Which is the best anti-virus software? A comparison

If a computer system is infected by malware, it can lead to the loss of highly sensitive data, such as passwords, banking information, or other personal data. Antivirus programs protect your computer from various types of malware. Which solutions are recommended?

How to choose the right antivirus software

To find a suitable antivirus program for your computer system, you need to evaluate its various features and functions. Should the software provide basic security or do you require more advanced security features? Do you need special tools, such as a secure zone for online banking or reliable encryption for highly sensitive data? Your personal usage needs play an important role in determining a suitable antivirus software. This may also determine whether you should opt for a free or fee-based software. However, don’t expect the most expensive program to offer the best protection. When it comes to antivirus programs, it’s best to consider the advantages and disadvantages of your top choices and choose an option that matches your security needs.

As a user, you should be aware of the pros and cons of individual programs and choose the software based on your specific needs.

Antivirus software in comparison

Information correct as of January 2025

An overview of the best antivirus software available

There are countless antivirus programs on the market. With the intense competition, the race for quality has also grown, and the differences in security, performance range, usability, and support are now barely noticeable. Even free antivirus programs today adhere to comparable high standards and have become a promising alternative. In our detailed overview, based on selected top providers, you can find out what security features you can expect in current antivirus software, what additional tools and features exist, and how free programs differ from paid ones.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a Romanian manufacturer of antivirus software and offers various plans for private users and businesses. With cross-platform, paid products like Small Office Security, Premium Security, or Total Security, Bitdefender focuses on high quality in terms of security, performance range, and program usability – at correspondingly high prices. The program interface is clear and features large buttons, making it easier to use on touch-enabled devices. The following features in particular distinguish Bitdefender products:

• Real-time scanner ensures a constantly active security field and remains powerful due to the integrated cloud scanner, without putting too much strain on the system’s performance.
• Automatic updates: Programs are updated hourly, ensuring a high detection rate for various types of malware.
• Safepay offers special protection for financial transactions.
• Spam protection filters out irrelevant messages in your inbox.
• Vulnerability scan shows possible weaknesses in the computer system.

However, a major disadvantage of Bitdefender is that the performance range decreases with the lower-priced versions. For example, the lowest-priced version of the antivirus software lacks spam protection, mobile protection, and additional encryption techniques. For mobile protection, an additional plan needs to be purchased.

Norton by NortonLifeLock

Norton is an antivirus program series by US software developer NortonLifeLock (previously Symantec). The company acquired Peter Norton Computing in 1990 and kept the Norton product name ever since. Norton Security products are of a high-quality standard and provide customers with a wide range of security features for multiple device types. The products aren’t free, but they offer great performance, user-friendly interfaces and direct support at a low cost.

The most important features of the Norton Security antivirus software are:

• Real-time protection against all types of malware attacks
• Intelligent firewall for Windows PCs and Macs
• Exclusive Norton expert including Virus Protection Promise (refund if a virus cannot be removed)
• Password Manager
• Cloud Backup (depending on the edition, 2, 10, 50, or 200 GB)
• SafeCam feature to block unauthorized access to your webcam (not included in the Plus version)
• Dark Web Monitoring scans the dark web for your personal data and alerts you if someone attempts to offer sensitive information (not included in the Plus version)

A disadvantage is the lack of P2P worm protection, i.e., in peer-to-peer networks where users exchange data directly. Protection for instant messaging attachments is only available for Apple Mail and Apple Messages. Additionally, in the Plus version, protection features such as SafeCam and Secure VPN are not included.

Avira

Avira is a well-known German software company that offers various antivirus software products for private users and companies. It provides both free and fee-based products for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. Avira Pro, Avira Internet Security, and Avira Prime are good options for private users. Avira also offers plans for businesses such as the Avira Antivirus for Endpoint and Avira Antivirus for small business editions. All plans provide good protection and excellent support at a fair price.

The free Free-Security version has been one of the best antivirus programs in the freeware category for years, but it offers fewer features than the premium versions.

The key features Avira plans offer include:

• Automatic software and driver updates (not included in the Pro version)
• Real-time protection and repair function
• Protection for online payments and credit cards
• Intelligent ad blocker
• Smart home protection
• Anonymous browsing (Avira Prime)

The program interface is somewhat confusing due to the multi-layered menu bar and is more geared toward experienced users. The multilingual support includes help resources such as FAQs, tutorials, manuals, forums, or the “Virus Lab,” a collection of all current malware threats.

Kaspersky

With more than 30 branches worldwide, a team of over 4,000 highly qualified specialists, and extensive experience in security software since 1997, the Russian software company Kaspersky Lab has been offering high-quality security solutions for both private users and businesses for years. The portfolio ranges from classic antivirus software for family PCs to the complex enterprise security suite for businesses with more than 1,000 employees. Some editions, such as Security Cloud Personal and Internet Security, offer cross-platform support, while others are specifically designed for use on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.

The most important features of Kaspersky products are:

• Browser encryption for secure online shopping/banking (Windows and macOS only)
• Webcam and VPN protection on unsecured Wi-Fi (not included in Anti-Virus version)
• Phishing protection
• Password manager (not included in all editions)
• Special protection for servers and workstations (Business editions)

Knowing that it has developed some of the most reliable and best antivirus programs of the past decades, Kaspersky has also priced the current editions of its security solutions accordingly. The licenses (available individually or in 3- and 5-pack bundles) must be renewed either annually or every two years.

McAfee

McAfee is also one of the pioneers in the development of computer security software. Like many other antivirus program providers in this comparison, the U.S. software company offers special editions for home use as well as for small to large businesses. These versions can be purchased for one person or device, or for an unlimited number of clients, with customers always purchasing a one-year license, which must then be renewed.

The main features of the cross-platform solutions (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) at a glance:

• Password Manager
• File encryption function (128-bit) (McAfee Total Protection and others)
• Browser protection for secure browsing
• Vulnerability scanner finds security holes in Windows and apps
• Easy management of the system firewall
• Shredder ensures that files are permanently deleted and cannot be reconstructed

The manufacturer’s extensive experience is also reflected in the usability of the antivirus software: Both users of desktop applications and mobile apps benefit from the well-organized, intuitively designed user interface of McAfee products.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes has also committed to the fight against malware and the promotion of cybersecurity:

The U.S.-based company has been impressing since 2008 with various security applications for home use and the business sector. A free antivirus program is also part of the product range – however, Malwarebytes recommends using this Free Edition only as a supplement to other antivirus software, as it is designed solely for cleaning infected devices and does not take preventive measures. The enterprise products are available for small (up to 99 employees), medium-sized (up to 999 employees), and large businesses (over 1,000 employees). The core features of Malwarebytes are summarized in the following list:

• Protection against ransomware
• Central dashboard for displaying threats (Business editions)
• Brute-force and phishing protection
• Browser Guard extension: Browser protection for secure browsing (Firefox, Chrome & Edge)

Many of Malwarebytes’ solutions are available not only for the two desktop operating systems Windows and macOS, but also for Android, iOS, and Chromebook. However, the version for Apple notebooks and desktop computers is significantly more limited compared to the Windows version.

ESET

Founded in Bratislava in 1992, Slovakian software company ESET now secures people digitally in over 200 countries. Most of its security solutions, which include antivirus programs for private and business customers, have been developed for Microsoft Windows. ESET also provides adequate protection solutions for Android, Linux and macOS devices. The free ESET NOD32 Antivirus edition – the classic antivirus software by the company – provides the most important protective measures against computer viruses and other malware. For extended security options, customers should choose a premium plan such as ESET Internet Security or Smart Security Premium. Enterprise solutions by ESET are a good choice for businesses.

ESET Premium users gain access to the following features and functions:

• Hacker protection against cyberattacks
• Secure online shopping and secure web payments
• Comprehensive network protection
• Password manager
• Encryption function for private files
• Webcam protection and parental control
• Protection against harmful apps (Android)

Businesses can find specific solutions from ESET for the protection of end devices (desktop and mobile) or servers (file servers, SharePoint, mail servers, etc.), as well as individual products for encryption and authentication.

SecureAnywhere by Webroot

The US-based company Webroot – now a subsidiary of Carbonite Inc. – has been developing performance and security tools for home users since 1997. Its SecureAnywhere product series includes simple antivirus software for Windows and macOS, as well as complex security suites for extended protection on desktop and mobile devices. The pricing structure makes the antivirus solutions suitable for use by businesses, but Webroot is missing a dedicated Enterprise edition. The spectrum of features included in Webroot are:

• Real-time phishing protection blocks harmful websites
• Monitoring of firewall and network connections
• Very fast malware scans
• Ransomware protection
• Protection for passwords and login data
• 25 GB of online storage (only included in the most expensive plan)

In the antivirus program comparison, SecureAnywhere stands out primarily due to its slim program code. The security application is not only quick to install but also uses a minimal amount of system resources.

F-Secure

One of the first companies to combine multiple virus scan engines in antivirus software and have them work simultaneously was the Finnish company F-Secure. To this day, the focus of the security company remains on antivirus protection and intrusion prevention, with the product range spanning from basic antivirus software to comprehensive business suites. The antivirus plan “F-Secure Anti-Virus” protects your PC from spyware, viruses, and other malware, but it is only available for Windows. Therefore, if you need protection for other systems like macOS, Android, or iOS and a broader security spectrum, you must opt for the premium editions or the business solutions.

Here is an overview of the features and functionalities of F-Secure security applications:

• Browser protection including family manager (limit surfing time, block sites, etc.)
• Ransomware protection
• Banking protection for secure online banking
• Private VPN, Wi-Fi protection, and tracking protection (F-Secure Total)
• Central F-Secure account for managing all devices

When using F-Secure products in businesses, customers have various options available: You can protect all end devices or an entire cloud, install comprehensive threat protection, or set up vulnerability management.