We all wish we had antivirus software in place for when things go wrong. Give your devices the gift of the best computer security available on the market.
In today’s online world, you’re more connected than ever before, but also more exposed.
The number of ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks continues to rise, and attackers are finding more innovative ways to prey on unsuspecting online netizens. Fortunately, today’s antivirus applications are more than up to the task.
I’ve spent years testing and reviewing antivirus software to find the top tools to help users defend themselves against online attacks.
My tests include reliability metrics to determine how successfully antivirus tools are stopping common attacks, as well as diving deep into each application’s features to determine how well they help protect you.
More importantly, I gauge each antivirus tool on both its ease of use and how much it impacts your devices while running to determine how user-friendly it is.
Read on below to see my top antivirus software candidates
The Best Antivirus Deals This Week
| Norton 360 Standard | $39.99 (List Price $79.99; save $40.00) |
| Norton 360 Deluxe 3 | $49.99 (List Price $99.99; save $50.00) |
| Kaspersky Antivirus | £12.49 (List Price £24.99; save £12.50) |
| Kaspersky Antivirus Internet Security | £17.49 (List Price £34.99; save £17.50) |
| Bitdefender Total Security 2020 | €39.98 (List Price €69.99; save €30.01) |
| McAfee Family | $44.99 (List Price $119.99; save $75.00) |
The Top 8 Antivirus for 2020
Norton Antivirus Plus
Operating Systems: Windows
Top Features: Password manager, integrated VPN client, top-rated malware protection, global civilian intelligence network
Pricing: 1-year subscription starts at $39.99
Pros:
- Scored high in test lab benchmarks
- Strong ransomware protection
Cons:
- Licenses only for a single device
- Scans can slow down PC performance
Norton has more than earned its reputation as one of the top antivirus tools on the market. The company consistently ranks at the top of the pack in tests, and I’ve found it to be easy to use and effective at keeping you safe.
Additionally, Norton offers excellent browser protections including a URL blocker that keeps you safe from malicious sites and a VPN client to protect your privacy. Most importantly, it’s easy to use, so you can set it and forget it without having to stress about possibly getting attacked.
ESET Antivirus
Operating Systems: Windows
Top Features: Ransomware protection, cloud-based scanning, exploit blocking, UEFI scanner
Pricing: 1-year subscription starts at $39.99
Pros
- Easy to set up and configure to your needs
- Excellent added features including UEFI scanner
- Control who accesses your devices
Cons:
- Device control can be complex
- More geared for experienced users
ESET is an excellent antivirus if you’re familiar with computers and want to customize your device’s protection to fit your needs. Although it may not include as many features as some competitors, ESET’s NOD32 antivirus offers robust protection that continues to be top-of-class.
You can set how much access external devices can receive from your computer and have real-time protection while you browse the web with URL filtering.
More importantly, the antivirus software doesn’t slow down your computer significantly while you’re running scans, so you can configure it and let it operate in the background.
Panda Security Antivirus
Operating Systems: Windows
Top Features: URL blocking and filtering, USB rescue backup, real-time malware scans
Pricing: $35.39 per year
Pros:
- Loaded with useful features
- Cover unlimited devices
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Lab tests were average
- 24/7 support is only available to premium users
When it comes to value for money, it’s hard to compete with Panda’s feature-rich software and tools. The company combines an easy-to-use interface and suite with low-impact scanning, resulting in a lightweight but powerful antivirus.
Some great features include rootkit protection and real-time malware scanning, as well as integrated VPN, a “Game Mode” that runs Panda on low settings to let you use your PC for gaming, and excellent parental control tools. If you’re looking for the most bang for your dollars, Panda is a top choice.
McAfee Antivirus
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac
Top Features: Ransomware protection, PC boost tools, password manager, digital file shredder
Pricing: $29.99 per year for a single device
Pros:
- Near perfect scores on zero-day and other tests
- Easy to install and configure
- Available on multiple operating systems
Cons:
- PC boost only works from chrome
- Scans can sometimes take a while
McAfee is perhaps the best-known antivirus brand on the market, and for good reason. The company’s antivirus software continues to perform among the best in the industry, and the offering is focused on providing top-notch support for its users.
Most importantly, I found it refreshingly easy to use, from installation to configuration, and it will guide you through most of the complex settings. Additionally, McAfee offers a strong malware protection tool that keeps your computer free of nefarious software.
McKeeper Antivirus
Operating Systems: Mac
Top Features: Disk cleanup utility, adware cleaner, memory cleaner
Pricing: Starts at $7.95 per month for a 12-month plan
Pros:
- Affordable monthly subscription
- Great optimization tools for your Mac
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Some features are redundant
- Memory cleaner has some issues
With a focus exclusively on Macs, MacKeeper stands out for its streamlined and focused approach to protecting devices. The company’s antivirus software doesn’t include many features, but it does provide some useful optimization tools which can help you get a little more out of your computer.
Additionally, it’s lightweight and incredibly easy to use. Once you’ve downloaded it, most of the installation happens with a single click, and MacKeeper will run scans equally easily.
In terms of support, the company offers a great live chat feature and provides remote support which lets experts help you directly on your device.
PC Protect Antivirus
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Top Features: Built-in VPN, performance optimization tools, ad blocking, digital password vault
Pricing: 1-year subscription starts at $24.95
Pros:
- VPN rated highly for usability
- Includes great optimization tools
- Easy to use and navigate
Cons:
- Can sometimes impact PC performance
- May have too many features
PC Protect stands out for its feature list, which despite perhaps being too extensive, does include some great value in addition to your antivirus protection. This includes a great VPN client which works well in most of my tests, as well as around the clock support that was able to answer most of my questions quickly and effectively.
I was also pleased with how easy PC Protect was to use and configure, making it an ideal antivirus if you’re a beginner, or simply don’t want the stress of having to set up a complex application.
BullGuard
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, Android
Top Features: Parental controls, personal firewall, email protection, anti-phishing tools
Pricing: 1-year subscription starts at $23.99
Pros:
- Excellent scores in independent testing
- Strong phishing protection tools
- Easy to use and install
Cons:
- Interface can get a bit cluttered
- Some features could be improved
If you’re seeking affordability and strong antivirus protection, BullGuard is a top contender. The company’s suite includes comprehensive protection for your devices, including a vulnerability scan that lets you know if you’re at risk, standard antivirus scans, and malware, phishing, and ransomware protection.
Although the ransomware guard could use some fine-tuning, I found that BullGuard performed highly on many of my tests, as well as those from independent labs. Overall, it’s a great suite for beginners looking for protection.
360 Total Security
Operating Systems: Windows
Top Features: Password manager, integrated VPN client, top-rated malware protection, global civilian intelligence network
Pricing: 1-year subscription starts at $39.99
Pros:
- Scored high in test lab benchmarks
- Strong ransomware protection
Cons:
- Licenses only for a single device
- Scans can slow down PC performance
With a growing user base and reputation, 360 Total Security offers a great tool for beginners who are starting to think about cybersecurity. The company’s antivirus software is designed to be easy to use and optimal for even the most basic PC specifications. It also includes a free version, though it does restrict many of 360 Total Security’s great features behind a paywall.
You can also customize your scans to run faster ones, and even examine external storage devices as well. With a light system footprint, 360 Total Security is a great starter antivirus.
The Best Free Antivirus Protection for 2020
- BitDefender
- Avast Antivirus
- Sophos Antivirus
- Kaspersky
- Avira
BitDefender Free Edition
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, Android
Top Features: Automated scans, anti-phishing tools, behavioral analysis scans
Pros:
- Quick scans and powerful detection
- Easy to use and set up
- Great URL blocker
Cons:
- Missing some of the more advanced malware protection tools
- No scheduled scans
One of the most impressive things about BitDefender’s free antivirus is that it’s the same one the paid version uses. This means that in terms of scanning and protection, you get the same top-rated service at no cost.
Moreover, I found BitDefender easy to use and the interface quite intuitive. When you install BitDefender, you also receive access to the paid version’s core malware protection tools, which gives you an added layer of security. With great phishing protection included to boot, BitDefender free antivirus is a great choice.
Avast Antivirus
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, Android
Top Features: Password manager, malware scans, gaming mode
Pros:
- Little impact on PC performance
- Rated highly on industry benchmarks
- Checks your network’s security
Cons:
- Password manager could use an upgrade
- URL protection only works with Chrome and Firefox
Avast’s free antivirus offering stands out as one of the top choices thanks to its great range of features and its industry-leading antivirus protection. In addition to your standard antivirus scans, Avast also checks networks you connect to in order to ensure they’re safe. Furthermore, you get browser protection for Chrome and Firefox, and more. Finally, I was happy to see that Avast went for an intuitive user interface that focuses on giving you exactly the tools you need and putting the rest in neatly sorted categories.
Sophos Antivirus
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac
Top Features: Parental controls, anti-phishing tools, license for up to 10 PCs, remote management
Pros:
- Manage your device’s antivirus settings from anywhere
- Runs quietly in the background with little impact
Cons:
- Not the most customizable software
- Can’t schedule scans
Sophos is a great choice if you’re looking to protect not just your own, but also your family’s devices. One of the best things about Sophos is that a single license covers up to 10 pcs. When combined with the company’s cloud-based remote-control tools and parental controls, you can easily set your family’s security settings and ensure their privacy is protected. Additionally, Sophos has rated well on some of the biggest industry benchmarks. Finally, the interface itself is easy to use, making it a great choice if you’re in charge of security, but aren’t a tech expert.
Kaspersky
Operating Systems: Windows
Top Features: Real-time malware scans, phishing protection, email security, anti-spyware tools
Pros:
- A highly user-friendly interface
- Perfect scores on anti-phishing and antivirus tests
Cons:
- No direct tech support for free users
- Features are somewhat limited
Kaspersky is another major name in the antivirus field, and its free offering doesn’t disappoint. The company’s antivirus software is known for its high performance and reliable scans, which have scored excellently on several industry benchmark tests. Additionally, its focused approach, which dispenses with some nifty features from the paid version, offers a no-frills and powerful tool to protect your PC. If you’re only interested in protecting your computer from attacks and can do without the bells and whistles, Kaspersky might be the right tool for you.
Avira
Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android 786 786
Top Features: Password manager, integrated VPN client, top-rated malware protection, global civilian intelligence network
Pros:
- Low impact on your computer’s performance
- Scored well on industry tests
- Great malware protection
Cons:
- Anti-phishing tools could use some tuning
- Browser protection only on Chrome and Firefox
With an impressive 99.7% detection test on the demanding AV-TEST benchmark, Avira is one of the top free antivirus options on the market. The company’s clean and easy-to-use interface is ideal for beginners and can help you protect your computer easily. Additionally, Avira helps you manage your Windows Firewall to get the most out of it and offers a variety of scans that keep your device and data secure. I also liked to see that although it doesn’t come pre-loaded with a variety of features, Avira lets you quickly download additional tools to round out your security.
Best Enterprise Antivirus for 2020
Avast
Avast offers a highly customizable and intelligent stack of features that lets you create the right level of security for your business. With an intelligent firewall and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Windows Server, you can quickly create a security net for your company. You can choose from both self-managed and externally managed antivirus tools to give your company the right IT support and easily manage your endpoint protection though the company’s easy to use console.
Kaspersky
With an eye toward future tech and providing a more adaptive security suite, Kaspersky provides tools for IoT networks, hybrid cloud setups, and endpoint security to ensure every step of a company’s technology stack is fully secured. The company’s real-time security also prevents unexpected attacks, both from malware and social engineering tactics such as phishing and spear phishing. You can also use the platform’s predictive tools to learn from attacks and prevent against future incursions.
Norton
Norton’s Symantec enterprise suite is powered by the company’s civilian threat intelligence network and offers endpoint security in addition to advanced defenses such as memory exploit mitigation, advanced Machine learning tools, and deep scanning for all files entering the network to ensure your devices and data are always kept safe. The company also protects against zero-day attacks, as well as offer protection against social engineering attacks.
Avira
Avira offers endpoint and full business protection that covers both the client-side—your users—and the server-side to prevent attacks from any angle. The company offers a variety of scans that include malware, ransomware, and even exchange server protection, which keeps your email networks free from attacks and malicious software. The company also provides several levels of protection, which can help cover your business regardless of size.
Trend Micro
For enterprise customers, Trend Micro delivers a service that includes its hybrid cloud security, robust network defense, and endpoint security for users. The company’s services include intrusion prevention and protection against advanced threats, as well as specialized security for DevOps, cloud migrations, data centers, and even containers. For end-users, it includes email and web security, as well as SaaS application protection features and gateway safety.
Best Antivirus for Small Business
Symantec
Symantec’s endpoint protection offers coverage for both Windows and Mac, as well as Windows servers, and includes easy setup, dynamic scalability, and strong malware and exploit security that covers most common attacks. With several awards for antivirus performance from the top labs, Symantec is always a top choice.
Panda
Panda’s services are designed for the entrepreneur on the rise, with tools that include endpoint protection with robust anti-malware tools, powerful analytics, and a strong classification tool that detects nearly every process your organization produces to create smarter defenses tailored to your company.
Trend Micro
If you’re looking for a cloud-based security tool that lets you set it and forget it, Trend Micro may be the right call. The company’s suite protects all your devices and your company email, scanning them for spear-phishing and other advanced attacks before they’re even opened. With advanced threat detection and powerful whitelisting engines, you can rest assured your business is secure
F-Secure
F-Secure is excellent if you’re in charge of managing your business’ security. The company’s management portal lets you manage any deployment, monitor user accounts, and set up automated patch management for your tools. Additionally, the company is fully cloud-based, so you don’t need a server to run the program.
What is Cybersecurity?
The term cybersecurity refers to the tools and protections built to defend your personal information and devices while you connect to the internet.
More broadly, it’s about the practices I use and the systems I have in place to protect my devices, networks, servers, and even cloud assets from hackers and other malicious actors.
What Does Antivirus Software Do?
In short, antivirus software does a lot of things. Primarily, it protects you from computer viruses, but today that also includes a broader number of attacks that include malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, and even identity theft.
Antivirus software today is built more to protect your devices and your online identity than to simply detect computer viruses.
Antivirus scans your computer periodically to see that you don’t have any malicious software hidden in your files, but also scans your email to detect potential phishing attacks, and even keeps your web browsing secure.
How Do We Test for the Best Antivirus Software?
To find the top choices for my antivirus rankings, I put each application through a thorough testing process that determines how each company performs across four major categories:
Detection Rates – I test antivirus software by seeing how well it detects malicious packages in real-time and explores industry-standard benchmarks to see how they compare to top contenders.
Impact on Devices – I value highly any antivirus software that doesn’t limit my performance while it’s running. I perform stress tests to determine how much an antivirus suite slows down my devices.
Ease of Use – Regardless of skill level, ease of use is important because protecting your computer should never be stressful. Intuitive interfaces let you better control your settings and protect yourself better.
Privacy – Security and privacy are closely related, and your antivirus should protect your sensitive data with powerful tools, and in real-time