Antivirus
Antivirus software focuses on detecting and removing malware — viruses, trojans, spyware, and similar threats — on the devices you install it on. It's the entry point of security software: lighter than a full security suite, and a sensible choice if you mainly want dependable malware scanning without extras like a firewall manager, parental controls, or a bundled VPN.
Editorial summary: software features, plans, and system requirements change often. Use these overviews to compare the basics, then confirm current details on the publisher’s official website.
What to look for in antivirus
- Check which operating systems the license actually covers — some antivirus products are Windows-only, others cover macOS or Android under the same plan.
- Confirm the device count included in the license before buying a second one for another household member.
- Decide whether you need extras (firewall, webcam protection, ransomware rollback) — if so, compare against Internet Security or Total Security tiers from the same brand.
- Look at the renewal terms before you buy: most antivirus licenses are annual subscriptions that renew automatically unless cancelled.
Bitdefender
Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Real-time malware scanning for Windows with a light system footprint.
Malwarebytes
Antivirus
Malwarebytes Premium
Real-time protection with a focus on malware and exploit detection.
Antivirus frequently asked questions
Is antivirus software enough, or do I need a full security suite?
For a single, well-maintained device used mainly for browsing and email, antivirus alone is often sufficient. If you do online banking, use public Wi-Fi often, or want firewall/identity-protection tools in one place, an Internet Security or Total Security tier is usually a better fit — see our guide comparing them in Software Guides.
Will antivirus slow down my computer?
Modern antivirus products are built to run with a light background footprint, but actual performance impact varies by product, hardware, and how the scan is configured. Our product overviews link to each manufacturer's official page so you can check current system requirements before buying.