The best Antivirus software (2024)

Since the advent of personal computers there exist malicious forces working to undermine our personal and electronic security.

Hackers, phishers, spammers, scammers, and loads of unsavory characters work hard to steal our personal information, turn our computers into ghost machines, and just break stuff.

So it’s continuously paramount that we use some sort of software designed for our protection, like one of these antivirus programs.

Each of these antivirus software programs provides a similar service to the next: protecting our devices and identities from malicious forces.

Because as much as some of us like to think we’re amateur-hour security experts, scammers have become more advanced and skilled than ever before.

So it’s integral to our personal safety and computer health that we suck up our pride and utilize the best antivirus software of 2024.

Best Antivirus software of 2024

Best Overall

There’s a reason Norton 360 is one of the most popular and well-known antivirus software packages on the market.

It consistently defeats threats with a high level of success, using heuristic analytics and machine learning to murder the most advanced malware out there.

Plus it’s packed with features such as a firewall, password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, ransomware protection, and so much more.

The dark web monitoring is a nice touch. We might never enter the shadow world, but our personal data might. Norton 360 keeps it personal, private, and secure.

Best for Windows

Whelp, it goes without saying that if you have a Windows PC, you have one of the most competent but annoying antivirus programs out there in Windows Security.

Built into every new copy of Windows, Security does a nominal job of protecting your PC. It’s no slouch, but it’s not a feature-rich antivirus program.

Windows Security does offer real-time protection, and regular updates itself, slogging your RAM as it does so. But it’s a small price to pay (nothing) for moderate protection without paying a premium.

It’s worth mentioning that Windows Security used to be called Microsoft Defender, but was rebranded as Defender is now the name of the security product included with Microsoft 365.

Best for Mac

If you are a macOS person, then you’ll need an antivirus program specifically optimized for macOS and that’s Intego.

Intego is designed to take Apple’s built-in security features to the next level with real-time monitoring, Mac optimization tools and backup options, and toggle boxes for network security.

One standout feature is the customizable smart firewall. This ensures that no matter where you are working on your Mac, you are getting the best protection possible.

Intego does offer a Windows antivirus scanner, but it’s a pale imitation of the Mac version.

Best for anti-phishing

Ironically, McAfee’s image is used just as much on malicious websites as phishing spam as it works to protect against it. Don’t let that put you off though, as those sites are fraudulently using the logo to trick you.

The antivirus package is one of the best in the industry. McAfee’s best features is its protection against phishing and web-based trojan attacks. Basically, if you have McAfee installed, you never have to fret when browsing even the most sus sites.

The subscription package can get a bit expensive, but McAfee also offers some of the most comprehensive parental controls on the market.

There’s also a Wi-Fi scanner, especially helpful if you are constantly hooking up with rando Wi-Fi networks ya dawg.

Best free antivirus

While Malwarebytes does have a comprehensive subscription plan with the normal features you’d find in an antivirus software, the free version is where it’s at. While you have to run it on-demand, you can use the free version literally forever.

The free version of Malwarebytes is one of the best ways to quickly remove viruses and malware from your PC. That’s not because it’s free, but because it has a constantly up-to-date database of the latest malware and is quick and easy to use.

Simply download, install, ignore the subscription buttons, and clean your PC of the crap you accidentally downloaded.

Best for businesses

Trend Micro has a lot of customization options, which is why it’s popular for enterprise-level protection. IT managers can adjust permissions and features based on organizational needs, and it works with the most popular operating systems.

It’s really robust in the password protection arena, with 256-bit AES encryption, unlimited password storage, password generation, and two-factor authentication. While Trend Micro might not be the most well-known antivirus software, it’s still offers enough for consideration.

Best extra features

Panda’s VPN isn’t that great, but that’s a small thing in its sea of extra features. There’s a free plan that offers basic virus protection for Windows and Android, but the subscription plan offers advanced ransomware protection, password manager, parental controls, and a file encrypter.

But the best feature that Panda includes is its Rescue Kit. This is a bootable version that resides on a USB drive, just in case your computers gets obliterated by a virus. That’s much cheaper than scrapping your PC and starting over.

Best free trial

Sophos Home is a consumer-facing version of its enterprise-level malware protection software.

Its free version is fairly robust, offering supreme malware protection. Web pages packed with malware stand no chance against Sophos Home’s malware protection.

It’s all in how Sophos Home functions, as it shuts down threatening processes when active, and then automatically reverts data. Plus, it actively blacklists websites known for dumping malware on computers, mitigating risk.

Best for online banking

While Kaspersky is a Russian company, it is more focused on capitalism than anything else.

Plus, with its safe money secure browser, anti-phishing protection, smart home monitor, and unlimited VPN, it’s one of the best pieces of security software for online banking and random financial transactions.

Kaspersky has a dangerous site protection feature and an antivirus engine that keeps itself constantly updated.

While you might fear the call is coming from within the house, Kaspersky has done nothing but competently protect consumers from viruses for its entire existence.

Best budget

Bitdefender has two things that set it apart from it competitors. First, it has one of the most advanced antivirus engines backed by a killer malware database, AI detection, and machine learning.

Second, it has one of the best subscription tiers in its Total Security plan, which comes in less in cost than other services.

However, that plan doesn’t include a VPN, but the next tier does and it’s a nice VPN, comparable to standalone products. If you are have a budget for your protection, Bitdefender can save you a few bucks without sacrificing features.

Best for mobile

The reason Avira is best for mobile is the same reason its best for old computers running Windows XP, it’s a very lightweight program.

This is because its antivirus engine lives in the cloud, rather than in temp files on your PC. You don’t have to download anything of substance.

Plus, it’s packed with system optimization tools such as a startup optimizer, game booster, and junk file cleaner.

That junk file cleaner really comes in handy because while they may not be virus-laden, junk files still take up space and slow things down. Avira also has clean apps for your mobile devices, so you can keep those tiny computers virus-free.

Best bundled VPN

TotalAV has all the stuff you’d look for in antivirus software, including a web shield that prevents you from even accessing scary websites.

But where it really stands out, as far as an antivirus software, is with its bundled VPN. It’s as good as or better than some standalone VPNs, and is totally secure and works with streaming sites. Plus it’s fast, which some VPNs struggle with.

Additionally, TotalAV has a nice password product called Total Password that provides an encrypted box to store all your passwords and private data.

And there’s even a tool to remotely log you out of all your accounts on any device, a nice touch for an antivirus software.

Things to consider when procuring antivirus software

1. Price

Many of the antivirus programs here list “subscription” under cost. That’s because many have tiered pricing, based on different features like adding a VPN or monthly vs. annual billing.

But the gist is that you should ask yourself before balking at $19.99, what’s the price you’d put on your personal computing security?

How much would you pay to ensure your identity isn’t stolen and your computer isn’t secretly used for doing crimes?

2. Features

Many antivirus software packages are just that. They are much more than antivirus protection. They offer password protection, dark web monitoring, VPN services, malware scanning, and so on.

There’s no reason to get more than what you need. So if you don’t need ten licenses, or enterprise protection, or a password locker, don’t spend the money. Buy the software and plan that contains the features you need.

3. Operating system compatibility

While most antivirus programs work with Windows and Mac, some are better suited for particular operating systems. Especially when it comes to mobile OS like Android or iOS, and Chrome.

Pick the software that optimizes your security for your operating system, or install Linux. Your call.

Final thoughts on the best antivirus software of 2024

As we keep moving forward with technology, as do the spammers, hackers, and phishers. Basic trojan horse viruses are a thing of the past (though still used) and the daily threats we face just turning our computers on compound every single day.

Considering how much we spend annually on subscription services for entertainment and content, it’s a small thing to spend much less on software to protect that freedom.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

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