The Best Antivirus Software of 2024

When it comes to protecting your laptop and other devices from viruses and malware, choosing the right antivirus software is essential. With numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your needs. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth look at several popular antivirus programs.

We’ll break down their features, pros, cons, who they are best for, and address common questions to help you make an informed decision.

Antivirus	Key Features	Price	Rating	Official Site
	✔ High detection rates ✔ Minimal impact on system performance ✔ Includes anti-theft tools and web protection	$59.99/year	★★★★★ Excellent	Visit Now label
	✔ Real-time protection ✔ Secure VPN ✔ Password manager	$39.99/year	★★★★★ Excellent	UK Site label US Site label
	✔ Real-time protection ✔ SecureLine VPN ✔ Firewall	$59.99/year	★★★★★ Excellent	Visit Now label
	✔ Real-time protection ✔ Secure VPN ✔ Dark Web Monitoring ✔ Parental Control	$49.99/year	★★★★★ Excellent	Visit Now label
	✔ Malware protection ✔ Performance optimization ✔ VPN	$45.99/year	★★★★☆ Very Good	Visit Now label
	✔ Malware protection ✔ System tune-up ✔ VPN	$29.00/year	★★★★☆ Very Good	Visit Now label

Detailed Antivirus Review

McAfee

Overview: McAfee provides comprehensive protection with various plans tailored to individual and family needs. It offers robust antivirus, privacy, and identity protection features.

Pros

Comprehensive device and identity protection.
Includes VPN and scam protection.
Advanced plans offer extensive monitoring and alerts.

Cons

Higher-end plans can be expensive.
Some features only available in advanced plans.

Best For: Users looking for comprehensive protection for multiple devices and advanced identity theft coverage.

Key Features

Antivirus Protection: Award-winning antivirus for up to unlimited devices, depending on the plan.
Scam Protection: Shields against phishing and other scams.
Privacy Protection: Includes VPN, Personal Data Cleanup, Online Account Cleanup, and Social Privacy Manager.
Identity Monitoring: Financial, credit, and identity monitoring with alerts.
Password Manager: Securely manages your passwords.

Effectiveness

McAfee is highly effective at detecting and removing various types of malware, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. It consistently ranks well in independent tests for malware detection and removal.

Impact on System Performance

McAfee is designed to be efficient but can be resource-intensive, particularly on older systems. However, it includes optimization tools to help mitigate performance impacts.

User-Friendliness

McAfee offers a user-friendly interface with easy installation and management. Its design is intuitive, making it accessible for users of all technical levels.

Cost and Customer Support

McAfee plans start at $35.99 per year (Essential) and go up to $107.99 per year (Advanced Family) with discounts applied. Customer support is available 24/7 through phone, chat, and email.

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Avast

Overview: Avast is known for its comprehensive security features and user-friendly interface. It offers both free and premium versions, providing robust antivirus, privacy, and performance optimization tools.

Pros

Offers a free version with essential protection features.
Strong protection against a wide range of threats.
Includes additional tools like a secure browser and Wi-Fi inspector.

Cons

Frequent pop-ups encouraging upgrades to the paid version.
Some features can be intrusive or annoying.

Best For: Users looking for a feature-packed antivirus solution with strong protection, even if it means dealing with occasional upsell attempts.

Key Features

Antivirus Protection: Comprehensive malware protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other threats.
Wi-Fi Security: Scans your home network for vulnerabilities.
Password Manager: Helps you create and store strong passwords securely.
Browser Cleanup: Removes unwanted add-ons and toolbars that might slow down your browser.
SecureLine VPN: Provides secure and private internet browsing.

Effectiveness

Avast is highly effective at detecting and removing malware. It consistently performs well in independent tests, offering robust protection against various threats.

Impact on System Performance

Avast can be somewhat resource-heavy, particularly with its full suite of features enabled. However, it includes tools to help manage and optimize system performance.

User-Friendliness

Avast offers a user-friendly interface with straightforward installation and management. Its design is intuitive, making it easy for users of all technical levels to use.

Cost and Customer Support

Avast offers both free and paid versions, with the paid versions providing more comprehensive features. Customer support is available, but some users may find the frequent upsell prompts intrusive.

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Antivirus Reviews

Norton

Overview: Norton is one of the most trusted names in antivirus protection, known for its comprehensive security features and reliable performance.

Pros

Comprehensive protection with additional features like VPN and password manager.
High detection rate for malware.
Excellent customer support.

Cons

Can be expensive.
Resource-heavy, which might slow down older systems.

Best For: Users looking for comprehensive security with additional features like a VPN and dark web monitoring.

Key Features

Real-Time Threat Protection: Continuously monitors your system for viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.
Secure VPN: Provides secure and private internet browsing.
Password Manager: Stores and manages your passwords securely.
Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts you if your personal information is found on the dark web.

Effectiveness

Norton has a high detection rate, successfully identifying and removing various types of malware, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Independent tests consistently rank Norton among the top for malware detection and removal.

Impact on System Performance

Norton is designed to be efficient, but it can be somewhat resource-heavy. It might slow down older systems, but modern computers usually handle it well.

User-Friendliness

Norton offers a user-friendly interface with easy installation and simple management. Its intuitive design does not require advanced technical knowledge, making it accessible for all users.

Cost and Customer Support

Norton offers various plans to suit different needs, starting at $29.99 for the first year (Norton AntiVirus Plus) and up to $99.99 for the first year (Norton 360 with LifeLock Select). Prices reflect discounts for the first year and include comprehensive features like antivirus protection, VPN, cloud backup, and more. Customer support is excellent, with 24/7 assistance available through phone, chat, and email.

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Avira

Overview: Avira provides a range of security solutions with plans designed to cater to different needs, from basic antivirus protection to comprehensive security for multiple devices.

Pros

Lightweight and efficient antivirus protection.
Includes privacy and performance optimization tools.
Offers flexible plans for different needs and budgets.

Cons

Some advanced features only available in higher-tier plans.
Customer support can be slow at times.

Best For: Users looking for lightweight antivirus software with strong protection and performance optimization features.

Key Features

Real-Time Protection: Continuously monitors and blocks malware, viruses, and other threats.
Privacy Tools: Includes a VPN for secure browsing and privacy protection.
Performance Optimization: Tools to speed up your device and clean up unnecessary files.
Software Updater: Keeps your software up to date to prevent vulnerabilities.
Password Manager: Securely manages and stores your passwords.

Effectiveness

Avira is highly effective at detecting and removing a wide range of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It consistently performs well in independent tests for malware detection and removal.

Impact on System Performance

Avira is known for being lightweight and having minimal impact on system performance, making it a great choice for older or less powerful devices.

User-Friendliness

Avira features a simple, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. Installation and management are straightforward, making it accessible for users of all technical levels.

Cost and Customer Support

Avira plans start at €16.95 for the first year (Antivirus Pro) and go up to €47.95 for the first year (Avira Prime). Customer support is available, though response times can sometimes be slow.

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TotalAV

Overview: TotalAV is a newer antivirus program that offers comprehensive protection and user-friendly design. It includes a wide range of features aimed at enhancing security and performance.

Pros

Very easy to use, even for beginners.
Includes system optimization tools that can make your laptop run smoother.
Good value for money, offering many features at a reasonable price.

Cons

Customer support can be inconsistent, with some users reporting slow responses.
Some features require a higher-tier subscription.

Best For: Users who want a straightforward, easy-to-use antivirus with additional performance enhancement tools.

Key Features

Real-Time Protection: Defends against all types of malware, including viruses and spyware, as soon as they appear.
System Tune-Up Tools: Helps improve your laptop’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing settings.
Identity Protection: Monitors your personal information and alerts you to any potential identity theft issues.
Ad Blocker: Prevents annoying ads from appearing, which can also speed up your browsing experience.
VPN: Provides secure and private internet browsing.

Effectiveness

TotalAV is effective at detecting and removing a wide range of malware. It performs well in independent tests, ensuring strong protection for your devices.

Impact on System Performance

TotalAV is designed to be efficient, but it can use a fair amount of system resources. Its performance optimization tools can help mitigate this impact.

User-Friendliness

TotalAV is very easy to use, with a clean, intuitive interface. Installation is simple, and managing the software does not require advanced technical knowledge.

Cost and Customer Support

TotalAV offers competitive pricing, providing good value for the features included. Customer support is available but can be inconsistent, with some users reporting slow response times.

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What is the Most Used Antivirus Software?

Figuring out which antivirus software is the most used isn’t a straightforward task. It requires looking at various pieces of information. One helpful way to gauge popularity is through Google Trends, which tracks how often certain terms are searched over time. This can give us a good idea of what people are interested in. However, it’s important to remember that this method doesn’t always show actual usage. To get a complete picture, we’d also need to look at market share reports and sales data.

Google Trends Analysis

We used Google Trends to compare search interest for five popular antivirus brands: McAfee, Avast, TotalAV, Avira, and Norton, over the past 12 months. Here’s what we found:

Norton (Purple): Norton shows the highest search volumes, suggesting strong and steady interest. However, it’s worth noting that “Norton” could also refer to Norton Motorcycles, which might inflate the search numbers.
McAfee (Blue): McAfee has steady search interest with some fluctuations, indicating consistent user engagement and possibly making it a strong candidate for the most used antivirus.
Avast (Red): Avast maintains high search volume with occasional spikes, likely reflecting promotions or major updates that capture public attention.
TotalAV (Yellow): TotalAV shows lower search volumes compared to Norton and Avast but has a noticeable upward trend, indicating growing interest and popularity.
Avira (Green): Avira has the lowest search volume among the five but maintains a steady presence, suggesting a loyal user base.

Market Share and Sales Data

For a more comprehensive understanding, looking at market share reports and sales data is crucial. According to research conducted by Security.org in 2024, Norton holds a significant market share due to its comprehensive protection features and strong brand recognition. It remains a top pick among paying antivirus users, holding 29% of the paid user market. McAfee follows closely, benefiting from its extensive marketing and pre-installed trials on many PCs, holding 23% of the paid user market.

Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and ESET also hold substantial portions of the market. Bitdefender is praised for its high performance and minimal system impact, Kaspersky for its robust malware detection, and ESET for its lightweight protection ideal for gamers and lower-spec devices.

According to market reports, the global antivirus software market was valued at approximately $4.11 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7.4% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by increasing cybersecurity threats and the rising adoption of internet-connected devices.

Other Great Antiviruses You Can Choose From:

Bitdefender: Known for its high performance and low impact on system resources, Bitdefender offers robust protection against all types of malware. The plans start at $29.99 for the first year. Read full McAfee review here.
Kaspersky: Kaspersky provides excellent malware detection rates and includes features like parental controls and a VPN. The pricing starts at $29.99 for the first year. Note: Due to the recent US ban on Kaspersky software, consider exploring best Kaspersky alternatives for continued protection.
ESET NOD32: ESET NOD32 is praised for its fast and efficient protection, making it ideal for gamers and low-spec PCs. Prices start at $39.99 per year.
Trend Micro: Trend Micro offers strong anti-phishing and web protection features. It’s a good choice for those who do a lot of online shopping and banking. Plans start at $29.95 for the first year.
Sophos Home: Sophos Home provides excellent remote management features, making it ideal for families and small businesses. The pricing starts at $44.99 per year.
Webroot: Known for its lightning-fast scans and minimal impact on system performance, Webroot is a great choice for older or less powerful devices. Prices start at $39.99 per year.
Panda Dome: Panda Dome offers flexible pricing with a pay-as-you-go option and includes features like a VPN and parental controls. Plans start at $28.49 for the first year.
BullGuard: BullGuard is a good option for gamers, offering a dedicated Game Booster feature that optimizes performance while protecting your system. Prices start at $29.99 for the first year.

These antivirus solutions offer a variety of features and pricing plans to meet different needs, ensuring you can find the right protection for your devices.

Best Free Antivirus Software

For those looking for no-cost protection, several antivirus programs offer robust free versions:

Avast Free Antivirus: Offers comprehensive protection against viruses and malware, along with additional features like a password manager and Wi-Fi security scanner. Read full avast anivirus review here.
AVG AntiVirus Free: Provides solid protection against malware and other online threats, including features like email protection and performance scans.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: A lightweight and effective option for those seeking basic antivirus protection without any frills.
Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft Defender offers decent protection against malware and integrates seamlessly with the operating system. It’s a good option for basic, hassle-free protection.
Sophos Home Free: Provides good protection for up to three devices, including features like parental controls and remote management via a cloud-based interface.
Panda Free Antivirus: Offers real-time protection against malware and includes a USB protection feature to prevent infections from removable drives.

These free antivirus solutions offer a good level of protection for those who don’t want to invest in a paid subscription. However, free versions often come with limitations and might lack some of the advanced features found in their paid counterparts.

How to Choose the Best Antivirus for Your Needs

When choosing an antivirus for your laptop, consider the following factors:

Protection Level: Look for antivirus software that offers comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats, including viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
System Impact: Consider how much the antivirus software will slow down your laptop. Some programs, like Avira, are known for being lightweight and having minimal impact on system performance.
Features: Think about what additional features are important to you. Do you need a VPN for secure browsing? Do you want tools to help optimize your laptop’s performance? Different antivirus programs offer different extras.
Ease of Use: Make sure the antivirus software is easy to install and use. You don’t want to struggle with complicated settings or interfaces.
Customer Support: Good customer support can be crucial if you run into issues. Look for antivirus providers that offer reliable and responsive support.

Making Your Choice

Choosing the right antivirus software can seem daunting, but by understanding your needs and the features offered by different programs, you can make an informed decision:

Norton is ideal for users looking for comprehensive security with additional features like a VPN and dark web monitoring.
McAfee is great for robust, all-around protection. Read full McAfee review here.
Avira is perfect for those needing lightweight software that won’t slow down their system.
Avast offers a feature-rich solution with both free and paid options. Read full McAfee review here.
TotalAV is ideal for users who want ease of use and additional performance enhancement tools. Read full TotalAV review here.

Take your time to review these options and select the one that best fits your needs. With the right antivirus software, you can keep your laptop and other devices safe and secure from online threats. Whether you prioritize comprehensive protection, minimal impact on system performance, a rich set of features, user-friendliness, or strong customer support, there’s an antivirus solution out there that will meet your requirements.

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