Computer Software

The Best Antivirus

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Protecting your digital life is paramount in today's interconnected world. With cyber threats constantly evolving, selecting a robust antivirus solution is crucial for safeguarding your personal information and devices from malware, viruses, and other online dangers. A reliable antivirus provides peace of mind and ensures a secure browsing experience.

SaleNo. 1
McAfee Total Protection 3-Device | AntiVirus Software 2026 for Windows PC & Mac, AI Scam Detection, VPN...
  • DEVICE SECURITY - Award-winning McAfee antivirus, real-time threat protection, protects your data, phones, laptops, and tablets
  • SCAM DETECTOR - We'll automatically identify risky texts, emails, and videos that attempt to steal your personal or financial information. You can even use our mobile app to check social messages and QR codes for scams on-demand, without missing a beat.
  • SECURE VPN – Secure and private browsing, unlimited VPN, privacy on public Wi-Fi, protects your personal info, fast and reliable connections
  • IDENTITY MONITORING – 24/7 monitoring and alerts, monitors the dark web, scans up to 60 types of personal and financial info
  • SAFE BROWSING – Guides you away from risky links, blocks phishing and risky sites, protects your devices from malware
  • SUBSCRIPTION AND AUTO-RENEWAL NOTICE: Subscription automatically renews annually to provide hassle-free protection. A payment method is required to complete activation, but don't worry, you won't be charged at that time.
  • You will be charged 30 days before the subscription ends and annually thereafter at the renewal price applicable. We will remind you 30 days before you are charged. Cancel any time from your 'My Account' page by logging in to mcafee.com.
  • PASSWORD MANAGER – Creates complex passwords for you, stores passwords for each account, auto-fills your credentials
  • 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT – available by phone or chat, helpful articles, helps troubleshoot
  • INSTANT CODE DOWNLOAD - Digital code and activation instructions will be emailed to you after purchase
SaleNo. 2
Norton 360 Deluxe, Antivirus software for 5 Devices with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam...
  • ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 5 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
  • ADVANCED AI-POWERED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online and in text messages. With the included Genie AI-Powered Scam Protection Assistant, guidance about suspicious offers is just a tap away.
  • VPN HELPS YOU STAY SAFER ONLINE Help protect your private information with bank-grade encryption for a more secure Internet connection.
  • DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found
  • REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
  • 50 GB SECURE PC CLOUD BACKUP Help prevent the loss of photos and files due to ransomware or hard drive failures.
  • PRE-PAID SUBSCRIPTION A payment method must be stored in your Norton account to activate.* You won’t be charged until the prepaid term ends. For new Norton subscriptions only at an introductory price.
  • AUTO-RENEWAL Never have a service disruption since this subscription auto-renews annually. If you do not wish to renew, you can cancel in your Norton account at any time.
No. 3
McAfee Total Protection Unlimited-Devices | AntiVirus Software 2026 for Windows PC & Mac, AI Scam Detection...
  • DEVICE SECURITY - Award-winning McAfee antivirus, real-time threat protection, protects your data, phones, laptops, and tablets
  • SCAM DETECTOR - We'll automatically identify risky texts, emails, and videos that attempt to steal your personal or financial information. You can even use our mobile app to check social messages and QR codes for scams on-demand, without missing a beat.
  • SECURE VPN – Secure and private browsing, unlimited VPN, privacy on public Wi-Fi, protects your personal info, fast and reliable connections
  • IDENTITY MONITORING – 24/7 monitoring and alerts, monitors the dark web, scans up to 60 types of personal and financial info
  • SAFE BROWSING – Guides you away from risky links, blocks phishing and risky sites, protects your devices from malware
  • SUBSCRIPTION AND AUTO-RENEWAL NOTICE: Subscription automatically renews annually to provide hassle-free protection. A payment method is required to complete activation, but don't worry, you won't be charged at that time.
  • You will be charged 30 days before the subscription ends and annually thereafter at the renewal price applicable. We will remind you 30 days before you are charged. Cancel any time from your 'My Account' page by logging in to mcafee.com.
  • PASSWORD MANAGER – Creates complex passwords for you, stores passwords for each account, auto-fills your credentials
  • 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT – available by phone or chat, helpful articles, helps troubleshoot
  • INSTANT CODE DOWNLOAD - Digital code and activation instructions will be emailed to you after purchase
No. 4
Bitdefender Total Security 2026 – Complete Antivirus and Internet Security Suite – 5 Devices | 1 Year...
  • SPEED-OPTIMIZED, CROSS-PLATFORM PROTECTION: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows (Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11), Mac OS (Yosemite 10.10 or later), iOS (11.2 or later), and...
  • SAFE ONLINE BANKING: A unique, dedicated browser secures your online transactions; Our Total Security product also includes 200MB per day of our new and improved Bitdefender VPN
  • ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Real-Time Data Protection, Multi-Layer Malware and Ransomware Protection, Social Network Protection, Game/Movie/Work Modes, Microphone Monitor, Webcam Protection, Anti-Tracker, Phishing, Fraud, and Spam Protection, File Shredder...
  • ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING: Your product-specific code is printed on a card and shipped inside a protective cardboard sleeve. Simply open packaging and scratch off security ink on the card to reveal your activation code. No more bulky box or hard-to-recycle...
SaleNo. 5
McAfee Total Protection 3-Device | 15 Month Subscription with Auto-Renewal | AI Scam Detection, AntiVirus...
  • DEVICE SECURITY - Award-winning McAfee antivirus, real-time threat protection, protects your data, phones, laptops, and tablets
  • SCAM DETECTOR - We'll automatically identify risky texts, emails, and videos that attempt to steal your personal or financial information. You can even use our mobile app to check social messages and QR codes for scams on-demand, without missing a beat.
  • SECURE VPN – Secure and private browsing, unlimited VPN, privacy on public Wi-Fi, protects your personal info, fast and reliable connections
  • IDENTITY MONITORING – 24/7 monitoring and alerts, monitors the dark web, scans up to 60 types of personal and financial info
  • SAFE BROWSING – Guides you away from risky links, blocks phishing and risky sites, protects your devices from malware
  • SUBSCRIPTION AND AUTO-RENEWAL NOTICE: Subscription automatically renews annually to provide hassle-free protection. A payment method is required to complete activation, but don't worry, you won't be charged at that time.
  • You will be charged 30 days before the subscription ends and annually thereafter at the renewal price applicable. We will remind you 30 days before you are charged. You can cancel any time from your 'My Account' page by logging in to mcafee.com.
  • PASSWORD MANAGER – Creates complex passwords for you, stores passwords for each account, auto-fills your credentials
  • 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT – available by phone or chat, helpful articles, helps troubleshoot
  • INSTANT CODE DOWNLOAD - Digital code and activation instructions will be emailed to you after purchase
SaleNo. 6
Norton 360 Premium, Antivirus software for 10 Devices with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam...
  • ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 10 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
  • ADVANCED AI-POWERED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online and in text messages. With the included Genie AI-Powered Scam Protection Assistant, guidance about suspicious offers is just a tap away.
  • VPN HELPS YOU STAY SAFER ONLINE Help protect your private information with bank-grade encryption for a more secure Internet connection.
  • DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
  • REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
  • 75 GB SECURE PC CLOUD BACKUP Help prevent the loss of photos and files due to ransomware or hard drive failures.
  • PRE-PAID SUBSCRIPTION A payment method must be stored in your Norton account to activate.* You won’t be charged until the prepaid term ends. For new Norton subscriptions only at an introductory price.
  • AUTO-RENEWAL Never have a service disruption since this subscription auto-renews annually. If you do not wish to renew, you can cancel in your Norton account at any time.
SaleNo. 7
Norton 360 Deluxe, Antivirus software for 3 Devices with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam...
  • ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 3 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
  • ADVANCED AI-POWERED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online and in text messages. With the included Genie AI-Powered Scam Protection Assistant, guidance about suspicious offers is just a tap away.
  • VPN HELPS YOU STAY SAFER ONLINE Help protect your private information with bank-grade encryption for a more secure Internet connection.
  • DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
  • REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
  • 25 GB SECURE PC CLOUD BACKUP Help prevent the loss of photos and files due to ransomware or hard drive failures.
  • PRE-PAID SUBSCRIPTION A payment method must be stored in your Norton account to activate.* You won’t be charged until the prepaid term ends. For new Norton subscriptions only at an introductory price.
  • AUTO-RENEWAL Never have a service disruption since this subscription auto-renews annually. If you do not wish to renew, you can cancel in your Norton account at any time.
SaleNo. 8
McAfee Total Protection 5-Device | AntiVirus Software 2026 for Windows PC & Mac, AI Scam Detection, VPN...
  • DEVICE SECURITY - Award-winning McAfee antivirus, real-time threat protection, protects your data, phones, laptops, and tablets
  • SCAM DETECTOR - We'll automatically identify risky texts, emails, and videos that attempt to steal your personal or financial information. You can even use our mobile app to check social messages and QR codes for scams on-demand, without missing a beat.
  • SECURE VPN – Secure and private browsing, unlimited VPN, privacy on public Wi-Fi, protects your personal info, fast and reliable connections
  • IDENTITY MONITORING – 24/7 monitoring and alerts, monitors the dark web, scans up to 60 types of personal and financial info
  • SAFE BROWSING – Guides you away from risky links, blocks phishing and risky sites, protects your devices from malware
  • SUBSCRIPTION AND AUTO-RENEWAL NOTICE: Subscription automatically renews annually to provide hassle-free protection. A payment method is required to complete activation, but don't worry, you won't be charged at that time.
  • You will be charged 30 days before the subscription ends and annually thereafter at the renewal price applicable. We will remind you 30 days before you are charged. Cancel any time from your 'My Account' page by logging in to mcafee.com.
  • PASSWORD MANAGER – Creates complex passwords for you, stores passwords for each account, auto-fills your credentials
  • 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT – available by phone or chat, helpful articles, helps troubleshoot
  • INSTANT CODE DOWNLOAD - Digital code and activation instructions will be emailed to you after purchase
No. 9
Webroot Antivirus Software 2026 | 3 Device | 1 Year Download for PC/Mac
  • POWERFUL, LIGHTNING-FAST ANTIVIRUS: Protects your computer from viruses and malware through the cloud; Webroot scans faster, uses fewer system resources and safeguards your devices in real-time by identifying and blocking new threats
  • IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION: Protects your usernames, account numbers and other personal information against keyloggers, spyware and other online threats targeting valuable personal data
  • REAL-TIME ANTI-PHISHING: Proactively scans websites, emails and other communications and warns you of potential danger before you click to effectively stop malicious attempts to steal your personal information
  • ALWAYS UP TO DATE: Webroot scours 95% of the Internet three times per day including billions of web pages, files and apps to determine what is safe online and enhances the software automatically without time-consuming updates
SaleNo. 10
McAfee Total Protection 1-Device | AntiVirus Software 2026 for Windows PC & Mac, AI Scam Detection, VPN...
  • DEVICE SECURITY - Award-winning McAfee antivirus, real-time threat protection, protects your data, phones, laptops, and tablets
  • SCAM DETECTOR - We'll automatically identify risky texts, emails, and videos that attempt to steal your personal or financial information. You can even use our mobile app to check social messages and QR codes for scams on-demand, without missing a beat.
  • SECURE VPN – Secure and private browsing, unlimited VPN, privacy on public Wi-Fi, protects your personal info, fast and reliable connections
  • IDENTITY MONITORING – 24/7 monitoring and alerts, monitors the dark web, scans up to 60 types of personal and financial info
  • SAFE BROWSING – Guides you away from risky links, blocks phishing and risky sites, protects your devices from malware
  • SUBSCRIPTION AND AUTO-RENEWAL NOTICE: Subscription automatically renews annually to provide hassle-free protection. A payment method is required to complete activation, but don't worry, you won't be charged at that time.
  • You will be charged 30 days before the subscription ends and annually thereafter at the renewal price applicable. We will remind you 30 days before you are charged. Cancel any time from your 'My Account' page by logging in to mcafee.com.
  • PASSWORD MANAGER – Creates complex passwords for you, stores passwords for each account, auto-fills your credentials
  • 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT – available by phone or chat, helpful articles, helps troubleshoot
  • INSTANT CODE DOWNLOAD - Digital code and activation instructions will be emailed to you after purchase

Last update on 2026-07-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Antivirus

Key Features to Consider

When choosing antivirus software, prioritize features that offer comprehensive protection. Look for real-time scanning capabilities that detect and neutralize threats as they emerge. Advanced features like ransomware protection, a firewall, and phishing site blocking are essential for robust security. Consider software that includes identity theft protection or a VPN for an added layer of privacy and security online.

Compatibility and Ease of Use

Ensure the antivirus software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) and the number of devices you need to protect. A user-friendly interface is also important, allowing for easy installation, configuration, and monitoring of security status. Most reputable antiviruses offer intuitive dashboards and clear notifications, making it simple to manage your protection.

Performance Impact and Additional Tools

Antivirus software should offer strong protection without significantly slowing down your computer's performance. Check reviews or look for independent testing lab results that measure resource usage. Many suites also bundle useful extras such as parental controls, cloud backup, password managers, or system optimization tools. Evaluate whether these additional features align with your specific needs and add value to the overall package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is real-time scanning?
Real-time scanning continuously monitors your system for malicious activity. It detects and blocks viruses, malware, and other threats immediately upon detection, preventing them from infecting your device.
Do I need antivirus software for macOS or mobile devices?
While macOS and mobile operating systems are generally considered more secure than Windows, they are not immune to threats. Malware and viruses can still target these platforms, making antivirus protection advisable for comprehensive security.
How often should I update my antivirus software?
Antivirus software should be updated regularly, ideally automatically, as new threats emerge daily. Updates ensure your software has the latest definitions to recognize and combat new viruses and malware effectively.
What is ransomware protection?
Ransomware protection is a feature designed to detect and block ransomware attacks. This type of malware encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their decryption, so prevention is key.
Can free antivirus software be sufficient?
Free antivirus software can offer basic protection against common threats. However, premium versions typically provide more advanced security features, better detection rates, and dedicated customer support for enhanced protection.