One of the top antivirus apps is required for all Windows machines. The built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus program may be sufficient to keep your PC clear of malware. However, it falls short of the added functionality offered by the finest commercial antivirus software.
Most premium or mid-range security suites contain parental controls, VPNs, password managers, or identity-theft protection for less than the cost of buying each item separately.
The malware-detection “engine” of each brand’s Windows antivirus products is the same, but the features justify the price differences.
A company may offer free software, a basic paid program, a midrange program with parental restrictions, and a top-end package with all the bells and whistles. Mac antivirus software, Android antivirus apps, and iOS security apps are all common.
Halfway down this page, you’ll find our selection of the top commercial antivirus products, as well as the best free antivirus software.
Best Antivirus Software
Norton 360 Deluxe
All of Norton’s antivirus packages provide great malware protection, and the system load is significantly reduced. The quantity of extra capabilities available in each package varies, but Norton 360 Deluxe is the sweet spot in the lineup.
It comes with a password manager that functions on all major platforms, and unlimited VPN service, personal data monitoring on the dark web, parental controls, and up to 50GB of online storage. Norton 360 Premium and Norton 360 Platinum are two other options that provide greater online storage and expand antivirus and VPN coverage to ten and twenty devices, respectively.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Among entry-level antivirus programs, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is our top pick. Its malware detection ratings are excellent, if not perfect. Its active scans don’t have a big influence on the background system, but the background load is quite high.
It also provides the best value, with features such as an unlimited (but Windows-only) password manager, a secure browser with a virtual keyboard, a Wi-Fi network scanner, a file shredder, protection against encrypting ransomware, and Bitdefender’s new web-privacy software.
Kaspersky Total Security
The two most significant factors in our rankings are malware detection scores and system performance impact. Kaspersky’s Windows products have high malware detection scores and a light-to-moderate system performance impact.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus (£12.49 UK/$29.99 US) is an entry-level product that includes dedicated ransomware protection, a virtual keyboard, and an easy-to-use online account interface. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which has much more functions, defeats it.
McAfee Internet Security
Although McAfee’s malware detection has vastly improved in recent years, it is still far from perfect.
Despite this, McAfee AntiVirus Plus, the entry-level version, is a steal: The software comes with a file shredder and a two-way firewall, and it costs $60 per year for up to 10 (in practice, limitless) devices, whether they run Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android.
You’ll have to pay for McAfee Total Protection or its brother McAfee LiveSafe, which comes pre-installed on many new PCs if you want parental controls or one of the best password managers in the business.
