The Best Antivirus of 2020: A data-driven comparison

 To compile a data-backed list of the best antivirus providers we used independent antivirus lab test results and website review scores. We charted and compared top AV tools based on multiple points, including overall protection, system performance, false positives, 

Installing the best antivirus program for Windows and Mac is almost essential these days. But with dozens of antivirus tools available, choosing the right one can feel like guesswork. To make the decision process easier for you, we’ve developed a data-backed approach to determine which providers you can rely on to provide the best possible protection against malware, phishing, potentially unwanted programs, and more

These are the 10 best antivirus tools as of June 2020

1. Norton Internet Security – Best for individual PC and Mac users. Delivers well-regarded internet security that can include ID theft protection with LifeLock.
2. TotalAV – Best for web browsing protection. Actively scans for suspicious websites and monitors for criminal use of your private information.
3. McAfee Total Protection – Offers well-respected protection for individuals or families.
4. VIPRE Antivirus – Consistently scores above more well-known brands in independent testing lab analyses.
5. Bitdefender Internet Security – Maintains consistently reliable performance and includes a webcam protection tool.
6. Kaspersky Lab Internet Security – Best selection of features. Includes a secure, encrypted browser for online shopping.
7. ESET Internet Security – Provides a highly-awarded internet security tool for every major operating system.
8. Avira Antivirus – Blocks phishing attacks on social media and email.
9. AVG Internet Security – Actively used by over 200 million people worldwide.
10. Comodo Internet Security – No frills antivirus scanning and real-time protection

The antivirus market is fairly dense. You could spend hours trying to find a reputable antivirus tool that fits your needs. This page should help get you on the right path.

Our list of trusted antivirus tools is based on hours of research into the most important criteria for AV tools. We evaluated over 45 free and subscription-based AV tools against the following benchmarks:

• Protection. This is an analysis of how well the AV tool effectively scans and removes malware or viruses
• False positives. Some AV tools can misfire and incorrectly identify and even block safe programs as viruses.
• System impact. A calculated measure of the “drag” on your system’s resources (including memory and RAM).
• Transparency. We believe AV tools need to be transparent in their billing practices from the moment you sign up. We look at whether pricing is clearly identified in product pages, whether auto-renewal is turned on or off automatically at checkout, and how easy (or difficult) it is to cancel your subscription on-demand.

You’ll find that many antivirus tools may fit your needs. Most have a very similar set of tools and functions and may include only one or two distinguishing features. The biggest aspect that we’ve found that separates various AV tools is the price, effectiveness of their malware scanning and removal engine, and their level of transparency.

10 best antivirus tools for 2020 (Windows and Mac)

Our data-backed analysis of the 45+ antivirus tools filters down to these top 10 as the most trustworthy and reliable programs offered at the best prices.

1. Norton Internet Security

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give Norton Internet Security the following scores:

• Protection score: 99.75
• Performance score: 92.5
• False positives score: 86.9
• Transparency score: 80

Norton by Symantec is one of the most well-known antivirus and internet security tools on the market. Users will find a much wider selection of options when browsing for protection from Norton Internet Security, which offers more comprehensive security tools, simpler antivirus software, and specialized privacy and security protection apps.

Those looking for an all-encompassing security solution from Norton can opt for one of the Norton 360 plans. These carry Norton’s award-winning real-time antivirus scanning and removal tool, cloud backup, webcam protection, parental control, credit monitoring, and access to the LifeLock Identity Alert™ System. Even the base-level Norton 360 Select option includes most of these features, as well as ID Verification Monitoring and data breach notifications.

Pros:

• One of the most comprehensive security packages on the market
• Multiple package options for all type of computer users
• Protection for every major operating system (Windows, macOS, Android and iOS)
• Major identity protection features, including access to LifeLock

Cons:

• Turning off auto-renewal can be a hassle
• May attempt to block some legitimate programs

2. TotalAV

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give TotalAV the following scores:

• Protection score: 91.6
• Performance score: 83.3
• False positives score: 100
• Transparency score: 90

We’ve witnessed an almost night and day transformation of TotalAV’s product over the past few years. While other services may best it in areas like Performance (the impact on the user’s system resources), few can claim to have worked harder at responding to customer demands for improvements. Over the years, TotalAV’s customers have pushed for the company to overhaul the app’s functionality and design, as well a new approach to billing transparency. TotalAV listened and responded in the way you’d hope a company would.

This antivirus application offers a high-grade real-time scanning tool and a healthy list of “antis”:anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, anti-adware, and anti-spyware. The service also bundles in a Safe Browser VPN, system optimization tools to help improve the speed and functionality of your computer, a password manager, and a dark web monitoring service.

Pros:

• Heavily improved billing transparency
• Well-regarded antivirus protection
• Dark web monitoring
• Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Cons:

• Auto-renew can only be turned off after purchase
• No cheaper option for single device coverage

3. McAfee Total Protection

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give McAfee Total Protection the following scores:

• Protection score: 91.73
• Performance score: 92.5
• False positives score: 97
• Transparency score: 95

McAfee is unequivocally one of the best internet security apps on the market. It’s security software consistently scores well in independent testing lab results and on consumer review websites. With both single device and family options that can protect up to 10 devices at once, McAfee should be on everyone’s shortlist for internet security.

Depending on the exact package you get from McAfee, you’ll find real-time virus scanning, added firewall protection, protection against phishing sites and other suspicious links, and encrypted storage for protection against threats like ransomware. All Total Protection software packages also include McAfee Shredder, which will fully delete files from your system. If you go all-out with Total Protection, McAfee also adds in identity theft protection.

Pros:

• Consistently-awarded antivirus protection
• Offers an easy-to-use family plan
• Provides identity theft protection under Total Security
• Apps available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS

Cons:

• Auto-renew can only be turned off after purchase

4. VIPRE Antivirus

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give VIPRE Antivirus the following scores:

• Protection score: 99.83
• Performance score: 94
• False positives score: 100
• Transparency score: 100

VIPRE’s biggest problem is that you may never have heard of it before. But based on its excellent scores and complete pricing and billing transparency, it should be one of the options you consider as you search for a trustworthy security tool. VIPRE has an advanced and well-regarded virus engine for subscribers. But it also maintains a number of other security tools that will keep your computer and your identity protected as you browse the web.

Available on both Windows and Mac computers, the VIPRE Home Protection software includes its top-rated real-time antivirus engine alongside other must-have security features. At a minimum, you’ll also get ransomware protection and added cloud-based security against malware and spyware. In its more advanced security packages, VIPRE also offers application patching (automatically updates your apps to the latest version), email spam filtering, anti-tracking, sensitive document auditing, a dark web scanner (warns you if your private information appears on the dark web), and much more.

Pros:

• Transparent and consumer-friendly billing practices
• Offers apps for Mac and Windows computers
• Monitors the dark web for stolen data
• Protects against all forms of viruses and malware

Cons:

• No free trial for the Ultimate Security Bundle

5. Bitdefender Internet Security

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give Bitdefender Internet Security the following scores:

• Protection score: 99.3
• Performance score: 91.5
• False positives score: 100
• Transparency score: 100

Bitdefender is one of the fastest-growing internet security tools on our list, especially when it comes to name recognition and usage. It’s currently trusted by over 500 million computer users worldwide. The software is almost as highly utilized as tools offered by McAfee.

Bitdefender has among the largest number of security packages of any option on our list. The basic coverage includes its high-functioning real-time antivirus software. Its newest package option, Bitdefender Premium Security, offers multi-layer ransomware protection, a secure VPN, parental controls, a device optimizer, and minimal system impact. There are also over a dozen privacy protection features, including anti-tracking, microphone and webcam protection, social network protection, safe online banking, and more.

What’s more, Bitdefender’s software comes included when you the company’s smart home security hub device, the Bitdefender Box.