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Did you get a new computer for a holiday gift? It almost certainly came with an antivirus trial, good for a month or more. You won’t be defenseless when that trial expires, as Microsoft Defender Antivirus will step up. But for serious protection, you need to look beyond Defender’s just-OK capabilities and install a dedicated antivirus tool. Already got one? Give yourself a gold star…right after you check to make sure your antivirus is still working.But which antivirus should you choose? We’ve reviewed more than 40 antivirus utilities, so you can easily select one that fits your needs. We’ve gathered the top 10 tested antivirus tools here, along with tips for selecting the right antivirus for you, which you can find after the listings below.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Best Overall
Why We Picked ItYou can buy an antivirus utility that does everything an antivirus should, or you can buy one that does more—way more. That would be Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. The Plus, in this case, represents a multitude of features. Ransomware protection, a hardened browser for your financial transactions, VPN protection for your connections, a feature that smacks down ad trackers, automatic detection of missing security patches…the list goes on. While its name says antivirus, this program’s feature list beats many security suites.Not only that, but it’s also a good antivirus. The independent testing labs routinely grant it perfect or near-perfect scores, and it aces many of our hands-on tests. Its ransomware-specific defense system proved itself in testing, too. And its Autopilot feature means that all this happens with minimal bother for you, the user.Oh, there are a few minor nits. The first full scan after installation can be slow, for example. And if you want unlimited use of the VPN, you must pay a bit extra. But, overall, this is a marvelous choice for antivirus protection.Who It’s ForIf you want comprehensive protection with little interaction, just fire up Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and turn on its Autopilot. Now you can sit back and do, well, anything you want!
PROS
Perfect scores in independent lab tests
Excellent defense against fraudulent and malicious sites
Multi-layered ransomware protection
Isolated browser for banking safety
Prevents advertisers from tracking you
Many security-centered bonus features
CONS
Unlimited VPN access requires a separate subscription
Slow first full scan
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review
Norton AntiVirus Plus
Best Antivirus From a Well-Known Brand
Why We Picked ItQuick, name three antivirus companies. Was one of them Norton? Probably. Norton’s antivirus prowess has developed over decades, and Norton AntiVirus Plus is the pinnacle of that evolution. It gets excellent scores from the independent labs and aces many of our hands-on tests, including a test using a dozen real-world ransomware samples.There’s more to this program than just antivirus, too. Its firewall protects against outside attacks and betrayal from within without bombarding the unsuspecting user with confusing popup queries. A separate module enhances firewall protection by detecting and blocking exploit attacks. Other bonus features include a backup system that can archive your files locally or in the provided online storage, a spam filter for those who still need such a thing, a software updater tool, and more.At one time, Norton was one-device wonder, protecting just a single Windows system. You can now get a five-device subscription to protect Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. That makes the app even more inviting.Who It’s ForNorton’s technology has been fighting viruses and other malware for ages, dating back to MS-DOS days. If you want protection from a known brand that has established its chops over decades, Norton AntiVirus Plus is just what you need.
PROS
Excellent scores in independent lab tests
Data Protector foils ransomware attacks
Online backup enabled out of the box
Intelligent firewall protection
Includes vulnerability scan and other suite-level features
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Norton AntiVirus Plus Review
McAfee AntiVirus
Best for One-PC Households
Why We Picked ItMcAfee no longer offers the cross-platform antivirus protection of McAfee AntiVirus Plus, but the basic McAfee AntiVirus is a powerful choice for a single Windows PC. Single is an important word here, as you don’t find the usual volume discounts for three, five, or 10 licenses. You must buy the software again for each new device you want to protect. The independent labs adore McAfee’s malware-fighting technology. Three of the four labs we follow include McAfee in their analysis, and all three award it their maximum possible score. It earned excellent scores in our hands-on tests, too. And it goes beyond basic antivirus features with a ransomware protection system, a simple firewall, a system to foil cryptojacking, and more. Who It’s ForWith the shift from unlimited protection on all platforms to securing a single Windows PC, McAfee AntiVirus appeals to a different audience than its predecessor. But there are people out there who just want to protect that one all-important PC. If you’re one of them, you should give McAfee a look.
PROS
Perfect lab test scores
Excellent scores in our hands-on tests
Virus protection pledge
CONS
Missed one hand-tweaked ransomware sample
Windows-only protection with no volume discount
Many long-standing features now absent
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
McAfee AntiVirus Review
G Data Antivirus
Best Breadth of Features
Why We Picked ItThe G Data website states that G Data released the first antivirus program in 1985. Whether or not it was the very first, G Data Antivirus has a long and storied history. Two of the four independent labs we follow typically include this venerable tool in their tests. AV-Test routinely gives it the top possible rating, while its scores in tests by AV-Comparatives range from passing to perfect. G Data scored close to the maximum in our hands-on malware protection and malicious download defense tests.Throughout its evolution, this antivirus tool has picked up many bonus security tools. With the regular antivirus disabled, its behavior-based ransomware protection layers detected half the samples we threw at it. An exploit detection component scored better than most competitors in testing. Other bonus features include spam filtering, BankGuard protection for financial transactions, active defense against keyloggers, and fine-grained control over startup programs.Who It’s ForSome folks lean toward the newest, shiniest antivirus protection, while others prefer a mature program that’s had plenty of time to shake out any weaknesses. G Data Antivirus is a full-grown utility with several security bonuses. It’s just the thing for those seeking a well-aged antivirus tool.
PROS
Excellent score in our hands-on malware protection test
Protects against banking Trojans, keyloggers, ransomware, and exploits
Includes spam filter
CONS
Mixed scores in independent lab tests
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
G Data Antivirus Review
Malwarebytes Premium
Best for Speedy Scans
Why We Picked ItFor years, the cleanup-only Malwarebytes Free has been the go-to solution when your regular antivirus can’t do the job, but it was always a specialty tool, not for everyday use. On the other hand, Malwarebytes Premium offers all the features you expect in a full-scale antivirus, starting with scanning on demand and on schedule, as well as on file access. Its full scan is speedy and uses various real-time protection techniques, including behavior-based detection, ransomware activity detection, and protection against exploit attacks.It’s true that lab results for Malwarebytes are mixed, some great, some so-so. The company contends that its advanced detection techniques aren’t a perfect fit for standardized tests. In our own hands-on tests, it proved highly effective, earning 9.8 of 10 points for malware protection (the best score among products tested with our current malware samples) and excellent scores for defending against malicious and fraudulent web pages.Who It’s ForAnyone who’s used Malwarebytes Free to remedy another antivirus tool’s slip-up will appreciate the full-powered Malwarebytes Premium. Even if you never needed that kind of rescue, this app’s speedy scan and excellent hands-on test results are a big draw.
PROS
Top score in our hands-on malware protection test
Excellent protection against malicious and fraudulent sites
Very good scores from independent labs
CONS
No features beyond basic antivirus
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Malwarebytes Premium Review
Sophos Home Premium
Best for Thrifty Users
Why We Picked ItSophos is a big name in business-level antivirus, with remote management to keep the IT team in charge of security. Sophos Home Premium brings that same remote management to you, the consumer. You can install antivirus protection for your family and friends, whether they’re across town or across the country, and manage all the installations without leaving your lair. Best of all, it’s seriously inexpensive, with a 10-license price that matches what many competitors charge for just three licenses.This antivirus only has one recent lab test score, but it’s a good one—AAA certification from SE Labs. When last challenged by our hands-on malware protection test, it managed 100% detection and scored 9.9 of 10 possible points. It also earned 100% for defending against malware-hosting web pages. But its protection doesn’t stop there. Packed into its tiny local agent program are effective ransomware protection, defense against exploit attacks, an admittedly less-effective parental control content filter, protection for your financial transactions, webcam hijack prevention, and more.As noted, you can manage all your installations from a convenient online console. More recently, Sophos has extended that remote control ability to apps for Android and iOS, meaning you can exercise your remote control powers from anywhere.Who It’s ForAre you the default security expert for your extended family or circle of friends? Are you tired of driving across town to rescue your beloved uncle after he clicked something he shouldn’t have? With Sophos Home Premium, you can take good care of your peeps from wherever you happen to be.
PROS
Excellent scores in some hands-on tests
Convenient app for mobile security management
Protects against ransomware, keyloggers, exploits
Remotely manages up to 10 PCs or Macs
Inexpensive
CONS
Limited results from testing labs
Parental control and webcam protection limited
So-so phishing test score
Advanced features require uncommon tech expertise
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Sophos Home Premium Review
Webroot AntiVirus
Best for a Small Footprint
Why We Picked ItWithout question, Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is the smallest antivirus we’ve seen. Back when diskettes were standard, you could fit it on just one. Webroot’s local presence can be tiny because its intelligence is in the cloud. Like most antivirus tools, it wipes out known malware on sight, but unknowns get special treatment. It sends details about any unknown program to the cloud and lets that program run in a bubble, virtualizing any system changes so they don’t become permanent. Cloud analysis can take a little time, but if it determines the program is malicious, Webroot wipes out the program itself and rolls back any system changes. However, this delayed-action detection isn’t a good fit for most standardized tests. The labs mostly expect that an antivirus will determine immediately or not at all. Webroot’s presence in lab reports is sporadic, with a wide range of scores. But in our hands-on tests, it routinely earns excellent scores.Who It’s ForSome of Webroot’s advanced features require above-average expertise, so it doesn’t hurt if you’re the security expert for your family or circle of friends. Whether you’re an expert or not, you’re sure to appreciate its tiny size and ultra-fast scans.
PROS
Fast scan, tiny size
Light on system resources
Can remediate ransomware damage
Advanced features
CONS
No longer offers remote monitoring and configuration
Imperfect protection against hand-modified ransomware
Limited lab test results
Advanced features require uncommon expertise
No volume discount
Firewall settings can be confusing
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Webroot AntiVirus Review
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Best for Techies
Why We Picked ItESET’s NOD32 hits top scores in some independent lab tests and some (but not all) of our own tests—we always like to see both. It goes beyond many competitors with unusual high-tech features like its UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) scan, a cut above the more common boot sector scan. It even looks for intrusions in the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) database.You do need some technical expertise to understand and make use of these high-tech features. The same is true of the Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS), which aims to detect and block attacks that try to leverage vulnerabilities in the operating system or in popular programs. As for the Device Control system, it’s a techie’s dream. You can exert total control on all types of external devices and individual devices. For example, you could ban USB drives so the kids don’t bring home malware with their homework but specifically allow devices you’ve vetted yourself. At the device or type level, you can block all use, force read-only access, or just display a warning.A recent makeover retired ESET’s blue-eyed cyborg mascot from its longtime position on this app’s main window, leaving that window a bit empty. However, little else has changed. In fact, ESET has remained relatively static for several years.Who It’s ForSome antivirus tools do their best to work in the background with no technical involvement by the user. That’s not ESET NOD32 Antivirus. This antivirus is ideal for those who want to get their hands dirty and take an active role in internet security protection. If you have the knowledge and skills to use them, ESET has the features for you.
PROS
Some good scores from independent labs and our hands-on tests
HIPS component blocks exploits
Comprehensive device control
CONS
Poor score in our malware-blocking test
Device control is too complex for most users
Ransomware protection not effective in testing
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
ESET NOD32 Antivirus Review
Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus
Best for No-Frills Protection
Why We Picked ItSome antivirus apps include so much additional security software they are nearly suites. On the other hand, Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus sticks to the core tasks of an antivirus utility: scanning for malware on demand, on schedule, and on file access. The time for a Total Defense full scan came in about average, but a second scan cut 90% off of that thanks to optimization.Total Defense has received top scores from testing lab AV-Comparatives in past years. Its three current scores range from Advanced+ (the best) to standard. That’s still better than the numerous competitors with no lab scores at all. In our hands-on tests, it earned scores from very good to excellent, proving particularly adept at detecting and defending against malicious and fraudulent websites.Who It’s ForTotal Defense Essential Anti-Virus is a good option if you want an inexpensive, speedy antivirus tool that does its job without making a fuss.
PROS
Excellent test scores against malicious and fraudulent websites
Very good score in our hands-on malware protection test
Virus free guarantee
CONS
Few test results from independent labs
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus Review
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Best for Single-PC Protection
Why We Picked ItThough it originated in Los Angeles, Trend Micro is now a global security corporation based in Japan, and it has acquired many other security businesses over the years. Its collective technology makes Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security more than just an antivirus. Among other components, Trend Micro features Pay Guard to protect your financial transactions; a Firewall Booster; spam filtering with a separate Fraud Buster component; multi-layered ransomware protection; a detector for unauthorized cryptocurrency mining, and markup of dangerous links in search results and social media.But does it work? Results vary. AV-Test has honored Trend Micro with a perfect score in its latest report. Past evaluations by SE Labs certified it at the top AAA level. It failed one of three tests from AV-Comparatives, though. And it also failed two admittedly difficult tests by MRG-Effitas. On the plus side, it earned perfect scores in our tests of defense against malicious and fraudulent websites.This is a single-device antivirus with no volume discounts. If you want a multi-device license from Trend Micro, you’ll have to opt for one of its suite programs.Who It’s ForDon’t turn to Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security to protect a house full of computing devices. That’s not what it’s for. Instead, install it on that one essential computer on which you spend your work hours and playtime.
PROS
Perfect score in our antiphishing test
Perfect score against malware-hosting pages
Layered ransomware protection
Multifaceted browser extension
Many bonus features
CONS
Tanked our hands-on malware protection test
Some failures in independent lab tests
Social network protection choices dated
No multi-device volume licensing
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security Review
Buying Guide: The Best Antivirus Software for 2024
What Are Viruses, Malware, and Ransomware?We call it antivirus, but in truth, it’s unlikely you’ll get hit with an actual computer virus. Malware these days is about making money, and there’s no easy way to cash in on spreading a virus. Ransomware and data-stealing Trojans are much more common, as are bots that let the bot-herder rent out your computer for nefarious purposes. Modern antivirus utilities handle Trojans, rootkits, spyware, adware, ransomware, and more. As noted, PCMag has reviewed more than 40 different commercial antivirus utilities, not counting the many free antivirus tools we’ve looked at. We’ve named two Editors’ Choice antivirus apps out of that extensive field and honored others with four-star or better ratings. One of the utilities listed in this article should address the problem if you have malware.
It’s Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online
What About Windows Defender?These commercial apps offer protection beyond the antivirus built into Windows. However, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is looking better lately, with some solid scores from independent testing labs. The combination of good lab scores and a great score in our hands-on malware protection test brought its rating up to 3.5 stars. As a free, built-in utility, however, we’re not including it in this roundup of commercial antivirus apps.We Listen to the Antivirus Testing LabsWe take the results reported by independent antivirus testing labs seriously. The simple fact that a company’s antivirus shows up in the results is a vote of confidence, of sorts. It means the lab considered the program significant, and the company felt the cost of testing was worthwhile. Of course, high scores in the tests are also important.We follow four labs that regularly release detailed reports: SE Labs, AV-Test Institute, MRG-Effitas, and AV-Comparatives. We’ve devised a system for aggregating their results to yield a rating from 0 to 10.How We Test Malware, Spyware, and Adware DefensesWe also subject every antivirus app to our own hands-on test of malware protection, in part to get a feeling for how the app works. Depending on how thoroughly the antivirus prevents malware installation, it can earn up to 10 points for malware protection.Our malware protection test necessarily uses the same set of samples for months. To check a program’s handling of brand-new malware, we test each antivirus using a large collection of extremely new malware-hosting URLs supplied by MRG-Effitas, noting what percentage of them it blocked. Apps get equal credit for preventing all access to the malicious URL and for wiping out the malware during download.Some apps earn stellar ratings from the independent labs yet don’t fare as well in our hands-on tests. In such cases, we defer to the labs, as they bring significantly greater resources to their testing. Want to know more? You can dig in for a detailed description of how we test security software.What’s the Best Antivirus for Malware Protection?Antivirus utilities distinguish themselves by going beyond the basics of on-demand scanning and real-time malware protection. Some rate URLs that you visit or that show up in search results using a red-yellow-green color-coding system. Some actively block processes on your system from connecting with known malware-hosting URLs or fraudulent (phishing) pages.All software has flaws, and sometimes those flaws affect your security. Prudent users keep Windows and all programs patched, fixing those flaws as soon as possible. The vulnerability scan offered by some antivirus apps can verify all necessary patches are present and even apply any that are missing.Spyware comes in many forms, from hidden programs that log your every keystroke to Trojans masquerading as valid programs while mining your data. Any antivirus should handle spyware, along with all other types of malware, but some include specialized components devoted to spyware protection.You expect an antivirus to identify and eliminate bad programs and leave good programs alone. What about unknowns, programs your AV can’t identify as good or bad? Behavior-based detection can, in theory, protect you against malware, so new researchers have never encountered it. However, this isn’t always an unmixed blessing. It’s not uncommon for behavioral detection systems to flag many innocuous behaviors performed by legitimate programs.Allowlisting is another approach to the problem of unknown programs. This type of security system only allows known good programs to run. Unknowns are banned. This mode doesn’t suit all situations, but it can be useful. Sandboxing lets unknown programs run, but it isolates them from full access to your system so they can’t do permanent harm. These various added layers serve to enhance your protection against malware.What’s the Best Antivirus for Ransomware Protection and Firewalls?Firewalls and spam filtering aren’t common antivirus features, but some of our top picks include them as bonuses. Some of these antivirus programs are even more feature-packed than certain security suites.Among the other bonus features you’ll find are secure browsers for financial transactions, secure deletion of sensitive files, wiping traces of computer and browsing history, credit monitoring, virtual keyboards to foil keyloggers, cross-platform protection, and more. And, of course, we’ve already mentioned sandboxing, vulnerability scanning, and application allowlisting.We’re seeing more and more antivirus apps adding modules specifically designed for ransomware protection. Some work by preventing unauthorized changes to protected files. Others keep watch for suspicious behaviors that suggest malware. Some even aim to reverse the damage. Given the growth of this scourge, any added protection is beneficial.Beyond Antivirus: Install a VPNYour antivirus utility works in the background to keep out any faint possibility of infestation by malware, but its abilities don’t extend beyond the bounds of your computer. When you connect to the wild and wooly internet, you risk the possibility your data could be compromised in transit. Sticking to HTTPS websites when possible can help, but for full protection of your data in transit, you should install a VPN (virtual private network). This component is important enough that we’re starting to see it as a bonus feature in some antivirus tools.What Is the Best Antivirus?Which antivirus should you choose? While you have a wealth of options, two stand out from the rest. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus holds perfect scores from three independent antivirus testing labs, and it has more features than some security suites. Norton AntiVirus Plus likewise offers many suite-level features, and it gets excellent scores from all four testing labs we follow. We’ve named these two our Editors’ Choice winners for commercial antivirus, but they’re not the only antivirus apps worth consideration. Read the reviews of our top-rated programs, then make your own decision.Editors’ Note: Based on the increasing censure and criticism of Kaspersky by US government agencies, foreign agencies, and informed third parties, we can no longer recommend Kaspersky’s products. We continue to evaluate these products on their merits and report on them for those who wish to decide for themselves.
