Looking for top antivirus software? Our cybersecurity experts have tested dozens of packages, assessing the speed, security, and suitability of each. We can confidently say that these solutions are the best antivirus software you can get right now:
- Norton: The all-around best antivirus solution
- Bitdefender: Robust antivirus program for the whole family
- TotalAV: The best antivirus software for beginners
- Surfshark One: The best all-in-one online security solution
- Intego: Strong antivirus program for Mac
Norton offers the best virus protection on the market right now. It combines a sleek app with powerful anti-malware protection, family monitoring tools, and added security features.
However, not every virus scanner works well for everyone. The perfect software for you is determined by many factors, including your operating system, your online activities, and your specific needs. Read the article below to find out which of these five options suits you best!
Antivirus software is essential – it guards your computer against viruses and other malware. Cyber attacks are rapidly increasing, and remaining unguarded puts you at serious risk of data and financial loss. The consequences can last for years.
That’s why we’ve tested 15+ antivirus products to recommend the top antivirus software. Our cybersecurity analysts have vetted each program, comparing features and assessing performance in day-to-day use. Below, you can find the top five antivirus software recommended and approved by us. If you want to save time, Norton is the best antivirus software on the market.
The Best Antivirus Software in 2024
Below, we dive into the top antivirus software you can get right now to protect your device. We’ll discuss in detail the main functions and features of each program.
1. Norton 360: The best antivirus software of the moment
Go for Norton If You:
- Want the best antivirus suite possible
- Have young children with internet access
- Want immediate access to support, anytime
- Would like a fine-tuned antivirus mobile app
- Could benefit from secure cloud storage
Choose Another Antivirus If You:
- Would prefer a cheaper option
- Want access to file encryption
What we like about Norton 360
Norton Antivirus is a well-known name in the cybersecurity world, with packages suiting beginners or users looking for comprehensive security. While each package offers excellent internet security, after extensive testing, we recommend Norton 360 Deluxe. The cost difference between packages is small, but this subscription gives you a ton of security ad-ons, plus parental controls.
In 2023, Norton won Advanced+Malware Protection and Advanced+Performance awards from AV-Comparatives. These are the highest accolades possible from this independent testing lab, guaranteeing you robust protection against malware. In similar tests by AV-Test and SeaLabs, two other testing establishments, Norton was the only scanner to achieve 100% virus detection.
| Feature | Our Impressions |
|---|---|
| Protection | During our testing, Norton was very effective at protecting us against malware and scored highly in that category. |
| Performance | Not the fastest antivirus on the market, but won’t slow you down too much. |
| Usability | Intuitive website and centralized apps in My Norton interface make for a user-friendly experience. |
| Security | A host of additional security tools like a password manager and parental controls provide strong cybersecurity protection. |
| Customer Support | Norton offers 24/7 support and knowledgeable agents who can always resolve your queries. |
We found the installation process extremely straightforward. For mobile devices, simply go to the Google Play Store or App Store and download the Norton Antivirus app. We were equally impressed by customer support – aside from phone and social media options, there’s a 24/7 live chat feature if you get stuck.
Norton clearly puts its money where its mouth is, offering excellent levels of protection. Norton’s in-depth scans and added security features, excellent usability, and high performance left us no choice but to name Norton 360 as the best antivirus software on the market. Check out our full Norton 360 review for a more detailed breakdown of features and scores for each area.
2. Bitdefender: Best antivirus software for the whole family
Go for Bitdefender If You:
- Want to cover the whole family
- Need parental controls for child safety online
- Could benefit from a built–in VPN service
- Value fast and knowledgeable customer service
Choose Another Antivirus If You:
- Prefer uncomplicated installations
- Short scans are fast, full scans are very slow compared to competitors.
What we like about Bitdefender
For most users, we recommend Bitdefender Total Security. We tested its firewall and parental control settings, and we were quite impressed. On top of all that, Bitdefender Total Security offers a device optimizer and even has its own premium VPN service. This offers a low-cost way to get full online protection and anonymity.
Regarding AV-Comparatives’ test results, Bitdefender hit a 97.8% detection rate and a 99.99% protection rate. It uses real-time threat protection with the Bitdefender Shield, effectively safeguarding your device against common viruses. Moreover, scans are fast: a quick scan took us around three minutes with 2% of the CPU taken up, and a full scan took 25 minutes at about 50% of the CPU.
| Feature | Our Impressions |
|---|---|
| Protection | In recent lab testing, Bitdefender achieved quite favorable results that put it just below Norton. |
| Performance | Bitdefender can be harsh on your system and may slow you down while running. |
| Usability | User-friendly website, though not all languages are supported. |
| Security | Scores highly in our books for security, with numerous security features and no recent security breaches. |
| Customer Support | Vast array of help options, but replies can take time. |
From a privacy point of view, this provider also has you covered. They offer a password manager, anti-tracker, and dark web monitoring. The software is easy to use, and there are many support options at your disposal. In summary, Bitdefender Antivirus is one of the best virus scanners with a good price-to-quality ratio. They even offer a 30-day free trial – check out our full Bitdefender review!
3. TotalAV: The best antivirus software for beginners
Go for TotalAV If You:
- Are an antivirus beginner
- Value simple, easy-to-use software
- Want your scans to be completed quickly
- Could use coverage for up to 6 devices
Choose Another Antivirus If You:
- Prefer fast, responsive customer support
- Want the fastest scans possible
What we like about TotalAV
TotalAV is a great antivirus for beginners. In addition to getting powerful anti-malware scanning, you can use the password manager, ad blocker, and VPN. We could also easily set secure passwords for our online accounts to keep them safe. Meanwhile, the ad blocker and VPN will stop you from falling victim to malicious ads and websites that can launch attacks on your device.
TotalAV stood up well in our tests on security and privacy, too. In independent lab tests, the software blocked 99.8% of threats last year, dropping slightly to 99.2% in 2023 – still a solid result. It identified our test malware files immediately. We also tested privacy-focused features like TotalAV’s data breach monitoring, which was able to identify leaked data online.
| Feature | Our Impressions |
|---|---|
| Protection | TotalAV detected our test malware files and scored well in lab testing, providing robust protection. |
| Performance | In our TotalAV review, we noted that this is one of the fastest antivirus tools we’ve used – it won’t slow down your system. |
| Usability | TotalAV is very simple to use, offering well–organized and intuitive applications. It’s even simple to cancel a subscription. |
| Security | With a clear privacy policy and no data breaches to note, TotalAV scores well for privacy and security. |
| Customer Support | TotalAV lets itself down with customer support. While you can get help, navigating the support options available can be confusing. |
Overall, we found the software incredibly easy to install and use. While scans are slower than the likes of Norton, the interface makes it simple to schedule them for a time when you’re away from your device. We really appreciated how beginner-friendly TotalAV was all around. If you’re new to using a security suite, TotalAV checks a lot of boxes at once, vastly increasing your protection.
We recently conducted in-depth tests of TotalAV and awarded some high scores across the board! Check out our full TotalAV Antivirus Review to see what makes this powerful antivirus a top contender in our best antivirus software list.
4. Surfshark One: The best antivirus software for secure browsing
Go for Surfshark One If You:
- Would like a 30-day antivirus free trial
- Want one of the best VPNs in the industry
- Need real-time antivirus monitoring
- Would like to be able to schedule scans
Choose Another Antivirus If You:
- Would like the protection of a firewall
What we like about Surfshark One
Surfshark One bundles in Surfshark’s industry-leading VPN, which is also one of our top VPN providers. While testing the antivirus, we noted that it has one of the most secure privacy policies in the industry. Moreover, while it doesn’t have as many features as other scanners, Surfshark One offers anti-tracking and detects personal information found online.
Our initial verdict is that Surfshark One is a top antivirus program. In industry lab testing, Surfshark One could identify all prevalent malware, scoring 100% for detection.
| Feature | Our Impressions |
|---|---|
| Protection | Surfshark One offers excellent protection against malware, though lab tests are sparse due to the service lacking competitor’s track records. |
| Performance | While full scans can take a while, the service has been optimized well and won’t slow you down. |
| Usability | Drawing on Surfshark VPN’s excellent user interface, Surfshark One is a highly intuitive app. |
| Security | Users looking for a host of security add-ons should look elsewhere. Surfshark One is a relatively new antivirus service and still evolving. |
| Customer Support | Surfshark’s customer support is excellent, offering speedy responses and numerous options to get help. |
The antivirus will protect up to five different devices, making it a great program for families. In addition, Surfshark receives extra points from us for running RAM-only servers, which only store your data temporarily.
Surfshark Antivirus already proves an effective solution for privacy-minded users, but we expect that it will rapidly improve even more over the coming months. If you want to know more about Surfshark Antivirus, check out our full Surfshark One review.
5. Intego: Strong antivirus program for macOS
Go for Intego If You:
- Mostly use Apple products
- Would like a 7-day free trial to test your antivirus
- Value sleek apps that look at home on a Mac
- Want an efficient scanner that won't slow you down
Choose Another Antivirus If You:
- Don't want multiple apps for each feature
- Want a VPN bundled into the cost
- Want more extended Windows functionality
What we like about Intego
Intego is a trusted virus scanner with a 20+ year track record on Mac. It has a built-in firewall and various security features to keep your device safe from malware. It does offer a VPN service, but you have to buy this separately. We were also impressed by Intego’s perfect score for Protection and Usability in AV–TEST’s benchmarks.
Intego provides a unique feature not offered by most competitors – it can scan external storage devices for files that might be compromised. Moreover, during our testing, we found the Intego firewall to be an improvement on Mac’s native firewall. It hands you greater control over security settings, keeping you safer on risky public Wi-Fi networks.
| Feature | Our Impressions |
|---|---|
| Protection | Intego’s nearly 30-year track record has led to strong protection, with lab testing that usually scores well. |
| Performance | Scans are no longer than average, and Intego shouldn’t slow down your system based on our testing. |
| Usability | Intego isn’t the most user-friendly software, with each area of the software split into separate installable applications. |
| Security | The virus scanner could make improvements in security. Some features, such as the browser add-ons, feel like little more than window dressing. |
| Customer Support | Different support options available, including community forums. However, your options will depend on where you’re located in the world. |
Intego Antivirus works best for Mac owners, with software that looks like it could be straight from Apple. We can still see room for improvement, but its virus-scanning features are strong, it places little load on your CPU, and it does not use many system resources. But if you use Windows, you should opt for another antivirus. Read our full Intego Antivirus review for more information!
The Best Free Virus Scanner: Avast Free Antivirus
Looking to save some money with the best free antivirus software? Our top choice is Avast Free Antivirus. You might think that Windows Defender is enough – but while it does a reasonably good job at protecting you, there are much better options out there, and some of them come at no cost, like the free version of Avast.
Avast’s free package offers broader protection, too, working on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. What can this antivirus protect you against? It offers real-time protection, identity theft protection, Wi-Fi network verification, and ransomware protection. Additional security features are available from the premium Avast Antivirus software.
In our opinion, Avast Free Antivirus is currently the best free malware detection option available. We can recommend it to anyone who’s on the fence about committing to a paid subscription.
How We Chose the Best Antivirus Software
Our recommendations for the best antivirus software are based on thorough testing. Our cybersecurity analysts drew on years of expertise to choose five top antivirus products by looking at protection, speed and system load, ease of use, privacy, and other features.
Here are the factors we considered when trying to find the top antivirus programs on the market right now.
Virus protection
Your antivirus needs to provide the best virus protection possible – against old and emerging malware threats. In addition to testing the software, we looked at industry benchmark testing from specialized labs like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives.
Speed and system load
We ran our own speed tests for all types of scans. This included looking at how much strain the software put on your CPU (your computer’s processor). Too much load can slow your computer right down, making it unusable during a scan.
Pro Tip:
The top antivirus software lets you schedule your scans. We recommend scheduling regular scans for the late hours of the night when you’re unlikely to be using your machine.
Ease of use
The best antivirus software should be easy to use for complete beginners. That’s why we evaluated everything from the website to the installation process and the software itself. We also vetted the customer service function for each antivirus product.
Privacy and security
As part of our testing, we looked at the security features offered by each antivirus, such as web–browser add-ons and dark web protection. We also sifted through the privacy policy of each provider to check their data handling was airtight, and we checked whether any privacy scandals had been reported.
The result of all these tests? We can assure you that the above five antivirus brands are the best antivirus software you can get right now. Norton’s leading the pack – and you can get it heavily discounted for your first year!
How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software
Anyone who regularly uses a PC, laptop, smartphone, or any other device with access to the Internet needs antivirus protection.
The more time we spend online, the more we are exposed to viruses and other malware. Cybercriminals constantly seek ways to steal and use your data or money, including your cryptocurrency assets. A good virus scanner goes beyond the basics and offers the best possible malware protection against various threats.
This begs the question: What should you look for in antivirus software? Here are the most important considerations to keep in mind when you’re purchasing antivirus software.
Does this antivirus program really protect me?
While this question may seem obvious, it’s the most important one. A virus scanner that only blocks 50% of all viruses is essentially worthless. So, in order to protect your PC or mobile devices, you need antivirus software that can stop both the known and the newer viruses, as well as malware files.
Consider what type of protection is most important to you. Are you concerned about your personal data ending up in the wrong hands? Then, you need a program that protects you against spyware. Do you want to be able to make safe online financial transactions? In that case, you could be looking for antivirus software with a built-in browser for banking.
What functions does the virus scanner have?
In addition to basic protection, many virus scanners have additional features such as parental controls, phishing protection, or extra security for email and online finances. Some antivirus providers also come with cleaning utilities, like System Mechanic. All these extras make a difference.
The best antivirus software is the program that has all the functions you need. Of course, this depends on how you like to spend your time online, as well as what type of device you use.
When you’re buying antivirus software, make sure you know what bases are covered and whether the program you purchase meets your personal preferences.
Does the virus scanner protect my privacy?
Besides providing security, your antivirus software must also be privacy-sensitive. You entrust a company with part of your internet traffic despite the fact that they could potentially use this information for their own benefit. This is why you want to familiarize yourself with the provider’s privacy policy and check whether they handle your personal data with care.
Aside from that, any additional features that help you protect your privacy might come in handy. On the list above, we have included some antivirus programs with a built-in VPN, which strengthens your online privacy.
How much does the antivirus program cost?
Of course, the price tag also plays a role. Ideally, you want the best possible protection for the lowest possible price. Therefore, it’s worth weighing the price against the features and deciding how much money you want to spend on a virus scanner.
Which devices are compatible with the virus scanner?
Not all virus scanners work on all devices. It is wise to install an antivirus program on both your smartphone and your PC. Depending on your operating system (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS), your options may be limited. Therefore, make sure to check whether the antivirus program of your choice works on your device.
Is the software user-friendly?
User-friendliness is a must for a good software program. A proper antivirus program runs in the background: you should hardly notice it’s there. The dashboard should be clear, and the program should be easy to install. Extra features can enhance your experience.
What about speed and system load?
Finally, an important factor is speed. Virus scanners scan your system for malware. You want this to be a smooth and fast process that doesn’t slow down your system. However, not every antivirus program is fast and efficient. Therefore, the effect of an antivirus program on your system is a particularly important factor when determining which virus scanner is best for you.
Wrap-Up: The Best Antivirus Is Norton 360
Virus scanners protect your computer or smartphone against malware and viruses. Unfortunately, not all antivirus software is equally effective. That’s why it’s crucial to rely on expert opinions like those from independent lab tests and our own cybersecurity experts’ in-depth testing circuits.
Below is a summary of the best antivirus software based on our testing and research.
| Antivirus | Our Full Review Score | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Norton | 8.5/10 | Visit Norton |
| Bitdefender | 8.0/10 | Visit Bitdefender |
| TotalAV | 7.9/10 | Visit TotalAV |
| Surfshark One | 7.8/10 | Visit Surfshark |
| Intego | 7.8/10 | Visit Intego |
Norton 360 came out on top because of its user-friendliness and extensive security package. It was the only virus scanner that scored 100% in independent lab tests by AV-Comparatives. If you want top-notch protection against malware and other online threats, we highly recommend Norton 360 for your devices.
Check out the articles below to find out more about antivirus programs and how they can help you thwart the many threats lurking on the internet today.
- Antivirus Software Versus a Firewall: What Is the Difference?
- The Best Free Antivirus Software
- The Best Antivirus for Gaming
Do you have a question about our top five or about antivirus programs in general? Below we discuss some of the most frequently asked questions. Just click on the question to see the answer.
The best antivirus software is Norton Antivirus. This virus scanner offers optimal protection and provides you with an unparalleled range of additional security features. Check out our full Norton 360 review for more information and the results of our speed and system load tests.
If you are looking for a free antivirus program, we recommend Avast Free Antivirus. This program provides good online security for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It is fast and works well while you’re running other applications or playing games.
At the moment, Intego is the best virus scanner for Mac. Their software was developed specifically with Apple products in mind. It offers a built-in firewall and several browser extensions. Additionally, customer support is very helpful and available in different languages. Check out our full Intego review for more information.
