Top 10 Antivirus Software for Home Users in 2024: Stay Secure and Protected
The value of antivirus software in today's networked digital world cannot be overemphasized. As we become more dependent on technology in our daily lives, risks to our online identity grow. A vital line of protection against a variety of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, viruses, and phishing scams, is antivirus software.
Users may safeguard their sensitive data, financial information, and personal identities by routinely upgrading and running antivirus software. Malicious malware that might jeopardize the security of your networks and devices is scanned, found, and removed by antivirus software.
In this article, you will find detailed information on the following topics related to antivirus software:
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What are the Evaluation Metrics for selecting Antivirus Software for Home Users?
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What are the top 10 antivirus programs for home users in 2024?
- Norton
- Kaspersky
- Bitdefender
- Avast
- AVG
- Avira
- ESET
- G Data
- McAfee
- TotalAV
Figure 1. Top 10 Antivirus Software
What are the Evaluation Metrics for selecting Antivirus Software for Home Users?
When attempting to choose which antivirus software package is best for you and your family, begin by separating out the elements that are most crucial to your specific needs. When selecting your antivirus program, keep the following things in mind:
Malware Protection
The software's capacity to identify malware samples is a crucial factor to take into consideration while evaluating antivirus software solutions. 95% detection rate is higher than normal. Additionally, in order to successfully resist developing threats that may exploit vulnerabilities that are not yet known, users must periodically upgrade their antivirus protection software.
Every day, cybercriminals create new and more advanced malware techniques with the primary goal of making themselves as undetectable to antivirus software and other cybersecurity technologies as possible.
Premium subscriptions frequently come with features like automated updates and scheduled scans, which are more effective in their goal of offering complete protection against malware threats, in addition to the security provided by antivirus software.
It's important to keep an eye out for on-demand scanning options while searching for the best antivirus offers. These tools enable users to manually do complete system scans or focused scans based on file names or extension types as needed. Take into account technologies that provide cloud services or automatic virus reporting capabilities as an additional line of defense against cyberattacks.
By offering protection against applications like viruses, Trojan horses, worms, rootkits, spyware, adware, ransomware, and other security risks, these features improve computer security.
Real-Time Protection
Antivirus and security software should be able to identify other threats in addition to helping shield you from well-known viruses and malware. There should be no exception for lesser-known dangers, such as malicious downloads, dangers concealed in USB devices, and viruses sent with emails and texts.
Since cybercrime never spares, the antivirus program you choose to install on your device needs to offer a comprehensive defense against a wide range of dangers and attacks.
Usability
It's reasonable to say that we all want straightforward, user-friendly tools and systems. particularly if you're searching for software to manage the overall security of your work or personal device. It must have an approachable appearance and feel. Each person has unique likes and preferences. And regardless of how well it detects and removes malware, a lot of us want a logical and simple user interface and design scheme.
Furthermore, a lot of consumers install antivirus software and accept the default installation settings without ever improving them. The user's perception of visual inaccessibility might be the cause of this. This seems to be a problem for many security vendors. Their convoluted interfaces frequently deter users from turning on and off specific features. Eventually, this might make the gadget vulnerable to malware assaults. Thus, searching for an anti-malware program with highly configurable ease of use may prove to be a crucial consideration.
System Performance
Despite the common perception that antivirus software is bulky, obtrusive, and capable of slowing down a computer, several speed and performance concerns have been remedied by new technologies. However, performance triumphs over speed. Thus, be sure that your antivirus program completes its task completely and doesn't sacrifice security in favor of speed. One malicious file that goes unnoticed can take down your entire system.
Additional Features
Who doesn't enjoy features that are cool? You want your security software to be as comprehensive as possible when considering installation. As a result, it makes sense to search for suppliers who provide valuable extra features in their systems to meet your security requirements, aside from malware risks.
ESET, for instance, has an anti-theft function. In the unlikely event that your gadget is stolen, this enables you to find it exactly. It even lets you use the webcam on your laptop to make one-way communications. A password manager that safeguards your login information and assists you in creating strong, secure passwords is one of the extra features. Additionally, it offers parental control, allowing you to manage your kids' internet usage. Even if the majority of these functions are only available with antivirus programs that are purchased, spending a few bucks to get whole security protection is always worthwhile.
Free vs Paid
Simple, free antivirus software may remove common infections and provide your device with rudimentary security. That shouldn't be your sole need, though, as it won't be able to protect your devices against fresh, increasingly complex attacks. If you download a light/free version, there might be many gaps in your defenses, leaving you open to malicious assaults. They have a tendency to be far more reactive by nature.
On the other hand, a premium antivirus program closes these gaps and provides you with more overall security. By stopping malicious programs and emerging malware threats before they start, paid antivirus software proves to be more dependable in thwarting these dangers. Their improved defense systems and proactive capacities are the reason for this. You can get more sophisticated protection with a paid antivirus than with the less robust security offered by free solutions. Some antivirus software vendors let you use their complete versions for free, if only temporarily.
Customer Support
Not everyone prioritizes customer service, particularly if they feel at ease using technology. However, if you would rather leave your computer problems to the professionals, then having extensive customer support can be something you should think about. In that instance, it's advisable that you search for antivirus software that provides excellent customer service. Some offer comprehensive support to users who become entangled in a malware situation.
What are the Top 10 Antivirus Programs for Home Users in 2024?
Some people clean their homes in the spring, getting rid of any clutter and debris that has gathered over the winter when the weather warms up sufficiently to open all the doors and windows. However, such an approach is ineffective in preventing malware from infecting your computer, you don't want to spend the entire winter with a Trojan horse hidden in your bank transactions. Furthermore, there is no way to recover your important data from an encrypted mess caused by ransomware, even with extensive digital scouring. You must maintain the functionality of your antivirus program year-round.
The top 10 antivirus programs are included in this roundup. Do you already have antivirus software? After you make sure it's still functional, give yourself a gold star. The top 10 antivirus software is listed below:
1. Norton
Name three antiviral firms right away. Norton, was it one of them? Most likely. Norton Antiviral Plus is the apex of the company's decades-long progress in antiviral technology. It performs flawlessly in several practical tests, including one that uses twelve real-world ransomware samples, and receives great marks from independent laboratories. However, this tool is more than simply antivirus software. Its firewall keeps external threats and internal disloyalty at bay without barring the unwary user with incomprehensible pop-up windows. Firewall security is improved with an additional module that recognizes and prevents exploit attempts. A software updater tool, a spam filter for those who still require one, a backup system that may save your information locally or in the offered online storage, and more are additional bonus features.
Norton used to be a one-device marvel that could protect a single Windows PC. To safeguard Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, you can now purchase a subscription that covers five devices. This adds to the app's attractive design.
Since the days of MS-DOS, Norton's technology has been battling viruses and other malware. Norton AntiVirus Plus is just what you need if you want defense from a reputable company that has built its reputation over many years.
Figure 2. Norton
What are the advantages of Norton antivirus?
Pros of Norton antivirus are listed below:
- Outstanding results on independent laboratory testing
- Data Protector thwarts assaults using ransomware.
- Internet backup is turned on by default.
- Clever firewall defense
- Includes various suite-level features, including a vulnerability check.
What are the disadvantages of Norton antivirus?
The main cons of Norton antivirus is that it is comparatively costly.
2. Kaspersky
Kaspersky Lab is a global cybersecurity giant, best known for its antivirus software. Kaspersky is known as one of the larger security providers, alongside companies such as Symantec, Sophos, and McAfee.
We investigated how Kaspersky is doing, compared to other providers such as AVG, Avast, Intego, Avira, and Bitdefender. We looked at how ties with Russia could impact customer privacy and security.
For this Kaspersky review, we looked at four categories: security, privacy, speed and system load, and ease of use. We give Kaspersky an overall score of 7.4. This score was mainly influenced by customer service issues and privacy concerns.
Kaspersky has been at the top of the antivirus market for almost two decades. However, we've had mild concerns about the company's ability to keep user information private. This has to do with recent events and the company's history with Russia.
Despite these concerns, Kaspersky offers some excellent security features. Some of the features offered by Kaspersky are listed below:
- Real-time antivirus
- Anti-phishing protection
- Performance optimization
- Payment protection
- Adblocker
- File protection
- Password manager
You can protect up to five devices with one Kaspersky Antivirus subscription. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you have a full month to test the software and see if it's right for you.
Figure 3. Kaspersky
What are the advantages of Kaspersky Antivirus?
Pros of Kaspersky Antivirus are given below:
- Multi-layered protection against malware
- Scan to detect zero-day threats
- Comprehensive protection for WiFi networks and other equipment
- Can be used on one, three or five devices
- Free 30-day trial
- User friendly
- Built-in VPN, password manager, and parental controls included in some plans
- Packages are available for Windows, Android, Mac and iOS devices
What are the disadvantages of Kaspersky Antivirus?
Cons of Kaspersky Antivirus are listed below:
- Based in Russia, with ties to the local FSB
- The privacy policy is not always clear
- Moderate to large system impact
- Poor customer service
- Few features in the basic package
- The basic package is only available for Windows
- Built-in VPN provides limited bandwidth
3. Bitdefender
One option is to purchase an antivirus program that fulfills all the functions of a typical antivirus program, or one that goes above and beyond. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is that. In this instance, the plus stands for a variety of characteristics. The list of features includes automated detection of missing security updates, VPN protection for your connections, a function that blocks ad trackers, protection against ransomware, and a hardened browser for your financial transactions. Despite the moniker "antivirus", this tool has more features than other security suites.
Furthermore, it works well as an antivirus. It consistently receives perfect or almost perfect results from independent testing laboratories, and it aced several of practical tests. Its defensive technology against ransomware has demonstrated its effectiveness in testing. You, the user, will experience the least amount of inconvenience from all of this thanks to its Autopilot function.
Yes, there are a couple of little issues. For instance, the initial thorough scan following installation may be sluggish. Also, there is a little additional fee if you like to use the VPN indefinitely. However, all things considered, this is an excellent option for antiviral defense.
To get complete security with no effort, simply launch Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and activate its Autopilot feature. You may now relax and do just about whatever you desire!
Figure 4. Bitdefender
What are the advantages of Bitdefender Antivirus?
Pros of Bitdefender Antivirus are listed below:
- Flawless results on separate laboratory assessments
- Outstanding protection against malevolent and deceptive websites
- Multiple levels of ransomware defense
- Separate browsers for the security of banks
- Stops ad networks from following you
- Numerous extra features focused on security
What are the disadvantages of Bitdefender Antivirus?
Cons of Bitdefender Antivirus are listed below:
- Access to an unlimited VPN needs a different subscription.
- First, complete the scan slowly
4. Avast
Avast is the antivirus program of one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the world. The developer, AVAST Software, is based in Prague and works on various types of security software. The company focuses mainly on its (free) antivirus service, which is used by up to 400 million people worldwide. AVG is an antivirus program from this company.
However, a large number of users does not always mean that the software is actually good. Does Avast protect against most malware? Does it slow down your computer? How does it handle the privacy of its users? In this review, we will answer these and many other questions.
Avast Free Antivirus provides robust protection against ransomware and other malware. Additional options, such as a VPN or protection against remote takeover of your device, are only available for premium (and sometimes even only Ultimate) users.
In our opinion, the biggest disadvantage of Avast is its privacy and data-sharing policy. Like many other antivirus programs, it collects a lot of personal data. In the past, it has been proven that the company resold them. Avast was fined $16.5 million by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for selling customer web browsing data to third parties without their knowledge or consent.
The app is very easy to use, so you can quickly get the virus scanner working. You can run multiple scans that don't require too much of your processor. If you encounter any problems, Avast has a handy knowledge base with frequently asked questions. You can, in some cases, ask an employee for help.
Figure 5. Avast
What are the advantages of Avast Antivirus?
Pros of Avast Antivirus are listed below:
- Good protection against malware
- Useful additional security tools (Wi-Fi security and ransomware protection)
- Additional privacy tools (VPN, anti-tracking)
- Intuitive and clear app
- Customer service representatives are knowledgeable
What are the disadvantages of Avast Antivirus?
Cons of Avast Antivirus are given below:
- Collects a lot of personal data
- History of personal data is sold
- Reaching customer service is difficult
- Additional tools are only available in the form of separate apps
5. AVG
Although AVG is well recognized for its fantastic free antivirus program, you should upgrade. In addition to providing more thorough security, AVG Internet Security makes managing those tools simple. That could be helpful if you find it too difficult or time-consuming to stay on top of internet risks.
The Internet Security plan adds five capabilities to the free version's defense against malware and network, email, and online threats. You receive protection against malicious website redirection (also known as DNS hijacking), camera takeovers, unknown access to important data files, passwords stored in your browsers, and assaults using Windows' remote desktop protocol.
AVG Internet Security not only scans your computer and network in real-time, but it also keeps an eye out for potentially dangerous websites when you browse the web. It even keeps track of where your email address appears. You will receive a notification through the app if it is found in a data leak.
Leading security groups examined AVG and found that it performed well in terms of malware and antivirus protection. In November and December 2023, Internet Security identified every threat in AV-Test's zero-day attack and malware testing. Similarly, all 512 test cases in AV-Comparatives' real-world protection test conducted from July to October 2023 were successfully stopped by AVG's main antivirus component. In the September 2023 malware protection test, conducted by AV-Comparatives, it earned a 95.3 percent offline detection rate, 99.5 percent online detection rate, and 99.97 percent online protection rate with only one false positive out of 10,007 samples.
AVG Internet Security is dependable antivirus software with an easy-to-use UI, even with its quirky features (such as ads for extra premium capabilities). It's reasonably priced, costing only $60 for 10 devices in the first year. In fact, regardless of how good the free version is by itself, it's good enough to warrant a recommendation.
Your antivirus program needs to give you more comprehensive management and protection, but you don't want to spend more for capabilities you don't need. Although AVG Internet Security does not include features like parental controls, VPN, or a password manager, it nonetheless adds just enough functionality to the company's free antivirus program to make it valuable.
Figure 6. AVG
What are the advantages of AVG Internet Security?
Pros of AVG Internet Security are listed below:
- Best-in-class antivirus defense
- Enhanced defense against malevolent websites and remote assaults
- Simple, uncluttered UI
What are the disadvantages of AVG Internet Security?
Cons of AVG Internet Security are given below:
- Performance issues may arise on some PCs when working on more complex tasks.
- A few features are a little basic.
6. Avira
Though it's not for lack of effort on the part of Avira Prime, Trend Micro Maximum Security is currently our choice for the greatest antivirus program for beginners. In actuality, Avira could be a superior option for people who need more assistance with PC maintenance.
Apart from providing malware scans and internet security, Avira Prime includes a password manager, an unlimited VPN, and a plethora of PC apps to optimize your system. With the help of these programs, you should be able to increase computer speed, prolong the life of your laptop's battery, maintain game performance, find duplicate files, and safely remove private information. Beyond just documents, you get a ton of backup options.
One significant feature that Avira Prime lacks (and therefore contributes to its ranking as the runner-up) is a parental control option. It cannot be used to track device usage or censor online content.
When it comes to antivirus protection, Avira often performs well in tests conducted by security research organizations, offering a strong defense against malware and other dangers. In the real-world protection test conducted by AV-Comparatives from July to October of 2023, it performed almost as well, preventing 99.4% of the 512 test cases that simulated internet threats. Avira, on the other hand, received commendable scores of 92.5 percent offline detection, 99.97 percent online protection, and 99.1 percent online detection in AV-Comparatives' September 2023 malware protection test.
Just more advanced and focused attacks are detected by Avira; in the November 2023 Advanced Threat Protection Test by AV-Comparatives, it identified just 8 out of 15 test scenarios that mimicked dangers such as malicious scripts and fileless exploits. But rivals failed to see test cases as well.
Running Avira Prime in the background has very little effect on system performance, according to our internal benchmarks. However, this protection suite may be particularly taxing on slower and older PCs when comprehensive scans are going, especially if it is sifting through a significant number of files that you have added or modified to your computer. Avira's running will go unnoticed by most people, though.
If you would like to have this security suite's all-inclusive simplicity, the cost is $60 for the first year and $105 for each additional year.
Users who want a basic antivirus suite, extensive internet security, and powerful PC utilities, and who want to utilize those features for more assured computer management, will probably find Avira Prime to be the most comfortable. While not all of the utilities are great, the collection as a whole might assist you in recognizing and comprehending the more intricate facets of Windows and system maintenance. However, parents who want to monitor and restrict their children's PC use will have to search elsewhere for those restrictions.
Figure 7. Avira
What are the advantages of Avira antivirus?
Pros of Avira antivirus are listed below:
- Robust security at a fair subscription cost
- Aesthetically pleasing and easy to use
- Provides a wide range of features for performance, privacy, and security
What are the disadvantages of Avira antivirus?
Cons of Avira antivirus are given below:
- No opportunity to subscribe for less than five devices
- The richness of the PC features feels a little at odds with the simplicity of the app.
7. ESET
Performance issues may arise on some PCs when working on more complex tasks.
A few features are a little basic. With unique high-tech capabilities like its UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) scan, which is an improvement over the more typical boot sector scan, it surpasses several competitors. It even searches the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) database for intrusions.
In order to comprehend and utilize these advanced capabilities, you do need some technical skills. This applies to the Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS), which tries to identify and stop attacks that attempt to take advantage of holes in well-known apps or the operating system. The Device Control system is an absolute delight for techies. You have complete control over any kind of external equipment, as well as personal gadgets. To prevent students from bringing malware home with their schoolwork, you might, for instance, forbid USB drives and only let devices that you have personally checked. You have the option to force read-only access, prohibit all use, or just show a warning at the device or type level.
Certain antivirus programs try their utmost to operate automatically in the background, requiring no intervention from the user. ESET NOD32 is not that. For individuals who like to get their hands dirty and actively participate in online security protection, this antivirus is perfect. ESET provides the features you need if you possess the knowledge and abilities to use them.
Figure 8. ESET
What are the advantages of ESET antivirus?
Pros of ESET antivirus are listed below:
- Several excellent results from practical exams and independent labs
- Exploits are blocked by HIPS components.
- Complete control over the gadget
What are the disadvantages of ESET antivirus?
Cons of ESET antivirus are given below:
- Weak performance in malware-blocking exam
- For most users, device control is too complicated.
- Testing shows that ransomware protection is ineffective.
8. G Data
According to the G Data website, the company launched the first antivirus software in 1985. The history of G Data Antivirus is extensive and illustrious, regardless of whether it was the first. This reliable technique is often used in the tests conducted by two out of the four independent laboratories that we monitor. It consistently receives the highest grade from AV-Test, and on tests administered by AV-Comparatives, its results vary from passing to flawless. In practical malware prevention and malicious download defense tests, G Data received nearly perfect scores.
Throughout its development, this antivirus program has acquired several additional protection features. Its behavior-based ransomware prevention layers identified half of the samples we fed it, even with the conventional antivirus turned off. In testing, an exploit detection component outperformed most of its rivals. Spam filtering, BankGuard financial transaction protection, active defense against keyloggers, and fine-grained control over launch applications are additional bonus features.
While some people like the newest, flashiest antivirus software, others go for a more established product that has had plenty of time to iron out any bugs. G Data Antivirus is a feature-rich tool with several security benefits. For those looking for a well-aged antivirus program, this is ideal.
Figure 9. G Data
What are the advantages of G Data antivirus?
Pros of G Data antivirus are listed below:
- Outstanding result in practical malware prevention exam
- Defends against ransomware, keyloggers, banking Trojans, and exploits
- Incorporates a spam filter
What are the disadvantages of G Data antivirus?
The main cons of G Data antivirus is inconsistent results in separate laboratory assessments
9. McAfee
Although McAfee AntiVirus Plus's cross-platform antivirus protection is no longer available, the standard McAfee AntiVirus is still a strong option for a single Windows PC. The term "single" is crucial in this case because there are no volume savings available for three, five, or ten licenses. For every new device you wish to secure, you have to purchase the program from scratch.
The separate laboratories love McAfee's technology for thwarting viruses. McAfee is included in the study of three of the four laboratories, and all three give it the highest possible score. It performed quite well in practical testing. It has a mechanism to prevent cryptojacking, a rudimentary firewall, a ransomware prevention system, and more, going beyond standard antivirus functions.
McAfee AntiVirus targets a different market than its predecessor since it no longer offers unrestricted protection across all platforms and instead focuses on protecting a single Windows computer. However, some folks are content to only safeguard their one, crucial PC. If you belong to those groups, you ought to look into McAfee.
Figure 10. McAfee
What are the advantages of McAfee antivirus?
Pros of McAfee antivirus are listed below:
- Flawless results on the lab tests
- Outstanding results on practical exams
- Promise of virus defense
What are the disadvantages of McAfee antivirus?
Cons of McAfee antivirus are given below:
- One manually altered malware sample was overlooked.
- Protection limited to Windows only, no volume discount
- Many enduring qualities are no longer present
10. TotalAV
Some antivirus programs come with so many extra protection tools that they almost seem like suites. Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus, on the other hand, stays true to the primary functions of an antivirus program, which include scheduling, on-demand, and file access malware scanning. A full Total Defense scan took roughly average time, but with optimization, a second scan was able to save 90% of that time.
In previous years, the testing lab AV-Comparatives awarded Total Defense with the highest results. Right now, it has three scores: standard, advanced+ (the highest), and average. That is still superior to the many rivals who have zero lab results. It performed exceptionally well in practical testing, achieving very high to outstanding ratings. It was especially strong at identifying and blocking harmful and fraudulent websites.
If you're looking for an antivirus program that works quickly and at a low cost and doesn't cause any problems, Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus is a solid choice.
Figure 11. TotalAV
What are the advantages of Total Defense Essential antivirus?
Pros of Total Defense Essential antivirus are listed below:
- Excellent protection against websites that harbor malware
- Effective phishing fraud detection with a virus-free guarantee
What are the disadvantages of Total Defense Essential antivirus?
Cons of Total Defense Essential antivirus are given below:
- Hands-on malware prevention tests yielded a lower result than the previous year.
- Few independent lab test findings
Recommendations and Conclusion
Similar to selecting the best antivirus software overall, selecting the best antivirus for your operating system involves considering a number of factors, including features, price, simplicity of use, performance effect, detection rates, and quality of customer care. But there are two more things to think about as well when selecting an antivirus software:
- Find out what requirements your operating system has: Find out what requirements your operating system has. For instance, because of its extensive use, Windows is the operating system that is most frequently the target of cyberattacks. Choose an antivirus program with a solid track record of safeguarding Windows devices (such as Norton) while attempting to secure a Windows device. The same is true for macOS; although it isn't as regularly attacked as Windows, the risks are growing. Select antivirus software (such as Intego) that focuses on identifying malware unique to macOS.
- Verify the compatibility: To prevent performance concerns, make sure the antivirus software is entirely compatible with your operating system version. For example, use an antivirus program that runs in the cloud, such as Bitdefender, if your machine is older.
Having stress-tested every application on our list across the most widely used operating systems, we can suggest Norton as the finest antivirus software for the whole bunch in 2024. Norton offers flawless malware detection rates, an extensive collection of internet security solutions, and user-friendly, well-designed programs for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. Its Android app, which is our top pick for Chromebook security, is compatible with Chromebooks even though it doesn't have a Chrome OS app.