In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding your devices with the Best Antivirus Scanning Tool isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, from insidious malware to sophisticated ransomware, putting your personal data and digital life at risk. Choosing the right antivirus is crucial, and with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rigorously tested and evaluated a range of antivirus software to bring you our top picks for the best antivirus scanning tools available right now. Whether you’re seeking robust protection, extra features, or a budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our expert analysis to find the perfect antivirus solution to keep your digital world secure.
Top Pick: Best Overall Antivirus Scanning Tool
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 – Outstanding
Pros:
- Exceptional Malware Detection: Consistently earns top scores in independent lab tests, proving its effectiveness as a leading antivirus scanning tool.
- Strong Phishing Protection: Excellent defense against phishing attacks, ensuring your sensitive information stays safe.
- Multi-Layered Ransomware Defense: Advanced ransomware protection to safeguard your files from encryption.
- Secure Banking Browser: Isolated browser environment for secure online banking and transactions.
- Ad Tracker Prevention: Blocks advertisers from tracking your online activity, enhancing your privacy.
- Feature-Rich Security Suite: Packed with numerous security-focused bonus features beyond just antivirus scanning.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Provides protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
Cons:
- Subpar Malware Blocking in Hands-on Test: Lower score in our hands-on malware blocking test compared to lab results.
- Mediocre Malicious URL Defense: Average performance in blocking malicious URLs in our tests.
- VPN Requires Separate Subscription: Full VPN functionality is not included and requires an additional purchase.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus stands out as a comprehensive security solution that goes beyond basic antivirus scanning. It’s a powerhouse of features designed to provide complete digital protection. The “Plus” in its name is well-deserved, encompassing a wide array of tools like ransomware remediation, a hardened browser for financial security, VPN for connection privacy, and ad tracker blocking.
Its performance in independent testing labs is consistently outstanding, often achieving perfect or near-perfect scores, solidifying its position as a top-tier antivirus scanning tool. Our own hands-on tests further confirm its robust capabilities, particularly its dedicated ransomware defense system.
For users seeking comprehensive, hands-off protection, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is an excellent choice. Simply activate the Autopilot feature, and you can trust it to handle your security needs effectively in the background, making it a truly set-and-forget best antivirus scanning tool.
Learn More – Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review
Best Antivirus Scanning Tool for Extra Security Features
Norton AntiVirus Plus
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 – Outstanding
Pros:
- Exceptional Lab Scores: Consistently achieves top ratings in independent lab tests, proving its effectiveness as a reliable antivirus scanning tool.
- Excellent Hands-on Test Results: Performs exceptionally well in our rigorous hands-on malware and ransomware defense tests.
- Ransomware Data Protector: Includes Data Protector feature to effectively thwart ransomware attacks.
- Intelligent Firewall: Advanced firewall protection without overwhelming users with complex prompts.
- Suite-Level Bonus Features: Offers vulnerability scanning and other features typically found in more expensive security suites.
- Cross-Platform Support: Protects Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices with a single subscription.
Cons:
- No Local Backups: Local backup creation is no longer supported in this version.
- Higher Price Point: Relatively more expensive compared to some competitors.
Norton AntiVirus Plus leverages decades of antivirus expertise to deliver a top-notch antivirus scanning tool with a wealth of additional security features. Its long-standing reputation in the cybersecurity industry is backed by consistently high scores from independent testing labs and impressive performance in our hands-on evaluations, including tests specifically targeting real-world ransomware threats.
Beyond its core antivirus scanning capabilities, Norton AntiVirus Plus provides an intelligent firewall that operates effectively without requiring constant user intervention. Bonus features such as online backup storage, a software updater, and cross-platform compatibility further enhance its value.
For users who prioritize a trusted brand with a proven track record and a comprehensive set of security features, Norton AntiVirus Plus is an excellent choice. Its long history of fighting malware, dating back to the MS-DOS era, makes it a dependable and robust best antivirus scanning tool for today’s threats.
Learn More – Norton AntiVirus Plus Review
Best Antivirus Scanning Tool for Single-PC Households
McAfee AntiVirus
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 – Excellent
Pros:
- Strong Lab Test Scores: Achieves near-perfect scores in independent lab tests, demonstrating its effectiveness as an antivirus scanning tool.
- Good Hands-on Test Performance: Performs well in our hands-on malware protection tests.
- Money-Back Virus Protection Pledge: Offers a unique money-back guarantee if your PC gets infected despite having McAfee installed.
Cons:
- Missed Ransomware Samples: Failed to detect two ransomware samples in our testing.
- Single PC Protection: Only protects one PC without volume licensing options, making it less cost-effective for multiple devices.
- Feature Reduction: Some previously included features have been removed in this version.
McAfee AntiVirus is a robust antivirus scanning tool specifically designed for single Windows PC users. While McAfee no longer offers the cross-platform protection of its “Plus” version, this basic antivirus remains a powerful option for securing a single, critical computer.
Independent testing labs consistently recognize McAfee’s malware detection capabilities, awarding it top or near-top scores, reinforcing its status as a highly effective antivirus scanning tool. It also performed well in our hands-on tests and includes ransomware protection and a basic firewall, going beyond simple antivirus scanning.
For users who need to protect just one primary Windows PC and want reliable, lab-tested protection, McAfee AntiVirus is a solid choice. Its focus on single-device security makes it ideal for users who don’t require multi-device coverage, positioning it as a focused and effective best antivirus scanning tool for its target audience.
Learn More – McAfee AntiVirus Review
Best Antivirus Scanning Tool for Speedy Scans
Malwarebytes Premium Security
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 – Excellent
Pros:
- Top Malware Detection in Hands-on Test: Achieved the highest malware detection score in our rigorous hands-on testing, making it a leading antivirus scanning tool for threat detection.
- Strong Malicious and Fraudulent Site Protection: Provides excellent defense against dangerous websites and online scams.
- Good Independent Lab Scores: Earns strong ratings from independent testing labs, validating its effectiveness as an antivirus scanning tool.
- Effective Ransomware Protection: Includes robust ransomware protection to keep your data safe.
- Fast Scanning Speed: Known for its quick and efficient antivirus scanning capabilities.
Cons:
- Limited Feature Set: Offers fewer features compared to some more comprehensive antivirus suites, focusing primarily on core antivirus scanning and protection.
- Score Decline: Some test scores have decreased slightly compared to previous reviews.
Malwarebytes Premium Security evolves from the popular cleanup-only Malwarebytes Free to offer a full-fledged antivirus scanning tool suitable for everyday use. While Malwarebytes Free was traditionally used as a secondary tool for cleaning up infections, Premium Security provides complete antivirus protection, including on-demand, scheduled, and real-time scanning.
Its standout feature is its speed and efficiency in antivirus scanning, coupled with highly effective malware detection. In our hands-on tests, it excelled in malware protection and demonstrated strong defense against malicious and fraudulent websites.
For users who value speed and effectiveness in antivirus scanning and appreciate a no-frills approach to security, Malwarebytes Premium Security is an excellent choice. Its reputation for efficient malware removal and quick scans makes it a compelling option for those seeking a fast and reliable best antivirus scanning tool.
Learn More – Malwarebytes Premium Security Review
Best Budget-Friendly Antivirus Scanning Tool
Sophos Home Premium
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 – Excellent
Pros:
- Good Hands-on Test Scores: Achieves excellent scores in some of our hands-on tests, demonstrating its capabilities as an effective antivirus scanning tool.
- Effective Ransomware Protection: Provides reliable protection against ransomware threats.
- Remote Management for Multiple Devices: Allows remote management of up to 10 PCs or Macs from a single account.
- Affordable Pricing: Offers a very competitive price, especially for multi-device protection, making it a thrifty antivirus scanning tool option.
Cons:
- Limited Lab Test Data: Less comprehensive testing data available from independent labs compared to competitors.
- Weak Parental Controls: Parental control features are not very effective.
- Feature Removal: Mobile management and keylogger protection features have been removed.
- Complex Advanced Features: Utilizing advanced features may require technical expertise.
Sophos Home Premium brings enterprise-level security to home users at an exceptionally affordable price, positioning itself as a top antivirus scanning tool for budget-conscious consumers. Sophos is a well-respected name in business antivirus solutions, and Sophos Home Premium extends their expertise to home users with remote management capabilities.
Its strength lies in its value proposition: providing protection for up to 10 devices at a price point comparable to competitors’ single or three-device licenses, making it a very inexpensive antivirus scanning tool per device. It performed well in our hands-on tests and includes effective ransomware protection, exploit attack defense, and other bonus features.
For families or users with multiple devices seeking comprehensive protection without breaking the bank, Sophos Home Premium is an outstanding choice. Its remote management feature is particularly useful for managing security for family members or friends, solidifying its place as a thrifty yet powerful best antivirus scanning tool.
Learn More – Sophos Home Premium Review
Best Lightweight Antivirus Scanning Tool
Webroot AntiVirus
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 – Excellent
Pros:
- Ultra-Fast Scan Speed & Tiny Footprint: Extremely fast scans and minimal system resource usage, making it a very lightweight antivirus scanning tool.
- Light on System Resources: Has a negligible impact on system performance.
- Ransomware Remediation: Capable of reversing damage caused by ransomware attacks.
- Advanced Features: Offers advanced security features despite its small size.
Cons:
- No Remote Management: Remote monitoring and configuration features are no longer available.
- Imperfect Hand-Modified Ransomware Defense: Less effective against manually altered ransomware variants.
- Inconsistent Lab Test Results: Sporadic and varied results in independent lab tests.
- Technical Expertise Required: Advanced features may require a higher level of technical knowledge to utilize effectively.
- No Volume Discounts: Does not offer discounts for multi-device licenses.
- Confusing Firewall Settings: Firewall configuration can be complex for average users.
Webroot AntiVirus stands out as the smallest and lightest antivirus scanning tool we’ve tested. Its incredibly small footprint and lightning-fast scans are achieved by leveraging cloud-based intelligence. While it effectively eliminates known malware locally, unknown programs are analyzed in the cloud, minimizing the local system impact.
Its unique cloud-based approach leads to very fast antivirus scanning and minimal resource usage, making it ideal for older systems or users concerned about performance. It also offers ransomware damage remediation, a valuable feature in case of infection. Despite inconsistent lab test results due to its delayed-action detection, Webroot has consistently performed well in our hands-on evaluations.
For users who prioritize speed, minimal system impact, and a lightweight antivirus scanning tool, Webroot AntiVirus is an excellent option. Its tiny size and fast scans make it particularly appealing to those with limited system resources or who simply want unobtrusive protection, solidifying its place as a top best antivirus scanning tool in its category.
Learn More – Webroot AntiVirus Review
Best Feature-Rich Antivirus Scanning Tool
G Data Antivirus
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 – Excellent
Pros:
- Good Malware Protection Test Score: Achieved a good score in our hands-on malware protection test, confirming its effectiveness as an antivirus scanning tool.
- Comprehensive Threat Protection: Protects against banking Trojans, keyloggers, ransomware, and exploits, offering broad-spectrum security.
- Reasonably Priced: Offers a good balance of features and affordability.
- Spam Filter Included: Includes a spam filter to block unwanted emails.
Cons:
- Limited Recent Lab Data: Only one recent score available from independent testing labs.
G Data Antivirus boasts a long history in the cybersecurity industry, claiming to have released the first antivirus program in 1985, positioning itself as a mature and experienced antivirus scanning tool. While its claim of being the very first might be debated, G Data Antivirus has a solid track record.
When tested by independent labs, it consistently receives high ratings. It also performed well in our hands-on malware protection and malicious download defense tests, demonstrating its effectiveness as a reliable antivirus scanning tool. Over time, G Data Antivirus has incorporated numerous bonus security features. Its behavior-based ransomware protection effectively blocked most ransomware samples in our tests, and its exploit detection component performed better than many competitors. Additional features include spam filtering, BankGuard protection for financial transactions, keylogger defense, and startup program management.
For users who prefer a mature and feature-rich antivirus scanning tool with a long history and a wide range of security bonuses, G Data Antivirus is an appealing option. Its blend of traditional antivirus and added security layers makes it a well-rounded choice for those seeking comprehensive protection from a veteran in the field.
