Best Antivirus For Windows 10 In 2024 [Out of 25 Tested]
Choose a great antivirus that doesn't slow down your computer
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Key notes
- As we get more linked to the Internet, we become more vulnerable to malware and viruses.
- Most of the time, if you’re a home user, a free antivirus with a real-time shield and a web shield would do.
- Advanced antivirus software includes a firewall, sandbox, wireless protection, anti-hacking, and anti-phishing.
- The next-generation antiviruses listed below are free and paid, and most lean on machine learning and other AI technologies.
The digital world is becoming increasingly part of our lives, but that also means that cyber threats are just as abundant. In this guide, we explore the best antivirus for Windows 10.
Malware is evolving increasingly, and antivirus tools are keeping up, constantly updating their libraries to recognize as many new threats as possible.
If your computer, phone, or tablet has an operating system update that you haven’t yet installed, don’t put it off. Additionally, you should maintain any antivirus software up to date.
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Does Windows 10 need antivirus?
Using a computer without an antivirus is not recommended because while you may get by, there is a higher probability that your computer will be compromised in no time. The dangers associated with such a compromise can not be overstated.
Here are some reasons why you must use an antivirus:
- Virus protection and transmission – A significant role of antivirus software is prevention. When a virus is detected, it immediately begins working.
- Prevention from data thieves and hackers – Malware and virus programs are often used by hackers to get access to their victim’s computers. Without the user’s awareness, they implant malicious software onto the compromised machine.
- Prevents spam and ads – Most infections exploit pop-up advertising as well as malicious websites to infiltrate their victims’ systems. However, an antivirus will guard against this.
- Protection from removable devices – Also, if you use USB drives or external storage devices, an antivirus can scan them and ensure they are free from viruses.
- Firewall protection from phishing attacks and spyware – Generally speaking, a firewall keeps tabs on every data that enters and leaves your network. When used with antivirus software, firewalls perform a secondary check on any data or files you transmit over the internet.
Now let us explore the best antivirus options for Windows 10 you should try.
| Antivirus | ๐กKey features | ๐Security enhancements |
| ESET HOME Security Essential | Minimal power usage Lightweight antivirus | Gamer Mode Active web-browsing protection Online banking & payment protection ๏ปฟ |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Cutting-edge lightweight technology | Protection against unauthorized use of your microphone and webcam Anti-theft features for your devices’ protection Premium-class VPN (limited) |
| Total AV | Boost up the PC performance Compatibility with Mac, Android, and iOS | Data breach monitoring WebShield for browser protection |
| Guard.io | Lightweight Chrome extension Install with just a click right into the browser | Real-time protection against any threats Links, emails, and web pages verification before you open them |
| Intego Antivirus | Full bulletin virus report on Windows & Mac | Ransomware bullet-proof prevention WebShield for safe digital life |
| Norton Antivirus Plus | Low system impact Frequently updated | Built-in password manager Comes with a built-in VPN |
| Vipre | Low impact Home and Business subscription plan | Remote employees protection Real-time protection using threat intelligence Data loss prevention |
| Kaspersky | Light resource usage Works for PC, Mac, and mobile devices | Built-in password manager Transaction protection |
| Avast Free Antivirus | Limited resource footprint Frequently updated Best antivirus for Windows 10 with a free download | Works silently during gaming and movie-watching sessions Monitors the behavior of individual apps |
| Avira Antivirus Premium | Uses low resources Tune-up tools | Advanced web & ransomware protection Software and driver patching Built-in VPN |
Which antivirus is best for Windows 10?
ESET HOME Security Essential – Best Windows 10 antivirus overall
ESET HOME Security Essential is ranked as one of the best antivirus for Windows 10. Their antivirus solutions protect against malware, including viruses, ransomware, worms, as well as spyware.
So, the most modern assaults and harmful activity on your PC are no match for LiveGuard from ESET HOME Security Essential, which will integrate well into 2024.
Additionally, ESET HOME Security Essential offers military-grade encryption for all your passcodes when your device is lost or destroyed, so nothing leaks or gets stolen.
It is critical to prevent unauthorized access and exploitation of your data and camera, as well as to secure online payments and safeguard your online experience. This is where ESET shines; therefore, your virtual identity is always shielded.
Here are the perks of using Internet Security:
- Install & forget the antivirus model
- Active web-browsing protection
- Minimal power usage
- Ransomware and spyware shield
- Gamer Mode
- Online banking & payment protection
- Suitable for Windows, macOS, and Linux
ESET HOME Security Essential
A lightweight antivirus that offers just the protection all your devices need against the latest malware.Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Most security features
Bitdefender has an excellent antivirus technology approach proven to be a cutting-edge solution on Windows. You will soon see why we ranked it as the best antivirus for Windows 10 that doesn’t slow down your computer.
It’s an award-winning antivirus developer that has garnered wide appraisal over the years. This is thanks to its efficiency in fighting off malware balanced with a low system impact.
Also, Bitdefender antivirus products are an entire security suite filled with tools that make using your PC a worry-free experience.
Furthermore, the Bitdefender family comprises five products. These are Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Internet Security, Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Family Pack, and Bitdefender Premium Security.
These five entries share one common goal: they hold your PC’s security as their top priority.
Finally, those interested in Mobile security should also know that Bitdefender hasn’t forgotten about them, providing them with Bitdefender Mobile Security (Available for Android and iOS), a product just for them.
Here are the perks of using Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:
- Protection against unauthorized use of your microphone and webcam
- A single subscription gives you protection for multiple devices
- You gain real-time protection against cyber-threats
- Anti-theft features for your devices’ protection
- You are provided with a premium-class VPN (limited)
- Gives you anonymity on public Wi-Fi
- Built-in browser protection
- Built-in password manager
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Get the best antivirus tool of the year, now available at a discount for a limited time!Total AV – Great for browsing security
Firstly, Total AV is an award-winning antivirus and security software that protects every aspect of your PC. It offers virus protection, safe web surfing, block tracking cookies, as well as verification for breach attempts. Thus we ranked it as one of the best antivirus for a Windows 10 Home user.
Additionally, you get real-time protection from threats by checking all downloads, installs, and executables for any scripts or viruses.
Furthermore, its bright protection system keeps you safe from ransomware and phishing software that wants to lay hands on your data.
Total AV also provides WebShield in your browser to browse the web safely and securely. Hence, it is a defense against fake, scam, or phishing websites that exploit unknowing users. Also, this means that Total AV lets you take control of the browsing experience for browsers.
Lastly, with a built-in ad blocker for websites and videos, you will never see those annoying ads again.
Here are the perks of using Total AV:
- Great real-time protection
- WebShield for browser protection
- Data breach monitoring
- Compatibility with Mac, Android, and iOS
- Blocking of tracking cookies
Total AV
A simple solution for a complete package of protection.Guard.io – Best for internet browsing
Firstly, Guard.io is a lightweight Chrome extension that is one of the best antivirus for Windows 10. It’s built to create the safest way of browsing the internet.
Additionally, since it takes seconds to add to your browser, it provides immediate online security. Your browsing experience will be smoother with no annoying pop-ups and scam notifications.
Also, harmful sites will be blocked immediately, while advanced anti-phishing protection will prevent all attempts to steal your data.
Furthermore, Guardio acts as your online bodyguard. Hence, its machine learning integrations, cloud infrastructure, and security research bring state-of-the-art web browsing protection.
Lastly, you can keep your whole organization safe by having unlimited licenses within one subscription plan.
Here are the perks of using Guard.io:
- Install with just a click right into the browser
- Real-time protection against any threats
- Malicious site blocking
- Links, emails, and web pages verification before you open them
- Personal data security and breaches notifications
- Malicious Extension Removal
Guard.io
Your browsing bodyguard for any online threats.Intego Antivirus – Most descriptive AV report
Intego is the next tested antivirus and it delivers competitive antivirus technology with real-time virus prevention.
Firstly, you should pick this solution to highly secure your Windows 10 with high-end malware defense. Not only that, you have full protection against new emerging threats.
As an example, this antivirus will generate a complete report with every security aspect, and provide cutting-edge tools for malware removal.
It’s also beneficial to use this year’s top antivirus to get non-stop antivirus protection and be secured against spyware or adware threats while being online.
You can thereby stop complex cyber threats like Zero-day or phishing attacks that put your Windows PC at risk.
Here are the perks of using Intego:
- Complex AV prevention
- Simple and low-resource interface
- Real-time 360ยฐ virus protection
- Web protection against tracking
- Cleanup functionality
- Lightweight usage and speed improvement
Intego
Consider this go-to antivirus tool and enhance your Windows OS security this year.Norton Antivirus Plus – Best for home PC
Norton does a fantastic job updating its virus databases and is one of the best antivirus apps for Windows 10.
Also, it works silently in the background, having minimum impact on your system’s resources.
What distinguishes Norton is the multi-layered approach to protecting your device from assaults by identifying hazardous files, preventing the download, and removing viruses or malware such as worms and trojan viruses.
Email scanning is essential for protecting against malicious emails. So, Norton Antivirus checks outgoing and incoming emails to guarantee that no potentially harmful emails are sent or downloaded.
Additionally, you receive up to 2GB of cloud backup space to save and defend essential files and documents from hard disk failure and hardware theft.
The drawback of Norton is that it is pricey per device. However, it also provides excellent performance when gaming in silent mode.
Here are the perks of using Norton antivirus products:
- Efficient real-time protection
- Built-in password manager
- Comes with a built-in VPN
- Frequently updated
- Low system impact
Norton AntiVirus Plus
Multi-layered, smart encryption helps safeguard your devices from arising from various malware threats.Vipre – Best email security
Vipre is among the best antivirus apps for Windows 10 for every aspect of your PC and online surfing. It is excellent for both home and business use.
Also, with award-winning endpoint protection, email security, and data loss prevention, Vipre is one of the industry leaders. It creates security layers from every possible angle to ensure your data is safe.
Additionally, anti-malware, anti-phishing, and smart email verification features protect all online activities from threats.
Furthermore, you will experience web browsing without ads, unnecessary notifications, and spam pop-ups for the time being. Vipre works to create the best user experience.
Also, Vipre has unparalleled engine systems for the business side that give you complete insights into your security strengths and weaknesses and deliver ways to improve them.
No matter how big your organization is, data security is critical. So, avoid data breaches with Vipre’s patch management, ransomware protection, and endpoint malware protection.
Since your employees receive hundreds of emails daily, a layer of security is essential. Hence, VIPRE Email Security solutions ensure that all inbound messages are scanned for suspicious content.
Here are the perks of using Vipre:
- Data loss prevention
- Email verification before opening
- Prevention of sending emails to the wrong person
- Malware, ransomware, phishing protection
- Home and business subscription plan
- Real-time protection using threat intelligence
- Remote employees protection
Vipre
Keep your business protected and your email secured.Kaspersky – Best malware protection
Kaspersky Antivirus is one of the best antivirus apps for Windows 10. It is an anti-malware tool with a long history in the industry.
This software tool has evolved for some time now, providing anti-malware solutions for home and much larger business environments, each tool being adapted specifically for its job.
Kaspersky’s antivirus disinfection feature may be disappointing. When a file becomes infected with a virus, most antivirus programs delete the entire file; however, Kaspersky does not.
This may be troublesome in the future because of the clutter on your PC if the corrupted file is not completely removed.
However, on the bright side, Kaspersky was once used to uncover a kind of malware called MiniDuke.
According to a Kaspersky specialist in spy gear examination, MiniDuke hails from a school of modern espionage software created for snooping.
So, it is useful if you work remotely and suspect someone is spying on you and intends to steal your work.
Get a year-long license, and you never have to worry about malware regarding your home and business.
Lastly, among all its strengths and weaknesses, Kasperky prides itself on its products’ transparency and efficiency.
Here are the perks of using Kaspersky:
- Easy-to-use
- Light resource usage
- Transaction protection
- Built-in password manager
- Works for PC, Mac, and mobile devices
Kaspersky
Kaspersky uses advanced monitoring systems to detect both known and unknown harmful spyware.Avast Free Antivirus – Best free antivirus option
Firstly, This antivirus tool is one of the best for Windows 10.
First, we love the Behavior Shield. With this function, Avast monitors the behavior of individual apps on a computer to counter anything suspicious.
Also, Avast Omni, Premium Security, and Free Antivirus have CyberCapture, which automatically detects questionable files and sends them to the cloud for review.
Additionally, the free version may assist with password management, browser cleansing, and network security. It also has a Do Not Disturb mode, preventing popups when viewing movies or playing games.
However, the downside is that it has a lousy track record for detecting and eradicating malware, spyware, and trojans.
Despite its excellent antivirus protection, we would not rely on Avast free antivirus since we require continuous protection against additional dangers.
Finally, you get what you pay for, and upgrading to the premium version will unlock this tool’s full potential.
Here are the perks of using Avast Free Antivirus:
- Frequently updated
- Limited resource footprint
- Efficient virus removal
- Works silently during gaming and movie-watching sessions
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast scores first in malware blocking and anti-phishing testing and scanning of the network.Avira Antivirus – Great free protection
Avira is one of the best antivirus apps for Windows 10. The developer has improved the software significantly over the past year to be competitive enough.
As such, the Avira security suite now includes several products, among which three stand out.
Avira provides a free solution with the basics, a traditional antivirus, and a premium product: Free Security, Internet Security, and Prime.
Additionally, Avira Free Security can detect and prevent emerging threats and zero-day exploits.
Also, you receive several privacy and performance utilities, including a VPN and password manager, driver updates, and memory optimization.
Lastly, Avira’s disadvantage is that it consumes more resources than its competitors. As a result, this may not be ideal for you if you have a PC that quickly drains its battery.
Here are the perks of using Avira:
- Advanced web & ransomware protection
- Premium tune-up tools
- Built-in VPN
- Software and driver patching
- VIP customer support
Avira Antivirus
Best free antivirus software with enticing upgrade options if you want better protection.That concludes our list of the best antivirus tools for Windows 10. We will update the list once more information is uncovered to provide you with the most updated and relevant information.
If interested, check out our guide on Antivirus statistics to know more about the importance of security tools. And finally, check out our antivirus market share report to find out which antivirus is topping the charts.
Did you download the best antivirus for Windows 10? Let us know by leaving your feedback in the comments below.
While it is a decent basic antivirus solution, it is not exceedingly security-focused. Thus, specialized antivirus software can successfully detect and remove all digital threats.
Not necessarily, but if you’re using your computer and browsing the internet daily, you can run into all kinds of cyber threats that can damage your device. Therefore users usually tend to pay for extensive virus protection.
