'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
While today's OS defenses are better than they were a decade or so ago, it's still useful to have standalone, dedicated antivirus software for your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile devices. This allows you to run real-time scans if you think you might be infected with malware like ransomware, Trojans, and worms. The kind of protection you can expect from antivirus software today goes far beyond basic, signature-based scanning.
Antivirus software, such as those on offer by Bitdefender, Norton, Malwarebytes, and Avast, can also provide you with real-time online monitoring that warns you when you visit a phishing website. These programs also alert when your sensitive information and passwords have been leaked in new data breaches. They may also offer a VPN to protect your online communication and activity, and can even help clean up your devices, wiping away junk and legacy files. For our August 2026 update, we reviewed our top picks and updated our guide to include new features, new use cases, and pricing. We also answered more of your frequent questions concerning antivirus software.
Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
Best personal data removal service deals of the week
What is the best antivirus right now?
Our overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security. This multi-platform software protects your personal data, including passwords and financial details. It handles advanced security threats and stops them from wreaking havoc on your system, all for $30 per year. We also recommend Norton's affordable solution for users who need a highly rated antivirus for a single device at $30 per year. ESET Protect is our pick for business customers.
Also: The best free antivirus software in 2026
ZDNET's security experts conduct hands-on testing to determine which software effectively detects and handles viruses and other malware without dragging down your central processing unit (CPU) or system performance. We also consider feedback from other security professionals, third-party reviewers, and customer experiences, such as Trustpilot reviews, to select the best antivirus software for mitigating cyber threats.
Best antivirus software and apps of 2026
Our overall pick for the best antivirus of 2026 is Bitdefender Total Security.
Why we like it: Bitdefender is a well-known and trusted brand in the antivirus space. The antivirus solution is lightweight and won't hog your CPU, and it is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
This software protects your personal data, such as passwords or financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your device.
Also: Best remote access software
Beyond detecting and blocking malware, rootkits, and ransomware, the software also spots phishing attempts, prevents invasive third-party data tracking, and stops unauthorized microphone or webcam access. As a bonus, subscribers can use the built-in virtual private network (VPN) to secure their online traffic.
We also appreciate that the team behind this antivirus is actively involved in cybersecurity. They consistently publish research on cyber threats and develop ransomware-decryption tools.
Who it's for: Customers appreciate Bitdefender's ease of use and strong protection. It's best suited for standard users who want the comprehensive package and don't want to exert too much control over the software.
Also: Bitdefender vs. Malwarebytes: Which antivirus is best?
Bitdefender's plans are on sale, including the Antivirus Plus plan for $30 (one account, three devices). Total Security and Premium plans are also available with a discount.
You can also opt for Bitdefender's free, albeit limited, antivirus solution.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a dedicated VPN which isn't limited or granular controls over your antivirus protection, take a look at our other recommendations.
Bitdefender Total Security features: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS compatibility | Free and premium antivirus software available | Business offerings | Mobile apps | VPN | Anti-phishing protection | Free premium trial (30 days) | Customer support options: live chat, email, phone | Trustpilot: 4.2
Norton Antivirus Plus protects one device -- whether your PC, Mac, tablet, or phone -- in real time from threats like malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Why we like it: Antivirus Plus is Norton's basic antivirus solution, but the description of "basic" shouldn't put you off. It includes threat protection and monitoring, threat scanning, a firewall, 2GB of cloud backup storage, and a free password manager.
While AV-Test evaluations focus on Norton's premium product, Norton 360, it does earn great scores across the board.
Who it's for: Norton Antivirus Plus is very affordable, especially if you only need to protect one device. Customers praise Norton for its reliable protection, strong security scores, and solid support, noting that the product provides a lot of value.
An annual subscription costs just $30 for the first year, or you can pay $40 per year to cover five devices.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want more advanced support for additional devices, including dark web monitoring, a VPN, or parental controls, you should opt for one of Norton's more robust plans. Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, or Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus range from $40 to $100 per year.
While Norton Antivirus Plus is a low-cost option upfront, some customers are less than impressed with the price increases after promotional periods.
Also: Best free software uninstallers
Norton Antivirus Plus features: Real-time threat protection | Firewall | Vulnerability scanning | Password manager | Cloud backup | VPN | PC and mobile compatibility | Virus protection | AI-based scam protection | 60-day money-back guarantee | Trustpilot: 4.7
If you are browsing our recommendations in hopes of finding a secure, trustworthy free option, one of our favorites is Avira.
Why we like it: Most antivirus programs offer a free tier that is essentially a stripped-down version of their paid version. That's not the case with Avira Free Security. Honestly, it almost feels like it should be called Avira Free Premium, given how much you get at no cost.
At its core, this is a highly efficient malware scanner. The impact on your computer is minimal, using only a small percentage of CPU resources. After a scan, the software provides a clear overview of system problems, such as leftover registry entries and tracking cookies. The free version can clean up some of these items, although certain optimization features are reserved for the paid version. What really sets Avira apart is the number of extra tools. Users get a performance optimizer, a battery saver for laptops, a VPN, and a password manager.
Who's it for: Avira Free Security is a great option for people who want strong malware protection without paying for a subscription. Because it's so lightweight, it is particularly well-suited for midrange and older PCs that can't afford to run heavy security suites.
Who should look elsewhere: While Avira includes many extra features, they're not the strongest implementation. The built-in VPN, for example, is nice to have, but it can significantly slow down your connection speed. During testing, even something as simple as opening YouTube took nearly a minute to complete with the VPN enabled.
Avira Free Security features: Scans device for viruses and malware | Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS | Real-time, scheduled, and manual scans | Password manager | Phantom VPN | File cleaner | Junk cleaner | System Speedup | Trustpilot rating: 4.6
Surfshark consistently ranks as one of our top VPNs, especially considering its affordability. The company also includes antivirus protection in its mid- and top-tier bundles.
Why we like it: The AV runs quietly in the background and performs real-time scans to keep you safe from online threats. Surfshark offers real-time and scheduled malware scans to protect your device from all types of threats. It also includes webcam protection to block unauthorized access to apps and websites.
A subscription covers multiple devices, and the product is compatible with Windows, Android, and macOS. AV-Test rates Surfshark highly for protection and usability. We also like that you have other tools to keep your data private and your devices secure, in addition to antivirus protection, including access to Incogni data removal.
Who it's for: Surfshark is most often associated with VPNs, but if you are looking for a lightweight AV bolt-on for this type of privacy tool, Surfshark One might be for you. You'll get a lot of useful features in one package, including ID masking, data breach alerts, and a secure VPN.
Customers like Surfshark as a solid VPN that demonstrates good value and have positive experiences with customer support.
Also: Surfshark VPN review
Surfshark One costs $2.79 per month for the first two years and includes antivirus plus privacy features like a VPN, data breach alerts, and email masking. You can also subscribe to Surfshark One+ for $4.49 per month.
This adds data removal services from Incogni, which deletes your information from company databases and people search sites. Three months of free access are included with these subscriptions.
Who should look elsewhere: Surfshark's antivirus is available only as an add-on, not as a standalone product, so if you don't want or need additional privacy and security features, you may prefer specific AV software.
Surfshark One features: Package options | Solid VPN | Alternative ID | Data breach alerts | Privacy-focused search engine | Scheduled scans | Webcam protection | Data breach alerts | Masked email generator | Trustpilot rating: 4.3
ESET Protect is one of our top choices of antivirus programs for small- to medium-sized businesses.
Why we like it: ESET has trusted security solutions to meet a range of organizational needs.
Plans for businesses include protection for multiple devices, endpoint defense, encryption, file protection, cloud-based monitoring for new threats, app protection, mail security, full disk encryption, and multi-factor authentication, depending on the tier you select.
The company also utilizes AI and has adopted a multilayered approach to its solutions, focusing on reducing the attack surface for ransomware, phishing, and vulnerability exploitation.
Also: Best password managers for business
Who it's for: ESET Protect is a solid choice for organizations that want centralized cybersecurity features for their servers and networks, with tools for specific business needs as well as options to add extended detection and response support. On-prem or cloud options are also available.
Business customers note that ESET offers excellent background protection and is a good value for the price.
ESET provides customizable plans for organizations of all sizes with a variety of add-ons. Entry-level, out-of-the-box plans start at $211 per year for five devices and include antivirus and anti-phishing protection. Higher tiers come with additional features, with pricing for enterprise plans that include managed detection and response service available upon request. You can add up to 100 devices when purchasing an ESET package online.
Who should look elsewhere: ESET Protect is specifically for small and midsize businesses, though ESET does have solutions for consumers and enterprise customers.
ESET Protect features: Custom plans | Discounts for longer subscriptions | Prevention-first approach | Endpoint defense | AI | Multi-factor authentication | File security | Cloud app protection | Management interface | MDR | Home plans available | Trustpilot: 4.3
McAfee is a well-established name in antivirus software. It offers bundles that include protection from viruses and malware, as well as security and privacy tools such as a VPN and password manager.
Why we like it: McAfee offers antivirus protection for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Chromebooks with real-time, scheduled, and manual scans for all kinds of malware.
It also includes a password manager, VPN, and dark web monitoring service, so you can keep your credentials safe and stay aware of any online information leaks that could compromise your identity or accounts. McAfee consistently scores highly on independent measures from AV-Test.
Also: Best VPNs for torrenting
Who it's for: McAfee Plus is a good choice for purchasing antivirus protection for a large number of devices, especially if you'll use the additional features. Customers say McAfee's protection is solid and worth the price, and the company's antivirus solutions are considered beginner friendly.
McAfee's cheapest plan, Essential, costs $40 for the first year and supports up to five devices. You can also pay $50 for one year of McAfee Plus Premium, which covers an unlimited number of devices. It also includes features such as data cleanup, social privacy management, and identity monitoring and alerts. The Advanced tier, priced at $90 for the first year, includes identity theft coverage and credit monitoring.
Cheaper one-year subscriptions can be found on Amazon, with the cheapest currently available for only $26.
Who should look elsewhere: McAfee's one-year subscription is a good deal, but renewal prices are steep and may not offer the most value unless you're on a higher-tier plan. Some customers find the renewal process challenging, and frequent pop-ups can be a nuisance. Many of the firm's low Trustpilot reviews relate to auto billing and payments.
McAfee Total Protection features: Antivirus protection | Dark web monitoring | VPN | Password manager | Firewall | File shredder | Suspicious website alerts | Text scam detection (mobile) | Protection scores | Identity monitoring | Trial available | Trustpilot rating: 1.3
Is antivirus software necessary in 2026, or is a built-in option enough?
No antivirus software is completely effective, just as no software is completely invulnerable to attack. It's best to pair reputable antivirus software with other security measures, such as VPNs, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication, to protect yourself.
Extra protection is helpful on most devices you are likely to own. Arguably, threats in the Apple ecosystem are rarer, so you are less likely to need a dedicated antivirus program if you have default protections enabled. This still doesn't mean Apple's XProtect is invulnerable to an attack.
Today's most significant threats tend to attack businesses and organizations rather than home in on individuals. However, real-time threat protection against phishing websites, malicious links, and drive-by downloads, as well as warnings when attempting to visit insecure domains, is always helpful. You might also benefit from add-on features that antivirus programs provide beyond basic system scans.
We also need to consider how artificial intelligence is beginning to change the threat landscape. AI is being abused and weaponized to conduct automated, brute-force attacks, generate malicious code, and create deepfakes, among other applications. Antivirus software can't prevent these attacks, but vendors are increasingly using AI to enhance threat detection systems.
Should I pay for antivirus software?
You don't necessarily have to pay for antivirus software. Indeed, many of us simply rely on the default protections provided by our PC or mobile operating systems, and we might also download standalone antivirus software as an additional security layer.
Many free antivirus options offer excellent security and provide you with more peace of mind without impacting your annual budget. However, you should keep in mind that free antivirus programs may offer limited protection, as they may only function for a limited time, like a premium trial, and may not provide the same advanced security features as paid alternatives.
Also: Why you don't need to pay for antivirus software anymore | The best free antivirus software: Expert tested
What is the best antivirus software?
Best antivirus software | Price | Free plan | Malware protection | Phishing protection |
Bitdefender Total Security | Plans start at $30 per year | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Norton Antivirus Plus | Plans start at $30 per year | No | Yes | Yes |
Avira Free Security | Free (paid available) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark One | Plans start at $2.79 per month | No | Yes | Yes |
ESET Protect | Plans start at $211 per year | No | Yes | Yes |
McAfee Plus | Plans start at $40 per year | No | Yes | Yes |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary by retailer and may be subject to promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which is the right antivirus software for you?
Choose this antivirus software... | If you want... |
Bitdefender Total Security | The best antivirus software overall. Bitdefender provides impressive performance at an affordable price. Bitdefender can be a bit slow to set up, but once it's ready, the antivirus is unobtrusive and alerts you only as necessary. |
Norton Antivirus Plus | A budget-friendly antivirus solution. If you only need to protect one device and you want to spend as little as possible, Norton's basic plan is all you need, but it also provides a range of features that make this option great value for money. |
Avira Free Security | The best free antivirus program. It comes chock-full of useful tools, from a VPN to a password manager and performance optimizer. |
Surfshark One | A lightweight, real-time scanning AV solution for use with a VPN. If you want an affordable VPN for daily use with additional antivirus protection, consider this bundle. |
ESET Protect | A business-friendly antivirus option. You can choose between SMB entry, advanced, and complete plans, as well as enterprise solutions. Many customers online say ESET Protect is a valuable cybersecurity tool, and home solutions are available, too. |
McAfee Plus | Protection for multiple devices with additional features. The bolt-on password manager, VPN, and dark web monitoring are valuable security features to have, and so it might suit users who want an all-in-one solution. |
Factors to consider when choosing antivirus software
When selecting new antivirus software, you should consider:
- Device support: Many antivirus solutions support a variety of devices. Consider whether you want to protect your PC or mobile device, for example, and check that plans will cover more than one machine. Free antivirus software will usually protect only one device, and you may end up paying for multi-device protection.
- Protection: Research the protection on offer, including whether the software can protect you against threats such as ransomware, Trojans, and spyware. Phishing detection, too, as one of the most prevalent security issues today, should be on your checklist.
- Compatibility: Some antivirus solutions don't play well with others, so you may encounter compatibility issues. Check for potential issues with existing AV software before making a purchase decision -- and while uncommon, this may include clashes with your operating system.
- Price: There are free, lightweight options that can handle day-to-day protection, but they are unlikely to offer additional support, and they most likely will only cover one device. If you opt for a paid plan, choose one suitable for your budget.
- Subscriptions: Be aware of any price hikes that may occur after promotional periods, which tend to be 1 or 2-year terms. You may also have to pay for the full term upfront, plus tax.
- Additional features: You may want a solution that provides additional advanced features, such as a bundled VPN, a dark web scanner, a data breach notification service, or insurance.
- Resource use: Antivirus products vary in resource usage, so check whether your machine will struggle with the extra workload. Apps tend to be optimized for modern mobile devices, but some older PCs may not work well with every antivirus option.
How did we choose these antivirus software and apps?
When we tested, reviewed, and selected the best antivirus software solutions, we considered the following factors, including:
- Antivirus, security features: There are many threats out there, from malware to phishing, so we look for the best antivirus protection and features available to protect your online activity, whether you are using your PC or smartphone. Features may include email attachment checks, malicious website and dark web data breach alerts, VPNs, and identity monitoring.
- Real-time scanning: We like to see real-time scans as a feature of modern antivirus software, as we consider this imperative to modern security. This feature ensures you are warned when threats emerge or when you accidentally download a malicious file.
- Performance: Features mean nothing if the antivirus app or software does not have the power or performance to back it up. It is important to look for antivirus software and apps that not only attack existing threats but also prevent you from facing new ones.
- Accessibility: Antivirus software has been available for some time, and there are now numerous mobile antivirus apps available as well. Consider how you would best like to access your antivirus program and what mobile requirements there may be.
- Artificial intelligence: We like to see the inclusion of new technologies, including AI-based threat detection tools.
- Price: The best antivirus programs do not always charge the highest fees, and several cybersecurity firms offer free versions, but with limited features. Consider your budget when you are trying to find the best antivirus protection. If you're not sure if an antivirus software package is worth subscribing to, think about signing up for a trial first, when possible.
Support: As with any software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. I like to see antivirus solution providers with a range of customer support channels.
Latest news on antivirus software in 2026
- Nearly 800 malicious packages were published to the npm registry as part of a new malware campaign distributing a RAT and infostealer payload.
- Suisun City, California, declared a state of emergency in August after malware disrupted 911 calls, police and fire dispatch and other crucial city systems.
- A financially motivated cybercriminal group tracked by Microsoft as Storm-1175 began deploying a new ransomware strain called StormEncryptor.
- A report from Security.org says the most commonly used antivirus programs for the second year in a row are Microsoft Defender, McAfee, and Norton.
- Microsoft researchers sounded the alarm on multiple new phishing campaigns by an unknown actor. These campaigns utilize fake meeting invitations, invoices, and counterfeit PDF attachments to deliver malware.
FAQs on antivirus software
How big a threat is cyber crime in 2026?
Very big. According to cybersecurity and compliance company VikingCloud, cybercrime could cost businesses as much as $15.63 trillion by 2029. It's not far-fetched to call cybercrime an existential threat.
A big part of that is the rise of generative AI and LLMs (large learning models) in the past few years. It has given cybercriminals, antagonistic countries, and bad actors new ways to develop malware. For example, back in 2024, HP threat researchers discovered a new campaign targeting people with malware they believed was generated by generative AI. According to the report, the malware's structure indicates the use of a GenAI model.
And that's just one instance. You can find other reports online revealing that AI has been used to automate cyberattacks. It's scary stuff. In response, cybersecurity companies and developers have begun using the same technology for antivirus programs. SentienlOne's Singularity platform uses AI models to defend systems.
What is the main drawback of antivirus software?
One of the main drawbacks of antivirus software and apps is the computing resources they require. You may find that some antivirus software could drain your resources and slow down your system. This is especially apparent when real-time threat scanners, an important aspect of protection, are in use. That said, vendors have vastly improved resource requirements and this is less of an issue compared to a decade ago.
What types of security threats are there?
Viruses are not the only thing that antivirus programs protect against. There are also worms that attack your device and attempt to spread across networks. In addition, trojans appear to be safe programs, but they will lurk on your device and attempt to steal your account and financial information.
You often find viruses, worms, and trojans hidden within seemingly legitimate software. If you are downloading pirated content, you are also putting yourself at risk of accidentally executing malware on your machine.
Ransomware is also a serious threat to consumers and businesses today. Modern antivirus programs are often able to stop it before it encrypts your machine and demands a ransom payment in return for a decryption key.
Spyware might be disguised as software executables or mobile apps and can severely impact your privacy. Spyware will monitor your activities and collect your data, and in cases of stalkerware, may also log your phone calls, text messages, social media activity, and GPS location.
Antivirus apps and programs also protect against adware that can track your web history and bombard you with pesky, potentially dangerous ads or notifications. Also, while not usually dangerous, nuisanceware can slow down your device, drain its battery, and make it nearly impossible to browse the internet normally.
Keep in mind that many variants of malware today are not limited to attacks against PCs. Malicious software can also be found in seemingly benign mobile apps.
Are there cyber threats that antivirus doesn't protect you from?
No antivirus software is 100% invulnerable to cybercriminals. Software, and any form of digital infrastructure, can be susceptible to zero-day exploits, tampering, and vulnerabilities due to misconfiguration or accidental insider threats.
However, a robust antivirus program can be a step in the right direction toward creating a solid foundation for your security and privacy. Default operating system (OS) security solutions are certainly helpful, but dedicated antivirus programs can go further. The software can protect you from malicious websites, phishing attempts, and surveillance with additional firewalls, password managers, multifactor authentication controls, and VPNs.
It's also possible that your computer or browser could be infected with adware, which can be bundled with legitimate software. Adware, if you don't know, is a type of online tracker that follows your every move. To get rid of any lingering adware, we recommend installing Malwarebytes' AdwCleaner.
Norton Vs McAfee vs Kaspersky: Which antivirus is best?
Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky are reputable antivirus vendors that frequently contribute to the cybersecurity community through threat research and advisories.
Norton: Norton often earns higher protection scores and AV ratings than many competitors, and it is backed by solid customer feedback. Its more extensive feature set also appeals to a large customer base.
McAfee: Generally speaking, McAfee is a better all-rounder for beginners, with a simpler format, user interface, and a set-and-forget nature.
Kaspersky: Kaspersky Anti-Virus has long been considered an excellent antivirus program, but in 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) branded Kaspersky a national security risk, and the Commerce Department banned the use of its software in the US. This means that if you are using the company's antivirus software in the US, it's unlikely you will receive any updates.
Despite this, Kaspersky continues to work with agencies outside the US, including Interpol, to detect and combat cybercriminal schemes.
What built-in antivirus features do Windows PCs and Mac use?
Modern Windows PCs include Windows Defender anti-malware software as standard, whereas Apple's macOS includes XProtect, its built-in antivirus software introduced in 2009. Updates, including antivirus signatures and security patches, are frequently released for both antivirus solutions.
Still, I recommend signing up for an antivirus solution, regardless of whether you use a Microsoft or Apple device. There's no harm in adding an extra layer of protection, especially if you often encounter phishing attempts or handle valuable, sensitive data.
Is Windows Defender good enough?
For many users, the answer is yes. Microsoft's basic Windows security has greatly improved over the past decade, and if you're only using your PC for daily browsing and general tasks, it has enough protection. However, you'll be missing out on a lot of the more advanced features now available through antivirus software -- phishing protection, dark web alerts, password management, a VPN, and, arguably, stronger protection against modern threats.
What is the best free antivirus?
Whenever you are looking for a free antivirus product, take great care to download and execute software only from a trusted source. It's one of the oldest cybercriminal tricks in the book: Offer free antivirus software with all the bells and whistles, push it up search engine rankings, and then hide malware such as information stealers or ransomware within.
Some of our favorite antivirus software providers that offer free plans are Bitdefender, Avira, Malwarebytes, and ESET.
What does an antivirus cost per year?
Typically, you should expect to pay between $30 and $60+ per year for antivirus software. It's usually the case that you will pay once per year, plus tax, but some companies allow for monthly subscriptions -- even though you will need to agree to a fixed contract period. Free antivirus solutions are also out there, but they will be limited in terms of device coverage and security features.
Latest updates
- August 2026: In ZDNET's August update, we reviewed our top picks and updated our guide to include new features, new use cases, and pricing. We also answered more of your frequent questions concerning antivirus software.
- March 2026: In ZDNET's March update, we added the Avira Free Security program to the main list and updated some of the advice pieces following it.
- February 2026: In ZDNET's February update, we updated plan and pricing information and added the latest news related to antivirus software.
- August 2025: In ZDNET's August update, we updated plan and pricing information, made editorial and layout changes, and noted the latest news impacting the antivirus market.
Alternative antivirus software and apps
Trend Micro Antivirus+ offers robust but cheap protection for one device, starting at $20 for an annual plan. This software is compatible with Windows, and other options are available for iOS and Android. Ransomware protection is included, and a free trial is also available.
ESET Home Security Essential is an excellent alternative if you want antivirus protection and advanced security features for your day-to-day activities. In addition to antivirus protection, ESET's package includes payment protection, browser security, and extras to protect your smartphone.
Plans start at $35 per year.
Malwarebytes provides a flexible antivirus solution with rapid threat scans for only $45 per year. Protection includes a virus scanner, malware protection, phishing protection, and ad blocking. There's also a free tool that works as a secondary scanner. At the time of writing, a yearly subscription that protects five devices is on sale at Amazon for $40.
We hope this guide helps you decide on what antivirus software is right for you. If you want to explore more, check out our guides on the best malware removal services, the best antivirus protection for Windows, and the best free antivirus software.