malwarebytes comes with a
generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Malwarebytes review here >


BONUS. MACKEEPER — INTUITIVE & FEATURE-RICH ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC

Malware detection rate
99%
Key Features
ID theft protection
Number of devices
Up to 3
OS compatibility

Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Visit MacKeeper Now
mackeeper.com

MacKeeper is one of the rare antiviruses specifically designed for Mac — and it
comes with good malware protection, a range of security and privacy features
that build upon Apple’s native protections, and a very intuitive macOS app.



In my testing, MacKeeper detected over 99% of Mac-specific malware files, which
is similar to the best antiviruses for Mac, including Intego and McAfee. And its
Mac cleanup and optimization tools removed around 7 GB of junk and duplicate
files from my MacBook Pro (I also really like how MacKeeper offers the option to
delete unwanted email attachments, which is something I haven’t seen in any
other antivirus).



MacKeeper’s VPN is also really good — secure, fast, and compatible with most
streaming sites. The only thing I dislike about the VPN is the lack of
transparency regarding the no-logs policy, so I’d like to see MacKeeper provide
clearer information on how it manages user data.

On the other hand, MacKeeper is missing anti-phishing protection, which I
consider to be a crucial security feature for an antivirus in 2024. It also
doesn’t have a firewall or parental controls, both of which are included with
Intego.

MacKeeper offers several plans that start at €10.09 / month. The plans are all
the same, and the only difference between them is in the length of the
subscription and the number of Mac computers covered (1–3).

Bottom Line:

MacKeeper is a really good Mac-only antivirus — it has near-perfect malware
detection rates, it includes excellent system cleanup tools, and it offers a
secure and fast VPN with unlimited data. However, it’s missing anti-phishing
protection, a firewall, and parental controls. MacKeeper offers several paid
plans and backs all purchases with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full MacKeeper review here >


COMPARISON OF THE BEST ANTIVIRUSES OF 2024

Antivirus Starting Price Malware Detection Rate Firewall VPN Password Manager
Parental Controls Extra Features Supported Operating Systems Number of Devices
Free Version Money-Back Guarantee 1.🥇Norton €14.99 / year 100% ✅ Unlimited data
✅ ✅ Webcam protection, dark web monitoring, cloud storage Windows, Mac, iOS,
Android, Chromebook Up to 5 ❌ 60-days 2.🥈Bitdefender €17.49 / year 100% ✅
Unlimited data (with Bitdefender Premium Security) ✅ ✅ System optimizer, webcam
and microphone protection, ransomware remediation Windows, Mac, iOS, Android Up
to 10 ✅ 30-days 3.🥉 TotalAV €19.00 / year 99% ✅ Unlimited (with TotalAV
Internet Security) ✅ ❌ Performance optimization, ad blocker Windows, Mac, iOS,
Android Up to 6 ✅ 30-days 4. McAfee €34.95 / year 100% ✅ Unlimited data (with
automatic subscription renewals) ✅ ✅ Wi-Fi protection, identity theft protection
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android Up to 5 on the Plus plan, and unlimited on the
Premium and Advanced plans ❌ 30-days 5. Intego €24.87 / year 100% ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ Mac
optimization and cleaning tools, Mac backup options Mac, Windows Up to 5 ❌
30-days 6. Panda €17.49 / year 95% ✅ Unlimited (with Panda Dome Premium) ✅ ✅
Wi-Fi protection, file encryption and shredding, update manager Windows, Mac,
iOS, Android You can cover as many devices as you want ✅ 30-days 7. Kaspersky
€17.99 / year 100% ✅ Unlimited (with Kaspersky Plus and Premium) ✅ ✅ Wi-Fi
monitoring, secure browser Windows, Mac, iOS, Android Up to 20 ✅ 30-days 8.
Avira €11.95 / year 100% ❌ Unlimited data (with Avira Prime) ✅ ❌ System
optimization tools Windows, Mac, iOS, Android Up to 5 ✅ 60-days 9. Trend Micro
€13.78 / year 97% ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ Secure browser, social networking protection, device
optimization Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chromebook Up to 5 devices ❌ 30-days
10. Malwarebytes €55.28 / year 95% ❌ Unlimited (with Malwarebytes Plus) ❌ ❌
Identity theft protection Windows, Mac, iOS, Android Up to 20 ✅ 60-days Bonus.
MacKeeper €10.09 / month 99% ❌ Unlimited ❌ ❌ Mac cleanup and optimization tools
Mac Up to 3 ❌ 14-days




HOW I RATED THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE OF 2024

 * I tested malware detection rates and scanning capabilities. I conducted
   dozens of malware tests, real-time protection tests, CPU performance tests,
   and more. I did this to ensure each of these products provided rock-solid
   protection against all viruses, malware, and other dangerous internet
   security threats. Once done, only the products that protected against the
   most advanced malware threats made it to this list — these products not only
   detect and remove viruses but also tackle spyware, rootkits, ransomware, and
   anything else that could cause me or my devices harm. Norton and Bitdefender
   did the best here, but the other antiviruses on this list performed well,
   too.
 * I counted the number of false positives. While no antivirus is 100% immune to
   false positives, some programs raise fewer false positives than others — I
   still think it’s better for an antivirus to raise false positives than to
   miss real malware, but constantly getting false alerts can be pretty
   annoying. The antiviruses on this list returned zero or very few false
   positives during my tests.
 * I looked for high-quality features. Most antivirus brands offer additional
   features in their paid antivirus packages. But often these extras are just
   flashy additions that weigh your computer down and affect your device’s
   performance (not to mention increase the price). I tested each of the
   features included with the products on this list to guarantee that they’re
   genuinely useful and effective. Bitdefender has the biggest range of helpful
   features, but TotalAV comes with excellent tune-up tools.
 * I tested for speed and efficiency. The best antiviruses are lightweight and
   run smoothly — even on older or slower computers. I tested and measured how
   quickly and efficiently each antivirus on this list performed against all the
   other antiviruses on the market and awarded extra points to those that didn’t
   cause any slowdown.
 * I checked for multi-platform support. The top antiviruses are compatible with
   all operating systems, including popular ones like Windows, macOS, Android,
   and iOS. While not all of my top choices support all platforms (for example,
   Intego is designed exclusively for Mac), most antiviruses I tested worked
   flawlessly across all operating systems.
 * I contacted customer support multiple times. I contacted each company’s
   customer support team, browsed their knowledge bases, and posted questions on
   their forums. I was satisfied with how each antivirus on this list handled my
   inquiries and resolved my issues. I also looked at the different customer
   support options available and the number of languages they’re accessible in —
   the brands on this list offer a wide range of customer support options,
   including live chat, email support, knowledge bases, FAQs, and forums.
 * I evaluated the value of each product. Antivirus software can be a big
   investment. I considered all relevant factors, such as web and browsing
   protection, how many devices are covered, and whether or not there’s a free
   trial or money-back guarantee. All of these top antiviruses provide great
   value.
 * I used our testing methodology. Ultimately, I followed our tried and tested
   methodology when rating each of these products. I ran real-life scenarios
   with criteria that included checking security, speed, ease of use, value, and
   customer support. Each antivirus on this list performed better than
   competitors on the market and passed every check in our methodology.


HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM

All of the antiviruses on this list provide strong malware protection and a good
range of additional cybersecurity protections, but not all of them are great for
all operating systems. For example, an antivirus that works perfectly on Windows
may have a limited macOS version, or it may provide subpar performance on
mobile.

I can honestly recommend Norton as the best overall antivirus in 2024, having
stress-tested all of the programs on this list on all of the most popular
operating systems. In addition to having perfect malware detection rates and a
comprehensive set of internet security tools, Norton provides well-designed,
intuitive apps for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. While it doesn’t have an app
for Chrome OS, its Android app also works on Chromebooks (and it’s our #1 choice
for Chromebook protection).

You may also wish to take a look at our curated lists of the best antiviruses
for different operating systems and devices below:

 * Best antiviruses for Windows. Most antivirus brands have the best protections
   for Windows devices, so choosing the best Windows antivirus can be difficult.
   But after extensive research, testing, and comparing, we recommend Norton as
   the top pick for Windows 8, 10, and 11.
 * Best antiviruses for Mac. Unfortunately, because most antiviruses focus on
   Windows, a lot of them provide only bare-bones versions of their Windows
   software for Mac users. However, there are several really good macOS
   antiviruses that provide good malware protection, improve upon Apple’s
   built-in protections, and are easy to use on Mac devices. Our top choice for
   macOS is Intego.
 * Best antiviruses for Android. Many Android antiviruses aren’t good enough to
   fully protect your device from the latest internet threats, but there are a
   handful of apps that provide excellent malware and web protection, as well as
   extras that can further secure your online activities. We recommend Norton or
   Bitdefender as the top Android antiviruses.
 * Best antiviruses for iOS. While it’s true that iOS devices can’t get viruses,
   they are vulnerable to a wide range of online threats, including phishing
   scams, spyware and adware, and identity theft. The best iOS antiviruses can
   keep your device and data safe from all of these threats. Our #1 antivirus
   for iOS is Norton.


BUILT-IN VS. THIRD-PARTY ANTIVIRUSES — WHICH IS BETTER?

A reliable third-party antivirus is a better option. The built-in protections of
Mac and Windows operating systems cannot match the comprehensive security
offered by a premium antivirus solution. While the basic free protections
provided by these systems are a good start, they don’t offer sufficient defense
against advanced threats in 2024.

If you’re a Windows user, you’ll have Windows Defender on your computer (newer
Windows 10 and 11 computers call it Windows Security or Microsoft Defender).
While it’s a decent free antivirus, it scores consistently lower for malware
detection than top standalone brands like Norton and Bitdefender. What’s more,
it doesn’t get updated as regularly as premium standalone products, and it lacks
all the additional security tools that a good paid antivirus can provide, such
as a VPN, performance optimization tools, a password manager, and more.

Instead, I recommend investing in a premium antivirus like Norton to keep
yourself safe online. It has a comprehensive suite of tools to ensure your
security — including the best dark web monitoring on the market. However, if
you’re set on using a free product, a decent free plan like Avira’s will also
keep you safer than Windows Defender can.

Macs are less vulnerable to malware than Windows PCs — but they still need
protection! Macs come with a few built-in security features, including web
protection, anti-theft tools, an app review tool, and an app scanner. These are
useful enough, but on their own they’re not enough to keep you safe. Your Mac
could still be vulnerable to advanced ransomware, spyware, adware, and other
threats.

For enhanced protection on Mac, consider using a premium Mac-specific antivirus
such as Intego. It provides impeccable malware detection, effective Mac cleanup
tools, parental controls, and numerous other features.

Overall, it’s not wise to rely on your computer’s in-built protections. Instead,
choose a reliable premium antivirus to keep you fully protected online. Any of
the products on my list will give you better protection than Windows’s and Mac’s
in-built tools can.


WHAT SECURITY THREATS CAN AN ANTIVIRUS PROTECT YOU AGAINST?

A quality antivirus provides strong protection against most security threats.

Here are the most common forms of malware that antiviruses defend against:

 * Viruses. A type of malware that can self-replicate and make unauthorized (and
   malicious) changes to your computer. These are reliably detected and
   quarantined by premium antiviruses.
 * Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). PUPs are a type of software that can
   modify your browser settings and fill your screen with ads. They aren’t
   necessarily malicious or illegal, but they tend to be annoying and invasive.
 * Adware. If you’re seeing an uptick in ads, adware could be the cause. Adware
   is a type of malware that drowns you in advertisements. They can interfere
   with your device even when you’re not connected to the internet, causing
   frustration and collecting data.
 * Spyware. A general term for malware designed to acquire sensitive information
   about the victim. In the best scenario, a spyware infection could lead to
   eerily targeted ads. But often the situation is much worse, with keyloggers
   (a type of spyware) stealing passwords and other personal information to sell
   to third parties.
 * Trojans. Arguably the most dangerous type of malware, trojans are viruses
   that initially appear to be normal programs. But after certain conditions are
   met, they begin acting maliciously, replicating themselves across your
   network, stealing data, and damaging devices.
 * Worms. Worms are viruses that automatically spread, infecting everything they
   can. Unlike trojans, they cause damage immediately. This could involve
   corrupting files, operating systems, or spamming annoying messages.
 * Ransomware. A type of malware that encrypts files to hold for ransom —
   ransomware will display a message with instructions about what you need to do
   to regain control of your device. The best defense is an antivirus with
   ransomware remediation (such as Bitdefender) that will halt the encryption
   process, as there’s no guarantee that cybercriminals will relinquish control
   even if they’ve been paid.
 * Rootkits. Rootkits are a particularly dangerous type of malware that can
   seize administrator privileges and otherwise make critical changes to
   computers.
 * Browser exploits. A good antivirus (like the ones on this list) will
   automatically detect suspicious activity in your browser, preventing hackers
   from using vulnerabilities to change your browser’s settings or perform other
   malicious actions.
 * Phishing attempts. Phishing is a method that criminals use to steal personal
   information and take over accounts. Antiviruses are built to detect web-based
   phishing attempts, usually through databases of malicious websites.

In essence, antiviruses guard against all key online threats, and the top ones
are incredibly successful in fulfilling this role. However, it’s crucial to keep
in mind that nothing is flawless – even when equipped with the best antivirus,
you must still exercise caution online.


WHY WE STILL RECOMMEND KASPERSKY

The German and US governments have warned against using Kaspersky, following the
Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Germany’s Federal Office for
Information Security (BSI) warned companies against using Kaspersky antivirus
products due to the company’s possible ties to the Russian government. This was
followed by the US Federal Communications Commission’s decision to add Kaspersky
to its list of national security threats.

However, at this point, there is no evidence to suggest Kaspersky is unsafe. In
2017, Kaspersky started its Global Transparency Initiative — it moved its data
storage centers to Switzerland, opened Transparency Centers in Switzerland,
Spain, Canada, Brazil, and Malaysia where its source code and software updates
are continually assessed, and passed the Service Organization Control for
Service Organizations (SOC 2) Type 1 audit.

What’s more, Kaspersky has exposed many cases of cyber espionage, including
those perpetrated by both Russia and the US, and its researchers are among the
most well-respected in the industry.

Given all this, we have no reason to think Kaspersky is now a threat to users.
But if you’re worried about Kaspersky putting your online security at risk,
there are many other alternatives to choose from, including Norton or
Bitdefender.


TOP BRANDS THAT DIDN’T MAKE THE CUT:

 * ESET. ESET makes great contributions to the field of cybersecurity.
   Unfortunately, its current home antivirus product is not user-friendly enough
   for me to put it on this list.
 * Webroot. Webroot is a lightweight program with a good malware scanner and an
   excellent password manager, but its ransomware protection isn’t great, its
   system optimization tools need improvement, and it’s missing most of the
   extras I want to see in a premium antivirus in 2024.
 * Sophos. Sophos is good at detecting all types of malware, its apps are very
   easy to use, and it has remote management for up to 10 devices. However, I
   don’t like its additional features, and I think the brands that made it to my
   list offer an overall better value.
 * Heimdal. Heimdal is a decent antivirus with a good firewall and advanced
   inspection features. Unfortunately, it has some annoying bugs and offers
   fewer security features than similarly-priced competitors on this list.
 * Comodo. Comodo is a free antivirus with decent malware removal rates, but its
   cross-platform antivirus product currently has too many bugs, and certain
   features don’t work properly.
 * AVG. AVG has perfect malware detection rates and a good range of additional
   features. However, you need 6 separate apps to access every feature, which
   slowed down my computer’s startup time.
 * Avast. Avast offers decent antivirus protection, but it has limited data
   breach monitoring and a mediocre VPN.
 * G Data. G Data offers solid antivirus protection and a user-friendly
   interface. However, its phishing protection needs strengthening. It also
   lacks additional features like an integrated VPN and advanced parental
   controls.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


WHAT ARE VIRUSES AND MALWARE?

Viruses and malware are terms for threats that damage devices, steal
information, or otherwise inconvenience the user. Viruses take the form of
malicious self-replicating software, while malware is a more general term that
covers any software designed to cause harm. There are many types of malware and
viruses that fall into different categories and act in different ways to
accomplish various malicious objectives. For victims of malware and viruses,
this can mean anything from being bombarded with ads to having critical
financial and personal information stolen.

Ultimately, viruses and malware are digital traps laid by criminals to make
money or frustrate others. They take many forms, and all of them are bad.


WHAT ARE SOME FEATURES AN ANTIVIRUS SHOULD HAVE?

A good antivirus should protect you against numerous digital threats while being
user-friendly. Here’s a rundown of key features to look for:

Essential features:

 * Malware detection & removal: Effective against a variety of malware types.
 * Real-time protection: Stops infections before they cause harm.
 * Regular updates: Keeps up with new threats.
 * Ease of use: Has a user-friendly interface and setup.
 * Low system impact: Operates smoothly without slowing down your device.

Advanced features:

 * Firewall: Monitors network traffic to block unauthorized access.
 * VPN: Provides privacy and security online.
 * Password manager: Assists in managing strong, unique passwords.
 * Parental controls: Safeguard children’s online activities.
 * Identity theft protection: Protects personal and financial information.
 * System optimization tools: Helps maintain device performance.
 * Data backup & recovery: Secures important data against loss.


HOW DOES AN ANTIVIRUS WORK?

Antivirus software scans your device for any harmful files. These harmful files
are known as viruses or malware — and they include a wide range of different
threats, like trojans, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers, cryptojackers,
rootkits, and more. In most cases, malware is designed to damage your device or
gain access to your sensitive data for financial gain — or both.

Antivirus programs use malware databases to see if the code of any of your
scanned files matches the code of known malware in the database. They also check
for files that are similar to the ones in the database. Advanced programs like
Norton also use machine learning to detect malware based on their behavior. This
is how antivirus software is able to detect new or emerging malware.

In addition to providing an on-demand malware scanner that detects and removes
malware that has already infected your system, antivirus software also includes
real-time protection that actively scans the programs that are running in
real-time. Real-time protection is therefore able to block malware BEFORE it can
infect your device.


WHAT’S THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS 10?

I recommend Norton 360 as the best antivirus for most Windows 10 users. It
provides the best antivirus protection according to my tests, and it includes
some excellent extra features — phishing protection, Wi-Fi protection, a
password manager, a firewall, a VPN, and a lot more.

But all of the antiviruses on this list will work for all Windows 10 users (and
many even work on older PCs that run on Windows 7 and Windows XP).


WHAT’S THE BEST ANTIVIRUS WITH A FIREWALL?

In my opinion, Norton is the best antivirus that includes a firewall. It has
lots of excellent security features, of which the firewall is just one. It’s
earned its position at the top of this list thanks to its perfect malware
detection rates and other useful features, all of which are easy to use. The
firewall is highly customizable, meaning it’s great for experts and beginners
alike. It’s also super effective, providing ARP and DNS spoofing protection, SSL
man-in-the-middle attack detection, and port access detection.


DO I REALLY NEED AN ANTIVIRUS IN 2024?

If you’re using the internet, you need to stay protected against online threats.
The good news is that you’re probably already using an antivirus — if you’re on
Windows, Mac, or mobile OS, your devices already have antivirus protection. And
these built-in antiviruses are not bad. But they do leave a lot of holes in your
cybersecurity.

The top antivirus packages all offer advanced protections — full-suite
anti-malware engines (including phishing protection, ransomware protection,
webcam protection, and Wi-Fi protection), security enhancements (including
customizable firewalls, parental controls, and device optimization), and extra
features (like password managers, file shredders, and VPNs). Norton 360 and
Bitdefender Total Security both have all of these things and more.

So the question of buying an antivirus isn’t so much about if you need it —
because you do — but it’s more about what level of protection you want to have.


IS IT WORTH PAYING FOR ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE?

Yes. While free antivirus software, including Windows Defender that’s built into
all PCs, has greatly improved over the years, it still lacks many protections
necessary for complete online security in 2024.

For example, most free antiviruses lack real-time protection, which prevents
malware from installing on your device while you’re using your computer. Free
products also lock some of their most useful features behind a paywall, such as
ransomware protection, web protection, or virtual private networks (VPNs).

The best paid antiviruses, on the other hand, include all of these features,
plus many other extras (like password managers, parental controls, and system
optimization tools). Premium antiviruses like Norton also include multi-device
coverage across all major operating systems so you can protect all of the
devices in your household.


HOW MUCH DOES A GOOD ANTIVIRUS COST?

A decent antivirus doesn’t cost much at all, especially considering the
protection one offers.

For example, Norton, our top-rated antivirus, starts at just €14.99 / year. You
can also pay a little extra to upgrade your plan to cover all of your devices
and to access more features, such as dark web monitoring, a VPN, and identity
theft protection.

However, some antivirus products are far too expensive and don’t provide
good-quality features, so it’s always best to look for antiviruses that offer a
good value for the price.


WHAT’S THE BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR RANSOMWARE PROTECTION?

I think that Norton provides the best defense against ransomware. I say this
based on my own tests and first-hand knowledge of Data Protector, Norton’s
anti-ransomware feature. It’s a highly customizable tool that actively defends
against ransomware by closely monitoring what’s going on with your files. I
found that even after whitelisting a ransomware simulator through the Norton
app, Norton still stopped it from encrypting my files. I haven’t tested any
antivirus that scored a higher ransomware detection rate than Norton.


WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE?

Bitdefender is one of the cheapest antiviruses on the market, starting at just
€17.49 / year, and it also offers some of the best security features around.

However, most top antivirus brands regularly run special promotional offers,
significantly reducing their price per subscription (for example, Norton is
currently offering a 66% discount, so its plans start at just €14.99 / year).

It’s worth noting that some cheap (and free) antiviruses don’t offer a decent
level of protection, so while you may be saving money, you could put your
devices at risk. That’s why you should only choose a trusted low-cost antivirus
that offers excellent security protections.


WHAT’S THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR MAC?

I recommend Intego as the best antivirus for Mac. It’s designed exclusively for
macOS, and it performed exceptionally well in my tests. It’s got a lot of cool
features like real-time protection and a customizable network firewall.

That said, most of the antivirus products on this list have highly capable Mac
applications as well. And they all run without any issues, even though there may
be certain conditions.

For example, Norton 360 is a great choice for Mac users, but certain features
(such as Cloud Backup and Parental Control) are limited on Mac due to Apple’s
restrictions.


CAN I HAVE MORE THAN 1 ANTIVIRUS ON MY COMPUTER?

Though it’s possible, I don’t recommend running more than 1 antivirus at a time.
When multiple antiviruses are active on the same system, they interfere with
each other, making it easier for viruses and other threats to slip past your
computer’s defenses. There are lots of great antiviruses to pick, and you won’t
ever need more than one of them.


DO PHONES NEED AN ANTIVIRUS?

Yes, they do. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, it’s always a good idea
to protect your phone with an antivirus. Though the specific nature of the
threats is different compared to computers, mobile devices are great targets for
cybercriminals. Phishing is a common problem on Android and iOS, and there are
many viruses that can compromise Android phones. Some of the brands on this list
have mobile versions, but I recommend checking out our dedicated pages for
iPhones and Android devices.


HOW TO INSTALL AN ANTIVIRUS?

Installing an antivirus is pretty easy — much easier than fixing a
virus-infested computer. All you need to do is pick an antivirus like Norton,
download the software, and run the installation wizard. As you’re going through
the installation wizard, read the instructions carefully — some antiviruses like
to package additional software in their installations that you don’t really
need. Once done, the antivirus software will start automatically and provide you
with a tour of its user interface, instructing you how to run your initial scan.


HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR ME?

Choosing the right antivirus software package can be challenging — there are so
many choices, and the most expensive products don’t always offer the best
protection.

Here’s what you should do to help you find the right antivirus product:

 * Decide what features you need. Basic antivirus protection is essential, but
   other internet security features are also important. If you use public Wi-Fi
   networks, you should choose a product that includes a VPN. If you have kids,
   you should find an antivirus with parental controls. The more comprehensive
   products on this list, such as Norton 360, provide these advanced features
   (and a lot more).
 * Consider which and how many devices you need to protect. You might have more
   than one device that requires antivirus protection. All the products on this
   list offer plans with multiple licenses — for example, you can use the top
   McAfee plan on an unlimited number of devices, including smartphones. While
   most of my top choices also offer top-quality apps for all major operating
   systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, some antiviruses don’t
   have mobile apps — for example, Intego doesn’t have an app for iOS or
   Android, but it’s my top recommendation for macOS.
 * Take advantage of a free trial/money-back guarantee. There are several brands
   on this list that offer a no-commitment free trial. For example, your first
   month using Panda is totally free. And almost every other brand offers a “no
   questions asked” money-back guarantee — for example, TotalAV offers a 30-day
   refund period, and Norton’s refund period is a generous 60 days.
 * Test out the software. Spend some time testing the product you’ve chosen. If
   you’re not happy, reach out to customer support. Or simply get a refund —
   these brands have seriously good reputations to maintain, and they will 100%
   honor any valid refund request. You could conceivably test every product on
   this list — at no expense whatsoever — before settling on the right one.


WILL AN ANTIVIRUS SLOW DOWN MY DEVICE?

Antivirus software may slow down your device — but system slowdown usually
happens only during a full system scan. However, the best antivirus programs run
quickly and smoothly even during full scans, allowing you to uninterruptedly use
your device.

My top choices, Norton and Bitdefender, had zero impact on my device’s
performance during testing — I could stream video, play games, work online, and
make video calls while they were running in the background.

Additionally, some of my top choices have excellent system optimization tools
that will help clean and speed up your device. And some brands even include game
boosters (I recommend Norton for gamers), which enable you to play
high-performance games without any lag.


BEST ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS IN 2024 — FINAL SCORE:

Rank
Provider
Overall Score
Best Deal

1

9.8

save 66%
Visit Website
2

9.6

save 50%
Visit Website
3

9.4

save 84%
Visit Website
4

9.4

save €92.15
Visit Website
5

9.4

save 60%
Visit Website
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About the Author
Katarina Glamoslija
Head Content Manager
Updated on: February 29, 2024


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katarina Glamoslija is Head Content Manager at SafetyDetectives. She has nearly
a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing cybersecurity
products and investigating best practices for online safety and data protection.
Before joining SafetyDetectives, she was Content Manager and Chief Editor of
several review websites, including one about antiviruses and another about VPNs.
She also worked as a freelance writer and editor for tech, medical, and business
publications. When she’s not a “Safety Detective”, she can be found traveling
(and writing about it on her small travel blog), playing with her cats, and
binge-watching crime dramas.
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This article contains
 * 🥇1. Norton 360 — Best Antivirus for Windows, Android & iOS
 * 🥈2. Bitdefender Total Security — Best for Lightweight Scanning + Tons of
   Additional Features
 * 🥉3. TotalAV — Best for Ease of Use (Super Beginner-Friendly)
 * 4. McAfee Total Protection — Best for Online Security (+ Great for Families)
 * 5. Intego — Best for Comprehensive Mac Protection
 * 6. Panda Dome — Best for Flexible Pricing
 * 7. Kaspersky Premium — Best for Online Shopping + Banking
 * 8. Avira Prime — Best for System Optimization
 * 9. Trend Micro — Best for Secure Web Browsing
 * 10. Malwarebytes — Best for Basic Protection
 * Bonus. MacKeeper — Intuitive & Feature-Rich Antivirus for Mac
 * Comparison of the Best Antiviruses of 2024
 * How I Rated the Best Antivirus Software of 2024
 * How to Choose the Best Antivirus for Your Operating System
 * Built-In vs. Third-Party Antiviruses — Which is Better?
 * What Security Threats Can an Antivirus Protect You Against?
 * Why We Still Recommend Kaspersky
 * Frequently Asked Questions
 * Best Antivirus Programs in 2024 — Final Score:

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