Best Antivirus and Internet Security for Your Devices [Our Expert Selection]

In this age and time where cyber threats like malware and viruses are rising, securing your device from this menace becomes crucial. Although operating systems like Windows and MacOS have built-in security features, they are not comprehensive enough for all-around virus protection.

This is where getting anti-virus and internet security software comes in handy. This article will explore the best anti-virus and internet security software to download to ensure your device and data remain secure.

In a Hurry? Here is a summary of the review

• TotalAV – Clean user interface, comprehensive internet security package, real-time anti-virus protection, and compatibility across multiple devices.
• Norton 360 – Advanced security features, easy to use, private internet connection, and 100% virus protection.
• Bitdefender – Robust security features, best malware protection, constant updates, and a 30-day free trial.
• NordVPN – Great malware protection, ad blocker, tracker blocker, and VPN features included.
• Surfshark – Private search engine, user-friendly interface, real-time protection, and VPN features included.
• Trend Micro – Clean user interface, compatible across multiple operating systems, 30-day free trial, and top-notch threat detection features.
• Malwarebytes – VPN features available, quick virus detection, clean user interface, and shields against exploit attacks.
• McAfee Total Protection – Compatible across multiple devices, 30-day money-back guarantee, parental controls, and effective firewall.
• ESET – Lightweight, cloud-based, excellent customer support, and easy to use.
• Avira – VPN features available, password manager, excellent customer support, and compatibility across major operating systems.

Do I need both Internet Security and antivirus?

To answer this question, let us first understand what an anti-virus does and what internet security does. An anti-virus program shields computers from viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.

Antivirus software watches how files behave and determines whether or not it is a malicious program. It is conceivably a component of online safety.

On the other hand, spam, phishing, spyware, email attachments, and viruses are all protected from by internet security. It handles all internet-based threats and defends the system against online assaults.

The system is protected from online attacks by a firewall, antivirus software, parental controls, and email security.

So from the above explanation, we can see that only getting anti-virus software is not enough, rather, purchasing software that offers both antivirus and internet security is the best course of action.

Which is the best antivirus and Internet Security?

1. TotalAV – Real-time anti-virus protection

TotalAV ranks among the top antivirus programs on our list thanks to its high malware detection rates. It ensures exceptional protection against cyber threats by successfully blocking 100% of attacks using 4-week-old malware and 97% of attacks using zero-day vulnerabilities.

In internal testing, TotalAV’s thorough scan detected seven out of ten malicious files. Although it used a lot of resources, the scan only lasted about 7 minutes. It was a quick scan, after all. It only took 14 seconds and had almost no noticeable effects on resources, which was impressive.

The interfaces of specialized desktop and mobile apps are clean and uncomplicated, and the installation procedure is no different.

Additionally, the antivirus has helpful security features that are offered without charge. You receive anti-phishing protection and a malware scanner without paying a cent.

If you purchase a paid subscription, ransomware shields and real-time protection significantly increase your security coverage.

It also comes with an optimization suite consisting of a disk cleaner, a cloud scanner, and other tools. These will assist you in making your startup more effective and clears up some space on your hard drive.

TotalAV also provides an Ad Blocker, a password manager, and a VPN with unlimited data to ensure secure online browsing.

In addition to the free plan, there are three other plans with prices beginning at $19.00/year. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee, making you eligible for a full refund.

Some important features of TotalAV include:

• Clean user interface
• Comprehensive internet security package
• Real-time anti-virus protection
• Compatible across multiple devices

2. Norton 360 – Easy-to-use interface

Norton 360 antivirus is another excellent antivirus option. Its malware detection rates are fantastic, and the apps are very easy to use. For those who want a seamless antivirus experience, Norton 360 is practical.

The antivirus detects no false positives, has little to no impact on speed, and captures 100% of zero-day malware. Similar outcomes emerged from our own tests. When we released any threats, the real-time protection feature immediately blocked them.

A smart firewall, secure cloud backup, a VPN, and a password manager are some features you get in terms of added security.

We tested every app for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, finding each has a clean, simple interface. Some of the added features, though, open in separate tabs.

This antivirus is an excellent option for adequate malware protection, with prices starting at $19.99/year. A free 7-day trial is also available for Norton 360 Deluxe and Premium plans.

Some important features of Norton 360 include:

• Advanced security features
• Easy to use
• Private internet connection
• 100% virus protection

3. Bitdefender – Advanced security features

The best antivirus and internet security program for 2023 is Bitdefender because it offers outstanding malware protection rates and security from all types of malware.

Your all-in-one cybersecurity suite with a VPN and a password manager could be Bitdefender, depending on your chosen plan.

In independent lab tests, Bitdefender eliminated both 0-day and 4-week-old malware. It also successfully blocked the 10 zero-day threats we used to test it.

Bitdefender is available for many operating systems, including iOS and Android devices as well as Windows and macOS computers. Each app is laid out and user-friendly for beginners, so you can quickly get used to it.

Webcam, microphone, and ransomware protection are all included in Bitdefender’s comprehensive cybersecurity suite. You’ll also receive a password manager and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with a 200 MB daily data cap for added online privacy.

Anyone can afford Bitdefender’s affordable subscription options, with prices starting at $23.99/year. To help you decide before committing, Bitdefender offers a free antivirus version and a 30-day free trial of their premium services.

Some important features of Bitdefender include:

• Robust security features
• Best malware protection
• Constant updates
• 30-day free trial

4. NordVPN – Tracker blocker

One of the most well-known VPN providers in the world is NordVPN. However, the business has been steadily advancing toward becoming a complete data privacy solution in recent years.

Now, NordVPN is a top-notch security package. It also masks your IP address and provides real-time protection against numerous online threats.

The new NordVPN Threat Protection provides an additional line of defense. With the help of this feature, you can browse without worrying about online threats interfering with your session. Protecting your devices from malware, tracking, malicious ads, and all-around hackers.

The Threat Protection feature actively prevents you from visiting infected websites by alerting you when downloading malware-affected files. Inconvenient trackers and ads are also blocked, common on many websites.

No VPN connection is necessary for any of these features to function as long as Threat Protection is turned on and the NordVPN app is running, it will continue to operate in the background and offer additional security while you browse.

The fact that NordVPN is a VPN, and the best in its class, is also unavoidable. It enables you to access international streaming content and keeps you safe using public Wi-Fi networks. If you want to browse more securely every time, the new protection features make it a great all-around option.

This antivirus is a comprehensive Internet security suite available on all NordVPN applications and free with every NordVPN plan. Prices for the plans begin at $3.29/month.

Some important features of NordVPN include:

• Great malware protection
• Ad blocker
• Tracker blocker
• VPN features included

5. Surfshark – Lightweight security software

Although Surfshark is mostly recognized as a VPN, its security features make it so much more. It has a fantastic set of features for internet security that will meet all your requirements.

Surfshark Antivirus has received full certification from independent antivirus testing labs and is 100% effective at detecting threats. The complete scan ran incredibly quickly in our tests, covering over 100,000 files in just 90 seconds while detecting 7 out of 10 potentially malicious files.

Real-time protection is a feature that continuously safeguards your system. Additionally, there is Data Breach Protection, which searches for personal information compromised on various internet databases.

Even a secure search engine is available, where nothing is disclosed to third parties and neither search history nor activity logs are kept.

Obviously, there is also a wildcard. Surfshark has one of the best VPNs in the business, protecting your privacy while you browse the web and providing some of the fastest speeds available.

Android devices, macOS, and Windows PCs can all use the antivirus. The apps are all incredibly well-organized and user-friendly.

For only $41.88 per year, you can get Surfshark antivirus on 5 devices. There is also the customary 30-day money-back guarantee.

Some important features of Surfshark include:

• Private search engine
• User-friendly interface
• Real-time protection
• VPN features included

6. Trend Micro – Great Internet security features

Another reliable antivirus program that can assist you in shielding your devices from online dangers is Trend Micro. This antivirus demonstrated the ability to completely detect the most recent malware during the examination during independent lab tests.

Trend Micro is perfect for beginners because it works with all popular operating systems (such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS) and can be used on desktop and mobile devices.

This antivirus uses advanced AI technologies to look for malware. For secure online shopping and ransomware protection of documents, Trend Micro provides PayGuard and Folder Shield.

Additionally, you can benefit from using a VPN, Fraud Buster, Dark Web Monitoring, and Social Media Privacy Protection to add an additional layer of security when browsing the internet.

Trend Micro also offers the option of using password managers and system optimization tools to improve the performance of your device.

You can test out the free version of this provider to see how it works. The 30-day money-back guarantee is also included if you decide Trend Micro is not the right software.

Some important features of Trend Micro include:

• Clean user interface
• Compatible across multiple operating systems
• 30-day free trial
• Top-notch threat detection features

7. Malwarebytes – Fast virus scan

One of the best antivirus and internet security programs available is Malwarebytes. It performs admirably in independent lab testing, particularly when detecting malware. It completely thwarts all threats, whether they have existed for less than a day or more than four weeks.

On Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems, Malwarebytes can be installed. You can set various scans, such as daily threat scans, which are incredibly easy to use.

Malwarebytes uses real-time malware protection to monitor your device’s activity and thwart any incoming threats from the internet. There is a ransomware prevention feature to further assist you in protecting your device from ransomware attacks.

It’s also important to note that Malwarebytes has exploit protection, which is useful for preventing malware from infecting the device and spreading further.

Regarding added features, Malwarebytes provides a VPN to assist you in encrypting your Internet traffic and safeguarding personal information while online. Your devices will be shielded from viruses and incoming and outgoing internet traffic and other types of data.

It’s important to note that the free version of Malwarebytes only includes a virus scanner. The premium plans begin at $33.74/year if you want complete malware protection.

Some important features of Malwarebytes include:

• VPN features available
• Quick virus detection
• Clean user interface
• Shields against exploit attacks

8. McAfee Total Protection – Secure VPN access

The fact that McAfee offers more than just basic malware protection and offers protection against the most recent online threats places it among the best antivirus and internet security software available.

The security capabilities of this antivirus have been examined by independent testing labs, which reveal that it completely detects both 0-day and 4-week-old threats. They scored it 6 out of 6 for performance, protection, and usability.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that McAfee provides fairly user-friendly apps and supports the Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems.

A VPN, a password manager, file encryption, and a file shredder are just some features found in McAfee’s base package.

The antivirus also offers security for your network and protection against identity theft. The Home Network Security lets you control all wifi-connected devices and notifies you of intrusion attempts.

Prices for McAfee start at $39.99/year, and there are both affordable and more expensive tier options. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test out all the features without worrying about signing up for a service you won’t like.

Some important features of McAfee include:

• Compatible across multiple devices
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Parental controls
• Very effective firewall

9. ESET – Multi-layered protection

ESET, the leading cybersecurity product in the Slovak Republic deserves a spot on our list because it offers a robust and dependable antivirus suite. The antivirus program is rated a top product by an independent testing lab and blocks all attempted attacks.

Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android all support ESET. Although it’s not available on iOS, other apps are aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. This might not be a big deal in light of the security of the Apple ecosystem.

The package’s core offering includes real-time defense against ransomware and malware.

However, suppose you’re concerned that NOD32 Essential Protection might not be sufficient. In that case, you can choose ESET Advanced Protection, which also has a network monitoring tool and the Safe Browsing feature to prevent harmful JavaScript injections.

The option to choose the ESET Ultimate Protection package is available for those who want to go all-in. It will also incorporate file encryption and a password manager.

ESET stands out because it is cloud-based and offloads most of the demanding processing to its servers. Your device will perform better and put in a lot less effort as a result.

Some important features of ESET include:

• Lightweight
• Cloud-based
• Great customer support
• Easy to use

10. Avira – Password manager

Avira is one of the top antivirus software programs in the free and premium categories. This Antivirus provides excellent protection. It received commendable ratings from unbiased test labs, successfully thwarting 99.2 percent of online threats.

The most widely used operating systems Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, are all compatible with Avira antivirus. However, not all features are accessible on macOS; email protection and download scans are only available to Windows users.

Regarding features, you can get a VPN, a firewall, and a password generator without having to break open your wallet, even though you usually have to pay extra to get some or all of them.

In addition, this antivirus has advanced ransomware defense, web protection for secure online shopping, email protection, and a file shredder. Along with standard malware protection options, an automatic software updating feature, a browser safety tool, and a password manager.

Avira’s PC optimization tools also set it apart from competing antivirus software. You could, for instance, hasten the device’s booting process. These amazing features make Avira one of the best antivirus and internet security

Some important features of Avira include:

• VPN features available
• Password manager
• Great customer support
• Compatible across major operating systems

In conclusion, there are many other anti-virus software available online but we have done extensive research and selected only the best free antivirus and internet security software that will help you obtain maximum protection and safeguard sensitive data.