9 Best Antivirus Software Of 2023
$49.99 (1st year)/ $124.99 per year
Windows PC, Mac OS, Android, iOS
VPN, ad-tracker blocker, parental controls
$2.99 mo/$29.99 yr (Standard) | $9.99 mo/$79.99 yr (Plus)
iOS, Android
Wi-Fi Guard VPN, anti-theft protection
Free
Windows PC, Mac OS, Android, iOS
Password protection, home network security
30 Day Free trial, AVG Anti-virus (1 PC,1 Year) $49.99, AVG Internet Security (1 PC,1 Year) $64.99
Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS
File shredder, game mode, AVG Online shield, enhanced firewall and identification protection
Setting your devices up with antivirus software can seem like a drag, but refusing to do so greatly increases the chances of your computer being infected. That can become a major inconvenience when your laptop starts lagging, randomly loses files, constantly crashes — or worse — compromises your private information.
Keeping your computer or device protected with antivirus is one of the smartest and most cost-effective decisions you can make. It will safeguard your files and payments, not to mention reduce the risk of scams and data theft. You will be able to sleep easy knowing your expensive tech and private info is safe.
Choosing the best antivirus solution will depend on your devices and experience or comfort level working with these systems. We've scoured the market for the best antivirus software out there, so no matter what systems you work with, you'll have the best shot at protection. Stay smart and keep viruses at bay with these 9 best antivirus software packages of 2023.
Our Top Picks For Antivirus Software
We used a comprehensive rating system to narrow the list of antivirus software products so you don't have to. Read on for our favorite antivirus picks of 2023.
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Best Overall
- Norton 360: Best VPN-Bundled Option
- Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus: Fastest Scan Option
- Surfshark Antivirus: Most User-Friendly Option
- McAfee Antivirus: Best Virus Protection Guarantee
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus: Best For Android
- Sophos Home Premium: Best For Managing Multiple Computers
- AVG AntiVirus Free: Best Free Antivirus Option
- Trend Micro Antivirus+: Simplest To Understand
Best Antivirus Reviews
Our number one pick is Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. It offers exhaustive cybersecurity protections for any standard user. It blocks all types of malware, protects your data with an in-built VPN and detects spammy websites. Bitdefender's impressive range of total security features outshines most other software. Plus, it's compatible with most systems and doesn't break the bank.
The cloud-based software won't slow your computer down while running a system scan. If you're looking for more advanced protection and features, you can also check out the company's other packages, like Bitdefender Total Security.
Features include:
- Real-time data protection against viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, rootkits and spyware
- Prevention of attacks
- App monitoring
- Safeguarding of pictures and files from ransomware attacks
- Vulnerability assessments
- Protection against harmful sites, phishing and fraud
Price: Yearly plans from $14.99 for one device, and up to $72 for 3 years. Prices depend on the timeframe and number of devices.
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Known breaches: None
Norton's mid-tier Standard Norton 360 offers an effective antivirus solution bundled with one of the best VPNs. Norton's packages include many fantastic features that would be worth buying as individual components. The 360 Standard plan has a high-quality anti-spyware, antivirus, malware and ransomware protection engine plus many other protections including a smart firewall and a VPN.
We think Norton 360 offers some of the best value on the market. Parents will enjoy the parental controls that outshine many competitors, including search supervising and activity monitoring. Norton also has three other coverage options at varying price points: Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Deluxe and Norton 360 with LifeLock.
Features include:
- Web protection
- Firewall
- VPN
- Anti-phishing protection
- Webcam protection
- Virus protection
- Password manager
- Device optimization
Price: Annual pricing for the Standard Norton 360 plan is $89.99 (three devices), but costs can go down considerably with promotions and first-year discounts
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Known Breaches: None
Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is slick and speedy and won't slow down your computer. It has won numerous awards and beat the competition in load times.
Webroot has more to offer than super-fast scans. The installer is very small and installs almost immediately. Setup can be completed easily and the software as a whole is user-friendly.We also love that you can launch scans remotely.
Webroot antivirus won't break the bank, providing a good alternative for those needing an affordable option. It comes with ransomware blocking to secure your files, identity protection, anti-phishing features and decent cybersecurity functions.
Features include:
- Malware scanning and threat protection
- Ransomware blocking protecting your files
- Anti-phishing to avoid fraudulent pages
- Firewall
- Website rating
- Password manager
Price: Yearly plans for home users (one device) start at $39.99, although often with a first-year discount
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Known Breaches: None
You may have heard of Surfshark for its VPN. But Surfshark offers sophisticated antivirus software, too. You can even get Surfshark One, a bundle with the antivirus and the VPN. SurfShark Antivirus is powerful yet lightweight. The real-time scans offer strong virus and threat protection, preventing attacks before they happen.
We love how Surfshark prioritizes ease of use, including an easy setup and clean interface. Further, you won't get bogged down in hundreds of confusing settings. Finally, the software is incredibly lightweight and won't slow your CPU or RAM, eliminating lagging.
Features include:
- Real-time malware prevention and removal of malware and threats
- Frees you from ads, bots and trackers
- Anti-phishing
- Hides your IP address
Price: Yearly plans from $65.76 for the first 12 months
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Known Breaches: None
McAfee is a strong, long-standing player in the antivirus world for a good reason. The award-winning antivirus software has some impressive and comprehensive features. McAfee's basic plan covers one device with virus protection, firewall, VPN, file shredder, identity monitor, password manager and online support.
Further, premium plans like McAfee Total beef up the benefits, including credit monitoring, identity theft protection and more. McAfee has a virus protection pledge, offering a 100% guarantee against any viruses on your device or your money back.
Features include:
- Protection against malware, ransomware and viruses
- Anti-phishing protection
- Firewall
- VPN
- File protections
- Safe browsing and internet security
Price: Yearly plan for only antivirus software for one device is $29.99 with introductory discount. As you add more devices or features, costs go up.
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS
Known Breaches: None
Although not as well-known as some antivirus giants, the ESET NOD32 Antivirus software is one of the safest and most secure. It ranks highly in terms of independent testing results from the AV-Test Institute, and is able to protect your computer and device from malware, phishing, ransomware and threats. We especially love the anti-theft component that can track your device's location, protect your accounts and even log in to a webcam to see the thieves.
ESET covers you if you need an antivirus with a powerful and easy-to-use app for an Android device. The company offers plan options for macOS and Windows, but the mobile protection plans have some impressive protections for Android. It gets a little pricey if you want to protect multiple devices. ESET doesn't provide an iPhone app.
Features include:
- Anti-theft capabilities
- Malware and ransomware protection
- Banking and payment protection
- Password manager
Price: Yearly plans from $39.99 a year for one device, though pricing changes significantly depending on timeframe and number of protected devices
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Known Breaches: None
If you need business-level protection for multiple computers, Sophos Home Premium may be the choice for you. Sophos can manage up to 10 Windows computers or Macs simultaneously, and boasts the same high-level antivirus protection that Fortune 500 companies might use while successfully keeping its price lower than competitors.
Sophos uses AI technology to detect threats, scans for and removes malware and protects your WiFi privacy and safety when browsing online. Although it has a solid set of basics, Sophos doesn't have a whole host of extra features. We like that it includes parental controls and webcam protection, although these are less sophisticated than some other companies.
Features include:
- Malware detection and cleaning
- AI threat detection
- Ransomware protection
- Secure browser and privacy capabilities
- Real-time virus protection
- Parental controls
Price: Yearly plans from $59.99
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Known Breaches: In 2020, Sophos suffered a data breach that revealed customer information, including first and last names and contact details. The company said the breach was due to a misconfigured internal system that was corrected, and that it only affected a small subset of customers, though Sophos did not give details or numbers.
If you don't want to invest money into protecting your computer but understand you must have some basic protections, check out AGV Antivirus. The free version offers high-quality basic protections for your computer that stop viruses, spyware, ransomware and other types of malware. AVG will flag and block any links, downloads or attachments that appear to be unsafe. It will also scan your PC, help optimize performance and provide real-time security updates.
You can always upgrade to the unlimited plan if you need more advanced protections, such as AGV's Enhanced Firewall or safe shopping and payments. But we think the free version holds up if you want some basic security. AVG also keeps the program up-to-date automatically so you can install it once and forget about it.
Features include:
- Protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malware
- Optimizes PC performance
- Real-time updates
- Blocks unsafe links, attachments and downloads
Price: Free for basic virus and malware blocking.
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Known Breaches: None
The malware scanning capabilities of the Trend Micro Antivirus+ software are seriously impressive. But this antivirus option has plenty more to offer.
The software runs scans more quickly compared to the industry average, taking well below an hour. Repeat scans are even faster as they don't rescan unnecessary components, reducing them to just a few minutes. Trend Micro won't impact your system's performance while you perform a scan.
The company champions the simplicity of its software with an easy interface. You can intuitively run scans and understand the security reports. You may want to opt for Trend Micro if you don't want to decipher complex data and explanations.
Features include:
- Protection against ransomware threats and online dangers
- Scam and fraud protections against phishing
- Data privacy safeguards
Price: Yearly plans from $19.95. The two lower-tier plans (Antivirus + Security, and Internet Security) only include PC devices. For other platforms, users must opt for the Maximum Security tier and above, which start at $49.95. All prices may be reduced with introductory offers.
Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Known Breaches: In 2019, Trend Micro experienced an insider breach where a staff member accessed customer data with criminal intent.
Other Companies We Considered
- Avira: We also considered cloud-based antivirus Avila. This popular free software scores highly on real-time malware protection and repair. Its scanning technology has even been licensed out to other antivirus vendors, such as TotalAV and Systweak.
- PC Protect: PC Protect's antivirus software focuses on optimizing performance and antivirus protection with a simple-to-use interface.
- Avast: This is another popular free antivirus option with decent virus protection and strong privacy and WiFi security.
- Malwarebytes: This cyber security company has various plans for home and business. However, without real-time protection, the free version is not enough.
- Microsoft Defender: As part of the in-built security features of Windows, Windows defender provides solid protection for Windows users with antivirus and malware protection and tracking prevention.
Antivirus Guide
When shopping for antivirus products, you hear the term "malware" bandied about a lot. Malware, or malicious software, is designed to damage computer systems or access them without authorization. Although many use the terms interchangeably, a virus is a type of malware.
Since 2008, malware utilization has been rising exponentially, impacting businesses and individuals alike. Malware programs have quite the track record of disrupting email servers, plaguing computers with pop-ups, carrying out credit card scams and compromising websites.
Types Of Malware
Malware
As mentioned, malware is the umbrella term for all malicious software. You may inadvertently install malware on your PC by opening a file or program with a hidden malicious intention.
Malware might:
- Access personal data and information
- Corrupt or destroy files
- Hack payments by stealing credit card details or rerouting payments
Any antivirus software should scan for and remove malware at a minimum.
Ransomware
You might guess what ransomware does from the name. This software disables access to your data until you pay a ransom. While this may sound like the plot of an action movie, it's pretty common (and less fun). The software uses encryption to fully or partially stop the target from accessing their data. A ransom message typically sells a decryption key as the only solution to regain access.
One of the biggest cases of ransomware theft happened in 2013, when ransomware Cryptolocker reportedly made $27 million in two months from ransom payments. Its hackers sent the software through fake UPS and FedEx tracking links to lock users out of devices and encrypt the system with any connected devices or cloud backup storage.
Spyware
Spyware can infiltrate your computer or mobile devices and access your sensitive data without you knowing. Spyware collects information about its targets without their consent.
Spyware might access:
- Passwords
- Pin numbers
- Messages
- Payment information
- Email addresses
- Browsing habits
- Keystrokes
You may not notice spyware downloads as they can infiltrate alongside a download or program that seems otherwise legitimate. In 2021, for example, NPR reported that the Israeli tech firm Pegasus used spyware to hack phones and spy on data, messages and movements of others, including politicians and activists.
Adware
We see targeted ads every day, but adware goes one step further. Adware is advertising-supported software that bombards you with unwanted ads, often in the form of pop-ups. Adware often unlawfully accesses your data and monitors activity to create a profile of you. It can then show ads related to your online activity or sell your data to advertising companies.
Here are some of the key indications that you have been affected by adware:
- Ads appear in weird places
- Website links redirect you to sites you didn't click on or type in
- Your browser loads pages slowly or crashes often
- New toolbars appear or your homepage randomly changed
Fireball is an example of adware that hijacks users' browsers to generate ad revenue and even accesses the PC independently to download more malware.
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software scans programs or downloads on your device for any suspicious or malicious code. The software then quarantines the code and may remove it, stopping the malware from damaging your systems.
Your antivirus typically keeps itself updated to detect and understand any new types of malware. You can usually opt for automatic updates or run manual ones.
How To Choose The Best Antivirus
As we've seen, there are huge leaps in quality between different antivirus services, so choose wisely. We recommend you ask the following questions to ensure you get the right antivirus:
- Does it include the features you're looking for? It's a good rule of thumb to look for an antivirus with comprehensive coverage for cyber threats such as malware and phishing scams. But you might also need more advanced features like parental controls or a VPN, so keep that in mind when comparing options.
- Does it have good reviews and independent test results? Always check the reviews along with independent tests run by individuals and companies. You can corroborate the effectiveness of different features by viewing these results on sites like AV-Comparatives.
- Does it slow down your system? Some antivirus programs, while effective, use a lot of power and slow your system down when running scans. If you use your computer a lot, choose a lightweight antivirus that you won't notice is running.
- Does it have real-time protection? The most effective antivirus scanners work in real-time and offer protection from threats as they arise.
- Is it easy to use? To save time and hassle, choose an antivirus with an easy-to-use, clean and simple interface.
- Is it compatible with your system? Make sure the antivirus you choose works with your operating systems, whether you use Apple, Windows, iPhone, Android or something else.
Best Antivirus FAQs
How We Chose The Best Antivirus Software
Comparing antivirus software takes time and work, and most busy professionals don't have much to spare.We compared all the top companies on multiple vital factors using a few different methods.
- Features offered: We checked the types of cyber and malware protection and any advanced features each company offers.
- Reviews: We accounted for how consumers and tech reviewers found their experience, highlighting any pros and weaknesses.
- Independent test results: We looked to companies such as AV-Comparatives, which run independent testing.
- Unique qualities: While comparing antivirus software, we considered whether it offers something special that no other software does and noted these benefits.
- How lightweight they are: We highly rate antivirus software that maintains your PC running at peak performance and doesn't slow your systems.
- Pricing: We looked for options that offer the maximum value for different budgets.
- Ease of use: This factor was determined using reviews. Super advanced features mean nothing if your average user can't utilize them.
Summary Of The Best Antivirus Software Of 2023
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Best Overall
- Norton 360: Best VPN-Bundled Option
- Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus: Fastest Scan Option
- Surfshark Antivirus: Most User-Friendly Option
- McAfee Antivirus: Best Virus Protection Guarantee
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus: Best For Android
- Sophos Home Premium: Best For Managing Multiple Computers
- AVG AntiVirus Free: Best Free Antivirus Option
- Trend Micro Antivirus+: Simplest To Understand
