Best Antivirus Software
Antivirus and internet-security software to protect devices from malware and threats.
Read our ranked guide: Best Antivirus Software →We compare 5 antivirus tools. Bitdefender is our top pick at 4.6/5 (from $3/mo). Paid entry pricing is $3/mo. 1 offers a free tier.
Bitdefender consistently tops independent malware tests while staying light on system resources. Strong features and value across its Total Security tiers.
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.
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.
All antivirus tools compared
| # | Tool | Starts at | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitdefender Top protection with a light footprint | $3/mo | 4.6/5 | Performance-conscious users |
| 2 | Malwarebytes Lightweight malware & threat removal | Free | 4.5/5 | Users wanting simple cleanup |
| 3 | Norton 360 All-in-one security with VPN & backup | $3/mo | 4.4/5 | Families & individuals |
| 4 | Kaspersky Strong protection (with regional caveats) | $3/mo | 4.3/5 | Protection-focused users |
| 5 | McAfee Identity-focused security for many devices | $3/mo | 4.1/5 | Families with many devices |
How to choose antivirus tools
Best rated → Bitdefender
4.6/5 across 9,800 reviews. Best-in-class detection.
Best free option → Malwarebytes
Has a genuine free tier, so you can test before spending.
- Check whether pricing is per seat — it multiplies with team size.
- Headline prices usually assume annual billing; monthly costs more.
- Start on a free tier or trial before committing to a year.
- Confirm the integrations you already rely on are supported.
Popular comparisons in this category
Frequently asked questions
What is the best antivirus tool option?+
Bitdefender is our top-rated pick, scoring 4.6/5 and starting at $3/mo. Best-in-class detection The best choice still depends on budget and team size — see the ranked list above.
How many antivirus tools are compared here?+
We currently compare 5 antivirus tools on pricing, features, and ratings, averaging 4.4/5.
Are there free antivirus tools?+
Yes — 1 of the 5 here has a free tier: Malwarebytes.
How much do antivirus tools cost?+
Paid entry pricing here is $3/mo (Bitdefender). 1 option also offer a free tier.