1
4.8
BestGuide's Rating
- AV-Comparatives Top-Rated Award 2025
- 100% malware detection rate in independent tests
- 60-day money-back guarantee, plans from $29.99/yr
2
4.7
BestGuide's Rating
- Protects 25 million+ users worldwide
- AV-Comparatives Advanced+ award winner 2025
- Plans from $29/yr, covers up to 8 devices
3
4.7
BestGuide's Rating
- AV-Comparatives Top-Rated Product 2025
- 99.96% malware detection rate in independent tests
- Covers up to 10 devices, plans from $35.88/yr
4.5
BestGuide's Rating
- Trusted by 60 million+ users globally
- AV-Comparatives Advanced Award recipient 2025
- Covers up to 20 devices, free version available
5
4.3
BestGuide's Rating
- Cloud-based protection, under 1MB install size
- Identity theft protection via Allstate, $1M coverage
- Plans from $23.99/yr, 70-day money-back guarantee
6
AVG
This company is not rated by BestGuide
- Similar to: Norton
- Date Founded: 1991
- Offices: Prague, Czech Republic
7
Avira
This company is not rated by BestGuide
- Similar to: Norton
- Date Founded: 1986
- Offices: Tettnang, Germany
Top Antivirus Software by Features and Benefits
- Best Overall: Norton »
- Best Value: TotalAV »
- Best for Multi-Device Coverage: Avast »
- Best for Malware Removal: Malwarebytes »
- Best for Small Business: Norton »
- Best for Lightweight Protection: Webroot »
- Best for Real-Time Threat Detection: Norton »
- Best for Beginners: TotalAV »
- Best for Identity Theft Protection: Norton »
- Best Free Version: Malwarebytes »
Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
What is antivirus software and do I really need it?
Answer:
Antivirus software protects your devices from malware, ransomware, phishing, and other cyber threats. With the FBI reporting cybercrime losses exceeding $12.5 billion in 2023, having real-time protection is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your data and finances.
Ask an expert: Norton »
Question:
What's the difference between antivirus and internet security suites?
Answer:
Traditional antivirus detects and removes malware. Internet security suites go further, adding firewalls, VPNs, password managers, and dark web monitoring. For users who handle sensitive data or frequently use public Wi-Fi, a full suite offers significantly stronger all-around protection.
Ask an expert: TotalAV »
Question:
How do I know which antivirus is best for my devices?
Answer:
The best antivirus depends on your operating system, the number of devices you need to cover, and whether you want extras like identity protection. Independent labs like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives publish regular benchmarks measuring real-world detection rates, system performance impact, and usability.
Ask an expert: Avast »
Question:
Will antivirus software slow down my computer?
Answer:
Modern antivirus programs are engineered to run with minimal system impact. Cloud-based solutions are particularly lightweight. Most programs allow you to schedule intensive scans during off-hours, so daily performance stays unaffected.
Ask an expert: Webroot »
Question:
Is free antivirus software good enough?
Answer:
Free versions typically offer basic on-demand scanning but lack real-time protection, ransomware defense, and phishing filters. For individuals managing financial accounts or businesses handling customer data, a paid plan with active, always-on protection is strongly recommended.
Ask an expert: Malwarebytes »
Question:
Can I run two antivirus programs at the same time?
Answer:
Running two full antivirus programs simultaneously is generally not recommended, as they can conflict and reduce the effectiveness of both. But some programs are specifically designed to work alongside other antivirus software as a secondary scanner without causing compatibility issues.
Ask an expert: Malwarebytes »
BEST OVERALL
Norton
BOTTOM LINE:
AV-Comparatives Top-Rated Award 2025
BEST VALUE
TotalAV
BOTTOM LINE:
Protects 25 million+ users worldwide
TOP PICK
Avast
BOTTOM LINE:
AV-Comparatives Top-Rated Product 2025