Best Antivirus Software for Home and Small Business

Windows and macOS ship with decent built-in protection, so the real question is what a paid product adds. For most people it is stronger web and ransomware protection, a wider set of devices, and extras like a VPN or identity monitoring. This guide explains what to weigh and where our five picks fit. We list no prices because plans and renewal rates change often.

What to look for

Independent lab results matter more than marketing. Organizations such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives publish regular protection, performance and usability scores. Check the most recent results rather than relying on a vendor's own claims.

Performance matters too. A product that slows your computer is a product people switch off.

Recent independent lab results for protection and performance
Coverage for every device and operating system you use
Which extras are bundled, and whether you would use them
Renewal price compared with the introductory offer
The vendor's own track record on privacy

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender has a long record of strong results in independent testing and a relatively light effect on system performance. It covers Windows, macOS, Android and iOS under one subscription.

Pros

✓ Strong record in independent tests
✓ Low performance impact
✓ Multi-platform coverage

Cons

✗ Bundled VPN may be limited on some plans
✗ Many settings to learn

Norton 360

Norton's appeal is the bundle: antivirus alongside a VPN, password manager and monitoring tools, managed from one account. It suits households that want a single subscription. Check the renewal price, as it is commonly higher than the first-year offer.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is known for finding and removing malware and unwanted programs, with a simple interface. It is a good fit for cleaning up a problem device or as a second layer, though it carries fewer bundled extras than full suites.

Avast

Avast offers a free version and paid upgrades, which makes it an easy starting point. It also has a history worth reading about: in 2024 the US Federal Trade Commission took action over browsing data that had been collected through a former subsidiary. Avast and Norton are both owned by Gen Digital, which we disclose so you can weigh it.

Source: US Federal Trade Commission announcement on Avast, 2024. Always read a vendor's current privacy policy before installing.

Surfshark One

Surfshark started as a VPN and its One bundle adds antivirus and monitoring features. Its strength is covering an unlimited number of devices on one subscription. Its antivirus layer is lighter than dedicated suites, so treat it as privacy-first rather than a full replacement.

Our verdict

For most people, Bitdefender is the strongest all-round pick and Norton is the easiest all-in-one. Choose Malwarebytes for cleanup, Avast if you want a free place to start, and Surfshark One if privacy across many devices is the priority.