Best Antivirus for Chrome

Best Antivirus for Google Chrome

Google Chrome provides a secure browsing experience. Even though Google Chrome antivirus settings are the best in the industry, there are always cybercriminals out there.

Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer

Updated on September 2, 2021

You must be aware of all the cyber threats out there before you start searching the internet. The most important factor to keep in mind is that security awareness goes beyond just adding random Google Chrome extensions. You want to use the best antivirus for Google Chrome in 2021.

To create an extra layer of security on your browser there are many antivirus software for Google Chrome available to choose from. The secret is, choosing the correct antivirus extension for your needs. Before making a decision on what antivirus extension you are going to choose, it’s a good idea to take a careful look at which ones will be the most beneficial for you. You want to be able to utilize what they have to offer fully.

We have selected the best antivirus software to operate with Google Chrome. Choose your specific version now or read more about the topic.

Top 5 Chrome Antivirus Extensions

  • Game mode
  • Smartphone optimizer
  • Real-time monitoring of malware
  • Fast scanning
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  • Real-time malware protection
  • Advanced security features
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Value for money
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  • Best free antivirus
  • Endpoint and mobile protection
  • Cloud antivirus
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  • Free antivirus protection
  • On-demand scanning
  • Firewall configuration
  • Simple user interface
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  • Complete Protection For All Devices With a single License
  • Configurable Firewall
  • Virus Protection Pledge Or Full Refund Guarantee
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Do I Really Need To Install An Antivirus Extension On My Browser?

Google Chrome is a safe and reliable browser. It is a popular browser and is known for its safety, but it is still not safe enough. Users must have an additional layer of protection on their browsers. By adding an extra layer of security protection, you can browse the web with ease of mind.

Google Chrome’s highlight is its extensions, and you can use them to enhance your browser in various ways. When it comes to maintaining online privacy, some extensions provide great antivirus features for Google Chrome. The fact is, you want your device and data to be safe while browsing the cyberworld. 

You don't want to stress about possible cybercriminals that might steal valuable information. So, we do recommend our users to rather be safe than sorry. We do advise users to make sure they get a good antivirus extension for your Google Chrome browser.

Learn more about malicious software targeting Chrome in this article

Google Chrome Security

What Are Antivirus Security Extensions And How Do They Protect Your Browser?

A Google Chrome extension is something like a plugin for your browser that adds certain functions and features. These extensions can modify the user interface or add some Web service functionality to your Google browser. Some extensions are used to block ads on Web pages or to translate text from one language to another. There are hundreds or even thousands of different types of Google Chrome Extensions.

Google Chrome Extensions are widely available, some of them are free, and some will have a payment option. Extensions can be quite helpful, especially when it comes to your browser security. Most of us do take care of some security measures like making the payment from secure websites or checking the website URL before entering our credentials. The fact is, these measures are not enough with the extensive use of the internet. 

We require help from third-party software or applications to take care of all the risks involved. This is where Chrome antivirus extensions come in. Antivirus extensions protect us against online threats and also keeps our devices safe.

Chrome Extensions

How To Choose The Best Antivirus For Chrome?

Google Chrome is very well-known and is used all over the world. You must know how to keep yourself safe when using Chrome. Chrome is a web browser that runs on just about any computer. 

Keeping yourself safe online while using Chrome means picking a good antivirus extension for the underlying operating system and trusting it to keep you safe while surfing the web with Chrome.

  • A good Chrome antivirus extension gets updated regularly through the cloud. - Antivirus providers need to make sure that their software is regularly updated to ensure that their users stay protected against threats as they emerge from the cyber world.
  • Make sure the antivirus extension has a sandbox.  - A sandbox is a quarantine area where malware basically gets treated. If it springs any nasty surprises before it goes, these will be contained in the sandbox, rather than creating issues for your PC as a whole.
  • Make sure the antivirus extension has a firewall. - Firewalls will check incoming and outgoing internet traffic to keep your browser safe. You will be warned when it looks like you are going to visit a dangerous website or download a questionable file.
  • Read the reviews - Before you choose your chrome antivirus extensions, make sure they are well-rated. This doesn’t mean you should read every single review. It’s useful to skim through them and see whether anything looks or sounds odd. 

The 5 Best Chrome Security Extensions

#1 Webroot Chrome ExtensionWebroot

Webroot Chrome Extension will keep you safe when you are browsing the web by identifying and blocking dangerous websites.

Top Features:

  • Warns about unsafe websites before you click
  • Blocks bad websites trying to install viruses and malware on your computer
  • Real-time protection against phishing sites
ProsCons
  • Great malware protection
  • Can be limited in features

Webroot Specifications

Pricing PlanFree
Subscription OptionsNo Subscriptions, this is a free chrome antivirus extension

The Webroot Web Threat Shield is available as a Chrome Extension to protect PCs, Mac computers, and mobile devices.

For more info about antivirus offer of Webroot, visit our full Webroot Review.

Webroot

#2 Avast Online Security

Avast

Avast Online Security is the most used Chrome antivirus extension with 400 million users. It protects you from mostly all types of attacks. Avast Chrome extension secures your browser from viruses and ensures that your data is not at risk while visiting any websites.

Top Features:

  • Blocks phishing sites trying to access your data
  • Gives you the ratings of the websites based on the ratings given by Avast users, so you can decide if it is worth visiting the site
  • Avast blocks the cookies that track your browsing activities
  • It automatically gets on when an online transaction is done to give you secure online transactions over the internet
  • Warns while visiting a reputed lousy website
ProsCons
  • Robust firewall
  • Simple spam filter
  • Password manager
  • Ransomware protection
  • Bonus features enhance security
  • Password manager is limited in features
  • Many bonus features require separate purchase

Avast Specifications

Pricing PlanNo Subscriptions, this is a free chrome antivirus extension
Subscription OptionsFree

Avast online security extension is all in one package, which can block everything from cookies to phishing sites. If you want all the coverage except ad-blocks, then this Avast extension is for you.

Check out our full Avast Review for more info about products, features, lab test results and pricing of this antivirus provider.

Avast

#3 Comodo

Comod Antivirus

AVG Antivirus Business Edition protects your business from viruses, ransomware, and other online threats in real-time.

Top Features:

  • Network Attack Defense
  • Layered Protection for Endpoints
  • No need for hardware - Web-based security
  • Advanced Application Behavior Monitoring
  • Protection Integrated with Endpoint Risk Management
  • AI and Machine Learning
  • Huge Security Intelligence Cloud
ProsCons
  • Decent score in our hands-on malware blocking test
  • Dismal scores against malicious and fraudulent URLs

AVG Specifications

Pricing PlanFree
Subscription OptionsNo Subscriptions, this is a free chrome antivirus extension

Visit our Comodo Review and find out what else this antivirus software provider has to offer. 

Comodo

#4 Windows Defender Browser Protection

Windows Defender

Webroot Business Endpoint is specifically designed for small businesses. It is an easy-to-use IT security platform with the key features needed to protect your company’s endpoints from common cyberattacks.

Top Features:

  • Blocks phishing emails and websites
  • Blocks malicious software that can harm your computer
  • Avast blocks the cookies that track your browsing activities
  • It automatically gets on when an online transaction is done to give you secure online transactions over the internet
  • Warns while visiting a reputed lousy website
ProsCons
  • Constantly updated list of malicious URLs known to Microsoft
  • Limited in some features

Webroot Specifications

Pricing PlanFree
Subscription OptionsNo Subscriptions, this is a free chrome antivirus extension

The Windows Defender extension alerts you about known malicious links, and gives you a clear path back to safety.

Want to know more about how Windows Defender could help to protect your software? Visit our full Windows Defender Review.

Windows Defender

#4 McAfee Chrome Extension

McAfee

The McAfee Chrome Extension will tell you which website is secure to use or not.

Top Features:

  • Protects your device from websites that will load malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and other things that could harm you
ProsCons
  • Protects you from malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and other things that could harm you
  • Not a lot of features

McAfee Specifications

Pricing PlanFree
Subscription OptionsNo Subscriptions, this is a free chrome antivirus extension

Look for the McAfee Trustmark when you shop online to ensure you're dealing with a secure site!

For more info about McAfee's products, features and protection capabilities, visit our full McAfee Review.

McAfee

How To Download Antivirus Extension?

Searching and finding your Google Chrome Antivirus Extension is easy. All you have to do is to visit your Chrome Web Store and Search for your ideal antivirus extension.

In the search box, type in the name of the antivirus software you want to install.

Download Chrome Extension

After you find the extension you want to install, and it is installed, you are ready to search the web! You are protected!

What Other Extensions Can You Use To Secure Your Browser?

We all know that browsing online is fun. Well, the truth is, although it is fun, it is not always safe. Cybercriminals are lurking around the cyberworld, looking to steal our valuable information. They can compromise our security with phishing sites, trackers, cookies, and malware. 

Anyone can fall victim to these things. Thankfully, there are other Google Chrome browser extensions than antivirus extensions that can help enhance your security. Other extensions include;

  • Windows Defender - Windows defender scans any website and compares it to a pre-existing list of malicious websites. If there’s a match, a red warning will pop up, prompting you to go back before it damages your device.
  • Ghostery - Google Chrome extensions like Ghostery block all ads and trackers, helping you get your privacy back and improving your browsing experience. 
  • HTTPS Everywhere - What the HTTPS Everywhere extension does is turn HTTP websites into HTTPS. In other words, it encrypts the connection and protects your information.
  • AdBlocker Ultimate - AdBlocker Ultimate will block all ads. Without ads, webpages will also load much faster.

Bottom Line

You can never be too prepared for cyberattacks unless you implement all the necessary tools to combat all malicious entities and keep your online activity secure. We mentioned some of the best and the most efficient Chrome antivirus extensions that you can currently find on the market. Get the best Chrome antivirus extensions for your security needs, and start browsing safely!

FAQ

1. Is it safe to install Chrome extensions?

Yes, Chrome extensions are secure to use. To be on the safe side, always check the extension’s reviews before installing it.

2. How do I stop security extensions on Google Chrome?

To stop a Chrome extension from running, open the Extensions tab and toggle the switch next to the extension you want to disable.

3. Are Chrome antivirus extensions free?

Some extensions are free, but most well-rated antivirus extensions will have a subscription option with better features.

4. Do I need a sandbox with my Chrome antivirus?

Yes, your Chrome antivirus extension needs a sandbox. A sandbox is a quarantine area where malware basically gets treated. If it springs any nasty surprises before it goes, these will be contained in the sandbox, rather than creating issues for your PC as a whole.