Choosing the best antivirus solution for your devices is crucial in ensuring their security and protection against cyber threats. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice.
In this article, we will compare the top antivirus solutions for 2024 to help you find the best antivirus for Windows 11 or any other Windows.
Best Antivirus For Windows 11 or 10
1. McAfee Total Protection
Editors Rating: 8.8 /10
McAfee Total Protection offers comprehensive antivirus protection for all your devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets. With features like real-time scanning, firewall protection, and secure VPN, McAfee ensures round-the-clock security against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
McAfee Antivirus Features
- Scan type: On-demand and on-access
- Firewall: Yes
- Blocks ransomware: Yes
- Blocks spyware: Yes
- Annual price: ₹2,249.28 – ₹6,747.84
2. Norton 360 Deluxe Antivirus
Editors Rating: 4.8/5
Norton 360 Deluxe is another top contender in the antivirus market for 2024. This all-in-one solution provides advanced security features such as cloud backup, password manager, and parental controls. With its robust antivirus engine and intelligent threat detection, Norton 360 Deluxe offers peace of mind for your digital life.
Norton 360 antivirus pros and cons
Things we like
- 100% protection against all forms of malware
- Excellent independent test results
- Excellent security features
- Secure VPN and password manager included
- Identity theft protection tools
- Excellent mobile app
- Parental control features
Things we don’t like
- No free version
- Pricier antivirus suite
- Some features require additional apps
Norton 360 Security Features:
- Malware and virus scans: Offers various system scans to protect against malware infections.
- Real-time threat protection: Detects and safeguards against common online threats such as viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.
- Smart firewall: Two-way silent firewall monitors network traffic sent and received on your computer for enhanced protection.
- PC cloud backup: Provides secure remote cloud storage to save space on your personal device.
- Parental controls: Allows creation of rules to block certain websites or track children’s online behavior, ensuring their safety.
- Password manager: Securely stores passwords in one place for easy access and enhanced security.
- Secure VPN: Hides IP address and encrypts online activities, providing an additional layer of privacy.
- System optimization: Cleans device from duplicated, old, and broken files, and optimizes device performance for smoother operation.
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Editors Rating: 5.0/5
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is known for its high detection rates and low system impact, making it an excellent choice for users looking for performance and protection. With features like anti-phishing, anti-fraud, and secure browsing, Bitdefender keeps your devices safe from online threats without slowing them down.
Bitdefender security features :
Regarding Bitdefender free vs paid, the software employs the same malware database to identify potential threats. So, regardless of your budget, you’ll get the same excellent level of malware removal. However, there are additional subscription benefits to consider.
Here is a list of some of the most impressive features included in the Bitdefender antivirus package:
- Firewall – allows you to monitor all the connections from your device
- Anti-theft – allows you to locate your device on Google Maps, lock your device remotely
- Malware scanner – offer different scanning options from quick to a thorough search for threats in your device system.
- Real-time protection – a really effective security measure that catches threats before they enter your system.
- Anti-tracker – a browser extension that protects you from online trackers that harvest your data.
- VPN – a tool for digital protection and data collection prevention.
- Password manager –a security tool to keep all your passwords safe and in one place.
Bitdefender pros and cons
Things we like
- Best-in-class malware detection
- Built-in VPN
- Flexibly adapts to your hardware specifications
- Exceptional scores in independent tests
- Automated system updates
- Password manager available
- Multi-layered ransomware protection
- Excellent customer support
Things we don’t like
- Limited VPN usage on most plans
- Fewer features for macOS
- Web protection doesn’t always work
- Incompatible with other security software
Pricing. Bitdefender offers affordable prices, varying subscription plans, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and even a free plan. The Antivirus Plus plan starts at start at 2,498.18 /month and can be installed on 1 device.
Security features. Bitdefender comes with many effective features to keep your devices intact. The primary tools include a firewall, malware scanner, ransomware remediation, a VPN, and a password manager.
Ease of use. While Bitdefender can be a hassle to install, the software is lightweight and straightforward, meaning you shouldn’t encounter significant usability issues after setup.
Performance impact. We evaluated how Bitdefender impacts device while performing scans and other tasks and the overall results were more than satisfactory.
4. Malwarebytes Premium Antivirus
Editors Rating: 4.0/5
Malwarebytes Free has been the go-to cleanup tool when your regular antivirus fails, though it was always a specialty program, not meant for daily use. In contrast, Malwarebytes Premium provides full antivirus capabilities including on-demand and scheduled scans, real-time file access scanning, and fast full system scans using advanced detection techniques like behavioral monitoring, ransomware detection, and exploit attack prevention.
Independent lab results for Malwarebytes are mixed, with some excellent scores and some mediocre ones. The company argues that its cutting-edge techniques do not align perfectly with standardized testing. In our hands-on testing, it proved highly effective, earning top marks for malware protection and successfully defending against malicious websites.
PROS
- Top score in our hands-on malware protection test
- Excellent protection against malicious and fraudulent sites
- Very good scores from independent labs
CONS
- No features beyond basic antivirus
5. Sophos Home Premium Antivirus
Editors Rating: 4.0/5
Sophos Home Premium offers enterprise-level antivirus protection for consumers, with the remote management capabilities that have made Sophos a leader in business security. You can install protection on all your family’s devices, whether across town or across the country, and easily manage everything from a centralized online dashboard. Best of all, Sophos Home Premium is very affordable, with 10 licenses costing about the same as competitors charge for just 3.
In lab testing, Sophos has earned top certification from SE Labs. It detected 100% of malware with no false positives in our hands-on test, scoring a near-perfect 9.9 out of 10. It also blocked 100% of malware-hosting websites. Beyond malware detection, it provides strong ransomware protection, defends against exploits, includes parental controls, secures financial transactions, prevents webcam hijacking, and more.
With apps for Android and iOS, Sophos’ remote management capabilities extend to mobile, so you can control security for all devices from anywhere.
PROS
- Performed excellently in some of our hands-on tests
- Provides effective protection against ransomware
- Can remotely manage up to 10 PCs or Macs
- Inexpensive pricing
CONS
- Scored poorly in independent lab testing
- Parental controls are ineffective
- No longer supports mobile device management or keylogger protection
- Advanced features require specialized technical expertise
Features include:
- On-demand malware scanning to check files manually
- On-access real-time malware scanning
- Website reputation ratings to identify unsafe sites
- Blocking of known malicious URLs
- Protection against phishing attacks
- Behavior-based threat detection
- Vulnerability scanning to find system weaknesses
- Firewall for network traffic filtering
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Editors Rating: 3.5/5
Microsoft Defender Antivirus adequately protects Windows 10 and 11 computers that lack additional security software. However, it is outperformed by superior free and premium third-party antivirus tools. The built-in Windows Defender antivirus has some strengths but also significant weaknesses.
On the plus side, it is integrated into Windows, earns decent lab scores for hands-on malware protection, and provides constant scanning if no third-party antivirus is installed. However, it scores poorly in detecting phishing sites, its SmartScreen Filter only works in Microsoft browsers, scheduling scans is awkward, and its ransomware protection is limited.
PROS
- Built into Windows
- Some good lab scores
- Very good hands-on malware protection score
- Always on if no other antivirus is present
CONS
- Poor phishing detection score
- SmartScreen Filter only protects Microsoft browsers
- Awkward scan scheduling
- Limited ransomware protection
Microsoft Defender Antivirus provides comprehensive security features including on-demand and on-access malware scanning, website reputation rating, blocking of malicious URLs, phishing protection, behavior-based threat detection, vulnerability scanning, and a firewall.
NOTE: This Windows component should not be confused with the more robust Microsoft Defender for Business. While the Windows component comes free, Microsoft Defender for Business is an enterprise endpoint protection system designed for businesses, not individual users.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best antivirus solution for your devices in 2024, it’s essential to consider factors like effectiveness, usability, and value for money. By comparing the top antivirus solutions like McAfee Total Protection, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, you can choose the Microsoft Defender Antivirus right fit for your security needs. Stay protected and stay safe in the digital world with a reliable antivirus solution.
Remember, safeguarding your devices is not just an option but a necessity in today’s cyber landscape. Invest in the best antivirus solution for 2024 and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your digital life is protected from potential threats.
