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However, cybercrime is a growing nuisance, and threats are becoming more sophisticated with the advent of technology.

This means that there are a lot of antivirus solutions that aren’t good enough for you.

Malware detected on laptop

If you’re after a quick answer, here are mytop three antivirus software right now.

It also boasts excellent scan speeds and malware-detection scores.

Add-ons include an unlimited VPN, a password manager, and parental controls, among others.

1. Today’s best antivirus software: Bitdefender Total Security

Be sure to make the most of its60-day money-back guaranteeand try it out without risking a single penny.

you might also take a risk-free trial of any of its paid plans thanks to a30-day money-back guarantee.

The best antivirus software does more than just block threats from infecting your gadget.

2. Protection from malware and identity theft: Norton 360 with LifeLock

Here are my top recommendations.

And the vulnerability scanner points out weaknesses in your connection and then offers remedies, too.

No service is perfect, and that applies to Bitdefender as well.

3. The gamer’s ally: Avast One

For starters, it doesn’t do well if your machine is already infected with malware.

In fact, most antivirus programs don’t do well on existing infections.

However, those that were already up and running worked perfectly well.

Bitdefender free antivirus dashboard

Still, it should be enough to shield you when you’re doing important business online.

It will also keep a lookout if criminals use your identity for medical care or as an alias.

Furthermore, LifeLock will help you restore your identity in case its compromised.

Screenshot of Norton dashboard captured during testing

This includes walking you through the forms you must submit to the IRA and credit reporting agencies.

You also get webcam monitoring and parental controls, putting it on par with Bitdefender.

However, when it comes to scan speeds, Norton is faster than top rivals Bitdefender and Avast.

Avast One dashboard captured during testing

Avast Oneboasts the best detection rate, meaning it recognizes a lot of threats, including ransomware.

Check out our comprehensiveAvast One reviewfor more information about its free plan, features, and stellar gaming mode.

Avast is probably the most downloaded antivirus software around the world, and for good reason.

McAfee running on a computer performing a virus scan

It’s just as good at blocking malicious sites, too.

This is especially helpful if you’re connecting your laptop to public networks and hotspots.

For gamers, Avast is the bomb!

F-Secure Safe dashboard on a Windows desktop

You want an unlimited VPN: unlike Bitdefender, McAfee’s VPN doesn’t limit your data usage.

You want webcam monitoring: McAfee doesn’t quite offer the full package as it lacks webcam monitoring.

McAfee+is the best choice for stopping malware on mobile devices in real time.

Windows 11 Defender file manual scan

Be sure to use its 30-day free trial and try it risk-free.

Many smartphone providers offer antivirus protection as part of their plans, with McAfee often being their top recommendation.

McAfee’s Online Account Cleanup tool deserves a special mention because it’s unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere.

Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch gaming monitor with cat

Based on this information, you might then decide which accounts to keep and which ones to remove.

As one of the easiest-to-use antivirus solutions I’ve tested, McAfee offers Protection Score.

A serious perk of using McAfee+ Premium is you get identity theft monitoring as part of the deal.

HP Envy Move

These packages are more well-rounded as they also have parental controls for protecting the young ones in your family.

In addition to the service being pricier than the others, it’s also more resource-hungry.

Try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Dell XPS 14 (9440) for 2024

F-Secure Total’s biggest draw has to be its connection protection.

And even if someone manages to sneak in, F-Secure will alert you before they can cause any harm.

What also blew me away is the sheer number of free security tools F-Secure offers right on its website.

Samsung 990 Pro SSD with packaging box

At the same time, the antivirus you pick should also have a low number of false positives.

The next factor is the level of security you want and your budget.

However, it’s worth noting that free plans are almost always limited when it comes to all-around protection.

HP Envy Move

Last but not least, consider your level of expertise.

We start things off by deliberately downloading malware and accessing dangerous websites with the antivirus turned on.

Throughout the process, we stay on the lookout for any noticeable slowdowns.

Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI.

The best antivirus FAQs

Do I really need antivirus software?

Should I use free antivirus software?

What does antivirus software do?

Microsoft Edge Vertical Tabs

They work by identifying and eliminating threats before they can finish downloading on your unit.

Additionally, they come with various scan options to remove existing threats from your system.

We also changed our rankings, with Norton taking the #2 spot over Avast One.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ propped up next to an ROG Ally X on a table.

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