What is the best antivirus software for a computer

Download Avira Now. TotalAV is really good at virus detection — it uses the same cloud-based antivirus scanner that Avira uses. I was able to quickly and easily delete over 8 GB of junk and duplicate files, remove useless and unwanted apps, clear browser cookies, and a lot more — significantly improving the overall speed of both my Windows and Mac laptops.

TotalAV has both a really good virus scanner and easy-to-use optimization tools. It caught virtually all of my malware samples during testing, and it cleared out a lot of space from both of my laptops. All TotalAV purchases come with a day money-back guarantee. Download TotalAV Now. BullGuard uses virus databases and machine learning to identify and block all kinds of malware, including zero-day threats — it caught most of the malware in my testing, but it missed a few adware and spyware files that the others on this list found.

I tested this feature while playing Destiny 2, and BullGuard actually increased the frame rate on my gaming laptop. BullGuard also provides a range of internet security features for both gamers and non-gamers, such as:.

The home network scanner is pretty cool. It ran an in-depth threat scan of all the IoT devices connected to my network, including my printer, baby monitor, and security camera. Norton and McAfee offer similar protection, but only for US-based users. BullGuard has a good anti-malware engine that also improves CPU performance when gaming.

BullGuard offers a day money-back guarantee for all premium purchases. Download BullGuard Now. Intego is my favorite antivirus for MacBooks in During my tests, Intego detected and removed all of the malware samples from my device, including Mac-specific spyware and ransomware. Intego has great parental controls as well, which let users create lists of allowed websites and block access to entire categories, like gambling or adult sites.

You can try out Intego on your MacBook risk-free with a day money-back guarantee. Download Intego Now. Both Windows and Mac have some built-in security tools that provide a little protection against certain viruses. For example, Norton has an advanced antivirus scanner, a VPN, parental controls, anti-phishing, dark web monitoring, and a lot of other internet security protections to ensure laptop users stay fully protected.

The paid version includes Safepay for financial transactions, multi-layer ransomware protection, and vulnerability assessments. A virtual private network VPN is also offered with an additional subscription fee.

There is a day free trial. Norton with LifeLock keeps improving on its history as a top antivirus option with its PC maintenance features, making it the best for Windows computers. Norton introduced its first antivirus software in under the Symantec umbrella. Symantec purchased LifeLock in , and in , after the company's enterprise division was sold, the name was changed to NortonLifeLock.

The company is based in Tempe, Arizona. Norton with LifeLock won best antivirus for Windows because of how it has continued to build on its history of protecting Windows machines. The identity theft protection capabilities of LifeLock alone give this product an edge.

There are several versions of this product, so users can pick the features they need, but even the lowest level offers PC maintenance utilities including the ability to produce a faster bootup and 2GB of cloud backup. The amount of cloud storage increases based on the package level. Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac offers excellent phishing detection and fast scanning ability specifically designed for Macs. The company was founded in and introduced its first antivirus product in OpenText acquired the company in Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac is our choice for antivirus protection that's best for Mac computers.

There is still a belief that Mac computers are safe from cyberattacks, and while most viruses are targeted at Windows computers, Macs are vulnerable to other malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and even Apple-targeted viruses. This software boasts a very small footprint on your computer's operating system but offers very fast security scans and is one of the best at phishing detection.

Offering an email address when installing Webroot gives users alerts for new threats. For those who use both Windows and Mac, Webroot's interface is more similar across platforms than other antivirus software.

The main difference is Webroot for Mac doesn't include a firewall. This price covers one device. There is a day money-back guarantee. McAfee Antivirus Plus is our top choice for multiple devices because its subscriptions offer protection for every device in the home for a reasonable cost. McAfee Antivirus Plus is the one antivirus platform that recognizes the growing number of devices used in a single household, which could include four or more different operating systems. The basic package supports up to 10 devices, support, secure web browsing, and antivirus.

The MTP 10 Device plan is for one year for 10 devices, but also includes features such as full protection for the home network, password manager , encrypted storage, and identity theft protection.

Unlimited device protection is also available in one-year subscriptions. Plans come with one to five VPN licenses. Trend Micro was founded in in the U. The company operates worldwide and has many partnerships in the tech industry. Password management and protection are only offered in the product family's highest tier. This version is Windows-only, but Trend Micro offers a Mac version.

The highest tier plan supports mobile operating systems as well. The company offers a day money-back guarantee. Our top choice for malware scanning, Malwarebytes, is the best at removing malware on demand among any providers. Malwarebytes was founded in Santa Clara, California, in and specializes in protecting home computers and mobile devices. The free version of Malwarebytes is limited but powerful. It doesn't have many advanced features and protections—it simply detects and removes malware.

Malwarebytes does an excellent job of capturing, quarantining, and removing malware that is wreaking havoc in your system. You can run a full or quick scan of the free version whenever needed, and it will create a report on your system. The premium version can be used as antivirus software.

The free version runs on-demand, scanning for and removing malware, but should always be used in tandem with more comprehensive antivirus software. While the software is available for multiple operating systems, premium offerings only work on Windows. A free trial is available for 14 days, but the free version remains on your computer to be used on-demand. Antivirus AV software is designed to detect, block, and remove malicious software on a computer or network.

And if you are a US government employee or work with the federal government, you'll want to steer clear of Kaspersky internet security products -- and perhaps use one of the antivirus software products mentioned here instead. Picking the best antivirus software for Windows means finding one that keeps your PC safe, doesn't take up a lot of system resources, is easy to use and stays out of the way till you need it.

Here's what to look for. Antivirus software runs virus scans for known viruses and malware, of course, and can offer real-time protection. And it watches for shady websites and suspicious links to keep you out of trouble. It can also offer ransomware protection and monitor unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new and not-yet-identified viruses and malware. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives.

Light on system resources. You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download or open sluggishly or file copies take longer than expected, you may want to try another service.

The good news is, all our picks offer a free trial to let you try out the antivirus program, so if your system feels sluggish after installation, you may want to keep looking. Cost and discounts. Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: The prices we list above are for 10 devices -- if the company offered that package -- but you can trim your cost with antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices.

You may also find discounts on an app's Amazon page. To be effective, antivirus software needs to monitor what's going on with your PC, check in with company servers about unusual behavior and should provide sound banking protection.

The companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy. But if you want to know more, the security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share.

Protection for other platforms. Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. While the Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and download files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Best free Windows antivirus Microsoft Defender. Jump to details. See at Microsoft. See at NortonLifeLock. See at Bitdefender. Best on-demand Windows malware removal Malwarebytes. See at Malwarebytes.

Solid subscription antivirus alternative McAfee Total Protection. See at McAfee. Another good subscription option Trend Micro Maximum Security. See at Trend Micro. See at ESET. Alternative free Windows antivirus Sophos Home.

See at Sophos. Our recommendations Looking for free antivirus protection, malware protection or virus detection, willing to pay for an antivirus program that offers broad internet security coverage across all your devices, including from ransomware and phishing, or need to remove a computer virus or malware from your PC right now?

Best free Windows antivirus. Microsoft Defender. Best antivirus subscription for Windows. Norton with LifeLock Select.