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 It's a veteran, for sure, but clearly not outdated.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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is antivirus software, and do I need it?
Antivirus software scans files, downloads, and websites to detect and remove malware such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, and trojans. Modern products also watch how programs behave, so they can stop threats that have never been seen before.
Every computer and phone needs some protection. Windows includes Microsoft Defender, and macOS, iOS, and Android have built-in safeguards. A third-party security suite adds layers such as web and phishing protection, a firewall, a VPN, a password manager, or identity monitoring, all managed from one app.
What are the risks of going without antivirus protection?
An unprotected device is easier to compromise through infected downloads, malicious email attachments, and fake websites. Possible consequences include:
- Stolen passwords and identity theft
- Files locked by ransomware
- Loss of personal photos, documents, or business data
- Fraudulent access to bank or shopping accounts
- A slow or unstable computer caused by hidden malware
- Your device being used to send spam or attack others
Which features should I look for in an antivirus program?
Start with the essentials, then add the extras you will actually use.
Essentials:- Real-time malware and ransomware protection
- Web and phishing protection
- Automatic updates and scheduled scans
- Low impact on system performance
- Apps for all your devices (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad)
Useful extras: - Firewall
- VPN
- Password manager
- Parental controls
- Identity or dark web monitoring
- Cloud backup
Results from independent labs such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives are a good way to compare detection rates.
Is free antivirus software enough?
For basic protection, it often is. Microsoft Defender, built into Windows, provides real-time malware protection at no extra cost, and several vendors offer free versions of their products. Free tools usually leave out extras such as ransomware rollback, a VPN, a password manager, identity monitoring, multi-device coverage, and priority support, and some show frequent upgrade prompts. A paid suite makes the most sense if you want those features, protect several devices or family members, or prefer one app that manages everything.
Will antivirus software slow down my computer?
Usually not noticeably. Modern antivirus programs run in the background and do much of their analysis in the cloud, so everyday tasks like browsing, office work, and streaming are rarely affected. Full system scans can use more resources, which is why most products let you schedule them for idle times. Independent labs such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives publish regular performance tests, which are a useful way to compare how much each product affects a typical computer.
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.
