Best Adware Removal Tools 2024
Unlock optimal cyberthreat protection with these top adware removal tools.
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Last updated Aug 4, 2023
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Best for 100% Removal of Adware
/images/2023/03/03/logo-norton-large.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
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On Norton 360 Antivirus's website
Norton 360 Antivirus
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Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
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Best for Extra Features for PC Users
/images/2023/03/03/logo-bitdefender_large.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
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On Bitdefender's website
Bitdefender
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Premium features incur additional subscription fees
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If you are looking for the best adware removal tools in 2023, there are several great options to choose from. Each of our top three recommended products offers a wide variety of features designed to help keep your computer safe and secure against malicious programs.
Norton Antivirus is our top pick for adware removal. It provides comprehensive protection against all types of malware threats and computer viruses, including those targeting Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android devices. Moreover, its real-time protection feature scans incoming emails and downloads for potential malware threats before they can cause further damage to your device or data.
Bitdefender is another powerful antivirus solution with excellent adware removal capabilities. It has an intuitive user interface that allows you to configure settings for your scanning needs easily. Its scanning technology monitors all activities running in the background of your device and detects malicious programs before they have a chance to cause damage or steal information.
Both solutions offer top-notch security features and great user support and they are competitively priced to ensure affordability. When it comes to keeping your device safe from potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), browser hijackers, and other adware threats, our top three solutions provide some of the best protection available.
In this article
The best adware removal tools 2024Norton Antivirus: Best for 100% removal of adware
Bitdefender: Best for extra features for PC users
Avira Antivirus: Best premium option
Adware removal tools that didn’t make the cut
Best adware removal tools FAQs
Bottom line: The best adware removal tools
How we tested the best adware removal tools
The best adware removal tools 2024
With malicious programs becoming more prevalent and sophisticated, it’s essential that you have access to the best tools available to protect your devices from unwanted intrusions. Here are some of the most effective adware removal solutions currently on the market:
- Norton Antivirus: Best for 100% removal of adware
- Bitdefender: Best for extra features for PC users
- Avira Antivirus: Best premium option
Top 3 adware removal tools compared
| Adware removal tool |  Norton Antivirus
Best Overall
|
 Bitdefender
|
 Avira Antivirus
|
| Starting price | $19.99/first year | $14.99/first year | $26.99/first year |
| Free version | No | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Firewall, phishing and ransomware protection, webcam protection, network protection, parental controls, dark web monitoring, password manager, VPN | Firewall, phishing, and ransomware protection, file shredder, vulnerability assessment, webcam and microphone protection, parental controls, network protection | Firewall, phishing and ransomware protection, password manager, VPN, system speedup tool, safe shopping browser extension |
| Learn more | See Norton Antivirus pricing | See Bitdefender pricing | See Avira Antivirus pricing |
Prices as of 02/21/2023.
Norton Antivirus: Best for 100% removal of adware
Norton 360 Antivirus
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4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
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Option to add VPN connection, dark web monitoring, privacy monitoring, and more
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Available for up to 10 devices depending on plan
- Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
Who it’s best for
Norton Antivirus is ideal for those who want the full suite of cybersecurity features. The powerful antivirus program offers robust protection against malware and viruses, along with added benefits such as identity theft protection, a secure VPN, parental controls, and more. In addition, Norton’s highly-rated tech support team can be relied on to help if you have any issues or questions.
For those looking for comprehensive security on multiple devices at an affordable price, Norton Antivirus fits the bill perfectly. It offers an unbeatable combination of features, including real-time protection and automatic scans, which will help keep your device safe from any new threats. The pricing is also very reasonable, ranging from $19.99 to $99.99 for the first year, depending on how many devices you want to cover.
All in all, Norton Antivirus is an excellent choice for those looking for comprehensive cyberprotection with great features at an affordable price.
What we liked
Norton Antivirus is a comprehensive malware removal tool that provides users with great protection against all forms of malicious software. Boasting “industry-leading" technology, Norton Antivirus protects you by using a wide range of features that make it an ideal choice for protecting your data and devices from viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
The suite includes its Secure VPN feature, which encrypts your browsing sessions and hides your IP address. This ensures that you have complete privacy as you surf the web or engage in any kind of online activity. Additionally, Norton Antivirus comes with parental control options, which enable parents to monitor their children's online activities if desired.
If you use Windows, Norton Antivirus offers a comprehensive set of features including the free Power Eraser tool, which removes malware from your device. It also includes phishing protection that is designed to protect you from identity theft or other malicious activities.
What we didn’t like
Norton Antivirus is one of the most popular antivirus solutions available, but it’s not without its flaws. While Norton offers comprehensive protection from malware, there are certain features and functions that may leave users wanting more.
The Power Eraser tool is a malware removal tool included in Norton’s software; however, it’s only compatible with machines running Windows OS. This limits its usefulness to some users who use different operating systems.
The interface of Norton Antivirus can be overly complex for novice users. The multi-tab navigation may be difficult to understand at first, making it hard to find certain settings or features without help from an expert user. Furthermore, Norton doesn’t offer any free antivirus protection — only a free trial, so you’ll have to pay for a subscription in order to access its services fully. The cost of these subscriptions can vary depending on the package you select.
Overall, Norton Antivirus offers robust malware protection; however, there are certain features that could use improvement and certain aspects of the user experience that may leave users feeling disappointed.
Norton Antivirus specs
| Starting price | $19.99/first year |
| Free version | No |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | Password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, identity theft protection, cloud storage |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Chrome, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox |
| Learn more | Read our Norton Antivirus review |
Prices as of 02/21/2023.
Bitdefender: Best for extra features for PC users
Bitdefender
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Antivirus software offering reliable security
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Simple yet powerful interface tools
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Perfect protection score in third-party tests
- Premium features incur additional subscription fees
Who it’s best for
Bitdefender is ideal for Windows and Android users who are looking for reliable, comprehensive antivirus protection. With its advanced malware detection and removal capabilities, this tool can help safeguard your device from any malicious attacks.
The product comes packed with features designed to provide maximum security against the latest threats, including firewall protection, web filtering, system optimization tools, parental control options, anti-spam settings, and more. It also offers a simple interface so you can easily switch between different settings in order to customize your level of protection.
For those who are budget conscious, the basic plan offers good value for money. You can take advantage of the basic security features without paying any additional fees. For those looking for more extensive protection, there’s the more expensive package, which comes with extra layers of protection and features such as ransomware protection and a dedicated VPN service.
What we liked
We chose Bitdefender for its comprehensive range of security tools, offering some of the best protection and performance on the market. It offers an antivirus and malware scan that automatically examines running processes to detect and remove any malicious code. It also does full system scans that quickly identify threats before they can cause harm. Rescue Environment for Windows provides a secure environment in which to clean your PC from viruses or other infections without risking further damage to your data.
In addition to virus removal, Bitdefender also ensures maximum safety by providing phishing and social network protection, a firewall against malicious actions, and real-time protection against emerging threats. Its advanced threat prevention technologies detect ransomware attacks in real time and block access to malicious websites.
Finally, these features are powered by the Bitdefender Advanced Threat Intelligence, which provides up-to-date threat intelligence and a secure connection to the cloud for keeping all of your devices safe.
Overall, with its array of features, Bitdefender provides comprehensive protection against various threats while remaining light on system resources. It has some of the most reliable virus removal capabilities on the market today and is sure to keep your data secure.
What we didn’t like
Bitdefender is a comprehensive anti-malware tool that provides commendable protection against all sorts of threats but it has some drawbacks with its Apple devices. There are a number of features, such as the Advanced Threat Defense settings and Rescue Environment, that are exclusive to Windows users. The privacy firewall feature is also exclusive to Windows products, so it could not be tested either.
In addition, you have to pay extra fees for access to premium add-ons like Parental Control and Multi-Device Protection subscriptions, unlike many other antivirus software that have these features included in the basic package. We also found that the scan time was longer than expected, with scans taking up to 37 minutes in our tests. This could be more clearly stated on the website so customers can make an informed decision.
So while Bitdefender is a great anti-malware tool that provides impressive protection against threats, it falls short when it comes to Apple devices and can be expensive due to additional fees for premium features.
Bitdefender specs
| Starting price | $14.99/first year |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | File shredder, vulnerability assessment, microphone, and webcam protection |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android |
| Learn more | Read our Bitdefender review |
Prices as of 02/21/2023.
Avira Antivirus: Best premium option
Avira
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Advanced registry cleaner and VPN included
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Firewall feature for Windows
- Somewhat pricey
Who it’s best for
Avira Antivirus is ideal for people who want more from a traditional antivirus product and don't mind spending extra for it. This Premium Security Suite offers extensive protection against malware, adware, ransomware, viruses, and other cyberthreats so you can browse the web with confidence. It provides comprehensive real-time protection and scanning capabilities to detect any malicious activity on your device. Additional features include premium customer support, an ad blocker, and a password manager.
All these features make Avira Antivirus one of the best antivirus programs on the market today. With its advanced security technology, it's perfect for those who need additional protection and don't mind paying for it.
What we liked
Avira Antivirus is a great choice for adware removal due to its advanced features and user-friendly interface. It has an intuitive registry cleaner, which allows you to quickly identify any potential malicious entries in your Windows operating system and remove them with ease.
Additionally, it comes with a powerful password manager that helps store your passwords securely and keeps them encrypted. This ensures your passwords are kept safe from adware or other threats. The program also includes a firewall designed specifically for Windows systems as an added layer of protection against malware and viruses.
Apart from its adware removal capabilities, Avira Antivirus is packed with several other notable features such as phishing protection, real-time updates on virus outbreaks, and more. It also comes with a VPN, allowing users to securely and anonymously browse the web while still keeping their data protected from hackers and malicious actors. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive malware removal and protection solution that offers multiple layers of security.
Overall, Avira Antivirus is a great choice for adware removal due to its advanced features and user-friendly interface. With its intuitive registry cleaner, powerful password manager, firewall for Windows systems, and additional features like phishing protection and a VPN, this program provides you with all the tools you need to protect your devices from adware or other threats.
What we didn’t like
There are some drawbacks to consider with Avira. The biggest one is the lack of a firewall for Mac users. The Windows version of Avira has a powerful firewall but unfortunately, that’s not an option on Mac systems. There is also no alternative available from Avira, so if you need a firewall solution on your Mac, then this product may not be the best choice.
The price point of Avira can also make it difficult to justify compared with other products on the market. It does offer a variety of features and protection levels, but it's more expensive than most competitor products.
Avira Antivirus specs
| Starting price | $26.99/first year |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes (on Windows) |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | No |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | No |
| Extras | System speedup tool, software updater, VPN |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Read our Avira Antivirus review |
Prices as of 02/21/2023.
Adware removal tools that didn’t make the cut
Despite their popularity, Kaspersky Antivirus and Intego did not make our list of the top three adware removal tools. While Kaspersky provides comprehensive protection against malware, spyware, adware, viruses, and ransomware, its data-sharing practices are often unclear. In addition, it has fewer features available on macOS and iOS platforms.
Intego's pricing system can also be rather complicated due to its multiple tiers of packages that come with different levels of protection and features. Furthermore, its prices can tend to be a bit higher than other products in the market, and there is no mobile app available.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky, while offering a great adware removal tool for Windows devices, didn't make the cut due to several key issues.
First, Kaspersky's browser extension comes with an alarming security notice. Since Kaspersky was created by a Russian national and has headquarters in Moscow, it’s easy to see why many privacy-minded individuals may want to stay away from this particular program.
Troubleshooting with Kaspersky is also notoriously difficult to do alone. It takes a lot of technical know-how to be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise when attempting to use the browser extension or the program itself.
Although it offers a great tool for Windows users, its data-sharing practices, lack of features on Apple devices, and difficult troubleshooting left us with no choice but to leave them off the list.
Intego
Intego didn’t make the cut for our top adware removal tools due to several factors. First, its custom firewall, NetBarrier, is effective in blocking malicious traffic and keeping users safe online but it can be overly intrusive and annoying in its notifications. Every time a user opens a new app, they are presented with an alert asking if they want to allow that app to connect to the internet — this quickly becomes tiresome and interrupts workflow.
Furthermore, Intego doesn’t offer enough features for the cost; its Windows app is relatively basic compared with other services on the market, yet it still carries a $19.99 annual price. The Mac installation is spread across six mini-applications, all of which increase the complexity and can become annoying for users.
Ultimately, Intego simply didn’t offer enough features in comparison with the other services we evaluated, nor did it provide good enough value for money to make our list.
Best adware removal tools FAQs
+
How can I get rid of adware on Mac?
Adware can be a nuisance on Mac, but the good news is that it can easily be removed with the following steps:
- Open Launchpad and look for Activity Monitor.
- Find any suspicious applications (e.g., Genio and InstallMac) and click the Force Quit button located in the top-left corner of the window.
- After this, go back to your Applications folder and drag the unwanted app to Trash.
- Finally, restart your Mac and empty the Trash so that all associated files are deleted from your system.
+
How can I remove adware from my Android?
An effective way to start is with an adware removal tool. These tools can detect and remove malicious apps and help protect your device from future threats.
You should also check what apps you have installed on your device and delete any that look suspicious or unfamiliar. It's important to remember that many malicious programs tend to masquerade as legitimate ones, so be extra careful when downloading apps from external sources — only download official versions from the Google Play Store.
Finally, make sure to clean up your browser by clearing out cookies, cached images, saved passwords, and autofill data on a regular basis. This will help to reduce the number of unwanted ads you see. For further information, read our guide on how to remove malware from your Android device.
+
Is there a free adware remover?
There are many free adware removers available, including popular antivirus solutions such as Bitdefender, Avira Antivirus, and Avast Premium Security. Additionally, Malwarebytes offers a free version of its anti-malware software, which can be used to scan for and remove adware.
Bottom line: The best adware removal tools
When it comes to adware removal tools, there are three that stand out as the best options. Norton Antivirus is known for its ability to detect and remove 100% of adware threats with minimal effort. In addition, it offers a wide range of features designed to protect your PC against all types of malware.
Bitdefender is also an excellent choice, offering users additional features such as real-time scanning, firewall protection, and parental control options. Finally, Avira Antivirus is a great premium option that provides comprehensive protection against adware and other forms of malware. It has been praised for its user-friendly interface and easy setup process.
While there were other contenders in the market — such as Kaspersky and Intego — the three listed above are regarded as the best adware removal tools available. With their combined features, these programs can help protect your PC from unwanted software and keep you safe online.
3 best adware removal tools 2024
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
| Norton Antivirus | $19.99/first year | Best for 100% removal of adware | See Norton Antivirus pricing |
| Bitdefender | $14.99/first year | Best for extra features for PC users | See Bitdefender pricing |
| Avira Antivirus | $26.99/first year | Best premium option | See Avira Antivirus pricing |
Prices as of 02/21/2023.
How we tested the best adware removal tools
To determine which adware removal tool is truly the best, we conducted a thorough evaluation process.
- Features: First, we looked at each tool’s features. This included the type of threat detection it offered, how quickly it could remove threats from your system, and any extras such as real-time protection or browser extensions. We also checked to see if the software could detect hidden malware that other tools may not have been able to find.
- User reviews: Next, we read through user reviews for each product on various sites like CNET and Amazon. This gave us an insight into how satisfied customers were with the product and if they encountered any issues while using it.
- Real-life scenario tests: Finally, we ran tests on each tool using real-life scenarios. We monitored how well each tool performed in detecting threats (if any) and removing them from our system.
At the end of our testing process, we had a better idea of which adware removal tools are truly worth investing in. Our comprehensive evaluation process gave us an accurate picture of which products offer maximum protection against malicious software and other threats.
Norton Secure VPN
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VPN part of the trusted Norton security suite
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Unblocks multiple streaming services
- Some data logged
Author Details
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Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.
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