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Seven antivirus brands priced past the first year, when $35 to $60 plans renew at $50 to $125, with device limits, refund windows and when free Windows protection is enough.
By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Published March 11, 2026Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
The best antivirus software for most people is a paid suite from a major vendor such as Norton, which pairs malware protection with a VPN, a password manager and a 60-day refund window. If you only need one Windows PC covered, the free Microsoft Defender built into Windows or a free tier from Avast, AVG or Avira may be enough. Compare the renewal price, not the first-year promo, and count how many devices you need to cover.
Our top picks
Best for a simple app with a VPN on mid-tier plansTotalAVThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.First-year price$99 per year
Best for a lightweight app and the longest refund window (70 days)WebrootThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.First-year price$34.99Renewal price$49.99 per year
Best for cleaning up an infected computerMalwarebytesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.First-year price$35.99Renewal price$59.99 per year
Ransomware prevention, flat pricingPC MaticThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
Low-system-impact proven protectionESETThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
This guide is for anyone deciding whether to pay for antivirus or stick with a free tool, and which plan fits one Windows PC or a household full of laptops, phones and tablets. We compared these brands: Norton, TotalAV, Webroot, Avast, Malwarebytes, AVG and Avira.
The biggest cost trap is renewal pricing. Basic plans start at $35 to $60 for the first year, then renew at $50 to $125 per year. After that, weigh how many devices a plan covers, whether it bundles a VPN or password manager, and how long you have to ask for a refund (30 to 70 days).
Below you will find each pick's prices and device limits, a breakdown of costs, free vs paid options, who owns which brand, scams to watch for and what to do if you think you have malware.
Typical first-year price
$35 to $60 per year for a basic paid plan, as listed October 20261
Typical renewal price
$50 to $125 per year, often double the first-year price1
Best for a simple app with a VPN on mid-tier plans: TotalAVThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.8/5
First-year price
$99 per year
Devices
4 on Plus, 6 on Internet Security, 8 on Total Security
Why we picked it. TotalAV runs on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and its two upper plans add the Total VPN service. Plans scale cleanly from 4 to 8 devices.
More details, pros and cons
VPN included
Yes, on Internet Security ($129) and Total Security ($149)
Free version
Not mentioned on the pricing page
Pros
Works on all four major platforms
VPN included from the Internet Security tier up
Covers up to 8 devices on the top plan
Cons
Renewal price is not published on the pricing page
No VPN on the entry plan
Higher list prices than most picks here
Best Value Suite
Skip it if: You want to know your renewal cost before you buy.
More about TotalAV
TotalAV combines a highly effective antivirus engine with an intuitive interface and powerful system tune-up tools, making it an excellent choice for users seeking simplicity and performance.
Best for a lightweight app and the longest refund window (70 days): WebrootThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.7/5
First-year price
$34.99
Renewal price
$49.99 per year
Devices
1, 3, 5 or 10 depending on plan
Why we picked it. Webroot says its app takes up three times less space on your device, and its entry plan covers PCs, Macs, smartphones, Chromebooks and tablets. The renewal jump is smaller than most rivals charge.
More details, pros and cons
VPN included
On higher tiers only
Free version
No
Pros
70-day money-back guarantee
Small renewal increase on the entry plan
Supports Chromebooks
Family plans cover up to 10 devices
Cons
VPN and identity tools require a higher tier
No free version
Best Lightweight
Skip it if: You want a VPN included at the entry price.
More about Webroot
Webroot SecureAnywhere uses a cloud-native architecture for minimal system impact, completing full scans in under a minute. Ideal for older PCs and gamers prioritizing system performance.
Best for cleaning up an infected computer: MalwarebytesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.6/5
First-year price
$35.99
Renewal price
$59.99 per year
Devices
3 on Standard, 10 on the larger plan
Why we picked it. Malwarebytes is widely used as a second-opinion scanner, and its paid Standard plan adds always-on protection on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. It suits anyone who wants strong cleanup tools without a full suite.
More details, pros and cons
VPN included
Yes, on the Device Security and VPN plan ($47.99 first year)
Free version
Yes, free tools listed on the site
Pros
60-day money-back guarantee
Low first-year price for 3 devices
Free scanning and cleanup tools
VPN bundle available ($47.99 first year)
Cons
Fewer extras than full suites, with no cloud backup
Renewal price is about 67 percent higher than the first-year price
Best Malware Removal
Skip it if: You want parental controls or cloud backup in the same app.
More about Malwarebytes
Originally famous for cleaning infected PCs, Malwarebytes has evolved into a formidable proactive defense system with exceptional zero-day threat detection and remediation.
Ransomware prevention, flat pricing: PC MaticThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.5/5
Free Version Available
Yes (Scanner Only)
Maximum Number of Devices
Up to 5
Integrated VPN
Yes (extended VPN add-on)
Identity Theft Protection
Yes (up to $1M add-on)
Why we picked it. An American-made antivirus built on a default-deny allowlist (SuperShield) that emphasizes ransomware prevention and low system impact, offered at a flat $50/year for up to five devices with 100% US-based support.
Pros and cons
Pros
Low, flat pricing: $50 the first year for 5 devices, $60 after
Default-deny allowlist scored full protection marks in AV-TEST's 2024 test
US company with an A+ BBB rating, accredited since 2016
Works on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, with free tools including a VPN
Cons
Blocks some legitimate software; AV-TEST counted 12 false blockages in April 2024
No AV-TEST home result since April 2024, while major rivals are tested every round
Renewals auto-charge and are not refundable
Identity protection, data removal and premium VPN cost extra
Low-system-impact proven protection: ESETThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.4/5
Free Version Available
No (30-day free trial)
Maximum Number of Devices
Up to 10
Integrated VPN
Premium Only
Identity Theft Protection
Yes (Ultimate tier)
Why we picked it. A lightweight antivirus with a decade-plus record of top AV-Comparatives low-system-impact scores and 100+ VB100 awards, held back by device-based pricing and no permanent free tier.
Pros and cons
Pros
Top marks from AV-TEST in every 2026 round
Low system impact in AV-Comparatives' performance test
Prices listed openly by plan and device count
30-day free trial plus a 30-day refund window
Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS under one subscription
Cons
More false alarms than most rivals in the March 2026 malware test
No free version for computers
VPN limited to 3 devices on Premium
Identity protection only in the most expensive tier
These companies didn't make our top 5, but may still fit your situation.
AVG4.7
AVG offers a free antivirus, a paid Internet Security tier and an Ultimate bundle with VPN and TuneUp for up to 10 devices. It is a sister brand of Avast under Gen Digital.
We compared each company's published plans on first-year price, renewal price, number of devices covered, supported platforms, refund window, whether a VPN is included and whether a free version exists. Prices and terms come from each company's official site as listed October 2026. We also reviewed FTC consumer guidance on malware and the FTC's 2024 order involving Avast. We did not run our own lab tests. Read our full methodology.
How much antivirus software costs
Most paid antivirus plans cost $35 to $60 for the first year, then renew at $50 to $125 per year. The first-year price is a promotional rate. For example, Norton 360 Deluxe is $49.99 for year one and $124.99 after that, and Avast Premium Security is $49.08 then $77.99, as listed October 2026.
Plans almost always auto-renew. Before you buy, write down the renewal price and set a reminder a week before the renewal date.
Free: Microsoft Defender (built into Windows) and the free tiers from Avast, AVG and Avira.
Basic paid ($35 to $60 first year): real-time protection for 1 to 3 devices.
Suites ($50 to $150 first year): add a VPN, password manager, backup, identity monitoring and more devices.
How to choose antivirus software
Count your devices. Include phones and tablets. A 5-device or 10-device plan is often cheaper than several single-device plans.
Check platforms. All seven picks support Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, but features vary by platform, so check that the tools you want run on each device.
Decide if you want extras. A VPN, password manager or identity monitoring can justify a suite if you would pay for them separately.
Compare renewal prices. This is what you will pay every year after the first.
Use the refund window. They range from 30 days (TotalAV, Avast, AVG) to 70 days (Webroot).
Free vs paid antivirus
Windows includes Windows Security, which bundles Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall and Smart App Control at no extra cost, according to Microsoft. If you are one careful user on one Windows PC, that may be enough.
Paid plans make sense when you want to cover Macs and phones under one account, want a VPN or password manager bundled in, or want parental controls. Free tiers from Avast, AVG and Avira cover basic scanning but push upgrades inside the app.
Who owns which antivirus brand
Four of the seven picks share a parent company. Norton, Avast, AVG and Avira are all part of Gen Digital, according to each brand’s own site footer. If you are comparing them, expect similar underlying technology and similar pricing tactics. TotalAV, Webroot and Malwarebytes are separate companies.
Red flags and scams to avoid
Pop-up virus warnings with a phone number. The FTC says never call a phone number that appears in a pop-up window. Real antivirus apps do not ask you to call for help.
Remote access requests. Scammers ask to take control of your computer, run fake diagnostics, then charge for fixes.
Renewal surprises. Check your account for the auto-renew setting and the renewal price.
Data practices. In 2024 the FTC finalized an order banning Avast from selling browsing data for advertising and requiring a $16.5 million payment. Read the privacy policy of any security app you install.
What to do if you think you have malware
The FTC lists signs such as slowdowns, crashes, unwanted browser changes, new toolbars and lots of pop-ups. If you see them:
Stop logging into sensitive accounts like banking.
Install or update your security software.
Run a full scan.
Change passwords from a clean device and turn on two-factor authentication.
Other antivirus brands we reviewed
Sophos Home Premium is one of the cheapest ways to cover a household: $44.99 for the first year and $59.99 at renewal for 10 Windows and Mac computers, managed from one web dashboard, with a 30-day trial that needs no card and a 30-day money-back guarantee. SE Labs gave it a AAA award with 97% total accuracy in its January to March 2026 home test, though it was breached by 4 of 100 targeted attacks. Support is chat and email only, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 7 PM Eastern, there is no VPN or identity monitoring, and Windows 10 enters soft retirement on October 13, 2026. Read our Sophos Home review.
MacKeeper is Mac-only software from Clario Tech in Dubai: $71.40 a year for one Mac, or $10.95 billed monthly, for antivirus, a cleaner, a VPN, an ad blocker and breach alerts, with a 30-day refund on annual plans. AV-TEST has certified it in every macOS round from December 2020 through March 2025 with 6 of 6 for protection, and it was Apple notarized in 2020. Its reputation still carries the original developer’s 2015 class settlement ($2 million, no admission of fault), auto-renewal and upselling are the most common complaints, and it has no BBB profile. Read our MacKeeper review.
Terms to know
Malware
Any software designed to harm a device or steal data, including viruses, spyware and ransomware.
Ransomware
Malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to release them.
Real-time protection
Scanning that runs constantly in the background and checks files as they open or download.
Phishing
Fake emails, texts or websites that try to trick you into giving up passwords or payment details.
VPN
A virtual private network that encrypts your internet connection, useful on public Wi-Fi.
Auto-renewal
A setting that charges your card for another term automatically when your subscription ends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best antivirus software?
For most households, a suite such as Norton 360 Deluxe is a strong choice because it covers 5 devices and includes a VPN and password manager, with a 60-day refund window. If you only use one Windows PC, the free Microsoft Defender may be enough.
Is Microsoft Defender good enough?
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows at no cost and works with Windows Firewall and Smart App Control. It does not cover your Mac or phone under the same account, and it does not bundle a VPN or password manager, which is why some people still buy a suite.
Do I need antivirus on a Mac or iPhone?
All seven picks offer Mac and mobile apps, but features vary by platform. On iPhone, apps mostly add web filtering, Wi-Fi checks and VPN, not traditional file scanning. Decide based on whether you want those extras.
Is free antivirus safe?
Free tiers from Avast, AVG and Avira provide basic malware scanning, but they often prompt you to upgrade. Read the privacy policy, since the FTC took action against Avast in 2024 over the sale of browsing data.
Why did my antivirus price go up?
Most first-year prices are introductory. Norton 360 Deluxe, for example, is $49.99 in year one and $124.99 at renewal, as listed October 2026. You can usually turn off auto-renew in your account.
Can I get a refund on antivirus software?
Yes, within the company's money-back window. Webroot offers 70 days, Norton, Malwarebytes and Avira offer 60 days, and TotalAV, Avast and AVG offer 30 days.
Should I run two antivirus programs at once?
Running two real-time scanners can slow your device and cause conflicts. A common setup is one real-time antivirus plus an occasional on-demand scan from a second tool.
Does antivirus include a VPN?
Many suites do. Norton 360, TotalAV Internet Security and Total Security, Avast Ultimate, AVG Ultimate, Avira Prime and the Malwarebytes Device Security and VPN plan include one. Entry plans usually do not.
Are Norton, Avast, AVG and Avira the same company?
They are separate brands with one parent company, Gen Digital, according to each brand's site. If you are choosing between them, compare plan features and renewal prices rather than brand names.
Sources (18)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
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