Top 10 Antivirus Solutions - Full Analysis For 2021
Our team of experts conducted hundreds of tests over several months to find which antivirus solutions offered the best level of security, protection and reliability. We browsed, downloaded, streamed, and tested for weeks on end to bring you these confirmed results.
McAfee is a good and well-known antivirus program. It is mostly known for being a mid-range, but effective protection solution. This antivirus software is packed with many features and extra add-ons.
Top Features:
- Offers secure VPN
- Performance Optimization
- Home Network Security
- Multi-device Compatibility
- Password Manager
- Safe Web Browsing
- Encrypted Storage
- Identity Theft Protection
| Pros | Cons |
- Quick installation and easy set up
- Inexpensive multi-user plans
- Big range of features
- Customer support is great
| - Limited password manager
- Unwanted notifications and pop-ups
|
McAfee Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | up to 10 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | >Antivirus plus $24.99 McAfee total protection $24.99 Individual / Couple $39.99 Ultimate $69.99 Family Coverage: $44.99/mo (1 year) |
| Subscription Options | 1-year or 2-years |
McAfee is a good antivirus program that offers the necessary protection solution to its users. It is a familiar name and is quite popular with its competitors. It's an effective protection solution that is not that expensive.
More info needed? Take a look at our expert McAfee Review including info on features, lab test results and extensive research on this software.
Norton is a great antivirus solution offering 100% protection from malware, spyware, phishing threats, digital surveillance, and identity theft. While it's known for its malware protection capabilities, it also manages cybersecurity with integrated features like a password manager, cloud backup, and a VPN. Norton is the antivirus solution that has some of the best parental controls on the market.
Top Features:
- Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, Malware, and Ransomware Protection
- Online Threat Protection
- Smart Firewall
- Cloud Backup
- Password Manager
- Virus Protection Promise
- Secure VPN
- SafeCam
- Dark Web Monitoring
| Pros | Cons |
- Easy to download, install, and use
- With Norton LifeLock Ultimate Plus, you’ll get protection for unlimited devices
- Parental control features are industry-leading
- This antivirus solution will have no negative impact on your system’s performance
| - Security Scans can sometimes be a little slow
- If you choose to use Norton for a 2nd-year, the prices are a little steep compared to the first year
|
Norton Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | from 3 to unlimited amount of devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | Antivirus Plus $34.99 ( 5 devices ) Norton 360 Standard: $35.99 Norton 360 Deluxe: $44.99 Norton 360 Premium: $49.99 ( 10 devices) Norton 360 for Gamers - $34.99/year NEW ( up to 3 devices) |
| Subscription Options | 1- year or 1-month subscription |
Norton consistently ranks among the top-performing antivirus programs on the market. There’s no doubt that it’s a powerful and popular antivirus solution that will work for anyone.
Need to know more? Check out our Norton Review and find out how we tested, reviewed and rated this software provider.
TotalAV is an excellent antivirus program. The software has an antivirus scanner and a couple of great extra features. It is a great choice for beginner and non-technical users.
TotalAV’s antivirus scanner is powered by Avira’s antivirus protection technology. The scanner is fast, reliable, and has near-perfect malware detection rates.
Top Features
- Phishing protection
- Performance optimization
- VPN
- Password manager
| Pros | Cons |
- Strong protection against malicious URL
- Solid phishing protection
- User-friendly apps for all major platforms
- One of the least demanding antiviruses in terms of system resources
- Offers an impressive list of optimization tools
- Good value for money
- Around-the-clock customer protection
- There is a free version available
- Speedy full scans
| - No Independent test results, you only get overall average scores
- Advanced firewall protection is only available with the paid plans
- No real-time protection with the free version
- Quick scans can take up to 15 minutes to complete
|
TotalAV Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | 3-6 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | Antivirus Pro $19 Internet Security $39 Total Security $59 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year protection |
The software demonstrates average results in virus detection, and the anti-phishing module is not the most effective. But for the cost of TotalAV, you get more pros than cons.
Want to know more? Explore our TotalAv Review to see the full results of our research and testing.
Bitdefender is an advanced antivirus software system. It uses a big malware database that uses machine learning to detect the malware on your computer more effectively than its competitors. Bitdefender’s engine is cloud-based, so your device will not be slowed down during scans.
Top Features:
- Web protections
- System optimizer
- VPN (200 MB/daily)
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Webcam protection
| Pros | Cons |
- Bitdefender offers great web protection
- The software has ransomware protection
- You get banking protection, so you can use internet banking with peace of mind
- You get a VPN that can be added as an add-on
| - The unlimited VPN access requires you to purchase a separate subscription
|
Bitdefender Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | 3-5 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | Antivirus Plus: $29.99 Total Security: $39.98 Total Security (Mac) $39.98 Internet Security: $34.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year protection |
Bitdefender provides all of the antivirus protection features that most users need. It is also one of the most affordable internet security solutions on the market.
Want to know more? Check out our Bitdefender Review and find out how we reviewed and rated this software.
MacKeeper is an antivirus protection program that was created for Mac users. Installing antivirus software on your Mac is important, not a lot of Mac users realize this, but your Mac is not protected without protection software.
It will be even better when your security software protects you beyond only malware. MacKeeper includes features related to security, privacy, and performance.
Top Features:
- On-Demand Malware Scan
- Vulnerability Scan
| Pros | Cons |
- MacKeeper offers security, privacy, and performance features
- It has an integrated VPN service
- You get a speedy on-demand malware scan
- All-inclusive premium services are available on subscriptions
| - There are no protection against malicious or fraudulent URLs
- MacKeeper is quite expensive compared to competitors
- Premium services disproportionately expensive
|
MacKeeper Specifications
| Operating Systems | Mac |
| Supported Devices | Mac |
| Amount of Devices Covered | 1-3 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | Starting at: $10.95
|
| Subscription Options | 1- year or 1-month subscription |
MacKeeper offers security, privacy, and tune-up features, but it lacks protection against malicious and fraudulent URLs. Its price is also nothing in comparison with its competitors.
Need more info? Read our MacKeeper Review and get a full overview of features, pricing and test results.
Sophos is a basic antivirus program with high malware detection rates, an intuitive dashboard, and excellent features. It is an easy-to-use antivirus solution.
Top Features:
- Malware Scan and Clean
- Threat Detection
- Ransomware Security
- Security Management
- Privacy Protection
- Web Protection
- Real-Time PC Antivirus
- Parental Web Filtering
- Provides Premium Support
| Pros | Cons |
- Offers protection against cyber attacks
- Offers increased security of your home network
- Can manage your devices remotely
- Offers a FREE Trial period
| - The Sophos antivirus software may be too difficult to understand and use when you are a newby.
- There are no quick scans available
|
Sophos Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | 3-10 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | Sophos offers a FREE trial plan for 30-days, without any credit card details needed. Starting at $44.99. |
| Subscription Options | 1- year, 2-years, 3-years |
Sophos Home Premium is an excellent choice for users looking for affordable and effective antivirus solutions. Sophos protects against a range of malware and internet security threats. It’s the perfect option for people to remotely manage their devices.
Want to learn more? Visit our Sophos Review and get insights on what we have found out during our extensive research on this software.
Avira offers quite a wide range of features, including privacy tools and device optimization features like a game booster, advanced browser extensions, and a startup optimizer. It is a very lightweight antivirus solution. Included in your plan is a selection of easy-to-use tools for all major devices.
Top Features:
- Detects malware & online threats in real time
- Anonymizes & encrypts your web browsing
- Cleans up your computers & mobile phones
- Generates & remembers passwords for you
| Pros | Cons |
- Great malware detection
- Device Protection whitelists or blacklists specific USB drives
- Ransomware protection
| - Device Control can't prevent users from whitelisting unknown USB drives
|
Avira Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | up to 25 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | Avira Antivirus pro $44.99 Avira Internet Security $57.99 Avira Prime $99.99 Avira Price ( for small businesses) $12.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1- month, 1-year, 2-years, 3-years subscription |
Avira has all of the essential security tools that you expect to see from an antivirus in 2021. It is an effective antivirus program for everyone.
Want to get more details? Check out our Avira Review for full research and lab tests results of this provider.
ESET is a powerful antivirus program, offering an anti-malware scanner, several additional security features, and an intuitive user interface. It also offers great extra features, like device encryption, advanced diagnostic tools, and anti-theft protection.
Top Features:
- Ransomware protection
- Stop hackers from accessing your device
- Make sure your online transactions are safe
- Finds your device if it was stolen
- Award-winning antivirus system
| Pros | Cons |
- Protection against viruses and malware in real-time
- Professionally designed and user-friendly interface
- Seamless email scanning integrated with Windows Live Mail, Outlook, and Thunderbird
- Protection when using social networking sites
- 30-day money back guarantee
| - Advanced settings can be difficult to locate on the interface
- Tech support is offered at no cost but its availability is limited and there is no live chat or phone support
- You can’t tell how often the program checks for software updates
|
ESET Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, Android, Linux |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | up to 10 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan Home | Premium $59.99 Advance $49.99 Essential $39.99 Small Office $59.99 |
| Pricing Plan Business | Entry $239 Advanced $310.50 Complete $382.50 Mail Plus $132 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year or 2-year subscription |
Eset offers superior protection against all types of malware, using advanced technology to effectively remove threats from your computer without slowing it down.
Still not sure if to choose ESET? Take a look at our ESET Review and make a decision based on our extensive research, testing and rating.
PC Protect is a fast, simple, and effective program that offers digital protection. This software is especially well suited for people who don’t have the time and skill to tweak settings or learn complicated computer knowledge. Instead, PC Protect builds its reputation on its simplicity.
Top Features:
- Advanced Antivirus
- Firewall
- System Boost
- File Manager
- Real-Time Protection
- Smart Scan
| Pros | Cons |
- Easy to use user interface
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Available on both desktop and mobile
- Protect up to five devices
- Get basic system boost tools
- Scans take long to complete, but are thorough
- Minimal impact on the system
| - Antivirus protection could be greatly improved
- Customer support agents could be upskilled
- Most optimization tools are copies of Windows Features
- The VPN is slow and lacks stable connection speeds
|
PC Protect Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Tablet |
| Amount of Devices Covered | up to 3 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | From $19.00 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year or 1-month subscription |
PC Protect looks and works really well and is easy to use, which is a big plus point for users of all skill levels. Boosting and optimization tools are great and 24/7 chat and email support is available, too!
Want to know more? Explore our PC Protect Review and find out how we tested and rated this software provider.
Intego has been protecting systems with leading antivirus tools for more than 20 years. Not only is it simple to use but it’s proven effective at thwarting the ever-developing malicious programs that are on the web.
Top Features:
- Firewall
- Real-time scanning
- Anti-spyware
- Anti-phishing
- Anti-Trojan
| Pros | Cons |
- Real-Time Protection
- Certified For iOS
| - Advanced VPN with paid plans only
- Weak phishing protection
|
Intego Specifications
| Operating Systems | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Supported Devices | Mac, PC |
| Amount of Devices Covered | 1-5 devices |
| User Type | Home, Office |
| Pricing Plan | Mac Internet Security $39.99 Premium Bundle X9 $69.99 Windows $1.67 / Monthly Business VirusBarrier X9 $179.99 NetBarrier X9 $89.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year subscription |
With its enhanced firewall, anti-spyware, and anti-phishing features, Intego offers a solution that keeps its customers safe online. Just set it up and the software will operate in the background without any troubles, so you needn’t worry about anything. For just $39.99 a year, Intego customers can feel safe online.
Need more info? Visit our Intego Review and learn more about the features and level of protection guaranteed by this provider.
Bottom Line
There you have it! We’ve made it easy to find all the information you need about the top ten best antivirus programs on the market in 2021. Easily compare features and choose the right software for you!
Whatever antivirus you decide to use to protect your devices, you will be guaranteed to have a great protection experience as software becomes better with each year. We encourage you to compare features, pros and cons, and price points to determine the absolute best antivirus solution for your situation, as each user’s needs will be different.
