Over 300,000 new types of ransomware and other malicious software are discovered daily, according to the IT security research institute AV-TEST.
Computer viruses can slow your devices, create a slew of pop-up ads and steal personal information, but antivirus software can defend your devices from these threats.
CNBC Select reviewed dozens of antivirus software and narrowed our top picks to offerings that continuously scan for threats, have strong third-party testing scores and do not substantially impact device performance. (See our methodology for more on how we made our choices.)
Best for individuals: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Who’s this for? Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers a long list of features, including a built-in VPN, Wi-Fi security advisor and social network protection. It covers up to 10 different devices.
Standout benefits: Bitdefender also offers a free version of its software with a few less tools.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Cost
Costs may vary depending on the plan selected - click "Learn More" for details
Standout features
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers a strong suite of security tools including access to a VPN. It includes an anti-tracking extension, a online banking browser, and a vulnerability assessment for unseen security issues.
Offers free version
Yes
Availability
Available for Windows.
Security features
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers real-time data protection, network threat prevention, phishing and fraud protection, web attack prevention and more.
Terms apply
Pros
- Network threat prevention
- Multi-layer ransomware protection
- banking browser
- VPN Included
- Anti-phishing protection
- 30-day free trial
Cons
- VPN data usage is very limited
- Slight performance decrease when launching applications
Best for advanced features: Norton AntiVirus Plus
Who’s this for? Norton AntiVirus Plus goes beyond malware prevention and rehabilitation to offer a suite of services, including a password manager, intelligent firewall protection, cloud-based backup, ransomware protection and a vulnerability scan.
Standout benefits: If you enroll in automatic renewal and Norton's software can't eradicate a malware infestation, an expert will log into your computer remotely and fix the problem. Should that not work, you can request a refund.
Norton™ Antivirus Plus
Cost
Plans start at $5.00 per month for one device ($60 per year)
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Standout features
Norton Antivirus Plus offers protection from malware and ransomware, access to cloud backup storage, a password manager and a 100% Virus Protection Promise.
Offers free version
No
Availability
Available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Security features
Ransomware and malware protection, cloud backup, phishing prevention and access to a password manager and their smart firewall.
Terms apply
Pros
- Includes a password manager
- Detects scams in texts and deepfake videos
- Cloud backup available
- Excellent performance test results
- 100% virus protection promise
- Provides real-time tips to spot scams
Cons
- Slightly higher number of false positives than some other options
- Base option only protects a single device
- A bit pricier than some competitors
Best for VPN users: McAfee AntiVirus
Who’s this for? McAfee Antivirus is well-suited to users who want to pair their antivirus software with a virtual private network (VPN) service.
Standout benefits: If you want unlimited licenses and robust identity theft protection, consider upgrading to McAfee+.
McAfee™ Antivirus Basic
Cost
McAfee's Basic plan: $29.99 for the first year (then $89.99)
*All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Standout features
McAfee's basic antivirus provides its users with 24/7 antivirus protection, real-time personalized safety scores, identity monitoring, dark web scans and access to a VPN.
Offers free version
No
Availability
Available for Windows.
Security features
McAfee Antivirus Basic will scan the dark web for any personal information, show users a real-time safety score with metrics to improve and allow users VPN access.
Terms apply
Pros
- Offers parental controls
- Provides dark web scanning
- Access to a secure VPN
- 30-day free trial
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Slight system performance decrease when launching applications
- Only protects a single device
- More expensive than some competitors
Best for free: Avast Free Antivirus
Who’s this for? Avast Free Antivirus consistently receives praise from independent testing labs. Users can connect safely to unsecured WiFi, get alerts to malware and data leaks.
Standout benefits: Even the free edition comes with real-time protection, web filtering, and a network scanner, which are rarities in free antivirus programs.
Avast Free Antivirus
Cost
Free
Standout features
Avast offers a high-quality free antivirus packed with features like data leak alerts, a network security scanner and an intelligent firewall. Avast scored strongly on all categories of lab testing and had the quickest average remediation time from AV-TEST.
Offers free version
N/A
Availability
Available for Windows, Mac, Andriod and iOS
Security features
Access to a network security inspector, email attachment scanner, behavior-based detection, ransomware protection and data leak alerts
Terms apply
Pros
- Costs $0
- Scans email attachments
- Offers behavior-based detection based on suspicious activity
- More offerings than many other free antivirus programs
- Access to AI-powered Avast Assistant
- 24/7 customer support is available
Cons
- Certain features require additional purchases
- Free version only allows one device
- Slight decrease in system performance when launching applications
Best for older computers: ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Who’s this for? ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a no-frills program that won't use a lot of your computer's resources while still offering practical features like a gamer mode and virus scans that run seamlessly in the background.
Standout benefits: NOD32 users can choose whether to detect potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) and either remove them or leave them alone by default.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Cost
ESET NOD32 Antivirus: Starting at $39.99 for one device for a year
*All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Standout features
ESET NOD32 antivirus offers a wide range of security features and strong lab testing results from several vendors
Offers free version
No
Availability
Available for Windows and Mac
Security features
Provides users with ransomware protection, file scanning, phishing security, security reports and access to more advanced features.
Terms apply
Pros
- 24/7 real-time protection from threats
- Offers a ransomware Shield
- Allows more in-depth customization than other competitors
- Provides Anti-phishing protection
- Free 30-day trial
- Excellent performance and malware prevention test results
Cons
- Device control features can be complex for users
- Several features cost extra
- Base plans don't cover smartphones
Best for multiple operating systems: AVG AntiVirus Free
Who’s this for? AVG AntiVirus Free is available for PC, Mac, Android and iOS and has performed very well alongside some of its paid competitors.
Standout benefits: AVG's paid version offers more features, including an improved firewall and payment protection.
AVG AntiVirus Free
Cost
Free
Standout features
AVG Antivirus Free received strong performance results in real-world protection tests from antivirus testing labs and provides its users with a solid firewall at no charge.
Offers free version
N/A
Availability
Available for Windows, Mac, Andriod and iOS
Security features
AVG's free antivirus offers users protection from many types of malware, updates in real-time and phishing protection
Terms apply
Pros
- 6 layers of malware protection
- Provides real-time protection against online threats
- Offers phishing protection
- Additional security options available
- Excellent testing results from multiple labs
- 24/7 customer support is available
Cons
- Additional features require premium versions
- Slight decrease in system performance when launching applications
- Free version only allows one device
What is antivirus software?
Antivirus software scans your computer, identifies patterns that indicate malicious software and works to prevent it from affecting your device. Those threats can include computer viruses, but are more likely to be ransomware, spyware, adware and bots.
Depending on the program and your preferences, the antivirus software can just shield your system or actively work to delete the threat.
How to choose the right antivirus software
While we have selected the best antivirus software in several categories, the one that's right for you depends on your needs. Any program should protect you from malware, ransomware, spam and phishing scams.
When reviewing a specific antivirus program, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is this software reliable and easy to use?
- Am I paying for more features than I need?
- Does it slow my system down?
- Does it update automatically?
- Is there ample customer support?
- Does the program work on all your devices?
- Does it have features you want, like a password manager or built-in VPN?
- Can this software protect my whole family?
Antivirus software FAQs
Do I need antivirus software if I have a Mac?
There is a difference of opinion about whether Mac computers need antivirus protections. While some experts maintain the macOS built-in security features are not enough to protect against the growing number of malware and security threats, others maintain third-party antivirus programs are unnecessary and may impact your Mac's functionality.
What is the best antivirus software?
The best antivirus software depends on your budget and goals. We've picked Avast Free Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, AVG AntiVirus Free, Norton AntiVirus Plus, McAfee Antivirus Basic and ESET NOD32 Antivirus as the best options in a variety of categories.
Will antivirus software slow down your computer?
Any program running on your computer takes a portion of its power, but a good antivirus will not cause a distinguishable difference in performance.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every antivirus software review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of antivirus products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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Our methodology
To determine which antivirus software is best, CNBC Select analyzed and compared dozens of antivirus programs. e focused on antivirus providers geared toward individuals and small businesses, not strictly enterprise-level, and reviewed them on this set of criteria:
- Comprehensive protection: Antivirus software should prioritize the safety of the user and their information. The antivirus should be able to monitor, identify and eliminate various harmful types of malware. False positives should be kept to a minimum.
- Cost: Antiviruses are generally offered with monthly, yearly or multi-year subscriptions. We considered not only the cost but whether the service offers a free trial period, limited free version or money-back guarantee that allows you to test the product. The cost of the services mentioned are up-to-date at the time of publication. Some services may offer limited free trials depending on what platform you subscribe through, however, we only considered offers publicly available through a browser.
- Compatibility: Users should be able to run the antivirus software on PCs, Macs or both.
- Antivirus Lab Testing: Results from third-party, impartial antivirus testing labs will be taken into consideration.
- User experience: An antivirus software should be easy and streamlined for users to install and set up.
- Computer Performance: While antiviruses work on your computer in the background, its scans and actions shouldn't demonstrably decrease the performance of your machine.
- Additional features: Some antivirus providers offer additional tools in the form of virtual private networks (VPNs), parental controls, identity protection and other helpful products.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Based on these criteria, our picks for the best antivirus software are:
- Best for individuals: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Best for multiple operating systems: AVG AntiVirus FREE
- Best for free: Avast Free Antivirus
- Best for advanced features: Norton AntiVirus Plus
- Best for VPN users: McAfee Antivirus Basic
- Best for older computers: ESET NOD32 Antivirus
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