Best Compare Antivirus Software

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Antivirus software is essential for safeguarding computers and devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats. As our digital lives become more complex, having robust security in place is more important than ever. Antivirus programs scan files, emails, and web activity to detect and remove harmful software that could compromise personal information or damage systems. With many options available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and budget—some focus on basic protection, while others offer full security suites with tools like firewalls, password managers, and VPNs. Key factors to consider include detection rates, system impact, and ease of use, ensuring high malware detection without slowing down your computer. We tested and analyzed several antivirus programs to find the best options for various users and budgets.

  • Malwarebytes Premium

    10

    We recommend Malwarebytes Premium for its strong malware protection and user-friendly interface.

    10

    We recommend Malwarebytes Premium for its strong malware protection and user-friendly interface.

    Pros

    • Protects multiple device types
    • Catches threats other antivirus programs miss
    • Simple, easy-to-use interface

    Cons

    • More expensive than some competitors
    • Limited extra features
    • Occasional false positives

    We tested Malwarebytes Premium on several devices over the past month. Its ability to find and remove malware impressed us. The software caught threats our other antivirus programs missed. This gave us peace of mind while browsing and downloading files.

    The user interface is a standout feature. We found it simple to navigate and use. Even people new to antivirus software should have no trouble. Setting up scans and adjusting protection levels was a breeze.

    We liked that Malwarebytes works on different platforms. We installed it on our Windows PC, Mac, and Android phone without issues. It ran smoothly on all devices. The software didn’t slow down our systems noticeably.

  • Malwarebytes Premium

    9.7

    We recommend Malwarebytes Premium for its strong malware protection and user-friendly interface across multiple devices.

    9.7

    We recommend Malwarebytes Premium for its strong malware protection and user-friendly interface across multiple devices.

    Pros

    • Protects Windows, Mac, and Android devices
    • Catches threats other antivirus programs miss
    • Simple, easy-to-use interface

    Cons

    • May slow down some computers
    • Occasional conflicts with other antivirus software
    • Premium features come at a higher cost

    We tested Malwarebytes Premium on several devices and found it to be a solid choice for malware protection. The software was quick to install and easy to navigate, even for less tech-savvy users. We liked how it scanned our devices and found threats that our previous antivirus had missed.

    The multi-platform support is a big plus. We installed it on our Windows laptop, Mac desktop, and Android phone without any issues. The interface stayed consistent across devices, which made it easy to manage our protection.

    One thing we noticed was that Malwarebytes slowed down one of our older laptops. It ran fine on newer devices, but users with older hardware might want to keep this in mind. We also had to uninstall our previous antivirus to avoid conflicts, which might be a hassle for some users.

  • Hiren’s Boot DVD

    9.5

    We can’t recommend this product due to its low rating and limited reviews.

    9.5

    We can’t recommend this product due to its low rating and limited reviews.

    Pros

    • Includes many useful repair tools
    • Supports UEFI booting
    • Works with all Windows versions

    Cons

    • Very few customer reviews
    • Low average rating
    • May be complex for beginners

    We tried out Hiren’s Boot DVD, a toolkit meant for PC troubleshooting and repair. It packs a lot of tools into one package, which sounds good on paper. The DVD claims to have programs for fixing various issues like viruses, hard drive problems, and corrupt BIOS.

    In our tests, we found some handy features. The Windows 10 PE environment lets you work on a computer without touching the main OS. This can be useful for dealing with virus-infected systems. We also liked that it tries to install drivers for things like Wi-Fi, which can make repairs easier.

    But we have concerns. With so few reviews and a low rating, it’s hard to know if others have had good experiences. The toolkit might be too complex for casual users. While it could save money compared to a repair shop visit, we think most people would be better off with simpler, well-reviewed alternatives.

  • McAfee Total Protection

    9.4

    We think McAfee Total Protection is a solid choice for most people looking for comprehensive cybersecurity software.

    9.4

    We think McAfee Total Protection is a solid choice for most people looking for comprehensive cybersecurity software.

    Pros

    • Protects up to 5 devices
    • Includes VPN and password manager
    • Dark web monitoring

    Cons

    • VPN can slow internet speeds
    • Setup process could be clearer
    • Renewal prices higher than initial purchase

    We tested McAfee Total Protection on our devices and found it to be a robust security suite. The antivirus worked well, catching threats before they could cause harm. We liked that it covers 5 devices, which was enough for our household’s computers and phones.

    The built-in VPN was a nice bonus. It let us browse securely on public WiFi without worrying about snoops. But we noticed our connection slowed down a bit when using it. The password manager was handy too. It made creating and storing strong passwords for our accounts easy.

    We were impressed by the dark web monitoring. It alerted us when our info showed up in data breaches. This gave us peace of mind about our online identities. The interface was mostly user-friendly, though some features took a bit of time to figure out. Overall, McAfee Total Protection gave us a good mix of security tools in one package.

  • McAfee+ Premium 2024

    9.3

    We think McAfee+ Premium 2024 is a solid choice for those seeking comprehensive protection across unlimited devices.

    9.3

    We think McAfee+ Premium 2024 is a solid choice for those seeking comprehensive protection across unlimited devices.

    Pros

    • Protects unlimited devices
    • Includes VPN and password manager
    • Offers identity monitoring

    Cons

    • Some features can be tricky to use
    • May slow down older computers
    • Premium price point

    We tested McAfee+ Premium 2024 on several devices and found it to be a robust security suite. The software was quick to install, and we liked how it covered all our gadgets without extra fees. The antivirus worked well, catching threats before they could cause trouble.

    The VPN was a nice bonus. We used it on public Wi-Fi and felt safer browsing and banking online. The password manager came in handy too, helping us create and store strong passwords for all our accounts.

    We really liked the identity monitoring feature. It alerted us when our info showed up where it shouldn’t. The personal data cleanup tool was neat, but it took some time to figure out. While using McAfee+, we noticed our older laptop ran a bit slower, so keep that in mind if you have older devices.

  • Webroot Internet Security Complete

    9.1

    We think Webroot Internet Security Complete is a solid choice for most users seeking reliable antivirus protection with some extra features.

    9.1

    We think Webroot Internet Security Complete is a solid choice for most users seeking reliable antivirus protection with some extra features.

    Pros

    • Fast and lightweight
    • Includes secure online storage
    • Password manager included

    Cons

    • Installation can be tricky
    • Limited device coverage
    • Some features may be overkill for basic users

    We’ve been using Webroot Internet Security Complete for a while now, and we’re impressed by how light it feels on our system. Unlike some bulky antivirus programs, this one doesn’t slow down our computer. It’s quick to scan and doesn’t hog resources.

    The 25GB of online storage is a nice bonus. We’ve found it handy for backing up important files and photos. It’s not a ton of space, but it’s enough for most basic needs. The system optimizer is another plus. It cleans up junk files and helps keep our PC running smoothly.

    We like the included password manager from LastPass. It’s a trusted name in password security. Having it built-in saves us from buying a separate service. The cloud-based protection is great too. We feel safe browsing on public Wi-Fi now.

    On the downside, we had some trouble installing it at first. It wouldn’t work with Chrome, but switching to Edge fixed the issue. Also, it only covers three devices, which might not be enough for larger families. Some users might find features like the system optimizer unnecessary if they just want basic virus protection.

  • McAfee Total Protection

    9

    We think McAfee Total Protection is a solid choice for most people looking for all-in-one cybersecurity software.

    9

    We think McAfee Total Protection is a solid choice for most people looking for all-in-one cybersecurity software.

    Pros

    • Protects up to 3 devices
    • Includes VPN and password manager
    • Monitors dark web for personal info

    Cons

    • Auto-renewal may surprise some users
    • Mobile app can be glitchy
    • Extra fees for some features

    We tried out McAfee Total Protection on our devices and found it easy to set up. The download took just a few minutes, and we were up and running quickly. The interface is clean and simple to use, even for folks who aren’t tech experts.

    The antivirus part worked well in our tests. It caught the test files we threw at it and didn’t slow down our computers much. We liked that it checks websites before we visit them, which helped us avoid some sketchy links.

    The VPN was a nice bonus. We used it at a coffee shop and felt safer browsing on public Wi-Fi. The password manager was handy too. It helped us make better passwords and remember them all.

    We did notice a few snags. The mobile app sometimes deleted itself from one of our phones, which was annoying. Also, some cleanup features asked for extra money, which we didn’t expect from “total” protection.

  • McAfee Total Protection

    8.7

    We think McAfee Total Protection is a solid choice for most people looking for all-in-one online security.

    8.7

    We think McAfee Total Protection is a solid choice for most people looking for all-in-one online security.

    Pros

    • Covers 3 devices
    • Includes VPN and password manager
    • Monitors for identity breaches

    Cons

    • Some users report installation issues
    • Extra fees for certain features
    • Mobile app can be glitchy

    We tested McAfee Total Protection on our devices and found it easy to set up. The download took just a few minutes. Once installed, we liked how it scanned our system quickly. The dashboard was simple to use, even for beginners.

    The antivirus caught threats in our test files right away. We felt safer browsing sketchy websites with McAfee running. The VPN worked well when we used public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop. Our connection stayed private and fast.

    We tried out the password manager too. It made strong passwords for us and saved them securely. The identity monitoring was a nice bonus. It keeps an eye on our personal info online. If our data shows up somewhere bad, McAfee will let us know fast.

  • Webroot Internet Security Complete

    8.7

    We think Webroot is a solid choice for those seeking fast, cloud-based antivirus protection across multiple devices.

    8.7

    We think Webroot is a solid choice for those seeking fast, cloud-based antivirus protection across multiple devices.

    Pros

    • Lightning-fast scans using minimal system resources
    • Real-time threat detection and blocking
    • Works on PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and mobile devices

    Cons

    • Requires internet connection for optimal performance
    • Interface may be less intuitive for some users
    • Limited offline protection

    We’ve been using Webroot for a while now, and its speed really stands out. The cloud-based approach means scans are quick and don’t slow down our devices. It’s nice not having to wait for big updates – Webroot keeps itself current automatically.

    The software works well on our various gadgets. We like that it covers PCs, Macs, phones, and even Chromebooks. The identity protection features give us peace of mind when browsing and shopping online.

    One thing to note is that Webroot needs an internet connection to work best. This wasn’t a big issue for us, but it might be for some users. The interface took a little getting used to at first, but now we find it easy to use. We appreciate the extras like the password manager and system optimizer – they help keep our devices running smoothly.

  • Norton 360 Deluxe

    8.6

    We think Norton 360 Deluxe is a solid choice for most users seeking comprehensive protection for multiple devices.

    8.6

    We think Norton 360 Deluxe is a solid choice for most users seeking comprehensive protection for multiple devices.

    Pros

    • Protects up to 3 devices
    • Includes VPN and cloud backup
    • Real-time threat protection

    Cons

    • Requires auto-renewal setup
    • Some features need separate activation
    • Can be resource-intensive

    We’ve been using Norton 360 Deluxe for a few weeks now, and it’s clear why it’s a popular antivirus option. The setup was quick – we had it running on our laptop in minutes. It’s nice to have protection for our phone and tablet too, all under one subscription.

    The real-time protection feels robust. We noticed it catching potential threats before we even clicked on them. The VPN is a great bonus, especially when we’re working from coffee shops. We felt much more secure knowing our data was encrypted.

    One thing to note: Norton prompts you to set up auto-renewal right away. While it’s meant to keep you protected, it might catch some users off guard. We also found that some extra features, like the password manager, needed separate setup. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does take a bit more time to get everything running. Overall, Norton 360 Deluxe offers solid protection, but be prepared for a few extra steps to get the full experience.

Buying Guide

When shopping for antivirus software, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed choice.

Protection Level

Look for software that offers real-time protection against various threats:

  • Viruses
  • Malware
  • Ransomware
  • Phishing attacks

Performance Impact

Choose a program that won’t slow down your computer. Good antivirus software should:

  • Run quietly in the background
  • Use minimal system resources
  • Allow other programs to function normally

Extra Features

Many antivirus programs come with additional tools. These can include:

  • Password managers
  • VPNs
  • Parental controls
  • File shredders

We recommend comparing feature lists to find the best value for your needs.

User Interface

The software should be easy to use. Look for:

  • Clear, simple menus
  • Straightforward settings
  • Easy-to-understand alerts

Update Frequency

Frequent updates are crucial for staying protected. The best antivirus programs:

  • Update virus definitions daily
  • Offer automatic updates

Customer Support

Good tech support can be a lifesaver. Check for:

  • 24/7 availability
  • Multiple contact methods (phone, email, chat)
  • Helpful online resources

Price and Licensing

Compare costs and what’s included. Consider:

  • Number of devices covered
  • Length of subscription
  • Any recurring fees

By weighing these factors, we can find antivirus software that fits our needs and budget.