Antivirus software can identify and prevent viruses from taking over your computer and other personal devices. These programs let you scan your device(s) manually or do this for you automatically. Once you choose the right program for you, don't rest on your laurels because it's important to keep your software up to date. With so many options available, how do you choose the right antivirus solution? We investigated 20 options recommended by cybersecurity experts and considered the software's antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection. We also reviewed features such as multiple device protections and free offerings, and we gave preference to products that were easy to use and integrate.Here are our top picks for the best antivirus software. McAfee Antivirus Plus took the top spot on our list of best antivirus software on the market because it gives you virus protect multiple devices in your household. Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 The Bottom Line Compare Providers How to Choose Pros and Cons Why You Should Trust Us FAQs Guide Why We Chose It McAfee Antivirus Plus is our top choice for multiple devices because its subscription includes protection for every device in the home at a reasonable cost. Pros & Cons Pros Offers protection for all devices, including Android and iOS Good malware detection First year discounts Good firewall Cons No options for protecting one single device Overview McAfee Antivirus Plus is the one antivirus platform that recognizes the growing number of devices that are used in a single household. Many homes have four or even more different operating systems. The basic package features include support for up to 10 devices along with customer support, secure web browsing, and antivirus. The MTP 10 Device plan for 10 devices also includes features such as full protection for the home network, password manager, encrypted storage, safe family, and identity theft protection. The one-year basic subscription, MAV Plus, is $19.99 for the first year then $64.99 per year. If you purchase a subscription for two years of MAV Plus, the price drops to $19.99 per year for each of the first two years, then $59.99 for a renewal. The MTP 10 Family plan is $64.99 for the first year and then $149.99 a year. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee. Why We Chose It Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is one of our top picks because its paid version offers the most well-rounded protection across multiple devices. Pros & Cons Pros Ransomware detection Anti-Tracker for better data privacy Password manager with some packages Frequent updates with subscription Cons Some packages can be expensive VPN available with higher tier packages only Overview Bitdefender was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The company has over 1,600 employees with offices all over the world. Antivirus Plus is the company’s entry-level antivirus software offering, making it ideal for home users who lack technical skills and anyone who wants a basic defense against online threats. Antivirus Plus offers an array of security-first features because viruses aren’t the only cybersecurity risks. They include ransomware prevention, monitoring online purchases and web-based transactions, and protection against fraud and phishing all managed through an easy-to-use dashboard. Antivirus Plus is only available for Windows, but there are similar versions of the antivirus program available for other operating systems like Mac and Android. A free version offers computer scans and other antivirus features, as well as web protection against phishing and fraud. The paid version includes Safepay for financial transactions, multi-layer ransomware protection, and vulnerability assessments. A virtual private network (VPN) is also offered with higher-tier packages. One year of coverage for one Windows device on the Plus plan is $14.99 and $39.99 after that first year. There is a 30-day free trial. Why We Chose It Norton 360 with LifeLock keeps improving on its history as a top antivirus option with its PC maintenance features, making it the best for Windows computers. Pros & Cons Pros PC protections including firewall and backup Excellent malware protection Password manager LifeLock identity theft protection with most 360 packages Cons Ransomware detection could be improved Slows the computer during full scans One of the more expensive offerings Overview Norton introduced its first antivirus software in 1991 under the Symantec umbrella. Symantec purchased LifeLock in 2017, and the name was changed to NortonLifeLock in 2019 after the company's enterprise division was sold. The company is based in Tempe, Arizona. Norton 360 with LifeLock won best antivirus for Windows because of how it has continued to build on its history of protecting Windows machines. The identity theft protection capabilities of LifeLock alone give this product an edge. There are several versions of this product, so users can pick the features they need, but even the lowest plan provides 250GB of cloud backup. The lowest plan is the only one without LifeLock service. The mid-range Norton 360 with LifeLock Standard is $179.99, with data breach notifications and dark web monitoring. For a cheaper option, Norton Antivirus Plus is $59.99 per year with one license. Why We Chose It Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security has an aggressive antivirus system at a reasonable price, making it our pick for best for premium options. Pros & Cons Pros Affordable pricing Easy-to-use dashboard Protects online financial transactions Cons Resource intensive Most versions only work on Windows Overview Trend Micro was founded in 1988 in the U.S., but it's headquartered in Tokyo as of 1992. The company operates worldwide and has many partnerships in the tech industry. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security not only has an aggressive antivirus system at a reasonable price, but it also offers a number of security tools including ransomware protections, protections for children online, and a Pay Guard browser that provides the safest levels of protection for online banking and purchases. Every version of this antivirus software includes Trend Micro’s Advanced AI Learning feature that detects new ransomware strains and other emerging threats, stopping them before they damage the computer network. Password management and protection are only offered in the product family's highest tier. This is the antivirus software option for those who don’t want to have to micromanage their security. The first two plans are only for Windows. The highest tier plan works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and Android. The first year of subscription to Antivirus+ Security is $19.95. After that, it costs $39.95 per year. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Why We Chose It Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac offers excellent phishing detection and fast scanning ability in a complete Mac version of its antivirus software. Pros & Cons Pros Excellent phishing detection Fast virus scanning Labels malicious links during online searches Cons Webroot is not as well known as other antivirus companies Overview Webroot is based in Broomfield, Colorado, and has offices in Japan, Europe, Australia, and California. The company was founded in 1997 and it introduced its first antivirus product in 2006. OpenText acquired the company in 2019. Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac is our choice for antivirus protection that's best for Mac computers. There's still a belief that Mac computers are safe from cyberattacks, and most viruses are targeted at Windows computers but Macs are vulnerable to other malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and even Apple-targeted viruses. This software boasts a very small footprint on your computer's operating system but it offers very fast security scans and is one of the best at phishing detection. Webroot's interface is more similar across platforms than other antivirus software for those who use both Windows and Mac. You'll pay $29.99 per year for antivirus protection after a promotional rate. You can add Webroot Wifi Security and protect up to three devices for $109.98. Why We Chose It Malwarebytes, our top choice for malware scanning, is the best at removing malware on demand among any providers. Pros & Cons Pros Removes malware Blocks ransomware Real-time detection Cons Free version only cleans computers, but doesn't protect Overview Malwarebytes is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and was founded in 2008. The free version of Malwarebytes is limited but powerful. It doesn't have many advanced features and protections. It doesn't protect your computer against threats. It simply detects and removes malware from infected computers. Malwarebytes does an excellent job of capturing, quarantining, and removing malware that's wreaking havoc on your system. You can run a full or quick scan of the free version whenever it's needed, and it will create a report on your system. The paid version of Malwarebytes offers 24/7 monitoring, and it protects vulnerabilities from exploits until the software is patched. It blocks ransomware and shields against infected websites. Unlike the free version, this paid, premium version is full-fledged antivirus software. The free version runs on demand, scanning for and removing malware, but should always be used in tandem with more comprehensive antivirus software. The software is available for multiple operating systems, but a few features are limited to the Windows version. A one-year paid subscription is $44.99 for one device or $89.99 for five devices. A free trial is available for a limited time, but the free version remains on your computer to be used on demand. We chose Bitdefender Antivirus Plus as the most-well rounded antivirus software because it offers the most extensive protection, at least with its paid version. It detects ransomware and protects your data with an anti-tracker on top of that, and it guards against fraud and phishing, too. Its dashboard is streamlined and easy to navigate, so it offers a lot of protection for users who aren't particularly tech-savvy. Approximately 17 billion records were exposed in data breaches in 2023. That data is available on the dark web and can be used to ruin financial lives. Cyberattacks on companies are also costly. Installing the right antivirus software at home or your business is one step you can take to ensure that you don't become a future statistic. $64.99 to $149.99 for MTP 10 Family plan Antivirus software is special software that is designed to protect computers, laptops, mobile devices, and other electronics from malware and hacking. Programs can be downloaded for free or purchased with additional protection. Some programs work automatically while others require that you do manual scans. Once installed, they scan your device and program files for suspicious and malicious viruses, such as malware, adware, ransomware, worms, trojans, and others. Most antivirus software programs automatically remove harmful activity and alert you to potential threats like cookies and potential hacks. Choosing the right antivirus software program depends entirely on your needs and situation. The following factors may help you choose the best antivirus software for you: Make sure you do your research as you search for your program by reading consumer and user reviews. Check with tech blogs and news sites to see the latest programs and how they stack up to some of the older, more established names. The program you choose should also let you make updates as new viruses and threats emerge. Pros Real-time protection: Stops attacks, preventing damage after installation Free options: Provide basic services and adequate protection at no cost Works in the background: Protects your devices even when they're not in use Cons Advanced protection at a cost: Extensive services can be very pricey Doesn't protect against all threats: Won't protect you against things like identity theft May slow down your system: Some programs take up a lot of space and memory, slowing down your system There are hundreds of antivirus software solutions available. We investigated 20 popular solutions often considered the software of choice by cybersecurity experts. Of critical importance was the ease of use with all providers, making it something every consumer could navigate and use. We then considered whether or not the provider had offerings beyond antivirus software. This included malware, ransomware protection, and multiple device protections. Those that had a free version or trial were given preference. We gave particular importance to platforms that were easy to use and integrate. Hackers don't just make money by selling your personal information. They can use that data to buy things fraudulently, compromise your credit score, drain your bank account, and generally wreak havoc on your and your business's financial life. Adding antivirus software to your computers is the least you can do to protect yourself. Other things you can do to protect yourself include installing anti-malware software, using a VPN, improving your password, and setting up two-factor authentication on your devices. Antivirus software is a program that protects the integrity of your computer and electronic devices by identifying and removing viruses and other types of malicious software. This type of software works by scanning your computer files and programs for malicious and/or suspicious files. Once they are detected, the program removes them. There are free options of antivirus software, but you get better protection and more features with a paid subscription. Paid versions offer features such as VPN, password management, and parental controls. Prices range from $20 to over $100 a year, depending on the number of licenses, the number of devices you want covered, and the features you prefer. Free AV software has improved greatly over the years, and anyone using Windows 10 or higher already has free AV software that works pretty well. Free is good if all you want is software that detects malicious software, blocks it from doing damage, and scans your system. But paid versions will offer protections on web browsing, protect identity, or offer VPN services, as well as password managers and parental control across multiple devices and operating systems. These services are becoming more essential as more people are working remotely or using a single device for work and personal computing. Viruses are designed to replicate and spread. Malware is a catchall name for all types of malicious code aimed at damaging a computer or network. All viruses are malware, but not all malware is a virus. AV software identifies threats through signature detections based on what's already known in the signature database. The two types of defense software complement each other, but the two are different and protection against both is necessary for true protection. You don't have to pay for antivirus software. That's because there are free options available for consumers. These free programs offer you basic protection for your computer(s) and electronic devices. Paid antivirus software programs, though, enhance the level of protection you receive by offering advanced features. such as protecting you against camera hacks, deleting hidden files, and offering you technical support. Antivirus software programs are a great way to protect you from computer viruses and malware. But, they may not necessarily offer you protection from things like identity theft or phishing scams that steal your personal information. You'll need to sign up for identity theft protection and keep track of your credit history to ensure that your personal data isn't stolen by hackers. Yes, your smartphone can be vulnerable to viruses and malware. Your phone can become infected by downloading fake apps from third-party sites, browsing suspicious websites, clicking on links in emails and text messages. It may be difficult to determine whether you have a virus right away, but there are telltale signs that your phone may be infected. For instance, your battery may drain sooner than normal, you may have ads popping up while you're browsing, and you may see an increase in your data usage. To deal with the virus, consider installing a security app and updating your phone's software. If all else fails, do a factory reset. Just know that you should back up your data as you may lose it when you reset your phone. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy. McAfee. "McAfee® AntiVirus Plus." Bitdefender. "Bitdefender Antivirus Plus." Bitdefender. "About Bitdefender." Norton. "Protection for your digital life." Norton. "The Evolution of Norton Protection." Silicon Angle. "Symantec Is Now NortonLifeLock." Norton. "Norton LifeLock." CBInsights. "Norton." TrendMicro. "Complete device and identity protection." Forbes. "Trend Micro Celebrates 35 Years of Consistent Success." Webroot. "All-in-one protection for all or just one." Webroot. "Official Contact Information." Webroot. "The History of Webroot." Malwarebytes. "Premium protection for you and all your devices!" CrunchBase. "Malwarebytes Corporation." Malwarebytes. "14-DAY FREE TRIAL." Infosecurity Magazine. "17 Billion Personal Records Exposed in Data Breaches in 2023." Cyber Security Hub. "The Biggest Data Breaches and Leaks of 2022." Related Terms What Is Quality of Life? Definition and Best Countries Quality of life is a highly subjective measure of happiness that is an important component of many financial decisions. more Best Efforts Mortgage Lock: What It Is, How It Works A best efforts mortgage lock happens when the sale of a mortgage requires the seller to make their best effort to deliver the mortgage to the buyer. more Gambling Loss: What It Means and How It Works A gambling loss is a loss resulting from risking money or other stakes on games of chance or wagering events with uncertain outcomes. more Signature Loan: Meaning, Overview, and Examples A signature loan is a personal loan offered by banks and other finance companies that relies only on the borrower’s signature and promise to pay as collateral. more Emergency Loan: Types, Eligibility, Pros and Cons Emergency loans are a type of personal loan that provides fast access to cash. Learn how emergency loans work and about their pros and cons. more Health Insurance Deductible: What It Is and How It Works A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits kick in. Learn how health insurance deductibles work. moreBest Antivirus Software for September 2024
Best for Multiple Devices : McAfee Antivirus Plus
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/McAfee-f7cd0e2f88e744829b4df04b7eced11a.jpg "Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 (1)")
Most Well-Rounded : Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bitdefender-d98d8a9c6c0f495188b40291010a0304.jpg "Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 (2)")
Best for Windows : Norton 360 With LifeLock
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Norton_360-b68c5fb396c0435fa0c52d5f23da3f0e.jpg "Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 (3)")
Best Premium Option : Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TrendMicro-d4803af1d59c494f9e72db603db351db.jpg "Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 (4)")
Best for Mac : Webroot SecureAnywhere
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Webroot-476c217ec6ae4ff3acdc54d3a6bed533.jpg "Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 (5)")
Best Malware Scanning : Malwarebytes
:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Malware_Bytes-389f640cfbd44c0a88b34ce79449e7ca.jpg "Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 (6)")
The Bottom Line
Compare the Best Antivirus Software
Provider Best for... Price Main Features McAfee Antivirus Plus Multiple Devices $19.99 for the first year (increases to $64.99/year) Malware detection and firewall Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Most Well-Rounded $23.99 for one Windows device per year (increases to $39.99/year) Ransomware, anti-tracker, and password manager with some package Norton 360 with Lifelock Windows $99.99 to $179.99/year with one license Malware, firewall and backup, and password manager Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security Premium Option $19.95 for the first year (increases to $39.95/year) Protects online financial transactions, and ransomware detection Webroot SecureAnywhere Mac $29.99 to $64.99 for the first year (increases to $49.99 to $129.99/year) Virus scanning and phishing detection Malwarebytes Malware Scanning $44.99 for one device; $89.99 for up to five devices Blocks ransomware, detects and removes malware Guide to Choosing Antivirus Software
What Is Antivirus Software?
What Should I Look for in Antivirus Software?
Pros and Cons of Antivirus Software
Why You Should Trust Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Really Need Antivirus Software?
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
How Much Does Antivirus Software Cost?
Is It Worth Paying for Antivirus Software?
What's the Difference Between Antivirus Software and Antimalware?
Should I Pay for Antivirus Software?
What Does Antivirus Software Not Do?
Is My Smartphone Susceptible to Viruses?
Guide to Antivirus Software
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Primary-Image-best-antivirus-software-5084503-66f3107c13ae431ca0e5072a67a63964.jpg "Best Antivirus Software for September 2024 (7)")
Best Custodial Accounts for September 2024 Best Travel Insurance Companies for September 2024 Best Bank Bonuses for September 2024 Best Rental Listing Sites for September 2024 Best CD Rates for September 2024: Up to 5.25% Best Pet Insurance Companies for September 2024
