Written by Adam Stevenson - Technical Content Editor Updated on July 15, 2021 |
The internet presents the biggest threat to the safety of laptops. There are a lot of threats like viruses or malware. Windows and macOS do come with built-in security features, but it is important to make your device secure by investing in a good antivirus.
Written by Adam Stevenson - Technical Content Editor Updated on July 15, 2021 |
Before you make a decision on what antivirus for laptops you should invest in, you need to take a look at certain factors. These factors include things like pricing, features, and what your exact needs are. Have you got a lot of devices to cover? Do you have a family and need to keep your kids safe when they go online? When buying the best laptop antivirus software, consider all of the devices you want to keep protected and the family members who use these devices.
We have selected the best laptop security software for you to choose from. You can choose the right laptop antivirus from our list of recommendations.
These days, there are no differences between laptops and PCs when it comes to antivirus software. The fact is, it's important to have a good antivirus software package that can protect your Laptop and PC from threats while you browse online. Viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing threats are all potential dangers when you're online.
The only difference that can come into play when it comes to choosing antivirus for your Laptop, is the operating system preferences. There is no shortage of options out there for protecting your Laptop, you just need to find the right solution for you.
When looking at the best antivirus security software available to choose from, there are a number of key factors you should consider when trying to pick out the best laptop antivirus. There are many options to weigh when shopping for antivirus laptops.
This is a list of features to look for in good antivirus for laptop:
Bitdefender has earned its place among the best antivirus providers. It has over 500 million users, mainly because of its great free version, but the premium options are well-worth your money.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Bitdefender Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS & Android |
| Pricing Plan | From $17.99/yr , Free Version Available |
| Subscription Options | 1-year |
Bitdefender found the courage to do things differently and packed the most features into its cheapest version, making it more than an afterthought for most home users. Indeed, when you provide quality for a fraction of the price, it’s hard not to reach the top.
Visit our Bitdefender Review and find out about features, anti-malware capabilities, pricing plans and lab test results of this provider.
Intego is one of the leading providers of Mac cybersecurity software. It consistently scores high marks in independent testing labs and offers great features.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Avast Specifications
| Operating Systems | Mac |
| Pricing Plan | From $34.99/1-year |
| Subscription Options | 1-year |
Need more info? Find all you need to know in our detailed Intego Review.
otalAV may be fairly new in the cybersecurity scene but it’s already competing with some of the biggest brands. And with its strong protection against all kinds of viruses, trojans, ransomware, and worms, TotalAV can definitely hold its own as one of the best antivirus programs around.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
TotalAV Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Pricing Plan | From $19.00/year, Free version available |
| Subscription Options | 1 year |
TotalAV is one of the safest antivirus programs out there. It uses strong antivirus technology to deliver a powerful and extensive security package. It offers robust protection against viruses, trojans, ransomware, phishing scams, and malware.
Want to know more? Read our TotalAV Review and find out why we recommend this software provider for laptops.
Sophos is a basic antivirus with high malware detection rates, an intuitive dashboard, and a couple of excellent features, including remote management.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Pricing Plan | From $ 49, Free version available |
| Subscription Options | 1- year, 2-years, 3-years |
The affordable Sophos Home Premium expands on basic antivirus with protection forged in the company's enterprise-level products, including a new remote management app. However, the advanced features may be too complex for some users.
Visit the full Sophos Review and get insights on what else we have found out during our extensive research on this software.
Norton is a reputable name in the antivirus industry.This provider packages arguably the most extensive list of cybersecurity tools. This is an amazing service, but it’s among the most expensive suites in 2021 and also doesn’t have a free version.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Pricing Plan | From $39.99/yr |
| Subscription Options | 1, 2, 3 Years |
Norton 360 offers excellent protection while not overloading your device. It’s easy to use but at the same time provides plenty of options for advanced users. And while the prices are high, one would be hard-pressed to find a better deal when buying all the components one-by-one.
For more info on how Norton could protect your laptop, visit our detailed Norton Review.
Not only does it include robust anti-malware protection, but it’s also supported on a wide array of devices. It’s also not a memory hog and will run smoothly on weaker machines.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
| Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Pricing Plan | From $450 (1-user, 1-year) to $1569 (10-users, 2-years) |
| Subscription Options | 1- year or 2-year subscription |
ESET aims to be a lightweight solution for your devices. It's perfect for those who need a quick scan once in a while to make sure their devices are clean.
Take a look at our ESET Review and learn more about our extensive research, testing and rating of this leading brand.
You will find McAfee Total Protection on most antivirus lists. The company was owned by Intel from 2010 until 2017 when Intel and TPG Capital closed a strategic deal to convert Intel’s Security division into a company called McAfee.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Pricing Plan | $34.99 - $119.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1-year or 2-years |
McAfee does great most of the time. However, there are more than a few below-average results from MRG Effitas that didn’t certify Avira and this antivirus in Q2 2020.
Take a look at our expert McAfee Review including info on additional features, anti-malware capabilities and lab test results of this software.
PC Protect is a great all round antivirus solution. It is a fast and effective way of protecting your PC. With no shortage of features and competitive pricing.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Pricing Plan | From $19/1-year, Free version available |
| Subscription Options | 1- year |
PC Protect is a decent antivirus, with good malware scanning capabilities and device optimization tools. Some of the included internet security features are not the best, and I don’t like how things that should be included (ilke an ad blocker) need to be purchased separately.
Explore our PC Protect Review and find out how we tested and rated this software provider.
500 million users have made the right choice by choosing Avira Antivirus – it’s one of the best antivirus software available in both free and premium segments.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Pricing Plan | From $34.69/yr, Free Version Available |
| Subscription Options | 1-year, 2-years, 3-years subscription |
What distinguishes Avira from other antiviruses is its system optimization tools. For example, you can speed up the booting of your device or concentrate the juice towards one resource-heavy task, such as video rendering.
Check out the full Avira Review for more info on the range of protection, pricing plans, lab test results and our expert opinion about Avira.
BullGuard Antivirus sticks to the basics of antivirus, but adds a scan for vulnerable security settings.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Pricing Plan | From $29.99/yr, Free version available |
| Subscription Options | 1, 2, 3 Years |
Overall, Bullguard is an exceptional service. However, it's more exceptional on some operating systems than on others. It's superb on Windows, but it isn't very impressive on macOS and iOS.
Check out the full BullGuard Review and find out why we recommend this provider for home, mobile and gaming.
Overall, there are plenty of secure laptops that you can choose on the marketplace in today’s digital age. Security is more important than ever considering the number of data breaches and due to new technology being introduced every day. By having a secure laptop device, you should be able to protect and safeguard your data as well as possible.
1. Do laptops need any different antivirus from other devices? |
No, Laptops and PCs can use the same antivirus software. Just make sure your operating system preferences are what they should be. |
2. Can I use a free antivirus on my laptop? |
| Some antivirus software has free versions and free trials available. Free versions come with a limited set of features, but they are usually good enough for detecting viruses and malware through on-demand scans. |
3. Isn't my built-in antivirus protection on my laptop good enough? |
| If you’re using a Windows laptop, for example, you should install a third-party antivirus solution. Windows Defender is getting better, but it’s not up to the best competitors, even the best free ones. |
4. Will antivirus software slow my laptop down? |
Some people say that antivirus software will slow your computer down. While this may have once been true, it’s no longer a reality. The other fact is, that if you have a very old laptop, your computer will be slower because of the antivirus running in the background. |
5. Are some laptops more scure than others? |
Some laptop providers do prioritize security more than others, yes. Likewise, some operating systems will be inherently more secure than others, depending on your knowledge of the system. |
