Whether it is personal or professional, we rely upon our computers and mobile devices to help manage and control our lives. 

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We use these devices for many different reasons, whether it is to work, study, play games, or simply pay the bills. No matter what you use them for, your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs contain a lot of personal, sensitive information that must be protected. 

That is why antivirus software and programs are so essential -- they protect the details of your personal and professional lives. Now, inbuilt and default antivirus protections offered by device manufacturers are much improved than a decade ago, but when you consider the modern-day threats we face -- ranging from phishing to ransomware -- you can never have enough protection.

Furthermore, we tend to focus only on our PCs and we may forget that our other devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, may also become pathways to the compromise of our privacy and security. 

I have searched for the best antivirus you can find and trust to protect multiple devices and operating systems. Based on real user reviews and personal use, these are the best antivirus software and apps to protect your most personal information in 2023.   

Also: The 5 best free PC antivirus software: Protect your computer

Bitdefender Antivirus

Best antivirus overall

Bitdefender Pros & Cons Pros

• Free to use
• On-access malware scans
• Phishing protection
• Subscriptions available

Cons

• Free version is limited
• Can be slow to get started

More Details

Features: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS compatibility Free and premium versions availableBusiness offerings Mobile apps VPN

My overall pick for the best antivirus is the Bitdefender Antivirus. This free app is designed to protect your personal data, whether it is your passwords or your financial details. 

If there are any security issues, you will receive instant alerts, so you know when a problem has been fixed. Best of all, it is created to reduce battery while in use. Bitdefender has its own VPN that offers an extra layer of privacy to prevent data loss.

Bitdefender is a well-known and trusted brand in the antivirus space. You can take advantage of a free version that monitors your device for threats -- without hogging your CPU -- and this is available for Windows, macOS, and Android. Furthermore, the company offers premium plans for protecting multiple devices, ranging from$25 to$90 annually. 

View now at Bitdefender

Malwarebytes

Best antivirus for different operating systems, browsers

Malwarebytes Pros & Cons Pros

• Trustworthy performance
• Affordable
• Special pricing, MBG for business accounts

Cons

• No family plans
• Some low scoring

More Details

Features: Home and business plans Malware scansBrowser Guard60-day money-back guarantee for business plans

Malwarebytes is a popular ad-free program that helps prevent you from scams and security threats. It offers malware and ad blocking, along with filtering and web security. It will even monitor for fake texts, as well. 

The service is effective enough that millions of threats are either detected or blocked by the service every day. It is flexible, too, working with both your smartphone and tablet for greater versatility, and it is very easy to use with a single-click interface.

The antivirus program is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.

Malwarebytes also offers a range of plans to suit your needs and budget. Subscriptions start at$3.75 per month.

View now at Malwarebytes

McAfee Total Protection 2023

Best antivirus for extra features

McAfee Pros & Cons Pros

• Great compatibility
• Dark Web monitoring
• VPN included

Cons

• Typical price is expensive

More Details

Features:Antivirus protection Dark Web monitoring VPN  Password manager

When you want to purchase antivirus protection for multiple devices, McAfee Total Protection 2023 fits the bill. 

It offers protection for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Chromebooks. There is also a free password manager, VPN, and Dark Web monitoring service included so you can keep your credentials safe -- and be made aware of any information leaks online that could compromise your identity or accounts.

Should there be a threat, there are special alerts, so you can act immediately. When you sign up, you will receive 12 months of protection. At the time of writing, the price of the software has been discounted by 74% on Amazon, bringing the cost down to just under$25.

View now at Amazon

Microsoft Defender

Best free antivirus

Microsoft Pros & Cons Pros

• 24/7 protection
• Malware protection
• Easy Windows compatibility

Cons

• Requires Microsoft account

More Details

Features: Experian partnership Free, real-time protection for Windows machines License options available for endpoints, macOS

Microsoft Defender was created not just for one person but for the entire family, too. Set up security for the household and enjoy expert recommendations and security tips to help protect your information online. 

Use your Microsoft 365 account to set up custom security measures and manage your family's security status. It is a great antivirus starting point for managing both your professional and personal lives, especially when you use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint in the office.

Microsoft has also partnered with Experian which has resulted in the addition of identity theft monitoring for Microsoft 365 customers in the U.S. 

Review: Microsoft Defender: Coming soon to a group of 'family' devices, including phones

View now at Microsoft

ESET SMB

Best antivirus for business

Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Full malware detection
• XDR
• cloud-based defenses

Cons

• Can get pricey

More Details

Features: Custom plans Discounts for longer subscriptions  Endpoint defense File security Cloud app protection Management interface

ESET SMB is one of my top choices of antivirus programs for small to medium-sized businesses. 

Depending on the program you opt for, the company provides customizable plans for organizations of all sizes, which includes multiple device protection, endpoint defense, encryption, file protection, cloud-based monitoring for new threats, app protection, mail security, and more.

If organizations wish, they can also add extended detection and response support, and more security services from ESET. 

If you sign up for a two-year plan, you can take advantage of discounted rates. 

View now at ESET

What is the best antivirus app and software?

The best antivirus protection comes in the form of Bitdefender Antivirus, which provides its own exclusive VPN and custom alerts for your surfing safety. You can protect limited devices without spending a cent. 

Best antivirus	Free plan	Malware protection	Phishing protection
Bitdefender Antivirus
Malwarebytes
McAfee Total Protection 2023	X
Microsoft Defender
ESET SMB	X

Which is the right antivirus software and app for you?

The right antivirus solution for you will depend on your circumstances, the devices you own, and what your budget is -- as well as whether or not you are happy to sign up for a subscription. 

Choose this antivirus...	If you want...
Bitdefender Antivirus	Overall impressive performance at a free -- or affordable price. Bitdefender can be a bit slow to set up, but once it's ready, the antivirus is unobtrusive and will only alert you as necessary.
Malwarebytes	Excellent value and performance for your dollar. If you're interested in custom business plans, Malwarebytes has you covered -- and its browser support is an advantage, too.
McAfee Total Protection 2023	Protection for multiple devices with additional features. The bolt-on password manager, VPN, and dark web monitoring are valuable security features to own.
Microsoft Defender	A free option to get started. Central to modern Windows machines, Microsoft Defender will give you a free layer of protection -- but it is recommended to bolster this solution with other services.
ESET SMB	A business-friendly SMB option for antivirus. You can choose between entry, advanced, and complete plans, as well as enterprise solutions.

How did I choose these antivirus software and apps?

There are several factors I considered when looking for the best antivirus, including:

• Features: From malware to viruses, there are a lot of threats out there, so we look for the best antivirus protection and features available to protect your online activity, whether you are using your PC or smartphone.
• Performance: Features mean nothing if the antivirus app or software does not have the power or performance to back it up. It is important to look for antivirus software and apps that not only attack existing threats but prevent you from new ones, too. 
  
• Accessibility: Antivirus software has been available for quite some time now, but now there are plenty of antivirus apps, too. Consider how you would best like to access your antivirus program and what mobile requirements there may be.  
  
• Cost: The best antivirus programs do not charge the highest fees, with several programs offering free versions but with limited features. Consider your budget before you find the best antivirus protection for your situation.
  

What types of security threats are there?

Viruses are not the only thing that antivirus programs protect against. There are also worms, which instantly attack your device, and trojans that appear to be safe programs but are anything but. Having been designed to steal your information and account data, they could potentially act as a platform for other, malicious payloads. 

Antivirus apps and programs also protect against spyware and adware that can tap into your history and flood you with pesky and potentially dangerous ads or notifications. 

What about Kaspersky for the best antivirus?

Kaspersky Anti-Virus has long been considered an excellent antivirus program for its features and protection. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially named Kaspersky a national security risk. In turn, Kaspersky has said it was "disappointed" in the decision, saying:

"This decision is not based on any technical assessment of Kaspersky products -- that the company continuously advocates for -- but instead is being made on political grounds."

How much is the best antivirus?

Many of the best antivirus programs and apps offer a free version that you can choose to protect your devices. While they may be limited in their features, you often have the option to upgrade to a paid plan for more benefits. Paid plans may cover more devices, for example, or include additional features such as email scanning, password managers, and more. 

Are there any alternative antivirus software and apps worth considering?

When you are looking for a free antivirus program, you have a huge market to consider -- and not every solution can make it on my top recommendations list. If none of the options above appeal to you, in my search for the best antivirus apps and software, I've also found these options:

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Trend Micro Antivirus+ - Save$20

Trend Micro Antivirus+ is an option if you want a cheap, yearly subscription to protect one device. A free trial is available.

View at Trend Micro

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Avira Free Mobile Security - A mobile VPN and protection

A free mobile security solution for iOS devices, complete with a free VPN. Smart scans will check your device for suspicious activity and malware.

View at Avira

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