We rely on our computers and mobile devices to help manage and control our professional and personal lives. No matter what you use your device for, your smartphones, tablets, and laptops contain personal, sensitive information that must be protected.
Antivirus software and programs are essential to protecting the details of our personal and professional lives. Device manufacturers' built-in and default antivirus protections are much improved compared to a decade ago -- but when you consider the modern-day threats we face, ranging from phishing to ransomware, you can never have enough protection.
With the right protection, you will be alerted when you visit suspicious websites, try to download or execute potentially malicious software, or malware otherwise finds its way on your system. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system without too much fuss.
ZDNET has searched for the best antivirus you can trust to protect multiple devices and operating systems. Our pick for the best antivirus software overall is Bitdefender Total Security, which can handle advanced security threats with ease and without dragging your CPU.
Based on personal experience and testing, real user reviews, and expert options, these are the best antivirus software and apps to protect your most personal information in 2024.
Our overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security. This software is designed to protect your personal data, such as passwords or financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your device.
Bitdefender is a well-known and trusted brand in the antivirus space. The antivirus solution isn't too top-heavy and won't hog your CPU, and it is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Beyond detecting and blocking malware, rootkits, and ransomware, the software also prevents invasive third-party data tracking and unauthorized access to your microphone or webcam. As a bonus, subscribers can use the built-in VPN to secure their online traffic, although this is limited to 200MB a day per device.
Customers like Bitdefender's ease of use and strong protection, but it is best for standard users who don't want to exert too much control over the software.
Bitdefender's plans are currently on sale, including the Total Security plan for $60 for a year of protection (saving you $40). The cheapest plan on offer is $35 per year. A free, limited antivirus solution is also available.
Bitdefender Total Security features: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS compatibility | Free and premium antivirus software available | Business offerings | Mobile apps | VPN | Free trial
Norton Antivirus Plus is a very affordable option if you only need to protect one device. Antivirus Plus is Norton's basic antivirus solution and includes threat protection and monitoring, a firewall, and a free password manager -- alongside 2GB of cloud backup storage.
If you want support for additional devices, dark web monitoring, a VPN, or parental controls, you will need to opt for Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Standard Deluxe, or Norton 360 with LifeLock Select. Customers note Norton's strong security scores, although some are less than impressed with the price jumps after promotional periods.
At the time of writing, the company is offering 50% off its Plus plan, which means you will only pay $30 for your first year of protection (protection for one device). You can also take advantage of a 57% discount on Standard plans ($40 per year) that will protect up to three devices.
Norton Antivirus Plus features: Real-time threat protection | Firewall | Password manager | Cloud backup | Free personal scam protection tool | PC and mobile compatibility | 60-day money-back guarantee
McAfee Total Protection fits the bill when you want to purchase antivirus protection for multiple devices.
It offers protection for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Chromebooks. There is also a free password manager, VPN, and Dark Web monitoring service included so you can keep your credentials safe -- and be made aware of any information leaks online that could compromise your identity or accounts.
Special alerts inform you of threats so you can act immediately. Customers say McAfee protection is solid and worth paying for, although software removal and pop-ups can be a nuisance.
When you sign up, you will receive 12 months of protection. When you purchase the software directly from McAfee, you have options, including an Essential package protecting up to five devices for $40 per year or individual advanced plans.
McAfee Total Protection features: Antivirus protection | Dark web monitoring | VPN | Password manager | Firewall | File shredder | Suspicious website alerts | Protection scores
Surfshark is most often associated with virtual private networks (VPNs), but if you are looking for a lightweight AV bolt-on for this type of privacy tool, the Surfshark One package might be for you.
A VPN provides an encrypted tunnel to mask your IP address and online activities. Surfshark consistently places as one of our top VPNs, especially considering how affordable it is, and the firm also provides a basic antivirus within its mid- and top-tier packages. The AV runs quietly in the background and performs real-time scans to keep you safe from online threats.
Surfshark offers a range of plans to suit your needs and budget. Subscriptions start at $2.69 per month on a two-year plan, with three months of free access included. Annual plans begin at $3.39 per month. Customers like Surfshark as a solid VPN that demonstrates good value for money.
If you would also like a data removal service from company databases and people search sites, you could also opt for Surfshark One+, which also includes a VPN and antivirus software. Plans start at $4.29 per month.
Surfshark One features: Package options | Solid VPN | Alternative ID | Data breach alerts | Privacy-focused search engine | Scheduled scans | Webcam protection
ESET Protect is one of our top choices of antivirus programs for small to medium-sized businesses.
Depending on the program you opt for, the company provides customizable plans for organizations of all sizes. These plans include multiple device protection, endpoint defense, encryption, file protection, cloud-based monitoring for new threats, app protection, mail security, full disk encryption, multi-factor authentication, and more.
Organizations can add extended detection, response support, and more security services from ESET. On-premise or cloud options are available. If you sign up for at least one year, you can take advantage of a discounted rate on Protect Complete plans. Many customers are very happy with the service, although reporting processes appear to need refining.
Consumers, too, can sign up for Home plans starting at $50 per year.
ESET SMB features: Custom plans | Discounts for longer subscriptions | Endpoint defense | File security | Cloud app protection | Management interface | MDR
Best Antivirus | Price | Free plan | Malware protection | Phishing protection |
Bitdefender Total Security | Plans start at $35 per year | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Norton Antivirus Plus | Plans start at $30 per year | No | Yes | Yes |
McAfee Total Protection | Plans start at $40 per year | No | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark One | Plans start at $2.69 per month | No | Yes | Yes |
ESET Protect | Plans start at $211 per year (home: $50 per year) | No | Yes | Yes |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Choose this antivirus... | If you want... |
Bitdefender Total Security | Impressive performance at an affordable price. Bitdefender can be a bit slow to set up, but once it's ready, the antivirus is unobtrusive and will only alert you as necessary. |
Norton Antivirus Plus | A budget-friendly antivirus solution. If you only need to protect one device, and you want to spend as little as possible, Norton's basic plan is all you need. |
McAfee Total Protection | Protection for multiple devices with additional features. The bolt-on password manager, VPN, and dark web monitoring are valuable security features to have. |
Surfshark One | A lightweight, actively-scanning AV solution for use with a VPN. If you want an affordable VPN for daily use with additional antivirus protection, consider this bundle. |
ESET Protect | A business-friendly antivirus option. You can choose between SMB entry, advanced, and complete plans, as well as enterprise solutions. |
When selecting an antivirus, you should consider:
There are numerous factors we consider when recommending the best antivirus software solutions, including:
Viruses are not the only thing that antivirus programs protect against. There are also worms, which attack your device and attempt to propagate across networks, and trojans that appear to be safe programs but are anything but -- as they will lurk on your device and attempt to steal your account and financial information.
You often find viruses, worms, and trojans hidden within seemingly legitimate software, or if you are downloading pirated content, you are also putting yourself at risk of accidentally executing malware on your machine.
Ransomware, too, is a serious threat to consumers and businesses today. Modern antivirus programs are often able to stop it in its tracks before it encrypts your machine and demands a ransom payment in return for a decryption key.
Spyware, coming in forms including software executables and mobile apps, can severely impact your privacy. Spyware will monitor your activities and collect your data, and in cases of stalkerware, may also log your phone calls, text messages, social media activity, and GPS location.
Antivirus apps and programs also protect against adware that can tap into your web history and flood you with pesky and potentially dangerous ads or notifications. Also known as nuisanceware, while not usually dangerous, nuisanceware can slow down your device, drain power, and make it close to impossible to browse the internet normally.
You should keep in mind that many variants of malware today are not limited to attacks against PCs -- malicious software can also be found in seemingly benign mobile apps.
Norton and McAfee are both reputable, well-established antivirus vendors that offer great product lines. Generally speaking, McAfee is a better all-rounder for beginners, whereas Norton often earns better protection scores and ratings.
One of the main drawbacks of antivirus software and apps is the computing resources they require. You may find that some antivirus software could become a drain on your resources and slow down your system -- this is especially apparent when real-time threat scanners (an important aspect of protection) are in use. That said, vendors have vastly improved resource requirements and this is less of an issue compared to a decade ago.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus has long been considered an excellent antivirus program, but in 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) branded Kaspersky a national security risk and the Commerce Department banned the use of its software in the US. Kaspersky has denied these claims but intends to "gradually wind down" its operations in the country.
Many of the best antivirus programs and apps offer a free version that you can choose to protect your devices. While they may be limited in their features, you often have the option to upgrade to a $30 to $40 annual plan for more benefits. Paid plans may cover more devices, for example, or include additional features such as email scanning, dark web monitoring, and password management.
When you are looking for a free antivirus program, you have a huge market to consider -- and not every solution can make it to our recommendations list. If none of the options above appeal to you, we also found these options in our search for the best antivirus apps and software: