Best Antivirus Software
The best antivirus and internet-security software, ranked on protection, performance, and value.
We ranked 5 picks for Antivirus Software. Bitdefender takes the #1 spot at 4.6/5 (from $3/mo). Paid entry pricing is $3/mo. 1 offers a free tier.
Our picks at a glance
Malwarebytes
Genuine free tier — test it before committing budget.
Bitdefender
4.6/5 across 9,800 reviews.
Bitdefender consistently tops independent malware tests while staying light on system resources. Strong features and value across its Total Security tiers.
Norton 360 bundles top-rated antivirus with a VPN, password manager, cloud backup, and dark-web monitoring. A comprehensive security suite for families and individuals.
Malwarebytes is renowned for cleaning up infections other tools miss, with a lightweight real-time protection layer. Great as a primary or second-opinion scanner.
The full ranking
| # | Tool | Starts at | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitdefender Top protection with a light footprint | $3/mo | 4.6/5 | Performance-conscious users |
| 2 | Norton 360 All-in-one security with VPN & backup | $3/mo | 4.4/5 | Families & individuals |
| 3 | Malwarebytes Lightweight malware & threat removal | Free | 4.5/5 | Users wanting simple cleanup |
| 4 | McAfee Identity-focused security for many devices | $3/mo | 4.1/5 | Families with many devices |
| 5 | Kaspersky Strong protection (with regional caveats) | $3/mo | 4.3/5 | Protection-focused users |
Side-by-side comparison
| Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Starting price | $3/mo | $3/mo | Free | $3/mo |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid | Freemium | Paid |
| API available | ||||
| Best for | Performance-conscious users | Families & individuals | Users wanting simple cleanup | Families with many devices |
| Top malware detection | ||||
| Low system impact | ||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||
| VPN (limited) | ||||
| Anti-phishing | ||||
| Real-time malware protection | ||||
| Secure VPN | ||||
| Password manager | ||||
| Cloud backup | ||||
| Dark-web monitoring | ||||
| Free malware scanner | ||||
| Real-time protection | ||||
| Ransomware shield | ||||
| Web protection | ||||
| Browser Guard | ||||
| Antivirus & firewall | ||||
| Unlimited devices (top tier) | ||||
| Identity monitoring | ||||
| VPN | ||||
| Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit |
What to look for in antivirus software
- Check whether pricing is per seat — it multiplies with team size.
- Headline prices usually assume annual billing; monthly costs more.
- Confirm the integrations you already depend on are supported.
- Start on a free tier or trial before committing to a year.
How we rank: we weigh user ratings, feature depth, pricing value, and fit for this specific use case — not rating alone. Rankings are updated as products and prices change, and affiliate relationships never affect the order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best antivirus software?+
Bitdefender is our #1 pick, rated 4.6/5 and starting at $3/mo. Best-in-class detection The full ranked list with pricing and trade-offs is above.
Is there a free antivirus software option?+
Yes — Malwarebytes offers a free tier, so you can start without paying.
What is the cheapest antivirus software?+
Paid pricing here starts at $3/mo (Bitdefender).
How did you rank these tools?+
Rankings weigh user ratings, feature depth, pricing value, and fit for this specific use case — not rating alone. We update them as products and prices change.