Do You REALLY Need Chromebook Antivirus Software in 2024?

Last Updated by Lucca RF on September 07, 2023

Google claims that Chromebooks are safe from online attacks, but this isn’t 100% true. While safe from viruses, Chromebooks can still be targeted by other cyberthreats like spyware or phishing scams. Worse yet, the Google Play Store hosts a lot of fake and even dangerous apps with hidden malware inside. You might not even realize you’re being spied upon until your Chromebook starts freezing or slowing down.

To help you stay safe, I tested over 15 apps to find out which antivirus provides maximum protection while downloading, browsing, and streaming on Chromebook. If you want the quick answer, I found TotalAV Mobile Security is the best in 2024. Despite the affordable price, TotalAV’s app scanner and browser extension is highly effective against phishing scams and network threats. There’s even a bonus VPN.

You can try TotalAV risk-free on Chromebook with its 30-day money-back guarantee, making it completely risk-free to test it out for yourself.

Try TotalAV risk-free on Chromebook!

Quick Guide: The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook in 2024

TotalAV Antivirus & VPN — #1 Chromebook antivirus with advanced app scanning, browser protection, and VPN. Try TotalAV risk-free today!
McAfee Mobile Security — Useful remote recovery tools.
Norton Mobile Security — Safe Site browser extension keeps you safe from malicious downloads and links.

Try TotalAV risk-free now!

Here’s How to Keep Your Chromebook 100% Safe in 2024

1. TotalAV Antivirus & VPN — #1 Chromebook Antivirus With Advanced Protective Features

Key Features:

Scans apps before and after installation for suspicious behavior
PIN lock blocks individual apps and an unlimited bandwidth VPN
Available for Chromebooks that can use the Google Play Store
24/7 customer support available
30-day money-back guarantee

TotalAV’s Chromebook app comes with a Safe Site extension that integrates with your browser to ensure websites you visit aren’t dangerous. It has an expanding database of known malicious URLs that it blocks as soon as you visit them. TotalAV protected me from a site containing phishing scams when I tested this myself. As phishing scams are a major threat to the safety of Chromebooks, I was really impressed with the addition of this feature.

I found TotalAV’s integrated VPN perfect for browsing the internet anonymously. It even works with Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. This is a surprise since I’m used to antiviruses coming with low-quality VPNs. As a bonus, you also get unlimited data with TotalAV’s paid plans. Better yet, it works perfectly with the Safe Site extension so I felt that I was 100% secure online.

You can use TotalAV’s PIN lock feature to add a password to any app on Chromebook, which is beneficial for physical security if your device is stolen. It can also be great if you share a device or you’re worried about others spying on your data.

TotalAV is even great for budget-conscious Chromebook owners who still want high value. Better still, you can try TotalAV risk-free on Chromebook with its 30-day money-back guarantee and see how it holds up yourself. I tried it myself for a few weeks before requesting a refund from customer support. It did take 2 days to hear back, but my refund was successfully approved and I had the money back in another 2 days.

Try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days!

2. McAfee Mobile Security — Remote Device Theft Dashboard for Easier Chromebook Recovery

Key Features:

Scans apps for hidden malware or spyware
Privacy scan to check app permissions and remote anti-theft features
Can be installed on Chromebooks with Google Play Store access
24/7 customer support available
30-day money-back guarantee

McAfee’s Chromebook app offers remote anti-theft tools to help you recover your device. You can leave a message on the device’s screen with information on how to return it. If recovery seems impossible, you can remotely wipe all the data. This is a useful feature that allows you to keep your Chromebook’s private data safe at all times.

When it comes to blocking dangerous files, you can choose from 2 scan types: Advanced scan (scans apps for malicious code) and privacy scan (gives you insight into app permissions). When I tested the scans, I could either remove any harmful files through McAfee or set up an alert so I would be informed of any app permission changes.

During my tests, I was surprised that McAfee drained my battery more than other antivirus programs. However, your experience may vary depending on your device, so I recommend you try McAfee risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. You can request a refund over the phone if you’re not satisfied.

Try McAfee risk-free for 30 days!

3. Norton Mobile Security — Safe Site Extension For Chromebook Defends Against Malicious Websites

Key Features:

Scans new and existing apps for safety and authenticity
Offers WiFi scanner and a security overview
Available for Chromebooks that can access the Google Play Store
24/7 customer support available
60-day money-back guarantee

Norton is a great antivirus for Chromebooks as it defends Chrome OS from all types of threats. You can choose multiple scan types for Chromebooks, including a full app and a WiFi scanner. The app scanner checks apps and extensions before they install to ensure they’re authentic and don’t contain spyware or trackers, but it can also check apps already installed. Norton took under a minute to check the apps on my device (almost 64GB). I didn’t notice any slowdown while it was active.

Finally, the integrated VPN gives you access to 30 server locations. I tested these and reached average speeds of 90Mbps with local servers. If you’re traveling abroad, Norton’s VPN servers can even help you access your home Netflix library. Unfortunately, I found the VPN almost unusable on distance servers, with a maximum speed of 12Mbps.

See for yourself and try Norton Mobile Security for free for 60 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this by requesting a refund after using the service for 2 weeks. It took less than 5 minutes by live chat, and the support agent approved the refund without asking questions. I received the money back within 5 days.

Try Norton risk-free for 60 days!

Comparison Table: The Best Antivirus For Chromebook in 2024

	Malware Scanner	VPN	App Privacy Audit	Anti-Theft Tools	Money-Back Guarantee
TotalAV	✓	✓	✘	✘	30 days
McAfee	✓	✓	✓	✓	30 days
Norton	✓	✓	✓	✘	60 days