Quick comparison
The products on this list side by side: our score, a highlight and a link to our full review.
| Product | Score | Highlight | Review |
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| 1Norton | 9.8Best Overall | Advanced antivirus protection for PC, Mac, Smartphones, and Tablets | Read review |
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| 2TotalAV | 9.5Great | Real-Time antivirus with daily virus definition updates | Read review |
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| 3Aura | 9.3Very Good | Get antivirus, VPN, and identity protection | Visit |
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| 4Webroot | 9.0Very Good | Cloud-based scanning that stays light on your device | Visit |
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| 5Guardio | 8.8Very Good | Blocks phishing and scam websites while you browse | Visit |
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| 6Bitdefender | 8.7Very Good | Multi-layered protection against ransomware | Read review |
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| 7Avast | 8.5Good | Earned top scores in Third-Party Lab Testing | Read review |
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| 8Avira | 8.4Good | Blocks and removes 100% of viruses and malware | Read review |
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Our picks in detail
A closer look at the products on this list, with what we like and what could be better.
Founded in 1991, Norton is one of the biggest names in the security business. It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated. It consistently tops our yearly ranking for its unbeatable detection rates and real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and other types of threats.
What we like
- Protects against all kinds of malware, viruses, spam, and more
- Detects and blocks phishing websites and suspicious emails
- Proactive protection with Smart Firewall + Intrusion Prevention System
What could be better
- Requires a little bit of learning curve for first-time users
- Limited reporting capabilities
More than 30 million users worldwide are using TotalAV, and here’s why. It offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and other online threats. It has one of the easiest interfaces to use and works on practically every device and operating system. It’s no surprise then that it has a consistently superb rating in TrustPilot, garnering 4.8 stars out of 5 from 77,566 reviews as of this writing. And it’s not just the users either.
What we like
- Easy to use: TotalAV antivirus has a user-friendly interface and is straightforward to install and set up.
- Good value for money: TotalAV antivirus offers a range of paid plans that are reasonably priced and include a range of features.
- Comprehensive protection: TotalAV provides a variety of security features to safeguard users from malware, network attacks, and other online threats.
What could be better
- Limited features in the free version: The free version of TotalAV antivirus includes only basic antivirus protection and does not include some of the more advanced features available in the paid versions.
- Mixed reviews: Some users have reported mixed results when using TotalAV antivirus, with some praising its effectiveness and others reporting issues with its performance.
Bitdefender is a well-respected and widely used cybersecurity company that offers a wide range of products and services to protect individuals, SME’s, and large enterprises from cyber threats. The company's products are known for their high level of protection against malware as well as their regular updates to protect against new threats.
What we like
- Real-time protection against all viruses and ransomware
- Regular updates to the software to protect against new threats
- Provides a feature not found in most antivirus software: parental control
What could be better
- Limited features on Mac compared to Windows
- The iOS app is a little underwhelming
Avast Antivirus is a robust cybersecurity tool that offers a range of protective features. From malware detection to real-time scanning, Avast is designed to safeguard your devices from online threats. It boasts a user-friendly interface suitable for beginners while offering advanced options for those seeking deeper customization. It is used by over 435 million users worldwide and prevents over 1.5 billion threats every month.
What we like
- Strong malware protection
- User-friendly interface
- Award-winning antivirus software
What could be better
- Some advanced features are available only with premium plans
- Occasional pop-up ads for additional products
Avira is a German antivirus solution with a long history that dates back to 1986. Today, it protects over 500 million devices worldwide. Users like it for its simplicity and extensive features that include a VPN, password manager, web and email protection, file shredder, software updater, PC optimizer, and more. Of course, the main draw is definitely its award-winning antivirus scanner and the new anti-ransomware feature.
What we like
- Cloud-based anti-malware engine
- Excellent real-time protection against malware, including ransomware and Banker Trojans
- Comes with a free browser extension that blocks phishing websites, infected popups, trackers, bloatware, and more
What could be better
- The backup module is a bit outdated
- There are numerous popup ads in the free version
What is spyware?
Spyware is software that secretly monitors what you do and sends the information to someone else. Common types include keyloggers that record what you type, information stealers that grab saved passwords and browser cookies, adware that tracks your browsing, and "stalkerware" installed on a phone by someone with physical access to it.
Warning signs
• Unknown apps, browser extensions, or toolbars
• Pop-ups or redirects you didn't see before
• A device that is suddenly slower, runs hotter, or uses more data or battery than usual
• Logins or password-reset emails you didn't request
How anti-spyware tools help
Real-time protection: blocks spyware before it installs, using known signatures and behavior monitoring.
Scans and removal: finds and quarantines spyware that is already on the device.
Web protection: blocks malicious sites and downloads, a common source of spyware.
Privacy tools: some products add webcam and microphone protection or alerts when your data appears in a breach.
What to look for
Check recent results from independent test labs such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, support for all of your devices, the impact on performance, and the renewal price, not just the first-year price. If you suspect someone you know has installed stalkerware on your phone, consider your safety before removing it, because removal may alert them.How we rank these products
Our scores are editorial opinions out of 10 and are reviewed regularly. We look at four things:
- Features what the product does and how well it does it.
- Ease of use setup, everyday use and how it works on a phone.
- Value for money prices, free plans or trials, and what each plan includes.
- Security and support how your data is handled and what help is available.
This site earns a commission from some of the providers listed, which can affect the order in which they appear.
Disclaimer
The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Software.fish does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.
