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Best Overall
Best for Bundled Services
We tested many antivirus software programs to help you decide which is best for your online safety needs. Based on our research, TotalAV offers the best overall protection and security against today’s advanced threats. Along with budget-friendly prices, TotalAV offers excellent protection scores and friendly features to secure up to six devices.
We also found McAfee to be an outstanding choice for parents, while Norton includes a variety of features that create a great security bundle. Aura offers antivirus and identity theft protection, while Bitdefender provides excellent phishing protection. Continue reading to learn which of these five best antivirus programs is best for you.
The goal of antivirus software is to detect and remove cyber threats quickly and efficiently. The best antivirus software program can protect you before you're likely aware of the danger that may have occurred.
| Antivirus |  Best Overall
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| Star rating | |||||
| Starting price | $29.00/yr (first year only) | $29.99/first yr | $29.99/first yr | $35.99/first yr |
$29.99/yr (first year only) |
| Max number of devices | 8 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| EICAR test results | 2/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled | Manual | Manual |
| Real-time protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, Windows only | Yes |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extras | Zero-day scans, anti-phishing, ransomware protection, password manager, ad blocker | Identity and credit monitoring, secure VPN, file shredder, parental controls | Password manager, VPN, cloud backup, privacy monitor, identity theft protection, dark web monitoring | Identity theft protection, VPN, safe browsing, firewall, phishing protection | Identity and credit monitoring, secure VPN, ransomware protection, password manager, parental controls |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Amazon Fire, Safari | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS, Edge, Firefox, Chrome, Safari | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Windows, Android, macOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Get TotalAV Read Our TotalAV Review |
Get McAfee Read Our McAfee Review |
Get Norton 360 Read Our Norton 360 Review |
Get Aura Antivirus Read Our Aura Antivirus Review |
Get Bitdefender Read Our Bitdefender Review |
In testing each of these antivirus options, we considered a multitude of factors. Although price and cost of ownership beyond the first year had a large influence on our choices, we also focused our attention on the security features, efficacy, and benefits of these products.
The following are some of the features we took into consideration during our research and testing process.
Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
TotalAV is an excellent option for individuals who want good antivirus protection and other security benefits at a budget-friendly price.
Along with being affordable and offering great features, TotalAV can be a great computer security software for those needing a simple user interface. This product provides antivirus and other online security tools for both non-technical and tech-savvy users.
For a cost-effective option, TotalAV provides a well-rounded set of security solutions. Whether you opt to cover three or eight devices, the antivirus includes important features to ensure your activity and devices are always safe.
It also earned solid scores in third-party tests run by AV-TEST, with only a slight markdown on its real-world protection and performance test scores for Windows 10.[1] This shouldn't deter you from grabbing TotalAV, however, since it still scored a respectable 97.5% for protection against zero-day malware attacks. It also scored only 30% for slowdowns when launching popular websites and installing frequently used applications.
TotalAV features include auto antivirus and malware scanning, real-time protection, ransomware protection, phishing protection, plus browser and disk cleanup to help your devices run more smoothly.
TotalAV provides a lot of value for antivirus and online security. However, there are a few items we didn’t like about this software.
Along with not offering firewall protection, you can only use it on up to six devices, which could be challenging for larger households or anyone with lots of internet-connected devices. Additionally, our testing found that TotalAV was prone to glitchy crashes when we used some of its features, like the password manager.
| TotalAV | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 17.5/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.94% |
| SE Labs results | 97% |
| EICAR score | 2/3 |
| Learn more | Get TotalAV Read Our TotalAV Review |
Premium antivirus, scam, and web protection, plus a VPN, identity monitoring, and secure password manager
Added peace of mind with 24/7 expert online support and McAfee’s Virus Protection Pledge
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS on up to 5 devices
McAfee is best for parents seeking to protect their children online. It allows you to check your child's device activity and location so you can be sure no one is logging in when it's homework time. You can also set custom rules to restrict your child from viewing certain apps and sites and limit how much time they spend online.
Lastly, McAfee includes a live map and notifications, so you know where your children are and when they arrive at or leave a certain location. This extra peace of mind helps your child explore their freedom while keeping you informed.
McAfee provides more than just antivirus protection. If you opt for McAfee+ plans, you get additional security items such as advanced firewall protection, a virtual private network (VPN), web protection, a password manager, and comprehensive identity theft protection.
McAfee+ identity theft protection also includes safety features for children, including the ability to monitor up to four child identities. Parents can use McAfee+ to request their child's data removal from broker sites and monitor for child identity theft.
Additionally, McAfee's user interfaces are easy to navigate, even if you’re not technically inclined. This antivirus provides a lot of security—both visible and invisible.
To receive the best security options, there’s a high upfront cost for the McAfee+ Ultimate product — it costs $69.99/first yr but covers unlimited devices. A caveat: the cost nearly doubles after the first year.
In our testing of the McAfee software, we found that the VPN option is available only on the top-tier subscription package. Additionally, the program had inconsistent malware detection rates and not-so-great offline malware detection capabilities.
| McAfee | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS | N/A |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.91% |
| SE Labs results | 100% |
| EICAR score | 3/3 |
| Learn more | Get McAfee Read Our McAfee Review |
Excellent protection against malware, ransomware, and hacking with perfect test results
Full security suite available to protect every aspect of your digital life
Protect with confidence thanks to their 100% virus removal guarantee
Norton is best for users after extra features, as it offers antivirus, password management, a VPN, and identity theft protection with one of the highest identity theft insurance premiums available. Combining security products that cover a range of issues provides a well-rounded approach to security, but it can be annoying to juggle multiple products and dashboards.
Choosing Norton means you'll be choosing a fully-rounded product with all of the necessary security tools included in one convenient portal. Since Norton offers different tiers, you can customize your service to what works for you and your family.
Norton 360 has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for protection for one or more devices, parental controls, identity monitoring, or something else, Norton likely has software that will cover your needs. The bundled features included with even the most basic of Norton 360 plans can provide rounded protection for the entire family.
Norton has been around for a long time, so it really knows what it’s doing when it comes to security and protection. It consistently receives high scores in third-party evaluations, offers plenty of features, and has solutions for most of the problems you’ll encounter online.
Norton brings this experience and quality to its password manager with features like a complex password generator and biometric login options like Face ID. We like that we can trust Norton.
Other Norton features, like a firewall, are available a la carte, which adds up quickly on top of Norton's already high prices. If you want to purchase Norton 360 + LifeLock for your entire family, you’ll see prices that are sometimes double those of its competitors.
| Norton 360 | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.97% |
| SE Labs results | 99% |
| EICAR score | 3/3 |
| Learn more | Get Norton 360 Read Our Norton 360 Review |
Anti-ransomware, spyware, adware, worms, trojan, and rootkits protection
Real-time protection scans, phishing and scam site prevention, and ability to quickly isolate dangerous files
Choice between 3 plans, all of which include a VPN, Safe Browsing, and 24/7 customer support
Aura has some of the best identity theft protection available. When combined with its antivirus, Aura becomes a powerful tool both online and in your everyday life. If you're looking for an antivirus that goes beyond, Aura can provide it.
Identity theft protection can start with a strong antivirus. Trackers, ads, phishing attempts, and a bevy of other online nuisances have the potential to lead to identity theft if you don't have protection. Aura's combination of antivirus and identity theft protection, as well as its other features like a password manager and ad blocker, make it a strong security tool.
We like that Aura uses AI to analyze threats and provides real-time protection so you can browse online with confidence. It's reasonably priced, and even the most basic of Aura's antivirus plans include extras like a VPN and safe browsing.
When you upgrade to Aura's antivirus plus identity theft protection, the Ultimate plan, you receive white glove fraud resolution services that help you mitigate identity theft and restore your good name. Aura's services even provide a spam call blocker and junk mail removal.
Aura is a fairly new provider and has yet to be really tried and tested by independent third parties. In our testing, we found it to be robust and secure, but we would like to see scores from websites like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, which run antivirus software through rigorous threat scenarios. Third-party sites like those mentioned above require the provider, in this case Aura, to submit itself for testing. We hope Aura decides to participate soon.
Also, Aura offers excellent parental control software but has yet to create a plan that combines its antivirus, identity theft protection, and parental controls into one. Since it offers such strong security, we think it would only make sense that you could eventually bundle all of its services together.
| Aura | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | N/A |
| AV-TEST macOS | N/A |
| AV-TEST Android score | N/A |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | N/A |
| SE Labs results | N/A |
| EICAR score | 2/3 |
| Learn more | Get Aura Antivirus Read Our Aura Antivirus Review |
Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
Bitdefender is a reliable choice for anyone who wants a full suite of security features at an affordable price. For instance, Bitdefender antivirus protects you on up to 10 devices and offers regular tips and tricks for how to stay safe online.
It also offers an extra layer of malware protection against ransomware by detecting it as soon as it enters your system. If a virus does manage to slip through Bitdefender’s defenses, the company has an award-winning tech support team that can help remedy it as quickly as possible.
While testing Bitdefender Total Security, we found it comes with a lot of protection features for the price. In addition, we liked that it offered identity theft protection on top of robust malware, ransomware, and spyware protection. Identity theft protection is ideal in case you ever do become the target of a phishing attack, as it monitors for any suspicious activity involving your personal information and provides tools and services to resolve any fraud.
The Bitdefender dashboard is easy to use when you want to scan, detect, and eliminate security issues. Bitdefender antivirus also protects your devices as you browse the web, especially from phishing attempts, and offers a VPN plus parental controls for families.
During our testing, we discovered that the VPN is a bit underwhelming, with a bandwidth limit of 200 megabytes per day. That limit makes it almost impossible to use the VPN to stream movies or TV shows from other regions, but it could do the trick if you need to secure your data while on a short trip.
Additionally, it can take nearly 30 seconds for Bitdefender antivirus to load fully. It also uses a lot of memory and central processing unit (CPU) power, which could slow down your computer or cell phone while it’s running — even if it’s running in the background.
| Bitdefender | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 17.5/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.92% |
| SE Labs results | 100% |
| EICAR score | 3/3 |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender Read Our Bitdefender Review |
If you're still on the fence about which antivirus package to choose, these other internet security suites almost made the cut and are worth considering.
Perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more
Free version includes manual scans to identify and remove malware, ransomware, and other threats
Premium features include a VPN, ad blocker, identity theft services, and more
Choosing the best antivirus software can be confusing. You’ll want to consider pricing, performance, and user experience as you make your choice.
Antivirus software comes at a wide range of prices, which can be overwhelming during your comparison searches. When determining which antivirus plan to buy, you should consider factors like whether you need an individual plan or a family plan, how many devices you plan to cover, and whether you are looking for a simple antivirus versus a full cybersecurity suite.
Many antivirus programs offer free trials or money-back guarantees so users can try a product before committing to a subscription.
Although an antivirus program may claim to block all types of malware threats, you can't know for sure unless that's put to the test. Antivirus programs should go through independent antivirus testing labs so you can confirm that their products work from an unbiased perspective.
Trusted sites like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives will test software in real-world scenarios and post-test scores for ease of use, false positives, and functionality. If a notable antivirus program hasn't submitted itself for third-party testing, that may be cause for concern, and you should consider other options.
An antivirus program is not typically one-size-fits-all. Some have comprehensive products for Windows but lack many features for MacOS. Some have user interfaces that are more suitable for the tech-savvy, while others provide extensive guidance for antivirus beginners.
You can also look to antivirus reviews, which often include experience notes such as how long scans take, if there are any slowdowns during scanning, and how easy it is to use the software.
After testing dozens of antivirus products, we found TotalAV to be the best antivirus software thanks to its affordable price, excellent security features, and near-perfect protection scores.
Most U.S. government agencies often sign long-standing vendor contracts with a multitude of security providers. As recently as 2020, it was released that both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) signed a contract with McAfee to provide antivirus for their teleworking and on-site employees.
McAfee and Norton are two popular antivirus security options. However, with our testing results of antivirus software, we found that McAfee performed better on most devices and provided better overall multi-device protection than Norton antivirus.
Windows Defender has become more sophisticated and advanced over the years. However, for the most optimal Microsoft Windows and device security, an antivirus and anti-malware software such as Bitdefender is the best option for enhanced security.
Yes, macOS and iOS can become infected with malware and viruses. Most devices can be infected with malicious software programs. We recommend using security software on all of your devices to ensure the best protection possible.
You may wonder why the large antivirus company Kaspersky isn’t on our alternatives list. The company has faced harsh criticism recently due to poor data privacy practices and intelligence spying on users in other countries. Additionally, the FCC blacklisted Kaspersky due to ties to Russia and potential threats to U.S. national security. With those concerns considered, we can’t confidently recommend Kaspersky as an antivirus solution at this time.
After testing and researching these five antivirus software choices, we recommend using TotalAV as the best overall for device protection. For parents looking for ways to protect their children online, we recommend exploring the parental controls McAfee offers. Norton is a great choice for bundled services, including cloud storage and parental controls. Aura's security and affordability make it a great choice for incorporating identity theft protection into your security stack. And if you're worried about downloading malware or getting your identity stolen, the phishing and identity theft protection offered by Bitdefender are well worth a look.
Whether you want budget-friendly or specific security features, it's ultimately up to you to decide which antivirus would work best for you. Regardless of your final choice, ensure that you keep your antivirus updated and current with any new security patches. Keeping your devices and security software regularly updated is one crucial part of keeping all your devices secure when browsing online nowadays.
| Antivirus | Price range | Best for | Learn more |
|
$29.00–$49.00/yr (first year only) | Best overall protection | Get TotalAV
Read TotalAV Review |
|
$29.99–$249.99/yr | Best for parental controls | Get McAfee
Read McAfee Review |
|
$29.99–$99.99/first yr | Best for bundled services | Get Norton 360 Read Norton 360 Review |
|
$35.99-$59.99/first yr | Best for identity theft protection | Get Aura Antivirus
Read Aura Review |
|
Free–$40.99/first yr | Best for phishing protection | Get Bitdefender
Read Bitdefender Review |
Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
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Lacks firewall protection
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