1. Bitdefender
Bitdefender suits people who want a capable free edition or a cheap first year on one PC. Antivirus Plus adds ransomware protection, anti-phishing and a rescue mode for $24.99 in the first year. The catch is that the renewal price is not shown, and the firewall only comes with Total Security.
Best for: People who want a capable free edition or a cheap first year. Prices, facts and sources
2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Microsoft Defender suits anyone with a Windows PC who wants solid protection without buying anything. Windows Security adds a firewall, controlled folder access and an offline scan, all built in. The catch is that SmartScreen's website checks are documented for Microsoft Edge, and the apps for other systems need a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Best for: Windows users who want protection without buying anything. Prices, facts and sources
3. Kaspersky
Kaspersky is only an option outside the United States, where a 2024 Commerce Department ruling bars its sale. Elsewhere, Standard includes a firewall, anti-ransomware and anti-phishing for $49.99 in the first year, plus a free Rescue Disk. The catch is that there is no lasting free edition, and Standard renews at $64.99.
Best for: Buyers outside the United States who want a firewall in the cheapest plan. Prices, facts and sources
4. Avast
Avast suits people who want a free Windows antivirus with real-time protection. Premium Security adds a firewall, ransomware protection and a rescue disk for $49.08 in the first year. The catch is the $77.99 renewal and the 2024 FTC order over selling users' browsing data.
Best for: People who want a free Windows antivirus with real-time protection. Prices, facts and sources
5. Norton
Norton suits people who want a firewall, ransomware protection and cloud backup in one paid app. AntiVirus Plus costs $29.99 in the first year and comes with a 60-day refund window. The catch is that the price doubles to $59.99 at renewal, and there is no free edition.
Best for: People who want a firewall and cloud backup in one paid app. Prices, facts and sources
6. ESET
ESET suits people who want a light paid antivirus for Windows or Mac. NOD32 Antivirus costs $39.99 a year with anti-phishing, and HOME Security Essential adds a firewall for $49.99. The catch is that there is no free edition, no iOS app and no rescue disk since 2023.
Best for: People who want a light paid antivirus for Windows or Mac. Prices, facts and sources
7. F-Secure
F-Secure suits people who want a plain yearly price: Internet Security costs $49.99 for one device and renews at the same rate. The company holds an ISO/IEC 27001 certificate. The catch is that there is no free edition, and no firewall is listed for Windows.
Best for: People who want a yearly price that does not jump at renewal. Prices, facts and sources
8. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes suits people who want one paid plan across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Standard costs $35.99 for three devices in the first year, and new buyers get 60 days to ask for a refund. The catch is that the free version has no real-time protection, and Standard renews at $59.99 a year.
Best for: People who want a free cleanup scanner and a simple paid upgrade. Prices, facts and sources
9. TotalAV
TotalAV suits households that want one subscription for several devices: Total AV Plus covers four for $99 a year at the renewal rate. It includes real-time antivirus, ransomware protection and phishing protection. The catch is that TotalAV publishes no firewall for Windows and does not say what its free download includes.
Best for: Households that want one plan covering several devices. Prices, facts and sources
10. Avira
Avira suits people who want real-time protection for free, with a low-cost upgrade when they need more. Antivirus Pro costs $26.99 for the first year and adds a firewall and web protection, and annual plans have a 60-day refund window. The catch is the renewal: Antivirus Pro goes to $64.99 a year after the first year.
Best for: People who want free real-time protection with a cheap paid upgrade. Prices, facts and sources