Top Antivirus Software Comparison
By Unknown Author | Published: 2025-04-04 | Category: Antivirus Software
About Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) like viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. It provides essential protection for computers and mobile devices against online threats.
Scoring Criteria
- → Protection
- → Performance
- → Features
- → Usability
- → Value
The Best Antivirus Software
#11
Malwarebytes Premium
By Malwarebytes
Focused anti-malware tool known for its effectiveness in cleaning infected systems and preventing new threats.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chromebook
Best For: Personal, Complementary Security
Key Features
- ✓Real-Time Protection: Actively blocks malware, ransomware, and malicious websites.
- ✓Exploit Protection: Shields vulnerable systems and software from exploit attacks.
- ✓Malware & PUP Removal: Excellent at finding and removing existing infections and potentially unwanted programs.
- ✓Browser Guard: Extension for blocking ads, trackers, and scam sites.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Premium (1 Device)
$39.99 / Annual
- Real-Time Protection
- Exploit Protection
- Malware Removal
- Ransomware Protection
Limitations: Fewer traditional suite features
Premium (5 Devices)
$79.99 / Annual
- Protects 5 devices
- All Premium features
Pros
- + Highly effective at malware detection and removal
- + Simple, clean interface
- + Good real-time protection features
- + Works well alongside other antivirus software
Cons
- - Lacks features common in full suites (firewall, parental controls, VPN)
- - Protection scores in some lab tests lower than top suites
Verdict
"An excellent specialized tool for malware cleanup and real-time threat blocking, often used alongside a primary antivirus or as a standalone lightweight option."
#10
Trend Micro Maximum Security
By Trend Micro
User-friendly security suite with strong phishing protection and useful extra features.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chromebook
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Advanced AI Learning: Adapts to new threats for effective protection.
- ✓Ransomware Protection: Safeguards documents from unauthorized encryption.
- ✓Pay Guard: Secures online banking and shopping sessions.
- ✓Password Manager: Includes a password management tool.
- ✓Parental Controls: Helps protect children online.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Maximum Security
$39.95 / Annual
- Protects up to 5 devices
- Antivirus
- Ransomware Protection
- Pay Guard
- Password Manager
- Parental Controls
- PC Health Checkup
Limitations: Can be slightly heavier on resources
Pros
- + Very effective phishing protection
- + Easy-to-navigate interface
- + Good range of security features
- + Supports Chromebook
Cons
- - Slightly higher system performance impact than top rivals
- - Some features less robust than dedicated solutions
Verdict
"A solid, user-friendly choice with particularly strong web threat protection and a good set of features for family security."
#9
Sophos Home Premium
By Sophos
Brings enterprise-grade protection to home users with remote management capabilities.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best For: Personal, Family, Tech-savvy users managing multiple PCs
Key Features
- ✓AI Threat Detection: Uses artificial intelligence to predict and block advanced threats.
- ✓Ransomware Security: Specific protection against ransomware attacks.
- ✓Web Protection: Blocks access to malicious websites.
- ✓Privacy Protection: Includes webcam protection.
- ✓Remote Management: Manage security for multiple computers via a cloud dashboard.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Home Premium
$44.99 / Annual
- Protects up to 10 devices
- AI Threat Detection
- Ransomware Security
- Web Protection
- Privacy Protection
- Remote Management
Limitations: Fewer extra features than some competitors, Mobile protection is separate
Pros
- + Uses advanced enterprise-level security technology
- + Excellent ransomware protection
- + Remote management is useful for families
- + Clean interface
Cons
- - Limited independent lab test results compared to major brands
- - Lacks bundled extras like VPN or password manager
- - Basic mobile security requires separate apps
Verdict
"Offers powerful, business-grade protection technology for home use, particularly appealing for those managing security across several computers."
#8
ESET Smart Security Premium
By ESET
Advanced security suite favored by tech-savvy users for its depth of configuration and low system impact.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, Linux
Best For: Personal, Power Users
Key Features
- ✓Legendary Antivirus Technology: Multi-layered protection with UEFI scanner and exploit blocker.
- ✓Minimal Power Usage: Designed for low system resource consumption.
- ✓Password Manager: Securely stores and generates passwords.
- ✓Encrypt Sensitive Files: Tools for data and USB drive encryption.
- ✓Network Inspector: Monitors home network security.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Smart Security Premium
$59.99 / Annual
- Protects 1 device (scalable)
- Antivirus
- Password Manager
- File Encryption
- Network Inspector
- LiveGuard protection
Limitations: Interface can be complex for novices
Pros
- + Excellent malware detection
- + Very light on system resources
- + Highly configurable for advanced users
- + Includes password manager and encryption
Cons
- - User interface less intuitive for beginners
- - Fewer lifestyle features (like VPN, backup) compared to some suites
Verdict
"A top choice for experienced users who want deep control over their security settings, excellent protection, and minimal performance impact."
#7
AVG Internet Security
By AVG (Avast)
Solid security suite from a well-known brand, offering strong protection and useful features.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Advanced Antivirus: Blocks viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malware.
- ✓Enhanced Firewall: Keeps hackers off the user's network.
- ✓Webcam Protection: Prevents webcam spying.
- ✓Ransomware Protection: Secures personal files from being encrypted by attackers.
- ✓Payment Protection: Secures online transactions.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Internet Security
$46.68 / Annual
- Protects 1 or 10 devices
- Antivirus
- Enhanced Firewall
- Webcam Protection
- Ransomware Protection
- Payment Protection
Limitations: No integrated VPN (separate product)
Pros
- + Strong malware protection scores
- + User-friendly interface
- + Good set of core security features
- + Often available at competitive prices
Cons
- - Owned by Avast, sharing similar technology and potential concerns
- - Fewer extra features (like VPN, backup) compared to top suites
- - Can show upsell prompts
Verdict
"A reliable and easy-to-use antivirus solution providing strong core protection, though lacks some of the premium extras found in competitors."
#6
Avast One
By Avast
An integrated security, privacy, and performance service combining antivirus with VPN, cleanup tools, and more.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Comprehensive Security: Antivirus, ransomware protection, network security scanning.
- ✓Integrated VPN: Provides online privacy (free version has limits, paid is unlimited).
- ✓Device Cleanup: Tools to optimize system performance.
- ✓Data Breach Monitoring: Alerts if email addresses are found in breaches.
- ✓Firewall: Monitors network traffic.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential (Free)
Contact Vendor
- Basic Antivirus
- Limited VPN (5GB/week)
- Basic Cleanup
- Data Breach Monitoring
Limitations: VPN limit, Fewer advanced security features
Individual
$49.99 / Annual
- Protects 5 devices
- Full Antivirus
- Unlimited VPN
- Advanced Cleanup
- Webcam Protection
Family
$69.99 / Annual
- Protects 30 devices
- All Individual features
Pros
- + Excellent free version available
- + Integrated suite covers security, privacy, and performance
- + Modern, user-friendly interface
- + Generous device limits on paid plans
Cons
- - Some performance impact noted in tests
- - Past privacy concerns associated with the vendor (though addressed)
Verdict
"A compelling all-in-one solution, especially its free tier. The paid versions offer a very broad set of useful tools beyond basic antivirus."
#5
Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete
By Webroot (OpenText)
Extremely lightweight and fast cloud-based antivirus protection with identity theft protection features.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Cloud-Based Protection: Minimal local footprint, relies on cloud analysis for threat detection.
- ✓Fast Scans: Scans systems incredibly quickly.
- ✓Identity Theft Protection: Monitors for potential identity fraud (features vary by region/version).
- ✓Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized webcam access.
- ✓Cloud Storage: Includes online backup storage.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Internet Security Complete
$59.99 / Annual
- Protects 5 devices
- Cloud-Based Protection
- Identity Theft Protection
- 25GB Cloud Storage
- Mobile Security
Limitations: Protection effectiveness debated in some tests
Pros
- + Extremely lightweight and fast
- + Very small installation size
- + Minimal system performance impact
- + Simple user interface
Cons
- - Protection effectiveness results vary among testing labs
- - Relies heavily on internet connection for detection
- - Fewer features compared to top competitors
Verdict
"An excellent choice for users prioritizing system speed and minimal resource usage, offering good protection with a unique cloud-based approach."
#4
Kaspersky Total Security
By Kaspersky
Powerful security suite known for excellent malware detection rates and a wide range of privacy tools.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Real-time Antivirus: Blocks common and complex threats like viruses, malware, ransomware, spy apps.
- ✓Anti-Hacking: Includes network monitoring and anti-ransomware features.
- ✓Privacy Protection: Offers features like VPN (limited), payment protection, and webcam protection.
- ✓Password Manager: Securely stores and syncs passwords.
- ✓GPS Child-Locator: Part of the parental control features.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Total Security
$49.99 / Annual
- Protects 5 devices
- Real-time Antivirus
- Privacy Protection
- VPN (300MB/day)
- Password Manager Premium
- Parental Controls
Limitations: VPN data limit
Security Cloud Personal
$53.99 / Annual
- Protects 3-5 devices
- Adaptive Security
- Privacy Features
- VPN (500MB/day)
- Password Manager Premium
Pros
- + Exceptional malware protection
- + Comprehensive feature set including parental controls
- + Strong anti-phishing capabilities
- + Good performance
Cons
- - Interface can be somewhat intimidating
- - Limited VPN in standard package
- - Geopolitical concerns for some users
Verdict
"Technically superb antivirus offering top-tier protection and a wealth of features, though the interface and VPN limits could be improved."
#3
McAfee Total Protection
By McAfee
A well-known security suite offering protection for multiple devices, identity monitoring, and a VPN.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Award-Winning Antivirus: Protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware.
- ✓Identity Monitoring: Scans the dark web for personal information.
- ✓Secure VPN: Bank-grade encryption for browsing privacy (often unlimited with auto-renewal).
- ✓Password Manager: Manages online credentials securely.
- ✓Protection Score: Provides a measure of online safety health.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Individual
$34.99 / Annual
- Protects 1 device
- Antivirus
- Identity Monitoring
- Secure VPN
- Password Manager
Limitations: Device limit
Family
$49.99 / Annual
- Protects up to 10 devices
- Antivirus
- Identity Monitoring
- Secure VPN
- Password Manager
- Parental Controls
Pros
- + Strong protection capabilities
- + Generous multi-device licenses
- + Includes useful identity protection features
- + User-friendly interface
Cons
- - Can impact system performance more than some rivals
- - VPN availability/limits can depend on subscription type
Verdict
"A reliable and feature-packed option, particularly good for families needing to protect multiple devices with added identity security."
#2
Bitdefender Total Security
By Bitdefender
Award-winning antivirus with minimal system impact, providing multi-layered security across multiple platforms.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Advanced Threat Defense: Uses behavioral detection to monitor active apps and block suspicious activities.
- ✓Anti-Phishing & Anti-Fraud: Protects against online scams by blocking malicious websites.
- ✓VPN (Limited): Includes a basic VPN with a daily traffic limit.
- ✓Performance Optimization: Tools to help speed up devices.
- ✓Parental Control: Features to manage and monitor children's online presence.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Total Security
$44.99 / Annual
- Protects 5 devices
- Advanced Threat Defense
- VPN (200MB/day/device)
- Performance Optimization
- Parental Control
Limitations: VPN traffic limit
Family Pack
$54.99 / Annual
- Protects 15 devices
- All Total Security features
Limitations: VPN traffic limit
Pros
- + Consistently top-rated malware protection
- + Minimal impact on system performance
- + Comprehensive feature set
- + Good value proposition
Cons
- - Limited VPN data allowance in standard package
- - Interface can feel complex for beginners
Verdict
"An outstanding choice for users seeking top-notch protection with minimal performance slowdown, offering a great balance of security and features."
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#1
Norton 360 Deluxe
By NortonLifeLock
Comprehensive suite offering strong malware protection alongside a wide array of security and privacy tools.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Best For: Personal, Family
Key Features
- ✓Real-time Threat Protection: Multi-layered protection against existing and emerging malware threats.
- ✓Secure VPN: Encrypts internet connection for online privacy and anonymity.
- ✓Password Manager: Helps create, store, and manage passwords securely.
- ✓Cloud Backup: Provides secure cloud storage to back up important files.
- ✓Parental Controls: Tools to help manage children's online activities.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Deluxe
$49.99 / Annual
- Protects 5 devices
- Secure VPN
- Password Manager
- 50GB Cloud Backup
- Parental Controls
Limitations: Device limit
Premium
$59.99 / Annual
- Protects 10 devices
- Secure VPN
- Password Manager
- 100GB Cloud Backup
- Parental Controls
Pros
- + Excellent malware protection scores
- + Feature-rich suite
- + Includes useful extras like VPN and cloud backup
- + Good cross-platform support
Cons
- - Can be resource-intensive on older systems
- - Higher price point than some competitors
Verdict
"A top-tier security suite offering robust protection and an extensive set of valuable features for comprehensive digital safety."
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Final Thoughts
The antivirus landscape offers robust solutions catering to diverse needs. Top contenders provide excellent malware protection, often bundled with valuable extras like VPNs, password managers, and parental controls. Performance impact varies, with some options like Bitdefender and Webroot being notably lightweight, while others like Norton and Kaspersky offer feature depth.