Antivirus software is an essential tool in today’s online world, where attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, aided by AI technology. Even the most tech-savvy and cautious individuals can fall prey to malware, spyware, or ransomware if they let their guard down or get tricked into exposing themselves. Antivirus protection serves as a vital backup against such threats.
While most systems come with security software built-in, upgrading to a more comprehensive suite can simplify and enhance your online security. To help you choose the best antivirus software, we’ve highlighted products that offer excellent protection, useful features, and minimal impact on your PC’s performance.
At PCWorld, we have been rigorously testing computer hardware, software, and services since 1983, including security suites. Our evaluations of antivirus apps focus on the user experience, strength of protection against online and offline threats, and how well they address the evolving landscape of cyber attacks. Our comprehensive review process is detailed in our guide on how we test antivirus software at PCWorld.
Update: July 19, 2024: In light of the recent AT&T wireless call log data leak, it’s essential to remain vigilant against scams and hacking attempts. Understanding malvertising and how to protect yourself is crucial. If you are still unsure about upgrading your antivirus software for added defense, we discuss the pros and cons of free antivirus options.
Best antivirus of 2024 reviewed and ranked
Norton 360 Deluxe – Best antivirus for PC overall
Pros
Strong antivirus protection
Wide protection against major online threats
Simple, straightforward features
Cons
Performance impact on some PCs
User interface would benefit from consolidation
Upselling of additional services
Price When Reviewed:
$49.99 for the first year
Why we picked Norton 360 Deluxe
An ideal antivirus suite should offer a comprehensive range of security features at an affordable price, and that’s why Norton 360 Deluxe is our top pick for the best antivirus software of 2024. Despite its slightly cumbersome interface, this software provides extensive protection and value for most users.
Norton offers robust online protection with minimal impact on system resources, making it suitable for users who don’t frequently download or copy large files. In addition to antivirus features, Norton includes malicious link and attachment screening, dark web monitoring, webcam safeguards, 50GB of cloud storage for backups, a password manager, VPN access, parental controls, and PC utilities for monitoring outdated software. The software’s major extras like the password manager, VPN, and parental controls have user-friendly interfaces, enhancing the overall experience.
Although Norton has a few quirks, such as a dual user interface that can slow navigation slightly, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, especially given the value it provides. The initial cost is $50 for the first year for 5 devices, with subsequent years priced at $120 per year.
Who should use Norton 360 Deluxe
Norton 360 Deluxe is suitable for every user looking to consolidate their online security into a single, comprehensive software solution, including parental controls. If you struggle to keep up with security recommendations or want to simplify your defenses, Norton 360 Deluxe is an excellent choice.
Read our full
Norton 360 Deluxe review
Avast One – Best overall runner-up
Pros
Good new design
Well priced
Excellent performance
Cons
Smart scan requires too much user intervention
Avast asks to install Google Chrome
Price When Reviewed:
$50.28 / 5 devices I $69.48 / 30 devices
Why we picked Avast One
Avast One not only provides solid protection but also features a simple, user-friendly interface. With added extras and multi-device coverage, Avast One offers a winning combination for users.
In addition to top-rated antivirus protection, Avast One safeguards against remote webcam takeovers, malicious websites, and trackers. The plan includes dark web monitoring, a VPN with up to 5GB of bandwidth per week, protections for saved passwords, driver updates, PC cleanup, and app optimization. While these features may seem standard, Avast simplifies the process of staying secure, catering to both novice users and security experts.
Although Avast outperforms other software in terms of performance, it falls slightly behind in terms of features for its price. Norton offers comparable online protection at a similar cost, making it a more well-rounded choice. Avast One is priced at $51 for 5 devices (or $70 for up to 30 devices) in the first year, with subsequent years costing $110 and $150, respectively. In the end, a more comprehensive subscription wins out.
Who should use Avast One
If you already have a password manager set up, don’t need parental controls, and prioritize high threat detection rates, Avast One is a suitable choice. It excels in catching online and offline risks while lacking certain features like a password manager and parental controls.
Read our full
Avast One review
AVG Internet Security – Best budget antivirus suite
Pros
Top-rated antivirus protection
Expanded protection against malicious websites and remote attacks
Clean, straightforward interface
Cons
Some PCs may experience a performance hit during heavier workloads
Several features are a bit rudimentary
Price When Reviewed:
$59.99
Why we picked AVG Internet Security
AVG is widely known for its excellent free antivirus software, but upgrading to AVG Internet Security offers more comprehensive protection. This software not only enhances protection but also streamlines the management of security tools, making it easier to stay protected against online threats.
AVG Internet Security expands on the free version’s strong protection against malware, web threats, and email threats. It also includes safeguards for stored passwords, webcam takeovers, unknown file access, malicious website redirection, and Windows Remote Desktop attacks. The software has minimal impact on system resources when running in the background, although full scans may impact budget or older systems more significantly.
Despite minor annoyances like ads for additional features, AVG Internet Security is a reliable antivirus program with a user-friendly interface. Priced at $60 for the first year for 10 devices, it offers excellent value compared to the strong performance of the free version.
Who should use AVG Internet Security
If you need more control and comprehensive protection from your antivirus software without paying for unnecessary features, AVG Internet Security is the ideal choice. Although it lacks elements like parental controls, VPN, and a password manager, it enhances the company’s free antivirus with valuable features.
Read our full
AVG Internet Security review
Avira Prime – Best antivirus for beginners
Pros
Strong security with a reasonable subscription price
Well designed and user-friendly
Offers a host of features in the areas of security, privacy, and performance
Cons
No subscription option for fewer than five devices
Simplicity of app feels slightly at odds with the depth of the PC tools
Price When Reviewed:
5 devices: $9.99/mo I $59.99/yr I $189.99/2yrs
Why we picked Avira Prime
For beginners seeking simpler PC management, Avira Prime offers a clear interface and a wide range of features. In addition to strong antivirus protection, the suite includes a password manager, unlimited VPN, and various PC utilities for app updates, file deletion, and data backup.
Avira Prime lacks parental controls, but it minimally affects system performance when running in the background. While full scans may impact older or budget PCs, most users won’t experience any noticeable slowdown. Priced at $60 for the first year and $105 per year afterward, the suite provides comprehensive simplicity for users looking for effective security software.
Who should use Avira Prime
Avira Prime is best suited for users who prefer a straightforward antivirus suite with broad online protection and robust PC utilities. The PC tools can help users manage technical aspects of Windows and system maintenance, although parents seeking monitoring controls for their kids’ PC usage will need to explore other options.
Read our full
Avira Prime review
McAfee Total Protection – Best for privacy
Pros
Good protection
Nice features like file shredder and home network analyzer
Cons
Mixed impact on performance
New app design is a little scattered
Price When Reviewed:
$79.99/yr
Why we picked McAfee Total Protection
McAfee has a long-standing reputation for identifying current PC threats and providing solid protection. In addition to safeguarding against malware, McAfee Total Protection focuses on identity and privacy issues, offering unparalleled ID protection that includes dark web scanning for personal information and helping users change passwords for online accounts.
While mid-tier and budget PCs may experience performance impacts with McAfee scans running, scheduling scans during off-hours can minimize these effects. The affordability of McAfee Total Protection, available for as little as $19 per year for up to ten devices, makes it a standout choice for centralized online security management.
Who should use McAfee Total Protection
Online threats have become more sophisticated, making it crucial to monitor and manage your personal information online. McAfee Total Protection offers an all-encompassing solution for online security concerns, making it an ideal choice for users looking for comprehensive protection.
Read our full
McAfee Total Protection review
Panda Dome Complete – Most feature-rich offering
Pros
Very easy-to-understand mobile-like interface
Contains some basic smart home network monitoring
Month-to-month pricing option
Cons
Good performance results but currently limited in third-party testing
Price When Reviewed:
1 device: $64.49 I 3 devices: $71.99 I 5 devices: $78.74 I 10 devices: $121.49
Why we picked Panda Dome Complete
Panda Dome Complete stands out among deluxe antivirus suites with its array of varied utilities and a visually striking interface akin to Microsoft’s Bing homepage. In addition to antivirus protection, the suite includes a virtual keyboard, advanced virus removal, update manager for Windows apps, disk defragmenter, hard drive cleaner, startup apps manager, Wi-Fi protection, password manager, parental controls, and a VPN with 150MB of daily bandwidth.
In addition to reliable antivirus protection, Panda Dome Complete has minimal impact on system performance during our benchmark tests, remaining unnoticed during real-world usage. The suite’s feature-rich offerings do come at a cost, with prices starting at $64.50 for a single device in the first year, and annual costs increasing subsequently for multi-device plans.
Who should use Panda Dome Complete
Panda Dome Complete caters to users seeking a comprehensive antivirus suite with a wide range of features easily accessible. If you prefer diving into all available features without hidden menus, Panda Dome Complete offers an ideal interface for managing your security needs.
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Panda Dome Complete review
