Top-Rated Antivirus Compared

Compare top Antivirus on Free Version Available, Maximum Number of Devices, Integrated VPN, and Identity Theft Protection

Norton Top-Tier Protection
4.8
4.8
TotalAV Award-Winning Security
4.8
4.8
AVG Best Value
4.7
4.7
Webroot Best Lightweight Antivirus
4.7
4.7
Avast Top Free Choice
4.6
4.6

Norton

4.8
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Best Antivirus

Protecting your digital life is more critical than ever, as cyber threats continuously evolve from simple viruses to complex ransomware and identity theft schemes. Finding the right antivirus software can mean the difference between a secure system and a devastating data breach. Our comprehensive guide helps you navigate the crowded cybersecurity market to find a solution tailored to your specific needs.
We have rigorously evaluated the top antivirus providers based on their malware detection rates, system impact, included features, and overall value. Whether you are looking for a lightweight free scanner or a comprehensive suite with an integrated VPN and identity theft protection, our analysis covers the most reliable options available today.

Key Takeaways

  • Avast: Exceptional free protection with low system impact.
  • AVG: Reliable core security and great multi-device coverage.
  • Avira: Excellent cloud-based scanning with a built-in free VPN.
  • Malwarebytes: Industry-leading malware removal and remediation.
  • Norton: Unmatched comprehensive protection with LifeLock identity security.
  • TotalAV: User-friendly interface combined with excellent system optimization tools.
  • Webroot: Best lightweight antivirus, with cloud-native scans that finish in under a minute and minimal system impact.

Securing your devices should not be a daunting task. By comparing features such as device limits, VPN availability, and identity protection, you can choose an antivirus suite that seamlessly integrates into your daily digital routine, providing peace of mind without compromising performance.

Companies Compared

Compare top Antivirus on Free Version Available, Maximum Number of Devices, Integrated VPN, and Identity Theft Protection

Swipe
Company Rating Free Version Available Maximum Number of Devices Integrated VPN Identity Theft Protection
4.8
Free Trial Only Up to 10+ Yes (Unlimited) Yes (LifeLock)
4.8
Scanner Only Up to 6 Premium Tier Only No
AVG
4.7
Yes Up to 10 Premium Only No
4.7
No Up to 10 Top Tier Only Yes (Premium)
4.6
Yes Up to 10 Premium Add-on Basic Alerts

All Companies Reviewed

1. Norton

Norton is a cybersecurity powerhouse offering a comprehensive suite that combines flawless malware protection with premium extras like an unlimited VPN and LifeLock identity theft defense.

4.8/5

Free Version AvailableFree Trial Only
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 10+
Integrated VPNYes (Unlimited)

2. 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.

4.8/5

Free Version AvailableScanner Only
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 6
Integrated VPNPremium Tier Only

3. 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.

4.7/5

Free Version AvailableNo
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 10
Integrated VPNTop Tier Only

4. Avast

Avast delivers robust cybersecurity with a highly praised free tier, providing essential threat detection, ransomware shielding, and network scanning without slowing down your computer.

4.6/5

Free Version AvailableYes
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 10
Integrated VPNPremium Add-on

5. Malwarebytes

Originally famous for cleaning infected PCs, Malwarebytes has evolved into a formidable proactive defense system with exceptional zero-day threat detection and remediation.

4.6/5

Free Version AvailableScanner Only
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 5
Integrated VPNYes

6. AVG

AVG offers a user-friendly and highly effective security solution, featuring powerful malware detection and strong multi-device coverage for families and budget-conscious users.

4.7/5

Free Version AvailableYes
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 10
Integrated VPNPremium Only

7. Avira

Avira provides top-tier cloud-based protection with an incredibly lightweight engine, offering generous free features including a basic VPN and system optimization tools.

4.6/5

Free Version AvailableYes
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 25
Integrated VPNYes (Limited Free)

8. Norton Small Business

Designed specifically for entrepreneurs, Norton Small Business delivers enterprise-grade security through an easy-to-use cloud dashboard, protecting sensitive company data without needing dedicated IT staff.

4.2/5

Free Version AvailableNo
Maximum Number of DevicesUp to 20
Integrated VPNPremium Tier Only

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Common questions about our rankings and methodology.

Our editorial team evaluates each company across more than 30 criteria, including pricing transparency, customer satisfaction scores, regulatory standing, and real-world performance data. Compensation, along with our review criteria, may determine which qualified companies we feature and the order in which they appear — see our advertising disclosure for details.

Our methodology is publicly documented, our team actively updates ratings as market conditions change, and we always disclose our compensation model. Reviews reflect our editorial assessment of each company; our advertising disclosure explains how compensation factors into which companies appear and their placement.

Some companies on our site compensate us. Compensation, along with our review criteria, may influence which qualified companies we feature and the order in which they appear. It does not change the findings of our reviews — read our full advertising disclosure for details.

Rankings are reviewed on a rolling basis — typically every 60–90 days per category, or immediately when a major industry development warrants it. Each guide displays the date it was last updated so you always know how current the information is.

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