Best Antivirus Software for 2024
The best antivirus software will protect your computer from virus attacks, malware and more. Here are the top picks tested by CNET experts.
Our Experts
What to consider
Effectiveness
Light on system resources
Cost and discounts
Privacy
Protection for other platforms
Our Picks
What to consider
Effectiveness
Light on system resources
Cost and discounts
Privacy
Protection for other platforms
What's the best antivirus software overall?
McAfee Plus Individual is the best option for simple, top-notch antivirus software without a bunch of extra tools you may not use. McAfee’s antivirus software has perfect AV-Test scores for protection, performance and usability in all tests conducted during 2024 -- the only antivirus tool we looked at that received this distinction. McAfee Total Protection is listed as the tested product, but customer service confirmed that McAfee Plus uses the same software -- and you can use it on unlimited devices, whereas the Total Protection plans come with strict device limits.
Norton 360 is the best choice for anyone looking for total protection. The Norton antivirus tool has near-perfect AV-Test scores and comes bundled with a VPN, password manager, parental controls, safe-browsing tools, identity theft protection and 100GB of cloud storage. All of Norton’s tools are compatible with MacOS and they offer security tools for iOS and Android as well.
About antivirus software
Viruses and other malware -- software built with malicious intent -- can steal your information, lock you out of your devices and corrupt your operating systems or hard drives. Antivirus software scans your devices for these programs and removes threats when it finds them. Many antivirus programs also scan new downloads and block suspicious files from loading onto your computer.
Modern computers come with built-in antivirus software -- Microsoft Defender for Windows 10 and 11, X-Protect for Mac -- and this is sufficient for many users. However, you may want to invest in one of the antivirus tools listed here for additional protection, especially if you store sensitive files on your computer and/or rely on it for your income.
Best antivirus software of 2024
It feels like McAfee Antivirus has been around forever, first on its own in the '80s, then as part of Intel starting in 2010, and then again on its own when Intel spun it off in 2017. One reason for its longevity is that the core McAfee antivirus software consistently receives top marks from evaluations by companies AV-Test. In fact, McAfee is the only tool on this list with top scores in all three of the AV-Test categories during all 2024 tests.
The McAfee Plus Premium plan includes the tried-and-tested McAfee antivirus software, web protection for warding off malicious websites, a password manager and VPN for $50 for the first year ($150 a year on renewal). Moreover, this plan includes protection for unlimited devices, so families with over 10 devices can save money using McAfee+ Plus. You can save money with the Essential tier, which provides most of the same benefits, but limits you to five devices. But at $40 per year ($120 on renewal) for Essential versus $50 a year ($150 upon renewal) for Premium, the additional device coverage makes the upgrade well worth it.
All-in-one online privacy, antivirus and PC optimizer
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense offers elite PC performance, protection and privacy. This one tool delivers increased speed and resources, virus and malware defense, real-time online privacy protection and more. Real-time protection keeps your PC clear of virus and malware threats without sacrificing performance. That’s because System Mechanic Ultimate Defense ensures peak PC performance by making system recommendations that help boost speed and optimize resources. Its online protection suite ensures you stay safe online with configurable privacy settings that let you choose which companies can collect your personal data. You can also enjoy peace of mind wherever you browse with all your passwords in one, easy-to-manage browser extension.
Best cross-platform total security
Norton 360 With LifeLock Select
Norton LifeLock has consistently earned high marks from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives for virus and malware detection. Norton antivirus provides excellent security software for Windows PCs, MacOS and mobile devices.
The company's products include Antivirus Plus, Norton Secure VPN, Norton 360 for Gamers, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select and more. A 10-device subscription for Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is normally $150 per year, but you can get your first year for $100, which is $50 off. Some of these tools were originally limited to Windows, but they’re now compatible with MacOS, as well.
In addition to malware and virus protection for your computer and mobile device, this security suite provides 100GB of cloud backups, safe-browsing tools, a VPN, a password manager, parental controls and LifeLock identity theft protection and fraud alert. While not all of those services are necessarily best in their respective class, getting them all in one package is a compelling option, especially if you need an antivirus and VPN service bundle.
For folks that don’t need Norton’s LifeLock protection, Norton 360 Deluxe offers many of the same antivirus features along with a VPN and password manager for $46 a month upfront ($120 upon renewal) and covers five devices. Or, you can grab the budget-friendly Norton 360 Standard which covers a single device for $34 in the first year and $95 per year on renewal.
Best antivirus for Windows
Bitdefender Ultimate Security
Bitdefender consistently earns top marks for its antivirus protection and usability from respected independent antivirus testing labs like the AV-Test lab. Bitdefender can extend this protection to all of your devices, with antivirus tools for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
The Bitdefender Ultimate Security plan includes antivirus software for up to 10 devices and a slew of other privacy and security tools, including a VPN, password manager, parental controls, email protection (for local email tools like Outlook), an autopilot tool to help you understand how secure your computer is, plus webcam protection. US users with a valid social security number can also get identity theft protection, including up to $2 million in identity theft insurance.
Additionally, you’ll get two performance-enhancing tools: a One-click Optimizer that aims to help you find ways to speed up your device and a Battery Mode tool for configuring how much power individual device functions use to improve the battery life of your laptop. However, it’s worth noting that these tools -- and the firewall protection offered by Bitdefender -- aren’t available for MacOS.
Bitdefender Ultimate Security costs $90 for the first year and $180 per year on renewal, with protection for up to 10 devices. Along with its Total Security offering, Bitdefender Ultimate Security includes a password manager, VPN and identity theft protection. For $80 a year ($160 on renewal), you can get Bitdefender Premium Security, with everything but identity theft protection -- we think the extra $10 is worth it for that feature. If you just want antivirus software, you can get protection for one device for $35 in the first year ($60 per year on renewal) -- or even grab the free version. But since most folks own multiple devices, we recommend Ultimate Security for comprehensive coverage.
Best for advanced customization
AVG Internet Security
AVG Internet Security offers excellent antivirus protection, with consistently high AV-Test rankings across all categories. AVG Internet Security is configured through an easy-to-use control dashboard, including comprehensive explanations of all features for newcomers. However, that doesn’t mean it’s only for beginners -- AVG Internet Security also offers advanced customization for a variety of settings, including the ability to enable auto-updates for specific apps and programs.
AVG Internet Security includes antivirus software with both scheduled auto-scans and manual scans, a web shield for blocking suspicious file downloads and webcam protection. You can get this protection for 10 devices for $59.88 in the first year and $100 a year on renewal.
Best malware removal service
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes protects your PC from viruses or malware attacks, scoring reasonably well in recent independent testing for guarding against malware threats -- but it’s primarily known for its ability to find and remove any malware that’s already found its way onto your computer.
You can get protection and disinfection for one device for $39 a year if you pay for two years up front ($45 per year after). To cover 10 devices -- any combination of Windows, MacOS and Android -- it's $130 for a year of antivirus software.
Other antivirus software to consider
In addition to the antivirus apps we recommend, a handful of other anti-malware tools are worth considering among the best antivirus protection if you find them at a better price or just prefer to use one over our picks above.
Avira Internet Security
Avira Internet Security provides high-quality antivirus software with consistently good results on AV-Test, plus a password manager and an automated update tool that will update and optimize all of your software and drivers. However, it doesn’t provide a VPN or other advanced privacy tools. Avira Internet Security also only offers plans for up to five devices -- and the five-device plan costs $97 a year ($172 total for two years if you choose a 24-month plan).
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Maybe this antivirus provider isn't as well known to consumers because of its focus on enterprise security, but Trend Micro antivirus security quietly brings its business expertise to the home with its Trend Micro Maximum Security tools. Trend Micro's software earns high marks from AV-Test -- consistently scoring well for detecting zero-day attacks and widespread viruses and malware. Trend Micro also does a good job of not taxing system resources.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
If you're looking for something easy to set up and use, ESET NOD32 antivirus may meet your needs. It earns high scores for usability and offers solid virus protection. A five-device option is available for as little as $60 for a year on the base package, with a five-device one-year plan on its mid-range Essential tier running $70. ESET NOD32 has a 30-day free trial so you can try before you buy.
How we test antivirus software
We're here to help you find the antivirus software that best fits your needs. These picks of the best antivirus programs are a combination of recommendations from independent third-party labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, as well as CNET's anecdotal hands-on testing.
Factors to consider
Picking the best antivirus software means finding one that keeps your PC or mobile device safe, doesn't consume a lot of system resources, is easy to use and stays out of the way until you need it. Here's what to look for.
Effectiveness
Antivirus software runs scans for known malware and can offer real-time protection. It can also watch for shady websites and suspicious links to keep you out of trouble. It can also offer ransomware protection and monitor unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new and not-yet-identified viruses and malware. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives.
You can determine an antivirus software’s effectiveness by looking at its detection rate in tests performed by labs like the AV-Test lab. None of this software is perfect -- malware is evolving all the time -- but you should look for software with an 80 to 90% detection rate.
Light on system resources
You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources, like RAM and CPU power. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download sluggishly, software opens leisurely or copying files takes longer than expected, you may want to try another service. The good news is that all of our picks offer a free trial or money-back guarantee to let you try out the antivirus program before you buy, so if your system feels bogged-down after installation, you may want to keep looking.
Cost and discounts
Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: You can trim your cost with smaller antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices rather than, say, 10. You may also find discounts on an app's Amazon page or at outlets like Best Buy.
During the purchase process, pay close attention to renewal costs. Most antivirus tools charge annual fees and only offer discounts for the first year (though you may be able to get a discount by paying for two years up front). These promotional prices might lead to you paying more -- sometimes as much as double the original amount -- for following years.
Bundled services
Antivirus software may come bundled with other security tools like a password manager and a VPN. Buying a security suite with all of these tools lets you manage everything from one account, saving you the hassle of managing multiple accounts -- and it can save you money, too.
However, the VPNs in these security bundles aren’t always the best tools available. You may want to purchase separate subscriptions or choose a VPN with antivirus if privacy is a major concern.
Privacy
To be effective, antivirus software needs to monitor what's going on with your PC, check in with company servers about unusual behavior and provide sound banking protection. The companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy. If you want to know more, the security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so you can read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share.
Protection for other platforms
Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. Android is second, with 0.15% of apps installed on Android devices (with Google Play Protect) in the potentially harmful app, or PHA, category as of January 2024.
The threat to MacOS and especially iOS is low, in part because of the tight control Apple has over its app stores. While Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and downloading files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices. Thankfully, you can stay safe when downloading apps by sticking with official app stores, reading reviews and consulting privacy policies.
Issues with Avast
In test after test, Avast Antivirus for Windows performed well for malware detection, with options ranging from Avast free antivirus software to Avast Premium Security. We've included its antivirus in our list of recommended security app options before.
However, early in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle charges that claimed the company had sold customer browsing information to more than 100 third parties from 2014 to 2020. Avast allegedly collected the data through browser extensions and antivirus software and sold the data through its Jumpshot subsidiary, the FTC claims. As part of the settlement, Avast is prohibited from selling or licensing any web browsing data for advertising purposes.
In response to the initial reports in 2020, then-Avast CEO Ondřej Vlček said in a statement that he understood that his company's actions raised questions of trust. To address that, Avast terminated Jumpshot data collection in January 2020 and closed its operations.
We hope the FTC actions mean that there will be no further Jumpshot-style activities and that Avast returns to glory as one of the best antivirus software options. Until then, we recommend using one of the many other solid choices in this realm (listed above).
Issues with Kaspersky
Let's talk about Kaspersky Lab, specifically about the 2024 federal ban, announced on June 20, prohibiting Kaspersky from directly or indirectly selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the US or to US citizens. This sweeping ban follows a more limited one in 2017 that prohibited Kaspersky software and services on federal government computers because of alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government.
Based in Moscow, Kaspersky Lab has for years produced some of the highest-rated antivirus software for business antivirus needs and home customers. Its software consistently earned top scores and awards for virus and malware detection and endpoint protection from independent testing labs.
“Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security and the American people," Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the official announcement of the ban.
In a statement, Kaspersky said it "does not engage in activities which threaten US national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted US interests and allies."
The Commerce Department recommends those who use Kaspersky software switch to replacement software from other security companies as soon as possible. To aid Kaspersky customers with the transition, Kaspersky will be allowed to provide antivirus updates to its software until Sept. 29, 2024, the department said.