The top 9 antivirus software options for May 2024.
Every day, over 300,000 new types of malicious software are discovered, according to the AV-TEST IT security research institute. These viruses can slow down your devices, flood your screen with pop-ups, and even erase or steal your personal information.
Antivirus software can safeguard your devices and safeguard your data. CNBC Select evaluated numerous antivirus software and distilled our top selections based on nine criteria. These programs persistently search for threats, exhibit robust third-party testing scores, do not significantly impede device performance, and are compatible with either PCs or Macs. (For additional details on our selection process, please refer to our methodology.)
Best for individuals
This antivirus is suitable for up to 10 devices and offers 24/7 customer support with simple device requirements. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a well-known antivirus software on the market.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus provides a comprehensive suite of features, including a VPN, Wi-Fi security advisor, and social network protection. Additionally, Bitdefender offers a free version with fewer tools.
Best for free users
This antivirus software is suitable for individuals seeking comprehensive security features without any cost.
Avast's free antivirus offers users the ability to safely connect to unsecured WiFi, receive data leak alerts, and access more comprehensive security features through upgraded versions.
Best from a big company
This is suitable for whom? Norton AntiVirus Plus is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to consolidate all of their cybersecurity requirements with a reputable and reliable company.
Norton is a well-known cybersecurity provider with a proven track record. Its extensive range of products includes antiviruses and identity theft protection.
Best for VPN users
This antivirus software is suitable for individuals seeking to combine their antivirus protection with a VPN service.
McAfee is the only antivirus software provider that includes an unlimited-use VPN in its basic package.
Best for multiple operating systems
This antivirus software is designed for individuals who work on various devices.
AVG's free antivirus is available for multiple platforms and has been shown to be as effective as some paid competitors.
Best for beginners
For newer users unfamiliar with in-depth antivirus features, Avira Antivirus Pro is a solid option.
Avira offers competitive features, a reasonable price, and a clear upgrade path for more detailed offerings.
Best for streamlined security
This antivirus software is suitable for users who prefer a basic, no-frills approach to protection without unnecessary features.
ESET offers a user-friendly antivirus with useful features such as a gamer mode and background virus scans.
Best for user experience
Individuals seeking a straightforward, user-friendly antivirus would benefit from F-Secure Internet Security.
F-Secure offers a user-friendly interface with all its security features in one app for simple use.
Best for in-depth features
G Data Antivirus is a great option for users seeking advanced customization and comprehensive features.
G Data offers users significant control over its usability and individual security features.
More on our top antivirus software
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a robust all-around antivirus that performs well in lab testing. Additionally, it offers a slightly less robust version for free.
Price
Plans start at $3.33 per month for one device.
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Security
Bitdefender offers its customers real-time multi-layered protection against current and future threats, a 30-day free trial, and 24/7 customer support.
Additional features
Bitdefender includes multiple security features, such as multi-layered ransomware protection, a VPN with a daily data limit of 200 MB, anti-fraud safeguards, a file shredder, and a secure banking browser. The software operates silently in the background and detects when you are gaming, working, or watching a movie, automatically pausing irrelevant pop-ups and activities.
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus is a highly effective free antivirus software that received excellent ratings from testing labs and is compatible with all major operating systems and devices. Nevertheless, users should be aware of the pop-up advertisements promoting Avast's paid products. Avast also offers a VPN, a secure web browser, identity theft protection, and other products.
Price
Free
Security
Avast provides 6 layers of antivirus security and additional security features such as network inspections, intelligent firewalls, and secure emailing with its free antivirus software.
Additional features
Avast notifies users of any suspicious software behavior and actively scans for threats, alerting them if it detects any breaches to their accounts or passwords.
Norton AntiVirus Plus
Norton AntiVirus Plus is a highly popular antivirus software product from Norton, a well-known company with a vast user base. It offers a comprehensive set of features and additional options, making it a top pick for those looking for complete security protection.
Price
Plans start at $5.00 per month for one device
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Security
Norton guarantees 100% virus protection and safeguards its users against ransomware, malware, and other hacking threats.
Additional features
Norton AntiVirus Plus offers 2GB cloud backup, online threat protection, and a password manager. Additional features such as VPN access, dark web monitoring, and parental controls are available with Norton 360 premium plans. All Norton annual subscriptions come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
McAfee Antivirus Basic
McAfee Antivirus Basic is the only antivirus software on this list that includes unlimited VPN access and offers 24-hour access to customer support online and over the phone, with millions of customers worldwide.
Price
Plans start at $7.50 per month for one device
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Security
McAfee provides real-time alerts for identity monitoring, a personalized protection score with areas for improvement, and a VPN for secure online browsing.
Additional features
McAfee is one of the pricier options on the list, but it performs well in tests and offers unique features such as a personalized protection score, scam protection, and a password manager.
AVG AntiVirus FREE
AVG AntiVirus FREE is a suitable choice for users with multiple operating systems, as it is compatible with all major devices and offers a range of features. In addition, the software demonstrated impressive results in laboratory tests.
Price
Free
Security
Real-time protection against viruses, infected emails, and dangerous websites is provided to AVG users.
Additional features
AVG offers 6 layers of malware security, phishing protection, and strong lab testing scores. Upgraded plans provide additional features such as a secure VPN and AntiTrack software.
Avira Antivirus Pro
Avira Antivirus Pro is a suitable choice for new users due to its provision of essential security features at an affordable price. Additionally, Avira provides a free antivirus software with fewer features.
Price
Plans start at $3.75 per month for one device
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Security
Avira Antivirus Pro offers a top-notch detection system, enhanced online security, and safeguarding against external storage devices.
Additional features
Avira provides email protection, device scanning, a 500 MB monthly VPN cap, web protection, and a firewall manager, along with customer support for paid users.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a straightforward and effective antivirus software that omits several extra features that other providers offer. Users can upgrade to more advanced plans if their security requirements grow.
Price
Plans start at $3.33 per month for one device.
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Security
ESET NOD32 Antivirus provides multi-layered proactive protection and offers continuous virus protection 24/7.
Additional features
ESET provides threat detection, antiphishing, and device protection. Premium plans offer additional features such as a password manager, identity theft protection tools, and an unlimited VPN.
F‑Secure Internet Security
F-Secure Internet Security is a great choice for those who want their software to be user-friendly and straightforward from the start.
Price
Plans start at $4.17 per month for one device.
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Security
F-Secure safeguards you with its extensive security features, including banking safeguards and ransomware protection.
Additional features
F-Secure Internet Security provides robust protection against viruses and browsing threats, as well as parental controls to safeguard your child's online activity, all through a single application.
G Data Antivirus
G Data Antivirus offers more control and customization options for users, but may require a steeper learning curve compared to other programs. The company's website states that they created the world's first antivirus software in 1987.
Price
Plans start at $3.33 per month for one device.
All prices are per month with annual billing selected
Security
G DATA offers hourly updates, customization options, and upgraded versions with enhanced device control features for increased security.
Additional features
G DATA Antivirus provides users with USB security, online banking and shopping protection, and phishing protection.
Why trust CNBC Select?
Our mission at CNBC Select is to deliver top-notch service journalism and in-depth consumer advice to our readers, enabling them to make well-informed decisions when it comes to managing their finances. Each antivirus software review we publish is the result of thorough reporting by our team of expert writers and editors, who possess extensive knowledge of antivirus products. At CNBC Select, we maintain the highest journalistic standards and ethics, and we earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links. However, our content creation process is entirely independent of our commercial team and any external third parties. To learn more about our methodology and how we select the best antivirus software, please refer to our detailed guide.
Our methodology
CNBC Select analyzed and compared numerous antivirus programs to determine which software is best suited for individuals and small businesses. The criteria used to evaluate the antivirus providers included their focus on individual and small business needs, rather than enterprise-level solutions.
- The antivirus software should prioritize the safety of the user and their information by monitoring, identifying, and eliminating various harmful types of malware while minimizing false positives.
- We evaluated antivirus services based on their monthly, yearly, or multi-year subscription options, as well as any free trial periods, limited free versions, or money-back guarantees. The prices listed are accurate at the time of publication. Some services may offer free trials through specific platforms, but we only considered publicly available options.
- The antivirus software should be compatible with both PCs and Macs.
- Third-party, impartial antivirus testing lab results will be taken into account for Antivirus Lab Testing.
- Installing and setting up an antivirus software should be a straightforward and effortless process for users.
- Antiviruses should not negatively impact the performance of your computer while scanning and taking action in the background.
- Some antivirus software providers also offer additional services such as VPNs, parental controls, and identity protection.
Our ranking was refined to include only antivirus software that meets specific criteria, such as passive and active scanning for threats, strong third-party testing scores, minimal impact on device performance, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
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