Best Antivirus Software in 2023 for Windows, Mac, and More

While the latest operating systems have built-in security solutions, they aren’t enough for airtight safety. Simply opening an email attachment or misclicking on an ad might infect your system. So, getting an antivirus is more crucial than ever to protect your devices.

While there is a wide array of antivirus software choices available, many of them fall short in delivering reliable security. As a result, I conducted extensive testing on numerous antivirus programs and meticulously handpicked the most effective ones for safeguarding your devices. These applications excel in detecting malware, offer enhanced security through firewalls, incorporate VPNs, password managers, and a range of other features to provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.

Of my top choices, Norton stands out as the best overall antivirus, with its 100% malware detection score, helpful security features, and support for all major platforms. Plus, its 60-day money-back guarantee lets you try Norton risk-free.

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Quick Guide: Best Antivirus Software in 2023

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10 Best Antivirus Software (Tested 2023)

1. Norton — #1 Antivirus With Flawless Malware Protection for All Devices

Quick Look: Norton Results

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Norton is the best overall antivirus in 2023. With its robust malware scans and reliable security features, Norton can secure all your devices. Besides this, it offers many useful features for added layers of security and best-in-class customer support to help protect your devices.

During my tests, Norton successfully detected 100% of malware, and its quick and full scans take only 2 and 20 minutes to complete. Plus, Norton’s real-time security blocked 100% of threats and stopped every malicious file I attempted to download on my system.

Norton has an advanced firewall with many configuration options, but it’s also pre-configured to provide excellent security by default. Also, Norton’s built-in VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your online activity. My team and I extensively tested Norton’s VPN and learned it unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix US and HBO Max.

Besides the above features, Norton has various other tools to improve your overall security, including:

• Encrypted Cloud Storage — provides up to 500GB of secure cloud storage (in the US) for sensitive files and data.
• Dark Web Monitoring — checks if your passwords were leaked in data breaches.
• Password Manager — safeguards your passwords and other sensitive information.
• Parental Controls — protect your children by helping you monitor and manage their activity.
• Software Updater — ensures your apps are up-to-date to remove any vulnerabilities.
• Privacy Monitor — helps remove your information from people-search websites.
• PC SafeCam — stops unauthorized access to your system’s webcam.

Norton also offers best-in-class customer support via 24/7 live chat, phone support, community forums, and an online knowledge base. I connected to a live chat agent within a minute whenever I needed help, and they were all knowledgeable and provided helpful answers to my questions.

You can get Norton for as low as $19.99/year, and it currently offers the following price plans:

• Antivirus Plus — offers Norton’s antivirus features, firewall, 2GB of cloud storage (in the US), password manager, and protection for 1 device.
• 360 Standard — provides Norton’s VPN, Dark Web Monitoring, PC SafeCam, protection for up to 3 devices, and everything in Antivirus Plus.
• 360 Deluxe — has Norton’s Privacy Monitor, parental controls, 50GB of cloud storage (in the US), protection for up to 5 devices, and everything in Standard.
• 360 Select — offers Norton’s ID monitoring, 250GB of cloud storage (in the US), all the features in Deluxe, and protection for up to 10 devices.
• 360 Advantage — has Norton’s Identity Lock and everything in Select.
• 360 Ultimate Plus — provides 500GB of cloud storage (in the US), Norton’s Home Title Monitoring, protection for unlimited devices, and all the above features.

360 Deluxe delivers the best value of all plans and costs just $49.99/year. It includes Norton’s VPN, 50GB of cloud storage (in the US), and all other vital security features. Plus, it lets you protect up to 5 devices on all platforms.

Best of all, you can try Norton risk-free for 60 days with its money-back guarantee. It’s easy to get a refund by contacting Norton’s support, and mine was instantly processed when I asked for one via live chat. Afterward, I had my money back in just 5 days.

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2. TotalAV — Top Antivirus for Beginners Thanks to Its Intuitive Apps

Quick Look: TotalAV Results

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TotalAV is a beginner-friendly antivirus with effective security and optimization tools. Its intuitive apps let you easily safeguard your devices, even if you haven’t used an antivirus before. Also, it provides helpful optimization features like the Smart Scan, which finds multiple ways to improve device performance.

Throughout my tests, TotalAV’s virus scans consistently detected and removed 100% of the malware they encountered. Its quick, full, and custom scans are also fast, with the full scan taking less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, TotalAV’s real-time security only blocks 97% of threats, meaning it falls short of Norton’s 100% real-time malware detection.

Windscribe, a renowned name in the VPN industry, powers TotalAV’s VPN. My connection speeds only dropped around 10% compared to my baseline speeds, meaning they were always fast enough for lag-free streaming and browsing. Also, TotalAV’s VPN successfully unblocks Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Netflix US, UK, Canada, and Germany.

Some other safety features available in TotalAV include the following:

• Data Breach Test — checks if any of your passwords were compromised in data breaches.
• WebShield — safeguards you from opening malicious websites that may infect your system.
• Adblocker — blocks annoying ads for a smooth browsing experience.

You can get TotalAV for as low as $19.00/year, and its plans include the following:

• Antivirus Pro — offers TotalAV’s core antivirus, WebShield, optimization tools, and protection for up to 3 devices.
• Internet Security — secures up to 5 devices with TotalAV’s VPN and everything in Antivirus Pro.
• Total Security — protects up to 6 devices with TotalAV’s password manager, ad blocker, and everything in Internet Security.

TotalAV’s Internet Security plan is the best value proposition at just $39.00/year. Regardless of your plan, you can try TotalAV risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. After my tests, I asked for a refund via phone support and had my money back in just 2 days.

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3. McAfee — Best Antivirus for Comprehensive Internet Security

Quick Look: McAfee Results

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McAfee’s excellent Global Threat Intelligence system effectively predicts threats to keep you safe from infections while using your devices. Plus, it offers an array of valuable tools for added safety, but they aren’t as good as Norton’s wide variety of robust security features.

In my tests, McAfee’s virus scans found 100% of malware. It has quick, full, and custom scans, but its scans are slower than Norton’s. Its full scan takes over an hour, while Norton finishes the same scan in 20 minutes. However, McAfee’s real-time security is also effective and blocks 100% of threats.

McAfee’s real-time security stops 100% of malware before it infects your system

McAfee also has effective ransomware protection that monitors and blocks malicious changes to your files or folders. Plus, its secure and highly customizable acts as an effective first line of defense against cyber threats. You’ll also get reliable web protection, securing you against malicious websites, phishing scams, and cryptojacking attempts.

Other features in McAfee’s security suite include the following:

• Built-in VPN — secures your online activity with AES 256-bit encryption.
• Password Manager — provides safe storage for passwords and other sensitive data.
• Parental Controls — let you secure your kids by managing their location and activity.
• File Shredder — permanently deletes sensitive files so they’re no longer accessible.
• Network Monitor — checks your network and spots any intruders that connect to it.

I was particularly impressed by McAfee’s VPNs during my tests. It provided fast connection speeds across UK, Germany, US, and Australian servers for lag-free streaming, fast downloads, and smooth browsing. Unfortunately, I could only use it to access my home Netflix library, which means I couldn’t access services like Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video.

McAfee’s plans start at $44.99/year and include the following options:

• Total Protection Plus — has McAfee’s core antivirus, firewall, web protection, password manager, ID monitoring, VPN, file shredder, and protection for up to 5 devices.
• McAfee+ Premium — protects up to 10 devices and has McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup scans and everything in Total Protection Plus.
• McAfee+ Advanced — includes McAfee’s lost wallet protection, monthly credit reports, $1M ID theft coverage, full-service Personal Data Cleanup, and everything in McAfee+ Premium.
• McAfee+ Ultimate — offers McAfee’s daily credit reports, credit lock, 25K ransomware coverage, and everything in McAfee+ Advanced.

I suggest getting McAfee’s Total Protection Plus plan if you want the best value. Nonetheless, you can try McAfee risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. After my tests, I confirmed my refund via a call to McAfee’s phone support, and I had my money back only 7 days later.

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4. Intego — The Best Overall macOS Antivirus

Quick Look: Intego Results

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Intego is a specialized antivirus that succeeds at its aim: being the best antivirus on macOS. With its effective security against the latest macOS threats and impressive feature set, Intego is worth getting if you want to protect your Mac. Best of all, it doesn’t consume too many resources, meaning it won’t slow down system performance.

I was impressed with Intego’s 99.4% detection score during my tests, which is far ahead of the 85% average for macOS antiviruses. Also, this impressive detection score applies to Windows devices, meaning this is a great antivirus for households with a mix of different devices.

You’ll get other features with Intego for added security on your system, including the following:

• NetBarrier Firewall — stops cyber threats with a 2-way design that monitors both incoming and outgoing traffic.
• Safe Browsing — blocks threats while you surf the web.
• ContentBarrier — allows you to protect kids by monitoring and managing their online activity.
• Mac Washing Machine — optimizes your system performance in various ways.
• Personal Backup — lets you easily back up and recover important files.

Intego’s NetBarrier firewall is among its biggest strengths. It has a unique 2-way design and offers ways to customize it. By monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic, it ensures no cyber threats infiltrate your network.

Intego’s 2-way firewall provides airtight security

Intego protects up to 5 devices, and its price increases depending on how many devices you secure. You can get Intego for as low as $19.99/year and choose from the following plans:

• Mac Internet Security — includes Intego’s core antivirus features, real-time security, firewall, and anti-phishing features.
• Mac Security and Performance — provides everything in Mac Internet Security and also includes Intego’s Mac Washing Machine optimization features.
• Mac Premium Bundle — offers Intego’s ContentBarrier and Personal Backup features besides all the above features.

Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle is the best value plan, offering all the necessary features at just 1-year. Also, you can try Intego risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. The refund process is simple, and I had my money back in just 10 days when I requested a refund after testing Intego.

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5. Bitdefender — Powerful and Feature-Rich Antivirus That Delivers Effective Security

Quick Look: Bitdefender Results

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Bitdefender provides top-grade security via its reliable virus scans and impressive feature variety. It’s cloud-based to ensure it doesn’t impact system performance too much and uses AI and machine learning techniques to detect the latest malware. Also, Bitdefender has the following tools to help safeguard your system:

• Firewall — provides a reliable first line of defense against cyber threats.
• Parental Controls — offer ways to monitor and manage your kids’ activity.
• Safepay — opens a secure environment where you can use banking and shopping websites.
• File Shredder — deletes sensitive files permanently.

During my set of tests, I found that Bitdefender had an impressive 100% detection rate via scans and 100% against real-time threats. I also like Bitdefender’s Ransomware Remediation and Phishing Protection features, which add an extra layer of security to your online actives.

Bitdefender also has a VPN powered by Hotspot Shield, meaning you get the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol for excellent speed and security. Unfortunately, most plans limit the VPN to 200MB of data.

You can get Bitdefender for as low as $19.99/year and choose from the following plans:

• Antivirus Plus — has Bitdefender’s core antivirus, 200MB/day VPN, and protection for 1 device (Windows only).
• Internet Security — provides Bitdefender’s parental controls, Privacy Firewall, protection for 3 devices (Windows only), and everything in Antivirus Plus.
• Total Security — offers Bitdefender’s optimization tools, protection for 5 devices (all platforms), and everything in Internet Security.
• Premium Security — provides Bitdefender’s password manager, unlimited VPN, protection for 10 devices, and everything in Total Security.
• Ultimate Security — has Bitdefender’s ID monitoring and everything in Premium Security.

Bitdefender’s Total Security plan provides the best value for money at just $35.99/year. Of course, you can try Bitdefender risk-free for 30 days, regardless of your plan. I even tested its refund policy and got my money back within 5 days of my refund request.

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6. Malwarebytes — Reliable Security Against Malware on All Platforms

Quick Look: Malwarebytes Results

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Malwarebytes is a reliable antivirus that protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. It isn’t as feature-rich as Norton and doesn’t have a firewall, but it provides reliable core safety features to defend against malware. Plus, Malwarebytes found 99% of malware via its scans during my tests, which is an impressive score.

Besides its effective virus scans, Malwarebytes has excellent real-time security to stop malware from getting on your devices. Also, it has the following tools for added protection:

• Browser Guard — blocks unsafe websites, stops trackers, and removes annoying ads.
• Ransomware Protection — stops ransomware infections that may encrypt important files.

I was pleased to see that Malwarebytes has an excellent VPN for added online security. It uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and has a strict no-logs policy to defend your privacy. Throughout my tests, it never leaked my IP address or any other identifying information, thus ensuring I stayed safe and anonymous online.

Malwarebytes’ VPN never leaked any identifying information

You’ll also get great support with Malwarebytes. Its live chat connected me to an agent in under 2 minutes every time, and the email support responded in under 3 hours whenever I asked a question.

Malwarebytes has a free plan with on-demand malware scans but doesn’t offer much else. The paid Premium plan offers all the app’s safety features, but I suggest you get Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy for the best value, as it also includes the VPN and safeguards up to 5 devices.

You can try Malwarebytes risk-free for 60 days with its money-back guarantee. You can easily get a refund via email if you’re unsatisfied, and I had my money back within 8 days of my refund request.

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7. Panda — Well-Rounded Antivirus With Some Unique Security Features

Quick Look: Panda Results

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Panda is a powerful antivirus for well-rounded security, with a few unique features that set it apart. Also, Panda’s 98% malware detection via scans during my tests proved it’s good enough to be ranked alongside the best antiviruses.

Among Panda’s unique features is application control, which lets you choose what applications can be executed on your PC, thus creating a closed and secure system. Also, Panda alerts you if any apps try to install themselves or make unauthorized changes to your settings.

There’s also an innovative Rescue Kit feature, which lets you create a USB drive to recover computers infected so badly that they won’t boot. Besides this, Panda offers the following useful features:

• Built-in VPN — encrypts your traffic with AES 256-bit encryption to keep you safe online.
• Anti-theft — helps track and recover your devices if they’re ever stolen.
• File Encryption — encrypts sensitive files you don’t want anyone else to access.
• WiFi Protection — informs you if intruders connect to your network.

Panda’s plans start at just $19.20/year and include the following options:

• Essential — offers Panda’s core antivirus, 150MB/day VPN, and WiFi protection.
• Advanced — provides Panda’s ID protection, parental controls, and everything in Essential.
• Complete — has Panda’s password manager, optimization tools, and everything in Advanced.
• Premium — includes Panda’s unlimited VPN, everything in Complete, and priority customer support.

Panda’s Premium plan will give you the best value and costs just $40.20/year. Also, all of Panda’s plans allow you to secure up to unlimited devices, but the prices increase based on how many devices you choose to protect.

Of course, you can try Panda risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. It’s easy to get a refund via web form if you’re unsatisfied, and I had my money back in just 8 days when I requested a refund after tests.

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8. Avira — Useful Antivirus With Great Malware Detection Scores and Few False Positives

Quick Look: Avira Results

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Avira excels at malware detection, achieving 100% malware detection against real-time threats and via scans in my tests. Plus, it fully integrates its cloud scanning into its security app, thus letting it stay up-to-date on the latest threats while being lightweight. Also, it highlights fewer false positives than other antiviruses.

Besides its malware detection, Avira offers multiple features to help secure and enhance your system. These include the following:

• Built-in VPN — safeguards your online activity with top-grade AES 256-bit encryption.
• Power Cleaner — frees up space on your system by finding and removing junk.
• Software Updater — ensures your apps are up-to-date to remove vulnerabilities.
• Password Manager — lets you safely store and use your passwords.
• Hyper Boost — helps your system boot faster by making several optimizations.

Avira’s VPN is surprisingly good, and my team and I could use it to unblock Netflix and Disney+. Best of all, Avira’s Phantom VPN lets you connect unlimited devices. I was also impressed with its Hyper Boost tool, which reduced my test PC’s startup time to just a third of what it usually is.

You’ll get an excellent free plan with Avira, which provides its virus scans, real-time security, and 500MB/day VPN for 1 device. Its premium plans start at $26.99/year and include the following options:

• Antivirus Pro — includes Avira’s core antivirus, data-capped VPN, and protection for 1 device (Windows only).
• Internet Security — has Avira’s software updater, password manager, and all of Antivirus Pro’s features.
• Prime — offers Avira’s unlimited VPN, optimization tools, everything in Internet Security, and protection for 5 devices.

Avira’s Prime plan offers the best overall value for money at just $59.99/year. Also, you can try Avira risk-free thanks to its 60-day-long money-back guarantee. You can request a refund via email if you’re unsatisfied, and I had my money back within 24 hours when I requested mine.

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9. AVG — Provides Multiple Tools to Defend Against Malware

Quick Look: AVG Results

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While privacy issues harmed AVG’s reputation in the past, it’s now redeeming itself, and I consider it a trustworthy antivirus. With its impressive malware detection score and useful security features, AVG is a reliable antivirus for protecting all your devices.

During lab tests, AVG found 100% of viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomware threats released in the last 4 months. Plus, its real-time security has an equally effective score and blocks all malware before it can infect your system. There’s also an advanced firewall with various features to block cyber threats.

Other AVG features to improve security and device performance include the following:

• Built-in VPN — safeguards your browsing activity with AES 256-bit encryption.
• Anti-track — stops trackers from monitoring your activity for targeted ads.
• Data Shredder — permanently removes sensitive files so they’re inaccessible.
• TuneUp — optimizes system performance and frees up space by removing unnecessary files.

AVG has a free plan, but it only includes virus scans and ransomware protection. You must get one of its paid plans to use all its features. These plans let you protect either 1 or 10 devices and include the following options:

• Internet Security — includes AVG’s core antivirus features, WiFi security, and phishing protection
• Premium — provides AVG’s optimization tools, built-in VPN, and anti-track feature besides everything in Internet Security.

Thankfully, you can try AVG risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If unsatisfied, you can claim a refund via an online form. While there’s a refund request form, I asked for a refund via live chat and got my money back in 2 days.

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10. Avast — Combines Its Excellent Malware Detection With a Wide Variety of Features

Quick Look: Avast Results

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Ever since it sold its data-selling subsidiary and started redeeming itself after the privacy scandal, Avast is an excellent antivirus with various security features to ensure safety on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Besides its excellent firewall, which has multiple customization options, Avast offers the following tools to improve protection and performance:

• Sandbox — provides a safe and isolated environment to test potentially unsafe apps.
• Bank Mode — offers a secure way to bank and shop online safely.
• Secure Browser — stops trackers and ads while you browse the web.
• Hack Alerts — checks if your credentials were leaked on the dark web.
• Webcam Shield — blocks unauthorized access to your system’s webcam.
• Cleanup Premium — optimizes your device’s performance and removes junk files to free up space.

In my tests, I was impressed with Avast’s 100% detection score via scans. It found all the malware samples I hid on my system. Also, it has excellent real-time security with web, ransomware, behavior, and mail shields to defend your system against all cyber threats.

Unfortunately, Avast’s support is slow. The email support took over 2 days to answer my ticket, and it takes a while before live chat connects you to an agent. However, Avast’s live chat agents are knowledgeable and will provide useful responses once you’re connected.

Avast includes a free plan, but it only offers basic security via malware scans and ransomware protection. Its paid plans don’t provide the same value you get with top choices like Norton, but they’re reasonably priced. Avast’s paid plans include the following:

• Premium Security — includes Avast’s core antivirus features, real-time security, firewall, and web protection.
• Ultimate — provides Avast’s VPN, optimization tools, anti-tracking, and everything in Premium Security.

Avast’s subscriptions are available for 1 or 10 devices, and you’ll get the best value with Avast’s Ultimate plan for 10 devices. Whichever plan you choose, you can try Avast risk-free because of its 30-day money-back guarantee. Also, requesting a refund is easy because you can do it from Avast’s web portal and don’t have to contact support.

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Comparison Table: 2023’s Best Antivirus Software

Warning! Avoid These 2 Antivirus Brands

1. Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is good for basic security. However, it’s missing a customizable firewall, a built-in VPN, a password manager, and other tools available in the best antiviruses. So, it’s not worth getting if you want comprehensive security for all your devices.

2. Trend Micro

Trend Micro is mostly a good antivirus with strong detection scores and various security features. However, I found that Trend Micro sometimes fails to detect trojans, meaning it isn’t the best for airtight protection.

How to Choose the Best Antivirus for Your Operating System

Windows: Norton — There are many excellent antiviruses for Windows, but I consider Norton the best overall choice. It offers flawless malware detection scores, excellent customer support, and reliable security features to safeguard your Windows devices.

Mac: Intego — Intego is mainly targeted at macOS devices and is the best choice for this platform. It has perfect detection scores against Mac-specific malware and has various security features tailored to protect macOS devices.

Android: Norton — Norton offers a feature-rich Android app with powerful malware scanning, a built-in VPN, WiFi protection, and more. So, it’s the perfect antivirus to secure your Android devices.

iOS: McAfee — iOS devices sandbox all applications, so they can’t be infected with malware like other platforms. However, they still benefit from good security. McAfee’s iOS app provides web protection, anti-theft features, and more to secure your iOS devices.

How I Tested & Rated the Top Antivirus Software in 2023

I used the following criteria to determine the best antiviruses available:

• Powerful antivirus engine — I chose antiviruses with perfect (or near-perfect) malware detection scores to ensure they can keep up with the latest malware.
• No (or few) false positives — I picked antiviruses that flag no (or very few) false positives, as these can be a nuisance.
• Useful extra features — I found antiviruses with useful security features that add extra layers of protection.
• Performance impact — I selected antiviruses that don’t slow down device performance by consuming unnecessary resources.
• Ease of use — I chose antiviruses with intuitive and beginner-friendly apps that anyone can use.
• Customer support — I picked antiviruses with responsive customer support always available to help.
• Value for money — I prioritized antiviruses with affordable price plans that deliver excellent value for money.
• Money-back guarantee — I only chose antiviruses with money-back guarantees so you can test them risk-free.

FAQ: Antivirus Software in 2023

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Secure All Your Devices Using the Best Antivirus

In a world with quickly evolving cyber threats, it’s vital to get an antivirus to protect all your devices. Even though modern operating systems have their own security measures, they aren’t enough for comprehensive protection against all threats.

The antiviruses listed above will safeguard you against all kinds of malware. Their scans find and remove malware, and they have extra features like firewalls and effective real-time security to prevent infections while you use your devices.

However, after doing tests for dozens of hours, I consider Norton the best antivirus in 2023. Its flawless 100% malware detection, effective firewall, high-speed VPN, responsive customer support, and broad device compatibility make it my top choice. Also, you can try Norton completely risk-free for 60 days thanks to its money-back guarantee.

Summary — Best Antivirus Software in 2023

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Choice

1.

9.9

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$19.99 / year Save 60%

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2.

8.6

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$19.00 / year Save 61%

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3.

9.0

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$44.99 / year Save 70%

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4.

9.8

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$19.99 / year Save 43%

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5.

8.0

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$19.99 / year Save 44%

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