The Best of the Best: Our Top Picks for Antivirus Software in 2023

1. Bitdefender Antivirus

2023’s best antivirus rocks tons of features

Bitdefender Antivirus is one of the top contenders for the title of best antivirus software in 2023. This powerful program offers a wide range of features that cater to the needs of both casual users and advanced users. Some of the key specifications of the software include compatibility with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, support for up to 10 maximum devices, and stand out features such as Safepay banking protection, privacy tools, multi-layered anti-ransomware, and a VPN.

One of the primary reasons to choose Bitdefender Antivirus is the sheer number of features that are incorporated with the software. Even the entry-level Bitdefender Antivirus Plus product comes with Safepay online banking protection, which is essentially a secure browser that provides comprehensive protection against all types of online threats. Additionally, the software comes with a password manager, vulnerability scanner, and a good quality VPN with a 200 MB daily limit. These features make the software a great value for money.

Another major selling point of Bitdefender Antivirus is its user-friendly interface. The software is designed to be easy to use and navigate, making it suitable for both complete beginners and experts. The interface is polished and well-balanced, and it allows users to tweak settings as per their preferences. Additionally, the company offers more extensive suites, such as Bitdefender Internet Security, which provides all the features of the entry-level product and adds tools to help speed up your computer and find your mobile devices if they’re lost or stolen. The flagship offering, Bitdefender Total Security, is a complete solution for your entire family’s online security needs, and it supports Android and iOS devices in addition to Windows and Mac machines.

While Bitdefender Antivirus is a powerful and feature-rich software, it is not without its drawbacks. One of the main criticisms of the software is its detection rate. According to the report from AV-Comparatives, the software’s detection rate is not as accurate as it has been in previous years. However, considering Bitdefender’s strength in previous years, it is possible that this is a temporary blip, and the company will improve its detection rate in the future. Additionally, despite its many features and powerful capabilities, the software’s pricing is reasonable and offers superb value for money, especially the Bitdefender Total Security.

In conclusion, Bitdefender Antivirus is a highly capable and feature-rich software that offers users comprehensive protection against online threats. The software comes with a wide range of features, including Safepay online banking protection, privacy tools, anti-ransomware protection, and a VPN. Additionally, the software is user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experts. While the software’s detection rate may be a concern, it is worth considering Bitdefender’s overall strength in previous years, and the company may improve its detection rate in the future. Overall, Bitdefender Antivirus is a great value for money and considered as the best antivirus software in 2023.

2. McAfee Antivirus Plus

Well-featured antivirus suite that’s competitively priced

McAfee Antivirus Plus is a well-featured antivirus suite that is competitively priced and offers solid protection against a wide range of online threats. The software is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices and supports up to 10 maximum devices. Some of the standout features of the software include a VPN, spam filter, and intelligent firewall.

One of the main reasons to choose McAfee Antivirus Plus is the large number of features that are bundled with the software. The entry-level McAfee Plus product includes a range of tools and features that are not typically found in other antivirus products at this price point. These features include an intelligent firewall, an integrated (TunnelBear-powered) VPN with unlimited data, a quality spam filter, secure file vault, and some PC speed-up options. Additionally, the software now supports ChromeOS, Android, and iOS devices, along with access to the VPN. The software also includes some new features that revolve around finance in the US, such as letting you access your credit score and accounts and alerting you in case you’ve been the victim of fraud.

Another advantage of McAfee Antivirus Plus is its low system footprint, which means that it won’t use up much of your PC’s resources. This is particularly useful for users who have older or less powerful computers. The software is also designed to be easy to use and navigate, making it suitable for both beginners and experts.

However, McAfee Antivirus Plus does have some drawbacks. One of the main criticisms of the software is that the antivirus engine itself is not the best out there on macOS. While the results of independent test labs vary, this is something that needs to be considered. Additionally, the entry-level McAfee Plus product only covers one device, which may not be enough for users who have multiple devices that need protection. If you need protection for more than one device, you will need to purchase the Family Advanced package, which supports up to five devices, including mobile devices. The McAfee Ultimate Family package supports up to 10 devices and includes a fully-fledged system of parental controls. These higher-tier plans could be expensive for a family or users who have multiple devices to protect.

In conclusion, McAfee Antivirus Plus is a well-featured antivirus suite that offers solid protection against a wide range of online threats. The software includes a range of tools and features that are not typically found in other antivirus products at this price point, such as an intelligent firewall, a quality spam filter, and secure file vault. The software is easy to use and navigate, and it has a low system footprint. However, the antivirus engine needs some work on macOS, and the entry-level product only covers one device. Additionally, the higher-tier plans could be expensive for a family or users who have multiple devices to protect. Despite this, McAfee Antivirus Plus is a software that is worth considering and it is currently the no 2 best antivirus software in 2023.

3. Norton Antivirus

Solid protection with genuinely useful features

Norton Antivirus Plus is a comprehensive security software solution from NortonLifeLock, a trusted name in the antivirus industry. The software is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and can cover up to 5-10 devices, depending on the package you choose.

One of the standout features of Norton Antivirus Plus is its intelligent firewall. This feature helps to police your system by monitoring network activity and alerting you to any suspicious activity. In addition to the firewall, the software also offers thorough browser protection measures to keep you safe while surfing the web.

Another unique feature of Norton Antivirus Plus is its bundled cloud backup tool, which offers 2 GB of online storage. This tool is user-friendly and makes it easy to back up your important files. In addition to the backup tool, the software also includes some useful PC maintenance utilities to help keep your system running smoothly.

In terms of antivirus protection, Norton Antivirus Plus is known for its tight security defenses. Testing by independent labs has yielded mixed results, but in our own testing, we found that the software effectively protected against malware threats. However, it fell short in our ransomware testing when compared to more effective protection offered by competitors like Bitdefender.

For those looking for even more advanced features, NortonLifeLock offers a range of higher-level suites. The Norton 360 Standard package adds an integrated full VPN service, more backup storage (10 GB), and dark web monitoring (for select countries). Additionally, there are strong mobile apps available for Android and iOS.

If you need coverage for more than one device, the Norton 360 Deluxe package is an excellent option. This package provides protection for up to five devices, along with 50 GB of backup space and an in-depth system of parental controls. The Norton 360 Premium package offers even more, with 75 GB of backup space and protection for up to 10 devices.

Overall, Norton Antivirus Plus is a solid choice for those looking for comprehensive security software with genuinely useful features. However, it’s worth to note that it has mixed results from the testing labs, and if you’re looking for the highest level of ransomware protection, it might not be the best option.

4. Trend Micro Antivirus

Antivirus that values strong protection above all else

Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is a highly-rated antivirus software that values strong protection above all else. It’s available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS and can cover up to 10 devices.

One of the key features of Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is its antivirus engine. The software is rated very highly by independent test labs, and has achieved excellent results in recent evaluations. However, it should be noted that some testing found that it raised a few more false positives than its top competitors. Despite this, in our testing, we found that the software’s anti-ransomware protection was particularly strong.

Another standout feature of Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is its ability to block phishing sites. According to AV-Comparatives, the software is currently top dog in this area and it also provides great web browsing protection, including Pay Guard for a secure environment for online banking.

A downside of Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is that it may impact system performance more than some rivals, and it doesn’t offer as many options or features as some of the competition. This means that the software may be more targeted towards novices rather than experts. However, higher-level security suites from Trend Micro include more functionality and options.

The next level of product, Trend Micro Internet Security, adds some useful extras such as parental controls and social media protection tools. For those looking for even more protection, Trend Micro Maximum Security is a good option, as it delivers protection for Mac and mobile devices in addition to Windows and includes a password manager and secure file vault.

Overall, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is a great option for those who prioritize strong protection. It offers a user-friendly interface and excellent anti-ransomware protection, but it may not have as many features as some of its rivals. It’s worth noting that you get more options and features with higher-level security suites from Trend Micro

5. Avast One

Avast’s revamped antivirus is a vast improvement

Avast One is the latest release from Avast, a trusted name in the antivirus industry. This software is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and can cover up to 30 devices.

One of the standout features of Avast One is the free VPN that comes included with the software. This feature is provided by HideMyAss and offers a generous 5 GB weekly allowance. In addition, the software also includes a simple firewall, data breach scanning, and apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Avast One’s antivirus engine has been well received by independent testing labs, and the software has ranked towards the top of the pile in real-world malware tests and anti-phishing tasks. Other features included are tune-up tools, ad blockers, webcam protection, and malicious URL blocking.

While Avast One offers a lot of features, it’s not a huge upgrade from the company’s free version, Avast One Essential. Most of the additional features are add-ons and you would have to really want one of those specific features to justify the cost. If you are looking for more fully-featured internet security suite, you may be better off considering other options.

In conclusion, Avast One offers a good set of features, including a free VPN and a simple firewall, but it’s not a huge upgrade from the company’s free version. It’s accurate antivirus engine and performance on independent testing lab makes it a reliable option, but you might want to consider other options if you need a more fully-featured internet security suite.

6. Microsoft Defender

A solid free option for Windows users

Microsoft Defender is a solid antivirus software option for Windows users, as it’s built into the operating system and available for free. This software is available for Windows only, and it’s not specified a number of devices it can cover.

One of the standout features of Microsoft Defender is its anti-ransomware protection, which is a multi-layered defense system. In addition, it also includes a firewall, webcam and privacy protection, web filtering, and parental controls. Additionally, it offers a decent array of features such as basic backup options.

The software has been tested by independent lab AV-Comparatives, where it ranked in the middle among 17 tested providers, which means that it’s better at protecting your PC than some paid-for software. It’s worth noting that the software is not intrusive, and it’s mostly in the background and you only see it when you go looking for it.

While Microsoft Defender offers a decent array of features, it’s important to note that they are quite basic and they are not on par with those offered by most of the security suites. The software also lacks some features such as a VPN, or a password manager and it’s only available for Windows PCs. This means that if you’re looking for protection for your Mac or smartphone, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Additionally, some features only work well if you use Edge as your browser.

Overall, Microsoft Defender is a solid free option for Windows users that offers a decent array of features. It’s built into the operating system, which makes it an easy option, but the features are quite basic and it may not provide the same level of protection and features as some of the paid security suites. If you’re looking for more advanced protection or to protect other devices, you’ll need to look for another option.

7. Avira antivirus

Solid security across devices

Avira antivirus is a solid security option that’s available across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. cover up to 25 devices.

One of the standout features of Avira antivirus is its proactive anti-ransomware protection and software updater, which helps keep all your apps secure. The software also includes various privacy tools, such as a file shredder for extra confidentiality. The interface is user-friendly and the various features are integrated well within the UI.

Avira antivirus is also known for its impressive anti-phishing and web protection. The software offers a free but limited VPN service with 1 GB monthly allowance. Upgrading to the Internet Security or Prime plan will get you access to a full password manager, automatic updates for your apps and the Pro version of Software Updater. Additionally, the Prime plan gives you the unlimited usage version of the VPN and mobile app support.

It’s worth noting that the ratings of the antivirus engine from some independent test labs are only average at best. However, the software still provides a decent enough level of protection.

Overall, Avira antivirus is a solid security option that offers various features and options to protect your device and privacy. The anti-ransomware and software updater features are a standout, and the interface is user-friendly. However, the ratings of the antivirus engine from some independent test labs are a concern. It

8. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus

A tempting lightweight antivirus option

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is a tempting lightweight antivirus option that’s available for Windows, Mac, and Android. cover up to 5 devices.

One of the standout features of Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is its identity heft protection, real-time anti-phishing and firewall monitor. Installation takes seconds and it only uses a tiny amount of drive space, with virus definitions stored in the cloud. This makes the software incredibly streamlined and efficient. It offers quick virus scans that take no more than around 20 seconds and it has a small memory footprint.

The software is not ranked by the big-name testing labs, save for SE Labs, which in its most recent Home Anti-Malware report rated Webroot as solid in terms of malware protection, though not quite up there with the top competition.

For more features, SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus expands coverage to mobile devices and provides a password manager (courtesy of LastPass), covering up to five devices (rather than three). SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete has automatic backup tool with 25 GB of secure cloud storage and additional online privacy features. There is also a Family Pack version of the flagship suite which ups device coverage to 10 pieces of hardware, and provides 100 GB of cloud storage.

Overall, Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is a lightweight and efficient antivirus option that offers a good set of features. Although it’s not ranked by the big-name testing labs and it doesn’t have the best detection rates, the software is very well-featured and offers a fast virus scanning and it’s super lightweight. Another benefit

9. Sophos Home

A great choice for multi-device protection

Sophos Home is an antivirus software package that is designed to provide multi-device protection for up to 10 computers running Windows and Mac operating systems. One of the key features of Sophos Home is its central management console, which allows users to easily manage and monitor the security of all of their devices from a single web-based dashboard.

One of the strengths of Sophos Home is its antivirus engine, which has been designed to provide high-quality protection against a wide range of malware threats. The software also includes advanced ransomware protection, which is designed to detect and block malicious attacks that attempt to encrypt or lock users’ files. Additionally, Sophos Home includes a feature called Pay Guard, which is designed to protect users’ online transactions by providing a secure browsing environment for sensitive financial transactions.

Sophos Home also includes a number of bonus features such as a software updater, which automatically updates all of the apps on a user’s device to ensure that they are running the latest version, as well as a file shredder, which securely deletes files to prevent them from being recovered by attackers.

However, while Sophos Home provides a lot of features, it does have some weaknesses. One of the main criticisms of the software is its lack of options and customization, which makes it difficult for users to tweak the settings to suit their specific needs. Additionally, some users have complained about the clunky interface, which can be difficult to navigate and understand.

Despite these drawbacks, Sophos Home is a good choice for users who are looking for a capable antivirus software package that can protect multiple devices. With its advanced threat detection capabilities, advanced ransomware protection, and central management console, Sophos Home provides a high level of security for users with multiple computers. However, if you looking for a more advanced option with more features, then you might want to consider other options in the market.

  10 AVG Technologies Antivirus

AVG, which is now part of the Avast family, is a well-known name in the antivirus software market. Its antivirus software is known for its ability to detect and remove persistent malware, and its free version offers essential protections against viruses, phishing attempts, and ransomware.

The free version of AVG antivirus, known as AVG Antivirus Free, is available for one device and provides basic protections against malware, including real-time scanning and automatic updates. However, for those who need more advanced features and protections, AVG offers paid versions.

AVG Internet Security is an upgraded version that provides additional protections against unauthorized remote access, ransomware, and scams. It also includes an enhanced firewall and a hardened browser to help protect against fake websites and phishing attempts.

AVG Ultimate is the top-tier package that includes all the features of AVG Internet Security, plus additional features like AVG TuneUp and AVG Secure VPN. These features can help improve your computer’s performance and keep your online activity private.

One downside of AVG is that it has received below-average ratings from some independent test labs, but overall it still offers a very good level of protection. Additionally, some users may find the interface to be clunky, and the paid version doesn’t offer as many features compared to some other antivirus software in the market. AVG’s pricing ranges from $75.99 to $127.99 a year depending on the package you choose.