Choosing the best antivirus software means finding one that keeps your computer or mobile device safe, doesn't use up 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 scans for known malware and can offer real-time protection. It can also watch for suspicious websites and suspicious links to keep you out of trouble. It can also offer ransomware protection and monitor for unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new and as-yet-unidentified viruses and malware. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives.
You can determine the effectiveness of antivirus software by looking at its detection rate in tests performed by laboratories such as AV-Test Lab. None of this software is perfect — malware is being developed 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 computer's resources, such as RAM and CPU power. If after installing the program, websites open slowly, applications download slowly, software opens easily, or file copying takes longer than expected, you may want to try a different service. The good news is that all of our picks offer a free trial or money-back guarantee to let you try the antivirus before you buy, so if your system feels stuck after installation, you might want to keep looking.
Costs and discounts
Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check the company's website for discounts. Another way to save: you can cut costs with smaller antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices instead of, say, 10. You can also find discounts on the app Amazon page or at outlets such as Best buy.
During the buying process, pay close attention to renewal costs. Most antivirus tools charge annual fees and offer discounts only for the first year (although you may be able to get a discount by paying two years in advance). These promotional prices can lead to you paying more — sometimes even double the original amount — for years to come.
Package services
Antivirus software may come bundled with other security tools such as password manager and a VPN. Buying a security suite with all 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 packages 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 computer, report unusual behavior to company servers, 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 learn 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
Many modern computers come with built-in antivirus software — Microsoft Defender for Windows 10 and 11, X-Protect for Mac — and that's enough for some users. However, you may want to invest in one of the antivirus tools listed here for added protection, especially if you store sensitive files on your computer and/or rely on it for your income.
Microsoft is far away the biggest goal for viruses and malware. Android is secondwith 0.15% of apps installed on Android devices (with Google Play Protect) in the Potentially Harmful App or PHA category from January 2024.
The threat to MacOS and especially iOS is low, in part because of the tight control Apple has over its app stores. Although Macs have been attacked via sideloaded apps, it's rare, and if you only download apps from the Mac and iOS app stores and are careful when clicking links and downloading files, you should be fine without an antivirus app on Apple devices. Fortunately, you can be safe when downloading apps by sticking to official app stores, reading reviews and consulting privacy policies.
Avast problems
In test after test, Avast Antivirus for Windows performed well for malware detection, with options ranging from Avast Free Antivirus to Avast Premium Security. We've previously included its antivirus in our list of recommended security app options.
However, at the beginning of 2024, The Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle charges that alleged the company 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 alleged. As part of the settlement, Avast is prohibited from selling or licensing any web browsing data for advertising purposes.
In response to initial reports in 2020, Avast's then-CEO Ondrzej Vlcek said in a statement that he understood that his company's actions raised questions of trust. To address this, Avast stopped Jumpshot's data collection in January 2020 and shut down its operations.
Hopefully, the FTC's actions mean that there will be no further Jumpshot-style action 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 area (listed above).
Problems with Kaspersky
Let's talk about Kaspersky Lab, specifically Federal ban from 2024issued on June 20, prohibiting Kaspersky from directly or indirectly selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the United States or to American citizens. This sweeping ban follows a more limited one in 2017 that banned Kaspersky software and services from federal government computers because of alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government.
Headquartered in Moscow, Kaspersky Lab has been producing some of the highest rated antivirus software for the needs of business antivirus and home customers for years. Its software constantly earn top marks and awards for virus and malware detection and endpoint protection from independent testing labs.
“Russia has repeatedly demonstrated that it has the ability and intent to use Russian companies, such as Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive information from the United States, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the national security of The United States and the American people. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an official announcement about the ban.
In the statementKaspersky said it “does not engage in activities that threaten US national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection against various threat actors that have targeted US interests and allies.”
The Commerce Department recommends that those using Kaspersky software switch to replacement software from other security companies as soon as possible. To help Kaspersky customers with the transition, Kaspersky will be allowed to provide antivirus updates to its software until September 29, 2024, the department said.