Best Antivirus Software of 2024

Quality modern antivirus software needs to be more than just an antivirus: It needs to offer you complete, and robust protection. That’s what you get with our favorite solution. BitDefender Total Security combines a strong antivirus scanning and active monitoring tool with robust protection against ransomware. It’s affordably priced, too, with a free trial available so you can try it risk-free.

You do have to pay to protect multiple devices, as there’s no option for a single device. This isn't a problem for most people, however. BitDefender Total Security is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can manage all those devices from a central interface, making it great for installing on your kids’ devices, and the parental controls help you block harmful internet content from reaching them.

You don’t get much more "budget" than free, which is what you get with AVG Free Antivirus. It has a strong automated and manual scan antivirus solution, with live protections for your PC, Mac, or mobile device. It has Android and iOS applications and includes built-in email and web browsing protections across a range of apps and browsers.

It doesn’t have the advanced ransomware protection of some paid solutions, including AVG’s own, but it does block modifications of files from untrusted programs. You’ll get a few prompts to upgrade AVG while using certain features, like the system optimizer, but if you don’t mind clicking a few crosses now and again, AVG Free Antivirus will give you a robust layer of protection against a range of threats.

If you only want a tool for running occasional manual antivirus scans, or you want a robust antivirus program that has one of the best manual scanning tools in the industry, Malwarebytes Premium should be at the top of your list. It offers an excellent manual scan tool, outstanding real-time protection, and security against ransomware and phishing attacks.

The Premium package is missing a few advanced features like a firewall or identity protection (though you can pay more for those). Still, its per-device pricing is a welcome change from the bundled packages of other providers.

Our contributor, Jon Martindale, has used Malwarebytes Premium for several years himself and always found it a capable tool. When used in conjunction with Windows Defender, it offers robust protection against a wide range of web threats.

Staying safe online isn’t just about protecting your devices; it’s about protecting your identity, too. It’s all too easy for nefarious actors to steal your identity and pretend to be you on various sites and services, especially now with the growth of AI in malicious online activity. Norton 360 Select With LifeLock has the most robust identity protections of any antivirus software, including monitoring of your social media accounts, purchasing habits, online accounts and identities, and information on the dark web.

If Lifelock detects that you’ve been compromised, Norton can help you recover your identity, providing up to $ 1 million worth of insurance for legal costs and other proceedings should you need it. This can be extended to up to 10 devices on a single subscription, including your kids, who you can manage the devices of through the robust parental control system.

If you’re new to antivirus software or just want software that's easy to use and maintain, the Trend Micro Maximum Security suite is the best option for you. It includes a range of additional features, including a VPN and password manager. While they are a little barebones compared to the competition, this keeps them streamlined and simple. Much like the interface for the antivirus itself, which is one of the easiest and cleanest to navigate.

There’s comprehensive live protection, as well as fast and effective manual scanning if you want peace of mind that your system is absolutely clean right now. Its pricing is relatively affordable for this level of coverage, too, so you’ll get everything you need and then some, all in a neat and easy-to-use package.

Some people think Macs don't need antivirus software, but that's not true; macOS can be targeted by malware just like Windows. The best of the best antivirus software for Macs is Intego Mac Internet Security X9. It includes a pair of tools that together offer stalwart protection against viruses, malware, ransomware attacks, phishing, and direct hacking attempts. It combines a powerful firewall with excellent live protection and manual scanning for a complete antiviral solution.

There are a few missing advanced features in the base package like VPN and parental controls, but you can pay a little extra for those if you want them. You can also pay extra for Windows compatibility if you want to use Intego on your Mac and Windows devices, though it’s not necessary.

If you have an Android smartphone and want better antivirus protection than it comes with by default, the Eset Mobile Security Premium application is the best solution. It combines robust antivirus protection with anti-phishing and call filtering, making your experience of using your phone more secure and less disruptive.

The desktop version costs extra, but the per-device pricing is excellent, even if you do get better value by covering more devices on one subscription. There’s a free version too, if you want to try Eset out or just use it for its antivirus capabilities. The additional features are well worth paying for though, turning Eset into a robust antivirus tool.