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Slow scans compared to other options
If you decide Aura antivirus isn’t for you, try one of our top alternatives: Bitdefender, Avast, McAfee, AVG, or Norton. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or want easy-to-use software, one of these options has you covered.
Each alternative protects against viruses and ransomware but has different features for individual needs. Let’s get into the details and find which one is right for you.
Aura is an online security provider that offers antivirus protection, identity theft protection, and parental controls. Its antivirus solution has the same quality of service for devices as its identity protection does for personal data.
Aura’s antivirus protection helps defend against malware, including ransomware, spyware, and adware. It also offers protection against Trojans, worms, and viruses. Certain plans include identity theft protection with credit locks and transaction monitoring too.
| Antivirus | 
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| Starting price | $35.99/first yr | $24.99/yr (first year only) | $35.88/yr (first year only) | $39.99/first 2 yrs | $46.68/yr (first year only) | $29.99/first yr |
| Free version | ||||||
| Firewall | ||||||
| Phishing protection | ||||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||||
| Parental controls | ||||||
| Learn more | Get Aura | Get Bitdefender | Get Avast | Get McAfee | Get AVG | Get Norton |
If you’re looking to compare some of the best antivirus software or you just want alternatives to Aura’s antivirus, we have five top picks. Having the features and extras you want makes a difference when choosing an antivirus. Check out our suggestions below.
Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
Bitdefender’s award-winning software is offered in various packages. There are plans for individuals, families, and even small businesses. Bitdefender includes specialized mobile protection for your specific operating system, which is a great choice for anyone who needs to protect a variety of devices.
Bitdefender consistently has strong third-party testing scores, showing that it’s safe and effective. The scores extend to both desktop and mobile, making it a great choice for people with a variety of devices. We’re fans of the extra features like parental controls and a VPN too.
The basic package only protects Windows computers. To protect additional operating systems, you’ll have to purchase a mid-range or higher package.
| Starting price | $24.99/yr (first year only) |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | VPN, password manager, social media protection, gaming mode, work mode, movie mode, and identity theft protection |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender |
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
Avast has been a reputable name in the free antivirus market for a while, but its paid plans are where it really shines. That being said, if you need a quick, free antivirus, we recommend giving this one a try. It’s comprehensive, so even people on tight budgets can get the best protection.
Avast offers a lot with its free plan, but even more with its paid ones. We like that you don’t have to shell out a lot if you need protection and that Avast’s protection can be upgraded at any time. We also like the inclusion of identity theft protection in Avast One Platinum, which includes a budget-friendly rate.
Avast’s free plan offers many features, but only for one device. If you want to protect more, you’ll need a paid plan. While we get why Avast is set up this way, sometimes you need quick protection on multiple devices.
| Starting price | $35.88/yr (first year only) |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | No |
| Extras | VPN, performance enhancement tools, identity theft protection, and scam prevention tools |
| Learn more | Get Avast |
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 antivirus has been a household name for almost as long as the internet has existed. Due to this prominence, the company really understands potential online dangers and customers’ needs. While the company offers plans for everyone, families really win out with McAfee.
McAfee seamlessly integrates parental controls into its family plan, which also includes identity theft protection, a password manager, and AI-powered scam protection. We also like the social privacy manager feature, which helps you navigate the privacy settings on popular social media networks.
When we tested McAfee, we didn’t always find smooth compatibility with Mac. While it absolutely works with a Mac, we had to switch browsers for some of the features to work. This wasn’t ideal.
| Starting price | $39.99/first 2 yrs |
| Free version | No |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | No |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | No |
| Network protection | No |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | VPN, social privacy manager, and identity theft protection |
| Learn more | Get McAfee |
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
AVG is another award-winning free antivirus. If you’re looking for advanced protection, however, you’ll want to test out AVG Ultimate. It’s perfect for anyone who frequently uses the internet outside of their home and wants to stay secure.
AVG offers tools that help verify Wi-Fi networks’ security, protect against phishing scams, tune up your device, and much more. If you’re always using a public internet, AVG’s tools will help keep you safe in that volatile environment. That’s why it’s one of the best antivirus software for Mac.
AVG offers a lot of plan options that may become confusing for some people. While its all-inclusive plans have all of the features listed, you also have the opportunity to purchase those features separately, which might become frustrating if you’re trying to compare products.
| Starting price | $46.68/yr (first year only) |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | No |
| Extras | VPN, toolbar remover, email shield, web shield, data shredder, and hack alert |
| Learn more | Get AVG |
4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
Option to add VPN connection, dark web monitoring, privacy monitoring, and more
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS on up to 10 devices depending on plan
If you aren’t sure where to begin and know you want a lot of protection, Norton can simplify the process. Norton’s 360 plans include basically everything. A Norton 360 plan plus LifeLock adds security to all aspects of your online life, from your identity to your kids’ internet experience to online security.
Norton is a powerhouse. It offers so many features and functionality that it’s great for anyone who wants a lot of protection but isn’t super tech-savvy. It’s why Norton is repeatedly named as one of the best antivirus options for Windows.
It’s pricey. All of that convenience includes a price tag that potentially may go up on renewal. Norton is definitely quality, but it may not be reasonable for every budget.
| Starting price | $29.99/first yr |
| Free version | No |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | No |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | No |
| Network protection | No |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | Cloud storage, VPN, dark web monitoring, and identity theft protection |
| Learn more | Get Norton |
Aura includes a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’ve tried it out and don’t think it’s for you, make sure to cancel within that 60-day window.
To cancel your subscription, call an Aura specialist at 1-833-681-7577 or follow the instructions below.
Depending on your needs and what features you’re interested in, a free antivirus like AVG or Avast might be a good choice. The best free antivirus providers offer protection from viruses and malware. If you’re looking for simple protection, this may be the best route for you.
Yes, Mac does have native antivirus software built into its operating system. While this isn’t impenetrable, Mac’s native protections tend to do a pretty good job. It’s worth noting that if you jailbreak your macOS or iOS devices, you’re significantly more susceptible to viruses and malware.
Yes, it’s possible to hack an iPhone. Generally, iPhones are more secure than Androids, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use security best practices to keep your device secure. Shared Wi-Fi, suspicious apps, and older versions of iOS all make your phone more susceptible to hacking.
If you don’t feel Aura is the right antivirus choice for you, then you’ll definitely want to check out one of our top choices. Bitdefender, Avast, McAfee, AVG, and Norton are a mix of freemium and paid services that all have something solid to offer.
Whatever you choose, make sure to keep active protection on all your devices so you are cyber safe at all times.
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
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