Whether it is personal or professional, we rely upon our computers and mobile devices to help manage and control our lives — including working, studying, playing games, or communicating with loved ones.No matter what you use, your smartphones, tablets, and PCs contain a lot of personal, sensitive information that must be protected.
That is why antivirus software and programs are essential to protect the details of your personal and professional lives.Now, inbuilt and default antivirus protections offered by device manufacturers are much improved than a decade ago, but when you consider the modern-day threats we face — ranging from phishing to ransomware — you can never have enough protection.
Also: The best VPNs of 2023
Furthermore, we tend to focus only on our PCs, and we may forget that our other devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, may also become pathways for cyberattacks.ZDNET has searched for the best antivirus you can find and trust to protect multiple devices and operating systems.Our top antivirus software pick is Bitdefender Total Security , which can handle advanced security threats with ease and without draining your CPU’s capacity.
Based on real user reviews and personal use, these are the best antivirus software and apps to protect your most personal information in 2023.
The best antivirus software and apps of 2023 Bitdefender Total Security Best antivirus overall
Screenshot by Gabriela Perez/ZDNET Pros & Cons Pros Robust malware scans Phishing protection Various subscriptions available Cons Can be slow to get started Limited VPN More Details Bitdefender Total Security f eatures : Windows, macOS, Android, iOS compatibility | Free and premium antivirus software available | Business offerings | Mobile apps | VPN | Free trial
Our overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security.
This software is designed to protect your personal data, whether your passwords or financial details, and 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 is lightweight 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 take advantage of an inbuilt VPN to form an additional layer of security for their online traffic, although this is limited to 200MB a day per device.Bitdefender’s plans are currently on sale, including the Total Security plan for $70 for a year of protection (saving you $30).A free, limited antivirus solution is also available.
View now at Bitdefender Norton Antivirus Plus Best affordable antivirus
Screenshot by Gabriela Perez/ZDNET Pros & Cons Pros Real-time protection Malware protection Affordable Cons Advanced features limited to premium plans More Details Norton Antivirus Plus f eatures : Real-time threat protection | Firewall | Password manager | Cloud backup
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.
However, if you want more devices added to your plan, 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.
At the time of writing, the company is offering 66% off its Plus plan — which means you will only pay $20 for a year of protection.
View now at Norton Malwarebytes Best antivirus for different operating systems, browsers
Screenshot by Gabriela Perez/ZDNET Pros & Cons Pros Trustworthy performance Affordable Special pricing, MBG for business accounts Cons No family plans Some low scoring More Details Malwarebytes f eatures : Home and business plans | Malware scans | Browser Guard | 60-day money-back guarantee for business plans | Free customer support
Malwarebytes is a popular ad-free program that helps prevent you from scams and security threats.It offers malware and ad blocking, along with filtering and web security.
It will even monitor for fake texts, as well.
The service is effective enough that millions of threats are detected or blocked by the service every day.It is flexible, too, working with both your smartphone and tablet for greater versatility, and it is very easy to use with a single-click interface.The antivirus program is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Malwarebytes offers a range of plans to suit your needs and budget.Subscriptions start at $3.75 per month for one device.
The company also offers plans to protect up to five devices.
View now at Malwarebytes McAfee Total Protection Best antivirus for extra features
Screenshot by Gabriela Perez/ZDNET Pros & Cons Pros Great compatibility Dark Web monitoring VPN included Cons Typical price is expensive More Details McAfee Total Protection 2023 f eatures: Antivirus protection | Dark Web monitoring | VPN | Password manager | Firewall | File shredder
When you want to purchase antivirus protection for multiple devices, McAfee Total Protection fits the bill.
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.
Should there be a threat, there are special alerts so that you can act immediately.
When you sign up, you will receive 12 months of protection.At the time of writing, the price of the software has been discounted by 75% on Amazon, bringing the cost down to just under $25 for three devices.If you want a plan for between one and five devices for longer terms, you can purchase the software directly from McAfee.
View now at Amazon ESET SMB Best antivirus for business
Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNET Pros & Cons Pros Full malware detection XDR cloud-based defenses Cons Can get pricey More Details ESET SMB f eatures : Custom plans | Discounts for longer subscriptions | Endpoint defense | File security | Cloud app protection | Management interface | MDR
ESET SMB 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, which 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.
If organizations wish, they can add extended detection and 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 discounted rates on Protect Advanced and Protect Complete plans.
View now at ESET What is the best antivirus app and software? The best antivirus protection comes from Bitdefender Total Security, which will handle even advanced security threats with ease and without draining your CPU’s capacity.
Best Antivirus
Price
Free plan
Malware protection
Phishing protection
Bitdefender Total Security
Plans start at $42 per year
Yes
Yes
Yes
Malwarebytes
Plans start at $3.75 per month
Yes
Yes
Yes
McAfee Total Protection
Plans start at $50 per year
No
Yes
Yes
Norton Antivirus Plus
Plans start at $20 per year
No
Yes
Yes
ESET SMB
Plans start at $220 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.
Which is the right antivirus software and app for you? The right antivirus solution for you will depend on your circumstances, the devices you own, and what your budget is — as well as whether or not you are happy to sign up for a subscription.
Choose this antivirus…
If you want…
Bitdefender Total Security
Overall 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.
Malwarebytes
Excellent value and performance for your dollar.
If you’re interested in custom business plans, Malwarebytes has you covered — and its browser support is an advantage, too.
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 own.
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.
ESET SMB
A business-friendly SMB option for antivirus.You can choose between entry, advanced, and complete plans, as well as enterprise solutions.
How did we choose these antivirus software and apps? There are several factors we considered when looking for the best antivirus, including:
Features : From malware to viruses, there are a lot of threats out there, so we look for the best antivirus protection and features available to protect your online activity, whether you are using your PC or smartphone.Features may include real-time scans, email attachment checks, Dark Web data breach alert services, VPNs, and identity data monitoring.Performance : Features mean nothing if the antivirus app or software does not have the power or performance to back it up.
It is important to look for antivirus software and apps that not only attack existing threats but prevent you from facing new ones, too.
Accessibility : Antivirus software has been available for quite some time, but there are now plenty of mobile antivirus apps, too.Consider how you would best like to access your antivirus program and what mobile requirements there may be.
Cost : The best antivirus programs do not charge the highest fees, with several programs offering free versions but with limited features.Consider your budget when you are trying to find the best antivirus protection.
What types of security threats are there? 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 applications.
What about Kaspersky for the best antivirus? Kaspersky Anti-Virus has long been considered an excellent antivirus program for its features and protection.However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially named Kaspersky a national security risk.In turn, Kaspersky is “disappointed” in the decision, saying in a statement:
“This decision is not based on any technical assessment of Kaspersky products — that the company continuously advocates for — but instead is being made on political grounds.”
How much is the best antivirus? 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 paid plan for more benefits.
Paid plans may cover more devices, for example, or include additional features such as email scanning, password managers, and more.
Are there any alternative antivirus software and apps worth considering? When you are looking for a free antivirus program, you have a huge market to consider — and not every solution can make it on our top recommendations list.If none of the options above appeal to you, in our search for the best antivirus apps and software, we’ve also found these options:
Best cheap software alternative Trend Micro Antivirus+ Trend Micro Antivirus+ is an option if you want robust but cheap protection for one device, although sales are currently available for all plans.A free trial is also available.
View at Trend Micro
Best AI threat alternative Sophos Home Sophos Home is a one-stop shop for Windows and Mac protection, including AI threat detection, parental controls, and real-time web scanning.Currently, you can get 25% off a yearly subscription or you can try a free trial.
View at Sophos
Best software cloud protection alternative Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus Webroot’s antivirus offering is a compact, discreet cloud-based solution for PCs or Macs.
View at Webroot
Best AI-based antivirus protection for the family Aura Aura provides artificial intelligence-based threat detection and family plans, currently available with a 60% discount.
View at Aura
Best mobile protection with a VPN Avira Free Mobile Security A free mobile security solution for iOS devices, complete with a free VPN.Smart scans will check your device for suspicious activity and malware.
View at Avira ZDNET Recommends
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