#1

Norton 360

Best Overall Antivirus Protection

★★★★★ 4.9/5 (3,245 reviews)
Starting at $39.99/year
Up to 5 devices covered

Key Features

  • Real-time threat protection
  • Secure VPN included
  • Password manager
  • Cloud backup (up to 100GB)
  • Parental controls

Pros

  • Excellent malware detection
  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Minimal system impact
  • 100% protection guarantee

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • VPN has data limits
  • Can be resource-heavy
#2

Bitdefender

Best for Advanced Threat Protection

★★★★★ 4.8/5 (2,891 reviews)
Starting at $44.99/year
Protect up to 10 devices

Key Features

  • Multi-layer ransomware protection
  • Advanced threat defense
  • Safe banking features
  • Anti-phishing protection
  • Webcam protection

Pros

  • Industry-leading detection
  • Excellent performance
  • Robust privacy features
  • Great for gamers

Cons

  • Interface can be complex
  • Some features locked to premium
  • Mac version less feature-rich
#3

TotalAV

Best Value for Money

★★★★☆ 4.7/5 (2,156 reviews)
Starting at $29.99/year
First year discount available

Key Features

  • Real-time antivirus protection
  • VPN with unlimited data
  • System tune-up tools
  • Ad blocker included
  • Password vault

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • User-friendly interface
  • Good all-round protection
  • Unlimited VPN

Cons

  • Higher renewal rates
  • Occasional false positives
  • Limited customer support
#4

McAfee

Best for Multiple Devices

★★★★☆ 4.6/5 (2,734 reviews)
Starting at $34.99/year
Unlimited device coverage

Key Features

  • Unlimited device protection
  • Web protection
  • File shredder
  • Identity theft protection
  • Secure VPN included

Pros

  • Unlimited devices
  • Strong malware protection
  • Cross-platform support
  • Identity monitoring

Cons

  • Can slow down system
  • Pop-up notifications
  • Auto-renewal issues
#5

Avast

Best Free Antivirus Option

★★★★☆ 4.5/5 (4,123 reviews)
Free / Premium from $49.99/year
Free version available

Key Features

  • Real-time protection (free)
  • Wi-Fi security scanner
  • Browser cleanup tool
  • Ransomware shield
  • Smart scan feature

Pros

  • Excellent free version
  • Strong malware detection
  • Easy to use
  • Regular updates

Cons

  • Frequent upgrade prompts
  • Privacy concerns (past)
  • Can be resource-intensive
#6

AVG

Best Free Alternative

★★★★☆ 4.4/5 (3,567 reviews)
Free / Premium from $39.99/year
Free tier with core protection

Key Features

  • Essential antivirus protection
  • Email scanning
  • Link protection
  • File shredder (premium)
  • Ransomware protection

Pros

  • Solid free protection
  • Simple interface
  • Good detection rates
  • Low system impact

Cons

  • Limited free features
  • Upgrade prompts
  • No phone support
#7

ESET

Best for Lightweight Performance

★★★★☆ 4.5/5 (1,892 reviews)
Starting at $39.99/year
30-day trial available

Key Features

  • Minimal system footprint
  • Advanced memory scanner
  • Anti-phishing module
  • Botnet protection
  • Device control

Pros

  • Very light on resources
  • Excellent detection rates
  • Clean interface
  • Reliable protection

Cons

  • Fewer extra features
  • No free version
  • Limited VPN option
#8

Surfshark Antivirus

Best for VPN + Antivirus Bundle

★★★★☆ 4.3/5 (1,456 reviews)
Starting at $59.99/year
Includes premium VPN

Key Features

  • Real-time antivirus scanning
  • Premium VPN included
  • Webcam protection
  • Data breach alerts
  • Private search engine

Pros

  • Excellent VPN service
  • Privacy-focused
  • Unlimited devices
  • Good value bundle

Cons

  • Newer to antivirus market
  • Limited track record
  • Fewer features than rivals
#9

Aura Antivirus

Best for Identity Protection

★★★★☆ 4.2/5 (1,234 reviews)
Starting at $69.99/year
Includes identity theft insurance

Key Features

  • Antivirus protection
  • Identity theft monitoring
  • Credit monitoring
  • VPN service
  • $1M identity theft insurance

Pros

  • Comprehensive protection
  • Identity theft coverage
  • 24/7 support
  • All-in-one solution

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • US-focused features
  • Overkill for basic needs
#10

MacKeeper

Best for Mac Users

★★★★☆ 4.1/5 (1,789 reviews)
Starting at $39.95/year
Mac-exclusive protection

Key Features

  • Mac-optimized antivirus
  • System cleanup tools
  • Adware removal
  • VPN protection
  • ID theft monitor

Pros

  • Mac-specific design
  • System optimization
  • 24/7 expert support
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Mac only
  • Mixed past reputation
  • Can be aggressive marketing