While not all of those services are necessarily best in their respective class, getting them all in one package is a compelling option. In addition to malware and virus protection for your computer and mobile device, this security suite provides 100GB of backup to the cloud, safe-browsing tools, a secure VPN, a password manager, parental controls and LifeLock identity theft protection and fraud alert. A 10-device subscription for Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is normally $180 per year, but you can get your first year for $80 off. The company's products include Antivirus Plus, Norton Secure VPN, Norton 360 for Gamers, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select and more. Norton antivirus provides excellent security software for PC, Mac and mobile devices. Norton LifeLock has consistently earned high marks from AV-Test, AV-Comparatives and SE Labs for virus and malware detection. If you uninstall the third-party protection, Windows will turn on its own antivirus again. Windows 10 and 11 will automatically disable its own Windows Defender antivirus when you install third-party antivirus. Defender also lets you tune the level of protection you want, giving you control over blocking potentially unwanted apps and protecting folders and files from a ransomware attack. (Note: Microsoft changed the name of Windows Defender to Microsoft Defender and has expanded the service to other platforms.) This free antivirus program is built into Windows, and it's turned on by default, the antivirus engine does its thing, and this antivirus solution will cover the basics of internet security. It is one of the best antivirus software options. With the free Microsoft Defender Antivirus software running on your Windows PC, you have a malware protection safety net if you do let your guard down. If you practice safe computing - that is, you keep your software up to date, you use strong passwords (with the help of a password manager), you steer clear of unsolicited emails and you don't click suspicious links that may be phishing attempts - you probably can avoid zero-day attacks and ransomware attacks. Be sure to check the terms of the subscription plan before you buy, so you won't get an unwelcome surprise when your subscription renews. After the first billing period - typically a year or two, depending on the plan you purchase - the amount you pay for the service may increase substantially (sometimes double the introductory rate).

Note: Pricing for antivirus services can be complicated since providers frequently offer low introductory prices to entice you to sign up for their services. Take a look through our recommended antivirus services below to see which one fits you best. At CNET, we've spent years testing and researching dozens of online security and privacy tools like VPNs, password managers and antivirus software to help readers find the best solutions for their needs. What's the best antivirus software overall?Ĭurrently, CNET's top pick for the best antivirus software is Microsoft Defender, the tech giant's free antivirus solution built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines. As such, all our antivirus software recommendations work on Windows. That also means that Windows is the biggest target for a huge number of viruses and malware attacks.

The latest data from Statcounter says that over 70% of all laptops and desktops run Windows. Windows is the most popular operating system for computers today.

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