Best antiviruse software

What it means is that it is less resource-intensive as compared to other software. Apart from an intelligent firewall, you can also expect unlimited VPN services powered by TunnelBear. McAfee also offers a dedicated spam filter, along with a secured file vault and some of the best options to speed up your PC.

As for the basic plan, you can always expect single device support. Download McAfee Antivirus Plus. When it comes to hardcore virus protection without fancy features, Kaspersky Antivirus has got you covered. The versatility of Kaspersky makes it highly efficient in picking up unknown threats almost immediately. You can also expect smart parental control along with a full-fledged password manager. You can always reach out to them via phone as well as email.

In fact, they are also quick at the response. Download Kaspersky Antivirus. The primary reason being, all the virus definitions are basically stored within the cloud.

Partnered with LastPass, you can also get a dedicated password manager as well. In other words, Webroot SecureAnymore is everything you can possibly ask for in antivirus software. Download Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus.

Now, it has become a completely full-blown antivirus with all the up-to-date features. For starters, Malwarebytes Premium comes with a very simple yet intuitive UI, making it easier to navigate. With real-time protection and flexible scanning options, Malwarebytes is surely on par with some of the biggest contenders out there in the market. Download Malwarebytes Premium. This goes without saying, the idea of using Microsoft Defender has always been in debate.

And the answer is a big YES! If you are someone who always practices safe computing , it is fairly possible to some extent. All you need to do is make sure whether the software is up-to-date, or using a strong password altogether.

Microsoft Defender is completely free to use and covers all the basics you need to get complete protection. Users also have the flexibility to change their antivirus settings according to their preferences. And the best part? In case you install any third-party antivirus, Windows 10 will disable its own antivirus. In other words, you can always rely upon Microsoft Defender as a free antivirus alternative.

If you are on the hunt for the best antivirus software there are certain features you need to look for before anything else. With the increasing number of threats targeting computers are increasing every single day, the choices for antivirus are endless as well. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives. Light on system resources. You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources.

If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download or open sluggishly or file copies take longer than expected, you may want to try another service.

The good news is, all our picks offer a free trial to let you try out the antivirus program, so if your system feels sluggish after installation, you may want to keep looking. Cost and discounts. Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: The prices we list above are for 10 devices -- if the company offered that package -- but you can trim your cost with antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices.

You may also find discounts on an app's Amazon page. To be effective, antivirus software needs to monitor what's going on with your PC, check in with company servers about unusual behavior and should provide sound banking protection. The companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy.

But if you want to know more, the security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share. Protection for other platforms. Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. While the Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and download files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Best free Windows antivirus Microsoft Defender. Jump to details. See at Microsoft. See at NortonLifeLock. See at Bitdefender. Best on-demand Windows malware removal Malwarebytes.

See at Malwarebytes. Solid subscription antivirus alternative McAfee Total Protection. See at McAfee. Another good subscription option Trend Micro Maximum Security. See at Trend Micro. See at ESET. Alternative free Windows antivirus Sophos Home. See at Sophos. Our recommendations Looking for free antivirus protection, malware protection or virus detection, willing to pay for an antivirus program that offers broad internet security coverage across all your devices, including from ransomware and phishing, or need to remove a computer virus or malware from your PC right now?

Best free Windows antivirus. Microsoft Defender. Best antivirus subscription for Windows. Norton with LifeLock Select. Best free antivirus alternative for Windows. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. Best on-demand Windows malware removal. Solid subscription antivirus alternative.

McAfee Total Protection. Another good subscription option. If you have highly sensitive data, an antivirus program can serve as an insurance policy if nothing else. Between browser security and Windows Defender a built-in antivirus in Windows 10 , you can keep yourself protected by following good security practices like avoiding suspicious links and using unique passwords across websites. That said, a dedicated antivirus program has upsides. Antivirus providers have business plans that can help keep company resources protected from ransomware attacks and employees from phishing schemes.

Jacob Roach is a writer and technology enthusiast. He specializes in computing and small business software, lending his experience to sites like Digital Trends, Business Insider, and Cloudwards. You can follow him on Twitter ManowarElves. In that role, he was responsible for writing, editing, and strategizing content geared toward small business owners.

Before that, he worked at PCMag as a business analyst. Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team. Jacob Roach, Rob Watts. Contributor, Editor. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Read more. Small Business Guides.

Featured Partners. Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. Firewall included Yes. Email security Yes. Ransomware protection Yes. Why We Picked It.

Options for small and large businesses Removable device protection Offers on-premise deployment. Each seat includes desktop and mobile protection Automatic software updater included Password manager included for every user.

Expensive Server protection limited to top two plans. Threat forecast and analysis tools Helpful insights into employee behavior Subscription includes server protection. Centralized web dashboard Built-in behavior analysis Powered by machine learning. Who Should Use It: Businesses who need customizable security. Flexible plans that allow you to add features Patch management included.

Lacking employee-focused features like a password manager. Email security No. Plans for businesses of any size Ransomware rollback on Windows Automated endpoint discovery. Norton Antivirus. Who Should Use It: Small teams looking for an easy-to-use antivirus solution. Highly secure Tailored for small business use Cloud-based device management.

Who Should Use It: Individual users looking for business-level protection. Inexpensive Linkscanner protects you against malicious links Free email and phone support. NordVPN Vs. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities.

Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.