Comparing five popular anti-virus software protection options

Anti-virus software is essential for protecting your computer from malware like viruses, worms, and ransomware, which can damage your system, steal data, and disrupt operations. It prevents data loss by safeguarding your files and secures personal information like passwords and banking details. By blocking malicious software, it maintains system performance and prevents unauthorized access. Furthermore, it stops your computer from unknowingly spreading infections and ensures online safety by defending against malicious websites and phishing attacks. Ultimately, anti-virus software is a crucial security layer that preserves your computer's integrity and protects your digital life from a wide range of threats.

Diving Deeper: A Closer Look at Each Provider

Norton 360

Consistently receives top product awards from independent testing firms like AV-Test and AV- Comparatives for its malware detection, ransomware, hacking protection, performance, and ease of use. Includes password manager, parental control, dark web monitoring, smart firewall and Cloud backup. Also now includes ‘Genie Scam Protection (AI powered scam assistant)’.

Performance

Generally performs well against other antivirus software available. considered a strong all-around solution, especially for its comprehensive features and identity theft protection.

Support

Offers a ‘Ultimate Help Desk’ allowing for on-demand IT support for various technical issues, including Microsoft Outlook and operating system problems.
Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Option to access support through the Norton website and community forum. Trustpilot score 3.7 out of 5 stars.

Pricing and value

Standard package only allows protection (and simplest set of features) for 1 device.
Not the most cost effective on the market but the Norton Deluxe suite cost is, covering 5 devices including Macs, Windows, Tablets and smartphones.

Pros:

Comprehensive security features. Offers robust protection with features like Smart Firewall, PC Cloud backup, parental controls, and system optimization tools, making it a solid choice for overall digital security.
Effective VPN service. Is one of the best on the market, offering AES-256 encryption and various tunneling protocols, including WireGuard, which boosts both security and speed.
Strong independent lab results. Consistently receives top marks in independent lab tests, achieving a near-perfect protection rate of 99.96% in recent AV-Comparatives reports.
Impressive Safe Web feature. Offers users real-time security insights on search engine results, helping to identify safe and risky websites efficiently.

Cons:

The free version works with only one device. Limits usability for those needing multi- device access without upgrading.
False alarms in independent tests. May affect user trust in its detection accuracy.
Norton’s interface might be less user-friendly. Using two interfaces to navigate Norton’s feature packs can be a bit confusing.

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Bitdefender

‘The best cross-platform antivirus protection’ – Cybernews rating, February 2025 Known for its strong real-time protection, comprehensive features, user-friendly interface and bonus features such as ‘Scamio’ an AI powered chatbot. Bitdefender’ offers webcam protection feature and microphone protection, shields from unauthorized access. Options: Cheapest plan for a single Windows device e.g. Premium Security (One year protection for 10 devices), Total Protection (One full year protection for 3 devices) and Antivirus Plus (One full year protection for 1 Windows PC)

Performance

Performance – Consistently performs well in comparison to other antivirus software, often scoring high in malware detection rates and having minimal impact on system performance.

Support

Tech support – Response is slow and is some difficulty reaching assistance but Bitdefender does offer very good content, so if not wanting to spend time waiting for an email reply or connecting to a customer advisor on live chat look at content available on website. Trustpilot score 3.0 out of 5 stars

Pricing and value

Price – Standard home user option offers a couple of different packages to choose from which is user requirement dependent. Bitdefender also offers very good deals when increasing the device count.

Pros:

Highly-effective protection. Demonstrates excellent malware detection rates during in-house tests.
Best starting price on the market. Starting annual price is one of the lowest on the market, which is excellent considering the provider’s effectiveness.
Free version offered. Can test and use Bitdefender using its free tier. Some non-essential features are absent but it should be enough for basic protection.

Cons:

Severe device limitations. Cheapest plan supports only one Windows device, which is pretty inflexible. The pricier Internet Security package is also only suitable for Windows.
Fewer features on Apple devices. Mac and iOS devices have fewer features available.

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McAfee

‘The most complete cybersecurity software’ – Cybernews rating, February 2025 An easy-to-understand user interface and an integrated VPN service which offers 50 locations and unlimited data. Many security suites have a VPN which limits you to just a few hundred MB per day. McAfee’s malware protection is among the best. Offers to useful alerts, anti tracker, ID protection and a file shredder tool which deletes files from recycle bin and temporary iInternet files, ensuring information can't be recovered.

Performance

Generally strong in ‘real-world’ threat protection and malware detection, often scoring very high in independent lab tests. Some users and reviews suggest McAfee can sometimes impact system performance, particularly during scans.

Support

Support centre ensures you can find the solution to any problem but to use McAfee live chat user is required to fill a form out. Takes longer for assistance but service is good. Has had issues with billing, cancellation problems, and technical difficulties with the software. Trustpilot score 1.5 out of 5 stars.

Pricing and value

McAfee ‘total’ protection is the top of the range antivirus suite. The product is an award winner, offering a huge feature set. With total protection, every is covered with the same subscription at no extra cost. Very good value for money!

Pros:

Unlimited device connections. One of the first antivirus to support limitless device connections. NB: not included in the cheapest plan.
Wide feature array. Various subscription plans including the cheaper plans.
Effective. ID protection service.

Cons:

Tech support. Good but can take time to speak with support person.
Disappointing internal malware. The service did not meet certain malware detection test standards.
Fewer features on Apple devices. Mac and iOS apps have fewer features than their counterparts.

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TotalAV

‘The best antivirus for digital security’ – Cybernews rating, February 2025 Best budget-friendly antivirus solution. Includes an excellent feature selection (VPN, password manager) for well-rounded digital security for multiple devices. WebShield a browser for blocking malicios websites, ad-blocking and tracker-blocking features. Features tools for PC optimization that work better than other antivirus providers, like Norton.

Performance

Offers strong malware detection and additional features like a VPN and system optimization tools.
Can be slower during full scans compared to some competitors
TotalAV generally provides robust protection and a user-friendly interface.

Support

Provides a range of support options for users, including an active support community forum and email support for specific issues
Also offers a comprehensive knowledge base with articles addressing common questions and troubleshooting steps.
TotalAV uses real-time protection and scanning, which are efficient and reliable. Trustpilot score 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Pricing and value

Considered a good value for its price, offering a strong suite of features for a relatively low. cost.
The pricing structure is attractive, especially for the first year, and the included features, like a VPN and password manager, add extra value beyond basic antivirus protection

Pros:

Comprehensive and budget-friendly package. Includes an impressive array of cybersecurity and device optimization features at great introductory prices.
Easy-to-use interface. Easy to install and use on a daily basis, making it suitable for beginners.
Effective malware detection results. TotalAV is great at detecting and dealing with malware.

Cons:

Significant price increase upon renewal. Subscription renewal price is significantly pricier than the introductory price, undermining its initial affordability.
Frequent notifications. Continual interruptions with various notifications.
Inconsistent performance. Protection performance fluctuates and isn’t always as reliable as it should be.

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Surfshark

‘The best antivirus software bundled with a VPN’ – Cybernews rated, February 2025 A powerful VPN service with robust antivirus capabilities. Surfshark uses Avira's software development kit (SDK) which includes scanning technology that checks for known malicious hashes. If it finds an unknown file, it sends it for analysis, which involves machine learning models, heuristics, and generics. Has Webcam protection but not microphone protection. Webcam protection ensures unauthorized apps can't access your webcam without your knowledge. It's a valuable security feature for users concerned about unknown parties spying on them through their cameras.

Performance

Results are good in independent tests, achieving high scores in usability and demonstrating strength in handling zero-day threats
Offers effective protection. The lightweight design ensures minimal impact on system performance, making it a good option for users prioritizing both security and speed.

Support

Generally receive positive reviews for support staff being helpful, patient and dedicated in resolving user issues. Trustpilot score 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pricing and value

Comprehensive list of tools and unlimited simultaneous connections make Surfshark an excellent value for money, especially if user subscribes to a multi-year plan.

Pros:

All-encompassing package. Comprehensive package filled with useful features for online security and anonymity./li>
Unlimited device connections. Excellent benefit when considering price. However, this doesn’t apply to the antivirus, which can protect only five devices.

Cons:

Few tests from independent labs. Antivirus testing labs like AV-Comparatives haven’t evaluated Surfshark Antivirus at all. Unable to evaluate its overall effectiveness.
VPN service first. Surfshark is a VPN service first and an antivirus second, which could mean its VPN capabilities are prioritized by the developers.

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