The best antivirus software in 2022: free and paid
Figure of The best antivirus software
The best antivirus software: Most premium and even some mid-tier security suites include a VPN, a password manager, parental controls, and identity theft protection all for less than the cost of purchasing each feature separately.
Each Windows The best antivirus software on this list has its own malware detection engine, but it is the features that justify the price differences.
An antivirus company may provide a free program, a basic paid program with additional features, and finally a top-tier product with all of the bells and whistles. However, Mac antivirus software, Android antivirus apps, and iOS security apps are frequently available alongside them.
Each Windows The best antivirus software on this list has its own malware detection engine, but it is the features that justify the price differences.
Which antivirus software is the best?
Our top pick for the best antivirus software is Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, which provides excellent malware protection as well as a slew of extras such as an unlimited VPN and LifeLock identity protection. All of this, however, comes at a cost – $99/year for the first year.
Windows Defender is the best free antivirus software available today if you want to save even more money. While it is not as effective as Norton, it outperforms a number of paid programs in terms of malware detection. It doesn’t have many extra features, but it does include parental controls, a gaming mode, and security for Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Any of these three options will serve you well, but the best option depends on your specific circumstances. See the section below on how to choose the best antivirus software or our separate antivirus buying guide.
Norton 360 Deluxe
| SPECIFICATIONS | Anti-theft: No Backup software: Yes Firewall: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: No Webcam protection: Yes VPN: Unlimited |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Parental controls, backup software, online storage, password manager, webcam protection, unlimited VPN LifeLock identity protection with top tiers |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Heavy lag during full scans Expensive |
It comes with a password manager that works across all major platforms, an unlimited VPN service, personal data monitoring on the dark web, parental controls, and up to 50GB of online storage space. Norton 360 Premium and Norton 360 Platinum, on the other hand, provide more online storage and expand antivirus and VPN coverage to 10 and 20 devices, respectively.
If you want complete identity protection, Norton offers three packages with varying levels of LifeLock service and even more online storage. Their subscription prices are in the triple digits, but they are still less expensive than purchasing the identity protection, password manager, cloud-backup storage, and antivirus software separately.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
| SPECIFICATIONS | Anti-theft: No Backup software: No Firewall: No Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Yes Parental controls: No Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: Yes Webcam protection: No Virtual keyboard: Yes VPN: Limited upsell Wi-Fi scanner: Yes |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Parental controls, backup software, online storage, password manager, webcam protection, unlimited VPN LifeLock identity protection with top tiers |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Background system impact is significant. |
It also provides the most bang for your buck, with an unlimited (but Windows-only) password manager, a secure browser with a virtual keyboard, a Wi-Fi network scanner, a file shredder, protection against encrypting ransomware, and Bitdefender’s new web-privacy software features that are typically found only in more expensive antivirus packages.
Bitdefender Internet Security adds parental controls, webcam protection, and a two-way firewall to the mid-tier Bitdefender lineup, while Bitdefender Total Security tops the list with an anti-theft feature for laptops, a system optimizer, and licenses for Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android.
McAfee Internet Security
| SPECIFICATIONS | Anti-theft: No Backup software: No Firewall: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Parental controls: No Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: Yes Webcam protection: No Virtual keyboard: No VPN: No |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Protects multiple machines for a low cost Password manager Improving malware protection |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Extremely low performance No parental controls on the mid-tier |
You’ll have to pay for McAfee Total Protection or its sibling McAfee LiveSafe, which comes pre-installed on many new PCs if you want parental controls or one of the best password managers in the business.
These two security suites’ multi-device licenses also include an identity-protection service. However, none of the McAfee products include secure browser or webcam protection, which is common in other premium antivirus programs.
McAfee Total Protection Ultimate is at the top of the list because it includes unlimited VPN service with no strings attached. Hardcore PC gamers should consider McAfee Gamer Security, which offers low-cost protection for a single rig for $60 per year.
Trend Micro Maximum Security
| SPECIFICATIONS | Backup software: No Firewall: No Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Yes Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Webcam protection: No Virtual keyboard: No VPN: Yes |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Excellent malware protection Secure browser, password manager Scanners for the Dark Web |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Heavy performance degradation during scans Numerous false positives on some tests |
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, the brand’s entry-level program, has basic tools but includes a secure web browser. Trend Micro Internet Security comes with parental controls, a system optimizer, and a file shredder.
Trend Micro Maximum Security includes a password manager, a secure browser, and file encryption, while Trend Micro Premium Security includes a VPN and personal data monitoring on the dark web.
Trend Micro’s programs, however, do not include a two-way firewall or webcam protection, which are standard features in other brands’ midrange offerings. The premium product also lacks the cloud storage and backup software that some of the best antivirus companies include as enticements in their flagship packages.
ESET Smart Security Premium
| SPECIFICATIONS | Anti-theft: Yes Backup software: No Firewall: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Yes Parental controls: Yes Password manager: Yes Ransomware rollback: No Webcam protection: Yes Virtual keyboard: No VPN: No |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Very good security Surprisingly little impact on system performance File encryption, enhanced browser security, and webcam protection |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | No file shredder or VPN Can be costly |
The basic ESET NOD32 Antivirus is simple to use, but it lacks a few useful extra tools. ESET Internet Security includes webcam protection, parental controls, and a browser-hardening extension, as well as licenses for ESET security software for Mac, Android, and Linux devices. The most expensive ESET Smart Security Premium version includes file encryption and a password manager. However, no VPN client, backup software, or file shredder is included.
ESET’s pricing is per device, which is ideal for users who have multiple devices to protect. However, if your device count exceeds ten, ESET’s costs can mount.
Sophos Home Premium
| SPECIFICATIONS | Anti-theft: No Backup software: No Game mode: No Hardened browser: No Parental controls: Yes Password manager: No Ransomware rollback: Yes Webcam protection: Yes Virtual keyboard: No VPN: No Wi-Fi scanner: No |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Low-cost Encrypts keyboard data |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Malware protection that is adequate A moderate performance penalty during scans No VPN, password manager, or file shredder. |
Our top pick among midrange packages is Kaspersky Internet Security (£17.49 UK/$39.99 US). It includes a secure browser, laptop anti-theft protection, webcam protection, and a limited-use VPN client that activates when you connect to an open Wi-Fi network. It also includes macOS, Android, and iOS software.
Kaspersky Total Security (£19.99 UK/$44.99 US) is a premium antivirus suite that includes backup software, parental controls, file encryption, a file shredder, and an unlimited password manager. We believe it is the best antivirus software available today.
As previously stated, Kaspersky Total Security took home the award for Best Antivirus Software in the most recent Tom’s Guide Awards.
We must mention that Kaspersky is a Russian company, although it has many operations around the world. It’s not yet clear whether the current Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic sanctions on Russia will affect the operations of Kaspersky software. For more on this issue, please see our note about Kaspersky software at the end of this page.
The most effective free antivirus software
Writing malicious software is a big business these days, perhaps even bigger than writing useful or entertaining software. Malware types vary, but they all have the same goal in mind: to make money. Snooping Trojans collect and sell your personal information. Ransomware gets right to the point and demands payment if you want your encrypted files restored. It may appear unfair that you must spend money on antivirus software to combat these threats. So, good news! By using a free antivirus solution, you can protect your PCs and devices without spending a dime.
Free antivirus software is used to provide poor protection while being riddled with advertisements and suggestions to upgrade to a paid antivirus program instead. However, Kaspersky now provides a free version with excellent malware protection. (Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition has been discontinued, but Tom’s Guide readers can still download it by clicking here (opens in a new tab).)
Avast and AVG merged to form a combined malware-detection engine that is far superior to the sum of its parts. Similarly, Microsoft Defender Antivirus has evolved into one of the best free antivirus programs available, and it is included with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Windows Defender Antivirus
| SPECIFICATIONS | Email scans: No Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Edge & IE only Password manager: Yes, with other Microsoft apps Ransomware reversal: Yes Scan scheduler: Yes Support options: 24/7 phone, email support No upsell nag factor exists. |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Very good malware protection Included in Windows 8.1 and 10 You won’t even notice it’s there |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Some features are only available on Microsoft products Scans are difficult to schedule. |
Although Windows Defender does not include many extra features, Windows 10 does include parental controls, a gaming mode, and protections for its own Edge and Internet Explorer browsers. There is no VPN built in, but you will not be bothered by pop-ups attempting to upsell you to paid antivirus software.
As for a password manager, there’s a stealth one built into the Microsoft Authenticator app for Android and iOS that syncs with the Edge browser, as long as you’re signed into your Microsoft account on all devices.
No upsell nag factor exists.
| SPECIFICATIONS | Email scans: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Password manager: Limited Ransomware reversal: Yes Scan scheduler: Yes Support options: FAQs, forums Upsell nag factor: Moderate |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Excellent malware protection minimal performance impact a plethora of useful extra features |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Lacks phone support for a password manager and VPN service |
It has a bright, easy-to-use interface, a lot of customization options, and Kaspersky’s unrivaled malware protection. The program also allows you to schedule scans, and the performance impact was so minor that it actually sped up our test machine slightly.
A file shredder, an on-screen keyboard, and an email scanner are among the useful extras provided by Kaspersky. However, unless you pay, the password manager and VPN service are fairly limited.
As previously stated, Kaspersky is a Russian company with many operations around the world. We don’t yet know whether Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent economic sanctions imposed on Russia, will have an impact on the operation of Kaspersky software.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
| SPECIFICATIONS | Email scans: No Game mode: No Hardened browser: No Password manager: No Ransomware reversal: No Scan scheduler: No Support options: FAQs, forums Upsell nag factor: Minimal |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Very effective malware protection Completely automated interface Truly no muss, no fuss |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | No additional features No quick scans or scan scheduling |
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition offers nothing but the basics. There’s no password manager, no gaming mode, no quick scans, and no scan scheduling. You can manage the software from the program’s System Tray icon, but you don’t really need to interact with Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition after its installation.
Yet Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition has the excellent Bitdefender malware-detection engine, which sits just below Kaspersky and Norton in the lab-test rankings.
It’s the best free antivirus software if you want a security solution that you can set up and then forget about. It’s also perfect if you need to protect the computer of an elderly relative but don’t have time to manage antivirus software from afar.
Avast Free Antivirus
| SPECIFICATIONS | Email scans: Separate tool Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Separate tool Password manager: Not anymore Ransomware reversal: Shield only Scan scheduler: Yes Support options:: FAQs, forums Upsell nag factor: Omnipresent |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Wi-Fi scanner extensive customization |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Discontinued password manager Meager malware protection -Heavy system hit during scans |
The program is also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor its appearance and functions to your preferences. It even provides restricted access to Avast’s VPN service.
However, in our testing, Avast Free Antivirus caused a significant increase in system load and scan times. It also kept nagging us to upgrade to Avast’s paid antivirus protection, and it used features that appeared to be free but weren’t.
Most importantly, Avast Free Antivirus’s malware protection is inferior to that of Kaspersky or Bitdefender, whose free programs also bothered us less about paid upgrades and had lighter system loads.
Read more: The best Apple laptop in 2022?
