These are the best antivirus programs for your Windows PC
The best antivirus software can help keep your Windows computers protected against malware and other cyber threats. Although Microsoft’s Windows Defender may be enough to keep your PC virus free, it just can’t match the extra features included with paid antivirus software.
All of the Windows antivirus programs on this list have their own malware-detection engines but it’s the features that justify the extra price. An antivirus company may offer a free program, a basic paid one, a midrange program with additional features and finally a high-end product with all of the bells and whistles in a similar vein to one of the best internet security suites. However, you can also get Mac antivirus software and Android antivirus apps alongside them as well.
These are the best antivirus programs we’ve tested and reviewed, along with the best free antivirus software halfway down this page.
The best antivirus software you can buy today
1. Norton 360 Deluxe
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-theft: No Backup software: Yes Firewall: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: No Webcam protection: Yes VPN: Unlimited
REASONS TO BUY
+Excellent malware protection +Parental controls, backup software, online storage, password manager, webcam protection, unlimited VPN +LifeLock identity protection with top tiers
REASONS TO AVOID
– Heavy slowdown during full scans – Can get expensive
Norton’s antivirus products provide robust protection against malware, with a significantly reduced impact on system performance compared to the past. While the range of additional features varies across programs, Norton 360 Deluxe stands out as the optimal choice. This package encompasses a versatile password manager compatible with major platforms, unlimited VPN service, dark-web personal-data monitoring, parental controls, and up to 50 GB of online storage.
Alternatively, Norton 360 Premium and Norton 360 Platinum offer increased online storage and extend antivirus and VPN coverage to 10 and 20 devices, respectively. For those seeking comprehensive identity protection, Norton presents three bundles incorporating various levels of LifeLock service and additional online storage. Although the subscription prices reach triple digits, they remain more cost-effective than purchasing identity protection, password management, cloud-backup storage, and antivirus software separately.
It’s worth noting that Norton lacks certain features such as a file shredder, file encryption, or a secure web browser in any of its products. However, all-encompassing digital protection services are included in at least some of its bundled offerings, differentiating Norton from other top antivirus software providers.
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-theft: No Backup software: No Firewall: No Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: Yes Webcam protection: No VPN: Limited upsell Virtual keyboard: Yes Wi-Fi scanner: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+Very good malware protection +Lots of useful extra features +Light system impact with active scans
REASONS TO AVOID
– Heavy background system impact
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus stands out as our preferred option among entry-level antivirus solutions. It boasts excellent malware-detection scores, with active scans that have minimal impact on the system’s background processes, albeit with a slightly hefty background load.
What sets it apart is its exceptional value, featuring a secure browser with a virtual keyboard, a Wi-Fi network scanner, a file shredder, protection against encrypting ransomware, and Bitdefender’s web-privacy software. These are typically premium features found in more expensive antivirus packages.
For those seeking additional features, the midrange Bitdefender Internet Security includes parental controls, webcam protection, and a two-way firewall. Moving up the ladder, Bitdefender Total Security incorporates an anti-theft feature for laptops, a system optimizer, and licenses for Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android.
A step further, Bitdefender Premium Security essentially mirrors Total Security but includes unlimited VPN usage, a cross-platform password manager, and priority tech support.
For families, the most cost-effective option is the Bitdefender Family Pack, offering Total Security protection for up to 15 devices at a discounted rate of $120 per year.
3. Kaspersky Total Security
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-theft: No Backup software: Yes Firewall: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Yes Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: Yes Webcam protection: No VPN: Limited upsell Virtual keyboard: Yes Wi-Fi scanner: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+Excellent malware protection +Stalkerware protection +Password manager, parental controls
REASONS TO AVOID
– Limited VPN usage – Microphone protection hard to enable
Kaspersky’s Windows products exhibit impressive scores in detecting malware and demonstrate a moderate impact on system performance, both crucial factors in our evaluations. The basic offering, Kaspersky Anti-Virus (starting at £12.49 UK/$29.99 US), provides specialized protection against ransomware, a virtual keyboard, and a user-friendly online account portal. However, it falls short compared to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which offers a more extensive set of features.
Our preferred choice among midrange packages is Kaspersky Internet Security (£17.49 UK/$39.99 US). It features a secure browser, anti-theft safeguards for laptops, webcam protection, and a VPN client with limited usage that activates when connected to open Wi-Fi networks. This package also includes software for macOS, Android, and iOS.
For a comprehensive antivirus solution, Kaspersky Total Security (£19.99 UK/$44.99 US) goes a step further by incorporating backup software, parental controls, file encryption, a file shredder, and an unlimited password manager.
4. McAfee
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-theft: No Backup software: No Firewall: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Parental controls: No Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: Yes Webcam protection: No VPN: No Virtual keyboard: No
REASONS TO BUY
+Protects lots of machines for cheap +Password manager included +Improving malware protection
REASONS TO AVOID
– Very heavy performance hit – No parental controls on mid-priced tier
McAfee’s ability to detect malware has significantly improved over the last few years, though it still falls short of being the absolute best. However, the basic McAfee AntiVirus Plus is a cost-effective option, priced at $60 annually, providing software for up to 10 (effectively unlimited) devices running Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. This package includes a file shredder and a two-way firewall.
For features such as parental controls or a top-tier password manager, users will need to invest in McAfee Total Protection or its counterpart, McAfee LiveSafe, commonly found pre-installed on many new PCs. The multi-device licenses for these security suites also include an identity protection service. Notably, none of the McAfee products offer a secure browser or webcam protection, features often included in other premium antivirus programs.
The highest-tier option, McAfee Total Protection Ultimate, goes further by providing unlimited VPN service with no restrictions. Hardcore PC gamers might find value in McAfee Gamer Security, priced at $60 annually, offering lightweight protection for a single gaming rig.
5. Trend Micro Maximum Security
SPECIFICATIONS
Backup software: No Firewall: No Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Yes Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Webcam protection: No VPN: Yes Virtual keyboard: No
REASONS TO BUY
+Very good malware protection +Secure browser, password manager +Dark Web scans
REASONS TO AVOID
– Heavy performance hit during scans – False positives on some tests
Trend Micro provides strong security measures, although its malware-detection engine can impose a significant system load during scans and may yield a notable number of false-positive results.
The basic package, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, comes with fundamental tools and features a secure web browser. Moving up to the mid-range, Trend Micro Internet Security incorporates parental controls, a system optimizer, and a file shredder.
For enhanced features, Trend Micro Maximum Security includes a password manager, a secure browser, and file encryption. The latest addition, Trend Micro Premium Security, goes further by introducing a VPN and monitoring personal data on the dark web.
It’s worth noting that none of Trend Micro’s programs offer a two-way firewall or webcam protection, features commonly found in other midrange offerings from competing brands. Additionally, the premium product lacks cloud storage or backup software, features that some leading antivirus brands include as extras in their flagship packages.
6. ESET Smart Security Premium
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-theft: Yes Backup software: No Firewall: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Yes Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Webcam protection: Yes VPN: No Virtual keyboard: No
REASONS TO BUY
+Very good protection +File encryption, hardened browser, webcam protection +Remarkably little system-performance impact
REASONS TO AVOID
– Lacks file shredder or VPN – Can get expensive
ESET stands out as a major antivirus brand in Europe, renowned for its minimal impact on system performance and swift scanning capabilities. While its initial malware-detection performance was average, recent laboratory tests have shown significant improvement.
The basic ESET NOD32 Antivirus is user-friendly but lacks additional valuable features. ESET Internet Security, on the other hand, includes webcam protection, parental controls, a browser-hardening extension, and licenses for ESET security software on Mac, Android, and Linux devices.
For advanced features like file encryption and a password manager, users can opt for the premium ESET Smart Security Premium. However, it does not include a VPN client, backup software, or a file shredder.
ESET employs a per-device pricing model, making it convenient for users with a few devices to safeguard. Nevertheless, for users with a higher device count, the cumulative costs of ESET’s services can become significant.
7. Sophos Home Premium
SPECIFICATIONS
Anti-theft: No Backup software: No Game mode: No Hardened browser: No Parental controls: Yes Password manager: No Ransomware rollback: Yes Webcam protection: Yes VPN: No Virtual keyboard: No Wi-Fi scanner: No
REASONS TO BUY
+Inexpensive +Encrypts keyboard data +Useful online management console
REASONS TO AVOID
– So-so malware protection – Lacks VPN, password manager, file shredder
Sophos Home Premium efficiently performs its functions by providing cost-effective protection against malware at a budget-friendly rate. Derived from Sophos’ enterprise software designed for business users, this security suite may lack some advanced features found in other packages, such as a password manager, identity theft protection, or VPN service.
However, Sophos Home Premium focuses on essential features, including ransomware rollbacks, webcam defenses, and safeguards against keyloggers, malicious websites, as well as boot-sector and fileless malware. Additionally, it includes a web-filter system for parental control and an online management console for adjusting various settings.
While some users may seek more extensive offerings in an antivirus suite, those who prefer a straightforward, just-the-basics approach will find value in Sophos Home Premium.