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The Best Antivirus Software for 2024
May 2024
Without antivirus protection, your personal information, data, and even bank account could be vulnerable. We've reviewed over 50 antiviruses to help you choose the best antivirus software for your requirements.
Our Top Choice

Starting $3.09 / month
NORTON - BEST OVERALL
Vulnerability Scan, Behavior-Based Detection, Phishing Protection
Malicious URL Blocking, Firewall, On-Access Malware Scan
includes VPN in the price
Online backup enabled out of the box
#1
MOST POPULAR
BEST ANTIVIRUS 2024
EXCELLENT
REVIEW
5.0
05/2024
What Are Viruses, Malware, and Ransomware?
We call it antivirus, but in truth, it's unlikely you'll get hit with an actual computer virus. Malware these days is about making money, and there's no easy way to cash in on spreading a virus. Ransomware and data-stealing Trojans are much more common, as are bots that let the bot-herder rent out your computer for nefarious purposes.
In the US, chief information security officers (CISOs) reported approximately 480,000 cyber incidents in 2022. These attacks primarily impact companies financially, with projections suggesting that cybercrime could cost U.S. companies upwards of $452 billion by 2024. However, financial repercussions aren't the only concern; reputational damage also looms large in the minds of business leaders.
Cybercrime has become a trillion-dollar enterprise for criminals, with 43% of attacks specifically targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The average cost of a data breach in the US in 2023 reached $5.09 million. Overall, cybercriminal activities generate about $1.5 trillion annually. SMBs find themselves particularly vulnerable, being the target of 43% of annual cyber attacks. IBM also notes that phishing is a leading method of attack, responsible for 16% of cyber incidents.
We've named two Editors' Choice antivirus apps out of that extensive field and honored others with four-star or better ratings. One of the utilities listed in this article should address the problem if you have malware.
The Results

Starting $3.09 / month
NORTON - BEST OVERALL
Vulnerability Scan, Behavior-Based Detection, Phishing Protection
Malicious URL Blocking, Firewall, On-Access Malware Scan
includes VPN in the price
Online backup enabled out of the box
#1
MOST POPULAR
BEST ANTIVIRUS 2024
EXCELLENT
REVIEW
5.0
05/2024
LifeLock - Best for insurance packages
1 Million Dollar Protection
Identity and Social Security Number Alerts + Dark web monitoring
GOOD
REVIEW
4.8
05/2024

From $7.5 / mo

Avast - Best Mac antivirus for malware protection
Cover up to 3 devices (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) under one account.
Tons of features
GOOD
REVIEW
4.7
05/2024

From $3 / mo

AVG - Best free option
Capable basic protection for a free product
free VPN included
GOOD
REVIEW
4.6
05/2024

From $5 / mo

Avira - Best for all in one
Password manager included
free VPN included
GOOD
REVIEW
4.3
05/2024

From $3 / mo

7 Top factors to consider before buying antivirus software
Antivirus software is a vital component of any business's cybersecurity strategy. It serves as a fundamental layer of defense against viruses, ransomware, and various other forms of malicious software, commonly referred to as malware. However, not all antivirus solutions are equally suited to every business's specific needs. In this blog, we'll explore the key considerations you should keep in mind when selecting antivirus software for your business.
Cost
Prices for antivirus software can range from free to several hundred dollars annually. While free options may be appealing, they typically offer only basic features and might not provide adequate protection for a business environment. Paid antivirus solutions, on the other hand, usually come with a broader array of features and more frequent updates to the latest threat databases and security patches.
Free Trial
Choosing antivirus software that offers a free trial period is beneficial. This allows you to evaluate its compatibility with your business’s systems and its effectiveness before making a purchase.
Performance Impact
It's important to consider the software’s impact on system performance. Some antivirus programs are resource-intensive, which can slow down your devices, especially if they're used for demanding tasks like graphic design or app development. Opt for lightweight antivirus software that operates efficiently in the background without disrupting your operations.
Regular Updates
The threat landscape is constantly evolving, making regular updates crucial for effective protection. Ensure that the antivirus software you choose commits to ongoing updates. Verify the provider’s update policy before purchasing.
Effective Threat Management
Detecting malware is just one aspect of an antivirus; it must also effectively remove threats without harming your system. Look for software that can isolate and eliminate threats without deleting critical files or otherwise disrupting your system.
Email Protection
Since email is a common vector for cyberattacks, effective antivirus software should include robust email scanning capabilities to detect and block malicious attachments and links, particularly those used in phishing attacks.
Additional Features
Consider the added benefits of paid antivirus programs, such as:
Mobile Support: With many employees using mobile devices, choose software that extends protection to these devices to safeguard all business data.
Firewall: This feature monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent malware infections, working alongside the antivirus to enhance security.
VPN: A bundled VPN helps secure and encrypt your internet connections, protecting your data from interception and providing safe, anonymous access to the internet.
Norton - Best value for money

Starting $3.09 / month
NORTON - BEST OVERALL
Vulnerability Scan, Behavior-Based Detection, Phishing Protection
Malicious URL Blocking, Firewall, On-Access Malware Scan
includes VPN in the price
Online backup enabled out of the box
#1
MOST POPULAR
BEST ANTIVIRUS 2024
EXCELLENT
REVIEW
5.0
05/2024
Bottom Line
Antivirus software plays a crucial role in maintaining your business's cybersecurity. Our cybersecurity experts are ready to assist you in finding the antivirus solution that best fits your company's needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can strengthen your business's defenses against cyber threats.
Interesting facts
Impact on Customers: 57% of organizations that experienced a breach in 2023 passed the cybersecurity incident costs onto their customers, highlighting the broader economic impact of cyber attacks.
AI and Cybersecurity: Organizations that employed AI and automated security measures reduced their data breach lifecycle by 108 days, significantly speeding up the process from 322 to 214 days for identifying and containing breaches.
Financial Savings with Law Enforcement: Ransomware victims that collaborated with law enforcement saved an average of $4.7 million in breach costs, showcasing the financial benefits of such partnerships.
Internal Detection Rates: Only one-third of data breaches were detected internally by companies' security teams in 2023, with a notable 27% of breaches being disclosed by the attackers themselves.
AI-Driven Cost Reduction: Companies using AI and automation in cybersecurity reported $1.8 million lower data breach costs compared to those without such technologies, marking the largest cost-saving measure reported.
Cybersecurity Job Market: There's an anticipated shortfall of 3.4 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2024, indicating a significant talent gap in the industry.
Rise in Wire Transfer Amounts in BEC Attacks: The average wire transfer request in Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks rose dramatically by 57% from $187,053 in the first quarter to $293,359 in the second quarter of 2023.
Phishing Trends: Phishing remains a dominant threat, with over 1.28 million attacks recorded in just the second quarter of 2023, marking it as the third-highest quarterly total ever.
Global Increase in Cyberattacks: There was an 8% increase in weekly cyberattacks globally in 2023, with phishing attacks accounting for 41% of these incidents.
Cybercrime's Economic Scale: Cybercrime continues to be a lucrative industry for criminals, earning them approximately $1.5 trillion annually, with small businesses representing 43% of the targeted attacks.