Top Antivirus Software of 2024: Expert Recommendations and Personal Preference

While surfing the web or watching videos may seem harmless, there are cybersecurity risks to your computer lurking all over the Internet. Various types of malicious software, also known as malware, can be used to spy on what you're doing online and perhaps steal your personal information in order to commit identity theft, which is why you need antivirus protection. The specific types of malware used by hackers change frequently, but may include the following:

• Viruses, which alter your computer software in harmful ways
• Adware, which causes intrusive ads to appear on your screen
• Spyware, through which someone can monitor your computing activities
• Ransomware, which can lock down your computer and make it unusable until you pay a certain fee, or "ransom."
• Worms, which are pieces of software code that can spread from one computer to another

Hackers also use other tricks. One common technique is called "phishing," where someone tries to trick you into using a fake website (such as one that looks like your bank's website) to steal your personal data.

The good news is that antivirus programs like Bitdefender and Norton, both of which are in our Best Antivirus ratings, can help protect you and your computer from these and other threats. However, there is no substitute for using strong passwords and other common-sense Internet security measures.

Antivirus software scans messages and files sent to your computer in real time as you surf, send e-mail, stream video, or do other things online. The software warns you not to click on any websites or files that may pose a threat to your Internet security. In addition, if you accidentally download malware onto your computer, the antivirus will attempt to quarantine and remove it before it can do any harm.

Malware protection packages from companies like McAfee and Avast offer additional features. These include a virtual private network (VPN), which masks your online activity; a firewall, which monitors network traffic; parental controls, which protects children; and a password manager, which encrypts your passwords. Read on to see our full ratings of the best antivirus software for Windows 11, Windows 10, and other versions of Microsoft's operating systems.

Ranking the best antivirus software

To help protect your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer, here are our ratings for the best antivirus software:

1. Bitdefender
2. Norton
3. Kaspersky
4. ESET
5. Webroot
6.  Avast
7. McAfee
8. Trend Micro
9. Avira
10. AVG Technologies
11. Malwarebytes
12. Sophos

Comprehensive comparison of the best antivirus software

1 Bitdefender

• Price: $39.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

The top-ranked Bitdefender antivirus has several antivirus programs for Windows that are well-received by independent testers and are reasonably priced. The entry-level Antivirus Plus software provides one year of real-time security for up to three Windows devices.

It also includes frequent signature updates from Bitdefender to stay ahead of viruses and an optional VPN plug-in to stay anonymous online. The Standard Protection Suite protects against phishing, ransomware, cyber threats and more.

It can also restart infected computers in a "rescue environment" to aid recovery. The upgraded antivirus suite includes features such as a firewall, password manager, and privacy protection for webcams and microphones.Antivirus packages for Windows cost between $59.99 and $159.99 per year.

2 Norton

• Price: $59.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Norton ranked second in our reviews of the best antivirus software and best Mac antivirus software. The company is lauded for its use of machine learning (the use of data to improve the performance of technology) to defend against cybersecurity threats.

Norton promises a full refund if its software fails to remove the infection from your device. Its antivirus packages come with a higher price tag (ranging from $59.99 to $149.99), but the company offers a wide range of antivirus options and generous cloud data allowances.

Optional features include a firewall, VPN, password manager, identity theft protection, and heavy-duty parental controls. Norton also has a cloud-based system for storing virus signatures, and professional critics applaud its highly rated malware protection.

3 Kaspersky

• Price: $59.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, Android

Ranking third in our ratings, Kaspersky Lab is a highly rated security company, despite its former ties to Russia (it recently relocated to Switzerland). Professional reviewers say its antivirus products are easy to use and effective at detecting malware, in part due to the company's use of machine learning technology.

The four available antivirus packages range in price from $59.99 to $149.99 per year. Higher packages include additional features such as a virtual private network (VPN) and ad-blocking software. One of the most comprehensive packages, Kaspersky Security Cloud, includes an "account check" feature that monitors your social media accounts to see if they've been compromised. There's also a free software package called Kaspersky Free Cloud Security that's compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android devices.

4 ESET

• Price: $39.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, Android

ESET: Coming in at No. 4 in our best antivirus ratings, ESET sells a relatively basic entry-level antivirus package called NOD32. more features can be added with the ESET Internet Security Advanced Protection or ESET Smart Security Premium packages More features can be added through the ESET Internet Security Advanced Protection or ESET Smart Security Premium packages.

All packages use the ESET NOD32 antivirus software and enable additional features that include more advanced levels of protection. Professional reviewers say the ESET packages won't slow down your computer, if at all. The more advanced version includes features like webcam protection, a secure browser, and AES-256 encryption.

You'll pay $39.99 or $49.99 a year for ESET's antivirus software to protect one device. Additional devices cost $10 per year per unit and come with multi-year discounts.

5 Webroot

• Price: $39.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Tied for No. 5 in our ratings, Webroot Antivirus is a cloud-centered antivirus and anti-malware package that also includes phishing protection, a firewall, and ransomware protection.Webroot offers consumers three versions: a basic antivirus package, an enhanced version of Internet Security with Antivirus, and a full version of Internet Security with Antivirus.

The Premium version offers protection for smartphones and tablets and includes licenses for additional computers. Professional reviewers say Webroot is fast and does not significantly affect system performance. The basic antivirus package is $39.99 for one year of use on one device. Internet Security Plus with antivirus is $59.99 and includes licenses for three computers. Internet Security Full with antivirus is $79.99/year for five computers.

6. Avast

• Price: $69.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Avast, also No. 5 on our list, offers both free and paid antivirus software. The upgraded package includes features such as a VPN and tools for cleaning and tuning your device. Professional reviewers say that even the free antivirus packages do a good job of finding and removing viruses, ransomware, and other malware.

This is partly because all levels of Avast antivirus use the same virus detection engine. There's also built-in protection against hacking your Wi-Fi network and other threats. Higher versions include additional features such as fake website detection, phishing prevention, security for browser-stored passwords, and IP address blocking.Avast antivirus costs between $69.99 and $139.99 per year, depending on what features are included and how many devices are covered.

7. McAfee

• Price: $59.99 and up
• Operating system: windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Another giant in the computer security industry along with Norton, McAfee also tied for No. 5 in our ratings.McAfee offers a basic antivirus package that protects one device. More comprehensive packages offer antivirus protection for an unlimited number of devices.

All plans offer additional features such as VPN and identity monitoring in addition to antivirus protection. Family plans with parental controls are also available. The highest level plans include up to $1 million in coverage to remedy identity theft.

While McAfee's lineup of antivirus and other security products can be confusing, professional reviewers generally agree that they are products that work very well. One drawback is that some reviewers say McAfee's antivirus is slower than some of its competitors. It's also not the cheapest on the market, with renewal prices ranging from $84.99 to $179.99 per year, depending on the package.

8. Trend Micro

• Price: $39.95 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS

Trend Micro, also at No. 5 on our list, focuses primarily on security software for businesses, but also offers consumer antivirus software. Reviewers say that Trend Micro's antivirus software is effective and easy to use, detecting and removing viruses, ransomware, and other forms of malware.

The company's Antivirus + Security package ($39.99/year) lacks some additional features, such as parental controls.The Trend Micro Maximum Security plan ($89.95/year) offers parental controls and covers up to five devices. The highest plan is the Trend Micro Premium Security Suite ($129.95/year). It covers up to 10 devices and includes VPN and Dark Web monitoring. You can also pay extra for a password manager, ID theft protection, and a VPN.

9. Avira

• Price: $49.99
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

The last of our five companies tied for No. 5 is Avira.A major draw is that the company offers users free antivirus software that's relatively comprehensive.Avira's hosted, cloud-based software detects ransomware and offers standard protections, including anti-phishing.

The company's free version also includes a startup optimizer, battery saver, disk space cleaner, and firewall.Avira offers three affordable paid plans. The main problem is that to protect more than one device, you'll have to pay $99.99 per year for top-tier Avira Prime, which is higher than many of the other services in our ratings.

Professional reviewers say that Avira doesn't score as well as some of its competitors in virus detection tests. However, for basic single-device antivirus protection that doesn't cost a fortune, Avira is hard to beat.

10 AVG Technologies

• Price: $69.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, Android

Coming in at #10, AVG (now part of Avast) offers very good anti-virus, anti-phishing, and anti-ransomware protection. Professional reviewers say AVG's antivirus scores well on virus detection tests and is adept at removing persistent malware. The free antivirus program offers basic protection against such attacks.

Internet Security is an upgrade that adds protection against unauthorized remote access, ransomware, enhanced firewalls, beefed-up browsers, fake site protection and scam protection.AVG Ultimate adds AVG TuneUp and AVG Secure VPN.

Both the free antivirus package and the upgraded version use the same antivirus engine, which is also shared with Avast.AVG Antivirus Free is free for one device. Paid packages are priced from $75.99 to $127.99 per year.

11. Malwarebytes

• Price: $39.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS

Ranked #11 in our ratings, Malwarebytes doesn't offer some of the extras that other antivirus companies offer, but what it does offer has been praised by professional reviewers: basic, no-cost, real-time protection at a competitive price.

Reviewers praise its fast scanning and effective detection of malware, ransomware and other threats. There is a free version that scans and cleans infected computers and a limited trial of other features that are found in its paid version.

The paid version (starting at $39.99 per month) includes real-time malware protection; detection of phishing emails, malicious links and websites; and defense against ransomware and "brute force" attacks designed to access your system. The premium version also includes a browser extension that removes ads and blocks third-party ad trackers.

12 Sophos

• Price: $59.99 and up
• OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

On our list, Sophos Home focuses on simplicity and affordability. Like other antivirus programs, Sophos Home scans your computer for viruses and malware and blocks new attacks in real time.

There is now only one product each for Windows and Macintosh computers, as the free version has been canceled (although there is a free trial).Sophos Home Premium does not support mobile devices, although there is a mobile control application. There is also a 30-day free trial.

Paid plans cost $59.99 per year after the first year for up to 10 PC or Macintosh computers. On the downside, professional reviewers have criticized Sophos Home for its limited functionality and greater than average impact on system performance.

Best Antivirus Software for Apple Computers

The antivirus programs in our best antivirus ratings are designed for Windows computers. However, Mac computers also need antivirus programs because they are just as vulnerable to malware and other online threats as Windows computers. To help you choose, here's our list of the best antivirus software for Mac computers.

1. Avast
2. Intego 
3. Bitdefender
4. Norton
5. Malwarebytes
6. Kaspersky
7. Avira
8. TotalAV
9. Trend Micro
10. McAfee
11. Sophos

Do I need to install antivirus software?

Anyone who uses the Internet can benefit from antivirus software, as it is the best (and often only) way to protect your laptop and other devices from viruses and other malware. However, antivirus software is not a substitute for safe online behaviors and habits.

John Hawes, chief operating officer of the international nonprofit Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), says engaging in risky behaviors online while assuming that antivirus software will protect you is like driving an otherwise safe car "with your eyes closed"-this is not smart.

Always take common sense precautions:

• Use hard-to-guess passwords
• Ignore email attachments from strangers
• Don't disclose your Social Security number online
• Don't send private data over public Wi-Fi networks unless you have a VPN connection

However, even people who do all of these things need antivirus software to stay safe online. Peter Stelzhammer, co-founder and COO of testing lab AV-Comparatives, says that many types of malware can only be detected by antivirus software. In part, this is because different types of malware attacks can be used simultaneously if the hacker is highly skilled and determined.

In addition, criminals are constantly inventing new threats. Andreas Marx, founder of testing lab AV-Test, says his company discovers more than 350,000 new and unique types of malware every day-or about four every second. Antivirus software can be updated to detect malware and help you stay safe online.

How does antivirus software work?

According to Stelzhammer, the term "antivirus" can be deceptive because the software protects against more than just viruses. Antivirus software also detects and eliminates other types of malware, such as ransomware, adware, RATs, phishing attempts, and worms. Because of the wide variety of cybersecurity threats, antivirus software utilizes many different techniques. These techniques include

Signature Analysis. Similar to fingerprinting, this technique involves analyzing different types of malware and recording the malware's unique signature in a database. Anti-virus software can then refer to this database to identify new threats that match the characteristics of malware it has previously detected.

Heuristic analysis. Signature analysis has been around for a while, and hackers have found ways to circumvent it. As a result, anti-virus programs also use a method called heuristic analysis. This involves looking for features in files that are similar (but not identical) to known malware.

Sandbox detection. If an antivirus program finds a file that looks suspicious based on signatures and heuristic analysis, but is clearly not malware, it may open and run the file in a secure area called a "sandbox." This will allow the software to determine if the file is indeed malicious. If it is, it can be removed without damaging your computer.

Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence. Anti-virus software can use these relatively new technologies to "learn" about the outside world and recognize malware and other new threats. It then records information about these threats in its detection database.

Behavioral monitoring. According to Hawes, behavioral monitoring involves monitoring the data exchanged between your computer and peripheral devices like printers and hard drives. If something looks suspicious, the software will stop the peripherals from operating and can even undo the changes they've made.

Personal recommendation: ESET and Kaspersky are both good choices! There are free activated versions available for download on the web, I'll update them when I have time.